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FLORA AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT AND SEVEN PART TESTS OF SIGNIFICANCE FOR PART OF 244-318 HAT HILL ROAD (LOTS 1-90 DP 16449) BLACKHEATH BLUE MOUNTAINS CITY COUNCIL Prepared by Jason Anderson B.App.Sc Conservation Technology(1992) University of New England November 2011 © Copyright This report is Copyright Protected, and is not to be reproduced in part or whole or used by a third party without the express written permission of Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd. Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd ABN 34 126 481 418 PO BOX 690 Springwood 2777 Executive Summary This study has been undertaken to determine the presence or potential presence of any threatened species, populations or endangered ecological communities as listed under the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995) and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). The results of the Seven Part Tests of Significance indicate that a Species Impact Statement would not be required, as there would be no significant impacts on any threatened species, populations of endangered ecological communities as listed under the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995) or the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). The area of degraded Eucalyptus oreades is not deemed to be a significant limitation to the proposed development. 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................. 1 1.1 Background ............................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Site Description ....................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2.1 Location ............................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2.2 Physical Environment .......................................................................................................................... 2 1.2.3 Vegetation ............................................................................................................................................ 2 1.2.4 Fauna .................................................................................................................................................... 3 1.3 Legislative Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 3 2. FLORA ASSESSMENT ................................................................................... 4 2.1 Flora - Introduction................................................................................................................................ 4 2.2 Flora - Methodology ............................................................................................................................... 4 2.2.1 Field Survey Methods .......................................................................................................................... 4 2.2.1 Taxonomy and References ................................................................................................................... 4 2.2.2 Limitations ........................................................................................................................................... 4 2.3 Flora - Results ......................................................................................................................................... 4 2.3.1 Vegetation Communities...................................................................................................................... 4 2.3.2 Vegetation Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 6 2.3.3 Potential Flora Species ......................................................................................................................... 6 2.4 Flora – Conservation Significance ...................................................................................................... 12 2.4.1 Commonwealth Legislative Requirements ........................................................................................ 12 2.4.2 NSW Legislative Requirements ......................................................................................................... 12 2.5 Flora - Conclusions ............................................................................................................................... 13 3. FAUNA ASSESSMENT ................................................................................. 14 3.1 Fauna - Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 14 3.2 Fauna - Methodology ........................................................................................................................... 14 3.2.1 Field Surveys Methods ....................................................................................................................... 14 3.2.2 Taxonomy and References ................................................................................................................. 14 3.3 Fauna - Results ..................................................................................................................................... 14 3.3.1 Fauna Habitat ..................................................................................................................................... 14 3.3.2 Fauna Analysis ................................................................................................................................... 15 3.3.3 Potential Fauna Species ..................................................................................................................... 15 3.4 Fauna – Conservation Significance ..................................................................................................... 22 3.4.1 Commonwealth Legislative Requirements ........................................................................................ 22 3.4.2 NSW Legislative Requirements ......................................................................................................... 22 3.5 Fauna - Conclusions ............................................................................................................................. 23 4. CONCLUSIONS............................................................................................. 24 5. RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................. 24 2 6. REFERENCES............................................................................................... 25 7. APPENDIX 1- FLORA SPECIES RECORDED ............................................. 27 8. APPENDIX 2 – FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED ........................................... 29 3 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd was engaged to conduct a Flora and Fauna Assessment & Seven Part Tests of Significance for a proposed subdivision at Hat Hill Road, Blackheath, Blue Mountains City Council Local Government Area. The site was assessed in relation to any potential limitations to the future residential development of the 90 allotments. The land is zoned as Residential Bushland Conservation under LEP 1991. 1.2 SITE DESCRIPTION 1.2.1 Location The site occurs at 244-318 Hat Hill Road, Blackheath, Blue Mountains City Council Local Government Area. The aerial below shows the subject site. Figure 1: Aerial of Subject Site © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 1 1.2.2 Physical Environment The site is in most places largely level however there is some slope to the north-west boundary. It has been cleared in many places in the past and appears to have been used as a storage area for gravel and road materials at some point in time. There is also some use by locals and there are various tracks and a bike track on the sites southern end. The marked up aerial below shows the disturbed, largely cleared and previously cleared areas of the site. Figure 2: Aerial showing Disturbed Areas. 1.2.3 Vegetation The vegetation on the property is disturbed in the areas shown due to previous clearing. There is also some disturbance outside the boundaries of some of the existing residential allotments on the western edge of the site. The map below shows the occurrence of some 2G (Eucalyptus oreades) on the site. Within this area occurs the BMX bike track and numerous other disturbances. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 2 1.2.4 Fauna The fauna habitat on the site represents potential habitat for a range of common fauna. The site does not represent high quality potential habitat for any threatened species. Much of the habitat has been disturbed or removed through previous disturbances including clearing within the cleared areas. 1.3 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS This study and report was undertaken with reference to the requirements of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (1979 as amended), the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995 as amended) and the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). Final determinations of the NSW Scientific Committee (NSW NPWS) and the Commonwealth Scientific Committee are current to the time of writing. Reference was also made to State Environmental Planning Policy 44 (SEPP 44) Koala Habitat. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 3 2. FLORA ASSESSMENT 2.1 FLORA - INTRODUCTION The assessment of the site was carried out on the 2nd of November 2011. The weather was fine during the period of the assessment. A total of 8 hours were spent on site. 2.2 FLORA - METHODOLOGY 2.2.1 Field Survey Methods The survey involved walking transects across the site within the proposed development area approximately 2-5 metres apart. The peripherals of this proposed development area were also examined. 2.2.1 Taxonomy and References Taxonomy is from Harden (1990 – 1993, 2000 and 2002) and from any recent updates from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. The main references utilised for flora background information in Table 1 and the Seven Part Tests of Significance include; NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (1997), Robinson, L (1997), Fairley, A and Moore, P (1995), Threatened Species Profiles compiled by NSW NPWS and from field and research experience. 2.2.2 Limitations No survey can detect all species at any one point in time however allowances were made for species which may occur based on known current research and habitat preferences. The survey recorded species as they were encountered and the survey aimed to detect threatened species or endangered ecological communities as listed under state and federal legislation. 2.3 FLORA - RESULTS 2.3.1 Vegetation Communities The full list of species recorded is provided in Appendix 1 of this report. The survey was undertaken to generally target any threatened species, populations or endangered or significant vegetation types/ecological communities. No threatened species or populations were detected during the surveys which were undertaken. No endangered ecological communities were detected. The Schedule 3 (BMCC LEP) listed Eucalyptus oreades (2G) Forest was detected on the southern portion of the property as shown on the map in the introduction section 1.2.3. This vegetation however has been previously quite disturbed and within this area there is a BMX bike track. The vegetation in this area, although containing Eucalytus oreades, does not contain pure stands of this species as in other areas in the Blue Mountains and this species is intermixed with the other species on the site. The vegetation present does not fit well with the full floristic list of the Eucalyptus oreades community as it has been significantly degraded through the use of this area as a local recreation area and bike track. Many of the weeds occurring on the site occur within this area and the levels of degradation are significant. Photos of this area are shown below in Photo 1 and Photo 2. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 4 Photo 1: Eucalyptus oreades area showing bike track. Photo 2: Eucalyptus oreades area showing previous disturbances. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 5 2.3.2 Vegetation Analysis The vegetation is not representative of any significant vegetation as listed under the TSC Act (1995) or the EPBC Act 1999. The Eucalyptus oreades mapped area represents Schedule 3 Vegetation under the LEP. The potential cumulative impact of the proposed development is considered to be low as much of the site is currently disturbed and has been cleared in the past. The area of past clearing is shown on the map in section 1.2.2. Much of this clearing is still in place with many areas being cleared ground. The significance of the site is considered low and the area of Eucalyptus oreades is not considered highly significant at this location. The area of Eucalyptus oreades is highly disturbed through its current use as a recreation area for locals and the bike track which is present within this area. Although this area is not currently considered to be in good condition consideration could be given to retaining the E.oreades specimens as part of the proposal. 2.3.3 Potential Flora Species The results of the 10km grid search (centered on the study site) of the BioNet Atlas of NSW Wildlife database are presented in Table 1 below. Additional species have been included that have potential to occur in the local area. None of these species were detected on the site or are likely to occur due to a lack of suitable potential habitat on site. EPBC Act (1999) TSC Act (1995) Source Table 1 – Potential Threatened Flora Species Scientific Name Habitat Analysis Acacia baueri b ssp aspera V - Principally occurring at Wentworth Falls in This species was not the Blue Mountains but has also been detected in the assessment recorded near Picton, above Bulli and on the which was undertaken. road to Warrumbul in the Royal National Potential habitat is not of Park. Occurs in dry heath areas. good quality. This species requires no further consideration. Acacia bynoeana E V Sydney Sandstone Ridge-top Communities This species was not and Castlereagh Woodlands, particularly detected. There is Castlereagh Scribbly Gum Woodland, Soil negligible potential often with Ironstone Gravel habitat on site for this species. No potential habitat would be impacted. This species requires no further consideration. a © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 6 EPBC Act (1999) TSC Act (1995) Source Scientific Name Habitat Analysis Acacia flocktoniae a V V This species grows in dry sclerophyll forest This species was not on low nutrient soils derived from sandstone. detected on the site and is Associated species include Acacia stricta and unlikely to occur due to Podolobium ilicifolium. Altitude is 500-1000 the habitat present. No m asl, average annual rainfall is 800-1200 further consideration is mm. necessary. Acrophyllum australe a V V Extends from the Illawarra to north This species was not Queensland and west to the lower Blue detected. There is Mountains. Occurs in cool moist situations negligible potential on rainforest slopes or in gullies. habitat on site for this species. No potential habitat would be impacted. This species requires no further consideration. Carex klaphakei a E E Darwinia biflora b V V Carex klaphakei grows with other native The site does not contain sedges and rushes in swamps on sandstone at habitat for this species. altitudes of greater than 600 m. It is locally No further consideration common over a small area in a very restricted is deemed necessary. habitat. Carex klaphakei is known from only 3 locations on the Central Tablelands of NSW at Blackheath, near Mt Werong and near Penrose where it is very localised. Occurs in Blue Mountains Swamps. Sydney Sandstone Ridge-top Woodland often This species was not in heath and scrub. Associated with Shale detected and the habitat Sandstone interface. present does not represent its preferred habitat with large flat sandstone outcrops. This species requires no further consideration. Derwentia blakelyi V E a Derwentia blakelyi is restricted to the western This species was not Blue Mountains, near Clarence, near Mt detected and the habitat Horrible, Nullo Mountain and the Coricudgy present is not moist within Range. It grows in eucalypt forest often in the eucalypt forest which moist areas. The species is currently known is its preferred habitat. from less than 20 locations none of which is No further consideration in a conservation reserve. Known locations is deemed necessary. all have small population sizes. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 7 EPBC Act (1999) TSC Act (1995) Source Scientific Name Habitat Analysis Diuris aequalis a E1 V The species is known from fewer than 20 This species preferred small and fragmented populations between microhabitat preferences Braidwood and the Blue Mountains in the are not present on the site. central and southern tablelands of NSW. The It is unlikely to occur and species previously occurred in the Liverpool no further consideration is area of western Sydney but has not been deemed necessary. located there in over 100 years. Only three populations, containing a total of less than 50 individuals, occur within a conservation reserve, Kanangra-Boyd National Park. The remaining populations are restricted to remnant vegetation along roadsides and within agricultural lands. It favours montane eucalypt forest and low open woodland with a grassy-heathy understorey, and secondary grassland, growing in gravelly clay-loam, often on gentle slopes. Epacris hamiltonii E1 Occurs in the Blue Mountains, west of This species was not Sydney. Found at 72 sites within three creek detected and the habitat catchments. The creeks occur in an altitude present does not represent range of 810 - 940 m a.s.l. and are all located this species preferred on the northern side of the escarpment and known habitat. This flow into the Grose Valley. All known sites species would not be occur within a radius of approximately 5 km. impacted. No potential Has a very specific habitat, being found on or habitat would be adjacent to Narrabeen sandstone cliffs impacted. This species alongside perennial creeks, often below requires no further plateau hanging swamps. The soil generally consideration. 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, Ceratopetalum apetalum). Flowering occurs from August to December. a © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 8 EPBC Act (1999) TSC Act (1995) Source Scientific Name Habitat Analysis Euphrasia bowdeniae a V V Confined to sandstone cliffs in shallow soil This species was not on ledges or sometimes trailing over rock, in detected. There is higher parts of the Blue Mountains. Flowers negligible potential Spring to Summer. habitat on site for this species. No potential habitat would be impacted. This species requires no further consideration. Isopogon fletcheri a E1 V Restricted to moist sheltered cliffs within the There is no potential spray zone of a waterfall. Grows in dry habitat for this species sclerophyll forest and heath on sandstone and present within the site or is confined to sheltered moist positions. its surrounds and as such Flowers spring and summer. Fire tolerant there is no impact likely. species capable of resprouting from base This species requires no following fire. Seed does not have any further consideration. dispersal mechanism and is dispersed by gravity only. Given restricted distribution, susceptible to local extinction due to environmental and demographic uncertainty and in particular pathogens such as Phytophthora cinnamomi. Kunzea cambagei a V Restricted to damp sandy soils in wet heath No specimens of this or mallee open scrub at higher altitudes on species were detected sandstone outcrops or Silurian group during the surveys. sediments Habitat does not represent its preferred habitat. No further consideration is deemed necessary. Leionema lachnaeoides a E1 V Exposed cliff tops and terraces from 960- No specimens of this 1000 metres asl SW-SE in aspect. Geology is species were detected sandstone with the vegetation association during the surveys. being montane heath. Associated species Habitat does not represent include Eucalyptus stricta, Allocasuarina its preferred habitat. No nana, Dillwynia retorta, Epacris further consideration is microphylla, and Caustis flexulosa. deemed necessary. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 9 EPBC Act (1999) Lepidosperma evansianum TSC Act (1995) Source Scientific Name a V V Leucopogon b fletcheri ssp fletcheri E - Persoonia acerosa a V V Persoonia nutans a E E Pherosphaera fitzgeraldii b E E Habitat Analysis Grows on wet sandstone cliff faces in the No specimens of this Blue Mountains in the central tablelands of species were detected New South Wales. The species is currently during the surveys. known from 3 locations (at Blackheath and Habitat does not represent Wentworth Falls), where it occurs in a very its preferred habitat. No restricted habitat. It is recorded to be rare to further consideration is occasional-common at these locations. It is deemed necessary. difficult to assess the number of individuals at each location because of the rhizomatous habit of the species. All known sites occur within Blue Mountains National Park, although they are near the boundary of the reserve. Occurs within Sydney Sandstone Ridgetop This species was not Communities. Endemic to the lower Blue detected. There is Mountains and western parts of the Hornsby negligible potential Plateau. habitat on site for this species. No potential habitat would be impacted. This species requires no further consideration. This species grows in heath or dry sclerophyll This species was not forest on sandstone. Distributed from the detected. It is more central Blue Mountains south to Hilltop. common around Occurs on the Central Coast and central Hazelbrook and Lawson. tablelands. It is relatively conspicuous on sites where it occurs. This species requires no further consideration. Cumberland Plain and Castlereagh This species was not Woodlands, between Richmond, Macquarie detected the habitat is not Fields and East Hills. Core area just south of its known habitat. No Richmond and Windsor. further consideration is deemed necessary for this species. Occurs on wet rocks and ledges in the spray This species was not zone of south-facing waterfalls and detected. There is occasionally in caves nourished by seepage. negligible potential habitat on site for this species. No potential habitat would be impacted. This species requires no further consideration. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 10 a EPBC Act (1999) Prasophyllum fuscum TSC Act (1995) Source Scientific Name CE E Habitat Analysis Prasophyllum fuscum is endemic to New The records of this species South Wales where it is currently known only in the local area are likely from the upper catchment of the Georges to be Prasophyllum River, south-west of Sydney. The only recent pallens. This species is collection of the species is from a roadside in unlikely to occur based on the Wilton district. The population grows in current knowledge and as moist sandy soil over sandstone amongst such no impact is likely. sedges and grasses in an area that appears to No further assessment is be regularly slashed by the local council. deemed necessary. Flowers have been observed in mid spring although the flowering time may vary depending on environmental conditions such as recent rainfall. Like most terrestrial orchids, the species is believed to be semi or fully dependent on a mycorrhizal symbiont. Prasophyllum pallens, which has also been confused with Prasophyllum fuscum, is known only from the Blue Mountains and can be distinguished by having paler-coloured flowers with a musty smell. Pultenaea a V V Occurs in open forest and scrub on protected This species was not glabra slopes in the Blue Mountains between detected. There is Hazelbrook and Katoomba. negligible potential habitat on site for this species. No potential habitat would be impacted. This species requires no further consideration. Velleia a V E The species is only known from the This species was not perfoliata Hawkesbury District and Upper Hunter detected. No potential Valley in the Central Coast botanical habitat would be subdivision of NSW. It is currently known to impacted. This species exist in 9 populations. Five of these requires no further populations are reserved whilst a further consideration. population is partly reserved. Four of the reserved sites are situated adjacent to fire trails. Heath on shallow soil over sandstone. E1 = Listed on Schedule 1 of the TSC Act 1995; V1 = Listed on Schedule 2 of the TSC Act 1995, Source: a = National Parks and Wildlife Service Database Search, b= Authors Knowledge. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 11 2.4 FLORA – CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE 2.4.1 Commonwealth Legislative Requirements The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) lists “Matters of National Environmental Significance” and provides Administrative Guidelines provided under the Act, for the assessment of these matters. No “Matters of National Environmental Significance” were found to be present which are likely to be impacted by the proposal. Therefore no referral to the Federal Minister for the Environment would be required in relation to the obligations and objectives of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, as there would be no significant impact on any “Matters of National Environmental Significance”. As such no Species Impact Statement would be required. 2.4.2 NSW Legislative Requirements Under Section 5A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 a Seven Part Test is Required to determine "whether there is likely to be a significant effect on threatened species, populations or ecological communities, or their habitats" listed on Schedules 1 or 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, and consequently, whether a Species Impact Statement is required. (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, No threatened species were found to be present during the assessment. As such it is unlikely that a viable local population of any threatened species would be placed at risk of extinction. The area of the site proposed for development is quite disturbed for half of its area and there would be no significant impact on any potential habitat for any threatened species or endangered populations or communities. (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, No endangered population of any threatened species was found to occur on the site. (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. No endangered or rare ecological community was found to be present. As such none would be impacted in any way or 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. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 12 The proposal would remove a small amount of negligible potential habitat for the species with potential to occur in the local area. Much of the site is cleared and has been cleared and disturbed in the past. The development of the site would not cause any habitat to be significantly isolated or fragmented from any other areas of habitat. The importance of habitat to be removed is considered to be low due to the vegetation type and the levels of disturbance and development within the local area. The habitat is generally surrounded on all sides by urban development and its related infrastructure and other cleared areas. As such its importance as a corridor is low. (e) Whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical habitat (either directly or indirectly), No critical habitat relates to this site. The TSC Act 1995 defines “critical habitat” as “habitat declared to be critical habitat under Part 3” of the Act. No critical habitat would be impacted. (f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threat abatement plan, The action proposed is not inconsistent with the objectives of any current recovery plans. (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. The action relates to the key threatening process of removal of native vegetation however it would not significantly increase the impacts of this key threatening process at a local, regional or national level. Overall this impact is however considered to be low due to the vegetation type and the relatively high levels of clearing present for much of the site. 2.5 FLORA - CONCLUSIONS It was found that there is unlikely to be a significant impact on any threatened species, populations or endangered ecological communities or their habitats. As such referral to the Federal Minister for the Environment would not be required and a Species Impact Statement would not need to be undertaken. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 13 3. FAUNA ASSESSMENT 3.1 FAUNA - INTRODUCTION The assessment of the site was carried out on the 2nd of November 2011. The weather was fine during the period of the assessment. A total of 8 hours were spent on site. 3.2 FAUNA - METHODOLOGY 3.2.1 Field Surveys Methods The methodology for the survey involved searching subject site for any evidence of threatened fauna species or potential habitat in terms for sheltering/foraging/breeding for any threatened fauna. The methodology for these surveys encompassed the following. Opportunistic Observations – Opportunistic observations of fauna species and potential habitat was made throughout the survey. Habitat Analysis – Assessments of potential habitat for threatened species was undertaken. This included an assessment of the condition of this habitat. Searches for Indirect Evidence of Fauna Species - This included searching for glider chews, scratches on Eucalypts, diggings, searches for owl pellets, owl whitewash, and identification of any specific habitat components for threatened fauna. Logs were turned over in search of reptiles then replaced in their original positions. 3.2.2 Taxonomy and References Taxonomy is from the following sources; Mammals (Strahan, 1995), Reptiles and Amphibians (Cogger, 1994), and Birds (Simpson and Day (1993). The main references utilised for the fauna background information in Table 2 and the Seven Part Tests of Significance include; Strahan, R (1995), Cogger, H (1994), Simpson and Day (1993), State Forests of NSW (1995), Robinson M (1995), Threatened Species Profiles compiled by NSW NPWS and from field and research experience of the authors. 3.3 FAUNA - RESULTS 3.3.1 Fauna Habitat The site is disturbed for approximately half of its area and represents generally negligible potential habitat for any threatened fauna species. This site has been cleared in many areas in the past and much of it is still cleared and degraded and does not represent natural bushland. None of the overstorey species represent good quality potential sheltering habitat for arboreal mammals, microchiropteran bats or nocturnal or diurnal bird species as none contain any significant hollows. There are negligible sheltering resources in terms of habitat for threatened ground fauna in the form of rocky outcrops, and the levels of fallen timber are low probably due to firewood collection by local residents. No signs of usage of the site were detected to indicate Large Forest Owls or threatened arboreal mammals such as owl pellets, whitewash or arboreal mammal scats or scratches/glider chews on eucalyptus. There is no free water or intermittent drainages on the site and as such the site represents negligible potential habitat for any amphibian species. No signs of any Koalas were detected and the site does not conform to Koala habitat as defined in SEPP 44. Due to the lack of suitable potential habitat on site (in and adjacent to the proposed development area) for any threatened species it is deemed that no threatened species are likely to utilise the site in terms of critical breeding/sheltering or foraging resources. As there are negligible potential roost trees for microchiropteran bats this group would not be impacted. Although Allocasuarina torulosa was present as a few scattered young specimens on site these do not represent any significant foraging resource for Gang Gang or Glossy Black Cockatoos. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 14 3.3.2 Fauna Analysis No threatened species are likely to be impacted as part of the proposed development. The site is not deemed to be an important foraging area for any threatened species. Therefore it is unlikely that there would be any significant impacts on any threatened species and no mitigation is required for any impacts on threatened fauna. The location of the site (being surrounded by urban development and its related infrastructure) results in it not being a significant fauna corridor in the local area as it does not provide high level connectivity to other bushland areas. 3.3.3 Potential Fauna Species The results of the 10km grid search (centered on the study site) of the BioNet Atlas of NSW Wildlife database are presented in Table 1 below. Additional species have been included that have potential to occur in the local area. None of the following threatened species have good quality potential habitat present on the site and none are likely to be impacted either directly or indirectly by the proposed development. Red-crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne australis) EPBC Act (1999) AMPHIBIANS Giant Burrowing Frog (Heleioporus australiacus) TSC Act (1995) Source Table 2 – Potential Threatened Fauna Species Species Name Habitat b V V a V - Stuttering Frog a (Mixophyes balbus) Analysis This species is restricted to Hawkesbury There is no potential Sandstone in Dry and Wet Sclerophyll habitat for this species Forest. It can be found around sandy creek on this site. This banks, roadside drains, swamps and dams species would not be usually with crayfish burrows in these areas. impacted and no further consideration is necessary. Found in drainage lines in dry eucalypt There is no potential forest, woodland and heath. Also on habitat for this species sandstone ridges under rocks and logs. on this site. This Preferred breeding sites are swampy areas species would not be with breeding sites chosen close to free impacted and no water. Breeding is in and around rocks and further consideration is debris around non-perennial creek beds. necessary. E1 Found in rainforest and wet, tall open forest There is no potential in the foothills and escarpment on the eastern habitat for this species side of the Great Dividing Range. Outside the on this site. This breeding season adults live in deep leaf litter species would not be and thick understorey vegetation on the forest impacted and no floor. Feed on insects and smaller frogs. further consideration is Breed in streams during summer after heavy necessary. rain. Eggs are laid on rock shelves or shallow riffles in small, flowing streams. As the tadpoles grow they move to deep permanent pools and take approximately 12 months to metamorphose. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 15 EPBC Act (1999) BIRDS Barking Owl (Ninox connivens) TSC Act (1995) Source Species Name a V - Flame Robin (Petroica phoenicea) a V - Gang Gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum) a V Glossy Black Cockatoo a (Calyptorhynchus lathami) V - Habitat Analysis Dry and Wet Sclerophyll Forest and There is negligible Woodland. Nesting in roomy tree cavities. potential breeding habitat for this species on this site. This species would not be impacted and no further consideration is necessary. In NSW it breeds in upland moist eucalypt The habitat on site forests and woodlands, often on ridges and does not represent this slopes, in areas of open understorey. It species preferred migrates in winter to more open lowland habitat. No further habitats such as grassland with scattered trees consideration is and open woodland on the inland slopes and deemed necessary. plains. In New South Wales, the Gang-Gang No significant habitat Cockatoo is distributed from the south-east is present for this coast to the Hunter region, and inland to the species. This species Central Tablelands and south-west slopes. In would not be summer, generally found in tall mountain significantly impacted forests and woodlands, particularly in heavily and no further timbered and mature wet sclerophyll forests. consideration is In winter, may occur at lower altitudes in deemed necessary. drier more open eucalypt forests and woodlands, and often found in urban areas. Moves to lower altitudes in winter, preferring more open eucalypt forests and woodlands, particularly in box-ironbark assemblages, or in dry forest in coastal areas. Favours old growth attributes for nesting and roosting. Dry and Wet Sclerophyll Forest. It requires There is negligible hollows for nesting. Foraging primarily on potential habitat for cones of Allocasuarina. this species on this site. This species would not be impacted and no further consideration is necessary. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 16 EPBC Act (1999) TSC Act (1995) Source Species Name Masked Owl b (Tyto novaehollandiae) V - Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) a V - Scarlet Robin (Petroica boodang) a V - Sooty Owl (Tyto tenebricosa) b V - Varied Sittella (Daphoenositta chrysoptera) a V - Habitat Analysis This species inhabits forest and woodland There is negligible and treeless country where caves are potential breeding available for shelter. It has a home range of habitat for this species between 500-1000 ha and prefers sites with on this site. This high densities of hollow trees for nesting and species would not be a sparse/grassy understorey. impacted and no further consideration is necessary. Wet and Dry Eucalypt Forest with optimum There is negligible habitat having a good prey base of arboreal potential breeding mammals such as gliders and possums. They habitat for this species require large hollow eucalypts for nesting on this site. This with hollows at least 0.5 m deep. species would not be impacted and no further consideration is necessary. The Scarlet Robin breeds in drier eucalypt The habitat on site forests and temperate woodlands, often on represents low quality ridges and slopes, within an open understorey potential habitat for of shrubs and grasses and sometimes in open this species. Logs are areas. Abundant logs and coarse woody not abundant probably debris are important structural components of due to removal for its habitat. In autumn and winter it migrates firewood. It was not to more open habitats such as grassy open detected and the woodland or paddocks with scattered trees. It habitat is unlikely to forages from low perches, feeding on be important for this invertebrates taken from the ground, tree species. No further trunks, logs and other coarse woody debris. consideration is deemed necessary. Preferred habitat includes tall wet, dense There is negligible forest with large hollows for nesting 40-50cm potential breeding deep and 40-60cm diameter. It hunts in habitat for this species closed forest preying on Rattus sp. Sugar on this site. This Gliders, Yellow-bellied Gliders, Antechinus species would not be spp. Common Brushtail Possums, birds, impacted and no rabbits and bandicoots. further consideration is necessary. It inhabits eucalypt forests and woodlands, Potential habitat especially rough-barked species and mature quality for breeding is smooth-barked gums with dead branches, low. It was not mallee and Acacia woodland. The Varied detected and the Sittella feeds on arthropods gleaned from habitat does not crevices in rough or decorticating bark, dead represent high quality branches, standing dead trees, and from small preferred habitat. No branches and twigs in the tree canopy. further consideration is deemed necessary. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 17 MAMMALS Common Bent-wing Bat a (Miniopterus schreibersi oceanensis) Eastern False Pipistrelle b (Falsistrellus tasmaniensis) EPBC Act (1999) a TSC Act (1995) INVERTEBRATES Giant Dragonfly (Petalura gigantea) Source Species Name Habitat Analysis E E Occurs in swamps. Emergence takes place in There is no potential late October and the flight period ends in habitat for this species January. on this site. This species would not be impacted and no further consideration is necessary. v - V - All vegetation types with their critical habitat There is negligible feature being caves or mines for breeding. potential roosting/breeding habitat for this species on this site. It forages over a large area and the loss of this potential foraging habitat is unlikely to be significant. This species would not be significantly impacted and no further consideration is necessary. Dry Sclerophyll Forest, Wet Scleophyll There is negligible Forest and Woodlands. This is a tree rooting potential species. roosting/breeding habitat for this species on this site. It forages over a large area and the loss of this potential foraging habitat is unlikely to be significant. This species would not be significantly impacted and no further consideration is necessary. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 18 Eastern Little Mastiff a Bat (Mormoptetus norfolkensis) V Eastern Pygmy Possum a (Cercartetus nanus) V Greater Broad-nosed a Bat (Scoteanax rueppelli) V EPBC Act (1999) TSC Act (1995) Source Species Name - - Habitat Analysis Dry Sclerophyll Forest and Woodlands. This There is negligible is a tree rooting species. potential roosting/breeding habitat for this species on this site. It forages over a large area and the loss of this potential foraging habitat is unlikely to be significant. This species would not be significantly impacted and no further consideration is necessary. Heathland, forest, rainforest often with a There is low quality good cover of nectar bearing plants such as potential habitat on the Banksias or Melaleucas. site for foraging however sheltering/breeding habitat is largely absent due to the lack of tree hollows. It is unlikely to utilise the site due to the lack of sheltering and low density of Banksia present for foraging. Dry Sclerophyll Forest, Wet Scleophyll There is negligible Forest and Woodlands. This is a tree rooting potential species. roosting/breeding habitat for this species on this site. It forages over a large area and the loss of this potential foraging habitat is unlikely to be significant. This species would not be significantly impacted and no further consideration is necessary. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 19 EPBC Act (1999) TSC Act (1995) Source Species Name Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) a V - Large Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri) a V V Southern Brown b Bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) E E Tiger Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) V - a Habitat Analysis Wet and Dry Sclerophyll Forest and There is negligible Woodland. Preferred foraging species in the potential habitat for Sydney Area include, Grey Gum, Forest Red this species on this Gum and Ribbon Gum. site. This species would not be impacted and no further consideration is necessary. Roosts in caves, tunnels and sometimes Fairy There is negligible Martin nests. It is very sparse in its potential distribution and appears to prefer dry roosting/breeding sclerophyll forest. Very little is known about habitat for this species its biology. on this site. It forages over a large area and the loss of this potential foraging habitat is unlikely to be significant. This species would not be significantly impacted and no further consideration is necessary. Heath, heathy forest, shrubland and There is negligible woodland usually supported by well-drained potential habitat for soils with a mosaic of post-fire vegetation. this species on this site and no diggings were detected. This species would not be impacted and no further consideration is necessary. Dry and Wet Sclerophyll Forest, Rainforest There is negligible and Heathland. Requires nests/dens of rock potential or shelters of logs and is often associated sheltering/breeding with gullies. habitat for this species on this site for sheltering. This species would not be impacted and no further consideration is necessary. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 20 REPTILES Broad-headed Snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) EPBC Act (1999) Yellow-bellied Glider (Petaurus australis) TSC Act (1995) Source Species Name Habitat Analysis a V - Restricted to tall mature forests in regions of There is negligible high rainfall. Critical habitat elements potential habitat for include sap-site trees, winter flowering this species on this eucalypts, mature trees suitable for dens sites site. This species and a mosaic of different forest types. would not be impacted and no further consideration is necessary. a E V Woodland, open woodland or heath with There is negligible exposed sandstone outcrops and benching. potential habitat for Uses rock crevices and exfoliated sandstone this species on this during the cooler months and tree hollows in site. This species the summer. The species found to regularly would not be impacted co-occur with this species include Corymbia and no further gummifera, C.eximia, Eucalyptus sieberi, consideration is E.punctata, and E.piperita. Bushrock necessary. removal is a key threat for this species. Restricted to the middle and upper Blue The potential habitat Mountains west of Sydney, the lizard is for this species is not known from 30 locations extending from present on this site. It Newnes Plateau in the north-west to just was not detected. No south of Hazelbrook in the south-east. Occurs further consideration is at high elevation: the lowest altitude recorded deemed necessary. for this species is 560 m at Williams Ridge, south of Hazelbrook, NSW. Restricted to an isolated and naturally fragmented habitat of sedge and shrub swamps that have boggy soils and appear to be permanently wet. The vegetation in these swamps typically takes the form of a sedgeland interspersed with shrubs, but may occur as a dense shrub thicket. The lizard is semi-aquatic and is active on warm, sunny days from September until late April. The lizard feeds on grasshoppers, flies, moths, weevils and wasps. A small fruit with a seed was found in a lizard dropping at Leura. Females give birth to live young in late December. When disturbed, the lizards flee to shelter in dense grass tussocks or down holes. Leura Skink a (Eulamprus leuraensis) E1 Source: a = National Parks and Wildlife Service Database Search, b = Authors Knowledge © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 21 3.4 FAUNA – CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE 3.4.1 Commonwealth Legislative Requirements No fauna species or endangered fauna populations listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 were detected. None are expected to be impacted due to the lack of potential habitat present. The removal of the degraded habitat on the site would not cause any native species or population to become Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable or increase the risk to any native species such that it may have its conservation status increased. There are no issues of National Conservation significance in relation to threatened fauna that would require referral to the Federal Minister for the Environment for consideration or approval in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). 3.4.2 NSW Legislative Requirements Under Section 5A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (as amended) a Seven Part Test is Required to determine "whether there is likely to be a significant effect on threatened species, populations or ecological communities, or their habitats" listed on Schedules 1 or 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, and consequently, whether a Species Impact Statement is required. (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, No threatened species were detected or are likely to be significantly impacted as a result of the proposal. As such there would be no adverse effect on the life cycle of any species such that a viable local population 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, No endangered population was detected or is likely to occur. (c) In the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered ecological community, whether the action proposed: (i) is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or (ii) is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction. Not applicable. (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. No threatened species were detected or are likely to be significantly impacted by the proposal. The proposal would not remove any significant habitat and this proposal would not significantly impact any threatened species such that they would be placed at risk of extinction. The proposal would not fragment any habitat or isolate any habitat such that it would impact on the survival of any threatened species. The habitat on site is fragmented due to clearing and the surrounding residential © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 22 development and its related infrastructure. (e) Whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical habitat (either directly or indirectly), No critical habitat relates to this site. The TSC Act 1995 defines “critical habitat” as “habitat declared to be critical habitat under Part 3” of the Act. (f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threat abatement plan, The action proposed is not inconsistent with the objectives of any current recovery plans. (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. The action relates to the key threatening process of removal of native vegetation however it would not significantly increase the impacts of this key threatening process at a local, regional or national level. 3.5 FAUNA - CONCLUSIONS There was found to be no significant impact on any threatened species, habitats or populations. As such a Species Impact Statement is not required. No referral to the Federal Minister for the Environment for consideration or approval in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) is required. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 23 4. CONCLUSIONS The results of the Seven Part Tests indicate that no significant impacts are likely on any threatened species, endangered ecological communities or populations and as such a Species Impact Statement is not required. If possible the Eucalyptus oreades trees should be retained as part of the proposed development as far as possible and these would have to be mapped in a tree survey and have a Tree Health Assessment (SULE) undertaken on the individual trees. This would identify which trees are worthy of retention in relation to their health and safety. The proposal falls under LEP 1991. No protected areas are present on the site. The zoning is Bushland Conservation and the aim of the proposal should be to retain as much bushland character as possible on each of the proposed allotments by retaining as far as possible existing native vegetation. 5. RECOMMENDATIONS Standard erosion and sedimentation controls should be used. A weed management plan and vegetation management plan should be written for the site. Weeds should be sprayed and removed by a qualified bush regenerator as part of the development process to ensure all weeds are removed from the site. An offset for any Eucalyptus oreades to be removed is recommended by the improvement of other council managed sites with this species. An overall masterplan should be developed to define potential building zones on each allotment with a view to retaining strips and/or blocks of the native vegetation as far as practicable. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 24 6. REFERENCES Auld B.A. and Medd R.W. (1992). Weeds: An Illustrated Botanical Guide to the Weeds of Australia. Inkarta Press. Blakers M., Davies S.J.J.F. and Reilly P.N. (1984). The Atlas of Australian Birds. Australasian Union and University of Melbourne Press, Melbourne. Royal Briggs J.D. and Leigh J.H. (1995). Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. Draft Codings for new edition. Cogger H. (1994). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed International Books: Chatswood. Cropper S.C. (1993) Management of Endangered Plants. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia. Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (1979). Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). Fairley, A., and Moore, P., (1995). Native Plants of the Sydney District. Bookpublishers, Hong Kong. Harden G. (ed) (1990 -1993). Kensington. Flora of New South Wales Vols 1-4. NSW University Press, Menkhorst P.W (1995). Mammals of Victoria. Oxford University Press Australia. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (1997). Urban Bushland Biodiversity Survey. NSW Scientific Committee. Final determinations for threatened species, populations and ecological communities. Updated to time of Writing. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002a) Interpretation Guidelines for the Native Vegetation Maps of the Cumberland Plain. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville, NSW. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002b) Native Vegetation of the Cumberland Plain. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville, NSW. Robinson L. (1997). Field Guide to the Native Plants of Sydney. Second Edition. Kangaroo Press: Kenthurst. Robinson M. (1995). Field Guide to the Frogs of Australia. Reed Books Australia, Chatswood. Simpson K. and Day N. (1993). Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Lifetime Distributors, Girraween, NSW. Specht, (1981). In Gillison A.N and Anderson D.J (eds), Vegetation Classification of Australia. CSIRO and ANU Press Canberra. State Forests of NSW (1995). Fauna Impact Statement Morisset Forestry District. State Forests of NSW. © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 25 Strahan R. (1995). The Mammals of Australia. Reed Books: Chatswood. Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995). © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 26 7. APPENDIX 1- FLORA SPECIES RECORDED SPECIES DETECTED Acacia falciformis Acacia longifolia Acacia oxycedrus Acacia terminalis Acacia ulicifolia Allocasuarina torulosa Asplenium flabellifolium Axonopus affinis * Axonopus compressus * Banksia serrata Banksia marginata Banksia spinulosa Berberis vulgaris * Billardiera scandens Blechnum cartilagineum Bossiaea heterophylla Brachyloma daphnoides Cassytha pubescens Caustis flexuosa Caustis recurvata Cirsium vulgare * Conospermum taxifolium Coreposis lanceolata* Cosmos bipinnatus * Crataegus sp. Cystisus scoparius * Dampiera purpurea Dampiera stricta Davesia corymbosa Davesia ulicifolia Dianella caerulea var caerulea Dianella longifolia var longifolia Dianella prunina Dillwynia retorta Elaeocarpus reticulatus Empodisma minus Epacris microphylla Epacris pulchella Eriostemon hispidulus Eucalyptus oreades Eucalyptus radiata Eucalyptus sclerophylla Eucalyptus sieberi Eucalyptus stricta Eucalytus piperita Gahnia microstachya Gahnia sieberiana Glycine clandestina Gompholobium grandiflorum © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 27 Goodenia bellidifolia Hakea dactyloides Hakea sericea Hibbertia bracteata Hibbertia scandens Ilex aquifolium * Imperata cylindrica Isopogon anemonifolius Jacksonia scoparia Lambertia formosa Leptospermum polygalifolium ssp polygalifolium Leptospermum trinervium Leucopogon lanceolatus Leucopogon setiger Leucopogon virgatus Lilium formosanum * Lomandra longifolia Lomandra obliqua Lomatia silaifolia Ochna serrulata * Oxylobium ilicifolium Paspalum dilatatum * Patersonia sericea Pennisetum clandestinum * Persoonia chamaepitys Persoonia levis Persoonia linifolia Persoonia mollis ssp nectens Petrophile pulchella Pimelea linifolia Pinus radiata * Pittosporum undulatum Platysace linearifolia Pomax umbellata Protasparagus aethiopicus * Pteridium esculentum Pultenaea daphnoides Pultenaea elliptica Pultenaea scabra Senecio madagascariensis * Smilax glyciphylla Stylidium graminigolium Styphelia tubiflora Styphelia viridis Taraxacum officinale * Telopea specissoma Themeda australis Trifolium repens Ulex europaeus * Xanthorrhoea media * indicates exotic species © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 28 8. APPENDIX 2 – FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED Anthochaera carunculata Corvus coronoides Cracticus nigrogularis Emblema temporalis Eopsaltria australis Felis catus * Gymnorhina tibicen Lampropholis delicata Lampropholis guichenoti Malurus cyaneus Manorina melanocephala Meliphaga lewinii Melithreptus lunatus Philemon corniculatus Phylidonyris novaehollandiae Platycerus elegans Strepera graculina Streptopelia chinensis Trichoglossus haematodus Vulpes vulpes * Wallabia bicolor Zosterops lateralis * Red Wattlebird Australian Raven Pied Butcherbird Red-browed Firetail Eastern Yellow Robin Cat Australian Magpie Delicate Skink Garden Skink Superb Fairy Wren Noisy Minor Lewin’s Honeyeater White-naped Honeyeater Noisy Friarbird New Holland Honeyeater Crimson Rosella Pied Currawong Spotted Turtle-dove Rainbow Lorikeet Fox Swamp Wallaby Silvereye indicates exotic species © Anderson Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd – Document 1888 29