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Hartley Valley safety upgrade Appendix C Review of Environmental Factors

Appendix C Biodiversity technical paper

GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY Katoomba to Lithgow Upgrade Hartley Valley Safety Upgrade

BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT

• Final • 8 November 2013

Hartley Valley Safety Upgrade REF Technical Paper – Biodiversity Assessment

The SKM logo trade mark is a registered trade mark of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd.

GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY KATOOMBA TO LITHGOW UPGRADE Hartley Valley Safety Upgrade BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT

• Final • 8 November 2013

Prepared by Sinclair Knight Merz ABN: 37 001 024 095 710 Hunter Street Newcastle West NSW 2302 Australia PO Box 2147 Dangar NSW 2309 Australia Tel: +61 2 4979 2600 Fax: +61 2 4979 2666 www.skmconsulting.com COPYRIGHT: The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd (SKM). Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of SKM constitutes an infringement of copyright.

LIMITATION: This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of SKM’s client, and is subject to and issued in connection with the provisions of the agreement between SKM and its client. SKM accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party.


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Contents Terms and abbreviations v

Executive summary vi 1. Introduction 1

1.1. Background 1 1.2. Project description 1 1.3. Study area 3 1.4. Legislative context 5 1.4.1. Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 5 1.4.2. NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 5 1.4.3. Fisheries Management Act 1994 6 1.4.4. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 6 1.4.5. NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993 7 1.4.6. State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 44 - Koala Habitat Protection 7 1.5. Study aims 7 1.5.1. Objectives and scope works 7

2. Methodology 9

2.1. Personnel 9 2.2. Database searches and literature reviews 9 2.2.1. Vegetation mapping 9 2.2.2. Vegetation condition 10 2.3. Field survey 11 2.4. Survey effort 14 2.5. Limitations 14 2.6. Threatened species assessment 14 2.6.1. Likelihood of occurrence 14

3. Existing environment 16

3.1. Landscape context 16 3.2. Land use 16 3.3. Literature and database review 16 3.3.1. Vegetation communities and habitat 16 3.3.2. Fauna habitat 25 3.3.3. Threatened Ecological Communities 31 3.3.4. Groundwater dependent ecosystems 32 3.3.5. Threatened flora 32 3.3.6. Threatened fauna 39 3.3.7. Migratory species 46 3.3.8. Wildlife connectivity corridors 49


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3.3.9. Weeds 52 3.3.10. Pests and pathogens 52 3.4. Field investigations 54 3.4.1. Vegetation and habitat 54 3.4.2. Threatened flora and ecological communities 59 3.4.3. Threatened fauna 59 3.4.4. Migratory species 60

4. Potential impacts 62

4.1. Loss of vegetation and habitat 62 4.1.1. Threatened ecological communities 63 4.1.2. Threatened flora 63 4.1.3. Threatened fauna 64 4.1.4. Loss of hollow bearing trees 64 4.1.5. Loss of foraging habitat 65 4.1.6. Koala habitat 65 4.2. Wildlife connectivity and habitat fragmentation 66 4.3. Injury and mortality 67 4.4. Weeds 68 4.5. Pests and pathogens 68 4.6. Changed hydrology 69 4.7. Groundwater dependent ecosystems 69 4.8. Aquatic impacts 69 4.9. Noise, vibration and light 70 4.10. Impact on relevant key threatening processes 70 4.11. Cumulative impacts 71

5. Avoidance and mitigation measures 72

5.1. Avoidance and minimisation 72 5.2. Mitigation measures 72 5.2.1. Weed Management 78 5.2.2. Pest and disease management 79 5.2.3. Native vegetation re-establishment 79 5.2.4. Aquatic habitat and riparian zones 80 5.2.5. Wildlife connectivity 80 5.3. Offsetting residual impacts 81

6. Significance assessments 82

6.1. NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 82 6.2. Commonwealth EPBC Act, 1999 84

7. Conclusion 86


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8. References 89

Appendix A Vegetation community descriptions 92

Appendix B Flora species list in the Hartley Valley Study Area (RMS 2012) 108

Appendix C Fauna list in the study locality (from RMS 2012 and current study) 124

Appendix D Likelihood of Occurrence of Threatened species 132

Appendix E Assessment of significance 142


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Document history and status Revision Date issued Reviewed by Approved by Date approved Revision type

Draft 01 25/07/2013 A. Carty J. Carr 26/07/2013 Practice

Draft 01 30/07/2013 V. Cadungog A. Spinks 30/07/2013 Planning

Draft 01 26/09/2013 C. Corbett J. Carr 9/10/2013 Review RMS comments

Draft 01 03/10/2013 J. Hale C. Corbett 10/10/2013 Address RMS and CC comments

Final 18/10/2013 B. Watson A. Spinks 18/10/2013 Practice review

Final 2 31/10/2013 J. Carr V Cadungog 8/11/2013 PM and practice review

Distribution of copies Revision Copy no Quantity Issued to

Draft 01 Electronic 1 RMS

Final Electronic 1 RMS

Final 2 Electronic 1 RMS

Printed: 8 November 2013

Last saved: 8 November 2013 03:34 PM

File name: \\au-ntl-mdc01\Projects\ENVR\Projects\EN04213\Technical\Ecology\Hartley\EN04213_Biodiversity_Assessment_speciality_report_Hartley_V6_RevF_Final.docx

Author: Jonathan Carr and Christine Corbett

Project manager: Vivira Cadungog

Name of organisation: Sinclair Knight Merz

Name of project: Hartley Valley Safety Upgrade

Name of document: Biodiversity Assessment

Document version: Final 2

Project number: EN04213


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Terms and abbreviations Term Meaning

CMA Catchment Management Authority CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan CSIRO Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organisation DBH Diameter at breast height DEC Department of Environment and Conservation DECC Department of Environment and Climate Change DECCW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water DPI Department of Primary Industries DSEWPaC Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water,

Population and Communities EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 FM Act Fisheries Management Act 1994 GPS Global positioning system Habitat tree Any tree bearing hollows and/or developing hollows or containing a nest HBT Hollow bearing trees Km Kilometre m Metre m² Metres squared NPW Act National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 NPWS National Parks and Wildlife Service (now included under OEH) NSW New South Wales OEH Office of Environment and Heritage Riparian Transition zone between land and watercourse REF Review of Environmental Factors RMS Roads Maritime Service NSW RTA Roads Traffic Authority NSW (now known as the RMS) SEPP State Environmental Planning Policy SIS Species Impact Statement SKM Sinclair Knight Merz Study area Encompasses the proposed footprint and any adjoining or adjacent

habitat where potential indirect impacts may occur. Study locality The broader bioregional context defined by Thackway and Creswell

(1995) as the Sydney Bioregion and occurs within a 10 kilometre radius of the proposed footprint.

Proposed footprint The immediate design footprint of the proposal. TEC Threatened Ecological Communities TSC Act Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995


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Executive summary Background

RMS is proposing to undertake safety enhancements for an approximately 7.8 kilometre section of the Great Western Highway through Hartley Valley in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales. The proposed safety upgrade would extend from the base of Mount Victoria Pass to the end of the River Lett Hill eastbound overtaking lane (the proposal).

This report details the methods and results of a biodiversity assessment prepared to identify the extent and potential magnitude of ecological impacts associated with the proposal. The report addresses the requirements for assessment of significance under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

Existing environment

The study area is located entirely within the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Area (CMA) and traverses the Mid Coxs River Subcatchment. The region is important for biodiversity because it provides a transition from the mountains in the east to the western slopes and the plains. It traverses the slopes of the Sydney Basin western escarpment of conglomerate, shale and sandstone and the Bathurst Granites. The dominant vegetation formations include Grassy woodlands, Dry sclerophyll forests and Riparian forest.

A total of five separate native vegetation communities types were identified within the construction footprint:

• Map Unit 1: Mountain Gum – Peppermint Open Forest.

• Map Unit 2: Thin-leaved Stringybark Woodland.

• Map Unit 3: Brittle Gum - Stringybark Woodland.

• Map Unit 4: River Oak Forest.

• Map Unit 5: Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland.

• Map Unit 9: Horticultural planting s and weeds.

The Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland is consistent with the threatened ecological community ‘Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the South Eastern Highlands, Sydney Basin, South East Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions’. This community is listed as endangered under the TSC Act. Indicated as ‘Map Unit 5: Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland’ within this report, this community occurs along the existing highway north and east of Carroll Drive and around the Jenolan Caves Rd and Blackmans Creek Rd intersections and to a lesser extent west of River Lett. In these areas, the woodland is dominated by Ribbon Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) with some areas sub-dominated by Black Sallee and Yellow Box on the


PAGE vii

edges when integrating into Box Gum Woodland. The condition of this vegetation varies from low to high. No other vegetation communities that occur within the construction footprint are state or federally listed threatened ecological communities. Small areas of Box Gum Woodland, dominated by Yellow Box and Blakely’s Red Gum, are consistent with the identification guidelines for the endangered TSC Act-listed community. They occur in the northern part of the study area. ‘Map Unit 6: Yellow Box Grassy Woodland’ occurs south of the existing highway, west of the Jenolan Caves Rd intersection, and ‘Map Unit: 7 Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland’ occurs south of the existing highway immediately east of the River Lett. Some areas of this vegetation that are of high condition, with a higher diversity of native flora species, are classified as the Critically Endangered ‘White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland’ listed under the EPBC Act.

There is a high likelihood for 16 threatened fauna species to occur within the study area. Five threatened fauna species were recorded in previous surveys (RMS 2011, RMS 2012); the Gang-gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum, emdamgered under EPBC Act, vulnerable under TSC Act), Varied Sittella (Daphoenositta chrysoptera, vulnerable under TSC Act), Barking Owl (Ninox connivens, vulnerable under TSC Act), Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua, vulnerable under TSC Act) and Little Bentwing Bat (Miniopterus australis, vulnerable under TSC Act). The Spotted-tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus, endangered under EPBC Act, vulnerable under TSC Act) has several records throughout the study area and is expected to occur.

Habitat trees in the study area occur in moderate abundance, comprising small to medium sized hollows suitable for arboreal mammals, as well as a range of bird species, herpetofauna and microbats. There are about 13 hollow-bearing habitat trees within the construction footprint. Previous surveys (RMS 2012) did not observe trees supporting larger trunk hollows suitable for large forest owls in the study area and these are considered to be low in number.

Potential impacts

The loss of vegetation communities and habitats in the study area includes 3.2 hectares of remnant vegetation and 1.2 hectares of disturbed and modified vegetation including exotic pastures. The majority of the vegetation being impacted is in a low or very low condition. Grassy woodland habitat is expected to encounter the highest level of impact (2.5 hectares removed). This habitat type is known to support a high diversity of birds and reptiles.

Impacts to threatened ecological communities include approximately 0.85 hectares of Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland. In the South Eastern Highlands, Sydney Basin, South East Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions, this is listed as endangered under the TSC Act (Map Unit 5).

The proposal would also involve the removal of 13 hollow-bearing trees that occur within the construction footprint.


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Avoidance and mitigation

Key mitigation measures to minimise and avoid biodiversity impacts include the development of a flora and fauna management plan, as part of the construction environmental management plan (CEMP). The flora and fauna management plan would include discussion of appropriate mitigation strategies for the revelant threatened flora and fauna species and their habitat, that have been confirmed or are moderately likely to be, impacted by the proposal. Mitigation strategies could include pre-clearing surveys, staged habitat removal, exclusion zones and nest box and hollow bearing tree management.

As there would be removal of threatened ecological communities, other native vegetation and habitat, a landscape management plan would need to be developed as part of the CEMP. This plan would provide specific details for the re-establishment of native vegetation.

A Water Quality Monitoring Plan would be implemented to monitor the aquatic environment and identify any changes to current conditions. Watercourses which may be impacted would be assessed for aquatic fauna and habitat, and classified according to the Policy and Guidelines for Fish Habitat Conservation and Management (DPI 2013). Management and mitigation measures would be designed to minimise potential impacts to water quality and the aquatic habitat within the River Lett and ephemeral drainages/headwater streams.

Offsetting

The RMS (2011) Guideline for Biodiversity Offset was applied to determine whether the project would trigger offset requirements under the guideline. The proposal would result in clearing of greater than one hectare of threatened ecological communities and/or highly cleared vegetation types, which will trigger the requirement for offsetting. The proposal will also result in clearing of habitat for threatened species, which triggers the need for offsetting.

Significance assessments and conclusions

Many threatened flora and fauna species are recorded in the proposal study area. Several fauna species were considered to have a moderate likelihood of occuring within the study area, and some fauna and one flora species were confirmed from within the study area. Assessments of Significance were undertaken for moderate and high likelihood of naturally occurring species in the study area. These are contained in Appendix D. The proposed safety upgrade is also likely to result in some clearing of a threatened ecological community. However, the level of these impacts is not considered sufficient to warrant Species Impact Statements. Further to this, no significant impacts on any matter of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act have been identified and a referral is not required under that Act.


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1. Introduction 1.1. Background The Katoomba to Lithgow Great Western Highway upgrade (previously known as the Mount Victoria to Lithgow Upgrade) is part of the NSW and Australian Governments’ commitment to improve road safety and accessibility to communities in the Blue Mountains and central west of NSW. Investigations for the upgrade started in May 2008 to determine the preferred route corridor. The preferred route alignment was announced in May 2010, followed by corridor investigations to inform the concept design and detailed ecological surveys in Spring/Summer 2011 to inform the detailed design for Forty Bends.

In July 2012 the Australian and NSW governments announced a $250 million revised investment program for the upgrade of the Great Western Highway. The revised investment program included:

• Upgrading the Great Western Highway at Forty Bends.

• Safety upgrades for Mount Victoria village and the Hartley Valley and including the River Lett crossing.

• Finalising the concept design and road boundaries for the highway upgrade between Mount Victoria and Lithgow.

• Using any remaining funds for other priority safety upgrades between Katoomba and Mount Victoria.

This report describes and assesses the potential ecological impacts of the proposed safety upgrade at Hartley Valley.

1.2. Project description Roads and Maritime proposes to upgrade a section of the highway through Hartley Valley in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales. This section extends about 7.8 kilometres between the base of Mount Victoria Pass and the base of River Lett Hill (in this report, this is referred to as ‘the proposal’). Key features of the proposal are outlined in Table 1.1 and illustrated in Figure 1-1.

• Table 1.1 Key elements of the proposal

Key element Description

Design speed • Road geometry would be upgraded for a desirable design speed of 90 km/h (minimum 80 km/h).

Road width • Carriageway would be widened on both sides to enable:

− Through lanes: 3.5 m wide. − Shoulders: Minimum 2 m wide (3 m wide adjacent to property

accesses). − Kerb and gutter drains at cuttings, grades greater than 5 % and

where drainage or safety measures are required: 1 m shallow V-shaped drains.


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Overtaking lanes • Existing downhill overtaking lane would be extended using line marking on existing pavement between chainage 27640 and chainage 27970.

• Overtaking lane at Hartley Historic Site curve (chainages 26430-25940) would be shortened by 490 m to create an improved alignment in existing corridor while maintaining sufficient length in the overtaking lane.

• Overtaking lane at Jenolan Caves Road would be shortened by 250 m (chainage 27150-27400) to reduce traffic movement at intersection. This would prevent vehicles turning right from crossing 2 lanes of traffic.

Intersection upgrades • Coxs River Road/Ambermere Road intersection

− Dedicated right turn and left turn lanes into both roads from the highway.

− Coxs River Road would be realigned about 55 m to the east to form a staggered intersection with Ambermere Road.

− Both roads would be tied into highway using vertical levels. − Bus bays would be located on both sides of the highway.

• Banners Lane intersection − Dedicated right turn and left turn lanes from the highway. − Bus bay would be located at intersection.

• Browns Gap Road intersection − Dedicated right turn and left turn lanes from the highway. − Bus bay would be located at intersection. − Vertical alignment would be improved by cutting into the existing

crest by 1.5 m to improve sight distance. • Mid Hartley Road intersection

− Dedicated left turn lane from the highway. − Bus bay would be located at intersection − Tie into vertical levels of highway.

• Carroll Drive Intersection − Extension of existing right turn lane from the highway. − Vertical levels of highway would be tied into.

• Old Bathurst Road Intersection − Hartley Historic Site curve would be realigned. − Existing intersection would be shifted about 12 m to tie into realigned

curve. • Kelly Road intersection

− Existing vertical levels would be tied into by using about 1.2 m of fill. • Jenolan Caves Road intersection

− Existing right turn and left turn lanes would be retained. − Traffic movements would be reduced by limiting westbound traffic to

one lane until after intersection. − Length of right turn bay into Jenolan Caves Road would be

increased. − Vertical levels of highway would be tied into. − Widen shoulders in North-West side of intersection.

Retaining walls • Four retaining walls between 1.7 m and 7.5 m in height would be constructed to reduce environmental and property impacts at:

− Chainage 25740 to chainage 25850, height 1.7m. − Chainage 25917 to chainage 25970, height 3.6m. − Chainage 26015 to chainage 26105, height 2.6m. − Chainage 26300 to chainage 26500, height 7.5m.

• A possible retaining wall would be constructed at chainage 26130 to chainage 26220 (bend into Hartley Historic Village), height 4.1m.


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Property adjustments and acquisition

• About 20 properties would be partially acquired.

• About 28 property accesses would be improved. • Utilities (power and telecommunications) would be adjusted as required.

Compound and stockpile sites

• The main compound and stockpile site would be located at the Coxs River Road intersection.

• Other compound/stockpile sites would be located at: − The base of the Mount Victoria Pass, adjacent to the eastbound

lane. − Browns Gap Road intersection. − The base of River Lett Hill, adjacent to the westbound lane.

1.3. Study area Throughout this report the proposal (refer to Figure 1-1) is described in terms of ‘proposed footprint’, ‘construction footprint’ ‘study area’ and ‘study locality’. The ‘proposed footprint’ refers to the road safety works infrastructure, including drainage structures and basins. A five metre buffer zone is added to the proposed footprint and termed ‘construction footprint’. The term ‘study area’ refers to the general location around the proposed footprint and includes adjacent lands or waterways that may potentially be impacted directly or indirectly by the proposal. Finally, the ‘study locality’ is considered to be a radius of 10 kilometres from the study area.

The study area is located within the South Eastern Highlands and Sydney Basin bioregions (Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia, 2012). The study area is located entirely within the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Area (CMA) and traverses the Mid Coxs River Subcatchment. The region is important for biodiversity because it provides a transition from the mountains in the east to the western slopes and the plains.

The study area traverses the slopes of the Sydney Basin western escarpment of conglomerate, shale and sandstone, and the Bathurst Granites. The dominant vegetation formations include Grassy woodlands, Dry sclerophyll forests and Riparian forest.

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10/10/2013 | I:\ENVR\Projects\EN04213\Technical\Spatial\GIS_Directory\ArcMap\Figures\TechnicalReports\HartleyValley\Ecology\EN04213_GIS_Gen_F001_HV_Proposal_r2v2.mxd

FIGURE 1-1 | THE PROPOSAL

Newcastle Spatial Team - Prepared by : KMChecked by : VC

Sinclair Knight Merz does not warrant that this document is definitive nor free of error and doesnot accept liability for any loss caused or arisingfrom reliance upon information provided herein.

DATA SOURCESRoads and Maritime Services 2013,LPMA 2010, STREETWORKS 2001


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1.4. Legislative context The information presented in this report identifies the potential ecological impacts of the proposed upgrade in relation to the relevant State and Commonwealth environmental and threatened species legislation and policy. Relevant legislation and policy includes the:

• NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).

• NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act).

• NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994 (FM Act).

• NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (NW Act).

• Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

• State Environment Planning Policy 44 (SEPP 44) - Koala Habitat Protection.

1.4.1. Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 For this proposal, the determining authority must consider the effects of the proposal on species and communities that are listed under the TSC Act that are likely to occur in the area. Under Part 5 of the EP&A Act (s.111 and s.112), all proposals must include an assessment of threatened flora and fauna and their habitats that are likely to occur within the area of the activity or that may be indirectly affected by the construction and operation of an activity. The assessment has to address whether the proposed activity ‘is likely to have a significant effect’ on the threatened biodiversity identified, and a decision made on whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Species Impact Statement (SIS) is required. In order to make this decision, a determining authority must consider the effect of an activity on:

• Threatened species, populations and ecological communities, and their habitats (listed under the TSC Act or FM Act) and whether there is likely to be a significant effect on these (as determined in Section 5A of the EP&A Act).

• Critical habitat (listed under the TSC Act or FM Act).

• Any other protected fauna or protected native plants within the meaning of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act).

Section 5A of the EP&A Act outlines the seven factors that must be taken into account when deciding whether a proposal would be likely to have a significant impact on threatened species, populations or communities or their habitats (significance assessments).

1.4.2. NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 The TSC Act identifies threatened species, populations and ecological communities, as listed under Schedules 1, 1A and 2 that are to be identified as potential subject species and, therefore, require a significance assessment under section 5A of the EP&A Act. For this proposal, there are species and communities that are listed under the TSC Act that are likely to occur in the area. Critical habitat and key threatening processes can also be identified under the Act.


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1.4.3. Fisheries Management Act 1994 The FM Act establishes provisions for the identification, conservation and recovery of threatened fish, aquatic invertebrates and marine vegetation. This Act also covers the identification and management of key threatening processes which affect threatened species or could cause other species to become threatened (Department of Primary Industries (DPI)). Some of these key threatening processes are relevent to species in the area of this proposal.

The Minister for Fisheries would need to be notified of any proposed dredging (Part 7 Division 3 of the FM Act) or reclamation works associated with the proposed upgrade in accordance with Section 199 of the Act.

1.4.4. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 The EPBC Act protects the environment, particularly Matters of National Environmental Significance (NES matters) and assessment of the environment on Commonwealth land. It streamlines the national environmental assessment and approvals process, protects Australian biodiversity and integrates management of important natural and cultural places. There are species and a community in this proposal that are listed under the EPBC Act.

The EPBC Act identifies eight NES matters:

• World Heritage properties.

• National heritage places.

• Wetlands of international importance (Ramsar wetlands).

• Threatened species and ecological communities.

• Migratory species.

• Commonwealth marine areas.

• Nuclear actions (including uranium mining).

• Great Barrier Reef.

The EPBC Act is triggered by actions that would be likely to have a significant impact upon NES matters. Under the EPBC Act, such actions require approval from the Commonwealth Environment Minister and should be referred to the Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPAC) for consideration. Actions deemed by the SEWPAC to require Commonwealth approval would be ‘controlled actions’ which require an environmental assessment.


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1.4.5. NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993 The objectives of the Noxious Weeds Act (NW Act) are to reduce the negative impact of weeds on the economy, community and environment of NSW. This involves: establishing control mechanisms to prevent the establishment of significant new weeds; prevent, eliminate or restrict the spread of particular significant weeds; effectively manage widespread significant weeds; and to provide for the monitoring of and reporting on the effectiveness of the management of weeds in NSW. This proposal area contains weeds that are significant under this Act.

1.4.6. State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 44 - Koala Habitat Protection Koala potential habitat has been identified within the area of the current proposal. SEPP 44 aims to encourage the ‘proper conservation and management of areas of natural vegetation that provide habitat for Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) to ensure a permanent free-living population over their present range and reverse the current trend of Koala population decline’. Schedule 1 of SEPP 44 identifies areas of land that are classified as being ‘Core Koala Habitat’ or ‘Potential Koala Habitat’. ‘Core Koala Habitat’ is defined as an area of land with a resident population of Koalas, evidenced by attributes such as breeding females and recent sightings of and historical records of a population. Potential Koala Habitat’ comprises areas of native vegetation where the trees of the types listed in Schedule 2 constitute at least 15 per cent of the total number of trees in the upper or lower strata of the tree component. No ‘Core Koala Habitat’ occurs within the proposal area.

While SEPP 44 does not apply to projects that are being assessed under Part 5 of the EP&A Act, the intent of the SEPP was considered during the assessment of the Proposal.

1.5. Study aims This report is a specialist study that presents the methods and findings of targeted biodiversity field surveys and assessments to identify the extent and magnitude of potential ecological impacts associated with the proposal.

1.5.1. Objectives and scope works There has been a considerable amount of biodiversity investigation previously undertaken in the study area where key ecological constraints were identified for the preferred route alignment. The current biodiversity assessment builds on the baseline data from the corridor studies (RMS 2011) and the Forty Bends upgrade (RMS 2012), and provides an updated review and additional field data of the proposal footprint. This biodiversity assessment aims to review the information in the previous (2011 and 2012) assessments and also the recent additional assessment to:

• Determine and describe the characteristics and condition of the vegetation communities and flora and fauna habitats, both terrestrial and aquatic, present within the study area.

• Determine the presence or likely presence and extent of threatened terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna species and their habitats, ecological communities and migratory species, listed under the TSC Act, the FM Act and/or the EPBC Act.

• Assess the significance of the potential impacts on listed species and communities,


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according to Section 5A of the EP&A Act, for species listed under the TSC Act and the FM Act, and also the guidelines of significance under the EPBC Act, for any Matters of National Environmental Significance potentially impacted by the proposal.

• Propose strategies to mitigate potential impacts on the biodiversity values of the study area.


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2. Methodology 2.1. Personnel SKM ecologists are licensed to conduct field surveys under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (Scientific Research Permit SL100044) and they hold ethical approval to conduct research from the Department of Primary Industry Animal Care and Ethics Committee (Animal Research Authority (09/1895)).

2.2. Database searches and literature reviews A review was conducted of relevant studies previously undertaken for the Mount Victoria to Lithgow Upgrade. These studies are:

• Great Western Highway Upgrade: Concept design (2013).

• Great Western Highway Upgrade: Forty Bends – Biodiversity (2012).

• Great Western Highway Upgrade: Biodiversity Survey Results – Sections 2 to 6 (2012).

• Great Western Highway Upgrade: Corridor Studies – Biodiversity (2011).

• Great Western Highway Upgrade: Route Options – Biodiversity Working Paper (2009).

In addition, an updated review of government databases and GIS layers was undertaken to identify potential threatened species, populations and ecological communities within a 10 kilometre radius of the study area. Data sources include:

• GIS data layer of the Regional Biodiversity Corridors in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority Area (DECC 2005).

• Vegetation types database [Biometric] (OEH 2013a). http://mapdata.environment.nsw.gov.au/geonetwork/srv/en/main.home.

• Threatened species database, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH 2013b). http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/

• Native vegetation of south-east NSW: a revised classification and map for the coast and eastern tablelands (Tozer et al. 2010).

• The Vegetation of the Western Blue Mountains (DEC 2006).

• Atlas of NSW Wildlife Database (OEH July 2013). http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/atlaspublicapp/UI_Modules/ATLAS_/AtlasSearch.aspx?who=86cf3f1e-8ef9-4273-901a-dfd8e6918622

• EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (June 2013).

2.2.1. Vegetation mapping Digital mapping of vegetation community boundaries was conducted using the ArcGIS software package. A combination of field data, existing broad-scale vegetation mapping (Tozer et al. 2010; Douglas 2001), aerial photograph interpretation and biophysical data such as elevation and soil type, was used to map the boundaries of vegetation communities. Description of the vegetation

http://mapdata.environment.nsw.gov.au/geonetwork/srv/en/main.home

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

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/atlaspublicapp/UI_Modules/ATLAS_/AtlasSearch.aspx?who=86cf3f1e-8ef9-4273-901a-dfd8e6918622



PAGE 10

communities was based on their structure and dominant canopy species as per Specht (1981) and correlated with the NSW Vegetation Classification Assessment project (Keith 2006) as well as local and regional vegetation mapping projects (Tozer et al. 2010; Douglas 2001; DEC 2006). In addition, the distribution, classification and condition of vegetation and fauna habitats are consistent with previous vegetation mapping units (corridor studies, RMS 2011).

2.2.2. Vegetation condition Vegetation condition was broadly assessed within each of the vegetation communities, based on the degree of modification and disturbance observed in these areas. A basic scale was established to quantify the condition of each patch of native vegetation. The scale for vegetation condition is defined in Table 2.1. (Biobanking methodology was not used for this assessment.)

Table 2.1 Vegetation condition classes

Condition class

Description Criteria

Native flora diversity

Canopy cover

Mid-storey

Weed abundance

High Vegetation still retains the majority of native species and structural characteristics of the pre-European equivalent. Such vegetation is usually in a near-natural state and displays resilience to weed invasion due to intact ground cover, shrub and canopy layers and lack of soil disturbance. Some limited weed cover is present in edge habitats.

High Intact Intact Low

Moderate Vegetation generally still retains most of its structural integrity but has been partially disturbed and has lost some component of its original species complement. Weed invasion varies from slight to high.

Moderate Intact Partial-Intact

Moderate - High

Low Modified areas where most of the native diversity and vegetation structure has been lost. Includes thin strips of roadside vegetation, areas of derived grassland and shrubby vegetation in the power easement. Environmental weeds are often co-dominant with the original indigenous species

Low-moderate

Partial Absent High-Moderate

Very Low Includes cleared paddock areas and roadside clearings dominated by exotic species including noxious weeds. Some regenerating shrubs and native groundcovers may be present in low abundance. Some of these areas support planted trees and shrubs including native and exotic species.

Low None Absent-Sparse

High


PAGE 11

2.3. Field survey Numerous field surveys have been conducted within the preferred corridor and within the proposal footprint, in accordance with State and Federal government survey guidelines for threatened species (DEC 2004, DEHWA 2010/11).

Habitat assessments were undertaken in May and August of 2011, using plot-based quantitative surveys, transects and targeted surveys for non-cryptic flora and fauna, between Mt Victoria and Lithgow (RMS 2011a). Ecological investigations were undertaken at 70 sites in the Mt Victoria to Lithgow proposed geotechnical investigation sites in April 2011 (part of the REF under Part 5 of the EP&A Act, 2011).

Biodiversity field investigations were undertaken in October and November 2011, between the base of Mount Victoria and South Bowenfels, with additional detailed surveys conducted in the Forty Bends area (RMS 2011b). The field methods included trapping, targeting a range of faunal groups, spotlighting, call playback, habitat assessments, plot-based quantitative surveys, flora transects and targeted searches for flora and fauna species.

The investigation for the current project targeted gaps in the geographic coverage of previous investigations in this Hartley Valley construction footprint. The study area and current and previous survey sites are shown in Figure 2-2.

Current field surveys focused on the proposed footprint with a five metre buffer (construction footprint) along the entire length of the study area. The terrestrial flora and fauna surveys were completed over one full day on 10-11 July 2013 (combined with Mt Victoria surveys). The surveys aimed to identify biodiversity values that were evident in winter, within and adjacent to the proposed footprint, particularly where the proposed design intersected vegetation and areas of high ecological sensitivity and where there was inadequate data.

A subsequent spring survey targeting the Bathurst Copper Butterfly was undertaken on 10 October 2013 (Mjadwesch Environmental Service Support) to confirm the presence and distribution of the butterfly.

Roadside traverses were undertaken (with knowledge from database review) for any threatened flora and fauna species listed under the TSC Act and EPBC Act. Habitat assessments were also undertaken to identify habitat for threatened fauna and important resources such as hollow-bearing trees, logs, large rocks and nectar producing plants, in accordance with the OEH habitat assessment guidelines. Traverses involved observing and listening to bird calls and occasional searches in leaf litter, fallen timber and under rocks for reptiles and inspection of droppings and tracks that could be used to identify a species. Habitat was searched and assessed for suitability for preferred Koala habitat. A summary of survey activities undertaken are listed below:

• General traverses throughout the construction footprint and in gaps not previously surveyed in past studies.

• Opportunistic sightings of fauna during traverses to detect presence (incidental sightings and


PAGE 12

observed signs, scats, tracks and habitat values),

• Plot based assessments (n=5) in suitable vegetated locations for confirming vegetation condition and habitat quality,

• Inspection of threatened species habitat suitability within the construction footprint.

A spring survey targeting the Bathurst Copper Butterfly (Paralucia spinifera) (also known as the Purple Copper Butterfly) was undertaken for the proposal on 10 October 2013. The purpose of this survey was to describe vegetation types to inform habitat offset requirements and confirm the presence and distribution of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly for pre-clearing assurance (Mjadwesch Environmental Service Support, 2013).

Survey results are outlined in Section 3.4. The study area, and current and previous survey sites are shown in Figure 2-1.

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3/10/2013 | I:\ENVR\Projects\EN04213\Technical\Spatial\GIS_Directory\ArcMap\Figures\TechnicalReports\HartleyValley\Ecology\EN04213_GIS_Ec_F002_HV_SurveyPlots_r2v1.mxd

FIGURE 2-1 | LOCATION OF SURVEY PLOTS


Sinclair Knight Merz does not warrant that this document is definitive nor free of error and doesnot accept liability for any loss caused or arisingfrom reliance upon information provided herein.

DATA SOURCESRoads and Maritime Services 2013,LPMA 2010, STREETWORKS 2001,SKM 2013, 2011


PAGE 14

Koala habitat assessments were undertaken to identify key Koala habitat. The survey consisted of a 50 metre x 20 metre plot to collect data of tree species in the canopy in proportion to the total canopy cover. Survey techniques were based on the Interim Koala referral advice (DSEWPaC, 2012) and included the recording of habitat attributes such as:

• The canopy tree species composition.

• The percentage of the canopy cover.

• The vegetative ground cover (% of the ground area).

• The leaf litter cover (% of the ground area).

• The bare ground (% of the ground area).

• The area of surface water (% of the ground area).

• The distance to surface water (m).

• Evidence of dogs in the area.

2.4. Survey effort The RTA (2011) corridor survey field assessments were undertaken over 14 person-days. The geotechnical sites investigations involved 6 person-days. Due to the availability of existing survey data from the study area and the disturbed nature of the roadside environment, it was not necessary to conduct detailed surveys during the current project. However, areas of known data gaps were targeted, particularly areas of known conservation significance. The survey traversed the whole study area in one full day, with collection of rapid data points and site assessment data. Site assessments recorded flora and fauna species information, vegetation type, important fauna habitat areas (such as habitat trees, hollows) and rapid searches for threatened species.

2.5. Limitations Several threatened species were not detectable during the survey because of the time of year, weather or time of day that the field assessments were undertaken. These species were Bathurst Copper Butterfly (Paralucia spinifera), terrestrial orchids and other cryptic flora that, for example, are only visible above ground at particular times of year.

Some targeted survey locations along the highway were difficult to access because narrow roadsides and steep slopes prevented inspection. Other sites occurred on dangerous curves and some had limited space to safely stop a vehicle on the highway. Such sites were surveyed from a passing vehicle. It should be recognised that site conditions, including the presence of threatened species, can change with time. To address this limitation, the assessment has aimed to identify the presence and suitability of the habitat for threatened species, and, therefore, the likelihood of the presence of the species itself, as discussed in the following section.

2.6. Threatened species assessment

2.6.1. Likelihood of occurrence State and nationally listed threatened species identified from the literature and database reviews


PAGE 15

were considered in terms of their likelihood to occur in the habitats present within the study area, based on their identified habitat requirements. The likelihood of occurrence was classified according to the criteria described in Table 2.2. Species with a high or moderate likelihood of occurrence were subject to Assessments of Significance under the relevant legislation (TSC Act and/or EPBC Act). The results of this review are provided in Table 3.3 and Table 3.5.

Table 2.2 Likelihood of occurrence includes one or more of the following criteria

Likelihood of Occurrence

Criteria

Unlikely • Species highly restricted to certain geographical areas not within the proposal area

• Specific habitat requirements are not present in the study area

Low Species not recorded during field surveys and fit one or more of the following criteria:

• Have not been recorded previously in the study area/surrounds and for which the study area is beyond the current distribution range

• Use specific habitats or resources not present in the study area

• Are a non-cryptic perennial flora species that were specifically targeted by surveys and not recorded

Moderate Species not recorded during the field surveys that fit one or more of the following criteria:

• Have infrequently been recorded previously in the study area/surrounds

• Use specific habitats or resources present in the study area but in a poor or modified condition

• Are unlikely to maintain sedentary populations, however may seasonally use resources within the study area opportunistically or during migration

• Are cryptic flowering flora species that were not seasonally targeted by surveys and that have not been recorded

High Species recorded during the field surveys or species not recorded that fit one or more of the following criteria:

• Have frequently been recorded previously in the study area/surrounds

• Use habitat types or resources that are present in the study area that are abundance and/or in good condition within the study area

• Are known or likely to maintain resident populations surrounding the study area

• Are known or likely to visit the site during regular seasonal movements or migration


PAGE 16

3. Existing environment 3.1. Landscape context The study area is located within the South Eastern Highlands and Sydney Basin bioregions (Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia, 2012). The study area is located entirely within the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Area (CMA) and traverses the Mid Coxs River Subcatchment. The region is important for biodiversity because it provides a transition from the mountains in the east to the western slopes and the plains.

The study area traverses across the slopes of the Sydney Basin western escarpment of conglomerate, shale and sandstone, and the Bathurst Granites. The dominant vegetation formations include Grassy woodlands, Dry sclerophyll forests and Riparian forest.

The majority of the study area supports areas of high condition native vegetation, modified remnant vegetation and previously cleared roadsides linked to adjacent pastures. The majority of areas close to the roadside consist of younger tree regrowth (less than 10 years old), with more mature trees present in Section 1, including hollow-bearing trees. Roadside areas have typically high weed cover mixed with native understorey which varies in condition but often has good potential for regeneration as tree species become present.

3.2. Land use The proposed footprint occurs within the Local Government Areas of Lithgow City Council and the Blue Mountains City Council. The study area mainly consists of:

• Rural residential properties and crown land.

• Agricultural lands, used predominantly for cattle grazing and has scattered remnant trees throughout.

• Strips of riparian vegetation along River Lett and numerous farm dams in the broader landscape.

3.3. Literature and database review Previous flora and fauna surveys undertaken by SKM (as outlined in Section 2.3) and relevant government wildlife databases were considered as part of this assessment. All sections of the study area were reviewed including areas of both general and targeted surveys for threatened species and threatened ecological communities.

3.3.1. Vegetation communities and habitat Eight native vegetation communities occur in the Hartley Valley study area. These are listed in Table 3.1 with corresponding fauna habitats, along with the equivalent map units and the conservation status of each community. The distribution of these communities within the study area are displayed in Figure 3-1a to Figure 3–1c.Full descriptions of vegetation communities are


PAGE 17

provided in Appendix A and include dominant species, landscape position, conservation status and equivalent mapping units.


PAGE 18

Table 3.1 Vegetation communities and habitats within the study area

Vegetation community

Equivalent units Conservation Status Fauna habitat type

EPBC Act TSC Act

Map Unit 1: Mountain Gum – Peppermint Open Forest

Tozer et al. (2010) WSF p 73 Cool Montane Wet Forest and DSF p76 Moist Montane Sandstone Forest Biometric: Narrow-leaved Peppermint - Silvertop Ash - Mountain Grey Gum shrubby open forest of the upper Blue Mountains, Sydney Basin

Tozer et al. (2010) estimates there is approximately 70-90 per cent of the pre-clearing area of this vegetation community remaining (WSF p73 Cool Montane Wet Forest), and that 35-55 per cent of the pre-clearing area is in conservation reserves.

- - Sheltered Dry Sclerophyll Forest

Map Unit 2: Thin-leaved Stringybark Woodland

DEC (2006) MU 22 Kanangra Gorge Sheltered Grey Gum Forest. Tozer et al. (2010) DSF p37: Kowmung - Wollondilly Grassy Gorge Forest and possibly part of GW p24 Tableland Grassy Box-Gum Woodland. Biometric: Grey Gum - Thin-leaved Stringybark grassy woodland of the southern Blue Mountains gorges, Sydney Basin

Tozer et al. (2010) estimates there is >90 per cent of the pre-clearing area of this vegetation community remaining (DSF p37: Kowmung - Wollondilly Grassy Gorge Forest), and 70-90 per cent of the pre-clearing area is in conservation reserves. Tozer et al. (2010) identifies that GW p24 Tableland Grassy Box-Gum Woodland may be consistent with the state and federal determinations for the TEC for grassy box-gum woodland. However, in this case the dominance by Thin-leaved Stringybark (Eucalyptus eugenoides), the landscape position on a steep sandstone slope and the low abundance of diagnostic species in the understorey leads to a recommendation that this community is not consistent with the description for that TEC.

- - Grassy Woodland

Map Unit 3: Brittle Gum - Stringybark Woodland

Tozer et al. (2010) Possibly part of GW p24 Tableland Grassy Box-Gum Woodland DEC (2006) MU 34 Tableland Slopes Brittle Gum – Broad-leaved peppermint Grassy Forest Biometric: Silvertop Ash - Narrow-leaved Peppermint open forest on ridges of the eastern tableland, South Eastern Highlands and South East Corner

The closest equivalent map unit as described by Tozer et al. (2010) (GW p24) is regarded as being highly cleared with only 20-40 per cent of the pre-clearing area estimated to remain and <2 per cent of the pre-clearing area estimated to occur in conservation reserves. Tozer et al. (2010) identifies that GW p24 Tableland Grassy Box-Gum Woodland may be consistent with the state and federal determinations for the TEC for grassy box-gum woodland. However, in this case the lack of diagnostic species and the shrubby understorey identify that this community is not consistent with the determination for that TEC.

- - Grassy Woodland


PAGE 19



EPBC Act TSC Act

Map Unit 4: River Oak Forest

Tozer et al. (2010) FoW p32: Riverbank Forest Biometric: River Oak open forest of major streams, Sydney Basin and South East Corner

Areas of this community in the study area have been identified as priority fauna habitat (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2005). Tozer et al. (2010) estimates there is approximately 60-85 per cent of the pre-clearing area of this vegetation community (FoW p32 Riverbank Forest) remaining, and 25-45 per cent of the pre-clearing area is in conservation reserves. This map unit has affinities to the state-listed TEC River-flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal floodplains. However, the TEC is unlikely to occur above 250m elevation and the vegetation within the study area is clearly not on a coastal floodplain. Therefore, it is not considered to fit the TEC description.

- - Riparian Forest

Map Unit 5: Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland

Tozer et al. (2010) GW p420 Tableland Granite Grassy Woodland Biometric: Broad-leaved Peppermint - Ribbon Gum grassy open forest in the north-east of the South Eastern Highlands

This community is consistent with the TEC Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the South Eastern Highlands, Sydney Basin, South East Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions, which is listed as Endangered under the TSC Act. This community is regarded as being highly cleared with only 20-35 per cent of the pre-European extent estimated to remain and <1per cent of the pre-European extent estimated to occur within conservation reserves (Tozer et al. 2010). This community has not been identified by Tozer et al. (2010) or in the biometric vegetation types database as being consistent with the state and federal determinations for the TEC for Grassy Box-gum Woodland. Some areas of vegetation characteristic of Tableland Granite Grassy Woodland were found to be dominated by Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) and, therefore, are consistent with the determination for grassy box-gum woodland, described below. These areas have been delineated as Map Unit 6 Yellow Box Grassy Woodland.

- Endangered Grassy Woodland

Map Unit 6: Yellow Box Grassy

Tozer et al. (2010) GW p420 Tableland Granite Grassy Woodland

This community is regarded as being highly cleared with only 20-35 per cent of the pre-European extant estimated to remain and <1 per cent of the pre-European extant estimated to occur

Critically Endangered

Endangered Grassy Woodland


PAGE 20



EPBC Act TSC Act

Woodland Biometric: Broad-leaved Peppermint - Ribbon Gum grassy open forest in the north-east of the South Eastern Highlands

in conservation reserves (Tozer et al. 2010). This map unit is dominated by Yellow Box and supports a herb-rich grassy understorey and, therefore, is considered to be consistent with the determination for White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland under both the TSC Act and the EPBC Act Considering the dominance of Yellow Gum\ in this map unit and the low abundance of Ribbon Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis), this community is considered to be not consistent with the TEC Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the South Eastern Highlands, Sydney Basin, South East Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions listed as Endangered under the TSC Act.

Map Unit 7: Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland

Tozer et al. (2010) GW p23 Tableland Hills Grassy Woodland and DEC (2006) MU 33 Tableland Broad-leaved Peppermint – Brittle Gum – Red Stringybark Grassy Open Forest Biometric: Broad-leaved Peppermint - Red Stringybark grassy open forest on undulating hills, South Eastern Highlands

This community is regarded as being highly cleared with only 20-40 per cent of the pre-European extant estimated to remain and <2 per cent of the pre-European extant estimated to occur in conservation reserves (Tozer et al. 2010). This map unit is dominated by Blakely’s Red Gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi) and supports a herb-rich grassy understorey and therefore is considered to be consistent with the determination for White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland under both the TSC Act and the EPBC Act.

Critically Endangered

Endangered Grassy Woodland

Map Unit 8: Red Stringybark Woodland

Tozer et al. (2010) GW p23 Tableland Hills Grassy Woodland Biometric: Broad-leaved Peppermint - Red Stringybark grassy open forest on undulating hills, South Eastern Highlands

This community is regarded as being highly cleared with only 20-40 per cent of the pre-European extant estimated to remain and <2 per cent of the pre-European extant estimated to occur in conservation reserves (Tozer et al. 2010).

- - Grassy Woodland

Map Unit 9: Horticultural plantings/weeds

Nil. May include streetscapes (footpaths and parklands) that contain exotic trees or

Nil. - - Modified habitats


PAGE 21



EPBC Act TSC Act

natives not natural to the local area. Also includes landscaped residential frontages with only one or two canopy species representative of original vegetation communities in the area with a maintained understorey.

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Vegetation communitiesMap unit 1:Mountain Gum – Peppermint Open Forest

Map unit 2:Thin-leaved Stringybark Woodland

Map unit 3:Brittle Gum – Stringybark Woodland

Map unit 4:River Oak Forest

Map unit 5:Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland (TEC)

Map unit 6:Yellow Box Grassy Woodland (TEC)

Map unit 7:Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland (TEC)

Map unit 8:Red Stringybark Woodland

Map unit 9:Horticultural native/exotic plantings/weeds

Vegetation condition

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FIGURE 3-1a I VEGETATION COMMUNITIES - SECTION 1



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3.3.2. Fauna habitat Fauna surveys undertaken in 2011 (RMS 2011a) recorded a high diversity of fauna species in a variety of different habitats. These results found the highest diversity of fauna in grassy woodland and dry sclerophyll forest (76 species in grassy woodland and 72 species in dry sclerophyll forest). Most mammals and birds inhabited dry sclerophyll forest and grassy woodland and nearly all reptile species occurred in grassy woodland. These surveys also identified 25 habitat trees occurring mostly in Grassy Woodland. The list of species recorded is provided in Appendix C. Fauna habitats have been mapped in the associated vegetation types, as shown in Figure 3-2a to Figure 3-2c. These are described in detail below.

Grassy Woodland

Grassy woodland is widespread and varies in size and condition across the study area. Typically the community contains a sparse shrub layer and a grassy groundcover. This habitat occurs on rolling terrain on granite-derived soils. The type and age of the dominant canopy species varies across the study area including Eucalyptus viminalis (Ribbon Gum), E. mannifera (Brittle Gum), E. eugenoides (Thin-leaved Stringybark), E. melliodora (Yellow Box) and E. macrorhyncha (Red Gum). The diversity, condition and density of the understorey varies considerably according to the degree of disturbance, for example the fire regime or degree of past clearing, adjacent road works or grazing.

The grassy woodlands provide foraging and sheltering habitat for woodland bird species and generalist birds of agricultural habitats, although the smaller size of the remnants and general lack of connectivity may influence the suite of species. Previous corridor studies (RMS 2011) found the most common birds in woodland habitats to be White-throated Treecreeper (Cormobates leucophaea), Buff-rumped and Yellow Thornbill (Acanthiza reguloides and Acanthiza nana), Striated Pardalote (Pardalotus striatus), Grey Shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica), Willy Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys), Yellow-faced Honeyeater (Lichenostomus chrysops), White-naped Honeyeater (Melithreptus lunatus), Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans), Magpie Lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) and Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen).

Some of the dominant tree species are known and potential feed trees for Koala, including Ribbon Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis), listed in Schedule 2 of State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44. There are several records of Koala in the Hartley Valley area.

In general, tree hollows were observed to be scarce or absent from most woodland habitats, particularly the steep sloping sites, and the diversity of tree species at any one location was also low. As a result nectar resources are limited across different seasons and this factor would reduce the quality of the habitat for nectivarous fauna, in particular sedentary species such as Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps), Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) and Yellow-bellied Glider (Petaurus australis).

The open structure of the woodland habitat is suited to a range of macropod and reptile species as well as wombats, echidna and introduced foxes and rabbits. Other microhabitat features occur in


PAGE 26

low abundance and include small and medium-sized logs and exposed rock, which is more common in steep slopes and adjacent hilltops, outside of the proposed footprint. These features provide sheltering opportunities for small mammals and reptiles. However, according to previous surveys (RMS 2011) small to medium sized native mammals, both terrestrial and arboreal, were found to be absent from the study area, which is most likely due to the limited sheltering habitat in the form of tree hollows and larger hollow logs and may also be attributed the presence of foxes.

Sheltered Dry Sclerophyll forest

Mature dry sclerophyll forest comprising mainly Monkey Gum/ Mountain Grey Gum (E. cypellocarpa) and Sydney Peppermint (E. piperita) and a dense understorey of shrubs, grasses and graminoids dominates the steeper slopes around the base of Victoria Pass in areas with sandy soils.. Unlike the woodland habitats, the open forest habitat comprised a greater cover of large and mid-sized trees and shrubs, including trees with hollows and dead trees. Groundcover is dominated by shallow leaf litter, providing suitable habitat for small reptiles. Grassy groundcover vegetation is scattered throughout with a sparse distribution of medium and large rocks as well as logs.

Dry open forest typically has a higher structural and floristic diversity than woodland habitats and generally has a greater abundance of macropods and bandicoots. Native small mammals and arboreal mammals are usually present and include Brown Antechinus (Antechinus stuartii) and Bush Rat (Rattus fuscipies) and Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), Common Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) and Greater Glider (Petauroides volans). Dry sclerophyll forest may provide habitat for a range of threatened mammals and birds, which could include Spotted-tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) and Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua).

Riparian habitat

The main areas of riparian habitat in the study area are limited to narrow strips of habitat along River Lett, on both sides of the highway, and disturbed riparian habitats surrounding Boxes Creek and other unnamed drainage lines within the cleared agricultural landscapes.

The riparian habitat along the River Lett consists mainly of a distinctive tall River Oak forest with an open shrub layer and a dense or patchy groundcover of grasses and forbs. This habitat is susceptible to weed invasion and degradation where livestock are unconstrained, with numerous weed species being present particularly Small-leaved Privet (Ligustrum sinense) and Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.).

The canopy along most of the river is too small to provide a distinctive suite of fauna species. Corridor studies (RMS 2011) found the flowing stream habitat to be favoured by a number of stream-dwelling temperate frog species, that differ from the frog species in dams and low flowing creeks outside of the study area. The dominant tree species, River Oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana), along River Lett provides marginal foraging opportunities for Glossy Black Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus lathami).


PAGE 27

Larger boulders along River Lett provide potential sheltering opportunities and foraging habitat for numerous fauna species, such as reptiles, frogs, small mammals and, for the boulders within the river, native fish species.

Aquatic habitat

The study area has limited freshwater habitats in the form of rivers and streams with River Lett being the largest. The highway crosses The River Lett in section 2 of the proposal near Hartley, in addition to eight minor ephemeral headwater streams which drain to The River Lett, Boxes Creek and the large network of dams. A minor drainage of the River Lett runs adjacent to the highway for approximately 500 m on the approach to Hartley, approximately 20 m from the road. The River Lett is a small river and a tributary of the Cox’s River. It is stocked with Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) trout. The riparian zones of the River Lett and Boxes Creek are relatively intact and are in moderate to high condition, which enhances connectivity between the upper and mid-catchments.

There are many creeks and farm dams throughout the region on both sides of the existing highway. The farm dams form ‘chains of ponds’ in the landscape, often with wet meadow habitat in-between. RMS (2011, 2012) has recognised the importance of farmland dams and wet pastures in the study area landscape where they act as permanent water sources and refuge habitat for fauna. These water sources are located outside of the proposed footprint.

The freshwater habitats are in moderate to high condition and are used by a suite of threatened and common fauna for permanent and temporary breeding, foraging and refuge (RMS, 2011). Previous corridor surveys identified stream dwelling frogs, Leaf-green Tree Frog (Litoria phyllochroa) and Eastern Banjo Frog (Limnodynastes dumerilii) and other frog species occupying dams, soaks or flooded and wet paddocks.

Modified habitat

Cleared and semi-cleared farmland is present on both sides of the existing Great Western Highway. The habitat is dominated by cleared pasture with vegetation cover restricted to scattered mature paddock trees, small fragments of re-growth woodland or planted shelterbelt rows along fences and driveways. Tree hollows and logs are present in very low numbers and are restricted to the immediate areas surrounding remnant trees. Farm dams are scattered throughout the Hartley Valley and some occur within the study area. Even these modified habitats could be utilised by a range of native fauna for foraging and dispersal. Such fauna include macropods, birds and Spotted-tail Quoll.

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Fauna habitatDry sclerophyll forestFarm damSheltered dry sclerophyll forestGrassy woodlandRiparian forestWet meadow - pastureModified habitat

7/11/2013 | I:\ENVR\Projects\EN04213\Technical\Spatial\GIS_Directory\ArcMap\Figures\TechnicalReports\HartleyValley\Ecology\EN04213_GIS_Ec_F004_HV_ThSpHabitat_r3v1.mxdNewcastle Spatial Team - Prepared by : KO

Checked by : VC


FIGURE 3-2a I THREATENED FLORA, FAUNA AND HABITAT - SECTION 1

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Checked by : VC


FIGURE 3-2b I THREATENED FLORA, FAUNA AND HABITAT - SECTION 2

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Checked by : VC


FIGURE 3-2c I THREATENED FLORA, FAUNA AND HABITAT - SECTION 3


PAGE 31

3.3.3. Threatened Ecological Communities There are two threatened ecological communities (TEC), listed under the TSC Act and the EPBC Act, identified within the study area (refer to Table 3.2). Further discussion regarding the identification, condition, and distribution of TECs is provided below. Refer to Figure 3-1a to Figure 3-1c for TEC mapping.

Table 3.2 Threatened Ecological Communities

Threatened Ecological Community

Equivalent units Conservation status

TSC Act EPBC Act

Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the Southeastern highlands, Sydney Basin, South-east Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions (Tablelands Grassy Woodland)


Endangered -

White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Woodland (TSC Act) and White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland (EPBC Act)

Map Unit 6: Yellow Box Grassy Woodland Map Unit 7: Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland

Endangered Critically Endangered

Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland

Map Unit 5: Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland occurs in the northern end of section 2, north and east of Carroll Drive, and at the southern end of section 3 of the study area, around the Jenolan Caves Rd and Blackmans Creek Rd intersections and there is some east of River Lett. In these areas it is dominated by Ribbon Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) with some areas sub-dominated by Black Sallee (Eucalyptus stellulata) and Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) on the edges when integrating into Box Gum Woodland. This is consistent with the Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the South Eastern Highlands, Sydney Basin, South East Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions community, which is listed as endangered under the TSC Act. The condition of this vegetation varies from low to high, with the higher condition patches occurring around the northern part of section 3 (Figure 3-1c). The clearing of some areas of understorey, weed invasion and other edge effects from the roadside have reduced the condition of this community around the northern part of section 2.

Box Gum Woodland

A small area of this community occurs in the northern part of Section 3 of the study area labelled as Map Unit 6: Yellow Box Grassy Woodland, which occurs south of the existing highway, west of the Jenolan Caves Rd intersection, and Map Unit 7: Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland. These


PAGE 32

occur south of the existing highway, immediately east of the River Lett (Figure 3-1c). Broad scale mapping in Tozer et al. (2010) indicated a widespread occurrence of Box Gum Woodland within the study area. However, previous highway upgrade surveys (RMS 2011) verified that the majority of vegetation in this area is not consistent with the Box Gum Woodland classification, and that only the small areas dominated by Yellow Box (E. melliodora) and Blakely’s Red Gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi) are consistent with the identification guidelines as endangered White Box Yellow Box Blakely’s Red Gum Woodland listed under the TSC Act. Although these areas are generally disturbed from weed invasion and agricultural land use, there are some areas of high condition vegetation, with higher diversity of native flora species. Some of these high condition areas are classified as the Critically Endangered White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland listed under the EPBC Act.

Other Threatened Ecological Communities

The Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) report, generated in 2013 for the study area, indicates that Upland Basalt Eucalypt Forests of the Sydney Basin Bioregion, which is endangered listed under the EPBC Act, could occur in the region. Field investigations for the highway upgrade projects determined that the vegetation present within the study area does not conform to this classification.

3.3.4. Groundwater dependent ecosystems Vegetation communities in the study area are considered to have a low level of dependence on groundwater. There is potential for groundwater contribution to the riparian forest at River Lett. The dry nature of surrounding woodland and farmland indicates an absence of groundwater in the broader landscape. Previous surveys (RMS 2011) also observed no wetlands and no water in drainage lines.

3.3.5. Threatened flora On the basis of previous surveys, an updated review of threatened flora database records (with a 10 kilometre radius around the proposed footprint), the Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) report and the presence of suitable habitat, a total of 27 threatened flora species were found to be potentially occurring within the region. These are discussed in Table 3.3. Figure 3-2a to Figure 3-2c illustrate the threatened flora that was mapped during the field investigation for this project. The database searches indicate that there are no threatened flora records within about 1 km of the Hartley Valley construction footprint. Table 3.3 indicates that most threatened flora species are considered to be unlikely or have a low likelihood of occurring within the construction footprint. The Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint (Eucalyptus nicholii), which is listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act and vulnerable under the EPBC Act, was recorded in the 2011 (RMS 2011) surveys. However, this species is not indigenous to this area. Its natural distribution is confined to the New England Tablelands of NSW, where it occurs from Nundle in the south, to north of Tenterfield, largely on private property. Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint is widely planted as an urban street tree and in gardens. Its presence within the study area is, therefore, not considered to be significant.


PAGE 33

Table 3.3 Distribution and habitat of potentially occurring threatened flora species in the study area

Scientific name

Common name

Status Distribution and habitat requirements* Likelihood of occurrence in the construction footprint

EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

Acacia bynoeana

Bynoe's Wattle

V E Found in central eastern NSW, from the Hunter District south to the Southern Highlands and west to the Blue Mountains. It has recently been found in the Colymea and Parma Creek areas west of Nowra. Occurs in heath or dry sclerophyll forest on sandy soils. Seems to prefer open, sometimes slightly disturbed sites such as trail margins, edges of roadside spoil mounds and in recently burnt patches. Associated overstorey species include Corymbia gummifera, Eucalyptus haemastoma, Eucalyptus parramattensis, Banksia serrata and Angophora bakeri.

Low

Acacia flocktoniae

Flockton Wattle

V V The Flockton Wattle is found only in the Southern Blue Mountains at Mount Victoria, Megalong Valley and Yerranderie. Grows in dry sclerophyll forest on sandstone.

Low

Asterolasia buxifolia

E Known from a single site at a granite outcrop in the riparian zone of the River Lett. Rediscovered in 2000, little is known about the species.

Low

Asterolasia elegans

E E PMST report indicates that it could occur in the region, but the species in only known from seven populations, all of which are north of Sydney and many km northeast of the study area.

Unlikely

Carex klaphakei

Klaphake's Sedge

E Found in only three locations, from the Blue Mountains (at Blackheath and Mount Werong) to the Southern Highlands (at Penrose). Grows with other native sedges and rushes in swamps on sandstone at altitudes of greater than 600 metres elevation.

Unlikely

Cryptostylis hunteriana

Leafless Tongue Orchid

V V PMST report indicates that it could occur in the region, and it is found in a wide variety of vegetation types, but not recorded from, or prediction in, this subregion.

Unlikely

Caladenia tessellata

V E PMST report indicates that it could occur in the region, but it is currently known from only two areas; one population near Braidwood and three populations in the Wyong area on the Central Coast. The total population size is estimated to be less than 50 individuals.

Low

Derwentia blakelyi

V Restricted to the western Blue Mountains, near Clarence, near Mount Horrible, on Nullo Mountain and in the Coricudgy Range. Occurs at fewer than 20 locations, none of which is in a

Low


PAGE 34

Scientific name

Common name


EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

conservation reserve. Occurs in eucalypt forest, often in moist areas.

Diuris aequalis

Buttercup Doubletail

V E The Buttercup Doubletail has been recorded in Kanangra-Boyd National Park, Gurnang State Forest, towards Wombeyan Caves, the Taralga - Goulburn area, and the ranges between Braidwood, Tarago and Bungendore. The species is not known or predicted to occur north of Oberon. It has been found in forest, low open woodland with grassy understorey and secondary grassland on the higher parts of the Southern and Central Tablelands.

Low

Epacris hamiltonii

E E Occurs in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. Found at 72 sites within three creek catchments. The creeks occur in an altitude range of 810 - 940 metres elevation and are all located on the northern side of the escarpment and flow into the Grose Valley. All known sites occur within a radius of approximately five kilometres. Has a very specific habitat, being found on or adjacent to Narrabeen sandstone cliffs alongside perennial creeks, often below plateau hanging swamps. The soil generally has a spongy/peat-like consistency, with very high moisture content. Sites are found at the sheltered base of cliffs adjacent to wet gully or swamp vegetation, usually where a perennial or virtually perennial source of water, such as cliff seepages, is present. Associated species include King Fern (Todea barbara), Rough Tree Fern (Cyathea australis) and Coral Fern (Gleichenia rupestris). Sundews (Drosera binata) are also common on the cliff face. Occasionally occurs beside small creek lines which are vegetated with moist gully forest species (Callicoma serratifolia, Doryphora sassafras and Ceratopetalum apetalum).

Low

Eucalyptus aggregata

Black Gum V In NSW it occurs in the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion and on the western fringe of the Sydney Basin Bioregion. It has a moderately narrow distribution, occurring mainly in the wetter, cooler and higher parts of the tablelands, for example in the Blayney, Crookwell, Goulburn, Braidwood and Bungendore districts. Grows on alluvial soils, on cold, poorly-drained flats and hollows adjacent to creeks and small rivers. Often grows with other cold-adapted eucalypts.

Low

Eucalyptus Narrow-leaved Black

V V The species is not indigenous to this area, Its natural distribution is confined to the New

Has been planted


PAGE 35

Scientific name

Common name


EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

nicholii Pepper- mint England Tablelands of NSW, where it occurs from Nundle in the south, to north of Tenterfield, largely on private property. Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint is widely planted as an urban street tree and in gardens, therefore its presence within the study area is not considered to be significant.

within the area but not naturally occurring

Eucalyptus pulverulenta

Silver-leafed Gum

V V The Silver-leafed Gum grows only on the crests or upper steep hillslopes of mountains, between 800 and 1000 m. It is found in two quite separate areas, the Lithgow to Bathurst area and the Monaro (Bredbo, Bombala areas). It grows in shallow soils as an understorey plant in open forest, typically dominated by Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera), Red Stringybark (E. macrorhyncha), Broad-leafed Peppermint (E. dives), Silvertop Ash (E. sieberi) and Apple Box (E. bridgesiana).

Low

Euphrasia arguta

CR CR Previously recorded from Sydney to Bathurst but not seen in this area since 1904. Currently known only from in and around Nundle State Forest, in areas that have either been logged or cleared in the last few decades.

Low

Euphrasia bowdeniae

V V Endemic to the upper Blue Mountains. Confined to wet or damp vertical sandstone rock faces on major cliff-lines facing south or east, growing in small pockets of damp, sandy soil on ledges or at the cliff base. May rarely occur in damp sites at the top of cliffs. Sites are associated with the Hassans Walls soil landscape with steep Narrabeen Sandstone cliffs colluvial talus slopes developed over Illawarra Coal Measures.

Unlikely

Grammitis stenophylla

Narrow-leaf Finger Fern

E In NSW it has been found on the south, central and north coasts and as far west as Mount Kaputar National Park near Narrabrai. Inhabits moist places, usually near streams, on rocks or in trees, in rainforest and moist eucalypt forest.

Low

Isopogon fletcheri

Fletcher's Drumsticks

V V Restricted to a very small area in the Blackheath district of the Blue Mountains on the Central Tablelands. The entire known population occurs within Blue Mountains National Park. Restricted to moist sheltered cliffs within the spray zone of a waterfall. Grows in dry sclerophyll forest and heath on sandstone and is confined to sheltered moist positions.

Low

Pellargonium sp.

Omeo Storksbill

E The species is known to occur just above the high water level of irregularly inundated or

Unlikely


PAGE 36

Scientific name

Common name


EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

striatellum ephemeral lakes. It is known to occur within the South East highlands Bioregion, however, no ephemeral lakes were recorded within the study area.

Persoonia acerosa

Needle Geebung

V V The Needle Geebung has been recorded only on the central coast and in the Blue Mountains, from Mount Tomah in the north to as far south as Hill Top where it is now believed to be extinct. Mainly in the Katoomba, Wentworth Falls, Springwood area. Occurs in dry sclerophyll forest, scrubby low-woodland and heath on low fertility soils.

Low

Persoonia marginata

Clandulla Geebung

V V Known from only four disjunct locations on the Central Tablelands and Central Coast. Core of the species distribution is within Clandulla State Forest, west of Kandons. Disjunct populations occur; to the north at Dingo Creek and Mount Dangar within the Wollemi and Goulburn River National Parks; to the south within Ben Bullen State Forest, south-east of Capertee; and to the south-east at Devils Hole, north of Colo Heights within Parr State Recreation Area. Grows in dry sclerophyll forest and woodland communities on sandstone.

Low

Persoonia nutans

Nodding Geebung

E E Restricted to the Cumberland Plain in western Sydney, between Richmond in the north and Macquarie Fields in the south. Core distribution occurs within the Penrith, and to a lesser extent, Hawkesbury LGAs, with isolated and relatively small populations also occurring in the Liverpool, Campbelltown, Bankstown and Blacktown LGAs. Confined to aeolian and alluvial sediments and occurs in a range of sclerophyll forest and woodland vegetation communities, with the majority of individuals occurring within Agnes Banks Woodland or Castlereagh Scribbly Gum Woodland.

Unlikely

Prasophyllum fuscum

Slaty Leek Orchid

V CE The type specimen is from "moist meadows towards the Georges River" in the Sydney area. The species is likely to be extinct from this area. Harden (1993) states that it is confined to the Blue Mountains area. However, some authorities believe Prasophyllum species from this area are not Prasophyllum fuscum, but an un-described species. In addition, some authorities believe it is identical to Prasophyllum uroglossum which occurs in the Wingecarribee area. Grows in moist heath, often along seepage lines.

Low


PAGE 37

Scientific name

Common name


EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

Pultenaea glabra

Smooth Bush-Pea

V V Restricted to the higher Blue Mountains and has been recorded from the Katoomba-Hazelbrook and Mount Victoria areas, with unconfirmed sightings in the Mount Wilson and Mount Irvine areas. All known populations occur within the Blue Mountains Local Government Area. Grows in swamp margins, hillslopes, gullies and creekbanks and occurs within dry sclerophyll forest and tall damp heath on sandstone.

Low

Rhizanthella slateri

Eastern Underground Orchid

E V Eastern Underground Orchid is saprophytic. It is likely to have a very restricted area of occupancy, as it is known from fewer than 10 small, isolated populations within its extent of occurrence. One of these is within the Blue Mountains. It is very difficult to detect and it has been known to disappear from a site for over 50 years. It does require an intact understorey with deep leaf litter. This habitat was not found within the construction footprint.

Low

Streblus pendulinus

Siah’s Backbone

E This species occurs from Cape York to Milton in SE NSW and also on Norfolk Island. On the Australian mainland, Siah’s Backbone is found in warmer rainforests, chiefly along watercourses. No rainforest was recorded from within the study area.

Low

Thesium australe

Austral Toadflax

V V Austral Toadflax is a root parasite that takes water and some nutrients from other plants. It is often associated with Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra). It is known from north and west of Lithgow and is predicted to occur around Hartley. Kangaroo Grass is common even in disturbed areas of the study area.

Low

Velleia perfoliata

V V Only known from the Hawkesbury district and upper Hunter Valley. Found in shallow depressions on Hawkesbury sandstone shelves or under cliffs. Occurs on fairly shallow soils of sandy loam texture. Generally found growing on moss mats formed on the rock shelf.

Unlikely

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3/10/2013 | I:\ENVR\Projects\EN04213\Technical\Spatial\GIS_Directory\ArcMap\Figures\TechnicalReports\HartleyValley\Ecology\EN04213_GIS_Ec_F005_HV_AtlasFlora_r2v1.mxd

FIGURE 3-3 | THREATENED FLORA RECORDED IN THE LOCALITY


DATA SOURCESRoads and Maritime Services 2013, LPMA2010, OEH 2013 STREETWORKS 2001,SKM 2013, 2011, ESRI 2013


PAGE 39

3.3.6. Threatened fauna

The previous corridor studies (RMS 2011) included detailed fauna surveys within and outside of the current study area. These surveys confirmed the presence of four threatened birds and one threatened microbat. These species are shown in Table 3.4. An updated review of threatened fauna database records was undertaken in the study locality (a 10 kilometre radius around the proposed footprint), as shown in Figure 3-4.

Table 3.4 Threatened species recorded in previous surveys of the study area (RMS 2011)

Species Status Fauna habitat type

Habitat condition

Location

Gang-gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum)

Vulnerable (TSC Act)

Grassy Woodland

High (Map Unit 3)

Pair recorded in Section 1

Varied Sittella (Daphoenositta chrysoptera)


Grassy Woodland

Moderate-High (Map Unit 3 and 5)

In small flocks (3-6 birds) in Sections 1 and 3

Barking Owl (Ninox connivens)


Grassy Woodland (near Riparian habitat)

High (Map Unit 5 and near Map Unit 4)

A tentative record based on call playback response at the end of Section 2 and start of Section 3 (River Lett)

Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua)


Grassy Woodland

High (Map Unit 7)

Recorded on the basis of an adult bird responding to call playback between the River Lett and Forty Bends Road. May occur in open forest and riparian areas. Commonly preys on Common Ringtail Possums which were found to occur in both the grassy woodland and open forest habitats.

Little Bentwing bat (Miniopterus australis)


Grassy Woodland (near Riparian habitat)

Moderate (Map Unit 5 and near Map Unit 4)

Single call recording in Section 2 (River Lett)

A total of 30 threatened fauna species were identified, with most having a high likelihood of occurrence. Details of these findings are listed in Table 3.5. A separate discussion is provided in the following section for the Koala.


PAGE 40

Table 3.5 Distribution and habitat of potentially occurring threatened fauna species in the study area

Scientific name

Common name

Status Distribution and habitat requirements* Potential habitat in the study area

Likelihood of occurrence in the construction footprint

EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

Birds Anthochaera phrygia

Regent Honeyeater

E CR Most sightings of regent Honeyeaters originate from a few sites in north-east Victoria, along the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range in NSW, and the Central Coast in NSW. They mostly occur in dry Box-Ironbark eucalypt woodland and dry sclerophyll forest associations wherein they prefer the moister, more fertile sites available, for example along creek flats or in broad river valleys and foothills. In NSW, riparian forests containing River Oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana) and with Needle-leaf Mistletoe (Amyema cambagei) are also important for feeding and breeding.

Dry Box-Ironbark eucalypt woodland and dry sclerophyll forest and riparian forests containing River Oak

Moderate to high

Callocephalon fimbriatum

Gang-gang Cockatoo

V Moist and tall open forests, particularly in steep topographic areas. Numerous records in the corridor.

Wet and dry sclerophyll forest.

High Confirmed in the study area

Daphoenositta chrysoptera

Varied Sittella

V Distribution in NSW is nearly continuous from the coast to the far west. The bird inhabits eucalypt forests and woodlands, especially those containing rough-barked species and mature smooth-barked gums with dead branches, also mallee and Acacia woodland.

Eucalypt forests and woodlands, containing rough-barked species

High

Glossopsitta pusilla

Little Lorikeet

V Forages primarily in the canopy of open Eucalyptus forest and woodland, finds food in Angophoras, Melaleucas and other tree species. Riparian habitats are particularly used, due to higher soil fertility and hence greater productivity. Isolated flowering trees in open country, e.g. paddocks, roadside remnants and urban trees also help sustain viable populations of the species. Roosts in treetops, often distant from feeding areas. Riparian trees often chosen for nesting, including species of Allocasuarina.

Wet and dry sclerophyll forests, woodlands and riparian areas.

High

Lathamus discolor

Swift Parrot E E Breeds only in Tasmania but migrates to mainland states in winter. It was considered that the New South Wales wintering range was mostly on the western slopes region along the inland slopes of the Great Dividing Range, and some areas along the northern and southern coasts including the Sydney region. However, increasing evidence suggests that coastal plains forests from southern to northern New South Wales are also extremely important. The species was not observed or heard during the surveys and the OEH database does not indicate any records within the study area and no box ironbark is recorded.

Box-ironbark forests and woodlands

Low


PAGE 41

Scientific name

Common name



EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

Leipoa ocellata

Malleefowl V E In New South Wales, Malleefowl typically occur west of the Great Dividing Range, between Pilliga and the districts of Griffith and Wentworth. The species occurs in semi-arid and arid districts and it occupies shrublands and low woodlands that are dominated by mallee vegetation. This habitat does not occur within the study area.

Shrublands and low woodlands that are dominated by mallee vegetation

Unlikely

Ninox connivens

Barking Owl V Forest and woodland habitats, particularly drier western slopes and riverine areas, hunts for birds and small mammals.

Dry sclerophyll forest, woodlands.


Ninox strenua Powerful Owl

V Open forests with dense wet gullies and creek areas, requires large mature trees with hollows for breeding and dense areas of vegetation for prey and roosting

Wet and dry sclerophyll forests, woodlands and rainforest.


Oxyura australis

Blue-billed Duck

V Prefers deep water in large permanent wetlands and swamps with dense aquatic vegetation.

Open dams in agricultural areas.

Low

Petroica boodang

Scarlet Robin

V The Scarlet Robin lives in dry eucalypt forests and woodlands. The understorey is usually open and grassy with few scattered shrubs. This species lives in both mature and regrowth vegetation. It occasionally occurs in mallee or wet forest communities, or in wetlands and tea-tree swamps. Scarlet Robin habitat usually contains abundant logs and fallen timber: these are important components of its habitat. The Scarlet Robin breeds on ridges, hills and foothills of the western slopes, the Great Dividing Range and eastern coastal regions; this species is occasionally found up to 1000 metres in altitude. In autumn and winter many Scarlet Robins live in open grassy woodlands, and grasslands or grazed paddocks with scattered trees.

Dry sclerophyll forest and woodlands, agricultural areas with scattered tree remnants.

High

Rostratula australis

Australian Painted Snipe

E E Austral Painted Snipe has been recorded at wetlands in all states of Australia. They live in shallow terrestrial freshwater (occasionally brackish) wetlands, including temporary and permanent lakes, swamps and claypans. They also use inundated or waterlogged grassland or saltmarsh, dams, rice crops, sewage farms and bore drains. There are no suitable wetlands within or adjacent to the construction footprint.

Wetlands Low

Mammals Falsistrellus tasmaniensis

Eastern False Pipistrelle

V Occurs in a variety of open forest and woodland habitats, where hollow-bearing trees are present and required for roosting, may forage in younger regrowth and modified environments.

Sclerophyll forests and woodlands.

High


PAGE 42

Scientific name

Common name



EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

Miniopterus australis

Little Bentwing Bat

V Inhabits a broad range of environments, generally in well-timbered areas. Wet and dry sclerophyll forest, moist eucalypt forest.


Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis

Eastern Bentwing-bat

V Forages in a variety of habitat types including, dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands, as well as cleared and modified urban environments; a cave-roosting species requiring caves and artificial tunnels for breeding and roosting.

Dry sclerophyll forests, woodlands and derived grasslands, agricultural areas.

High

Mormopterus norfolkensis

Eastern Freetail-bat

V Occur in dry sclerophyll forest and woodland east of the Great Dividing Range. Roosts mainly in tree hollows but will also roost under bark or in human-made structures.


High

Myotis macropus

Southern Myotis

V Generally roost in groups of 10-15 close to water in caves, mine shafts, hollow-bearing trees, stormwater channels, buildings, under bridges and in dense foliage. Forage over streams and pools catching insects and small fish by raking their feet across the water surface.

Freshwater wetlands, swamps, creeks and adjacent forest and woodland habitats.

High

Saccolaimus flaviventris

Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat

V Forages in most habitats across its very wide range, with and without trees; appears to defend an aerial territory. Roost in tree hollows and buildings.


High

Scoteanax rueppellii

Greater Broad-nosed Bat

V Inhabits a broad range of forest and woodland habitats, including adjacent cleared lands. Wet and dry sclerophyll forest.

High

Dasyurus maculatus

Spotted-tailed Quoll

E V Wet and dry sclerophyll forests and rainforests, and adjacent open agricultural areas. Generally associated large expansive areas of habitat to sustain territory size.

Extensive areas of suitable habitat, and a considerable number of records in the corridor.

High


PAGE 43

Scientific name

Common name



EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

Petaurus norfolcensis

Squirrel Glider

V Forest and woodland habitats, particularly areas with a diversity of eucalypt species in the canopy and other suitable food resources (shrubs and small trees). Requires tree hollows for denning.

Wet and dry sclerophyll forests, woodlands and heaths.

High

Petaurus australis

Yellow-bellied Glider

V Tall open forest habitats, favours mature wet sclerophyll forest and dense gullies. Wet and dry sclerophyll forest.

High

Phascolarctos cinereus

Koala V V Occur in subtropical and temperate rainforests, tall sclerophyll forests and woodlands, heaths and swamps as well as urban gardens and cultivated fruit crops.

Suitable foraging habitat present.

High

Amphibians Pseudophryne australis

Red-crowned Toadlet

V Occurs in open forests, mostly on Hawkesbury and Narrabeen Sandstones. Inhabits periodically wet drainage lines below sandstone ridges that often have shale lenses or cappings. Shelters under rocks and amongst masses of dense vegetation or thick piles of leaf litter.

Dry sclerophyll forest in steeper terrain with exposed, boulders, and rocky slopes.

Low

Mixophyes balbus

Stuttering Frog

V E Permanent streams in moist and wet sclerophyll forests. Rainforest streams. Low

Reptiles Hoplocephalus bungaroides

Broad-headed Snake

V E Shelters in rock crevices and under flat sandstone rocks on exposed cliff edges during autumn, winter and spring. Moves from the sandstone rocks to shelters in hollows in large trees within 200 metres of escarpments in summer.

Dry sclerophyll forests on steep escarpments with exposed sandstone rocks, boulders and platforms.

Unlikely

Fish Maccullochella australasica

Murray Cod V Murray Cod habitat varies greatly from small clear rocky streams to the generally turbid, slow-flowing rivers and creeks. They are generally found in or near deep holes and prefer habitats containing cover such as rocks, fallen trees, stumps, and clay banks or overhanging vegetation.

Streams in wet and dry sclerophyll forest and woodland.

Low

Macquaria australasica

Macquarie Perch

E E (FM Act)

Macquarie Perch are found in both river and lake habitats, especially the upper reaches of rivers and their tributaries.

Permanent rivers and creeks.

Low


PAGE 44

Scientific name

Common name



EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

Prototroctes maraena

Australian Grayling

V The Australian Grayling occurs in south-eastern Australia, in coastal rivers and streams in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. On the mainland it occurs from the Shoalhaven River (NSW) south and west to the Hopkins River system (Vic). It is a diadromous species, migrating between rivers, their estuaries and coastal seas, so relies on free access to a range of freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats for its survival. Australian Grayling spend most of their lives in freshwater, inhabiting rivers and streams, usually in cool, clear waters with a gravel substrate and alternating pool and riffle zones but can also occur in turbid water. The species can penetrate well inland, and has been reported from over 100 kilometres upstream from the sea. Larvae and juveniles inhabit estuaries and coastal seas, and there appears to be an obligatory marine stage, although their precise habitat requirements are not known.

Permanent rivers and creeks. River Lett is a tributary of the Coxs River which is known to support this species.

Low

Invertebrates Paralucia spinifera

Bathurst Copper Butterfly

V E Inhabits open forest/woodland areas above 850 metres in elevation and prefers sites with a southwest to north-west aspect and with extremes of cold such as regular winter snowfalls or heavy frosts. Also requires the presence of the Native Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla) in the understorey because it is a critical host plant for its larvae.

Dry sclerophyll forest and woodland.

Moderate

Petalura gigantea

Giant Dragonfly

E Sedge swamps, freshwater wetlands and peat bogs. Several records near the corridor. Vegetated swamps and wetlands.

Low

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The proposal

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Primary waterway

Proposal 10 km buffer

3/10/2013 | I:\ENVR\Projects\EN04213\Technical\Spatial\GIS_Directory\ArcMap\Figures\TechnicalReports\HartleyValley\Ecology\EN04213_GIS_Ec_F006_HV_AtlasFauna_r2v1.mxd

FIGURE 3-4 | THREATENED FAUNA RECORDED IN THE LOCALITY


DATA SOURCESRoads and Maritime Services 2013, LPMA2010, OEH 2013, STREETWORKS 2001,SKM 2013, 2011, ESRI 2013

OEH Atlas - threatened fauna (2013)Insects

!( Giant Dragonfly

Frogs

$+ Giant Burrowing Frog

$+ Red-crowned Toadlet

$+ Stuttering Frog

Reptiles#* Blue Mountains Water Skink#* Broad-headed Snake

Birds

") Flame Robin


") Little Lorikeet

") Powerful Owl

") Rainbow Bee-eater

") Scarlet Robin

") Sooty Owl

") Varied Sittella

") White-throated Needletail

Bats

XW Eastern Bentwing Bat

XW Eastern Freetail Bat

XW Greater Broad-nosed Bat

XW Large-eared Pied Bat

XW Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat

Mammalia

GF Southern Myotis

GF Eastern False Pipistrelle

GF Koala

GF Spotted-tailed Quoll

GF Squirrel Glider

GF Tasmanian Bettong


PAGE 46

Koala

There was no evidence of Koala in the study area from previous (RMS 2011) and current surveys. There are six scattered records from the last 20 years in the study locality which occur in the upper Blue Mountains and there are known populations in Wollemi National Park. There are no known populations in the study area. However the study area has a relatively high proportion of potential habitat food trees listed in the NSW Koala Recovery Plan (DECC 2008) and under Schedule 2 of State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44. Potential primary food trees include the Ribbon Gum (E. viminalis).

According to DSEWPaC (2012), ‘habitat critical to the survival of Koala’ is considered to be areas of forest or woodland with;

• primary Koala food tree species comprise at least 30% of the overstorey trees, or

• primary Koala food tree species comprise less than 30% of the overstorey trees, but together with secondary food tree species comprise at least 50% of the overstorey trees or,

• primary food tree species are absent but secondary food tree species alone comprise at least 50% of the overstorey trees, or

• the above qualities may be absent in a forest or woodland but other essential habitat features are present and adjacent to areas exhibiting the above qualities, or

• a relatively high density of Koalas is supported, regardless of the presence of food tree species. Koala population densities vary across their range and regional data should be used to judge relative density.

These criteria have been applied to the field data to identify the proportion of Koala habitat within the construction footprint. The data used in this assessment includes detailed descriptions of vegetation communities and floristic composition gathered from previous and current surveys, and also broad scale vegetation mapping (Tozer et.al 2010).

3.3.7. Migratory species A total of 13 migratory fauna species were identified in the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool report as potentially occurring in the broader study area. Six species have a moderate potential to occur. The remaining species have either a low or unlikely potential to occur. These migratory species, along with their preferred habitat requirements and a preliminary assessment of their likely presence in the study area, are listed in Table 3.6.

Table 3.6 Potential occurrence of migratory species (EPBC Act) Common name

Species Status Preferred habitat Likelihood of occurrence at the construction footprint

Swift Parrot

Lathamus discolour

Endangered (TSC Act and EPBC Act) Terrestrial

On the mainland they occur in areas where eucalypts are flowering profusely or where there are abundant lerp (from sap-sucking bugs) infestations.

Low chance of occurring at forested sites throughout the study area. These habitats form part of the much larger habitat range


PAGE 47

Common name


Favoured feed trees include winter flowering species such as Swamp Mahogany Eucalyptus robusta, Spotted Gum Corymbia maculata, Red Bloodwood C. gummifera, Mugga Ironbark E. sideroxylon, and White Box E. albens.

of the species.

Black-faced Monarch

Monarcha melanopsis

Terrestrial, Migratory (Bonn)

Rainforests, eucalypt forests and coastal scrubs

Low chance of occurring at forested sites throughout the study area. These habitats form part of the much larger habitat range of the species.

White-bellied Sea Eagle

Haliaeetus leucogaster

Terrestrial, Migratory (CAMBA)

Predominantly ocean shores and estuaries, occasionally inland rivers and streams.

Low

White-throated Needletail

Hirundapus caudacutus

Terrestrial, Migratory (CAMBA, JAMBA)

An aerial foraging species which occupies a range of habitats from open modified landscapes to woodland and forest.

Low

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Vulnerable (TSC Act) Marine, Migratory (Bonn)

Estuarine areas and rivers Unlikely

Rufus Fantail

Rhipidura rufifrons


Predominantly rainforest and forests

Low chance of occurring at forested sites throughout the corridor. These habitats form part of the much larger habitat range of the species.

Rainbow Bee-eater

Merops ornatus

Terrestrial, Migratory (JAMBA)

Predominantly woodland and timbered plains

Moderate, potential habitat for this species occurs in a diversity of habitats including remnant woodland and partially cleared agricultural areas provided there is a patchwork of small woodland remnants in the landscape. These habitats form part of the much larger habitat range of the species.

Satin Flycatcher

Myiagra cyanoleuca


Predominantly forests, in particular thick vegetation in gullies

Moderate chance of occurring at forested sites throughout the study area. These habitats form part of the much larger habitat range of the species.

Latham’s Galliago Wetland, Wetlands, wet meadows, flooded Moderate, potentially


PAGE 48

Common name


Snipe hardwickii Migratory (Bonn, CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA)

grassy paddocks, open grassland and drainage areas

present in farm dams, wet meadows and riparian areas along the study area.

Painted Snipe

Rostratula australis)

Endangered (TSC Act and EPBC Act) Wetland, Migratory (CAMBA)

Wetlands, reedlands, marshes and swamps

Unlikely

Cattle Egret

Ardea ibis Wetland, Migratory (CAMBA, JAMBA)

Grasslands, woodlands and wetlands, and is not common in arid areas. It also uses pastures and croplands, especially where drainage is poor. Often seen with cattle.

Moderate, this species may forage over all open habitat types particularly those with isolated paddock trees and small habitat patches.

Great Egret

Ardea alba Wetland, Migratory (CAMBA, JAMBA)

Prefers shallow water, particularly when flowing, but may be seen on any watered area, including damp grasslands.

Moderate, potentially present in farm dams, wet meadows and riparian areas along the study area.

Fork-tailed Swift

Apus pacificus

Marine, Migratory (CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA)

The species breeds in Asia and migrate to Australia in the summer from which they spend their entire life-cycle on the wing, hunting, resting and sleeping.

Unlikely

As indicated in the significant impact guidelines (1.1 in DEWHA 2009), an action is likely to have a significant impact on a migratory species if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:

• Substantially modify (including by fragmenting, altering fire regimes and nutrient cycles or; altering hydrological cycles), destroy or isolate an area of important habitat for a migratory species;

• Result in an invasive species that is harmful to the migratory species becoming established in an area of important habitat for the migratory species, or

• Seriously disrupt the lifecycle (breeding, feeding, migration or resting behaviour) of an ecologically significant proportion of the population of a migratory species.

Given the lack of identified significant migratory bird habitat and the lack of large populations using the study location, it is considered that there will not be a significant impact on migratory species from the proposal.


PAGE 49

3.3.8. Wildlife connectivity corridors DECC (2005) has identified the Blue Mountains Western Escarpment wildlife corridor for fauna movement as an important connection linking a south-north passage through the Great Western Highway. This corridor passes through the vegetated areas of Victoria Pass and is important for connectivity at the eastern end of the study area. As part of the corridor studies in (RMS) 2011, planning for biodiversity connectivity was undertaken to identify key fauna movement zones based on priority fauna habitats, fauna population hotspots for both arboreal and terrestrial fauna and important links in the landscape between fragmented vegetation patches. Connectivity zones were mapped (Figure 3-5a and Figure 3-5b) and include the River Lett at the intersection with the study area and several other areas.

The proposed footprint traverses a diversity of landscapes and fauna habitat types that may potentially impact on habitat connectivity and the movements of multiple species from a range of fauna groups over different temporal and spatial scales. The impacts on fauna associated with the barrier effect of new roads are well documented (Taylor and Goldingay 2010 and RTA 2010) and in particular how these relate to local and regional movement corridors, preventing adequate genetic exchange between populations and decreasing the area of available habitat needed to maintain viable, healthy populations.

Large areas of continuous habitat are particularly important for species which require large home ranges, as they provide adequate food resources, are more likely to support other important life-cycle attributes and increase the carrying capacity of an area. Maintaining contiguous vegetation may also decrease the likelihood of local extinctions from stochastic events such as wildfire and disease, as individuals can re-populate areas more effectively.

CRAN

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Fig 3-5b

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MTVICTORIA


°0 400

Metres

LEGEND

The proposal

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Road

Primary waterwayMinor waterway

Property boundary

Connectivity zones

Wildlife corridors - Blue Mountains Western Escarpment


3/10/2013 | I:\ENVR\Projects\EN04213\Technical\Spatial\GIS_Directory\ArcMap\Figures\TechnicalReports\HartleyValley\Ecology\EN04213_GIS_Ec_F007_HV_ConnectivityZones_r2v1.mxd

FIGURE 3-5a | CONNECTIVITY ZONES



OLD BATH

URST

RD

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FRA

NK

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LAC

KM

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FINNIGANS

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Fig 3-5a

Fig 3-5b

HARTLEY

MTVICTORIA


°0 400

Metres

LEGEND

The proposal

Existing highway

Road

Primary waterwayMinor waterway

Property boundary

Connectivity zones

Wildlife corridors - Blue Mountains Western Escarpment


3/10/2013 | I:\ENVR\Projects\EN04213\Technical\Spatial\GIS_Directory\ArcMap\Figures\TechnicalReports\HartleyValley\Ecology\EN04213_GIS_Ec_F007_HV_ConnectivityZones_r2v1.mxd

FIGURE 3-5b | CONNECTIVITY ZONES




PAGE 52

3.3.9. Weeds Many weeds have been recorded within the study area, as shown in Table 3.7. Weeds can influence the level of threatening processes experienced by threatened species, for example by degrading habitat values by changing or reducing the range of habitats available.

Table 3.7 Noxious weed species identified in the study area (Lithgow Local Government Area)

Species Prevalence on site Noxious class

Montpellier Broom Genista monspessulana

Recorded in low abundance in disturbed roadside areas.

Class 2: The plant must be eradicated from the land and the land must be kept free of the plant.

Hemlock Conium maculatum

Recorded in low-moderate abundance mainly in disturbed roadside areas.

Class 4: The growth and spread of the plant must be controlled according to the measures specified in a management plan published by the local control authority and the plant may not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed.

Patterson’s Curse Echium plantagineum

Recorded in low abundance mainly in disturbed roadside areas.

African Lovegrass Eragrostis curvula

Recorded in high abundance within road easements and disturbed areas of remnant vegetation.

St John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum

Recorded in moderate to high abundance in disturbed road easements, disturbed areas of remnant vegetation and agricultural areas.

Small-leaved Privet Ligustrum sinense

Recorded in low abundance along River Lett

Sweet Briar Rosa rubignosa

Recorded in low abundance mainly in disturbed roadside areas.

Blackberry Rubus fruticosus

Recorded in moderate to high abundance in unmaintained road easements and disturbed areas of remnant vegetation

3.3.10. Pests and pathogens Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are known to occur within the study area but are not expected to increase in numbers as a result of the proposed upgrade. There is a risk that Foxes may prey on displaced native fauna with the removal of habitat and habitat trees. Increased vegetation clearing may lead to greater colonisation of Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) which take advantage of disturbed and modified environments.

Feral honeybees occur within the study area. Feral honeybees are introduced bees which originally escaped from hives and have subsequently established in the wild While the proposal would not


PAGE 53

directly increase bee numbers, the removal of hollow-bearing trees would indirectly increase competition for hollows by native fauna because the loss of tree hollows potentially via occupation by feral honeybees reducing the number of hollows available for native animals to breed and shelter.

Pathogens are agents that cause disease in flora and fauna and are usually living organisms such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. The study area is susceptible to native plant dieback via root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. It is known to occur in some areas around Mt Victoria and the upper Blue Mountains plateau. It has not been recorded within the current study area.

Several forest types occurring within the study area contain flora species that are susceptible to root rot. Specific species are from the Proteaceae and Epacridaceae families that do occur within the study area.


PAGE 54

3.4. Field investigations

3.4.1. Vegetation and habitat The majority of the construction footprint occurs in cleared grassy roadsides including treed areas supporting remnant and modified native vegetation. Out of the nine vegetation types identified in the literature review, six were identified in the field. They are:

• Map Unit 1: Mountain Gum – Peppermint Open Forest.

• Map Unit 2: Thin-leaved Stringybark Woodland.

• Map Unit 3: Brittle Gum – Stringybark Woodland.

• Map Unit 4: River Oak Forest.

• Map Unit 5: Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland.

• Map Unit 9: Horticultural planting and weeds.

Surveys observed different habitats for fauna which included low to moderate condition dry sclerophyll forest communities and low to high condition Grassy Woodland and areas of cleared roadsides linked to adjacent farm pastures. The majority of areas close to the roadside consist of younger tree regrowth (less than 10 years old), with more mature trees present in Section 1 including hollow-bearing trees. Many roadside areas are dominated by Wattles (Acacia spp.) and have weed cover mixed with native understorey which varies in condition but has good potential for regeneration as tree species become more prominent. Dominant exotic grasses include Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus), African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula), Slender Pigeon Grass (Setaria gracilis), Paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum) and Couch (Cynodon dactylon). There were some patches of native grass dominated by Kangaroo grass (Themeda australis) and Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma sp.). Mature canopies (greater than 50 years old) of Monkey Gum (Eucalyptus cypellocarpa) and Red Stringybark (E. macrocarpa) were present in Section 1 and high condition Ribbon Gum Woodland dominated by Ribbon gum (E. viminalis) occurs in Section 3.

At least thirteen habitat trees and dead standing trees with a hollow or developing hollow were identified throughout the construction footprint. These are mapped in Figures 3-2a to Figures 3-2c. Most hollows vary in size from small (less than 10 centimetres) to medium (equal to or greater than 10 centimetres and equal to or less than 20 centimetres). No large hollows were observed. Detailed descriptions of the survey inspection results are shown in Table 3.8.


PAGE 55

Table 3.8 Results of the biodiversity field inspections for locations with ecological values.

Chainage Vegetation and habitat description Proposed construction

Potential threatened species

Noxious weeds present

20201 - 20302.08

Native vegetation (Map Unit 1) with large (80-150 cm dbh) remnant Monkey Gum (Eucalyptus cypellocarpa) and medium sized Peppermint. No mid-storey layer. Native ground cover, with some weeds. Habitat trees with small, medium and large sized hollows (10- 20 cm) and there are five dead-standing trees.

5-10 m batter on the west side of highway.

Potential habitat for gliders, microbats. OEH records: Little Lorikeet and Squirrel Glider.

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) Montpellier Broom (Genista monspessulana)

20301.08 - 20321.810

Remnant trees (15 m in height) Thin-leaved Stringybark. 4 m batter on east side of highway

None None

20431.18 -20521.26

Remnant trees (12m in height) Brittle Gum and Thin leaved Stringybark. Some trees with numerous Mistletoe (Amyema sp.) high nectar resources. Weedy understorey.

1-3 m batter on east side of highway

Little Lorikeet may use nectar resource

None

20691.39 -20711.41

Modified habitat dominated by weedy grasses and herbs and Monkey Gum (E. cypellocarpa) regeneration. Small area of remnant grassy patch of Kangaroo Grass. Planted vulnerable species Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint.

1-5 m batter on west side of highway.

Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint

Blackberry

21181.78 -21191.79

Remnant trees (12-15 m in height) Red Stringybark (E. macrorrhyncha). Disturbed understorey lacking structural midstorey

Widening and, batters on both sides of highway

None Blackberry

21271.86 -21331.90

Remnant trees (10-12m in height) Yellow Box, maintained roadside with disturbed areas. Some potential for regeneration. High abundance of introduced Acacia sp.

Widening of batter on south side of highway

None None

21371.94 -21421.98

Previously cleared native vegetation, with regrowth of several Brittle Gums. Intact ground layer with little weed cover. Moderate diversity of native ground species. High regeneration potential. Some remnant trees present.

10 m batter on south side of highway

None Blackberry

21602.12 Disturbed area with a mix of native and exotic species. Blackthorn present.

Slight widening of north side of highway

None Blackberry African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula), Small –leaved Privet (Ligustrum sinense)


PAGE 56




21722.22 -21732.22

Intact vegetation of high condition Map Unit 2. Dominated by native species with good structural layers. Blackthorn present.

Small batter south side of highway

None None

21821.29 -22002.44

Intact high condition Grassy Woodland (Map Unit 2), consisting of Thin-leaved Stringybark and Yellow Box. High diversity of native ground cover species.

Narrow widening of 1-3 m on south side of highway

None Blackberry

22682.98 Two remnant Brittle Gum trees (15-20m in height) in disturbed and maintained area.

Narrow widening of >1 m (table drain) west side of highway

None None

22913.17 -22953.20

Remnant trees of remnant Brittle Gum and Yellow Box (10-12m in height) in disturbed area.

Narrow widening of 1-2 m. (table drain) west side of highway

None None

23023.26 -23053.28

Four remnant trees Brittle Gum and Thin-leaved Stringybark disturbed understorey

8-9 m widening on west side of highway (table drain)

None None

23103.32 -23213.41

Remnant trees Brittle Gum, Thin-leaved Stringybark and Monkey Gum (10-18m in height)

5-8 m widening on west and east side of highway

None None

23253.44 -23343.51

High condition Grassy Woodland with trees Brittle Gum, Thin-leaved Stringybark and Monkey Gum (10-20m in height). Juvenile Eucalyptus regeneration on edges close to roadside. High diversity of ground species. High regeneration potential.

10-13 m widening on east side of highway, also along (80 m) Browns Gap Road.

Confirmed sightings Gang-gang Cockatoo and Varied Sittella

Blackberry

23343.51 -23443.59

Remnant trees Brittle Gum, Thin-leaved Stringybark and Monkey Gum (10-20m in height) in disturbed roadside area. Two hollow bearing trees (small hollows)

Widening (3-7 m) on west side of highway

Gang-gang Cockatoo and Varied Sittella

Montpellier Broom

23513.65 -23583.70

Remnant trees Brittle Gum and Monkey Gum (10-20m in height, 80cm-120cm DBH) in disturbed roadside area. Four hollow bearing trees (small to medium sized hollows). Potential ground habitats, large log (30cm diameter, 2m length) and fallen timber.

Widening 3-5 m on the south side of highway

Gang-gang Cockatoo and Varied Sittella

Montpellier Broom


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23683.78 -23773.86

Mostly cleared and disturbed are with remnant trees Brittle Gum, Thin-leaved Stringybark.

5 m widening of the south side of the highway

None None

24030-24060

Disturbed area with remnant trees Brittle Gum, Thin-leaved Stringybark. Small dead stag with potential hollow

5 m widening of the both sides of the highway with table drains

None None

24130 Open compacted area with no vegetated ground cover. Have several remnant trees Brittle Gum, Yellow Box and Red Stringybark (>10m height)

Widening (5 m) of track off highway on north side with table drains

None None

24380-24440

Disturbed roadside with remnant trees Brittle Gum, and Red Stringybark (>10m height). One hollow bearing tree (100cm DBH) with small hollows.

5 m widening of the south side of highway

None African lovegrass Blackberry

25270-25460

Disturbed roadside area with abundant weeds. Regrowth of native trees Yellow Box and Candlebark (Eucalyptus rubida), dominated by Acacia fimbriata and Leptospermum polygalifolium. Ground cover dominated by Eragrostis curvula. Some patches of Kangaroo Grass. Good regeneration potential.

5-6 m widening of south side of highway

None African lovegrass

25660-25810

Low condition Grassy Woodland (Map Unit 5) TEC. Remnant and regenerating Ribbon Gum and trees Yellow Box (6-12m in height) with weedy understorey with some patches of native grasses and forbs.

3-10 m widening (batter) of both sides of highway.

Little Bent-wing Bat record (<1 km to the north)

African lovegrass Blackberry

25950 Low condition Grassy Woodland (Map Unit 5) TEC. Remnant and regenerating Ribbon Gum and Yellow Box (6-12m in height) trees with weedy understorey with some patches of native grasses and forbs


Little Bent-wing Bat record (<1 km to the north)

African lovegrass Blackberry


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26280-26340

Moderate condition Grassy Woodland (Map Unit 5) TEC. Dominated by regenerating Ribbon Gum trees, lacking a shrub layer and a mix of weedy and native ground species but lacks native grass cover. Good regeneration potential. Possible hollows.

2-10 m widening (batter) on north side of highway.

Little Bent-wing Bat

African lovegrass

26760 High condition Riparian Forest (Map Unit 4) 10-20 m batter for bridge support, on the north side of highway

Little Bent-wing Bat and Barking Owl (foraging habitat)

None

26800-26940

High to low condition Grassy Woodland (Map Unit 5) TEC habitat. 1-6 m batter widening on both sides of highway

Little Bent-wing Bat and Barking Owl Varied Sittella

None

27560-27620

High to low condition Grassy Woodland (Map Unit 5) TEC habitat. Shoulder (1-2 m) widening on north side of highway

Little Bent-wing Bat and Barking Owl, Varied Sittella

None


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3.4.2. Threatened flora and ecological communities The endangered Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland (listed under the TSC Act) occurs in the northern end of Section 2 and southern end of Section 3 of the study area, where it is dominated by Ribbon Gum with some areas sub-dominated by Black Sallee and Yellow Box. The construction footprint does not encroach into any areas of Box Gum Woodland which have been identified in the study area. The location of threatened ecological communities in the study area is identified in Figure 3-1a to Figure 3-1c and Figure 3-2a to Figure 3-2c and described above in Table 3-7.

Only one of the threatened flora species identified during the literature reviews were considered to have higher than a ‘low’ or ‘unlikely’ likelihood of occurring within the study area. This is the Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint (Eucalyptus nicholii), which is a planted species within the study area. It was also the only threatened flora species The only threatened flora species actually encountered during the field surveys was Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint, listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act and the EPBC Act (distribution shown in Figure 3-2a to Figure 3-2c). However, this species has been planted for landscaping and is, therefore, not considered significant for threatened species assessment. The occurrences adjacent to the Great Western Highway do not occur within the construction footprint.

Potential habitat for the threatened orchid species Buttercup Doubletail (Diuris aequalis) was also identified in the study area. However, it was not considered that targeted surveys would be required due to a low chance of the species occurring within the study area as a result from past searches having no success (RMS 2011a) and lack of OEH records in the region.

3.4.3. Threatened fauna Koala

The Ribbon Gum is most dominant in the vegetation occurring in the north west of the study area and is considered to be a primary Koala food tree. Other common and sub-dominate tree species such as Brittle Gum, Yellow Box, Blakely’s Red Gum Argyle Apple (Eucalyptus cinerea), Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora) and Apple-topped Box (Eucalyptus bridgesiana) are listed as secondary food trees, and Red Stringybark as a supplementary food tree. Some of these tree species are likely to be removed in the proposed footprint. Most vegetation patches are isolated and disconnected from larger patches of native vegetation in surrounding reserves and private property.

Koala habitat plot assessment

The plot assessment results indicate an area of primary Koala habitat based on the high proportion of Ribbon Gum (i.e. >30% of the tree species present) and is considered to be habitat critical to the survival of the Koala according to DSEWPAC (2012). There is a lack of evidence supporting Koala activity in the study area. The proportion of Koala food trees was considered for each habitat type to determine areas of potential Koala habitat shown in Table 3.9.


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Table 3.9 Potential Koala habitat in vegetation types of the construction footprint Vegetation community

Koala habitat Food tree species Fauna habitat type and characteristics


Tertiary habitat Secondary food trees: Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera) (less than 50%)

Sheltered Dry Sclerophyll Forest


Secondary habitat

Secondary food trees: Yellow Box (E. melliodora) and Candlebark (E. rubida) (less than 50%)

Supplementary food trees: Red Stringybark (Eucalyptus macrocarpa)

Grassy Woodland


Secondary habitat

Secondary food trees: Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera), Yellow Box (E. melliodora) (less than 50%)

Supplementary food trees: Red Stringybark (Eucalyptus macrocarpa)

Grassy Woodland


Potential habitat None Riparian Forest


Primary habitat Primary food trees: Ribbon Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) (greater than 30%)

Secondary food trees: Yellow Box (E. melliodora), Snow gum (Eucalyptus. pauciflora), Apple-topped box Eucalyptus bridgesiana)

Grassy Woodland


Potential Bathurst Copper Butterfly (Paralucia spinifera) (also known as Purple Copper Butterfly) habitat was previously identified adjacent to the existing highway in several locations during surveys (MV2L Alliance, 2011a and Mjadwesch Environmental Service Support, 2012). However, with updated targeted surveys (Mjadwesch Environmental Service Support) in 2013 it was confirmed that the Bathurst Copper Butterfly is absent in the study area. No potential habitat is represented in the study area based on habitat charactersitcs such as the low abundance of Blackthorn and low altitude below 850 metres.

3.4.4. Migratory species Of the 13 migratory species recorded during the literature reviews, all are birds and two (Swift Parrot and Painted Snipe) are also listed under threatened species legislation. Five migratory species were considered to have a moderate likelihood of occurring within the study area. Both the Cattle Egret and Great Egret may use wet areas within the study area for foraging, but they are unlikely to nest within the construction footprint, and being only a seasonal visitor to the area, would not be significantly impacted upon by the safety upgrade project. For the other species, there is no evidence to suggest that an area of important habitat exists within or close to the construction


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footprint, or that the study area is occupied by an ecologically significant proportion of the populations of these migratory species. It is, therefore, considered unlikely that the proposal would reduce populations of these species or substantially reduce the extent of potential habitat available to these species.


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4. Potential impacts 4.1. Loss of vegetation and habitat The loss of vegetation communities and habitats in the construction footprint is summarised in Table 4.1. The construction footprint with associated safety works would impact on a total of 4.40 hectares of native and modified vegetation. Of this, 3.20 hectares (about 73 per cent) is remnant vegetation. The remaining vegetated lands are modified fauna habitat of native and exotic plantings and disturbed land in the form of pastures and weedy roadsides.

Table 4.1 Direct impacts on vegetation and fauna habitat

Vegetation community type

Fauna habitat type

Biometric vegetation type

Conservation status/percentage cleared (Tozer 2010)

Condition Area (ha)


Sheltered Dry Sclerophyll Forest

Narrow-leaved Peppermint - Silvertop Ash - Mountain Grey Gum shrubby open forest of the upper Blue Mountains, Sydney Basin

10-30% of original extent estimated to be cleared

High

0.19

Moderate 0.18

Low 0.13

Very Low 0.08

Sub-total 0.58


Grassy Woodland

Grey Gum - Thin-leaved Stringybark grassy woodland of the southern Blue Mountains gorges, Sydney Basin

<10% of original extent estimated to be cleared

High 0.23

Moderate 0.02

Low 0.25

Sub-total 0.5


Grassy Woodland

Silvertop Ash - Narrow-leaved Peppermint open forest on ridges of the eastern tableland, South Eastern Highlands and South East Corner


High 0.22

Moderate 0.04

Low 0.91

Sub-total 1.17


Riparian Forest

River Oak open forest of major streams, Sydney Basin and South East Corner


High 0.1

Sub-total 0.1


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Vegetation community type

Fauna habitat type

Biometric vegetation type

Conservation status/percentage cleared (Tozer 2010)

Condition Area (ha)


Grassy Woodland

Broad-leaved Peppermint - Ribbon Gum grassy open forest in the north-east of the South Eastern Highlands

Endangered (Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the South Eastern Highlands, Sydney Basin, South East Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions) (TSC Act)


High 0.18

Moderate 0.14

Low 0.49

Very Low 0.05

Sub-total 0.86

TOTAL 3.2 hectares

4.1.1. Threatened ecological communities Impacts to threatened ecological communities include the clearing of around 0.85 hectares of Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the South Eastern Highlands, Sydney Basin, South East Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions (Map Unit 5). This impact includes about 0.13 hectares of moderate condition vegetation and about 0.18 hectares of high condition vegetation on the northern side of the highway near Jenolan Caves Road. The broader study locality has approximately 45,000 hectares of vegetation (Tozer et al. 2010) which has affinities to the Tablelands Grassy Woodland TEC. The potential impact for the proposed upgrade represents less than 1% of this distribution.

There will be no direct impacts to White Box Yellow Box Blakely's Red Gum Woodland (Map Unit 6 Yellow Box Grassy Woodland and Map Unit 7 Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland). Indirect impacts are also not predicted because of the location of the forest being removed from the proposed construction footprint.

4.1.2. Threatened flora The Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint (Eucalyptus nicholii) was the only threatened flora species considered to have a high likelihood of occurring within the study area. As discussed in


PAGE 64

Section 3.3.5, this species is not indigenous to the area, and in the study area, is a planted species. Accordingly, its presence within the study area is not considered to be significant. Moreover, it does not occur within the proposal area, and would not be affected by the proposal.

4.1.3. Threatened fauna As there is a high likelihood of threatened fauna occurring within the construction footprint, or having suitable habitat available within the construction footprint, there is a potential risk of impacts to a high number of threatened fauna species. The loss of 2.5 hectares of Grassy Woodland may reduce habitat for the Varied Sittella and reduce movement though the area because of larger cleared areas. The removal of eucalypt habitat trees with large hollows may reduce potential nesting sites for the Gang-gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum), Barking Owl (Ninox connivens) and Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua). The removal of small hollows, particularly in the stems of living eucalypts would decrease shelter habitat for high potentially occurring microbats such as the Eastern False Pipistrelle, Eastern Freetail-bat, Greater Broad-nosed Bat and the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat. There could be impacts to potential Spotted-tailed Quoll and Koala habitat areas. The potential impacts to Koalas are discussed separately in Section 4.1.6.


All areas within the study area that contain the butterfly’s host plant, Blackthorn, are at best, marginal habitat for Bathurst Copper Butterfly. However, the study area is below 850 metres elevation and Bathurst Copper Butterfly generally occurs above 850 metres elevation. Targeted surveys for the Bathurst Copper Butterfly carried out in October 2013 confirmed that no potential habitat for the Bathurst Copper Butterfly was present in the study area. Accordingly, a referral under any legislation is not considered necessary for this proposal for this species. Nevertheless, an Assessment of Significance has been completed for the species as a precautionary measure.

4.1.4. Loss of hollow bearing trees Several threatened fauna species depend on hollow bearing trees for breeding and shelter. Thirteen hollow bearing trees occur within the construction footprint and these would be impacted by the project. Some of these trees consist of very large Monkey Gums (greater than 20 metres in height) occurring around the southern end of the construction footprint. These large habitat trees range from 80 to 120 centimetres in diameter at breast height with developing hollows and small to medium sized hollows. They also have dead timber for potential fallen timber habitats. Red Stringybark in the middle of the highway section also contain small to medium sized hollows. No large hollows were observed over 20 centimetres in diameter. Six dead standing trees which contain small hollows would also be impacted within the construction footprint. These hollow tree habitats could provide shelter and nesting space for a variety of threatened and common fauna including microbats, birds and gliders. Refer to Figure 3-2a to Figure 3-2c for hollow-bearing tree locations.

In NSW, terrestrial vertebrate species that are reliant on tree hollows for shelter and nests include at least 46 mammals, 81 birds, 31 reptiles and 16 frogs (Gibbons and Lindenmayer 1997, 2002).


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Thirteen of the listed threatened species (TSC Act or EPBC Act) have either been identified within the Hartley Valley study area or are considered likely to occur, as discussed previously. These species are listed in Table 4.2.

Table 4.2 Threatened species potentially affected by the loss of hollow-bearing trees and considered to occur in the study area

Common name Species TSC Act EPBC Act

Glossy Black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami V

Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum V

Powerful Owl Ninox strenua V

Barking Owl Ninox connivens V

Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla V

Spotted-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus V V

Eastern False Pipistrelle Falsistrellus tasmaniensis V

Eastern Freetail-bat Mormopterus norfolkensis V

Southern Myotis Myotis macropus V

Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis V

Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Saccolaimus flaviventris V

Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii V

Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis V

4.1.5. Loss of foraging habitat The proposed works would result in the clearing of about 3.2 hectares of native vegetation, thereby affecting areas of habitat for fauna. There would also be impacts to areas of cleared land with some value for fauna, although mostly for common species such as macropods and birds adapted to agricultural areas. The loss of habitat in grassy woodland is greatest, impacting around 2.5 hectares. Other habitats comprise around 0.6 hectares of sheltered dry sclerophyll forest mainly along the lower slopes below Victoria Pass and 0.1 hectares of riparian forest along River Lett. The condition of these habitats varies from low to high as shown in Table 4-1 and comprises foraging habitat for a wide diversity of fauna species particularly herbivores and nectarvores such as gliders and a diversity of common and threatened bird species. The habitat preferences for listed threatened and migratory fauna species are given in Table 3.5 and Table 3.6.

4.1.6. Koala habitat Koalas occur in a variety of forest and woodland types that contain appropriate tree species. Eucalypt species present within the study area include primary food resources for Koala. However it is unlikely that Koala use these potentially suitable habitat areas as there are no records of the species in the study area and no evidence was found during the targeted surveys. The large quantity of native vegetation containing koala feed tree species adjoining the study area, and


PAGE 66

indeed throughout the greater Blue Mountains area, may support a koala population, although this has not been confirmed.

The safety upgrade development would result in the removal of approximately 0.85 hectares of forest dominated by Ribbon Gum, a known feed tree listed under SEPP 44, and an additional 1.6 hectares of marginal tertiary habitat which may provide some foraging opportunities for Koalas. Potential impacts to the species include permanent loss, modification and fragmentation of habitat, increased incidence of injury or death from fires, road kill and predation by feral and domestic dogs. Currently habitat connectivity for the Koala is highly limited in the study area and there are no suitable underpasses. Impacts to potential Koala habitat are summarised in Table 4.3.

Table 4.3 Potential Koala habitat and impacts in the construction footprint

Koala Habitat Habitat food tree species Loss of habitat (hectares)

Primary habitat

In Map Unit 5 the primary food tree Ribbon Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) comprises greater than 30% of trees present.

Map Unit 5 also supports secondary food species Yellow Box (E. melliodora), Snow Gum (Eucalyptus. pauciflora) and Apple-topped box Eucalyptus bridgesiana).

0.85

Secondary habitat

Map Unit 3 supports a high proportion (greater than 50%) of secondary food trees mainly comprising Brittle Gum (E. mannifera).

1.17

Tertiary habitat Primary feed species are absent and secondary food trees comprise less than 50% of trees present. Tertiary habitat includes Map Unit 1, 2 and 4.

1.18

4.2. Wildlife connectivity and habitat fragmentation The proposed footprint traverses a diversity of landscapes and fauna habitat types that may potentially impact on habitat connectivity and the movements of multiple species from a range of fauna groups, over different temporal and spatial scales. The impacts on fauna associated with the barrier effect of new roads are well documented (Taylor and Goldingay 2010, RTA 2010) and in particular how these relate to local and regional movement corridors, preventing adequate genetic exchange between populations and decreasing the area of available habitat needed to maintain viable, healthy populations.

The habitats surrounding the study area vary in size from large forested areas to small roadside patches which may extend into private holdings and agricultural land. The proposed footprint impacts are contained to areas adjacent to the roadside and does not dissect vegetated areas that form wildlife pathways or broader movement corridors.

Some sections of the existing highway will be widened as part of the proposed design. This may result in habitats being further fragmented and create a wider barrier between habitats, reducing connectivity. Roads decrease the amount and quality of habitat available to wildlife and can


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subdivide populations. Smaller, more isolated populations also experience higher risk of local extinction from significant disturbance events such as bushfire. Edge effects further affect the quality of the remaining habitat for species that are sensitive to disturbance, and/or require particular microhabitat features found in forested areas.

The species most vulnerable to loss of connectivity and increased fragmentation are those with poor dispersal abilities, sedentary habits, specialised needs, and those endemic to an area (Andrews 1990).

The proposed works would have some potential impacts on wildlife connectivity due to an increase in the width of the Great Western Highway in the study area. This would create a barrier to some terrestrial fauna movements. The main fauna species potentially impacted from the increased width of the road would be terrestrial species such as Spotted-tail Quoll, reptiles and macropods, as well as arboreal species such as Koala, possums and gliders.

4.3. Injury and mortality Fauna injury or death can occur during the clearing phase of construction via the removal of hollow-bearing trees, as well as throughout the life-time of the road operation as a result of collision with vehicles. There is also potential for increased fauna injury and mortality as a result of further habitat fragmentation, degradation and loss.

There is potential for injury and mortality to fauna species during vegetation clearing activities. The most vulnerable species are those who take refuge in trees (e.g. hollows, under bark, in nests, and in fallen logs) and in the ground, and/or have low agility. A range of ground-dwelling mammals, microbats, possums, reptiles, birds (particularly fledglings) and frogs are likely to be affected. Macropods, larger reptiles and adult birds are least likely to be affected by vegetation clearing activities because they are able to flee to unaffected areas of suitable habitat.

Construction impacts

While some diurnal and mobile species, such as birds and large reptiles, may be able to move away from the path of clearing, other species that are less mobile or those that are nocturnal, or have smaller home ranges and/or strong site fidelity, are less inclined to move rapidly or disperse large distances away from the activity. This includes species such as roosting microchiropteran bats, arboreal mammals, small reptiles and frogs. The RMS has developed biodiversity guidelines to protect and manage biodiversity on RMS projects (RTA 2011). Further details on the procedures to be implemented are outlined in Chapter 5.

The thirteen hollow bearing trees and six dead standing trees occurring throughout the study area may present nesting habitat for a variety of threatened and common fauna including microbats, birds and potentially cockatoos and gliders. If occupied, there is a risk that fauna may get injured during the removal of these hollows. Refer to Section 5.2 for pre-clearing procedures to mitigate this risk.


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Operation impacts

Mortality due to vehicle strike during operation of the safety works upgrade has the potential to affect fauna species at the sub-population level. In general, rates of vehicle strike mortality are likely to be directly proportional to the distance of native vegetation/fauna habitat crossed by the proposal (Forman et al. 2000). However, other factors such as the design of the road (e.g. through cut or fill, presence of adjacent fences, safety barriers, fauna exclusion fences or fauna crossing structures), vegetation in close proximity to the road, cleared areas where grazing animals forage such as macropods also influence vehicle strike mortality rates. Estimates of road mortality in Australia, based on a single pass survey, have suggested that one bird is lost every 13 kilometre and one mammal lost every 30 kilometre (Disney and Fullagar 1978; Vestjens 1973). Burgin and Brainwood (2008) reported a roadkill frequency of 6.32 animals per 100 kilometre in central western NSW and 3.39 animals per 100 kilometres in peri-urban Sydney. These authors reported more mammals being killed than birds, and identified significantly higher numbers of animals killed on medium traffic volume roads such as major secondary roads and minor highways than on high volume major highways (Burgin and Brainwood 2008).

Simple counts of road mortality, however, fail to consider the impacts that such mortality can have in the wider populations through lost breeding (Forman et al. 2000; Taylor and Goldingay 2004) and the impacts on discrete populations where recruitment is reliant on breeding rather than influx of more animals from adjacent populations.

The proposed safety upgrade is unlikely to result in increased mortality due to vehicle strikes, although it is possible, if the highway is widened in areas where there is dense vegetation close to both sides of the highway, because terrestrial fauna may use such areas for crossing.

4.4. Weeds Weed establishment along roadsides is already dominant, particularly in areas adjacent to existing cleared land. There is a high potential for weeds to spread along modified road edges and penetrate into adjacent remnant vegetation. The noxious weeds that have been recorded from the study area are outlined in Table 3.7.

4.5. Pests and pathogens The proposed upgrade is not likely to increase the invasion of pest species. Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are known to occur in the study area but are not expected to increase in numbers from the proposed upgrade. There is a risk that Foxes may prey on displaced native fauna with the removal of habitat and habitat trees. Increased vegetation clearing may lead to greater colonisation of Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) who take advantage of disturbed and modified environments. This may increase the population of Rabbits and compete against native fauna in a modified habitat. Following construction of the upgrade, revegetation of native species in impacted sections would beneficial to reduce potential habitat for rabbits.

Feral honeybees are introduced bees which originally escaped from hives and have subsequently established in the wild. While the proposal would not directly increase bee numbers, the removal of


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hollow-bearing trees would indirectly increase competition for hollows by native fauna because the loss of tree hollows via occupation by feral honeybees reduces the number of hollows available for native animals to breed and shelter. This is of particular concern for species which are threatened and include tree-roosting microbats, and several bird, reptile and frog species.

4.6. Changed hydrology The proposed upgrade around River Lett is not expected to change the current stream flow regime or velocities or depths of the waterway.

4.7. Groundwater dependent ecosystems The majority of vegetation communities in the study area are considered to have a low level of groundwater dependence considering the dry nature of the dominated woodlands. The lack of evidence from the Atlas of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (Bureau of Meteorology 2013) indicates no groundwater interaction with the surface.

River Lett is most likely driven from a surface water system where flooding is influenced by rainfall where the floodplain may become water logged. Intersection of the water table in cut areas on elevated lands is considered unlikely and potential groundwater dependence of vegetation communities surrounding cut areas is considered low. Construction works in floodplain areas will be largely limited to fill batters. Considering groundwater levels are unlikely to be altered as a result of the proposal, potential groundwater-dependant ecosystems on floodplains and riparian areas are considered unlikely to be impacted.

4.8. Aquatic impacts The construction and operation of the proposed upgrade has the potential to impact the aquatic habitat of the River Lett and minor ephemeral drainages. Small changes to the existing highway bridge include a retaining wall on the northern side of the bridge and batters on the southern side of the river crossing. The river is outside the construction footprint of the batters and the retaining wall is not expected to alter the river channel or interrupt fish passage.

Although the scale of these impacts is minor, the most likely impacts may be to water quality due to increased sedimentation and erosion during construction of the upgraded bridge. Potentially polluting activities associated with construction of the proposal include earthworks, placement of road surface, disposal of wastewater, equipment and chemical storage areas and erosion from exposed ground and stockpiles. Increased suspended solids can impact fish and macroinvertebrate abundance through clogging gill structures and benthic smothering. Increased particulates in the water column can also reduce water infiltration which may limit plant growth and influence predator foraging behaviour. Increased turbidity can result in a reduction of light penetration and in turn reduce the number of aquatic macrophytes or algae, altering the existing aquatic environment.


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4.9. Noise, vibration and light Considering the existing levels of noise, vibration and light from the Great Western Highway, it is unlikely there would be a significant increase to the existing levels which would result in any significant impacts to native fauna species. There is potential for impacts to local fauna from noise and vibration during construction, which may result in fauna temporarily avoiding habitats adjacent to the proposed footprint.

4.10. Impact on relevant key threatening processes Key threatening processes listed under the TSC Act, FM Act and EPBC Act and considered likely to be increased by the upgrade are listed in Table 4.4. Key threatening processes identified as being impacted by the upgrade comprise those associated with habitat degradation including vegetation clearing, bushrock removal and removal of hollow-bearing trees and fallen timber. Mitigation measures would be implemented to minimise the extent of vegetation clearing and habitat disturbance (refer to Chapter 5), and relocate important fauna habitats.

There is also potential for other key threatening processes to be increased e.g. weed invasion or introduction of pests and diseases.

Table 4.4 Enacting key threatening processes

Threatening process Relevant legislation

Increased by the proposal?

Proposed mitigation

Habitat degradation

Bushrock removal TSC Act Potential Section 5.2

Land clearance/Clearing of native vegetation EPBC Act, TSC Act

Yes

Loss of hollow-bearing trees TSC Act Yes

Removal of dead wood and dead trees TSC Act Yes

Feral invertebrate fauna

Competition from feral honey bees (Apis mellifera) TSC Act Potential Section 5.2

Feral vertebrate fauna

Competition and land degradation by rabbits / Competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

EPBC Act, TSC Act

Potential Section 5.2

Hydrology and riparian zones

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

TSC Act Potential Section 5.2

The degradation of native riparian vegetation along NSW FM Act Potential Section 5.2


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Proposed mitigation

water courses

Removal of large woody debris from NSW rivers and streams

FM Act Unlikely Section 5.2

Installation and operation of in-stream structures and other mechanisms that alter natural flow regimes of rivers and streams

FM Act Potential Section 5.2

Pathogens

Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi)/Infection of native plants by Phytophthora cinnamomi

EPBC Act, TSC Act


Weeds

Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants

EPBC Act Potential Section 5.2

Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses

TSC Act Potential

Climate change

Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases

EPBC Act Potential N/A

Anthropogenic climate change TSC Act Potential N/A

4.11. Cumulative impacts The proposed upgrade would increase the area of ecological disturbance created by the existing highway. Where habitat is removed, it would permanently displace fauna shelter and foraging opportunities causing long term competition for these resources in the area and potential species population declines. The potential impacts, as a result of the cumulative impact from the individual ecological impacts, are further increased by the regional proximity of the safety upgrade works.


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5. Avoidance and mitigation measures The RMS Corporate Plan: Blueprint Update (2011) states RMS ‘will reduce the impact of road projects on the natural and social environment’. The RMS Biodiversity Guidelines (RTA 2011) respond to the RMS’ corporate commitments by addressing biodiversity management. In managing biodiversity, RMS aims to:

• Avoid and minimise impacts first.

• Mitigate impacts where avoidance is not possible.

• Offset where residual impacts cannot be avoided.

5.1. Avoidance and minimisation RMS (2011, 2012) studies for the preferred route of the Great Western Highway have previously identified key environmental constraints which has been summarised in this report and used to inform the current design. The proposed upgrade has been designed to minimise vegetation clearing where possible and minimise potential impacts to specific threatened species and ecological communities present in the study area. Key avoidance and minimisation measures associated with the design include:

• Avoiding broad scale vegetation clearing.

• Minimising vegetation/habitat clearing where possible to reduce impacts to threatened fauna species which rely on these habitats.

• Minimising impacts to the threatened ecological communities through appropriate road design.

• Minimising habitat fragmentation and reduced connectivity and avoiding the use of barriers to fauna movement such as median barriers on the highway and bridge piers in the waterway.

5.2. Mitigation measures The proposed mitigation measures specified below are consistent with the Biodiversity Guidelines: Protecting and managing biodiversity on RTA projects (RTA 2011).

Flora and Fauna Management Plan

A flora and fauna management plan would be prepared as part of the construction environmental management plan (CEMP). The plan would include all flora and fauna species and their habitat for protection and impact mitigation. It would specifically include:

• Information about confirmed or likely threatened species presence and actions to manage threats associated with proposed works.

• A clearing procedure for pre-clearing requirements.

• Threatened species habitat rehabilitation such as nest boxes for Owls, microbats, gliders and other mammals, and revegetation to maintain connectivity.

• Species monitoring guidelines and action performance.


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Nest box and hollow bearing tree management

The proposal is expected to remove about thirteen hollow bearing trees throughout the construction footprint, particularly in Section 1 and 2. A nest box management plan would be required to manage and inform actions to compensate for this loss of hollows. The plan would form part of the Flora and Fauna Management Plan and be implemented in the pre-construction phase.

Targeted hollow bearing tree surveys would be required to determine the exact number, quality and size of hollows to be removed and possible fauna occupation. A proposed number of nest boxes would be determined based on the density of hollow bearing trees per hectare of habitat removal, number of functional hollows per tree and tree species type and hollow location. At least 70 per cent of next boxes would need to be installed 3-6 months prior to habitat clearing.

Vegetation and habitat removal

Pre-clearing

• A flora and fauna management plan would include a clearing procedure, which in turn would specify the requirements for pre-clearing.

• Pre-clearing surveys would be undertaken by an experienced ecologist to identify the location and extent of important habitats within the construction footprint, such as bushrock, hollow trees and woody debris. Items to be salvaged for reuse/relocation would be identified.

• Identify and mark habitat features to be protected during construction in retained areas, particularly habitat and hollow-bearing trees.

• Identify nearby habitats on both sides of the existing highway along the length of the proposal suitable for the release of fauna that may be encountered during the pre-clearing process or habitat removal.

• Map the location of any threatened flora and/or fauna species, threatened ecological communities and habitat identified in the CEMP.

• Develop an unexpected threatened species finds procedure, specific for the planned project works, based on the example outlined in the RMS Biodiversity Guidelines (RTA 2011).

• Ensure no parking of vehicles and/or machinery and the stockpile or storage of equipment under the dripline of any trees as outlined in the RMS Biodiversity Guidelines.

Exclusion zones

The location of exclusion zones would be determined and established to avoid damage to threatened ecological communities, riparian vegetation and threatened fauna habitat and prevent the distribution of pests, weeds and disease. Basic temporary fencing would be installed to indicate the limits of clearing. The location of exclusion fencing to be installed would be identified on plans in the CEMP and the function and importance of the exclusion zones communicated to construction personnel. For further information regarding the establishment of exclusion zones refer to the RMS Biodiversity Guidelines – Guide 2 Exclusion Zones (RTA 2011).


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Threatened Ecological Communities

Table 5.1 Potential impacts and management recommendations in each section of the proposal

Chainage Proposed construction

Potential impacts Mitigation measures

20201.00-20301.08

5-10 m batter on the west side of highway.

Removal of native vegetation and 6-7 habitat trees with hollows and developing hollows, five dead standing trees with potential hollows (>10cm), Ground logs (potential habitat).

Reduce disturbance to remnant trees and native habitat including hollow bearing trees. Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible. Re-establishment of habitat and implementation of nest boxes in local habitat. Appropriate re-location of fallen timber and habitat logs. Weed management measures required.

20301.08- 20321.10

4 m batter on east side of highway

Removal of 1-2 trees. Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible.

20331.10- 20521.26

1-3 m batter on east side of highway

Removal of remnant trees and nectar resources.

Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible.

20691.39- 20711.41

1-5 m batter on west side of highway.

Disturbance to native ground layer with high regeneration potential and potential indirect disturbance to Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint.

Avoid disturbance to drip line of planted Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint. Retain seed bank of native understorey for topsoil respreading. Weed management measures required.

21181.78- 21191.79

Widening and, batters on both sides of highway

Removal or disturbance of 1-2 native trees.

Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible. Weed management measures required.

21271.86- 21331.90

Widening and shallow batter on south side of highway

Removal disturbance to 5-6 native trees.


21371.94- 21421.98

10 m batter on south side of highway

Permanent removal of low condition native vegetation (Map Unit 2).


21602.12 Slight widening of north side of highway

Weed invasion Weed management measures required.

21722.22- 21732.22

Small batter south side of highway

Removal of remnant trees, potential fauna habitat..

Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible. Retain topsoil for post respread.

21812.29- 22002.44

Narrow widening of 1-3 m on south side of highway

Removal of high condition Grassy Woodland (Map Unit 2).

Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible. Retain topsoil for post respread. Avoid removal of Blackthorn. Weed management measures required.


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22682.98 Narrow widening of >1 m (table drain) west side of highway

Removal of remnant trees, potential fauna habitat.


22913.17- 22953.20

Narrow widening of 1-2 m. (table drain) west side of highway



23023.26- 23053.28

8-9 m widening on west side of highway (table drain)



23103.32- 23213.41

5-8 m widening on west and east side of highway



23253.44- 23343.51

10-13 m widening on east side of highway, also along (80 m) Browns Gap Road.

Removal and disturbance to threatened species habitat and High condition Grassy Woodland.

Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible. Retain native topsoil for post re-spread Weed management measures required.

23343.51- 23443.59

Widening (3-7 m) on west side of highway

Removal of remnant trees, hollows and potential fauna habitat.

Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible. Implementation of nest boxes in local habitat. Weed management measures required. Re-establishment of habitat.

23513.65- 23583.70

Widening 3-5 m on the south side of highway

Removal of remnant trees, 4-5 small hollows and one medium sized hollow and potential fauna habitat.

Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible. Weed management measures required. Re-establishment of habitat. Implementation of nest boxes in local habitat. Appropriate re-location of fallen timber and habitat logs.

23683.78- 23773.86

5 m widening of the south side of the highway

Removal and disturbance to 5-6 native trees.


24030-24060

5 m widening of the both sides of the highway with table drains

Removal and disturbance to native trees and potential habitat.

Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible. Implementation of nest boxes in local habitat. Re-establishment of habitat.


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24130 Widening (5 m) of track off highway on north side with table drains



24380-24440

5 m widening of the south side of highway


Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible. Implementation of nest boxes in local habitat. Re-establishment of habitat. Weed management measures required.

25270-25460

5-6 m widening of south side of highway

No major impact. Loss of some native seed bank with good regeneration potential.

Retain areas of native seed bank and respread topsoil. Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible. Weed management measures required.

25660-25810


Loss of Low condition (regenerating) TEC. Possible removal of remnant trees.

Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible. Retain areas of native seed bank and respread native topsoil. Re-establishment of habitat. Weed management measures required.

25950 6-13 m widening (batter) of both sides of highway.

Loss of Low condition (regenerating) TEC. Possible removal of remnant trees.

Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible. Retain areas of native seed bank and respread native topsoil. Re-establishment of habitat. Weed management measures required.

26280-26340

2-10 m widening (batter) on north side of highway.

Loss of Low condition (regenerating) TEC. Possible removal of remnant trees. Potential fauna habitat.

Weed management measures required. Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible. Re-establishment of habitat. Implementation of nest boxes in local habitat.

26760 10-20 m batter for bridge support, on the north side of highway

Loss of riparian habitat. Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible. Re-establishment of habitat.

26800-26940

1-6 m batter Loss of Low condition TEC. Possible removal of remnant trees. Potential fauna habitat.

Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible. Re-establishment of habitat. Retain areas of native seed bank and


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respread native topsoil.

27560-27620

Shoulder (1-2 m) widening on north side of highway

Loss of Low-High condition TEC. Possible removal of remnant trees. Potential fauna habitat.

Avoid disturbance to drip line of remnant trees, where possible. Re-establishment of habitat. Retain areas of native seed bank and respread native topsoil.

Staged habitat removal

A staged habitat removal process would be implemented consistent with the procedures identified in the RMS Biodiversity Guidelines (RTA 2011). The staged habitat removal process would be incorporated into the CEMP and communicated to construction personnel. The staged habitat removal procedure is summarised in Table 5.2.

Table 5.2 Staged habitat removal process (adapted from RTA 2011)

Stage Details

1. Contact vet and/or wildlife carers

Vet and/or wildlife carers need to be contacted prior to construction commencing to ensure they are willing to assist in treating injured animals if necessary. Their contact details would be included in the CEMP, be given to the site manager and clearly displayed in the site office.

2. An experienced and licensed wildlife carer and/or ecologist would be present

An experienced and licensed wildlife carer and/or ecologist would be present on site during all habitat removal activities to capture and relocate fauna that may be encountered.

3. Remove non-habitat vegetation first

Progressive habitat removal would take place around habitat identified and marked during the pre-clearing process. Remove non-hollow-bearing trees, undergrowth, feed-trees, regrowth and grass. Do not fell trees towards exclusion zones.

4. Leave habitat for a minimum of 24 hours

Identified habitat (e.g. hollow-bearing trees) would be left for at least 24 hours after removing non-habitat vegetation to allow fauna to escape. A licensed wildlife carer and/or ecologist would check hollow-bearing trees are not being used by fauna before felling. If necessary, fauna may need to be trapped and relocated to pre-determined habitat identified for fauna release.

5. Remove habitat Fell habitat trees, particularly hollow-bearing trees as carefully as possible to avoid injury to any fauna still remaining in trees. Use equipment that would allow the habitat trees to be lowered to the ground with minimal impact (e.g. claw extension). Do not fell trees towards exclusion zones.

6. Inspect habitat An experienced and licensed wildlife carer and/or ecologist would inspect habitat once it is removed e.g. after a tree is felled). Animals that emerge would be captured, inspected for injury then relocated to pre-determined habitat


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Stage Details

identified for fauna release.

7. Relocate habitat All hollows have the potential to support fauna and would be placed in adjacent habitat until the following day for further inspection by a licensed wildlife carer and/or ecologist to verify no fauna is present. If possible, the hollows would be permanently relocated in adjacent areas in accordance with the RMS Biodiversity Guidelines (RTA 2011). Inspect woody debris for fauna immediately before chipping to avoid injury or death to fauna that may be present.

8. Reporting The construction project manager and/or environment manager would ensure that the outcomes of the clearing process are recorded. Reporting is usually the responsibility of an ecologist or environment officer. Reports are to be submitted to relevant personnel (e.g. environment manager or RMS regional environment staff).

Minimising fauna injury and mortality

To prevent injury and mortality of fauna during the clearing of vegetation an experienced and licensed wildlife carer and/or ecologist would be present to supervise vegetation clearing and capture and relocate fauna where required. Further details regarding fauna handling and vegetation clearing procedures are provided in the RMS Biodiversity Guidelines (RTA 2011).

5.2.1. Weed Management A weed management plan would be developed as part of the CEMP, the RMS Biodiversity Guidelines (RTA 2011) and the Introductory Weed Management Manual (Natural Heritage Trust 2004) provide guidance for developing weed management plans. As part of the weed management plan a site assessment by an ecologist or person trained in weed identification and management would be required to assess the extent and severity of weed species in the construction footprint with particular emphasis on noxious weed species.

The weed management plan would include descriptions and mapping of major weed infestations during pre-clearing surveys and appropriate management actions to be undertaken for each infestation. The details of the weed management plan would vary for each site but would include:

• Taxa and potential sources of the weed species.

• Weed management priorities and objectives.

• Sensitive environmental areas within or adjacent to the site.

• Location of weed infested areas.

• Mechanical weed control methods such as slashing or mowing, as well as a range of herbicides to avoid the development of herbicide resistance.

• Measures to prevent the spread of weeds.


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• A monitoring program to measure the success of weed management.

• Strategic management with adjacent landowners.

• Appropriate disposal of weed infested materials and soils to be identified in the CEMP.

• Communication strategies to improve contractor awareness of weeds and weed management.

5.2.2. Pest and disease management A number of pests and diseases may potentially be present in the proposal footprint. There have been reports of Root Rot at Mt Victoria and other upper Blue Mountains areas. Measures to prevent the introduction and/or spread of pests and disease causing agents such as bacteria and fungi need to be incorporated into the CEMP for the proposal.

Measures to confirm the presence of pathogens/disease causing agents would be undertaken prior to construction. A background search of government-maintained websites for the most recent known locations of contamination and for the most up-to-date hygiene protocols for each pathogen would be undertaken. If risks are identified in the vicinity of the proposal, sampling and then testing by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) approved laboratory may be required to confirm the presence of pathogens in the soil and/or water.

If pathogens/disease causing agents are found to be present, measures to prevent the introduction and/or spread of these pathogens/disease agents would be incorporated into the Pest and Disease Management Plan developed as part of the CEMP. This Plan would incorporate identification of exclusion zones, with fencing and signage to restrict access into contaminated areas, where appropriate. The pest and disease management plan would be developed in accordance Guide 7 of the Biodiversity Guidelines (RTA 2011)

5.2.3. Native vegetation re-establishment As there would be removal of native vegetation and habitat, a landscape management plan would need to be developed as part of the CEMP. This plan would provide specific details for the re-establishment of native vegetation on batters, cut faces, and other areas disturbed during construction. This would include details for the appropriate restoration of the Tablelands Grassy Woodland TEC and revegetation of obsolete sections of the existing highway. The landscape management plan would need to consider a range of constraints and opportunities associated with the proposed upgrade including collection and propagation of local seed, salvage and reuse of topsoil, leaf litter and woody debris, threatened species habitat, wildlife connectivity zones and local vegetation community composition.

Nest boxes

As there would be removal and loss of hollow-bearing trees by the proposal, it is recommended that nest boxes be installed to compensate for this loss. Guidance regarding the dimensions of nest boxes, installation and maintenance are provided in the RMS Biodiversity Guidelines- Guide 8 Nest Boxes (RTA 2011).


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5.2.4. Aquatic habitat and riparian zones Aquatic habitats and riparian zones are to be managed in accordance with the Biodiversity Guidelines: Guideline 10 – Aquatic habitats and riparian zones (RTA 2011). Additional measures to be adopted to minimise the potential impact of the proposal on general aquatic values of construction and operation are provided below.

• Exclusion zones would restrict construction traffic to access tracks, fenced prior to the start of construction and maintained until construction is complete.

• Chemicals and fuels would be stored within a bunded area at least 40 m away from water bodies. Emergency spill kits would be kept on site at all times and staff trained in their use.

• Construction would not involve the alteration of waterway channels, the removal of aquatic vegetation, alteration of instream habitat, or the obstruction of fish passage. Impacts from the crossing of the River Lett or construction in the vicinity of other watercourses would be minimised by complying with NSW Fisheries ‘Guidelines and Policies for Aquatic Habitat Management and Fish Conservation’ and ‘Why do Fish Need to Cross the Road? Fish Passage Requirements for Waterway Crossings’ (Fairfull and Witheridge, 2003).

• Appropriate sediment and erosion control measures would be put in place during the construction and restoration processes to control turbidity. This may include sediment and erosion control curtains at River Lett and any minor drainages/headwater streams which are flowing. Clean water would be redirected around disturbed areas.

• No turbid water generated from the construction corridor or construction area is to be discharged into any waterway.

• Stockpiled material would not be placed over ephemeral creek or drainage lines.

• All waterway crossing construction materials (rocks and gravel) are to be clean prior to being used for construction to minimise turbidity. Prior to any disturbance on the banks, a thorough inspection for aquatic fauna such as turtle nests would be conducted.

• Minimise the risk of instream and riparian weeds through the implementation of a vegetation clearing and revegetation management strategy.

A Water Quality Monitoring Plan would be implemented to monitor the aquatic environment and identify any changes to these conditions. Watercourses which may be impacted will be assessed for aquatic fauna and habitat, and classified according to the Policy and Guidelines for Fish Habitat Conservation and Management (DPI 2013). Management and mitigation measures would be designed to minimise potential impacts to water quality and the aquatic habitat within the River Lett and ephemeral drainages/headwater streams.

5.2.5. Wildlife connectivity As part of the corridor studies in RMS 2011, planning for biodiversity connectivity was undertaken to identify key fauna movement zones based on priority fauna habitats, fauna population hotspots for both arboreal and terrestrial fauna and important links in the landscape between fragmented


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vegetation patches. Connectivity zones were mapped with advised recommendations on the design and location of movement structures as shown in Figure 3-5a to Figure 3-5b.

It is proposed that these connectivity zones be considered for this safety upgrade proposal to improve wildlife movement across the highway. Connectivity needs to be maintained and improved through riparian/Aquatic habitats at River Lett and on a tributary of Butlers Creek.

5.3. Offsetting residual impacts Where impacts cannot be avoided to threatened ecological communities and threatened fauna habitat, it is recommended that these biodiversity values be maintained or improved in long term compensatory lands. The RMS (2011) Guideline for Biodiversity Offset was considered to determine whether the project would trigger offset requirements under the guideline. (This is a guideline and not a legislative requirement). The guideline identifies projects where greater than five hectares of threatened species habitat is being impacted and/or greater than one hectare of a threatened ecological community (high-moderate condition) or a vegetation type greater than 70% cleared in NSW is being impacted.

The proposed safety works would result in the loss of 0.85 hectares of high and moderate condition TEC (Map Unit 5). Map Unit 3 and 4 have an estimated greater than 70 per cent of pre-European extant cleared, where approximately 1.27 hectares would be impacted by the project. On this basis, biodiversity offsets should be considered. A biodiversity offset would be beneficial to compensate for the loss of native vegetation and specific threatened fauna species habitat.


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6. Significance assessments Significance assessments have been conducted for threatened biodiversity that have been positively identified or that have a high likelihood of occurring in the study area.

6.1. NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 This section details the heads of consideration as listed under Section 5a of the EP&A Act in assessing the significance of the impacts for threatened species and ecological communities listed under the NSW TSC Act.

Species with similar taxonomy or ecological requirements have been assessed together, for example tree-roosting microchiropteran bats. Full details of assessment of significance under the EP&A Act are presented in Appendix D. The conclusions of the EP&A Act are provided in Table 6.1, which indicates that a significant impact is considered unlikely on any biota listed under the TSC Act.

Table 6.1 Summary of EP&A Act assessments of significance

Species

Status (TSC Act)

Sect 5a EP&A Act (heads of consideration*)

Likely significant impact

Potential to occur in the construction footprint a b c d e f g

Endangered Ecological Communities

Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the Southeastern highlands, Sydney Basin, South-east Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions

E N X X N X N Y No Confirmed

Threatened fauna


(Dasyurus maculatus)

V N X X N X N Y No High


(Petaurus australis)

V N X X Y X N Y No High

Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis)

V N X X Y X N Y No High

Koala (Phascolarctos V N X X N X N Y No High


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Species

Status (TSC Act)




cinereus)

Little Lorikeet (Glossopsitta pusilla)


Gang-gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum)

V N X X N X N Y No Confirmed

Scarlet Robin

(Petroica boodang)


Varied Sittella (Daphoenositta chrysoptera)


Large forest owls

Barking Owl (Ninox connivens)


Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) V Confirmed

Cave-roosting microbats

Eastern Bent-wing Bat

(Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis)


Southern Myotis

(Myotis macropus)

V High

Little Bentwing Bat (Miniopterus australis)

V Confirmed

Tree-roosting microbats


(Falsistrellus tasmaniensis)

V N X X N X X Y No High


(Mormopterus norfolkensis)

V High

Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris)

V High

Greater Broad-nosed Bat (Scoteanax rueppellii)

V High


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Species

Status (TSC Act)




Invertebrates

Bathurst Copper Butterfly (Paralucia spinifera)

E N X X N X X Y No Moderate

* Y= Yes (negative impact), N = No (no or positive impact), X = not applicable,

Significance Assessment Questions (heads of consideration) as detailed in Section 5a of the EP&A Act

a in the case of a threatened species, whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction,

b in the case of an endangered population, whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction,

c in the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered ecological community, whether the action proposed:

(i) is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or

(ii) is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction,

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

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

(ii) whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action, and

(iii) the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or isolated to the long-term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality,

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

f whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threat abatement plan,

g whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a key threatening process or is likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.

6.2. Commonwealth EPBC Act, 1999 Full details of the assessment of significance for threatened species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 are presented in Appendix D. The conclusions of the EPBC Act assessment of significance are provided in Table 6.2 which indicates that a significant impact is considered unlikely for any Matter of National Environmental Significance (MNES).


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Table 6.2 Summary of Commonwealth EPBC Act, assessment of significance

Species/ecological community

*Assessment of significance questions (EPBC Act) 1


Important population +

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Vulnerable fauna

Koala

(Phascolarctos cinereus)

N N N N N N N N N No No

Bathurst Copper Butterfly (Paralucia spinifera)

N N N N N N N N N No N/A

Endangered fauna


(Dasyurus maculatus)

N N N N N N N N N No N/A

* Assessment of significance questions 1) Lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population; 2) Reduce the area of occupancy of the species; 3) Fragment an existing population into two or more populations; 4) Adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of a species; 5) Disrupt the breeding cycle of a population; 6) Modify, destroy, remove, isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is

likely to decline; 7) Result in invasive species that are harmful to a critically endangered or endangered species becoming

established in the endangered or critically endangered species’ habitat; 8) Introduce disease that may cause the species to decline; or 9) Interfere with the recovery of the species.

+ Important population as determined by the EPBC Act is a population of a vulnerable species that: is likely to be key source populations either for breeding or dispersal is likely to be necessary for maintaining genetic diversity is at or near the limit of the species range.


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7. Conclusion The proposed Hartley Valley Safety Upgrade is unlikely to have significant impacts upon threatened species, populations or ecological communities, as listed under the NSW TSC Act, the FM Act or the Commonwealth EPBC Act. . The construction of the safety upgrade would result in the removal of 3.20 hectares of native vegetation, including about 0.13 hectares of moderate condition vegetation and about 0.18 hectares of high condition vegetation. There will be removal of 0.85 hectares of the TEC ‘Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the South Eastern Highlands, Sydney Basin, South East Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions’, listed as endangered under the TSC Act. The broader study locality has approximately 45,000 hectares of vegetation which has affinities to the Tablelands Grassy Woodland TEC. The potential impact for the proposed upgrade represents less than 1% of this distribution. There are predicted to be no impacts to the other TEC recorded in the area.

The Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint (Eucalyptus nicholii) was the only threatened flora species considered to have a high likelihood of occurring within the study area. All other threatened flora species were considered to have a unlikely or low likelihood of occurring within the study area.

As there is a high likelihood of threatened fauna or their habitat occurring within the construction footprint, therefore, there is a potential risk of impacts to a high number of threatened fauna species. The loss of 2.5 hectares of Grassy Woodland for the Varied Sittella may reduce habitat and reduce movement though the area because of larger cleared areas. The removal of 13 Eucalypt habitat trees with large hollows, within the construction area, may reduce potential nesting or sheltering sites for Gang-gang Cockatoo, Little Lorikeet, Barking Owl and Powerful Owl, Glossy Black Cockatoo, Yellow-bellied Glider and Squirrel Glider. The removal of small hollows, particularly in the stems of living eucalypts would decrease shelter for microbats such as the Eastern False Pipistrelle, Eastern Freetail-bat, Greater Broad-nosed Bat and the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat. There could be impacts to potential Bathurst Copper Butterfly or Spotted-tailed Quoll habitat areas. The safety upgrade development would result in the removal of approximately 0.85 hectares of forest dominated by Ribbon Gum, a known feed tree listed under SEPP 44, and an additional 1.6 hectares of marginal habitat which may provide some foraging opportunities for Koalas.

There are predicted to be no impacts of the proposed upgrade to hydrology, as works around River Lett is not expected to change the current stream flow regime or velocities or depths of the waterway. Similarly, there are predicted to be no impacts of the proposed upgrade to groundwater dependant ecosystems, with the majority of vegetation communities in the study area considered to have a low level of groundwater dependence given the dry nature of the dominated woodlands. Regarding aquatic fauna, there is potential for impacts to local fauna from noise and vibration during construction, which may result in fauna temporarily avoiding habitats adjacent to the proposed footprint.

Key mitigation measures to minimise and avoid biodiversity impacts include but are not limited to:


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• Avoiding broad scale vegetation clearing.

• Minimising vegetation/habitat clearing where possible to reduce impacts to threatened fauna species which rely on these habitats.

• Minimising impacts to the threatened ecological communities through appropriate road design.

• Creating biodiversity offsets for mitigating impacts to threatened ecological communities and threatened fauna habitat.

• Minimising habitat fragmentation and reduced connectivity and avoiding the use of barriers to fauna movement such as median barriers on the highway and bridge piers in the waterway.

The proposed upgrade is unlikely to have a significant impact on threatened fauna species and ecological communities listed under the TSC Act or FM Act and, therefore, a Species Impact Statement is not required. Further to this, no significant impacts on a matter of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act have been identified and a referral under this Act is not required.

A flora and fauna management plan would be prepared as part of the construction environmental management plan (CEMP). The plan would include all flora and fauna species and their habitat for protection and impact mitigation. It would specifically include:

• Information about confirmed or likely threatened species presence and actions to manage threats associated with proposed works.

• A clearing procedure for pre-clearing requirements, including development of exclusion zones if required and staged habitat removal.

• Threatened species habitat rehabilitation such as nest boxes for owls, microbats, gliders and other mammals, and revegetation to maintain connectivity.

• Species monitoring guidelines and action performance.

A landscape management plan would need to be developed as part of the CEMP. This plan will provide specific details for the re-establishment of native vegetation on batters, cut faces, and other areas disturbed during construction. This would include details for the appropriate restoration of the Tablelands Grassy Woodland TEC and revegetation of obsolete sections of the existing highway.

A Water Quality Monitoring Plan would be implemented to monitor the aquatic environment and identify any changes to these conditions. Watercourses which may be impacted will be assessed for aquatic fauna and habitat, and classified according to the Policy and Guidelines for Fish Habitat Conservation and Management (DPI 2013). Management and mitigation measures would be designed to minimise potential impacts to water quality and the aquatic habitat within the River Lett and ephemeral drainages/headwater streams. Aquatic habitats and riparian zones are to be managed in accordance with the Biodiversity Guidelines: Guideline 10 – Aquatic habitats and riparian zones (RTA 2011).

The connectivity zones developed as part of the corridor studies in RMS 2011 need to be considered for this Hartley Valley safety upgrade proposal, to improve wildlife movement across


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the highway. Connectivity needs to be maintained and improved through riparian/Aquatic habitats at River Lett and on a tributary of Butlers Creek.

Where impacts to TECs and threatened species habitat cannot be avoided or minimised, it is recommended that these biodiversity values be maintained or improved in long term compensatory lands. As the proposed safety works would result in the loss of 0.85 hectares of high and moderate condition TEC and Map Unit 3 and 4 have an estimated greater than 70 per cent of pre-European extant cleared, where approximately 1.27 hectares would be impacted by the project. On this basis, biodiversity offsets should be considered.

A weed management plan would be developed as part of the CEMP. As part of the weed management plan, a site assessment by a qualified ecologist would be required to assess the extent and severity of weed species within the construction footprint, with particular emphasis on noxious weed species.

Measures to confirm the presence of pathogens/disease causing agents would be undertaken prior to construction. If risks are identified in the vicinity of the proposal, testing from a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) approved laboratory may be required to confirm the presence of pathogens in the soil and/or water. If pathogens/disease causing agents are found to be present, measures to prevent the introduction and/or spread of these pathogens/disease agents would be incorporated into the Pest and Disease Management Plan developed as part of the CEMP.


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8. References Andrews, A. (1990). Fragmentation of habitat by roads and utility corridors: A review. Australian Zoologist 26, 130-141, Australian Museum.

Business Services (1995) Fauna Impact Statement for the Gloucester and Chichester Management Areas. Report prepared for State Forests of NSW.

Bureau of Meteorology (2013) Atlas of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems. Australian Government, accessed in July 2013 at http://www.bom.gov.au/water/groundwater/gde/map.shtml

Debus, S. J. S. (1997) The Barking Owl in New South Wales in Australian Birds 30(3), 53-80.

Department of Environment and Conservation (2006) The Vegetation of the Western Blue Mountains. Unpublished report funded by the Hawkesbury – Nepean Catchment Management Authority. Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville.

Department of Environment and Climate Change (2008) Recovery Plan for the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW. Sydney.

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) (2012) Interim Biogeographic Regionalism Assessment, version 7. Australian Government.

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPAC) (2012). Interim koala referral advice for proponents. Australian Government.

Edgar, R. & Belcher, C. (1995) Spotted-tailed Quoll, pp. 67 - 69 in The Mammals of Australia. Ed. R. Strahan. Australian Museum and Reed, Sydney.

Gibbons, P. and Lindenmayer, D. B. (2002) Tree Hollows and Wildlife Conservation in Australia. CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne.

Goldingay, R. L. & Kavanagh, R. P. (1991) The Yellow-bellied Glider: a Review of its Ecology and Management Considerations. pp. 365 - 375 in Conservation of Australian Forest Fauna, ed. D. Lunney. Royal Zool. Soc. of NSW, Mosman.

Goldingay, R. L. & Kavanagh, R. P. (1993) Home-range Estimates and Habitat of the Yellow-bellied Glider (Petaurus australis) at Waratah Creek, New South Wales. Wildl. Res. 20: 387 - 404.

Goldingay, R. L. (1986) Feeding behaviour of the yellow-bellied glider Petarus australis (Marsupialla: Petauridae) at Bombala, New South Wales, in Aust Mammal 9: 17-25.

Kavanagh, R.P. (1987) Forest phonology and its effect on foraging behaviour and selection of habitat by the yellow-bellied glider, Petaurus australis, in Aust. Wild. Res. 14: 371-84.

http://www.bom.gov.au/water/groundwater/gde/map.shtml


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Kavanagh, R.P. (1987b) Foraging behaviours of the yellow-bellied glider, Petaurus australis, near Eden New South Wales, in Aust. Mammal. 10:37-39.

Lumsden, L. F. & Menkhorst, P. W. (1996) Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat. pp. 161 - 162 in Mammals of Victoria - distribution, ecology and conservation by Menkhorst, P. W. (Ed.). Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Martin, R. W. & Handasyde, K. A. (1995) Koala pp. 196 - 198 in the Mammals of Australia by Strahan, R. (Ed). Australian Museum and Reed Books, Sydney

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

Mjadwesch Environmental Service Support (2012) The Purple Copper Butterfly Paralucia spinifera, Great Western Highway Mount Victoria –Lithgow Realignment Part 1- Survey.

Mjadwesch Environmental Service Support (2013) The Purple Copper Butterfly Paralucia spinifera, Forty Bends, River Lett, Hartley Realignment and Proposed Offset Assessment. .

Office of Environment and Heritage (2013) Atlas of NSW Wildlife accessed in July 2013 at http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/atlaspublicapp/UI_Modules/ATLAS_/AtlasSearch.aspx?who=86cf3f1e-8ef9-4273-901a-dfd8e6918622.

Olsen P, Weston M, Tzaros C, Silcocks A (2005) The state of Australia’s birds 2005: Woodlands and birds. Supplement to Wingspan 15(4), 32pp.

Parnaby, H. A. (1992). An Interim Guide to Identification of Insectivorous Bats of South-eastern Australia. Technical Report No. 8. Australian Museum, Sydney.

Phillips, W. R. (1990). Koalas - the little Australians we would all hate to lose.

Roads and Maritime Services (2009) Great Western Highway Upgrade, Mount Victoria to Lithgow Alliance, Route Options Development: Biodiversity Working Paper.

Roads and Maritime Services (2011) Great Western Highway Upgrade, Mount Victoria to Lithgow Alliance, Corridor Study, Biodiversity.

Roads and Maritime Services (2011) Guideline for Biodiversity Offsets – Roads Maritime Services.

Roads and Maritime Services (2012) Great Western Highway Upgrade, Mount Victoria to Lithgow Alliance, Biodiversity Survey Results – Sections 2 to 6.

Roads and Traffic Authority (2011) Biodiversity Guidelines: Protecting and managing biodiversity on RTA projects. Revision 0/September 2011.




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Thackway, R. and Cresswell, I.D. (1995) An interim biogeographic regionalisation for Australia: a framework for setting priorities in the National Reserves System Cooperative Program, Version 4.0. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra.

Tozer, M., Turner, K., Simpson, C., Keith, D., Beukers, P., MacKenzie, B., Tindall, D. and Pennay, C (2010) Native vegetation of south-east NSW: a revised classification and map for the coast and eastern tablelands. Prepared for the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation and the NSW Department of Natural Resources.

Taylor, B. D. and Goldingay, R.L. (2010) Roads and wildlife: impacts and implications for wildlife management in Australia. Wildlife Research, 37, 320-331.

Watson J., Freudenberger, D., Paull, D. (2001) An assessment of the focal-species approach for conserving birds in variegated landscapes in southeastern Australia, in Conservation Biology 15, 1364-1373.

Watson, J., Watson, A., Paull D., Freudenberger, D. (2003) Woodland fragmentation is causing the decline of species and functional groups of birds in southeastern Australia, in Pacific Conservation Biology 8, 261-270.


Appendix A Vegetation community descriptions Map Unit 1: Mountain Gum – Peppermint Open Forest General Description: The community is found in moist, sheltered sites on the talus slopes below the sandstone escarpments of the western Blue Mountains (Douglas 2001). It has weak affinities with regionally described vegetation units as described by Tozer et al. (2010) and DEC (2006). Cool Montane Wet Forest (WSF p73) as described by Tozer et al. (2010) is a tall eucalypt forest with an open shrub layer and moist herbaceous groundcover, found on the higher, cooler parts of the Great Dividing Range. This unit occurs on soils derived from a range of granitic, low-quartz sedimentary and acid volcanic substrates, within a mean annual rainfall range of 800 to 1100 millimetres and at elevations from 750 to 1300 metres Above Sea Level (ASL) (Tozer et al. 2010). This unit occurs at the eastern end of the study area on the lower slopes of the escarpment below Victoria Pass, surrounding the Great Western Highway. Equivalent Map Units: Local: 2F Eucalyptus cypellocarpa - E. piperita Tall Open-forest (Douglas 2001) Regional: MU 4 Sheltered Gully Brown Barrel Ferny Forest (DEC 2006); WSF p73 Cool Montane Wet Forest and DSF p76: Moist Montane Sandstone Forest (Tozer et al. 2010) Biometric: Narrow-leaved Peppermint - Silvertop Ash - Mountain Grey Gum shrubby open forest of the upper Blue Mountains, Sydney Basin State: Southern Tableland Wet Sclerophyll Forests (Keith 2004) Dominant Canopy Species: Eucalyptus cypellocarpa, Eucalyptus piperita, Eucalyptus eugenoides Other Canopy Species: Eucalyptus mannifera, Eucalyptus blaxlandii, Acacia falciformis, Eucalyptus globoidea


Dominant Shrub Species: Acacia obtusifolia, Leucopogon lanceolatus, Acacia buxifolia, Acacia terminalis, Dillwynia glaberrima Common Groundcover Species: Joycea pallida, Billardiera scandens, Lomandra longifolia, Dianella revoluta, Lomandra glauca, Entolasia stricta, Austrostipa rudis subsp. nervosa Common Introduced species: Hypochaeris radicata, Rubus fruticosus, Plantago lanceolata Conservation Status: This community has been identified as a sensitive vegetation unit under the Blue Mountains Local Environmental Plan 2005. Tozer et al. (2010) estimates there is approximately 70-90 per cent of the pre-clearing area of this vegetation community (WSF p73 Cool Montane Wet Forest) remaining, and 35-55 per cent of the pre-clearing area is in conservation reserves.


Map Unit 2: Thin-leaved Stringybark Woodland General Description: The community is found on a dry slope with sandstone derived soils towards the eastern end of the study area. It has weak affinities to several regionally described vegetation units as described by Tozer et al. (2010) and DEC (2006), however it may represent a described vegetation community. Kowmung - Wollondilly Grassy Gorge Forest (DSF p37) as described by Tozer et al. (2010) is a dry eucalypt woodland with an open shrub layer and prominent groundcover of forbs and grasses. This unit occurs on loamy soils have formed on dry slopes and ridges from Bindook Porphyry and Devonian Lambie Group sediments, within a mean annual rainfall range of 750 to 1000 millimetres and at elevations from 350 to 800 metres ASL (Tozer et al. 2010). This occurs towards the eastern end of the study area on a steep slope adjacent to the Great Western Highway southeast of Coxs River Road at Little Hartley. Equivalent Map Units: Regional: MU 22 Kanangra Gorge Sheltered Grey Gum Forest (DEC 2006); DSF p37: Kowmung - Wollondilly Grassy Gorge Forest (Tozer et al. 2010); and possibly part of GW p24 Tableland Grassy Box-Gum Woodland (Tozer et al. 2010). Biometric: Grey Gum - Thin-leaved Stringybark grassy woodland of the southern Blue Mountains gorges, Sydney Basin State: Central Gorge Dry Sclerophyll Forests (Keith 2004) Dominant Canopy Species: Eucalyptus eugenoides Other Canopy Species: Eucalyptus melliodora, Eucalyptus cypellocarpa, Eucalyptus viminalis, Acacia falciformis Dominant Shrub Species: Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla, Persoonia linearis, Bossiaea buxifolia


Common Groundcover Species: Austrostipa rudis subsp. nervosa, Themeda australis, Dianella revoluta, Lepidosperma gunnii, Lomandra confertifolia subsp. rubignosa, Lepidosperma laterale Common Introduced species: Hypochaeris radicata, Conyza sp. Conservation Status: Tozer et al. (2010) estimates there is >90 per cent of the pre-clearing area of this vegetation community (DSF p37: Kowmung - Wollondilly Grassy Gorge Forest) remaining, and 70-90 per cent of the pre-clearing area is in conservation reserves. Tozer et al. (2010) identifies that GW p24 Tableland Grassy Box-Gum Woodland may be consistent with the state and federal determinations for the TEC for grassy box-gum woodland, however the dominance by Eucalyptus eugenoides, the landscape position on a steep sandstone slope and the low abundance of diagnostic species in the understorey identify that this community is not consistent with the determinations for any TECs.


Map Unit 3: Brittle Gum - Stringybark Woodland General Description: This unit is a eucalypt forest with an open understorey of sclerophyllous shrubs and a grassy groundcover. This community has weak affinities to several described vegetation communities (Tozer et al. 2010) and may represent an undescribed vegetation community. Based on general observations in the local area, this vegetation community appears to be relatively widespread within the Hartley Valley particularly along Browns Gap Road, which has been mapped as Tableland Grassy Box-Gum Woodland (GW p24) by Tozer et al. (2010). Tableland Grassy Box-Gum Woodland is described as occurring on loamy soils derived from fine-grain sedimentary or acid volcanic substrates on undulating country between Hartley and Braidwood between 600 and 900 m ASL in areas receiving 650-900 mm average rainfall. This community occurs in the Hartley Valley around Browns Gap Road. Equivalent Map Units: Regional: Possibly part of GW p24 Tableland Grassy Box-Gum Woodland (Tozer et al. 2010); and MU 34 Tableland Slopes Brittle Gum – Broad-leaved peppermint Grassy Forest (DEC 2006) Biometric: Silvertop Ash - Narrow-leaved Peppermint open forest on ridges of the eastern tableland, South Eastern Highlands and South East Corner State: Southern Tableland Grassy Woodlands (Keith 2004) Dominant Canopy Species: Eucalyptus mannifera, Eucalyptus cypellocarpa, Eucalyptus eugenoides Other Canopy Species: Acacia falciformis Dominant Shrub Species: Daviesia latifolia, Acacia buxifolia, Indigofera australis, Exocarpos cupressiformis, Common Groundcover Species: Themeda australis, Austrostipa rudis, Poa siebriana, Hydrocotyle laxiflora, Hardenbergia violacea Common Introduced species:


Hypochaeris radicata, Dactylis glomerata Conservation Status: The closest equivalent map unit as described by Tozer et al. (2010) (GW p24) is regarded as being highly cleared with only 20-40 per cent of the pre-clearing area estimated to remain and <2 per cent of the pre-clearing area estimated to occur in conservation reserves. Tozer et al. (2010) identifies that GW p24 Tableland Grassy Box-Gum Woodland may be consistent with the state and federal determinations for the TEC for grassy box-gum woodland, however the lack of diagnostic species and the shrubby understorey identify that this community is not consistent with the determinations for any TECs.


Map Unit 4: River Oak Forest General Description: A distinctive tall River Oak forest with an open shrub layer and a dense or patchy groundcover of grasses and forbs. It is found on sand/gravel alluvium strewn with cobbles along swift-flowing reaches of streams, at elevations from 20-800 metres ASL (Tozer et al. 2010). This map unit occurs as a thin strip of riparian vegetation surrounding River Lett in the corridor. Its riparian habitat is susceptible to weed invasion and degradation where livestock are unconstrained, with numerous weed species being present in this unit in the corridor including Small-leaved Privet (Ligustrum sinense) and Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus). Equivalent Map Units: Regional: FoW p32: Riverbank Forest Biometric: River Oak open forest of major streams, Sydney Basin and South East Corner State: Eastern Riverine Forests (Keith 2004) Dominant Canopy Species: Casuarina cunninghamii Dominant Shrub Species: Acacia dealbata, leptospermum polygalifolium, Callistemon citrinus, Micrantheum hexandrum, Lomatia myricoides Common Groundcover Species: Lomandra longifolia, Blechnum nudum, Carex gaudichaudiana, Adiantum aethiopicum, Phragmites australis, Dichondra repens, Microlaena stipoides, Common Introduced species: Ligustrum sinense, Hypochaeris radicata, Rubus fruticosus agg. Conservation Status: This community has been identified as a sensitive vegetation unit under the Blue Mountains Local Environmental Plan 2005. Areas of this community in the study area have been identified as priority fauna habitat (Department of


Environment and Climate Change 2005). Tozer et al. (2010) estimates there is approximately 60-85 per cent of the pre-clearing area of this vegetation community (FoW p32 Riverbank Forest) remaining, and 25-45 per cent of the pre-clearing area is in conservation reserves. This map unit has affinities to the state-listed TEC River-flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal floodplains. However the corridor is unlikely above 250 metres elevation which excludes this community as being on a coastal floodplain.


Map Unit 5: Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland General Description: This unit is eucalypt woodland with a sparse shrub layer and grassy groundcover, found on the tablelands in the Coxs River valley south of Lithgow and the Crookwell and Taralga districts (Tozer et al. 2010). This community has strong affinities to Tableland Granite Grassy Woodland (GW p420) as described by Tozer et al. (2010). Throughout its distribution this woodland occurs on rolling terrain on granite-derived soils, at elevations from 550 to 1050 metres ASL and with average annual rainfall ranging from 700 to 950 millimetres (Tozer et al. 2010). Though once extensive, Tableland Granite Grassy Woodland is now highly fragmented by land clearing. The remaining areas are almost exclusively on freehold land, being exposed to continued small-scale clearing, grazing and weed invasion. This community occurs in lower elevated areas of the corridor in areas with granite geology from east of River Lett to River Lett Hill. Equivalent Map Units: Regional: GW p420 Tableland Granite Grassy Woodland (Tozer et al. 2010) Biometric: Broad-leaved Peppermint - Ribbon Gum grassy open forest in the north-east of the South Eastern Highlands State: Southern Tableland Grassy Woodlands (Keith 2004) Dominant Canopy Species: Eucalyptus viminalis Other Canopy Species: Eucalyptus melliodora, Eucalyptus dives, Eucalyptus bridgesiana, Acacia falciformis Dominant Shrub Species: Acacia melanoxylon, Pteridium esculentum, Persoonia linearis Common Groundcover Species: Poa siebriana, Themeda australis, Austrodanthonia spp., Hydrocotyle laxiflora, Microlaena stipoides, Acaena novae-zelandiae, Geranium solanderi, Aristida ramosa


Common Introduced species: Eragrostis curvula, Hypericum perforatum, Hypochaeris radicata, Dactylis glomerata, Anthoxanthum odoratum Conservation Status: This community is consistent with the TEC Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the South Eastern Highlands, Sydney Basin, South East Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions listed as Endangered under the TSC Act. This community is regarded as being highly cleared with only 20-35 per cent of the pre-European extant estimated to remain and <1per cent of the pre-European extant estimated to occur in conservation reserves (Tozer et al. 2010). This community has not been identified by Tozer et al. (2010) or in the biometric vegetation types database as being consistent with the state and federal determinations for the TEC for grassy box-gum woodland. However some areas of vegetation consistent with Tableland Granite Grassy Woodland were found to be dominated by Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) and therefore are consistent with the determination for grassy box-gum woodland, and these areas have been delineated as Map Unit 6 Yellow Box Grassy Woodland.


Map Unit 6: Yellow Box Grassy Woodland General Description: This community represent areas of Map Unit 5 where Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) is dominant or co-dominant. This community has strong affinities to Tableland Granite Grassy Woodland (GW p420) as described by Tozer et al. (2010). Throughout its distribution this woodland occurs on rolling terrain on granite-derived soils, at elevations from 550 to 1050 metres ASL and with average annual rainfall ranging from 700 to 950 millimetres (Tozer et al. 2010). Though once extensive, Tableland Granite Grassy Woodland is now highly fragmented by land clearing. The remaining areas are almost exclusively on freehold land, where they are exposed to continued small-scale clearing, grazing and weed invasion. This community has a minor distribution on crown land north-west of Jenolan Caves Road. Equivalent Map Units: Regional: GW p420 Tableland Granite Grassy Woodland (Tozer et al. 2010) Biometric: Broad-leaved Peppermint - Ribbon Gum grassy open forest in the north-east of the South Eastern Highlands State: Southern Tableland Grassy Woodlands (Keith 2004) Dominant Canopy Species: Eucalyptus melliodora Other Canopy Species: Eucalyptus viminalis, Eucalyptus bridgesiana, Acacia falciformis Dominant Shrub Species: Acacia melanoxylon, Persoonia linearis Common Groundcover Species: Poa siebriana, Hydrocotyle laxiflora, Microlaena stipoides, Themeda australis, Austrodanthonia spp., Acaena novae-zelandiae, Geranium solanderi, Aristida ramosa Common Introduced species:


Eragrostis curvula, Hypericum perforatum, Hypochaeris radicata, Dactylis glomerata, Anthoxanthum odoratum Conservation Status: This community is regarded as being highly cleared with only 20-35 per cent of the pre-European extant estimated to remain and <1 per cent of the pre-European extant estimated to occur in conservation reserves (Tozer et al. 2010). This map unit is dominated by Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) and supports a herb-rich grassy understorey and therefore is considered to be consistent with the determination for grassy box-gum woodland under both the TSC Act and the EPBC Act. Considering the dominance of Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) in this map unit and the low abundance of Ribbon Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) this community is considered to be not consistent with the TEC Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the South Eastern Highlands, Sydney Basin, South East Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions listed as Endangered under the TSC Act.


Map Unit 7: Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland General Description: This unit is an open eucalypt forest or woodland with a sparse shrub layer and grassy groundcover, occurring across the tablelands, primarily between the Abercrombie River district, Berrima and Braidwood, with an outlying area to the north around Hartley (Tozer et al. 2010). This community has affinities to Tableland Hills Grassy Woodland (GW p23) as described by Tozer et al. (2010). This unit occurs on loamy soils from 550 to 1100 metres ASL within a mean annual rainfall band of 650 to 950 millimetres (Tozer et al. 2010). The extensive original distribution of Tableland Hills Grassy Woodland has been heavily fragmented by clearing and rough grazing, but small examples exist within several conservation reserves and state forests. This woodland shares several species with Map Unit 7. This unit is present as a relatively small patch towards the western end of the project between Forty Bends and River Lett Hill at the start of Section 5. Equivalent Map Units: Regional: GW p23 Tableland Hills Grassy Woodland (Tozer et al. 2010); MU 33 Tableland Broad-leaved Peppermint – Brittle Gum – Red Stringybark Grassy Open Forest (DEC 2006) Biometric: Broad-leaved Peppermint - Red Stringybark grassy open forest on undulating hills, South Eastern Highlands State: Southern tableland Grassy Woodlands (Keith 2004) Dominant Canopy Species: Eucalyptus blakelyi, Eucalyptus dives Other Canopy Species: Eucalyptus melliodora, Eucalyptus viminalis, Eucalyptus cypellocarpa Dominant Shrub Species: Exocarpos cupressiformis Common Groundcover Species: Themeda australis, Microlaena stipoides, Austrostipa rudis, Eragrostis leptostachya, Hypericum gramineum, Hydrocotyle laxiflora, Goodenia hederacea subsp. hederacea


Common Introduced species: Hypochaeris radicata, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Sonchus asper Conservation Status: This community is regarded as being highly cleared with only 20-40 per cent of the pre-European extant estimated to remain and <2 per cent of the pre-European extant estimated to occur in conservation reserves (Tozer et al. 2010). This map unit is dominated by Blakely’s Red Gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi) and supports a herb-rich grassy understorey and therefore is considered to be consistent with the determination for grassy box-gum woodland under both the TSC Act and the EPBC Act.


Map Unit 8: Red Stringybark Woodland General Description: This unit is an open eucalypt forest or woodland with a sparse shrub layer and grassy groundcover, occurring across the tablelands, primarily between the Abercrombie River district, Berrima and Braidwood, with an outlying area to the north around Hartley (Tozer et al. 2010). This community has strong affinities to Tableland Hills Grassy Woodland (GW p23) as described by Tozer et al. (2010). This unit occurs on loamy soils from 550 to 1100 metres Above Sea Level (ASL) within a mean annual rainfall band of 650 to 950 millimetres (Tozer et al. 2010). The extensive original distribution of Tableland Hills Grassy Woodland has been heavily fragmented by clearing and rough grazing, but small examples exist within several conservation reserves and state forests. This woodland shares similar species with Map Unit 8. This unit is present as a relatively large intact patch at River Lett Hill. Equivalent Map Units: Regional: GW p23 Tableland Hills Grassy Woodland (Tozer et al. 2010); MU 33 Tableland Broad-leaved Peppermint – Brittle Gum – Red Stringybark Grassy Open Forest (DEC 2006) Biometric: Broad-leaved Peppermint - Red Stringybark grassy open forest on undulating hills, South Eastern Highlands State: Southern tableland Grassy Woodlands (Keith 2004) Dominant Canopy Species: Eucalyptus macrorrhyncha Other Canopy Species: Eucalyptus melliodora, Eucalyptus bridgesiana, eucalyptus viminalis, Eucalyptus dives Dominant Shrub Species: Xerochrysum viscosum, Stypandra glauca, Hibbertia obtusifolia Common Groundcover Species: Microlaena stipoides, Themeda australis, Austrostipa rudis, Austrodanthonia spp., Echinopogon ovatus, Aristida ramosa, Hypericum gramineum, Hydrocotyle laxiflora, Goodenia hederacea subsp.


hederacea

Common Introduced species: Hypochaeris radicata, Anthoxanthum odoratum Conservation Status: This community is regarded as being highly cleared with only 20-40 per cent of the pre-European extant estimated to remain and <2 per cent of the pre-European extant estimated to occur in conservation reserves (Tozer et al. 2010).


Appendix B Flora species list in the Hartley Valley Study Area (RMS 2012)

Family Species Common name

Conifers

PINACEAE Pinus radiata Monterey Pine i

Ferns

ADIANTACEAE Adiantum aethiopicum Maidenhair Fern

ADIANTACEAE Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi

Slender Cloak-fern

ASPLENIACEAE Asplenium flabellifolium Necklace Fern

BLECHNACEAE Blechnum cartilagineum Gristle Fern

BLECHNACEAE Blechnum nudum Fishbone Water-fern

BLECHNACEAE Doodia aspera Prickly Rasp-fern

CYATHEACEAE Cyathea australis Rough Tree-fern

DENNSTAEDTIACEAE Calochlaena dubia False Bracken

DENNSTAEDTIACEAE Pteridium esculentum Bracken

Flowering Plants - Dicotyledons

AMYGDALACEAE Prunus spp.

APIACEAE Conium maculatum Hemlock i

APIACEAE Foeniculum vulgare Fennell i

APIACEAE Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort

APOCYNACEAE Vinca major Greater Periwinkle i

ARALIACEAE Hedera helix English Ivy i

ARALIACEAE Polyscias sambucifolia subsp. leptophylla

ASTERACEAE Achillea millefolium Yarrow i

ASTERACEAE Ambrosia spp. Ragweed i



ASTERACEAE Aster subulatus Wild Aster i

ASTERACEAE Bidens pilosa Cobblers Peg i

ASTERACEAE Brachyscome ptychocarpa Tiny Daisy

ASTERACEAE Brachyscome spathulata

ASTERACEAE Calomeria amaranthoides Incense Plant

ASTERACEAE Calotis cuneifolia Purple Burr-daisy

ASTERACEAE Cassinia aculeata Dollybush

ASTERACEAE Cassinia arcuata Sifton Bush

ASTERACEAE Cassinia longifolia

ASTERACEAE Cassinia quinquefaria

ASTERACEAE Chrysocephalum apiculatum Yellow Buttons

ASTERACEAE Chrysocephalum semipapposum Yellow Buttons

ASTERACEAE Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle i

ASTERACEAE Conyza spp. Fleabane i

ASTERACEAE Coreopsis lanceolata Coreopsis i

ASTERACEAE Coronidium scorpioides Button Everlasting

ASTERACEAE Cymbonotus preissianus Austral Bear's Ear

ASTERACEAE Euchiton gymnocephalus

ASTERACEAE Gamochaeta americana Cudweed i

ASTERACEAE Glossogyne tannensis Cobblers Tack

ASTERACEAE Gnaphalium spp. Cudweed i

ASTERACEAE Hypochoeris radicata Catsear i

ASTERACEAE Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce i

ASTERACEAE Lagenophora gracilis Slender Bottle-daisy

ASTERACEAE Lagenophora stipitata Bottle-daisy



ASTERACEAE Onopordum acanthium subsp. acanthium

Scotch Thistle

ASTERACEAE Ozothamnus diosmifolius Tall Paperdaisy

ASTERACEAE Podolepis jaceoides Showy Copper-wire Daisy

ASTERACEAE Senecio diaschides

ASTERACEAE Senecio hispidulus Hill Fireweed

ASTERACEAE Senecio linearifolius Fireweed Grounsel

ASTERACEAE Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed i

ASTERACEAE Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed

ASTERACEAE Sonchus asper Toothed Sow-thistle i

ASTERACEAE Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle i

ASTERACEAE Tagetes minuta Stinking Roger i

ASTERACEAE Taraxacum officinale Dandelion i

ASTERACEAE Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify i

ASTERACEAE Vittadenia cuneata Fuzzweed

ASTERACEAE Vittadinia sulcata

ASTERACEAE Xerochrysum viscosum Sticky Everlasting

BORAGINACEAE Austrocynoglossum latifolium

BORAGINACEAE Echium plantagineum Pattersons Curse i

BRASSICACEAE Hirschfeldia incana Buchan Weed i

BRASSICACEAE Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum Watercress i

CAMPANULACEAE Wahlenbergia communis Tufted Bluebell

CAMPANULACEAE Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell

CAMPANULACEAE Wahlenbergia luteola

CAPRIFOLIACEAE Lonicera japonica Honeysuckle i



CARYOPHYLLACEAE Cerastium glomeratum Mouse-ear Chickweed i

CARYOPHYLLACEAE Paronychia brasiliana Chilean Whitlow Wort i

CARYOPHYLLACEAE Stellaria flaccida Forest Starwort

CARYOPHYLLACEAE Stellaria media Common Chickweed i

CARYOPHYLLACEAE Stellaria pungens Prickly Starwort

CASUARINACEAE Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak

CHENOPODIACEAE Einadia trigonos subsp. trigonos Fishweed

CLUSIACEAE Hypericum gramineum Narrow-leaf St. Johns Wort

CLUSIACEAE Hypericum japonicum Matted St. Johns Wort

CLUSIACEAE Hypericum perforatum St. Johns Wort i

CONVOLVULACEAE Convolvulus erubescens Pink Bindweed

CONVOLVULACEAE Dichondra repens Kidney Weed

CRASSULACEAE Crassula sieberiana Australian Stonecrop

DILLENIACEAE Hibbertia obtusifolia Blunt-leaf Guinea-flower

DROSERACEAE Drosera peltata Rosette Sundew

ERICACEAE Acrotriche serrulata Honeypots

ERICACEAE Astroloma humifusum Prickly Pine Heath

ERICACEAE Brachyloma daphnoides Daphne Heath

ERICACEAE Leucopogon ericoides Bearded Heath

ERICACEAE Leucopogon lanceolatus var. lanceolatus

Lance-leaf Beard-heath

ERICACEAE Lissanthe strigosa Peach Heath

ERICACEAE Melichrus urceolatus

ERICACEAE Monotoca scoparia Prickly Broom-heath

EUPHORBIACEAE Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge i



EUPHORBIACEAE Micrantheum hexandrum

EUPHORBIACEAE Phyllanthus hirtellus Thyme Spurge

EUPHORBIACEAE Poranthera microphylla Small Poranthera

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Bossiaea buxifolia

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Bossiaea prostrata

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Crotalaria sp. Rattlepod i

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Daviesia latifolia Broad-leaf Bitter-pea

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Daviesia ulicifolia Gorse Bitter-pea

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Desmodium gunnii Slender tick trefoil

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Desmodium varians Slender Tick-trefoil

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Dillwynia glaberrima Smooth Parrot-pea

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE Dillwynia sericea

Showy Parrot-pea

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Genista monspessulana Montpellier Broom i

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Glycine clandestina agg. Twining Glycine

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Glycine microphylla Small-leaf Glycine

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Glycine tabacina agg.

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Hardenbergia violacea Purple Twining-pea



FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Indigofera australis Native Indigo

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Podolobium ilicifolium Prickly Shaggy-pea

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE Trifolium arvense Haresfoot Clover

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE Trifolium campestre Hop Clover

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Trifolium repens White Clover i

FABACEAE-FABOIDEAE

Vicia sativa subsp. sativa Common Vetch i

FABACEAE-MIMOSOIDEAE Acacia baileyana Cootamundra Wattle

n

FABACEAE-MIMOSOIDEAE

Acacia brownei Yellow Prickly Moses


Acacia buxifolia Box-leaf Wattle


Acacia dealbata Silver Wattle

FABACEAE-MIMOSOIDEAE Acacia decurrens

Fine-leaf Green Wattle


Acacia falciformis Broad-leaf Hickory


Acacia fimbriata Fringed Wattle


Acacia floribunda White Sally Wattle


Acacia maidenii


Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood




Acacia obtusifolia


Acacia parramattensis Sydney Green Wattle


Acacia terminalis Sunshine Wattle


Acacia ulicifolia Prickly Moses

GENTIANACEAE Centaurium tenuiflorum i

GERANIACEAE Geranium homeanum Native Cranesbill

GERANIACEAE Geranium solanderi var. solanderi

Native Cranesbill

GOODENIACEAE Goodenia bellidifolia subsp. bellidifolia

Goodenia

GOODENIACEAE Goodenia hederacea subsp. hederacea

Ivy-leaf Goodenia

HALORAGACEAE Gonocarpus tetragynus Poverty Raspwort

HALORAGACEAE Haloragis heterophylla Variable Raspwort

LAMIACEAE Ajuga australis Austral Bugle

LAMIACEAE Mentha diemenica Slender Mint

LAMIACEAE Mentha X pipertia Peppermint i

LOBELIACEAE Pratia purpurascens White Root

LORANTHACEAE Amyema miquelii Drooping Mistletoe

LORANTHACEAE Amyema pendulum subsp. pendulum

Pendulous Mistletoe

LYTHRACEAE Lythrum hyssopifolia Hyssop Loosestrife

MALACEAE Cotoneaster glaucophyllus Cotoneaster i

MALACEAE Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn i

MALACEAE Malus x domestica Apple i



MALACEAE Pyracantha angustifolia Fire-thorn i

MALVACEAE Malus pumila Apple i

MALVACEAE Modiola caroliniana Red-flowered Mallow i

MYRSINACEAE Anagallis arvensis Pimpernell i

MYRTACEAE Callistemon citrinus Crimson Bottlebrush

MYRTACEAE Calytrix tetragona Fringe-myrtle

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus blakelyi Blakelys Red Gum

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus blaxlandii Blaxlands Stringybark

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus bridgesiana Apple Box

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus cinerea Argyle Apple n

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus consideniana Yertchuk

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus cypellocarpa Monkey Gum

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus dalrympleana Mountain Gum

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus dives Broad-leaved Peppermint

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus eugenoides Thin-leaved Stringybark

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus fastigata Brown Barrel

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus globoidea White Stringybark

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Red Stringybark

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus mannifera Brittle Gum

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus nicholii Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint

Vulnerable (TSC, EPBC)

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus pauciflora Snow Gum

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus piperita Sydney Peppermint

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus radiata subsp. Narrow-leaved



radiata Peppermint

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus rubida subsp. rubida Candlebark

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus sieberi Silvertop Ash

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus sparsifolia Narrow-leaved Stringybark

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus stellulata Black Sally

MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus viminalis Ribbon Gum

MYRTACEAE Kunzea ambigua Tick Bush

MYRTACEAE Leptospermum juniperinum Prickly Teatree

MYRTACEAE Leptospermum morrisonii

MYRTACEAE Leptospermum obovatum

MYRTACEAE Leptospermum polygalifolium Yellow Tea-tree

MYRTACEAE Leptospermum rotundifolium Round Leaf Tea-tree n

OLEACEAE Ligustrum sinense Small-leaved Privet i

OXALIDACEAE Oxalis perennans

PAPAVERACEAE Papaver somniferum subsp. setigerum

Poppy

PHYTOLACCACEAE Phytolacca octandra Inkweed i

PITTOSPORACEAE Billardiera scandens Apple-berry

PITTOSPORACEAE Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla

Blackthorn

PITTOSPORACEAE Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa Blackthorn

PITTOSPORACEAE Rhytidosporum procumbens Marianthus

PLANTAGINACEAE Plantago debilis Slender Plantain

PLANTAGINACEAE Plantago lanceolata Plantain i

POLYGALACEAE Comesperma volubile Climbing Comesperma

POLYGONACEAE Acetosella vulgaris Sheep Sorrel i



POLYGONACEAE Rumex brownii Swamp Dock

POLYGONACEAE Rumex crispus Curled Dock i

PROTEACEAE Banksia spinulosa var. spinulosa

PROTEACEAE Grevillea rosmarinifolia subsp. rosmarinifolia

Rosmary Grevillea

PROTEACEAE Hakea dactyloides Broad-leaved Hakea

PROTEACEAE Lomatia myricoides River Lomatia

PROTEACEAE Persoonia linearis Narrow-leaf Geebung

PROTEACEAE Persoonia myrtilloides subsp. myrtilloides

Myrtle Geebung

RANUNCULACEAE Clematis glycinoides Entire-leaf Clematis

RANUNCULACEAE Ranunculus plebeius Hairy Buttercup

RANUNCULACEAE Ranunculus lappaceus Common Buttercup

RHAMNACEAE Pomaderris elliptica Pomaderris

RHAMNACEAE Pomaderris ferruginea

ROSACEAE Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgy-widgy

ROSACEAE Rosa rubiginosa Sweet Briar i

ROSACEAE Rubus fruticosus agg. Blackberry i

ROSACEAE Rubus parviflorus Small-leaf Bramble

RUBIACEAE Asperula conferta Common Woodruff

RUBIACEAE Asperula scoparia Prickly Woodruff

RUBIACEAE Asperula ambleia Stiff Woodruff

RUBIACEAE Coprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant Bush

RUBIACEAE Galium aparine Cleavers i

RUBIACEAE Galium binifolium

RUBIACEAE Galium gaudichaudii Rough Bedstraw



RUBIACEAE Galium leptogonium

RUBIACEAE Galium propinquum Maori Bedstraw i

RUBIACEAE Pomax umbellata Pomax

SALICACEAE Salix sp. Willow i

SANTALACEAE Exocarpos cupressiformis Cherry Ballart

SAPINDACEAE Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima

Narrow-leaf Hopbush

SCROPHULARIACEAE Verbascum virgatum Twiggy Mullein i

SCROPHULARIACEAE Veronica calycina Common Speedwell

SCROPHULARIACEAE Veronica derwentiana subsp. derwentiana

SCROPHULARIACEAE Veronica plebeia Trailing Speedwell

SOLANACEAE Solanum aviculare Kangaroo Apple

SOLANACEAE Solanum linearifolium Mountain Kangaroo Apple

SOLANACEAE Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade i

SOLANACEAE Solanum pungetium Eastern Nightshade

STACKHOUSIACEAE Stackhousia monogyna

THYMELEACEAE Pimelea curviflora var. sericea

URTICACEAE Urtica incisa Scrub Stinging Nettle

VERBENACEAE Verbena bonariensis Purple Top i

VIOLACEAE Viola betonicifolia Showy Violet

VIOLACEAE Viola hederacea Ivy-leaf Violet

VIOLACEAE Viola odorata Sweet Violet i

Flowering Plants - Dicotyledons

ALLIACEAE Agapanthus spp. Agapanthus i



ANTHERICACEAE Arthropodium milleflorum Vanilla Lily

ANTHERICACEAE Laxmannia gracilis Grass Wire-lily

ANTHERICACEAE Thysanotus juncifolius Branching Fringe Lily

ANTHERICACEAE Thysanotus patersonii Twining Fringe Lily

ANTHERICACEAE Tricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lily

ASPHODELACEAE Bulbine bulbosa Native Leek

COLCHICACEAE Wurmbea dioica subsp. dioica Early Nancy

CYPERACEAE Carex appressa Tussock Tassel-sedge

CYPERACEAE Carex breviculmis

CYPERACEAE Carex gaudichaudiana Tufted Tassel-sedge

CYPERACEAE Carex inversa Knob Tassel-sedge

CYPERACEAE Cyperus eragrostis Umbrella Sedge i

CYPERACEAE Isolepis inundata Club-rush

CYPERACEAE Lepidosperma gunnii Small Rapier-sedge

CYPERACEAE Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedge

CYPERACEAE Lepidosperma urophorum Tussock Rapier-sedge

CYPERACEAE Schoenus apogon Common Bog-rush

IRIDACEAE Patersonia sericea var. sericea Basal-leaf Purple-flag

JUNCACEAE Juncus prismatocarpus Branching Rush

JUNCACEAE Juncus subsecundus

JUNCACEAE Luzula densiflora

LOMANDRACEAE Lomandra confertifolia subsp. pallida

LOMANDRACEAE Lomandra filiformis subsp. coriacea

Wattle Mat-rush

LOMANDRACEAE Lomandra filiformis subsp. Wattle Mat-rush



filiformis

LOMANDRACEAE Lomandra glauca subsp. glauca Glaucous Mat-rush

LOMANDRACEAE Lomandra longifolia subsp. longifolia

Spiny Mat-rush

LOMANDRACEAE Lomandra micrantha subsp. tuberculata

LOMANDRACEAE Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora

Many-flowered Mat-rush

ORCHIDACEAE Acianthus exsertus Gnat Orchid

ORCHIDACEAE Caladenia alata Fairy Orchid

ORCHIDACEAE Caladenia carnea Pink Fingers

ORCHIDACEAE Caladenia congesta Black Tongue Caladenia

ORCHIDACEAE Caladenia cucullata Hooded Caladenia

ORCHIDACEAE Caladenia fuscata Dusky Fingers

ORCHIDACEAE Caladenia gracilis Musky Caladenia

ORCHIDACEAE Chiloglottis spp. ? Ant Orchid

ORCHIDACEAE Dendrobium striolatum Streaked Rock Orchid

ORCHIDACEAE Diuris pardina Leopard Orchid

ORCHIDACEAE Diuris sulphurea Tiger Orchid

ORCHIDACEAE Eriochilus cucullatus Parsons Band

ORCHIDACEAE Microtis unifolia Onion-orchid

ORCHIDACEAE Pterostylis longifolia Tall Greenhood

ORCHIDACEAE Pterostylis reflexa Small Autumn Greenhood

ORCHIDACEAE Thelymitra pauciflora Slender Sun-orchid

PHORMIACEAE Dianella caerulea var. caerulea Leafy Blue Flax Lily

PHORMIACEAE Dianella caerulea var. producta Stemmed Blue Flax Lily



PHORMIACEAE Dianella revoluta var. revoluta Black-anther Flax Lily

PHORMIACEAE Dianella tasmanica

PHORMIACEAE Stypandra glauca Nodding Blue Lily

POACEAE Aira cupaniana Silvery Hairgrass

POACEAE Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass i

POACEAE Aristida ramosa Three-awned Spear Grass

POACEAE Aristida vagans Three-awned Spear Grass

POACEAE Rytidosperma spp Wallaby Grass

POACEAE Rytidosperma bipartitum Wallaby Grass

POACEAE Rytidosperma racemosum

POACEAE Rytidosperma tenuius Wallby Grass

POACEAE Austrostipa densiflora Speargrass

POACEAE Austrostipa rudis subsp. nervosa Speargrass

POACEAE Austrostipa scabra Speargrass

POACEAE Avena fatua Common Oat i

POACEAE Bothriochloa macra Red-leg Grass

POACEAE Briza maxima Quaking Grass i

POACEAE Bromus catharticus Prarie Grass i

POACEAE Bromus diandrus Great Brome i

POACEAE Bromus molliformis Soft Brome

POACEAE Cymbopogon refractus Barbed Wire Grass

POACEAE Cynodon dactylon Common Couch n

POACEAE Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot

POACEAE Dichelachne inaequiglumis



POACEAE Dichelachne micrantha Short-hair Plume Grass

POACEAE Echinopogon caespitosus Hedgehog Grass

POACEAE Echinopogon ovatus Hedgehog Grass

POACEAE Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldtgrass i

POACEAE Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic

POACEAE Eragrostis curvula African Lovegrass i

POACEAE Eragrostis leptostachya Paddock Lovegrass

POACEAE Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog i

POACEAE Rytidosperma pallidum Red-anthered Wallaby Grass

POACEAE Lachnagrostis filiformis Blown Grass

POACEAE Lolium spp. Rye Grass i

POACEAE Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum i

POACEAE Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu i

POACEAE Phalaris aquatica Canary Grass

POACEAE Phragmites australis Common Reed

POACEAE Poa induta

POACEAE Poa labillardieri Tussock Grass

POACEAE Poa siebriana Snowgrass

POACEAE Setaria gracilis Slender Pigeon Grass i

POACEAE Sporobolus africanus Parramatta Grass i

POACEAE Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass

POACEAE Vulpia spp. i

ROSACEAE Acaena agnipila

ROSACEAE Acaena echinata

TYPHACEAE Typha orientalis Broad-leaf Cumbungi


*i = introduced species, n= native (but not local to the area)


Appendix C Fauna list in the study locality (from RMS 2012 and current study)

Family / Scientific name Common name Status

Mount Victoria to Forty Bends

Grassy woodland

Open forest

Riparian/ streams

Farmland/ dams

BIRDS

Phasianidae

Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail X

Anatidae

Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck

X

Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck X

Anas castanea Chestnut Teal X

Anas gracilis Grey Teal X

Podicipedidae

Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe

X

Ardeidae

Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret X

Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron X

Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron X

Threskiornithidae

Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis X

Accipitridae

Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle X

Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite X

Elanus axillaris Black-shouldered Kite X

Falconidae

Falco longipennis Australian Hobby X

Falco berigora Brown Falcon X

Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel X

Charadriidae

Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing X

Columbidae

Geopelia placida Peaceful Dove X

Geopelia humeralis Bar-shouldered Dove X

Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing X

Cacatuidae




Grassy woodland

Open forest

Riparian/ streams

Farmland/ dams

Calyptorhynchus funereus Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo

X

Callocephalon fimbriatum Gang-gang Cockatoo V (TSC

Act) X

Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

X X X

Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella X

Eolophus roseicapillus Galah X

Psittacidae

Alisterus scapularis Australian King-Parrot X

Platycercus elegans Crimson Rosella X X

Platycercus adscitus eximius Eastern Rosella

X

Psephotus haematonotus Red-rumped Parrot X X

Cuculidae

Cacomantis flabelliformis Fan-tailed Cuckoo X

Chalcites basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo

X

Scythrops novaehollandiae

Channel-billed Cuckoo

X

Centropodidae

Centropus phasianinus Pheasant Coucal X

Strigidae

Ninox boobook Southern Boobook X

Ninox connivens Barking Owl V (TSC

Act) X

Ninox strenua Powerful Owl V (TSC

Act) X

Tytonidae

Tyto alba Barn Owl X

Podargidae

Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth X

Aegothelidae

Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar

X

Alcedinidae

Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra X X X

Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher X X X

Coraciidae




Grassy woodland

Open forest

Riparian/ streams

Farmland/ dams

Eurystomus orientalis Dollarbird X

Climacteridae

Cormobates leucophaea White-throated Treecreeper

X X

Maluridae

Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren X

Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren X

Pardalotidae

Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote X

Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote X X

Acanthizidae

Gerygone olivacea White-throated Gerygone

X

Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill X

Acanthiza lineata Striated Thornbill X

Acanthiza nana Yellow Thornbill X X

Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill X

Acanthiza reguloides Buff-rumped Thornbill X

Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren

X

Origma solitaria Rockwarbler X

Meliphagidae

Melithreptus lunatus White-naped Honeyeater

X

Melithreptus brevirostris Brown-headed Honeyeater

X

Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill

X

Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's Honeyeater X

Lichenostomus fuscus Fuscous Honeyeater X X

Lichenostomus chrysops Yellow-faced Honeyeater

X X

Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater

X X

Lichenostomus penicillatus

White-plumed Honeyeater

X

Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner X X

Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird X X X

Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird X X




Grassy woodland

Open forest

Riparian/ streams

Farmland/ dams

Philemon citreogularis Little Friarbird X

Petroicidae

Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin X

Eupetidae

Psophodes olivaceus Eastern Whipbird X

Neosittidae

Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella

V (TSC Act)

X X

Pachycephalidae

Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler X

Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler X X

Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush X X

Falcunculus frontatus Eastern Shrike-tit X

Dicruridae

Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail X

Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail X X X

Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher

Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark

Campephagidae

Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike

X X X X

Oriolidae

Oriolus sagittatus Olive-backed Oriole X

Artamidae

Artamus cyanopterus Dusky Woodswallow X

Strepera graculina Pied Currawong X X X X

Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird X

Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie X X X X

Corvidae

Corvus coronoides Australian Raven X X

Corcoracidae

Corcorax melanorhamphos White-winged Chough

X

Ptilonorhynchidae

Ptilonorhynchus violaceus Satin Bowerbird X

Motacillidae

Anthus australis Australian Pipit X




Grassy woodland

Open forest

Riparian/ streams

Farmland/ dams

Estrildidae

Taeniopygia bichenovii Double-barred Finch X

Neochmia temporalis Red-browed Finch X

Dicaeidae

Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird X X

Hirundinidae

Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow X X

Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin X

Sylviidae

Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark X

Acrocephalus australis Australian Reed-Warbler

X

Zosteropidae

Zosterops lateralis Silvereye X X

INTRODUCED BIRDS

Muscicapidae

Turdus merula Eurasian Blackbird X

Passeridae

Passer domesticus House Sparrow X

Sturnidae

Acridotheres tristis Common Myna X

Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling X

MAMMALS

Tachyglossidae

Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna

X

Dasyuridae

Antechinus stuartii Brown Antechinus X

Peramelidae

Perameles nasuta Long-nosed Bandicoot

X

Vombatidae

Vombatus ursinus Common Wombat X

Pseudocheiridae

Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common Ringtail X X X




Grassy woodland

Open forest

Riparian/ streams

Farmland/ dams

Possum

Petauroides volans Greater Glider X

Phalangeridae

Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum

X X X

Macropodidae

Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby X X

Macropus rufogriseus Red-necked Wallaby X X

Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo

X X X

Macropus robustus Common Wallaroo X

Rhinolophidae

Rhinolophus megaphyllus Eastern Horseshoe-bat

X

Molossidae

Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail-bat

X X

Vespertilionidae

Nyctophilus sp. Long-eared Bat X X

Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat

X

Miniopterus australis Little Bentwing-bat V (TSC

Act) X

Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat X X

Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat

X

Scotorepens sp. Broad-nosed Bat X X

Scotorepens orion Eastern Broad-nosed Bat

X

Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern False Pipistrelle

V (TSC Act)

X

Vespadelus regulus Southern Forest Bat X

Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat X X

Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat X

Muridae

Rattus fuscipes Bush Rat X

INTRODUCED MAMMALS

Canidae




Grassy woodland

Open forest

Riparian/ streams

Farmland/ dams

Vulpes vulpes Fox X X X X

Leporidae

Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit X X

Lepus capensis Brown Hare X X

FROGS Myobatrachidae

Crinia signifera Common Eastern Froglet

X X

Limnodynastes dumerilii dumerilii Eastern Banjo Frog

X

Limnodynastes peronii Brown-striped Frog X X

Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Spotted Grass Frog

X

Uperoleia laevigata Smooth Toadlet X

Hylidae

Litoria fallax Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog

X

Litoria latopalmata Broad-palmed Frog X

Litoria peronii Peron's Tree Frog X

Litoria phyllochroa Leaf-green Tree Frog X

Litoria verreauxii Verreaux's Frog X

REPTILES

Chelidae

Chelodina longicollis Eastern Snake-necked Turtle

X

Agamidae

Pogona barbata Bearded Dragon X

Amphibolurus muricatus Jacky Lizard X

Varanidae

Varanus varius Lace Monitor X

Scincidae

Lygisaurus foliorum Tree-base Litter-skink X

Carlia vivax Tussock Rainbow-skink

X

Ctenotus taeniolatus Copper-tailed Skink X

Egernia striolata Tree Skink X




Grassy woodland

Open forest

Riparian/ streams

Farmland/ dams

Lampropholis delicata Dark-flecked Garden Sunskink

X X

Lampropholis guichenoti Pale-flecked Garden Sunskink

X

Saproscincus mustelinus Weasel Skink X

Saiphos equalis Three-toed Skink X

Eulamprus quoyii Eastern Water-skink X

Tiliqua scincoides Eastern Blue-tongue X

Elapidae

Pseudechis porphyriacus Red-bellied Black Snake

X X X

Pseudonaja textilis Eastern Brown Snake X

INVERTEBRATE

Paralucia spinifera Bathurst Copper Butterfly

E1 (TSC Act)

V (EPBC Act)

X


Appendix D Likelihood of Occurrence of Threatened species • Table 3 Likelihood of occurrence of threatened flora

Scientific name

Common name



EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

Acacia bynoeana

Bynoe's Wattle

V E Found in central eastern NSW, from the Hunter District south to the Southern Highlands and west to the Blue Mountains. It has recently been found in the Colymea and Parma Creek areas west of Nowra. Occurs in heath or dry sclerophyll forest on sandy soils. Seems to prefer open, sometimes slightly disturbed sites such as trail margins, edges of roadside spoil mounds and in recently burnt patches. Associated overstorey species include Corymbia gummifera, Eucalyptus haemastoma, Eucalyptus parramattensis, Banksia serrata and Angophora bakeri.

Heath and dry sclerophyll forest

Low

Acacia flocktoniae

Flockton Wattle

V V The Flockton Wattle is found only in the Southern Blue Mountains at Mount Victoria, Megalong Valley and Yerranderie. Grows in dry sclerophyll forest on sandstone.

Dry sclerophyll forest

Low

Asterolasia buxifolia

E Known from a single site at a granite outcrop in the riparian zone of the River Lett. Rediscovered in 2000, little is known about the species.

Riparian areas Low

Asterolasia elegans

E E PMST report indicates that it could occur in the region, but the species in only known from seven populations, all of which are north of Sydney and many km northeast of the study area.

On Hawkesbury sandstone in or adjacent to gullies with sheltered forest

Unlikely

Carex klaphakei

Klaphake's Sedge

E Found in only three locations, from the Blue Mountains (at Blackheath and Mount Werong) to the Southern Highlands (at Penrose). Grows with other native sedges and rushes in swamps on sandstone at altitudes of greater than 600 metres elevation.

Freshwater swamps

Unlikely

Cryptostylis hunteriana

Leafless Tongue Orchid

V V PMST report indicates that it could occur in the region, and it is found in a wide variety of vegetation types, but not recorded from, or prediction in, this subregion.

Grassy forests, heaths, swamp forest

Unlikely


Scientific name

Common name



EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

Caladenia tessellata

V E PMST report indicates that it could occur in the region, but it is currently known from only two areas; one population near Braidwood and three populations in the Wyong area on the Central Coast. The total population size is estimated to be less than 50 individuals.

Low-growing dry sclerophyll woodland

Low

Derwentia blakelyi

V Restricted to the western Blue Mountains, near Clarence, near Mount Horrible, on Nullo Mountain and in the Coricudgy Range. Occurs at fewer than 20 locations, none of which is in a conservation reserve. Occurs in eucalypt forest, often in moist areas.

Wet and dry sclerophyll forests

Low

Diuris aequalis

Buttercup Doubletail

V E The Buttercup Doubletail has been recorded in Kanangra-Boyd National Park, Gurnang State Forest, towards Wombeyan Caves, the Taralga - Goulburn area, and the ranges between Braidwood, Tarago and Bungendore. The species is not known or predicted to occur north of Oberon. It has been found in forest, low open woodland with grassy understorey and secondary grassland on the higher parts of the Southern and Central Tablelands.

Grassy woodland

Low

Epacris hamiltonii

E E Occurs in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. Found at 72 sites within three creek catchments. The creeks occur in an altitude range of 810 - 940 metres elevation and are all located on the northern side of the escarpment and flow into the Grose Valley. All known sites occur within a radius of approximately five kilometres. Has a very specific habitat, being found on or adjacent to Narrabeen sandstone cliffs alongside perennial creeks, often below plateau hanging swamps. The soil generally has a spongy/peat-like consistency, with very high moisture content. Sites are found at the sheltered base of cliffs adjacent to wet gully or swamp vegetation, usually where a perennial or virtually perennial source of water, such as cliff seepages, is present. Associated species include King Fern (Todea barbara), Rough Tree Fern (Cyathea australis) and Coral Fern (Gleichenia rupestris). Sundews (Drosera binata) are also common on the cliff face. Occasionally occurs beside small creek lines which are vegetated with moist gully forest species (Callicoma serratifolia, Doryphora sassafras and Ceratopetalum apetalum).

Escarpment areas where there is a constant supply of water including riparian and swampy habitats

Low


Black Gum V In NSW it occurs in the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion and on the western fringe of the Sydney Basin Bioregion. It has a moderately narrow distribution, occurring mainly in the wetter, cooler and higher parts of the tablelands, for example in the Blayney, Crookwell, Goulburn, Braidwood and Bungendore districts. Grows on alluvial soils, on

Grassy woodlands

Low


Scientific name

Common name



EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

cold, poorly-drained flats and hollows adjacent to creeks and small rivers. Often grows with other cold-adapted eucalypts.


Black Gum V In NSW it occurs in the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion and on the western fringe of the Sydney Basin Bioregion. It has a moderately narrow distribution, occurring mainly in the wetter, cooler and higher parts of the tablelands, for example in the Blayney, Crookwell, Goulburn, Braidwood and Bungendore districts. Grows on alluvial soils, on cold, poorly-drained flats and hollows adjacent to creeks and small rivers. Often grows with other cold-adapted eucalypts.

Grassy woodlands

Low

Eucalyptus nicholii

Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint

V V The species is not indigenous to this area, Its natural distribution is confined to the New England Tablelands of NSW, where it occurs from Nundle in the south, to north of Tenterfield, largely on private property. Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint is widely planted as an urban street tree and in gardens, therefore its presence within the study area is not considered to be significant.

Gardens and streetscapes

Has been planted within the area but not naturally occurring

Eucalyptus pulverulenta

Silver-leafed Gum

V V The Silver-leafed Gum grows only on the crests or upper steep hillslopes of mountains, between 800 and 1000 m. It is found in two quite separate areas, the Lithgow to Bathurst area and the Monaro (Bredbo, Bombala areas). It grows in shallow soils as an understorey plant in open forest, typically dominated by Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera), Red Stringybark (E. macrorhyncha), Broad-leafed Peppermint (E. dives), Silvertop Ash (E. sieberi) and Apple Box (E. bridgesiana).

Dry sclerophyll forests and Grassy Woodland

Low

Euphrasia arguta

CR CR Previously recorded from Sydney to Bathurst but not seen in this area since 1904. Currently known only from in and around Nundle State Forest, in areas that have either been logged or cleared in the last few decades.

Eucalypt forest with a mixed grass and shrub understorey

Low

Euphrasia bowdeniae

V V Endemic to the upper Blue Mountains. Confined to wet or damp vertical sandstone rock faces on major cliff-lines facing south or east, growing in small pockets of damp, sandy soil on ledges or at the cliff base. May rarely occur in damp sites at the top of cliffs. Sites are associated with the Hassans Walls soil landscape with steep Narrabeen Sandstone cliffs colluvial talus slopes developed over Illawarra Coal Measures.

Moist cliff faces

Unlikely


Scientific name

Common name



EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

Grammitis stenophylla

Narrow-leaf Finger Fern

E In NSW it has been found on the south, central and north coasts and as far west as Mount Kaputar National Park near Narrabrai. Inhabits moist places, usually near streams, on rocks or in trees, in rainforest and moist eucalypt forest.

Rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest

Low

Isopogon fletcheri

Fletcher's Drumsticks

V V Restricted to a very small area in the Blackheath district of the Blue Mountains on the Central Tablelands. The entire known population occurs within Blue Mountains National Park. Restricted to moist sheltered cliffs within the spray zone of a waterfall. Grows in dry sclerophyll forest and heath on sandstone and is confined to sheltered moist positions.

Dry sclerophyll forest and heath near waterfalls

Low

Pellargonium sp. striatellum

Omeo Storksbill

E The species is known to occur just above the high water level of irregularly inundated or ephemeral lakes. It is known to occur within the South East highlands Bioregion, however, no ephemeral lakes were recorded within the study area.

Ephemeral lake shores

Unlikely

Persoonia acerosa

Needle Geebung

V V The Needle Geebung has been recorded only on the central coast and in the Blue Mountains, from Mount Tomah in the north to as far south as Hill Top where it is now believed to be extinct. Mainly in the Katoomba, Wentworth Falls, Springwood area. Occurs in dry sclerophyll forest, scrubby low-woodland and heath on low fertility soils.

Dry sclerophyll forests

Low

Persoonia marginata

Clandulla Geebung

V V Known from only four disjunct locations on the Central Tablelands and Central Coast. Core of the species distribution is within Clandulla State Forest, west of Kandons. Disjunct populations occur; to the north at Dingo Creek and Mount Dangar within the Wollemi and Goulburn River National Parks; to the south within Ben Bullen State Forest, south-east of Capertee; and to the south-east at Devils Hole, north of Colo Heights within Parr State Recreation Area. Grows in dry sclerophyll forest and woodland communities on sandstone.

Dry sclerophyll forests

Low

Persoonia nutans

Nodding Geebung

E E Restricted to the Cumberland Plain in western Sydney, between Richmond in the north and Macquarie Fields in the south. Core distribution occurs within the Penrith, and to a lesser extent, Hawkesbury LGAs, with isolated and relatively small populations also occurring in the Liverpool, Campbelltown, Bankstown and Blacktown LGAs. Confined to aeolian and alluvial sediments and occurs in a range of sclerophyll forest and woodland vegetation communities, with the majority of individuals occurring within Agnes Banks Woodland or Castlereagh Scribbly Gum Woodland.

Dry sclerophyll open forest

Unlikely


Scientific name

Common name



EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

Prasophyllum fuscum

Slaty Leek Orchid

V CE The type specimen is from "moist meadows towards the Georges River" in the Sydney area. The species is likely to be extinct from this area. Harden (1993) states that it is confined to the Blue Mountains area. However, some authorities believe Prasophyllum species from this area are not Prasophyllum fuscum, but an un-described species. In addition, some authorities believe it is identical to Prasophyllum uroglossum which occurs in the Wingecarribee area. Grows in moist heath, often along seepage lines.

Heath and seepage lines

Low

Pultenaea glabra

Smooth Bush-Pea

V V Restricted to the higher Blue Mountains and has been recorded from the Katoomba-Hazelbrook and Mount Victoria areas, with unconfirmed sightings in the Mount Wilson and Mount Irvine areas. All known populations occur within the Blue Mountains Local Government Area. Grows in swamp margins, hillslopes, gullies and creekbanks and occurs within dry sclerophyll forest and tall damp heath on sandstone.

Wet and dry sclerophyll forest, swampy areas and heath

Low

Rhizanthella slateri

Eastern Underground Orchid

E V Eastern Underground Orchid is saprophytic. It is likely to have a very restricted area of occupancy, as it is known from fewer than 10 small, isolated populations within its extent of occurrence. One of these is within the Blue Mountains. It is very difficult to detect and it has been known to disappear from a site for over 50 years. It does require an intact understorey with deep leaf litter. This habitat was not found within the construction footprint.

Eucalypt forest with intact understorey

Low

Streblus pendulinus

Siah’s Backbone

E This species occurs from Cape York to Milton in SE NSW and also on Norfolk Island. On the Australian mainland, Siah’s Backbone is found in warmer rainforests, chiefly along watercourses. No rainforest was recorded from within the study area.

Rainforests along watercourses

Low

Thesium australe

Austral Toadflax

V V Austral Toadflax is a root parasite that takes water and some nutrients from other plants. It is often associated with Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra). It is known from north and west of Lithgow and is predicted to occur around Hartley. Kangaroo Grass is common even in disturbed areas of the study area.

grassland and grassy woodland

Moderate

Velleia perfoliata

V V Only known from the Hawkesbury district and upper Hunter Valley. Found in shallow depressions on Hawkesbury sandstone shelves or under cliffs. Occurs on fairly shallow soils of sandy loam texture. Generally found growing on moss mats formed on the rock shelf.

Shallow depressions on sandstone shelves and under cliffs

Unlikely


• Table 4 Likelihood of occurrence of threatened fauna

Scientific name

Common name



EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

Birds Anthochaera phrygia

Regent Honeyeater

E CR

Most sightings of regent Honeyeaters originate from a few sites in north-east Victoria, along the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range in NSW, and the Central Coast in NSW. They mostly occur in dry Box-Ironbark eucalypt woodland and dry sclerophyll forest associations wherein they prefer the moister, more fertile sites available, for example along creek flats or in broad river valleys and foothills. In NSW, riparian forests containing River Oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana) and with Needle-leaf Mistletoe (Amyema cambagei) are also important for feeding and breeding.

Dry Box-Ironbark eucalypt woodland and dry sclerophyll forest and riparian forests containing River Oak

Moderate to high

Callocephalon fimbriatum

Gang-gang Cockatoo

V Moist and tall open forests, particularly in steep topographic areas. Numerous records in the corridor.



Daphoenositta chrysoptera

Varied Sittella

V Distribution in NSW is nearly continuous from the coast to the far west. The bird inhabits eucalypt forests and woodlands, especially those containing rough-barked species and mature smooth-barked gums with dead branches, also mallee and Acacia woodland.

Eucalypt forests and woodlands, containing rough-barked species

High

Glossopsitta pusilla

Little Lorikeet

V Forages primarily in the canopy of open Eucalyptus forest and woodland, finds food in Angophoras, Melaleucas and other tree species. Riparian habitats are particularly used, due to higher soil fertility and hence greater productivity. Isolated flowering trees in open country, e.g. paddocks, roadside remnants and urban trees also help sustain viable populations of the species. Roosts in treetops, often distant from feeding areas. Riparian trees often chosen for nesting, including species like Allocasuarina.

Wet and dry sclerophyll forests, woodlands and riparian areas.

High

Lathamus discolor

Swift Parrot E E Breeds only in Tasmania but migrates to mainland states in winter. It was considered that the New South Wales wintering range was mostly on the western slopes region along the inland slopes of the Great Dividing Range, and some areas along the northern and southern coasts including the Sydney region. However, increasing evidence suggests that coastal plains forests from southern to northern New South Wales are also extremely important. The species was not observed or heard during the surveys and the OEH database does not indicate any records within the study area and no box ironbark is recorded.

Box-ironbark forests and woodlands

Low

Leipoa Malleefowl V E In New South Wales, Malleefowl typically occur west of the Great Dividing Range, Shrublands and low Unlikely


Scientific name

Common name



EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

ocellata between Pilliga and the districts of Griffith and Wentworth. The species occurs in semi-arid and arid districts and it occupies shrublands and low woodlands that are dominated by mallee vegetation. This habitat does not occur within the study area.

woodlands that are dominated by mallee vegetation

Ninox connivens

Barking Owl V Forest and woodland habitats, particularly drier western slopes and riverine areas, hunts for birds and small mammals.

Dry sclerophyll forest, woodlands.


Ninox strenua Powerful Owl

V Open forests with dense wet gullies and creek areas, requires large mature trees with hollows for breeding and dense areas of vegetation for prey and roosting

Wet and dry sclerophyll forests, woodlands and rainforest.


Oxyura australis

Blue-billed Duck

V Prefers deep water in large permanent wetlands and swamps with dense aquatic vegetation.

Open dams in agricultural areas.

Low

Petroica boodang

Scarlet Robin

V The Scarlet Robin lives in dry eucalypt forests and woodlands. The understorey is usually open and grassy with few scattered shrubs. This species lives in both mature and regrowth vegetation. It occasionally occurs in mallee or wet forest communities, or in wetlands and tea-tree swamps. Scarlet Robin habitat usually contains abundant logs and fallen timber: these are important components of its habitat. The Scarlet Robin breeds on ridges, hills and foothills of the western slopes, the Great Dividing Range and eastern coastal regions; this species is occasionally found up to 1000 metres in altitude. In autumn and winter many Scarlet Robins live in open grassy woodlands, and grasslands or grazed paddocks with scattered trees.

Dry sclerophyll forest and woodlands, agricultural areas with scattered tree remnants.

High

Rostratula australis

Australian Painted Snipe

E E Austral Painted Snipe has been recorded at wetlands in all states of Australia. They live in shallow terrestrial freshwater (occasionally brackish) wetlands, including temporary and permanent lakes, swamps and claypans. They also use inundated or waterlogged grassland or saltmarsh, dams, rice crops, sewage farms and bore drains. There are no suitable wetlands within or adjacent to the construction footprint.

Wetlands Low

Mammals Falsistrellus tasmaniensis


V Occurs in a variety of open forest and woodland habitats, where hollow-bearing trees are present and required for roosting, may forage in younger regrowth and modified environments.

Sclerophyll forests and woodlands.

High

Miniopterus australis

Little Bentwing Bat

V Inhabits a broad range of environments, generally in well-timbered areas. Wet and dry sclerophyll forest, moist eucalypt forest.



Scientific name

Common name



EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis

Eastern Bentwing-bat

V Forages in a variety of habitat types including, dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands, as well as cleared and modified urban environments; a cave-roosting species requiring caves and artificial tunnels for breeding and roosting.


High

Mormopterus norfolkensis


V Occur in dry sclerophyll forest and woodland east of the Great Dividing Range. Roosts mainly in tree hollows but will also roost under bark or in human-made structures.


High

Myotis macropus

Southern Myotis

V Generally roost in groups of 10-15 close to water in caves, mine shafts, hollow-bearing trees, stormwater channels, buildings, under bridges and in dense foliage. Forage over streams and pools catching insects and small fish by raking their feet across the water surface.

Freshwater wetlands, swamps, creeks and adjacent forest and woodland habitats.

High

Saccolaimus flaviventris

Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat

V Forages in most habitats across its very wide range, with and without trees; appears to defend an aerial territory. Roost in tree hollows and buildings.


High

Scoteanax rueppellii

Greater Broad-nosed Bat

V Inhabits a broad range of forest and woodland habitats, including adjacent cleared lands. Wet and dry sclerophyll forest.

High

Dasyurus maculatus


E V Wet and dry sclerophyll forests and rainforests, and adjacent open agricultural areas. Generally associated large expansive areas of habitat to sustain territory size.

Extensive areas of suitable habitat, and a considerable number of records in the corridor.

High

Petaurus norfolcensis

Squirrel Glider

V Forest and woodland habitats, particularly areas with a diversity of eucalypt species in the canopy and other suitable food resources (shrubs and small trees). Requires tree hollows for denning.

Wet and dry sclerophyll forests, woodlands and heaths.

High

Petaurus australis


V Tall open forest habitats, favours mature wet sclerophyll forest and dense gullies. Wet and dry sclerophyll forest.

High

Phascolarctos Koala V V Occur in subtropical and temperate rainforests, tall sclerophyll forests and woodlands, Suitable foraging High


Scientific name

Common name



EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

cinereus heaths and swamps as well as urban gardens and cultivated fruit crops. habitat present. Amphibians Pseudophryne australis

Red-crowned Toadlet

V Occurs in open forests, mostly on Hawkesbury and Narrabeen Sandstones. Inhabits periodically wet drainage lines below sandstone ridges that often have shale lenses or cappings. Shelters under rocks and amongst masses of dense vegetation or thick piles of leaf litter.

Dry sclerophyll forest in steeper terrain with exposed, boulders, and rocky slopes.

Low

Mixophyes balbus

Stuttering Frog

V E Permanent streams in moist and wet sclerophyll forests. Rainforest streams. Low

Reptiles Hoplocephalus bungaroides

Broad-headed Snake

V E Shelters in rock crevices and under flat sandstone rocks on exposed cliff edges during autumn, winter and spring. Moves from the sandstone rocks to shelters in hollows in large trees within 200 metres of escarpments in summer.

Dry sclerophyll forests on steep escarpments with exposed sandstone rocks, boulders and platforms.

Unlikely

• Fish Maccullochella australasica

Murray Cod V • Murray Cod habitat varies greatly from small clear rocky streams to the generally turbid, slow-flowing rivers and creeks. They are generally found in or near deep holes and prefer habitats containing cover such as rocks, fallen trees, stumps, and clay banks or overhanging vegetation.

Streams in wet and dry sclerophyll forest and woodland.

Low

Macquaria australasica

Macquarie Perch

E E (FM Act)

• Macquarie Perch are found in both river and lake habitats, especially the upper reaches of rivers and their tributaries.

Permanent rivers and creeks.

Low

Prototroctes maraena

Australian Grayling

V • The Australian Grayling occurs in south-eastern Australia, in coastal rivers and streams in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. On the mainland it occurs from the Shoalhaven River (NSW) south and west to the Hopkins River system (Vic).

It is a diadromous species, migrating between rivers, their estuaries and coastal seas, so relies on free access to a range of freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats for its survival. Australian Grayling spend most of their lives in freshwater, inhabiting rivers and

Permanent rivers and creeks. River Lett is a tributary of the Coxs River which is known to support this species.

Low


Scientific name

Common name



EPB

C A

ct

TSC

Act

streams, usually in cool, clear waters with a gravel substrate and alternating pool and riffle zones but can also occur in turbid water. The species can penetrate well inland, and has been reported from over 100 kilometres upstream from the sea. Larvae and juveniles inhabit estuaries and coastal seas, and there appears to be an obligatory marine stage, although their precise habitat requirements are not known.

Invertebrates Paralucia spinifera


V E Inhabits open forest/woodland areas above 850 metres in elevation and prefers sites with a southwest to north-west aspect and with extremes of cold such as regular winter snowfalls or heavy frosts. Also requires the presence of the Native Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla) in the understorey because it is a critical host plant for its larvae.

Dry sclerophyll forest and woodland.

High

Petalura gigantea

Giant Dragonfly

E Sedge swamps, freshwater wetlands and peat bogs. Several records near the corridor. Vegetated swamps and wetlands.

Low


Appendix E Assessment of significance

E.1 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1995 (S.5a) Threatened Ecological Communities

Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the Southeastern highlands, Sydney Basin, South-east Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions

(a) In the case of a threatened species, whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

(b) In the case of an endangered population, whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

N/A


No consideration under this part of the assessment is required.

(c) In the case of an endangered ecological community, whether the action proposed:

• is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or

• is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the South-eastern Highlands, Sydney Basin, South-east Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions occurs as an open-forest, woodland or open woodland. This community may also occur as secondary grassland where the trees have been removed, but the ground layer remains. Other eucalypt species may occur in this habitat. A shrub layer may be present and sub-shrubs are common and the ground layer is grassy, with sites in high condition having a range of forb species (OEH 2012). The community commonly occurs on valley floors, margins of frost hollows and on foot slopes and undulating hills. It occurs between approximately 600 and 1400 metres in altitude on a variety of substrates, including basalt, sediments, granite, colluvium and alluvium (OEH 2012).


This community occurs in the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion including part of the Southern and Northern Tablelands. There are outlying occurrences of this community in the Sydney Basin, South East Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions, where suitable habitat exists.

This community occurs in the northern end of section 2 and southern end of section 3 of the proposed footprint where it is dominated by Ribbon Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) with some areas sub-dominated by Black Sallee (Eucalyptus stellulata) and Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) on the edges when integrating into Box Gum Woodland. This is consistent with the Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the South Eastern Highlands, Sydney Basin, South East Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions listed as endangered under the TSC Act. Vegetation condition varies from low to high, with the greater condition occurring around the south of section 3. The clearing of understorey, weed invasion and with edge effects from the roadside have reduced the condition of this community around the north of section 2 and is naturally regenerating.

Impacts to threatened ecological communities include around 0.85 hectares of Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the South Eastern Highlands, Sydney Basin, South East Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions (Map Unit 5) to be cleared. This clearing includes about 0.13 hectares of moderate condition vegetation and about 0.18 hectares of high condition vegetation on the northern side of the highway near Jenolan Caves Road, south of Hartley. The broader study locality has approximately 45,000 hectares of Tablelands Grassy Woodland vegetation (Tozer et al. 2010) which has affinities to the Tablelands Grassy Woodland TEC. The potential impact for the proposed upgrade represents less than 1% of this distribution.

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

• the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and

• whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action; and

• the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified fragmented or isolated to the long-term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality,

Impacts to threatened ecological communities include around 0.85 hectares of cleared Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the South Eastern Highlands, Sydney Basin, South East Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions (Map Unit 5). This clearing will consist of about 0.13 hectares of moderate condition vegetation and about 0.18 hectares of high condition vegetation, on the northern side of the highway near the Jenolan Caves Road south of Hartley. The broader study locality has approximately 45,000 hectares of Tablelands Grassy Woodland vegetation (Tozer et al. 2010) which has affinities to the


Tablelands Grassy Woodland TEC. The potential impact for the proposed upgrade represents less than 1% of this distribution.

Widening of the highway corridor will result in the remnant TEC patches adjacent to the highway becoming thinner, but will not result in a larger number of small patches. The gap between patches on opposite sides of the road will increase slightly. It is not considered that this development will increase the fragmentation or isolation of the TEC patches. It is not considered that the small areas of vegetation removal will risk the long-term survival of the TEC.

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

Critical habitat has not been declared for Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland in the South Eastern Highlands, Sydney Basin, South East Corner and NSW South Western Slopes Bioregions.

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

There is no recovery plan for this community and there are no priority actions to promote recovery.

(g) whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a threatening process or is likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.

The full list of threatening processes under both the EPBC Act and TSC Act are listed below, with reference to the relevant report chapter for mitigation measures. The key threatening process relevant to this community that is directly enacted by the proposed upgrade is that associated with land clearance and clearing of native vegetation. An area of 0.85 ha of TEC will be cleared as part of the development, along 7.8 km of highway. Methods and approach for revegetation activities are to be determined within the landscape management plan, to be prepared as part of the CEMP.



Proposed mitigation set out in this report

Habitat degradation Bushrock removal TSC Act Potential Section 5.2 Land clearance/Clearing of native vegetation EPBC Act,

TSC Act Yes

Loss of hollow-bearing trees TSC Act Yes Removal of dead wood and dead trees TSC Act Yes Feral invertebrate fauna

Competition from feral honey bees (Apis mellifera) TSC Act Potential




Proposed mitigation set out in this report

Feral vertebrate fauna Competition and land degradation by rabbits / Competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

EPBC Act, TSC Act


Pathogens Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi)/Infection of native plants by Phytophthora cinnamomi

EPBC Act, TSC Act


Weeds Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants



TSC Act Potential

Climate change Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases



Conclusion

There is a significant area potentially containing Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland within the area of the development, but only 0.85 ha is to be cleared, representing 1%. Most of the TEC to be cleared is low condition. The development will not result in increased fragmentation of the remnants. There is the possibility of undertaking revegetation to replace the lost areas of the community as part of the post-construction landscaping. It is considered, therefore, that this clearing is unlikely to constitute a significant impact to this TEC and an SIS is not required.

Spotted-tailed Quoll (Vulnerable under the TSC Act)


The Spotted-tailed Quoll is listed as vulnerable in NSW under the TSC Act. The current distribution of this species is the coast and ranges of eastern Australia from southern Queensland to the Victorian/ South Australian border and Tasmania. The mainland range of this species has been fragmented and significantly reduced and is now disjunct over much of its former distribution. Spotted-tailed Quolls have been reported inhabiting a wide range of habitats including rainforest, wet and dry sclerophyll forest, woodland, coastal heathland and inland riparian forest. Occasionally, the species has been recorded in rock outcrops or other treeless areas (Edgar &


Belcher 1995). The species requires extensive home ranges, and is generally confined to localities which contain extensive and continuous tree cover.

Populations of the Spotted-tailed Quoll have been much reduced through habitat loss, and the species is currently sparsely distributed and rare. Land clearance for agricultural and urban development, as well as disease (possibly a form of toxoplasmosis - which is caused by a protozoan parasite prevalent in feral cats) and persecution have significantly reduced populations of this species, and the distribution of the Spotted-tailed Quoll is heavily fragmented as a result. Spotted-tailed Quolls compete for resources and shelter with Foxes, Feral Dogs and Feral Cats, and competition with these species may have an adverse impact on populations (Edgar & Belcher 1995). Spotted-tailed Quolls are also susceptible to baits laid for wild dogs.

A solitary, generally nocturnal (although some foraging, and sun-basking takes place during the day) and semi-arboreal species, the Spotted-tailed Quoll preys on a variety of species, ranging in size from small wallabies to reptiles and insects, as well as plants. Medium-sized terrestrial and arboreal mammals, such as Brushtail Possums, Rats, small macropods and Rabbits, comprise about two-thirds of the diet in south-east Australia, with birds (and their young) and carrion also being important dietary components. The species has been persecuted as a result of attacks on domestic poultry. Much of the foraging of this species is undertaken on the ground, but some foraging in trees is undertaken, and trees are also used as vantage points to detect prey and pounce on prey. Spotted-tailed Quolls, as opportunistic predators, utilise extensive home ranges which are estimated to be between 500 - 1 000 hectares (Australian Museum Business Services 1995). Movements of up to several kilometres in a single night have been recorded.

Both males and females mature when about one year old and mating occurs between April and July. The average litter size is five and young are fully independent at 18 weeks. Den and nest sites have been recorded in caves, rock crevices, tree hollows and hollow logs (Edgar & Belcher 1995).

Spotted-tailed Quolls are expected and predicted to occur in the locality and the range of habitats including large patches of native vegetation as well as farmland render the area suitable for this species. Potential impacts for the species are associated with the loss of habitat, habitat for prey species, fragmentation and the barrier effect of the highway potentially leading to increased genetic isolation and decreased dispersal ability. The species is known to frequent roadsides feeding on roadkill, thereby placing them at risk of vehicle strike.

Life-cycle attribute include hunting and suitable habitat for prey species, shelter and breeding microhabitats and dispersal of juveniles and movements of adults to account for home range areas. The severity of the impact in the locality is likely to be minor considering the large home-range of the species occurring at low densities and wide ranging dispersal abilities. Suitable habitat for the species is very widespread in the locality within conservation reserves and private lands. The proposal would remove approximately 3.20 hectares of habitat that could potentially be used or form part of the home range of a small number of individuals.


The species typically has a large home range and occupies a diversity of habitat types. It is therefore difficult to identify the area of occupancy and home range. Theoretically, quolls could occur in any of the larger forest fragments of the study area. Preferred habitat includes dry and moist sclerophyll forests and may include adjacent modified patches of forest on farmland. Suitable habitat is well represented in the larger fragments of forest in the region associated with several state forests and conservation reserves. The potential impact to habitat for prey species and life-cycle activities associated with the proposal represents a very small proportion of available habitat approximately in this locality.

Viable local populations could be expected to occur in this region and the impacts to life-cycle activities would be temporary, lasting for the duration of construction and until native vegetation is re-established. The impact is likely to affect a small number of individuals, if present, given the scale of the development in relation to habitat availability in the region. The development is considered highly unlikely to lead to extinction for local populations of Spotted-tailed Quoll.


N/A




N/A





The proposal would involve the removal of approximately 3.20 hectares of potential habitat for prey species of the quoll. The habitat to be cleared along the roadside is considered only marginal as


denning or sheltering habitat for this species due to an absence of caves and low abundance of large hollow logs.

Potential impacts for the species are associated with the loss of habitat, habitat for prey species, fragmentation and the barrier effect of the highway potentially leading to increased genetic isolation and decreased dispersal ability. The species is known to frequent roadsides feeding on roadkill, thereby placing them at risk of vehicle strike.

Vegetation clearing for the proposal would result in greater distance between habitats on either side of the highway. No new-edges would be created and no areas of habitat would become isolated. There is currently limited connectivity under the existing highway, and improving connectivity for Spotted-tailed Quoll is likely to increase the chances of species survival in the area. The proposed safety upgrade works will not reduce habitat connectivity compared to the current situation.

Habitats adjacent to the road and within the proposal footprint provide potential resources for this species in terms of an area of habitat for likely prey species and an area of potential shelter in the form of habitat hollows (logs, trees or dead standing trees), however this area of habitat is currently positioned adjacent to an existing highway which may reduce its suitability particularly when considering it is part of a large expanse of remnant habitat continuing in all directions.


Critical habitat has not been declared for this species.


A draft national recovery plan for the Spotted-tailed Quoll is currently being prepared. In NSW, the Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement lists recovery actions for all threatened species. A total of 33 recovery actions are listed for the Spotted-tailed Quoll. These actions focus on addressing current knowledge gaps and managing the threats to quoll populations as identified through scientific research. Mortality from collisions with vehicles is a known threat to this species and should be considered. However, collisions with vehicles are no more likely with the proposed safety upgrade works than they are currently.


The full list of threatening processes under both the EPBC Act and TSC Act are listed below, with reference to the relevant report chapter for mitigation measures. . The key threatening process relevant to this species is indirect impacts by the proposed upgrade associated with loss of habitat for prey species.




Proposed mitigation


TSC Act Yes




EPBC Act, TSC Act


Hydrology and riparian zones The degradation of native riparian vegetation along NSW water courses

FM Act Potential Section 5.2


EPBC Act, TSC Act





TSC Act Potential



Anthropogenic climate change TSC Act Potential N/A Conclusion

Potential habitat for the Spotted-tailed Quoll and prey species is well represented across the landscape and region from a variety of eucalypt forest types, including natural and disturbed habitats. This includes potential habitats for life-cycle activities of breeding, hunting, sheltering and dispersal. Considering the relatively small area of potential habitat for prey species and shelter or denning habitat that would be removed relative to the extent of similar habitats in the locality, and that the proposal would not reduce connectivity compared to the existing environment, the proposal is considered unlikely to constitute a significant impact to this species and an SIS is not required.


Yellow-bellied Glider, Squirrel Glider (vulnerable under EPBC and TSC Acts)


The Yellow-bellied and Squirrel Gliders are listed as a vulnerable species in NSW under the TSC Act. Squirrel and Yellow-bellied Gliders are distributed along the coast and montane ranges of eastern Australia from central Queensland to south-east Victoria. Known to occur in a variety of habitats, Yellow-bellied Gliders are usually associated with tall, mature wet eucalypt forest in high rainfall areas. Squirrel Gliders generally inhabit mature or old-growth Box, Box-Ironbark woodlands and River Red Gum forests. Both species occur within their range at low densities, even in areas of preferred habitat, probably as a result of the low food availability and their territorial nature. They have extensive home ranges.

The species are apparently declining mainly through the loss and fragmentation of habitat (Russell 1995). Clearance for agricultural and urban development and intensive forestry practices has probably had a significant effect on Yellow-bellied Glider populations. Loss of tree hollows and foraging areas poses the greatest threats to remnant populations.

Tree species used for food vary according to locations and habitats, however, none of the species in the study area have been identified as food trees. Some of the tree species present may potentially be used by gliders and some old trees containing hollows that could potentially be used by gliders are to be removed by the development. No Yellow-bellied Gliders or Squirrel Gliders were recorded in field investigations for this development. . However, the species are known to have large home ranges - more than 35 hectares - and they may travel in excess of 2 kilometres from the den to forage in a single night. There are extensive areas of forest within the study area and hollowing bearing trees are present throughout the study area. Therefore, whilst the gliders could use the areas of forest to be cleared by the proposal, they would not be feeding on these trees and are less likely to use trees with hollows that are very close to the highway for nesting, particularly when there is likely to be better habitat, with food trees, further away. It is, therefore, considered unlikely that the development would result in a local extinction of gliders.


N/A





N/A





The proposed works would result in the clearing of about 3.2 hectares of native vegetation, including around 0.6 hectares of sheltered dry sclerophyll forest, mainly along the lower slopes below Victoria Pass. The vegetation to be cleared is not good habitat for gliders as it does not contain food trees and is not the preferred tall, mature wet eucalypt forest. Native vegetation to remain after the safety upgrade works would become more fragmented than before the development in areas where there are very small remnants close to the highway. However, large forest patches will remain within the study area and the small fragments would not constitute glider habitat before the development. The native vegetation remnants along the highway would see an increased gap between remnants across the highway after the clearing. However, the highway would constitute a significant hurdle for glider movement currently, and the development would not increase this lack of connectivity between populations. Therefore, it is considered that the clearing of small areas of low-suitability habitat close to the highway will not threatened the long-term survival of gliders in the area.




The Approved Recovery Plan for Yellow-bellied Gliders Objective 2 is “to encourage and assist in improving the protection and management of the Yellow-bellied Glider and its habitat”. This objective includes the setting of minimum standards for survey effort in assessing for the presence of the species. There are several objectives for which the assessments should account. For this proposal, the planned clearing of native vegetation, making remnant vegetation more linear and increasing edge effects within native vegetation do not fit with meeting this objective. However, the


vegetation to be cleared does not constitute good habitat, there is no known glider population in the area (determined with appropriate survey effort), no sap trees were identified and no sap tree species are present, and the increased fragmentation of native vegetation is not considered to be likely to have an impact upon Yellow-bellied Gliders.


The full list of threatening processes under both the EPBC Act and TSC Act are listed below, with reference to the relevant report chapter for mitigation measures. The key threatening processes relevant to this species that are directly enacted by the proposed upgrade are those associated with clearance and degradation of habitat and potential habitat trees. As mentioned, the 3.2 ha of native vegetation to be cleared under this proposal does not constitute good glider habitat as it contains no sap trees and is not the preferred tall, mature wet eucalypt forest. Native vegetation to remain after the safety upgrade works would become more fragmented than before the development in areas where there are very small remnants close to the highway. However, large forest patches will remain within the study area and the small fragments would not constitute glider habitat before the development. The highway would currently constitute a significant hurdle for glider movement, and the development would not increase this lack of connectivity between populations. Therefore, it is considered that the clearing of small areas of low-suitability habitat close to the highway will not threatened the long-term survival of gliders in the area.



Proposed mitigation


TSC Act Yes




EPBC Act, TSC Act



EPBC Act, TSC Act


Weeds Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat by EPBC Act Potential Section 5.2




Proposed mitigation

invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants


TSC Act Potential




Conclusion

The native forest vegetation to be cleared as part of this proposal does not constitute good glider habitat, containing no sap trees and it is not the preferred tall, mature wet eucalypt forest. No evidence of gliders was observed during the field investigations. Native vegetation to remain after the safety upgrade works would become more fragmented than before the development in areas where there are very small remnants close to the highway. However, large forest patches will remain within the study area and the small fragments would not constitute glider habitat before the development. The highway would currently constitute a significant hurdle for glider movement, and the development would not increase this lack of connectivity between populations. Therefore, it is considered that the clearing of small areas of low-suitability habitat close to the highway will not threatened the long-term survival of gliders in the area. Therefore, a Species Impact Statement is not required.

Koala (Vulnerable under the TSC Act)


The Koala is listed as vulnerable in NSW under the TSC Act. The Koala is a folivore, feeding on some Eucalypt species. The Koala is found in a variety of habitats where suitable food trees occur. The Koala is adversely affected by habitat loss and fragmentation, wild fire, predation and disease. In fragmented habitats, roadkills and dog attacks are significant problems. Genetic introgression can be a serious threat to high density populations in isolated habitats. Habitat preservation and linking of isolates with habitat corridors is essential for the long term survival of Koala populations (Martin & Handasyde 1995).

Koalas are generally solitary except during the mating season and have a home range of about 3 hectares (although the size of this area is influenced by the distribution, abundance and quality of feeding resources). In dense populations, home ranges may overlap but appear to be discrete at lower densities (Martin & Handasyde 1995). Long movements in search of a mate or new food


source are sometimes undertaken, signifying the importance of dispersal corridors in secure Koala habitat (Phillips 1990).

Any Koala activity in the study area is considered to be very low and the survey results suggest that the habitats adjoining the proposed footprint are not likely to be used by dispersing individuals and that there is no local population within study area.

The Ribbon Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) is most dominant in vegetation occurring in the north west of the study area and is considered to be a primary Koala food tree. Other common and sub-dominate tree species such as Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera), Yellow Box (E. melliodora), Blakely’s Red Gum (E. blakelyi), Argyle Apple (Eucalyptus cinerea) and Apple-topped Box (Eucalyptus bridgesiana) are listed as secondary food trees, and Red Stringybark (Eucalyptus macrocarpa) as a supplementary food tree. Some of these tree species are likely to be removed in the proposed footprint; however it is unlikely that trees would be occupied or used by dispersing individuals. Most vegetation patches are isolated and disconnected from larger qualities of native vegetation in reserves.

The proposal would remove a relatively small area of habitat containing known Koala feed tress but not known to be currently occupied by local populations or forming the home range of an individual. This clearing of habitat is considered minimal in relation to the extent of similar habitats containing feed tree species known to be present throughout Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Park and is, therefore, unlikely to disrupt the life cycle of the species.


N/A




N/A






The Ribbon Gum is the most dominant vegetation occurring in the north west of the study area and is considered to be a primary Koala food tree. Other common and sub-dominate tree species such as Brittle Gum, Yellow Box, Blakely’s Red Gum, Argyle Apple and Apple-topped Box are listed as secondary food trees, and Red Stringybark as a supplementary food tree. Some of these tree species occur within the construction footprint and are likely to be removed, refer to Table 5 below. It is unlikely, however, that trees would be occupied or used by dispersing individuals. Most vegetation patches are isolated and disconnected from larger qualities of native vegetation in reserves.

• Table 5 Potential Koala habitat and impacts in the construction footprint

Koala Habitat Habitat food tree species Loss of habitat (hectares)

Primary habitat In Map Unit 5 the primary food tree Ribbon Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) comprises greater than 30% of trees present.

Map Unit 5 also supports secondary food species Yellow Box (E. melliodora), Snow Gum (Eucalyptus. pauciflora) and Apple-topped box Eucalyptus bridgesiana).

0.85

Secondary habitat

Map Unit 3 supports a high proportion (greater than 50%) of secondary food trees mainly comprising Brittle Gum (E. mannifera).

1.17

Tertiary habitat Primary feed species are absent and secondary food trees comprise less than 50% of trees present. Tertiary habitat includes Map Unit 1, 2 and 4.

1.18

The proposal would remove 3.2 ha of habitat containing known Koala feed tress but it is not known to be currently occupied by local populations or forming the home range of an individual. This clearing of habitat is considered minimal in relation to the extent of similar habitats containing feed tree species known to be present within the study area and throughout Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Park. Some reduction in size of remnant forest patches along the highway will occur within the construction footprint, but this will not result in increased fragmentation or isolation of Koala habitat.





There is a recovery plan for the Koala. Considering the impact is restricted to secondary habitat (class B and C) and there is no evidence of Koala activity in the study area and the inclusion of the proposed mitigation measures to minimise habitat removal and facilitate the natural movements of Koala across the proposal corridor, the proposal is consistent with the objectives of the recovery plan where relevant to the proposal. The footprint has been planned to minimise removal of habitat and therefore consistent with the recovery plan objectives. The objectives of the recovery plan are discussed below:

Recovery plan objective Relevance to proposal Objective 1: To conserve Koalas in their existing habitat.

Habitat removal has been minimised where possible through planning and refinement of the proposal footprint in the areas of identified potential Koala habitat and the proposal potentially contributes to the conservation of Koala through facilitating safe passage across the highway.

Objective 2: To rehabilitate and restore Koala habitat and populations.

Koala feed trees would be included in any offset plantings and strategic revegetation for the proposal.

Objective 3: To develop a better understanding of the conservation biology of Koalas.

N/A

Objective 4: To ensure that the community has access to factual information about the distribution, conservation and management of Koalas at a national, state and local scale.

N/A

Objective 5: To manage captive, sick or injured Koalas and orphaned wild Koalas to ensure consistent and high standards of care.

N/A

Objective 6: To manage over-browsing to prevent both Koala starvation and ecosystem damage in discrete patches of habitat.

N/A

Objective 7: To coordinate, promote the implementation, and monitor the effectiveness of the NSW Koala Recovery Plan across NSW.

N/A


Key threatening processes that are relevant to this species are listed below, including reference to direct impacts and potential indirect impacts from key threatening processes and how each of these would be mitigated by the proposed upgrade. The main key threatening processes relevant to this species that are directly enacted by the proposed upgrade are those associated with clearance and degradation of habitat and potential habitat trees.



Proposed mitigation

Habitat degradation Land clearance/Clearing of native vegetation EPBC Act, Yes Section 5.2




Proposed mitigation

TSC Act


EPBC Act, TSC Act



EPBC Act, TSC Act





TSC Act Potential




Conclusion

The proposed upgrade would remove a relatively small area (3.2 hectares) of secondary habitat for Koalas. This is considered a minor loss of potential habitat in this locality given the presence of similar forests across the study locality. The assessment concludes that the proposal is unlikely to lead to a significant impact on Koala and an SIS is not required.


Gang-gang Cockatoo (vulnerable under the TSC Act)


The Gang-gang Cockatoo is listed as vulnerable in NSW under the TSC Act. In New South Wales, the Gang-gang Cockatoo is distributed from the south-east coast to the Hunter region, and inland to the Central Tablelands and south-west slopes. It occurs regularly in the Australian Capital Territory. It is rare at the extremities of its range, with isolated records known from as far north as Coffs Harbour and as far west as Mudgee (OEH 2012).

In summer this species is generally found in tall mountain forests and woodlands, and may occur at lower altitudes in winter in drier more open eucalypt forests and woodlands, with old growth habitats being favoured for nesting and roosting (OEH 2012).

A pair was observed in grassy woodland near the south-eastern end of the study area and also in the north-western part, beyond the proposed footprint.

The removal of Eucalypt habitat trees with large hollows may reduce potential nesting sites for the Gang-gang Cockatoo. A total of 3.2 hectares of native vegetation, including 13 trees with hollows, would be removed as a result of the proposed upgrade. Given the large area of native vegetation to be retained within the study area, and the presence of trees with hollows outside the construction footprint, the development is unlikely to result in the local extinction of the species.


N/A




N/A






The proposal would result in the removal of 3.2 hectares of native vegetation, being potential foraging habitat, and removal of 13 hollow-bearing trees, being potential nesting habitat. Based on observations of hollow trees in the study area, large tree hollows are very limited, particularly in roadside areas. However the density of all hollows reported in the proposed footprint was found to be similar across other areas of habitat outside the study area.

No areas of habitat would become isolated for this species from the clearing activities as this species can readily fly across fragmented habitats, including major roads and, therefore, the proposal would not create a major barrier to this species. The proposal is unlikely to place the species at further risk of vehicle strike, considering the road grade and elevations of the proposal would be similar to existing highway conditions.

Habitats in the proposal footprint potentially have some importance for the local population for foraging and potentially for shelter, however relative to the extent of habitat in the locality the impacts represent a small proportion of the available habitat for the local population. Therefore the habitat impacted by the proposal is considered unlikely to be highly important to the species.




There is no recovery plan for this species but there are 11 priority action statements for this species related to scientific research, community awareness, habitat restoration and protection of this species. Considering the low potential impact to habitat for this species and the proposed mitigation measures (to minimise habitat removal and restore foraging habitat, through the re-establishment of native vegetation including potential feed trees), the proposal is consistent with these priority actions.


Key threatening processes that are relevant to this species are listed below, including reference to direct impacts and potential indirect impacts from key threatening processes and how each of these would be mitigated by the proposal. The main key threatening processes relevant to this species that are directly enacted by the proposal are those associated with clearance and degradation of foraging, nesting and roosting habitat. Potential indirect impacts include the introduction or spread of pathogens and weeds which may alter habitat quality, for hollow resources and habitat degradation from feral herbivores. It is considered unlikely that the proposal would increase the likelihood of predation on this species by feral carnivores.




Proposed mitigation


TSC Act Yes




EPBC Act, TSC Act



EPBC Act, TSC Act





TSC Act Potential





Conclusion

The proposal would result in the removal of 3.2 hectares of potential foraging habitat and 13 hollow-bearing trees, being potential nesting habitat. Similar potential habitats in the locality are extensive across private land, conservation reserves and state forests. There is potential for the life-cycle of the Gang-gang Cockatoo to be impacted during the breeding season, if birds are utilising trees with hollows within the proposed footprint. However, mitigation measures, including pre-clearance surveys and revegetation actions, would reduce these impacts. The proposal is considered unlikely to impose a significant impact on the Gang-gang Cockatoo and a SIS is not required.

Little Lorikeet (vulnerable under the TSC Act


The Little Lorikeet has a wide distribution along the east coast of Australia and the Great Divide regions. NSW provides a large portion of the species' core habitat, and the species appears largely transient as it moves with seasons and food resources. The ecology of the species is strongly linked to foraging opportunities for nectar and pollen provided by species from the Myrtaceae family (eucalypts, angophoras and melaleucas). Areas of riparian habitats are favoured, presumably due to the nutrient-rich, productive environment. The species is known to roost in tree canopies in areas separate from foraging habitats and create nests in hollows of limbs or trunks (<3cm diameter) of smooth-barked eucalypts and other tree species. Nest sites are repeatedly used.

Little lorikeets are known to occupy a diversity of forest and woodland habitats, including old-growth and logged forests, and remnant woodland patches and roadside vegetation (Pizzey & Knight 1997, DECC 2008). The species is generally considered to be nomadic, with irregular large or small influxes of individuals occurring at any time of year, apparently related to food availability (DECC 2008). However, they do exhibit some site fidelity, with breeding pairs resident from April to December, and even during their non-resident period some individuals will return to the nest area for short periods if there is some tree-flowering in the vicinity.

They feed in small flocks, often with other species of lorikeet, primarily on nectar and pollen in the tree canopy. They prefer profusely flowering eucalypts but will also feed in other species such as Melaleucas and mistletoes. The species breeds in tree hollows in living trees, during May to September, raising clutches of three to five eggs (DECC 2008). They likely commence breeding at one year, and live for around 10 years in the wild.

Major threats to little lorikeets are loss of breeding sites and food resources from ongoing land clearing. Loss of nest trees from road-side verges, often associated with road works, remains an ongoing threat (DECC 2008).


The study area would constitute breeding and non-breeding habitat for the Little Lorikeet in New South Wales. The loss of hollow-bearing and feed trees would directly affect the species opportunity to feed and breed in the area. However the study area is not considered a critical area for the little lorikeet as extensive areas of suitable habitat occur elsewhere in the region. The current potential for the species to occur based on the presence of potential foraging and breeding habitat is expected to remain after completion of the project such that foraging, movement and other life-cycle attributes would not be impacted.


N/A




N/A





The project would remove 3.2 hectares of native vegetation, comprising a diversity of sheltered dry sclerophyll forest, grassy woodland and riparian habitat. In considering the potential habitat for the species within the study area, it is likely that all the open forest habitats present at the study area provide opportunities for foraging and breeding. The project would remove up to 3.1 hectares of dry open forest and woodland. This loss is considered very low and there is a high portion of the habitat in the study locality available to this species. Large areas of high quality habitat are represented outside the proposed footprint in State Forests, conservation reserves and rural properties. Clearing of vegetation within the construction footprint, a linear corridor along the existing highway, is not considered to be likely to cause increased fragmentation or isolation of Little Lorikeet habitat.


The proposal will result in the loss of 13 hollow-bearing trees that occur within the construction footprint. These provide potential nesting habitat for Little Lorikeets, although there are many other hollow-bearing trees across the study area that will not be disturbed.

The native vegetation to be retained through this proposal will become more fragmented in some areas where there are only small remnant patches very close to the highway. These patches are relatively isolated from large forest areas and, therefore, may provide less optimal foraging habitat for Little Lorikeets. Most of the native forest vegetation within and adjacent to the construction footprint occurs in large patches that extend beyond the footprint. A slight reduction in the size of these areas will not lead to fragmentation of Little Lorikeet habitat.

The potential for continued visitation to the region is expected following construction of the project.


None of the habitats present in the study area are registered on the current list of recommended or declared critical habitat in NSW under the TSC Act.


There are no recovery plan actions or threat abatement plans associated with the protection of the Little Lorikeet.


Threats to the survival of the species include:

• The depletion of food resources as a result of clearing of woodlands for agriculture, thus reducing survival and reproduction. Small scale clearing, such as during roadworks and fence construction, continues to destroy habitat and it will be decades before revegetated areas supply adequate forage sites.

• The loss of old hollow bearing trees has reduced nest sites, and increased competition with other native and exotic species that need large hollows with small entrances to avoid predation. Felling of hollow trees for firewood collection or other human demands increases this competition.



Proposed mitigation

Habitat degradation Land clearance/Clearing of native vegetation EPBC Act,

TSC Act Yes Section 5.2

Loss of hollow-bearing trees TSC Act Yes Removal of dead wood and dead trees TSC Act Yes




Proposed mitigation

Feral invertebrate fauna



EPBC Act, TSC Act



EPBC Act, TSC Act





TSC Act Potential




Conclusion

The proposal would result in the removal of 3.2 hectares of native forest vegetation, being potential foraging habitat, and 13 hollow-bearing trees, being potentially suitable nesting habitat. Similar potential habitats in the locality are extensive through private lands, conservation reserves and state forests. There is potential for the life-cycle of the Little Lorikeet to be impacted during the breeding season if they utilising hollow trees within the construction footprint. However, mitigation measures including pre-clearance surveys and revegetation activities, which would reduce these impacts. The proposal is considered unlikely to impose a significant impact on the Little Lorikeet, and as such a SIS is not required.

Varied Sittella (vulnerable under the TSC Act)


The Varied Sittella is a small woodland songbird that prefers rough-barked Eucalypt woodlands and forests throughout their range, which is across Australia except in the treeless deserts and open grasslands. They are a generally sedentary species, feeding on arthropods from within crevices, hollows or dead timber.


Across NSW, the Varied Sittella’s population size is uncertain, but a decline of 35% occurred in the 20 year period between the two national bird atlases (1977-81 and 1998-2002). This decline is most likely a result of declining habitat cover and quality, along with the dominance of Noisy Miners in degraded patches.

The sedentary nature of the Varied Sittella makes cleared agricultural land a potential barrier to movement. Survival and population viability are sensitive to habitat isolation, reduced patch size and habitat simplification, including reductions in tree species diversity, tree canopy cover, shrub cover, ground cover, logs, fallen branches and litter (Watson et al. 2001; Seddon et al. 2003). Current threats include habitat degradation through small-scale clearing for fencelines and road verges, rural tree decline, loss of paddock trees and connectivity,. ‘Clearing of native vegetation’, ‘Loss of hollow-bearing trees’, and ‘Removal of dead wood and dead trees’ are listed as Key Threatening Processes in NSW under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

The Varied Sittella was confirmed in two grassy woodland sites, in small flocks of 3-6 birds. This is a wide ranging species that typically occurs in larger woodland fragments. It is a foliage insectivore which could potentially forage on a diversity of eucalypt species and woodland types. A large area of habitat suitable for woodland birds (including the Varied Sittella) occurs across the Blue Mountains National Park, including the areas surrounding the project. An estimated 2.5 hectares of grassy woodland habitat for the Varied Sittella will be removed during the safety upgrade proposal. The vegetation proposed for removal represents less than 1 % of the suitable habitat in the wider area.

The results of the literature review and field surveys along the route identified elements of the habitat that may be used by threatened woodland birds. However, it is evident that the impacts resulting from the clearing of vegetation for this proposal will be minimal and unlikely to be a significant impact on the life-cycle of Varied Sittella.


N/A




N/A






Approximately 2.5 ha of Grassy Woodland habitat will be removed under the proposal. The sedentary nature of the Varied Sittella makes cleared agricultural land a potential barrier to movement. Therefore, the species is unlikely to use the small patches of native forest vegetation that would become more fragmented with this safety upgrade development. The connectivity for Varied Sittella populations is unlikely to change with the proposal development.

Survival and population viability are impacted by habitat isolation, reduced size and simplification. The larger remnants, will be reduced , by edge clearing. This effect would be managed by revegetation and weed control and would, therefore, not be degraded for Varied Sittella in the long-term.

The location of the site adjacent to the Blue Mountains National Park means that this clearance is unlikely to fragment what is a vast area of possible habitat for the Varied Sittella.




There is no recovery plan for this species relevant to this area.


Current threats include habitat degradation through small-scale clearing for fencelines and road verges, rural tree decline, loss of paddock trees and connectivity, ‘tidying up’ on farms, and firewood collection. ‘Clearing of native vegetation’, ‘Loss of hollow-bearing trees’, and ‘Removal of dead wood and dead trees’ are listed as Key Threatening Processes in NSW under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Potential indirect impacts include the introduction or spread of pathogens and weeds which may alter habitat quality, increased competition with feral birds (e.g. Noisy Miner). It is considered unlikely that the proposal would increase the likelihood of predation on this species by feral carnivores.




Proposed mitigation



Loss of hollow-bearing trees TSC Act Yes Removal of dead wood and dead trees TSC Act Yes Feral vertebrate fauna Competition and land degradation by rabbits / competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit

EPBC Act, TSC Act


Pathogens Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi)/Infection of native plants by root rot fungus

EPBC Act, TSC Act





TSC Act Potential




Conclusion

The proposal would result in the removal of approximately 2.5 hectares of potential habitat of use to the Varied Sittella. Similar potential habitats in the locality are extensive through the Blue Mountains National Park. There is potential for the life-cycle of the Varied Sittella to be locally impacted during the breeding season if found to be utilising any of the 13 hollow-bearing trees within the construction footprint. However, mitigation measures including pre-clearance surveys, the installation of nesting boxes and revegetation activity would minimise these impacts. The proposal is considered unlikely to impose a significant impact on the Varied Sittella and a SIS is not required.

Powerful Owl and Barking Owl (both vulnerable under the TSC Act)


Both large forest owl species are listed as vulnerable in NSW under the TSC Act. Both species were confirmed within the study area during field investigations.

The Barking Owl is generally considered to inhabit open forests, woodlands, dense scrubs, foothills, river red gums, and other large trees near watercourses. Tends to penetrate otherwise


open country and also paperbark woodland. The Barking Owl prefers drier and more open habitats than does the Powerful Owl and appears more tolerant of human activity (Debus 1997). Kavanagh et al (1995) suggests that the species is particularly associated with coastal lowland or riparian woodland dominated by various red gum species.

Unlike other large forest owl species, the Barking Owl tends to roost in dense foliage in either eucalypts or non-eucalypts including midstorey shrubs. It also roosts in Rough-barked Apple which generally exhibits a more densely foliaged canopy than most eucalypts. There are records of Barking Owls roosting in Wilga trees (Geijera parviflora), in gully rainforest, and in various introduced trees around farm buildings and even in largely urban areas. However in general it appears that roost trees are commonly selected that have denser daytime cover than is usually provided by eucalypts (Debus 1997), although the species is does roost in eucalypts as well.

The diet of the Barking Owl consists of mammals, birds and insects the percentage of which depends largely on seasonal availability. For instance insects are more readily taken during the warmer months of the year and vertebrates appear to be more important during the post-fledging phase of the breeding cycle when the adult owls are still feeding young. Mammal prey consists of mostly arboreal species, particularly the Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps). The species is known to prey also on large birds such as galahs, various parrot species including cockatoos, and kookaburras. Dietary records suggest the Barking Owl to be an adaptable and generalised predator that is able to switch to introduced prey species, take more diurnal birds than most Australian owls, and subsist on insects in the warmer post-breeding months (Debus 1997).

Most recorded breeding events of the Barking Owl in NSW have been in live river red gums on riparian woodland of that species. In general, the species nests in large tree-hollows with entrances averaging 2-29 metres above ground, depending on the forest or woodland structure and the canopy height (Debus 1997).

The Barking Owl is threatened with loss of habitat, particularly on flatter topography on and adjacent to floodplains, and changes to the age structure of tree cover, resulting in the decline of old growth and dead trees. Other threats include the loss and degradation of habitat, including the loss of hunting habitat and potential roosting and nest sites and habitat occupied by its prey base. The major factor is further clearing for agriculture in inland NSW, compounded by suppression of eucalypt regeneration by grazing, decline of remnant trees in cleared areas, and reduction of prey (decline of small native mammals) in woodland remnants.

The Powerful Owl ranges over a broad coastal and sub-coastal strip in south-eastern Australia, from southern Queensland to western Victoria where it is generally confined to altitudes below 1,500 metres. The majority of records have been located east of the Great Dividing Range however a few recorded observations have been made on the inland slopes. Powerful Owls have been observed to inhabit and breed in forested areas within major urban centres such as Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle. Within New South Wales, the majority of records have been located within open forests, but woodland, ecotones with cleared areas, riparian habitats and closed forests are also utilised (Debus & Chafer 1994). This species apparently reaches optimum population


densities in gullies in dense, undisturbed mountain eucalypt forest, but is not confined to this habitat (Australian Museum Business Services 1995).

The low annual reproductive rate and dependence upon suitable prey items, which are obtained in an extensive home range, suggests that this species is vulnerable to human pressures arising from reductions in nest sites or prey availability. Furthermore, habitat loss and fragmentation may cause problems for young owls dispersing and successfully finding a mate (Debus & Chafer 1994). Widespread clearance and habitat fragmentation throughout its known range has reduced populations in the past. Fire can reduce prey numbers, and inappropriate burning regimes can lead to a simplification in the habitat structure and quality and removing resources used by prey species.

Powerful Owls are sedentary, living either alone or in pairs, and occupying a permanent territory which contains a number of roost sites. Pairs occupy permanent mutual territories although they commonly roost separately. Several roosts are used in rotation, several days at a time. A typical roost is on a horizontal limb several metres from the ground, uncluttered laterally but screened from above by dense foliage (Australian Museum Business Services 1995). The bird requires a large home range to obtain sufficient abundance of prey items and the size of the territory appears to be related to the availability of suitable prey items (Blakers et al 1984). Medium-sized arboreal mammals, particularly possums, gliders, and birds are common prey items. Records suggest that Powerful Owls are more inclined to forage within the tree canopy rather than utilise low perches beside breaks in ground cover (Debus & Chafer 1994).

Breeding records in New South Wales suggest that nesting generally occurs within open forest, in live eucalypts with hollow entrances 9 - 37 metres above the ground. Nest trees typically utilised are emergent, often the largest within a stand and oldest within a forest patch, and pairs are known to breed in the same nest for many years.

The proposal would result in the removal of 3.2 hectares of foraging habitat for these species, which potentially supports prey species such as possums and gliders, particularly for the Powerful Owl and Barking Owl. Very large tree hollows potentially suitable as nesting habitat were not identified in the proposal footprint and the survey revealed a lack of large hollows from immediately adjoining areas as well. The potential for nesting in the proposal corridor is considered very low.

There is a potential for increased roadkill of forest owls hunting in roadside areas, however considering the grade and elevations of the proposal would be similar to existing conditions the proposal is unlikely to place these species at further risk of vehicle strike.

Potential habitats in the locality are extensive and the small loss of potential foraging habitat on the edge of the highway is not expected to place these species at risk of extinction.


N/A





N/A





The proposal would result in the removal of 3.2 hectares of native forest vegetation that is habitat suitable for prey species for the large forest owl species. Tree hollows potentially suitable as nesting habitat for large forest owls were not recorded in the road corridor and were observed to be in low density throughout the locality in general. However, 13 trees with hollows suitable for prey species are present within the construction footprint and these may be important to maintain prey populations. Measures to maintain hollow resources potentially lost as part of the proposal include the provision of nest boxes.

Large forest owls can readily fly across fragmented habitats including major roads and, therefore, the proposal is unlikely to create a major barrier to these species. The proposal is unlikely to place these species at further risk of vehicle strike, considering the grade and elevations of the proposal would be similar to existing conditions.

Habitats in the proposal footprint potentially have some importance for the local populations of these species for hunting, however relative to the extent of habitat in the locality the impacts represents a small proportion of the available habitat for the local population. Therefore, the habitat impacted by the proposal is considered unlikely to be highly important to these species.




The approved recovery plan for Large Forest Owls states that Objective 4 is to “ensure the impacts on large forest owls and their habitats are adequately assessed during planning and environmental


assessment processes”. Forest clearing and fragmentation are recognised as the greatest ongoing threat to large forest owls. This safety upgrade proposal has seen an adequate assessment of large forest owl habitat and distribution, but there will be forest clearing and some increased forest fragmentation as part of the development. Considering the low potential impact to habitat for this species and the minimisation of habitat removal, the proposal is consistent with the objectives of the recovery plan.


Key threatening processes that are relevant to these species are listed below, including reference to direct impacts and potential indirect impacts from key threatening processes and how each of these would be mitigated by the proposal. The main key threatening processes relevant to these species that are directly enacted by the proposal are those associated with clearance and degradation of foraging, nesting and roosting habitat. Potential indirect impacts include the introduction or spread of pathogens and weeds which may alter habitat quality, increased competition with feral herbivore and invertebrate pests, and increased predation from feral predators on prey species.



Proposed mitigation






EPBC Act, TSC Act


Pathogens Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi)/Infection of native plants by root rot fungus.

EPBC Act, TSC Act





TSC Act Potential

Climate change Loss of terrestrial climatic habitat caused by anthropogenic EPBC Act Potential N/A




Proposed mitigation

emissions of greenhouse gases


Conclusion

Considering the small area of foraging habitat that would be removed relative to the extent of similar habitats in the locality and the absence of suitable nest sites in the proposal area, the proposal is unlikely to constitute a significant impact to large forest owls and a SIS is not required. In addition to avoidance of potential foraging habitat, mitigation measures will be implemented to minimise impacts to potential prey species through the installation of nest boxes. A nest box management strategy would be developed as part of the construction environment management plan.

Eastern Bent-wing Bat, Little Bentwing Bat and Southern Myotis (all vulnerable under the TSC Act)


All three species are listed as vulnerable in NSW under the TSC Act. Little Bentwing Bat has been recorded during surveys conducted within the study area for this project.

Eastern Bent-wing Bat is widespread and can be locally common where suitable caves or tunnels are available as roost sites. However, the major threat to this species is the loss of roost sites, and nursery caves. The dependence on relatively few nursery caves suggests that threats to the existence or structural integrity of these may place populations in jeopardy (Dwyer 1995). Frequent disturbance of roosts used for winter hibernation is known to significantly increase winter mortality. Toxic accumulation of agricultural chemicals in body fat used during winter torpor may also reduce populations. Habitat loss through clearing for development or agriculture and subsequent reductions in insect prey availability may also adversely affect this species. The Eastern Bent-wing Bat is reportedly preyed upon by feral Cats and occasionally Foxes.

Eastern Bent-wing Bats are known to forage within a variety of habitat types adjoining roost sites. This appears to include rainforest, moist and dry eucalypt forest, swamp sclerophyll forest as well as heath. Known roost sites include caves, old mines, stormwater channels, road culverts and comparable structures including buildings. Dwyer (1995) regards typical habitat as well-timbered valleys. This species has been reported utilising bushland remnants in urban areas.


Eastern Bent-wing Bats are known to feed on moths, cockroaches, grasshoppers and ants and forages above the tree canopy (Australian Museum Business Services 1995). This is a mobile species and is estimated to forage within a 20 km radius in a single night.

The limiting factor is the availability of roost sites, with suitable caves, mines, road culverts and occasionally buildings being essential. Long migrations between roosts, according to seasonal needs or reproductive status, have been recorded. With the onset of spring, adult females move from numerous widely scattered roosts to specific nursery caves, which provide high temperature and humidity or have an internal conformation which retains air warmed by the bats activities (Dwyer 1995). Within nursery caves, the density of young bats can be up to 3 000 per square metre.

The Little Bentwing Bat is distributed along coastal and range areas between Cape York in Queensland to Wollongong in NSW. The general habitat of this species is moist eucalypt forest, rainforest, vine thicket, wet and dry sclerophyll forest, Melaleuca swamps, dense coastal forests and banksia scrub. Roosting occurs in caves, tunnels, hollows or similar man-made structures. Nocturnal activity is focussed on foraging for small insects beneath the canopy of densely vegetated habitats. Root sites are often shared with the Common or Eastern Bentwing-bat, forming mixed clusters. Only five nursery sites/maternity colonies are known in Australia. Disruption of these colonies are a key risk to the species, along with destruction or changes to habitat, predation from foxes, introduced pathogens, fires and loss of foraging resources.

The Southern Myotis is considered comparatively rare over its limited national range (Richards 1995). The species is considered rare and sparsely distributed in a variety of habitats associated with water in Victoria (Lumsden & Menkhorst 1995). Generally small colony sizes, relatively low reproductive rates (one to two young per year), and the specific roost requirements suggest that local populations are susceptible to impacts from even minor modifications or disturbances to roosting and foraging habitats.

Loss of roost sites and foraging habitats are considered the major threats to this species. The specific nature of its foraging habits suggest that this species is adversely impacted by habitat degradation through water pollution, and foraging habitat is likely to have been lost through nutrient enrichment, oil spills and pollutant rich run-off entering waterways. Disturbance of colonies, especially during the colder months when the bat is hibernating, may cause populations to desert roost sites, and can result in heavy mortality. The degradation of waterways through sedimentation, eutrophication, acidification and pollution may have altered the aquatic biota of foraging habitats or affected the abundance of prey populations. Widespread clearing of riparian forests may have affected the diversity of insect prey in these areas, which in turn may affect the densities of Myotis populations in these areas. The modification of hydrological regimes may also affect the prey resources of this species.

Recorded roost sites include caves, mines, tunnels, culverts, spaces and scuppers under bridges and in buildings, Fairy Martin nests, in dense foliage in tropical areas, and from tree hollows in Victoria (Lumsden & Menkhorst 1995). The Southern Myotis has been reported feeding on flying


insects (including beetles, flies, moths and grasshoppers), aquatic insects (such as boatmen) and small fish (such as the introduced Mosquito Fish.

The study area provides known and potential foraging habitat for the assessed species. These species are predominantly cave-roosting bats, although they may roost in artificial structures such as bridges and culverts. No caves or similar human-constructed habitats have been recorded in the proposal boundary and the proposal is not expected to impact on the maternity life-cycle activities of these species. The location of any roost sites for these species in the regional area is not known.

The loss of 3.20 hectares of forest and woodland habitat may impact on the potential breeding habitat for prey species (invertebrates) and therefore potentially lead to reduction of populations associated with increased pressure on a local scale. However, comparable habitats are well represented throughout the locality and region. Therefore, foraging habitat and prey abundance may be impacted by the proposal however the overall magnitude of this impact is very small relative to the extent of insect breeding resources in the study area


N/A




N/A





An area of 3.2 ha of native forest vegetation is to be cleared under the proposal. This forest is potential foraging habitat for microbats. No areas of potential foraging habitat would become isolated, as microbat species are readily able to fly across fragmented habitats including major roads. However, there is some evidence from research on microbats in Europe suggesting that microbats avoid highways (Berthinussen & Altringham 2012), are road casualties (Lesinski et al.


2010) and favour particular crossing sites on highways (Abbott et al. 2012) such as bridge underpasses. No culvert or bridgeworks are planned as part of the safety upgrade proposal. The safety upgrade would not affect the ecology of microbat prey species. It is unlikely that the proposed action would have any effect on the long-term survival of cave-roosting bats in the area.


Critical habitat has not been declared for these species.


There is no recovery plan for these species. There are 15-25 priority action statements for each of species related to scientific research, community awareness and protection of these species. Considering the low potential impact to habitat for these species and the proposed avoidance and mitigation measures to minimise habitat removal including appropriate design of the infrastructure to avoid ecological impacts, the re-establishment of native vegetation and reuse of habitat attributes, the proposal is consistent with these priority actions.


Key threatening processes that are relevant to these species are listed below, including reference to direct impacts and potential indirect impacts from key threatening processes and how each of these would be mitigated by the proposal. The main key threatening processes relevant to these species that are directly enacted by the proposal are those associated with clearance and degradation of foraging and roosting habitat. Potential indirect impacts include the introduction or spread of pathogens and weeds which may alter habitat quality and habitat degradation from feral herbivores. It is considered unlikely that the proposal would increase the likelihood of predation on this species by feral carnivores.



Proposed mitigation





Feral vertebrate fauna




Proposed mitigation

Competition and land degradation by rabbits / Competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

EPBC Act, TSC Act



EPBC Act, TSC Act





TSC Act Potential




Conclusion

Considering the small area of foraging habitat that would be removed relative to the extent of similar habitats in the locality (1% of the forested area within the study area), the proposal is unlikely to constitute a significant impact to these three microbat species. There would be minimal impact to potential artificial roost sites, with impacts limited to a relatively small area of foraging habitat and potential temporary roost sites in hollow trees and no culvert or bridgeworks planned. Mitigation measures including pre-clearance surveys would help to minimise any impacts. Considering the limited potential impacts described above an SIS is not considered to be required.

Eastern False Pipistrelle, Eastern Freetail-bat, Greater Broad-nosed Bat, Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat (all vulnerable under the TSC Act)


All four species of tree-roosting microbat are listed as vulnerable in NSW under the TSC Act.

Habitat requirements of Eastern False Pipistrelle are poorly known although it has been reported from rainforest, wet and dry sclerophyll forests and woodland. The species tends to be more common at higher altitudes than on the coast. Studies suggest that this species prefers wet habitats, especially riparian or high rainfall areas, where trees are greater than 20 metres in height (Menkhorst & Lumsden 1995), although a range of other habitats are used, including woodland.

Given the shape and size of its wings, the Eastern False Pipistrelle is likely to be a fast flying but not very manoeuvrable species, and probably forages above or just below the forest canopy, in


open woodland or over water (Phillips 1995). This species has been reported feeding on moths, beetles, chafers, weevils, plant bugs, flies and ants (Australian Museum Business Services 1995 Eastern False Pipistrelle roost predominantly in tree hollows, where groups of up to 10 individuals have been reported (Phillips & Inwards 1985). Individuals have also been reported utilising caves and abandoned buildings (Australian Museum Business Services 1995).

The Eastern Freetail-bat is found along the east coast from south Queensland to southern NSW. Occur in dry sclerophyll forest, woodland, swamp forests and mangrove forests east of the Great Dividing Range (OEH 2012). Roosts mainly in tree hollows but will also roost under bark or in man-made structures (OEH 2012). Usually solitary but also recorded roosting communally, probably insectivorous (OEH 2012).

The Greater Broad-nosed Bat is most common in the gullies and river systems draining the Great Dividing Range, from north-eastern Victoria to the Atherton Tableland in tropical Queensland, but it extends to the coast over much of its range (Hoye & Richards 1995). It is regarded as uncommon to rare, but may prove to be more widespread than currently indicated (Hoye & Richards 1995; Parnaby 1992). The main threat to this species is the loss of tree hollows, which are used as roost sites, through clearing or apiary. Habitat modification and clearing for agriculture may reduce foraging habitat and insect prey availability.

This species has been recorded in a variety of habitat types including rainforest, moist and dry eucalypt forest and woodland. Favoured foraging areas for this species appear to be tree-lined creeks and the junction of woodland and cleared paddocks. Large emergent trees, including dead trees, with hollows are likely to be essential as roost sites. Greater Broad-nosed Bats feed on moths, beetles and other large slow-flying insects, and possibly other bats. A low, slow-flying species which utilises a large foraging area, the open nature of eucalypt woodland suits its direct flight pattern. Within denser vegetation types, use is made of natural and man-made openings such as roads, creeks and small rivers, where it hawks backwards and forwards for prey (Hoye & Richards 1995).

The Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat is dependent on suitable hollow-bearing trees to provide roost sites, which may be a limiting factor on populations in cleared or fragmented habitats. Flying insects (particularly beetles, grasshoppers, chafers and bugs) are taken above the forest canopy, and closer to the ground in low vegetation types (mallee, heath, mangroves). The fast direct flight pattern allows for prey to be encountered at a greater rate in cleared and open areas (Rhodes & Hall 1997).

This species is apparently usually solitary, but small colonies of up to 10 individuals are not uncommon. In one case, a colony of 29 individuals was found within a hollow in the top of a dead eucalypt in predominantly cleared grazing land south-west of Brisbane. This clumping may have resulted from a lack of suitable roosting hollows in the locality or aggregations during winter by this species (Rhodes & Hall 1997).


Little is known of the nightly foraging movements or seasonal and regional movements of this species. Some regional migrations have been suspected, but no observations have been documented which conclusively demonstrate this. Similarly, the breeding biology is poorly known, with births occurring from December to March.

Populations may have been reduced through clearing for agriculture and development, which has removed roost trees and foraging areas. This loss of habitat is likely to be the most significant threat to this species, but predation by cats may also constitute a localised threat to some colonies. The Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat may have always occurred at low numbers (populations may have been limited by the low availability of high-flying late emerging insect prey or by interspecific and intraspecific competition). The species may be more common than records indicate as flight habits and late emergence from roosts may make observation of this species difficult during general fauna surveys.

The proposal would result in the removal of potential foraging habitat comprising 3.20 hectares of forest and woodland habitats. There would also be the removal of 13 hollow-bearing trees potentially used as roosting habitat by these species. However potential habitats in the locality are extensive and include conservation reserves, state forests and private lands.

Considering the small proportion of habitat being impacted in the proposal area relative to the available habitat in the locality, viable local populations of these species are unlikely to be placed at risk of extinction. Continued use of surrounding retained habitats could be expected by these wide-ranging species considering the majority of these species have been recorded adjacent to the existing Princes Highway in the study area.


N/A




N/A






The proposal would result in the removal of potential foraging habitat comprising 3.2 hectares of forest and woodland habitats. It would also result in the loss of 13 hollow-bearing trees. However potential habitats in the surrounding Blue Mountains National Park are extensive.

Considering the small proportion of habitat being impacted in the proposal area relative to the available habitat in the locality, viable local populations of these species are unlikely to be placed at risk of extinction. Continued use of the road corridor could be expected by these wide-ranging species.

No areas of habitat would become isolated. Microbat species are readily able to fly across fragmented habitats including major roads, however there is some evidence from research on microbats in Europe suggesting that microbats avoid highways (Berthinussen & Altringham 2012), are road casualties (Lesinski et al. 2010) and favour particular crossing sites on highways (Abbott et al. 2012) such as bridge underpasses.

Habitats within the proposal construction footprint include 13 hollow-bearing trees that could potentially provide foraging and sheltering habitat. However, relative to the extent of habitat in the locality the impact represents a small proportion of the available habitat for any local populations.




There is no recovery plan for these species. There are 16-21 priority action statements for each of species related to scientific research, community awareness and protection of these species. Considering the low potential impact to habitat for these species and the proposed avoidance and mitigation measures to minimise habitat removal including appropriate design of the infrastructure to minimise ecological impacts, such as minimising the size of fill batters where appropriate, avoiding hollow tree removal where possible during construction, the re-establishment of native vegetation and provision of nest boxes and re-use of hollows, the proposal is consistent with these priority actions.


Key threatening processes that are relevant to these species are listed below, including reference to direct impacts and potential indirect impacts from key threatening processes and how each of


these would be mitigated by the proposal. The main key threatening processes relevant to these species that are directly enacted by the proposal are those associated with clearance and degradation of foraging and roosting habitat. Potential indirect impacts include the introduction or spread of pathogens and weeds which may alter habitat quality, and habitat degradation from feral herbivores. It is considered unlikely that the proposal would increase the likelihood of predation on this species by feral carnivores.



Proposed mitigation






EPBC Act, TSC Act



EPBC Act, TSC Act





TSC Act Potential




Conclusion

Considering the small area of foraging habitat that would be removed relative to the extent of native forest habitats in the locality (3.2 ha or 1% of the forested area within the study area), the proposal is unlikely to constitute a significant impact to these tree-roosting microbat species. There would, however, be removal of 13 hollow-bearing trees from the construction footprint, and these could be providing roosting sites. There are many other hollow-bearing trees within the study area. Mitigation measures including pre-clearance surveys would help to minimise any impacts. Considering the limited potential impacts described above, an SIS is not considered to be required.


Bathurst Copper Butterfly (Endangered under the TSC Act)


Inhabits open forest/woodland areas above 850 metres in elevation and prefers sites with a south-west to north-west aspect and with extremes of cold such as regular winter snowfalls or heavy frosts. Also requires the presence of the Native Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla) in the understorey because it is a critical host plant for its larvae.

Bathurst Copper Butterfly is found in association with the larval host-plant Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla). The butterflies rarely venture far from the host plant and are active on sunny days from August to November, when they can be seen sunning themselves, defending their little territories (energetically and acrobatically chasing each other), feeding from flowers, performing courtship chases, mating and laying eggs on the host plant (Mjadwesch 2012). Bathurst Copper Butterfly, as well as many other butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, have a symbiotic relationship with a small ant species (Anonychomyrma itinerans), which attend the caterpillars constantly. The ants protect the caterpillars from predators, for which service the ants are “paid” with honeydew, which is excreted from a small gland on the caterpillar (Mjadwesch 2012). When the caterpillars grow larger they become nocturnal, retreating to the ants nest at the base of the plant during the day (Mjadwesch 2012). The pupae subsequently metamorphosis underground. The Old Bowenfels population to the west of the study area and both of the Forty Bends populations are considered to be viable (Mjadwesch 2012). The nature of the species, occupying discrete and often small areas of habitat, provides that small populations form parts of a larger intermixing metapopulation. Among the populations examined by Clarke & Grosse (2003) “very little genetic differentiation” among these populations was observed, indicating outbreeding events between populations.

Potential habitat for the threatened Bathurst Copper Butterfly (Bathurst Copper Butterfly) (listed as endangered under the TSC Act and vulnerable under the EPBC Act) was previously identified in several locations during surveys in 2012 (RMS 2011 and Mjadwesch Environmental Service Support 2012). The species was not confirmed within the study area. In 2013 (Mjadwesch Environmental Service Support), additional targeted surveys were undertaken in all potential habitat in the study area and it was confirmed that the Bathurst Copper Butterfly is absence and the habitat is no longer considered to be represented as potential habitat. This is based on habitat characteristics such as the low abundance of Blackthorn and low altitude below 850 metres.

Given that these habitats are no longer considered potential habitat, along with the absence of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly and the attendant ant species, it is unlikely that the proposed works would impact on the life cycle of the species.



N/A




N/A






Populations of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly are known to occur further north of the study area in higher elevations of representative habitat on the lower southern and south western slopes of Hassins Wall and on the north side of the Great Western Highway around Old Forty Bends Road.

Given that habitats in the study area are no longer considered potential habitat and the absence of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly, it is unlikely that the proposed works would lead to habitat fragmentation or isolation for the species. With no potential habitat in the study area, this project would not modify or remove the extent of habitat. Important habitats for this species occurs approximately 2 kilometres north of the study area and would not be impacted in this project.





Protection of populations of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly is consistent with the objectives and intent of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly Recovery Plan (NPWS 2001). The proposed works are consistent with the Recovery Plan for the species (NPWS 2001) and no loss of potential habitat will occur.


Key threatening processes that are relevant to this species are listed below, including reference to direct impacts and potential indirect impacts from key threatening processes and how each of these would be mitigated by the proposal.



Proposed mitigation


TSC Act Yes Section5.2




EPBC Act, TSC Act



EPBC Act, TSC Act





TSC Act Potential





Conclusion

As there is no representative habitat for this species in the study area, the proposed works would not impact on this species.

Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Endangered fauna Spotted-tailed Quoll

Lead to a long-term decrease in the size of a population

The Spotted-tailed Quoll is listed as endangered under the TSC Act. The current distribution of this species is the coast and ranges of eastern Australia from southern Queensland to the Victorian/ South Australian border and Tasmania. The mainland range of this species has been fragmented and significantly reduced and is now disjunct over much of its former distribution. Spotted-tailed Quolls have been reported inhabiting a wide range of habitats including rainforest, wet and dry sclerophyll forest, woodland, coastal heathland and inland riparian forest. Occasionally, the species has been recorded in rock outcrops or other treeless areas (Edgar & Belcher 1995). The species requires extensive home ranges, and is generally so confined to localities which contain extensive and continuous tree cover.

Populations of the Spotted-tailed Quoll have been much reduced through habitat loss, and the species is currently sparsely distributed and rare. Land clearance for agricultural and urban development, as well as disease (possibly a form of toxoplasmosis - which is caused by a protozoan parasite prevalent in feral cats) and persecution have significantly reduced populations of this species, and the distribution of the Spotted-tailed Quoll is heavily fragmented as a result. Spotted-tailed Quolls compete for resources and shelter with Foxes, Feral Dogs and Feral Cats, and competition with these species may have an adverse impact on populations (Edgar & Belcher 1995). Spotted-tailed Quolls are also susceptible to baits laid for wild dogs.

A solitary, generally nocturnal (although some foraging, and sun-basking takes place during the day) and semi-arboreal species, the Spotted-tailed Quoll preys on a variety of species, ranging in size from small wallabies to reptiles and insects, as well as plants. Medium-sized terrestrial and arboreal mammals, such as Brushtail Possums, Rats, small macropods and Rabbits, comprise about two-thirds of the diet in south-east Australia, with birds (and their young) and carrion also being important dietary components. The species has been persecuted as a result of attacks on domestic poultry. Much of the foraging of this species is undertaken on the ground, but some foraging in trees is undertaken, and trees are also used as vantage points to detect prey and pounce on prey. Spotted-tailed Quolls, as opportunistic predators, utilise extensive home ranges which are estimated to be between 500 - 1 000 hectares (Australian Museum Business Services 1995). Movements of up to several kilometres in a single night have been recorded.


Both males and females mature when about one year old and mating occurs between April and July. The average litter size is five and young are fully independent at 18 weeks. Den and nest sites have been recorded in caves, rock crevices, tree hollows and hollow logs (Edgar & Belcher 1995).

Spotted-tailed Quolls are expected and predicted to occur in the locality and the range of habitats including large patches of native vegetation as well as farmland render the area suitable for this species. Potential impacts for the species are associated with the loss of habitat, habitat for prey species, fragmentation and the barrier effect of the highway potentially leading to increased genetic isolation and decreased dispersal ability. The species is known to frequent roadsides feeding on roadkill, thereby placing them at risk of vehicle strike.

The severity of the impact in the locality is likely to be minor considering the large home-range of the species occurring at low densities and wide ranging dispersal abilities. Suitable habitat for the species is very widespread in the locality within conservation reserves and private lands. The proposal would remove approximately 3.20 hectares of habitat that could potentially be used or form part of the home range of a small number of individuals.

Reduce the area of occupancy of a population

The species typically has a large home range and occupies a diversity of habitat types. It is therefore difficult to identify the area of occupancy and home range. Theoretically, quolls could occur in any of the larger forest fragments of the study area. Preferred habitat includes dry and moist sclerophyll forests and may include adjacent modified patches of forest on farmland. Suitable habitat is well represented in the larger fragments of forest in the region associated with several state forests and conservation reserves. The potential impact to habitat for prey species and life-cycle activities associated with the proposal represents a very small proportion of available habitat approximately in this locality.

Viable local populations could be expected to occur in this region. The impacts of the proposal activities are only likely to affect a small number of individuals, if present, given the scale of the development in relation to habitat availability in the region. The proposal is considered highly unlikely to change the local population(s) of Spotted-tailed Quoll.

Fragment an existing population into two or more populations

Spotted-tailed Quolls are expected and predicted to occur in the locality. The range of habitats, including large patches of native vegetation as well as farmland, render the area suitable for this species. Potential impacts for the species are associated with the loss of foraging habitat and habitat for prey species. There is not likely to be any increase in fragmentation of the population, as the safety upgrade works will not alter the barrier effect of the highway. The species is known to frequent roadsides feeding on roadkill, thereby placing them at risk of vehicle strike.

Adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of the species


Habitat critical to the survival of a species refers to areas that are necessary for activities such as:

• Foraging, breeding, roosting, or dispersal.

• For the long-term maintenance of the species including the maintenance of other species essential to the survival of the species, such as pollinators.

• To maintain genetic diversity and long-term evolutionary development.

• For the reintroduction of populations or recovery of the species.

Some of the larger habitats are represented outside of the study area are suitable for populations of spotted-tailed quoll and may constitute habitat critical to their survival. Suitable habitat is well represented in the larger fragments of forest in the study area, particularly national parks, state forests and adjoining private properties. The proposal would remove potential habitat for the species, however it is not critical habitat and the overall reduction of habitat is a small proportion of the available potential habitat.

Disrupt the breeding cycle of a population

Life-cycle attribute include hunting and suitable habitat for prey species, shelter and breeding microhabitats and dispersal of juveniles and movements of adults to account for home range areas. The severity of the impact in the locality is likely to be minor considering the large home-range of the species occurring at low densities and wide ranging dispersal abilities. Suitable habitat for the species is very widespread in the locality within conservation reserves and private lands and the proposal would remove approximately 3.20 hectares of habitat that could potentially be used or form part of the home range of a small number of individuals.

Modify, destroy, remove, or isolate or decrease the availability or quality of habitat to the extent that the species is likely to decline

Preferred habitat includes dry and moist sclerophyll forests and may include adjacent modified patches of forest on farmland. Suitable habitat is well represented in the larger fragments of forest in the region associated with several state forests and conservation reserves. Vegetation clearing for the proposal would result in greater distance between habitats on either side of the highway no new-edges would be created and no areas of habitat would become isolated. The proposal involves some widening of the existing road and clearing to accommodate the upgrade. There is currently limited connectivity under the existing highway.

Habitats adjacent to the road and within the proposal footprint provide potential resources for this species in terms of habitat for likely prey species and an area of potential shelter in the form of hollows (logs, trees or dead standing trees), however this habitat is currently positioned adjacent to an existing highway which may reduce its suitability particularly when considering it is part of a large expanse of remnant habitat continuing in all directions.

The activity would not cause the isolation or fragmentation of habitat for the Spotted-tailed Quoll.


Result in an invasive species that are harmful to an endangered species becoming established in the endangered species habitat

The potential for weed invasion or dieback from plant pathogens is considered possible with a proposal of this nature and appropriate controls are required to reduce this threat as it may have long term implication for the habitat of the species. However, there are no noxious weeds or pests considered likely to have a detrimental affect on Spotted-tailed Quolls.

Introduce disease that may cause the species to decline The potential for dieback from plant pathogens is considered possible with a proposal of this nature. Appropriate controls are required to reduce this threat as it may have long term implications for the habitat of the species. The management of these threats would be under the guidance of a Pest and Disease Management Plan to be prepared as part of the CEMP.

Interferes substantially with the recovery of the species The proposal would not conflict with the recovery of this species, as it would only have an effect on a very small proportion of potential habitat and would not impact on potential breeding habitat.

Conclusion Suitable habitat is well represented in the larger fragments of forest and woodland in the region associated with several state forests and conservation reserves. The potential impact to habitat for prey species and life-cycle activities associated with the proposal represents a very small proportion of available habitat in this locality.

As such, breeding, foraging and movement life-cycle opportunities would remain in the region and would sustain local populations such that there is unlikely to be a significant impact on this species.


Vulnerable fauna Koala

Lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population

The Koala is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act. The Koala is a folivore, feeding on some Eucalypt species. The Koala is found in a variety of habitats where suitable food trees occur. The Koala is adversely affected by habitat loss and fragmentation, wild fire, predation and disease. In fragmented habitats, roadkills and dog attacks are significant problems. Genetic introgression can be a serious threat to high density populations in isolated habitats. Habitat preservation and linking of isolates with habitat corridors is essential for the long term survival of Koala populations (Martin & Handasyde 1995).

Koalas are generally solitary except during the mating season and have a home range of about 3 hectares (although the size of this area is influenced by the distribution, abundance and quality of feeding resources). In dense populations, home ranges may overlap but appear to be discrete at lower densities (Martin & Handasyde 1995). Long movements in search of a mate or new food source are sometimes undertaken, signifying the importance of dispersal corridors in secure Koala habitat (Phillips 1990).


The Ribbon Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) is most dominant in vegetation occurring in the north west of the study area and is considered to be a primary Koala food tree. Other common and sub-dominate tree species such as Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera), Yellow Box (E. melliodora), Blakely’s Red Gum (E. blakelyi), Argyle Apple (Eucalyptus cinerea) and Apple-topped Box (Eucalyptus bridgesiana) are listed as secondary food trees, and Red Stringybark (Eucalyptus macrocarpa) as a supplementary food tree. Some of these tree species are likely to be removed in the proposed footprint; however it is unlikely that trees would be occupied or used by dispersing individuals. Most vegetation patches are isolated and disconnected from larger qualities of native vegetation in reserves.

The proposal would remove a relatively small area of habitat containing known Koala feed trees but not known to be currently occupied by local populations or forming the home range of an individual. This clearing of habitat is considered minimal in relation to the extent of similar habitats containing feed tree species known to be present throughout Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Park.

Reduce the area of occupancy of an important population



Fragment an existing important population into two or more populations



Habitat critical to the survival of a species refers to areas that are necessary for activities such as:

• Foraging, breeding, roosting, or dispersal.

• For the long-term maintenance of the species including the maintenance of other species essential to the survival of the species, such as pollinators.

• To maintain genetic diversity and long-term evolutionary development.

• For the reintroduction of populations or recovery of the species.

The proposed works would remove 3.20 hectares potential habitat for the species through the clearing of vegetation containing primary and secondary food trees species known to be preferred by the koala in the region. The Ribbon Gum is most dominant in vegetation occurring in the north west of the study area and is considered to be a primary Koala food tree. Other common and sub-dominate tree species such as Brittle Gum, Yellow Box, Blakely’s Red Gum, Argyle Apple and Apple-topped Box are listed as secondary food trees, and Red Stringybark as a supplementary food tree. The impact of the habitat loss does not represent a significant impact, as the habitat is not known to be occupied and no evidence of Koala occupations was observed during the field investigations.

The proposal would impact 3.2 hectares of potential habitat (not critical habitat), which is a very small proportion of the habitat available to the species in the broader landscape. There could be some impact associated with interruptions to the potential dispersal of Koalas. However, the safety upgrade works will not result in an increase in the barrrier effect of the highway.

Disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population

Given that the habitats within the proposal area have not been identified as a frequently used part of a home range territory for an individual or the local population the proposal is not considered to disrupt the breeding cycle. No important population was identified.




The Ribbon Gum is most dominant in vegetation occurring in the north west of the study area and is considered to be a primary Koala food tree. Other common and sub-dominate tree species such as Brittle Gum, Yellow Box, Blakely’s Red Gum, Argyle Apple and Apple-topped Box are listed as secondary food trees, and Red Stringybark as a supplementary food tree. Some of these tree species are likely to be removed in the proposed footprint; however it is unlikely that trees would be occupied or used by dispersing individuals. Most vegetation patches are isolated and disconnected from larger qualities of native vegetation in reserves. Habitat connectivity would be maintained at current levels.

The proposal would remove a relatively small area of habitat containing known Koala feed trees but not known to be currently occupied by local populations or forming the home range of an individual. Therefore, there is unlikely to be any impact on the species population. This clearing of habitat is considered minimal in relation to the extent of similar habitats containing feed tree species known to be present throughout Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Park.

Result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the vulnerable species habitat

The potential for weed invasion or dieback from plant pathogens is considered possible with a proposal of this nature and appropriate controls are required to reduce this threat as it may have long term implication for the habitat of the species. The management of these threats would be managed under the guidance of a Pest and Disease Management Plan to be prepared as part of the CEMP.

Introduce disease that may cause the species to decline

The potential for dieback from plant pathogens is considered possible with a proposal of this nature and appropriate controls are required to reduce this threat as it may have long term implication for the habitat of the species. The management of these threats would be managed under the guidance of a Pest and Disease Management Plan to be prepared as part of the CEMP.

Interferes substantially with the recovery of the species

Appropriate measures have been incorporated into the design of the road to minimise the impacts of fragmentation on this species and its habitat and allow continued access to potential habitat for foraging, breeding and dispersal. The Commonwealth Government has released the National Koala Conservation Strategy 2009-2014 which identifies the key threats to the species and outlines the actions required to stabilise the species.

The proposal would not conflict with the recovery of this species. The proposal footprint has been selected on the basis of avoiding as much habitat as possible and preserving habitat on site. The proposed activity does not conflict with the objectives of the national recovery plan for this species.



Lead to a long-term decrease in the size of an important population

Inhabits open forest/woodland areas above 850 metres in elevation and prefers sites with a south-west to north-west aspect and with extremes of cold such as regular winter snowfalls or heavy frosts. Also requires the presence of the Native Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla) in the understorey because it is a critical host plant for its larvae.

Bathurst Copper Butterfly (also known as Purple Copper Butterfly) is found in association with the larval host-plant Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa subsp. lasiophylla). The butterflies rarely venture far from the host plant and are active on sunny days from August to November, when they can be seen sunning themselves, defending their little territories (energetically and acrobatically chasing each other), feeding from flowers, performing courtship chases, mating and laying eggs on the host plant (Mjadwesch 2012). Bathurst Copper Butterfly, as well as many other butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, have a symbiotic relationship with a small ant species (Anonychomyrma itinerans), which attend the caterpillars constantly. The ants protect the caterpillars from predators, for which service the ants are “paid” with honeydew, which is excreted from a small gland on the caterpillar (Mjadwesch 2012). When the caterpillars grow larger they become nocturnal, retreating to the ants nest at the base of the plant during the day (Mjadwesch 2012). The pupae subsequently metamorphosis underground. The Old Bowenfels population to the west of the study area and both of the Forty Bends populations are considered to be viable (Mjadwesch 2012). The nature of the species, occupying discrete and often small areas of habitat, provides that small populations form parts of a larger intermixing metapopulation. Among the populations examined by Clarke & Grosse (2003) “very little genetic differentiation” among these populations was observed, indicating outbreeding events between populations.


Populations of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly are known to occur further north of the study area in higher elevations of representative habitat on the lower southern and south western slopes of Hassins Wall and on the north side of the Great Western Highway around Old Forty Bends Road. These areas have high valued habitat and considered to contain important populations of Bathurst Copper Butterfly which occurs approximately 2 kilometres north of the study area


Given that habitats in the study area are no longer considered to be potential habitat, along with the absence of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly and the attendant ant species, it is unlikely that the proposed works would lead to a long term decline in the size of an important population.

Reduce the area of occupancy of an important population

The Bathurst Copper Butterfly has not been observed in the study area during past surveys in 2011 (SKM), 2012 (Mjadwesch Environmental Service) and 2013 (Mjadwesch Environmental Service). The species is not expected to occupy any land in the study area and therefore would not reduce the area of occupancy of an important population.

Fragment an existing important population into two or more populations

The Lithgow / Hartley Valley population of the butterfly (an important population, discussed above) already exists as a fragmented population; in fact the species distribution is characterised as being comprised of numerous small and scattered sub-populations (metapopulation). These populations occur further north of the study area in higher elevations of representative habitat on the lower southern and south western slopes of Hassins Wall and on the north side of the Great Western Highway around Old Forty Bends Road.

Since there are no potential habitats in the study area, there will be no fragmentation of populations as a result of this project.


Habitat critical to the survival of a species refers to areas that are necessary:

• For activities such as foraging, breeding, roosting, or dispersal. • For the long-term maintenance of the species including the maintenance of other species

essential to the survival of the species, such as pollinators. • To maintain genetic diversity and long-term evolutionary development. • For the reintroduction of populations or recovery of the species. There is no habitat critical to the survival of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly in the study area. Disrupt the breeding cycle of an important population

The breeding cycle of Bathurst Copper Butterfly is reliant on several factors including the presence of the larval food plant, the presence of the attendant ant species, an open sunny aspect and suitable habitat structure. There are indications that population numbers go through “boom and bust” cycles, with populations during the “bust” part of the cycle contracting to core optimal areas of habitat. Therefore it is crucial that potential habitat be avoided where possible in the event of future occupation.


Only one of these features is present within the study area, being low density Blackthorn plants. These features once considered potential habitat for the threatened Bathurst Copper Butterfly in several locations during surveys in 2012 (RMS 2011 and Mjadwesch Environmental Service Support 2012). The species was not confirmed within the study area. In 2013 (Mjadwesch Environmental Service Support), additional targeted surveys were undertaken in all potential habitat in the study area and it was confirmed that the Bathurst Copper Butterfly is absence and the habitat is no longer considered to be represented as potential habitat. This is based on habitat characteristics such as the low abundance of Blackthorn and low altitude below 850 metres.

Given that habitats in the study area are no longer considered to be potential habitat, along with the absence of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly and the attendant ant species, it is unlikely that the proposed works would disrupt this species’ breeding cycle.


The Bathurst Copper Butterfly is not expected to occur within the study area and has not been observed in previous searches. The study area is no longer considered to have potential habitat which has a low abundance of Blackthorn and has a low altitude below 850 metres. The proposed works would not affect any Bathurst Copper Butterfly habitat and not cause the species to decline.

Result in invasive species that are harmful to a vulnerable species becoming established in the vulnerable species habitat

Given that habitats in the study area are no longer considered to be potential habitat, along with the absence of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly and the attendant ant species, any invasive species would not harm this species as a result from the proposed works.

Weed species are prevalent in disturbed habitats of the study area including roadside environments and cleared paddocks and would be managed as part of the project. A weed management plan would be developed as part of the Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP).

Introduce disease that may cause the species to decline

Disease has not been identified as a threat to the species; no particular butterfly pathogens are known or managed in wild butterfly populations. As there is no potential habitat for Bathurst Copper Butterfly in the study area, Phytophthora cinnamomi and/or exotic rust fungi would not cause the species to decline.

Interfere with the recovery of the species

The species was not confirmed within the study area. In 2013 (Mjadwesch Environmental Service Support), additional targeted surveys were undertaken in all potential habitat in the study area and it was confirmed that the Bathurst Copper Butterfly is absence and the habitat is no longer


considered to be represented as potential habitat. The project does not interfere with the recovery of the Bathurst Copper Butterfly. The project would implement general habitat management such as treatment of weeds and active management of the site, including utilising Blackthorn (larval host plant) in landscaping and enhancement of existing native habitat. The project would also contribute to improved habitat condition and connectivity in some areas.

Conclusion It is unlikely there would be significant impacts to any local populations, considering that occupied Bathurst Copper Butterfly areas in the north of the study area would be avoided. As there is no representative habitat for this species in the study area, the proposed works would not cause a species decline.

hartley valley safety upgrade ref appendix c ...€¦ · appendix a vegetation community...

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