Download Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highwa upgrade Threatened

NSW Roads and Maritime Services
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA | PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT
PLAN
Version 3
July 2015
Prepared by: NSW Roads and Maritime Services, Aurecon,
Sinclair Knight Merz and Amec Foster Wheeler
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA | PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
Contents
Glossary and Abbreviations ....................................................................................................................... 3
1.
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1
Project overview.................................................................................................................................. 4
1.2
Purpose of the plan ............................................................................................................................. 7
1.3
Management structure and plan updates .......................................................................................... 9
1.4
Plan authors and expert review ........................................................................................................ 14
1.5
Consultation ...................................................................................................................................... 15
2.
Threatened invertebrate populations .......................................................................................... 17
2.1
Project overview................................................................................................................................ 17
2.2
Existing knowledge ........................................................................................................................... 18
2.3
Threats .............................................................................................................................................. 18
3.
Targeted surveys ............................................................................................................................ 19
3.1
BAAM (2012 and 2013) – targeted surveys..................................................................................... 19
3.2
BAAM (2014) – pre-construction baseline survey and nocturnal monitoring for conservation
significant invertebrates .................................................................................................................... 20
4.
Potential impacts and management approach ........................................................................... 27
4.1
Potential impacts associated with the project .................................................................................. 27
4.2
Detailed design considerations ........................................................................................................ 28
4.3
Mitigation and monitoring approach ................................................................................................. 28
4.4
Effectiveness of mitigation measures............................................................................................... 29
4.5
Adaptive management approach ..................................................................................................... 29
5.
Pre-construction management measures ................................................................................... 33
5.1
Potential impacts during pre-construction phase............................................................................. 33
5.2
Management objectives .................................................................................................................... 33
5.3
Management measures .................................................................................................................... 33
6.
Construction management measures ......................................................................................... 40
6.1
Potential impacts during construction .............................................................................................. 40
6.2
Mitigation goals ................................................................................................................................. 40
6.3
Management measures .................................................................................................................... 41
6.4
Mitigation goals and corrective actions ............................................................................................ 45
7.
Operational management measures ............................................................................................ 51
7.1
Potential impacts during operational phase ..................................................................................... 51
7.2
Mitigation goals ................................................................................................................................. 51
7.3
Management measures .................................................................................................................... 51
7.4
Mitigation goals and corrective actions ............................................................................................ 53
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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8.
Monitoring program........................................................................................................................ 56
8.1
Objectives.......................................................................................................................................... 56
8.2
Southern Pink Underwing Moth ....................................................................................................... 56
8.3
Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle ........................................................................................................ 58
8.4
Revegetation ..................................................................................................................................... 58
8.5
Performance indicators and corrective actions ................................................................................ 60
8.6
Evaluation, project review and reporting .......................................................................................... 61
9.
Summary table and implementation schedule ........................................................................... 63
10.
References ....................................................................................................................................... 66
Appendix A – Response to expert and agency comments................................................................... 67
Appendix B – Dr D Sands Review ............................................................................................................ 79
Appendix C – Threatened invertebrate species profiles..................................................................... 107
Appendix D – Targeted survey and habitat assessment for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly (BAAM,
2014) ............................................................................................................................................... 115
Appendix E – Pre-construction survey and nocturnal monitoring for conservation significant
invertebrates (BAAM, 2014)......................................................................................................... 116
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NSW ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICES
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Glossary and Abbreviations
Term
CEMP
CoA
Construction footprint
Direct impact
DoE
DP&E
DPI
DSEWPaC
EP&A Act
EPA
EPBC Act
EIS
FFMP
Indirect impact
MCoA
NSW
OEH
Offset
The Project
Trigger for corrective action
Revegetation
Roads and Maritime
SAP
SPIR
Stochastic event
Targeted surveys
TIMP
Threatened invertebrates
Threatened species
TRCRPMP
TSC Act
UDLP
W2B
Definition
Construction Environmental Management Plan
Conditions of Approval
The direct area of the design alignment (also referred to as the clearance limits)
An impact that causes direct harm within the project boundary (i.e. clearing of vegetation)
Commonwealth Department of the Environment (formally known as the Department of
Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities)
NSW Department of Planning and Environment (formally known as Department of Planning
and Infrastructure)
NSW Department of Primary Industries
The former Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population
and Community. Now DoE.
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
NSW Environment Protection Authority
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Environmental Impact Statement (Biodiversity Assessment Working Paper)
Flora and Fauna Management Plan
An impact that causes harm outside of the project boundary as a result of a direct impact
(i.e. edge effects, erosion etc.)
Ministers Condition of Approval
New South Wales
NSW Office of Environment and Heritage
An offset may be an area of land that is protected and managed to improve biodiversity values
or an action that compensates for adverse impacts to biodiversity. Requirements for offsets
are determined using an objective assessment of predicted loss of biodiversity at the
development site and expected gain in biodiversity to be achieved at the offset site.
Refers to all the proposed works in all eleven sections which includes the construction
footprint with a 10 metre construction buffer, ancillary and compound sites and design
changes.
This is a prescribed outcome that should it be reached, an assessment as to why the
objectives are not being met will be undertaken and then appropriate corrective actions
implemented.
The planting of native species post construction to stabilise areas and restore bushland in
areas that were required to be cleared as a result of construction, but not required for
ongoing highway operations.
NSW Roads and Maritime Services
Sensitive Area Plans
Submissions / Preferred Infrastructure Report
Natural phenomenon such as storms, fires, floods, droughts etc. (random event)
Field surveys completed post SPIR that included targeted surveys for threatened
invertebrate species under the EPBC Act and TSC Act.
Threatened Invertebrates Management Plan
Threatened invertebrate species covered by this plan; Southern Pink Underwing Moth
(Phyllodes imperialis smithersi), and Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle (Nurus atlas)
Any organism listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered under state and/or
Commonwealth legislation.
Threatened Rainforest Communities and Rainforest Plants Management Plan
Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995
Urban Design and Landscape Plan
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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1. Introduction
1.1
Project overview
NSW Roads and Maritime Services (Roads and Maritime) has received approval for the Woolgoolga
to Ballina (W2B) Pacific Highway upgrade project (the project / the action), on the NSW North Coast.
Approvals were granted under Part 5.1 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
(EP&A Act) on 24 June 2014 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) on 14 August 2014. The location of the project is shown in
Figure 1-1.
Since 1996, both the Australian and NSW governments have contributed funds to the upgrade of the
664 kilometre section of the Pacific Highway between Hexham and the NSW/Queensland border, as
part of the Pacific Highway Upgrade Program.
The Project will upgrade around 155 kilometres of highway and on completion will result in a four-lane
divided road between Hexham and the NSW / Queensland border. For the purposes of the EIS the
project has been divided into 11 sections as illustrated in Figure 1-1.
Key features of the project include:
● Duplication of 155 kilometres of the Pacific Highway to a motorway standard (Class M) or arterial
road (Class A), with two lanes in each direction and room to add a third lane if required in the future
● Split-level (grade-separated) interchanges at Range Road, Glenugie, Tyndale, Maclean, Yamba /
Harwood, Woombah (Iluka Road), Woodburn, Broadwater and Wardell
● Bypasses of South Grafton, Ulmarra, Woodburn, Broadwater and Wardell
● About 40 bridges over rivers, creeks and floodplains, including major bridges crossing the Clarence
and Richmond rivers
● Bridges over and under the highway to maintain access to local roads that cross the highway
● Access roads to maintain connections to existing local roads and properties
● Structures designed to encourage animals over and under the upgraded highway where it crosses
key animal habitat or wildlife corridors
● Rest areas located at about 50 kilometre intervals at Pine Brush (Tyndale), north of Mororo Road
and north of the Richmond River; and
● A heavy vehicle checking station near Halfway Creek and north of the Richmond River.
Construction and delivery of the project will be undertaken in a number of separate stages. These
stages are detailed in the Staging Report prepared to satisfy NSW Government Approval – Minister’s
Condition of Approval (MCoA) A7. The Staging Report submitted in March 2015 deals in detail with
Stage 1 of the Project.
The Project is separated into 11 Sections as listed below:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Section 1 – Woolgoolga to Halfway Creek
Section 2 – Halfway Creek to Glenugie
Section 3 – Glenugie interchange to the Tyndale interchange
Section 4 – Tyndale interchange to the existing highway at the Maclean interchange
Section 5 – Maclean interchange to the Iluka Road interchange at Woombah
Section 6 – Iluka Road at Woombah to Devil’s Pulpit
Section 7 – Devils Pulpit to Trustums Hill
Section 8 – Trustums Hill to Broadwater National Park
Section 9 – Broadwater National Park to the Richmond River
Section 10 – Richmond River to the interchange at Coolgardie Road
Section 11 – Coolgardie Road to the tie-in with the Pimlico to Teven project.
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The project is jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments. Both governments have a
shared commitment to finish upgrading the highway to a four-lane divided road as soon as possible.
Construction timing for Stage 1 is estimated for commencement in May 2015 and completion of the
entire project is planned for the end of 2020. The project does not include the Pacific Highway
upgrades at Glenugie and Devils Pulpit (as illustrated in Figure 1-1). These are separate projects, with
both of these additional projects now complete. Altogether, these three projects will total to an upgrade
of 164 kilometres of the Pacific Highway. The project does include a partial upgrade of the existing
dual carriageways at Halfway Creek.
For a more detailed project description (as approved in June 2014) refer to the Roads and Maritime
Services Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade Submissions/Preferred Infrastructure Report
(SPIR) dated November 2013 and the Woolgoolga to Ballina Staging Report (2015).
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Figure 1-1 Project location and sections
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1.2
Purpose of the plan
This Threatened Invertebrates Management Plan (TIMP) has been developed to meet the
requirements of the NSW Government Approval – Ministers Condition of Approval B4 and D8, and
Commonwealth EPBC Act Approval CoA 14. The requirements of these approvals and where it is
addressed in this report are detailed in Table 1-1.
Table 1-1 Project Approval requirements and where addressed
Approval requirement
NSW approval
MCoA B4
MCoA D8
Light spill from the project (referred to as SSI) shall be avoided on Pink
Underwing Moth and Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle habitat, where feasible
and reasonable.
The Applicant shall prepare and implement Threatened Species
Management Plans to detail how impacts of the project will be minimised and
managed specifically for each species identified as significantly impacted in the
documents listed in condition A2 or in accordance with condition D1. The Plans
shall be developed from the draft Threatened Species Management Plans
included in the documents listed in condition A2(c) (subject to condition D9), in
consultation with OEH, DPI (Fisheries) and DoE, and to the satisfaction of the
Secretary, and shall include but not necessarily be limited to:
(a) demonstration that adequate surveys have been undertaken to assess the
impacts of the SSI with reference to the Mitigation Framework developed under
condition D1, including baseline data collected from surveys, undertaken by a
suitably qualified and experienced ecologist on threatened species and
ecological communities within all habitat areas to be cleared of vegetation for
the SSI, that are likely to contain these species and that are likely to be
adversely impacted by the SSI (as determined by a suitably qualified expert).
The data shall address the densities, distribution, habitat use and movement
patterns of these species;
(b) identification of potential impacts on each species;
(c) details of and demonstrated effectiveness of the proposed avoidance and
mitigation and management measures to be implemented for each threatened
species including measures to at least maintain habitat values of habitat areas
compared to baseline data and maintain connectivity for the relevant species;
(d) an adaptive monitoring program to assess the use of the mitigation
measures identified in conditions B10 and D2. The monitoring program shall
nominate appropriate and justified monitoring periods, performance
parameters and criteria against which effectiveness of the mitigation measures
will be measured and include operational road kill and fauna crossing surveys
to assess the use of fauna crossings and exclusion fencing implemented as
part of the SSI;
(e) monitoring methodology for threatened flora and fauna adjacent to the SSI
footprint,
(f) goals and performance indicators to measure the success of mitigation
measures, which shall be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely
(SMART), and be compared against baseline data;
(g) methodology for the ongoing monitoring of road kill, the species densities,
distribution, habitat use and movement patterns, and the use of fauna
crossings during construction and operation of the SSI, including the proposed
timing, and duration of that monitoring;
(h) provision for the assessment of monitoring data to identify changes to
habitat usage and whether this can be attributed to the SSI;
(i) details of contingency measures that would be implemented in the event of
changes to habitat usage patterns, entities, distribution, and movement
patterns attributable to the construction or operation of the SSI, based on
adequate baseline data;
(j) mechanisms for the monitoring, review and amendment of these plans;
(k) provision for ongoing monitoring during operation of the SSI (for
operation/ongoing impacts) until such time as the use and effectiveness of
mitigation measures can be demonstrated to have been achieved over a
minimum of three successive monitoring periods, unless otherwise agreed by
the Secretary in consultation with the OEH, DPI (Fisheries) and DoE; and
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
Where addressed
How impacts from light spill will
be avoided and minimised are
addressed in Sections 6.3.5
and 7.3.1.
The requirements of this
condition in the context of
threatened invertebrate species
are addressed in this plan in
the following sections:
(a) Section 1, 2, 3 & 5.
(b) Section 4, 5, 6 and 7.
(c) Section 4 and 8.
(d) Section 8.
(e) Section 8.
(f) Section 5.3.7, 6.4 and
7.4.
(g) N/A
(h) Section 8.
(i) Section 8.5
(j) Section 1.3 & 8.6.
(k) Section 8.
(l) Section 8.6.
Expert and agency
recommendations regarding
the TIMP are summarised and
details as to how they have
been addressed in this plan are
provided in Appendix A.
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Approval requirement
Where addressed
(l) provision for annual reporting of monitoring results to the Secretary and the
OEH, DPI (Fisheries) and DoE, or as otherwise agreed by those agencies.
Commonwealth approval
EPBC 14
In order to minimise impacts to threatened species and communities, and
migratory species, the approval holder must develop and implement\ all
Frameworks, Strategies, Plans or Programs, in accordance with the requirements of
the following NSW approval conditions:
a) The Mitigation Framework required by NSW approval condition D1;
b) The Connectivity Strategy required by NSW approval condition D2 and
the requirements of NSW approval condition B12;
c) The Threatened Species Management Plans required by NSW approval
condition D8 ;
d) The Construction Soil and Water Quality Management Plan required by
NSW approval condition D26(c);
e) The Construction Flora and Fauna Management Plan required by NSW
approval condition D26(e);
f)
The Borrow Site Management Plan required by NSW approval condition
D22;
g) The Water Quality Monitoring Program required by NSW approval
condition D12; and
h) The Ancillary Facilities Management Plan required by NSW approval
conim dition D21.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
SPIR Environmental Management Measure
B11
The threatened species management plans prepared for the project will be finalised,
as relevant to the element of the project to be constructed. Development of the plans
will include responding, where feasible and reasonable to:
•
Recommendations from expert review undertaken as part of the
Submissions / Preferred Infrastructure Report (and detailed in section 1.4
of the management plans).
•
Any conditions of approval.
•
Results from baseline monitoring undertaken.
The threatened species management plans will be finalised in consultation with the
relevant State and Federal government agencies
B23
B24
B32
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The pre-clearing process will be consistent with Roads and Maritime Biodiversity
Guidelines: Protecting and Managing Biodiversity on RTA projects (RTA, 2011a) and
include:
• Pre-clearing surveys by an experienced ecologist for large bird nests,
particularly for listed species such as the Black-necked Stork, Eastern Osprey,
Square-tailed Kite and Little Eagle during the nesting and breeding season (July
to December) and tree roosting (eg Southern Myotis) or cave dwelling bats in
trees or existing culvert/bridge structures. If the species is present in or directly
adjacent to the project footprint (including ancillary facilities), measures to
manage any species including buffer and exclusion zones, translocation of nests
or establishment of adjacent nesting platforms would be considered, if required.
• Mapping the location of any threatened flora and/or fauna species, Threatened
Ecological Communities and habitat.
The location of exclusion zones will be identified, with temporary fencing or flagging
tape to indicate the limits of clearing (in accordance with the Roads and Maritime
Biodiversity Guidelines (RTA, 2011a). Permanent fauna exclusion fencing for the
project (as described in the Connectivity Strategy), where reasonable and feasible,
will be installed prior to clearing and can function as exclusion fencing.
To prevent injury and mortality of fauna during the clearing of vegetation and
Mitigation Framework
has been prepared and
approved. The
Framework outlines
targeted surveys and
methodologies that have
been completed and any
changes made to this
TIMP as a result.
Connectivity Strategy for
Stage 1 (Sections 1, 2
and early works) has
been prepared.
Connectivity Strategy for
Sections 3-11 is to be
prepared and submitted
for approval.
The requirements of this
condition pertaining to
threatened invertebrates
are addressed in this
plan.
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
This report forms the final
Threatened Invertebrate
Management Plan. Expert
recommendations, conditions
of approval and baseline
surveys have been considered
and addressed in this plan.
This TIMP has been submitted
to assessment agencies for
review. Comments are now
addressed and the plan
submitted for final approval.
Details of the surveys
conducted for threatened
invertebrate species are
summarised in Section 3.
Mapping of invertebrate
records and habitat are
provided in this plan.
Additional pre-clearing surveys
to be completed prior to
clearing are described in
Section 6.3.4.
The requirements of this
condition in the context of
threatened invertebrate species
are addressed in Section 5.3.3
and 6.3.3.
The requirements of this
NSW ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICES
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA | PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
Approval requirement
drainage of farm dams, an experienced and licensed wildlife carer and/or ecologist
will be present to capture and relocate fauna where required. Further details
regarding fauna handling and vegetation clearing procedures are provided in the
Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines (RTA, 2011a).
B51
Ancillary facilities will be located in cleared or sparsely treed portions of the ancillary
facility sites and avoid unnecessary clearing of native vegetation.
Where addressed
condition in the context of
threatened invertebrate species
are addressed in
Section 6.3.4.
The requirements of this
condition are addressed in
Section 5.3.2.
The TIMP identifies the potential impacts of the upgrade on threatened invertebrate species listed
under the EPBC Act and NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) which have
been confirmed to occur in the project area and have the potential to be directly impacted or at
greatest risk of impact from the project. This version of the plan relates to those sections of the project
where the threatened invertebrates are known or likely to occur.
This plan identifies proposed mitigation measures that will be applied to populations of threatened
invertebrates and a program for monitoring the effectiveness of these measures to ensure the longterm survival of the species in the area of the project. The plan focuses on two species identified as at
greatest risk from the project (referred to in this plan as ‘threatened invertebrates’), being:
●
●
Southern Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialis smithersi); and
Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle (Nurus atlas).
It should be noted Roads and Maritime commissioned additional targeted surveys and habitat
assessments in November 2014 for the Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly (Petalura litorea) an endangered
species under the New South Wales TSC Act. Despite dedicated active searches around all suitable
wetland habitats that were accessed during the survey, no adult Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly individuals
were observed. As no observations of Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly were made during the survey and no
suitable breeding habitat was identified in association with past records in close proximity to the
proposed highway corridor, no known breeding habitat was mapped for this species. However
ecologists undertaking the survey did note some potential breeding habitats associated with wetlands
in the project corridor. Further details of the survey and findings are provided in the technical report
prepared by Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd in Appendix D.
As no individuals were confirmed the species has not been included within this TIMP. As the species
habitat is associated with wetlands Roads and Maritime will be undertaking a number of avoidance
and mitigation measures to reduce impacts to these areas which in-turn support conservation of the
Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly and its habitat should it occur.
This plan is intended to provide:
●
●
●
●
An overarching management framework for threatened invertebrates for the Project
A summary of the locations where threatened invertebrate populations and their host plants were
detected during pre-construction targeted surveys along with proposed monitoring sites identified
for construction and post construction monitoring
Management and mitigation measures to be implemented during pre-construction, construction
and operation of the project to minimise impacts on threatened invertebrate populations; and
A monitoring program to be implemented during pre-construction, construction and operation of
the project to assess the effectiveness of the mitigation measures proposed, evaluate any
changes in invertebrate populations and inform an adaptive management approach.
1.3
Management structure and plan updates
1.3.1 Management structure
This plan provides a framework for the parts of the upgrade where the subject threatened invertebrate
species and their habitat have been identified for specific management and monitoring actions. This
plan provides up-to-date information based on the results of targeted surveys which have identified the
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA | PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
occurrence of threatened invertebrate species within the project area, and those that are likely to be
impacted, or at a greater risk of impact.
This plan identifies the known populations of the subject threatened invertebrate species, the likely
impacts to invertebrates as a result of project activities, and specifies mitigation measures that are to
be put in place.
This plan also provides for monitoring and reporting programs, by describing the final monitoring sites,
methods, variables and timing of this program (Section 8). Details have also been provided for the
parameters of site selection for the final monitoring sites (control and monitoring sites) which have
been identified through targeted pre-construction surveys undertaken for the project.
This plan operates in conjunction with the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP),
project specific flora and fauna management plan (FFMP), Urban Design and Landscape Plan (UDLP)
and aspects associated with updates and delivery incorporated into the Biodiversity Mitigation
Framework. An overview of how this TIMP relates to other project documentation is provided in
Figure 1-2.
General responsibilities for environmental management will be outlined in the CEMP and FFMP.
Following approval of the plan, the construction contractor(s) and the contractors ecologists engaged
for the relevant project sections would be responsible to oversee implementation of the plan.
Roads and Maritime have finalised this plan in consultation with the NSW Department of Planning and
Environment (DP&E), NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Commonwealth Department
of the Environment (DoE).
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Figure 1-2 Project documentation overview
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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1.3.2 Plan updates
This plan is intended to be a dynamic document subject to continual improvement. This TIMP has
been updated to ensure it incorporates the results of targeted pre-clearance threatened invertebrate
surveys, and meets mitigation and management measures committed to in the Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) and SPIR and complies with MCoA D8.
Roads and Maritime have updated this plan in two versions. The first update (Version 1 of the TIMP)
incorporated the majority of independent expert review and comments. This was completed in
November 2013 and was included with the submission of the SPIR documentation. The expert
comments are summarised in Appendix A.
The second and third updates (Version 3 of the TIMP), this version, has been undertaken to address
the approval conditions received, agency comments provided, any remaining subject matter expert
comments, and to incorporate results of targeted threatened invertebrate surveys completed to date. A
summary of how independent expert and agency comments have been addressed is detailed in
Appendix A.
Ongoing monitoring, reviewing and amending of the TIMP and its effectiveness will continue as
necessary during construction and operation phases of the project. This plan will be reviewed annually
or following a trigger event. Triggers for the amendment of this plan will include unexpected finds of
populations of threatened invertebrates or changes to project activities proposed in areas known to
contain populations of threatened invertebrates. In such instances, an assessment of the adequacy of
the Plan should be undertaken and any new measures proposed. If new information is identified that is
relevant to the species in this plan, the Plan will be reviewed to assess any changes that may be
required.
A summary of the process for updating this plan is illustrated in Figure 1-3.
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Figure 1-3 Process to update and finalise the management plan
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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1.4
Plan authors and expert review
1.4.1 Authors
Version 1
The first version of the TIMP was prepared by Chris Thomson of Jacobs (formerly Sinclair Knight
Mertz (SKM)) in liaison with field entomologist Dr Lindsay Popple of Biodiversity Assessment and
Management Pty Ltd (BAAM). This plan addressed the majority of expert reviewer comments from Dr
Don Sands (as outlined in Appendix A and Appendix B).
A summary of all personnel involved in the production of this TIMP (including those that supported the
survey effort) their experience, and qualifications is summarised in Table 1-2.
Version 2 and 3
Pre-construction surveys for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth and Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle
were undertaken in March and April 2014 by BAAM Pty Ltd. Dr Lindsay Popple led these surveys, and
his experience and qualifications are summarised in Table 1-2. Revisions to this TIMP (Version 2 and
Version 3) completed to incorporate the results of pre-construction surveys and address remaining
expert and agency comments. Revisions have been prepared by Mitch Taylor and Berlinda Ezzy of
Amec Foster Wheeler.
An overview of the experience and qualifications of contributors to each version of this TIMP is
provided in Table 1-2.
Table 1-2 Authors qualifications and experience
Personnel
Qualifications
Experience
Dr Lindsay Popple
BAAM
Bachelor of Applied Science
PhD in Entomology
Chris Thompson
Jacobs (Formally
SKM)
Bachelor of Applied Science
Grad. Cert. in Natural
Resources
Dr Don Sands
CSIRO
Masters of Science
PhD in Entomology
Mitch Taylor
Amec Foster Wheeler
Bachelor of Environmental
Science
Dr Lindsay Popple holds a PhD in entomology and has co-ordinated flora and fauna
surveys across Australia since 1997. He has more than 10 years research
experience in the field of entomology, with specialist expertise in the taxonomy,
ecology, phylogenetics and biogeography of animals and plants, and has published in
a wide range of peer-reviewed journals. Since joining BAAM in 2011, Lindsay has
prepared species management programs for both large and small-scale projects.
Chris has 17 years of professional experience in the fields of ecology and natural
resource management. He is highly experienced in the design and implementation of
ecological monitoring programs, flora and fauna surveys, threatened fauna
management plans and ecological impact assessment. He has completed numerous
studies for clients such as the Roads and Maritime and the Department of Defence.
Chris has considerable experience assisting clients with meeting project Conditions
of Approval in relation to managing and monitoring impacts on biodiversity. This
includes the preparation and implementation of species-specific management plans
and monitoring programs. Chris has comprehensive knowledge of fauna monitoring
programs, having coordinated numerous targeted fauna surveys and monitoring
programs throughout the Northern Rivers, Riverina, the ACT, Sydney Basin and the
Hunter Valley.
Dr Don Sands is an insect taxonomist and ecologist, with a long research career with
CSIRO. He has published more than 120 scientific papers and five books. As a Postretirement Fellow he wrote two major works, Biological Control of Arthropods in
Australia (with Dr DF Waterhouse, ACIAR) and The Action Plan for Australian
Butterflies (with Prof. TR New), the latter to review the conservation status of all
Australian butterflies.
Don’s conservation research began in the 1990s (e.g. study of the Richmond
birdwing butterfly, Ornithoptera richmondia) and was followed by a research project
on the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing Butterfly (Ornithoptera alexandrae), a large and
spectacular threatened species of international concern. His studies with CSIRO on
fruit piercing moths led to the discovery in 1987 of the Pink Underwing Moth
(southern subspecies), subsequently recognised as endangered (EPBC Act and TSC
Act). Most recently Don published the description of this moth and provided a name
for this new and unnamed sub-species, the Southern Pink Underwing Moth
(Phyllodes imperialis smithersi).
Mitch is a senior ecologist with 10 years consulting experience in Queensland and
New South Wales. Mitch is a fauna specialist and has led a number of targeted fauna
surveys and management strategies in Qld and NSW. Mitch has completed impact
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Personnel
Qualifications
Berlinda Ezzy
Amec Foster Wheeler
Experience
Bachelor of Applied Science,
Natural Systems and Wildlife
Management (Honours)
assessments in relation to threatened fauna and developed tailored mitigation
strategies and monitoring programs. Mitch is licensed by the appropriate authorities
to undertake flora and fauna investigations.
Mitch’s experience in NSW includes:
•
Threatened microbat management plan development and management in the
northern rivers and south western deserts of NSW for mining and quarry
development.
•
Targeted threatened fauna assessments and impact assessments throughout
the northern rivers of NSW for various large scale residential developments and
quarry developments.
•
In-field implementation of threatened fauna management plans including one of
Australia’s largest macropod management programs.
•
Threatened flora and ecological community assessments for large scale
residential developments in the Lismore, Ballina and Grafton areas.
Berlinda has 14 years of professional experience including working in the areas of
environmental planning, impact assessments, ecology and environmental offsets.
Berlinda’s experience includes managing flora and fauna studies, delivering
environmental offsets including application of various offset assessment tools and
developing threatened species management plans. Berlinda has comprehensive
knowledge and experience with State and Commonwealth legislation regarding
environmental impact assessment, threatened species protection and environmental
offset policies.
Berlinda also has experience in natural resource management including vegetation
management, fire management, weed management and monitoring.
1.4.2 Expert review
An expert review of the plan was undertaken in August 2013 by Dr Don Sands. Dr Sands is an insect
taxonomist and ecologist with a long research career with CSIRO. He has published more than 120
scientific papers and five books. As Post-retirement Fellow he wrote ‘The Action Plan for Australian
Butterflies’ (with Professor TR New) which reviews the conservation status of all Australian butterflies.
Dr Sands’ studies with CSIRO on fruit piercing moths led to the discovery in 1987 of the Pink
Underwing Moth (southern subspecies), subsequently recognised as endangered (EPBC Act and TSC
Act). Recently Don published the description of this species, providing a name for this new and
previously unnamed subspecies, the Southern Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialis smithersi).
A summary of Dr Don Sand’s experience is provided in Table 1-2. A curriculum vitae which contains a
list of the relevant published works of Dr Don Sands and his full expert review is provided in
Appendix B.
All expert recommendations have now been assessed and, where appropriate, incorporated into this
TIMP (Version 3). A summary of incorporated expert recommendations is provided in Appendix A.
1.5
Consultation
Roads and Maritime have consulted with DP&E, EPA and DoE during the development of this plan.
Each agency was provided a copy of the Draft TIMP in April 2015. Feedback received and Roads and
Maritime response to issues raised have been included in Appendix A of the TIMP.
A summary of the consultation undertaken in finalising the plan is outlined in Table 1-3.
Table 1-3 Summary of agency consultation and how comments have been addressed
Document
Review
Review
Summary of Comment/s
Section of TIMP Addressing
Version
Date
Agency
Comments
Version 2
06/05/2015
EPA
The EPA considers best practice regarding all no-go
zones, exclusion zones etc to be under the
control/responsibility of one person only.
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
The project contractor has been
defined as the responsible party
for management of exclusion
zones.
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Document
Version
Review
Date
Review
Agency
Summary of Comment/s
Section of TIMP Addressing
Comments
Version 2
23/04/2015
DoE
Three successive annual monitoring is unlikely to
provide statistically robust data to determine the
effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures.
Impacts may become apparent later than in a three
year period.
Section 8.2.1 defines monitoring
as occurring as per as per
Condition D8(k).
Version 2
23/04/2015
DoE
Impacts from fragmentation of habitat does not
appear to have been satisfactorily addressed.
Table 6-1 and Table 6-2 have
been updated to address
fragmentation.
Version 2
23/04/2015
DoE
Avoidance measures such as route alternatives
considered/implemented are not discussed in the
Plan.
Section 4.2 discusses the
assessment of avoidance
measures during detailed design.
Version 2
19/05/2015
DPE
Add movement of moth larvae/pupae as a mitigation
measure.
Table 4-1 has been updated
regarding suggested additional
mitigation measures.
Version 2
19/05/2015
DPE
Consider the use of jersey barriers to physically stop
vehicles and plant entering exclusion zones.
The use of Jersey Barriers is not
considered necessary. No go
boundary fencing will be installed
with strict management control to
ensure no unauthorised access.
Construction still needs to allow
for some access to undertake and
maintain revegetation works.
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2. Threatened invertebrate populations
2.1
Project overview
This TIMP relates specifically to the Southern Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialis smithersi)
and the Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle (Nurus atlas). A brief outline of the habitat requirements for
these species and their status under the NSW TSC Act and the Commonwealth EPBC Act is provided
in Table 2-1. Further detail is provided in the species profiles in Appendix C. Additionally, the
Richmond Birdwing Butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia), while not a threatened species, will be
recorded should it occur during surveys for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth.
It is noted that the known and potential habitats for these two threatened invertebrates comprise a
vegetation community which is listed as a Critically Endangered Ecological Community (referred to as
Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia) under the EPBC Act and an Endangered Ecological
Community under the TSC Act (referred to as Lowland Rainforest in NSW North Coast and Sydney
Basin Bioregion). This vegetation community in proximity to the Project has been historically referred
to as the ‘Big Scrub’ which formed a large remnant of lowland rainforest communities through the
broader region. This vegetation community is referred to herein as Lowland Rainforest. A specific
management plan has been prepared for Lowland Rainforest communities that describes their extent
across the project and mitigation and monitoring measures. The plan is titled the Threatened
Rainforest Communities and Rainforest Plants Management Plan (TRCRPMP).
Although Lowland Rainforest occurs throughout several sections of the Project area (i.e. Sections 1, 2,
3, 10 and 11), the distribution of the Southern Pink Underwing Moth and Atlas Rainforest Ground
Beetle extends mostly over south-eastern Queensland with the southern limit extending into northern
NSW to the Richmond River. As such this TIMP (and the targeted surveys that inform it) have been
confined to Project sections within the known range of the threatened invertebrate species; being
Sections 10 and 11.
Table 2-1 Threatened invertebrate species conservation status and habitat requirements
Species
Status
Preferred habitats
EPBC Act
TSC Act
Southern Pink
Endangered
Endangered
The Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialis) is known from Papua New
Underwing Moth
Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Britain, New Ireland, New Caledonia
(Phyllodes
and eastern Australia (Sands 2012). The southern subspecies (Phyllodes imperialis
imperialis
smithersi) is restricted to subtropical eastern Australia from near Gympie in
smithersi)
Queensland south to near Urunga in New South Wales (Sands 2012). Breeding
(i.e. records of the larval form) has been recorded from Mary Cairncross (Sands
2012) and Witta (Herbison-Evans et al. 2011) in south-east Queensland, and from
Middle Pocket (Herbison-Evans et al.2011) and near Ballina (in northern NSW).
Whilst this project has revealed the second only breeding record of the species in
NSW, it should be noted that Sands (2012) also states that “larvae or adults have
been photographed or collected” at several additional locations. These include
Border Ranges, Richmond Range, Richmond River, Billinudgel, Dorrigo, Rosewood
River, Bellingen, Huonville and Bellinger Island (Sands 2012). This suggests that
one or more of these locations also contain breeding records. Nevertheless, it is
acknowledged that the revelation of a breeding record in association with the area
of this project is a significant finding.
The known distribution of the Southern Pink Underwing Moth is identical to that of
its larval food plant (host plant), the vine Carronia multisepalea. Larvae of the
southern subspecies of moth are dependent on one food plant vine, Carronia
multisepalea, found only in rainforests of north-eastern NSW and south-eastern
Queensland, including areas of Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia
(Endangered). In discussing the moth’s habitat requirements, Sands (2012) notes
that it “is confined to notophyll vine forest where the food plant, C. multisepalea, is
an uncommon endemic vine in eastern Australia, growing on rich volcanic slopes
and riparian or alluvial soils.” Unlike other fruit-piercing moths, Southern Pink
Underwing Moth lacks the adaptation to pierce fruit directly. Instead, it is known to
feed on damaged fruit, including Ficus spp. (including F. opposita, F. coronate),
Waterhousea floribunda, and Syzygium spp. (Syzygium australe, S. smithii and
other local species (Syzygium australe, S. smithii and other local species) (Sands
2012), and has been photographed feeding on a damaged Custard Apple
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Species
Status
EPBC Act
TSC Act
Atlas Rainforest
Ground Beetle
(Nurus atlas)
N/A
Endangered
2.2
Preferred habitats
(Herbison-Evans et al.2011).
Until recently, Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle (Nurus atlas) was known only from
the Alstonville-Lismore district, which has been considered to be the last refuge of
what was presumably a wider distribution in association with the Big Scrub (DECC
2012). More recently it was also discovered in an area of mature rainforest just
outside of the project to the north of Wardell; a minor range extension. It is also
closely associated with the TEC Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia
(Endangered). It is a flightless, predatory beetle that occurs in association with
rainforest on rich red volcanic soils (DECC 2012; Monteith and Turco n. d.). Adult
beetles build characteristic burrows under rocks, logs and tree roots. Both sexes
remain in their burrows for much of the year, although evidence from pitfall trapping
suggests that males become more mobile in the wet season (Monteith and Turco n.
d.). The life cycle of this species and especially the larval stage, are essentially
unknown.
Existing knowledge
Details of the known and expected distributions of each of the threatened invertebrate species within
the Project are described in Table 2-2. Locations of the invertebrate records and habitats within the
Project area are described as a result of targeted surveys commissioned by Roads and Maritime and
the Atlas of NSW Wildlife as of 10 December 2014. Records of the species and confirmed habitats
are illustrated in Figure 3.1 and Figure 3.2. Further detail of threatened invertebrate records and
confirmed habitats in proximity to the Project is provided in Section 3.
Table 2-2 Known and expected distributions of threatened invertebrate species within the Project area
Species
Identified records and project section
Potential habitat
Southern Pink Underwing
Moth (Phyllodes imperialis
smithersi)
Atlas Rainforest Ground
Beetle (Nurus atlas)
2.3
Records of Southern Pink Underwing Moth are restricted to Lowland
Rainforest outside and to the west of Section 10 of the Project between
Coolgardie Road and Wardell. The area, mapped under the category of
known breeding habitat, is restricted to two large rainforest polygons
covering 33.2 ha. 118 records of the host plant and 78 records of Southern
Pink Underwing Moth have been obtained in this area from the separate
surveys (BAAM 2012, 2013).
Pre-construction targeted surveys (BAAM 2014) identified populations of
Carronia multisepalea, the Southern Pink Underwing Moth’s host plant,
outside of those found during the BAAM 2012 and 2013 surveys, increasing
the area of potential breeding habitat (results of surveys are outlined in
Section 3). No host plants were found inside the Project boundary.
Surveys were undertaken to identify if Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle was
located within the Project boundary and in areas up to 400 m from the
Project boundary.
Records of Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle are restricted to rainforest
outside and to the west of Section 10 of the project in a contiguous patch of
rainforest between Coolgardie Road and Wardell. This comprises the only
area of known and potential habitat for the beetle in the vicinity of the
Project.
No breeding habitat or host
plants found within the
Project boundary.
Known and potential
breeding habitat has been
identified adjacent to
Sections 10 and 11.
(refer to Figure 3-2 )
No habitat found within the
Project boundary.
Known and potential habitat
has been identified adjacent
to Section 10. (Figure 3-2).
Threats
The decline of Southern Pink Underwing Moth and Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle populations may
be attributed to loss and fragmentation of habitat due to land development. Other specific potential
threats to this species and / or its habitat associated with development include:
●
●
●
●
Dispersal across fragmented landscapes
Disruption of movements or general disorientation due to artificial lighting
Increased weed invasion leading to habitat degradation; and
Fragmentation of habitats from disturbance may result in in-breeding depression.
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3. Targeted surveys
The body of data collected for the Project has been gathered over a period of nine years (2005 2014). This TIMP draws on this body of data, including surveys undertaken during preparation of the
EIS, and the findings of Post-EIS targeted surveys for threatened invertebrates completed by BAAM in
2013 and 2014. A summary of all relevant surveys conducted to date is provided in Table 3-1.
Table 3-1 Summary of relevant ecological surveys undertaken to date
Project section
Survey Period
Purpose
1-2
16 - 21 Oct 2006
Mapping of vegetation communities
Nov 2011
Habitat surveys
5-9 Dec 2011
Vegetation mapping in areas not covered in previous surveys.
2-7 July 2007
Mapping of vegetation communities
23-27 Aug 2010
Vegetation mapping of flora species on soft soil areas
Additional flora surveys
Mapping of vegetation communities
Mapping of vegetation communities
3-5
6-8
9-11
May – June 2005
Mar 2005
Aug 2006
Aug – Sept 2010
16-20 Jan 2012
10-11 March 2006
6-10 Feb 2012
10-11
Feb – Mar 2012
10-11
Feb – Mar 2013
1 – 11
Feb-Mar 2014
Mar – May 2014
July 2014
Feb 2014
10 and 11
1-11
Mar-May 2014
Sept 2014
10-11
Mar-Apr 2014
1-11
November 2014
3.1
Re-survey of previously identified flora populations to identify any changes in
distribution
Targeted survey for Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail
Targeted threatened invertebrate surveys for Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail, Laced
Fritillary, Southern Pink Underwing Moth, Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle, Shorter
Rainforest Ground Beetle, Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly, and Richmond Birdwing.
Targeted survey for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth and Atlas Rainforest Ground
Beetle within the project and in areas up to 400 m from the Project
Targeted survey for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth within the Project and in
areas up to 400 m from the Project
Targeted vegetation community surveys to confirm locations of previously recorded
species and identify any new species
Record location and extent of threatened communities and flora species
Targeted rainforest community survey and rainforest plant survey
Identify suitable monitoring sites for establishment of monitoring plots.
Inform ongoing monitoring through the establishment of permanent sites for
monitoring during construction and operation. As required, mark recorded threatened
species to inform and develop translocation strategies.
Pre-construction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for Conservation Significant
Invertebrates
Targeted surveys and habitat assessments for the Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly.
BAAM (2012 and 2013) – targeted surveys
Targeted surveys for Southern Pink Underwing Moth were conducted between February and March
2012, and during February and July of 2013 by Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd
(BAAM). These surveys were successful in locating both this species and its host plant in rainforest
habitat within 400 m of the Project.
The results of the surveys enabled the identification of known and potential habitat for the Southern
Pink Underwing Moth, based on: (1) the confirmed presence of larvae/eggs; (2) presence/absence of
the host plant; and (3) the occurrence of soft-fruiting rainforest trees, which may provide foraging
habitat for this species (BAAM 2013).
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Habitat areas have been categorised as follows:
•
•
•
Known breeding habitat for Southern Pink Underwing Moth where host plant and larval records
occur and where the Southern Pink Underwing Moth is considered likely to occur;
Potential breeding habitat for Southern Pink Underwing Moth where the host plant has been
detected, but where moth larvae have not been recorded; and
Potential foraging habitat for Southern Pink Underwing Moth where the moth and host vine have
not yet been detected.
A population of Southern Pink Underwing Moth was confirmed as occurring in larger rainforest
remnants to the south of Coolgardie Road and west of the existing Pacific Highway adjacent to
Section 10 of the Project. The 33.2 ha area of known breeding habitat occurs in two large remnant
blocks (25.5 ha and 7.6 ha respectively) as illustrated in Figure 3-1.
Potential breeding and foraging habitat for the moth has also been identified in the surrounding
landscape. During the February 2013 survey for this species, 45 larvae and nine eggs were recorded
in the most southerly area of known breeding habitat, an area where host vine density was >10 plants
per hectare. Despite multiple surveys in smaller fragments of potential habitat where the vines are
present across two years during the breeding season of the moth, no larvae were found in these
fragments.
3.2
BAAM (2014) – pre-construction baseline survey and
nocturnal monitoring for conservation significant
invertebrates
A pre-construction survey and nocturnal monitoring study for Southern Pink Underwing Moth and Atlas
Rainforest Ground Beetle was conducted between 4 March and 9 April 2014 (BAAM 2014) to build on
information presented within the EIS (2012) and SPIR (2013) and establish a baseline for monitoring.
The BAAM report summarising the surveys and findings are provided in Appendix E.
The objectives of the study were to:
●
●
●
Document the occurrence of Southern Pink Underwing Moth (and its host plant, Carronia
multisepalea) and Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle
Establish baseline monitoring transects for the invertebrate species and the host plant listed
above; and
Perform nocturnal monitoring of adult Southern Pink Underwing Moth and Atlas Rainforest Ground
Beetle.
The survey of additional polygons and revisiting the areas surveyed previously allowed a refinement
of past mapping.
3.2.1 Southern Pink Underwing Moth habitat assessments
Survey Method: Counts and GPS records of the host plant Carronia multisepalea were recorded
wherever it was encountered. Thorough searches were undertaken along meandering transects
through patches of the host plant for larvae and eggs of Southern Pink Underwing Moth. Notes were
taken on the health, growth form and sex (where possible) of encountered host plants. Data collected
within each polygon of known or potentially suitable habitat, and at each monitoring transect for
Southern Pink Underwing Moth included:
●
●
●
●
●
●
Number, sex and form of individuals of the host plant Carronia multisepalea
Leaf characteristics (in particular, presence of soft, pale new leaf growth) of individuals of Carronia
multisepalea
Presence, abundance and age of any Southern Pink Underwing Moth larvae found on host plants
Number of fleshy-fruited native tree species
Percent cover of native and exotic plant species in each stratum; and
Percent canopy cover.
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Areas of potential and known habitat were assessed using the following criteria (modified from BAAM
2013):
●
●
●
●
●
●
Host plant (Carronia multisepalea) was detected during the surveys
Number of native fleshy-fruited tree species (which potentially provide food for the adult moth)
detected during the survey was >20
Patch exhibited natural canopy gaps (allowing for potential recruitment of the host plant)
Canopy cover comprised >50% native species
Number of rainforest indicator species (from TSSC 2011) was >30; and
Included areas where canopy cover was dominantly ≥65%.
Parcels of potential habitat identified during previous surveys for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth
which supported its host plant Carronia multisepalea, were reinspected during the 2014 surveys.
Inspections documented the health and status of Carronia multisepalea populations.
Results: During these surveys two new populations of Carronia multisepalea were identified in
previously uninspected areas proximate to those recorded populations (as presented in Figure 3-1). It
should be noted that no Carronia multisepalea have been identified within the Project boundary or
within 20 m of the Project construction footprint (BAAM, 2014).
Pre-construction surveys also noted the presence of Pararistolochia praevenosa (the host vine
species for the locally significant Richmond Birdwing) occurring in the same habitats as Carronia
multisepalea also noted by Sands (2012). Further, surveys noted several adult and larvae of the
Richmond Birdwing within the study area in combination with populations of its host vine, indicating
this habitat is potentially an important breeding area for the Richmond Birdwing (BAAM 2014).
Although this species is not considered to be threatened under the TSC Act or EPBC Act, impacts to
and mitigation measures undertaken for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth may also affect this
species respectfully given their host species occur in similar habitats including those potentially
impacted by the project. Positive rehabilitation and mitigations measures undertaken as part of the
project would likely benefit the Richmond Birdwing should they be successful for the target threatened
invertebrates.
3.2.2 Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle habitat assessments
Survey Method: Habitat assessments were performed in areas of Lowland Rainforest, making note of
the cover of rocks and logs and general suitability of remnant and regrowth areas for Atlas Rainforest
Ground Beetle.
Meandering searches were conducted in areas of suitable habitat, checking under rocks, logs and
plant roots for characteristic burrows. Areas where burrows have previously been recorded were
checked. GPS records were taken for any potential new burrows.
Results: All suitable habitat assessed within proximity to the Project area, coincides with potential
habitat for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth. The extent of potential habitat for the Atlas Rainforest
Ground Beetle and known observations is shown in Figure 3-2.
3.2.3 Monitoring and control transect site selection
Monitoring transects were identified to enable future monitoring of Carronia multisepalea, Southern
Pink Underwing Moth and Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle populations within suitable habitats adjacent
to the Project and at control sites not likely to be impacted by the Project. Suitable locations for the
transects were identified for the Project with reference to the previous surveys by BAAM (2012, 2013)
which have considered species records and the location of Carronia multisepalea populations.
Two suitable control sites were identified using occurrence data provided in the Atlas of Living
Australia portal. Five transects were established for monitoring both Southern Pink Underwing Moth
and Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle adjacent to the Project. These included locations where the
presence of these species has been confirmed during previous surveys. An additional transect for
each of these species was identified at control sites in each of Davis Scrub Nature Reserve and
Victoria Park Nature Reserve. Each transect included multiple individuals of the host plant for
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Southern Pink Underwing Moth, Carronia multisepalea. Both of these areas contain remnant Lowland
Rainforest on rich red ferrosols formed on a basaltic plateau (Jenkins and Morand 2002).
The 2014 pre-construction survey report notes a difference in soil types between the control transects
and the monitoring transects. The soils supported within the monitoring transects and their associated
habitat contains a dark brown clay loam soil, which shows a tendency to be aggregate and is not
overly friable (BAAM, 2014), whereas the control transects are characterised by rich red ferrosols
(Jenkins and Morand 2002) and highly suitable for burrowing (BAAM 2014).
The final location of the impact monitoring sites and control sites are illustrated in Figure 3-3.
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Figure 3-1
Records and Location of
Potential Habitat for Southern
Pink Underwing Moth
Chainage (metres)
LOCATION DIAGRAM
LEGEND
Southern Pink Underwing Moth
Alignment
!
(
Records (BAAM)
Section change
_
^
Host plant records (BAAM)
Project boundary
Known breeding habitat
(host plant plus larval records)
Potential breeding habitat
Potential foraging habitat
WORK REQUEST NUMBER: RMS
DATA SOURCES:
Topographic Vector Series 3 © Commonwealth of Australia
(Geoscience Australia) 2006
ISSUE DATE AUTHOR QA CHECK
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250
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Amec Foster Wheeler does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the map and does not make any warranty about the data.
Amec Foster Wheeler is not under any liability to the user for any loss or damage (including consequential loss or damage) which the user may suffer resulting from the use of this map.
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Figure 3-2
Records and Location of
Potential Habitat for Atlas
Rainforest Ground Beetle
Chainage (metres)
!
(
Alignment
LOCATION DIAGRAM
LEGEND
Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle
Records (BAAM)
Section change
Known habitat
Project boundary
Potential habitat
WORK REQUEST NUMBER: RMS
DATA SOURCES:
Topographic Vector Series 3 © Commonwealth of Australia
(Geoscience Australia) 2006
ISSUE DATE AUTHOR QA CHECK
21/04/2015
JH
JC
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APPROVED
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MAP REV.
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REVISION NOTE
Issued for Use
BE
A
Issued for Review
0
¹
250
500
Metres
1:25,000
(A3) GCS GDA 1994
Amec Foster Wheeler does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the map and does not make any warranty about the data.
Amec Foster Wheeler is not under any liability to the user for any loss or damage (including consequential loss or damage) which the user may suffer resulting from the use of this map.
BR
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ROADS & MARITIME SERVICES - 651570 - W2B Species Management Plans
Figure 3-3
Monitoring Transect
Locations
Chainage (metres)
LOCATION DIAGRAM
LEGEND
Transects
Alignment
Control site
Section change
Monitoring site
Project boundary
Species habitat areas
WORK REQUEST NUMBER: RMS
DATA SOURCES:
Topographic Vector Series 3 © Commonwealth of Australia
(Geoscience Australia) 2006
ISSUE DATE AUTHOR QA CHECK
21/04/2015
JH
JC
09/04/2015
JH
JC
APPROVED
BE
MAP REV.
0
REVISION NOTE
Issued for Use
BE
A
Issued for Review
0
¹
250
500
Metres
1:35,000
(A3) GCS GDA 1994
Amec Foster Wheeler does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the map and does not make any warranty about the data.
Amec Foster Wheeler is not under any liability to the user for any loss or damage (including consequential loss or damage) which the user may suffer resulting from the use of this map.
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA | PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
3.2.4 Nocturnal monitoring of transects
Timing of Surveys: Pre-construction surveys for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth and Atlas
Rainforest Ground Beetle were conducted at each of the five monitoring transects and two control
sites (Figure 3-3) for one night per week between 4 March and 9 April 2014.
Survey Method: Nocturnal monitoring was conducted for one night per week over six consecutive
weeks. Over-ripe banana baits were prepared and deployed during the afternoon prior to each
monitoring session for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth. The baits were suspended from tree
branches within arms-reach at 10 m intervals along each transect. For the final monitoring event two
additional baits consisting of ripe custard apple were deployed at each trapping location to observe the
potential influence of using a different bait type on monitoring success.
Each transect was 50 m in length, with some deviation from a straight line to improve detection of
Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle in areas of potentially suitable microhabitat. The start and end of each
transect was recorded by GPS. Flagging tape was used to mark 10 m intervals along each transect to
facilitate the deployment of baits for Southern Pink Underwing Moth. Photographic records were taken
at each cardinal compass point at the centre of each transect.
Monitoring was conducted for approximately 20 minutes along each transect, between 6.30 and
10.30 pm. Night vision goggles and a night vision LED torch were used to scan each bait for signs of
moth activity. Baits were removed sequentially after being checked. The ground and any previously
identified burrows in the vicinity of each transect was checked for signs of Atlas Rainforest Ground
Beetle activity. Small LED torches were used to negotiate areas of difficult terrain along each transect
and during transit. Use of these torches was kept to a minimum as far as possible during the
monitoring to minimise potential light disturbance.
Notes on the invertebrate activity and weather conditions were kept for each transect during each
weekly monitoring event.
Results: A single larvae of a Southern Pink Underwing Moth was found at one of the control sites
during establishment of the control transects (28°51.994°S 153°24.355’E). Despite thorough searches
in patches of Carronia multisepalea, including searches at locations where the presence of Southern
Pink Underwing Moth was confirmed during previous surveys (BAAM 2012, 2013), no signs of moth
larvae or eggs were observed in the study area during the current survey.
No individuals of the Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle were found at the identified monitoring sites
despite thorough searches of suitable habitat, including habitats where the species has been
previously confirmed. A single potential burrow was found at one monitoring site; however was
determined to be inactive. Numerous beetle burrows were identified within or proximate to the
established transects. Surveys also incidentally noted many more burrows throughout the habitats
within the Davis Scrub Nature Reserve and Victoria Park Nature Reserve then those habitats found
within and adjacent to the Project including the monitoring sites.
Recommendation for future monitoring: Future monitoring for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth
will be conducted over a five month period annually. Monitoring will occur one night per month for five
months during the warmest part of the year (November through to March). This is intended to reduce
the chances of intra-seasonal variation affecting the chances of detection.
Future monitoring for Southern Pink Underwing Moth should consider past rainfall that could influence
activity of this species and hence monitoring results. Monitoring conducted under more suitable
seasonal conditions will assess the efficacy of using bait traps and monthly survey units as a
monitoring approach. Further, this methodology should be reviewed against the collected baseline
data and historical data given the low level of presence/absence results obtained during pre-clearance
surveys.
Future monitoring for Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle in Lowland Rainforest adjacent to the Project will
be conducted during construction and post construction in accordance with Section 8. Future
nocturnal monitoring for Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle should be conducted following an extensive,
dedicated search for burrows in the identified monitoring sites and should proceed only after one or
more burrows have been located.
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4. Potential impacts and management
approach
The following Section provides an overview of the potential direct and indirect impacts to threatened
invertebrate populations as informed by targeted threatened invertebrate surveys for the Project. It
describes the potential impacts during the pre-construction, construction and post-construction
(operational) stages of the Project to the threatened invertebrates. The proposed mitigation approach
presented is in the EIS/SPIR and documented in Sections 4 to 8 of this TIMP.
4.1
Potential impacts associated with the project
4.1.1 Southern Pink Underwing Moth
The Project will not directly impact known or potential breeding habitat for Southern Pink Underwing
Moth. The Project passes adjacent to the eastern and southern edges of lowland rainforest patches
containing known and potential breeding habitat for this species (Figure 3-1). The closest Southern
Pink Underwing record is approximately 30 m from the edge of the Project boundary, with known and
potential habitat mapped directly adjacent the Project boundary.
Approximately 4.89 ha of potential foraging habitat for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth will require
removal and therefore will be directly impacted by the Project. Removal of this habitat is not expected
to fragment the remaining potential moth habitat as:
●
●
The 4.89 ha of potential foraging habitat are separate patches to the south and east of the road
corridor that are not directly connected to the larger patches of known and potential breeding
habitat for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth. These rainforest patches are smaller, fragmented
areas and habitats remaining will stay intact; and
About 51.3 ha of known and potential breeding habitat for Southern Pink Underwing Moth remain
in the vicinity of the Project, including an additional 36.8 ha of potential foraging habitat.
Potential indirect impacts to Southern Pink Underwing Moth and its host plant (Carronia multisepalea)
may include impacts from a variety of edge effects including artificial lighting, road noise, dust and
weeds. Another potential indirect impact to the Southern Pink Underwing Moth is exposure to
increased natural light penetration and increased predation as a result of newly formed habitat edges.
This is not expected to be an impact as a result of the Project as the area surrounding the known
breeding habitat for the moth is a paddock and therefore, already an edge. In the area adjacent to this
known breeding habitat, the Project will be sited within the paddock and as a consequence, no new
edge would be created. As no change to the current habitat edge is anticipated, no significant impacts
associated with natural light penetration or predation are expected.
Hydrological changes and soil desiccation are not considered likely to be significant impacts, as all
known breeding habitat for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth is sited upslope relative to the Project.
4.1.2 Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle
The Project avoids direct impacts to areas identified as known or potential habitat for Atlas Rainforest
Ground Beetle. The closest known record occurs approximately 150 m from the Project boundary.
Indirect impacts to Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle may involve disruption of movement corridors or
general disorientation due to artificial lighting, as well as potential compromise of areas of known
habitat adjacent to the project through a variety of indirect edge effects (including artificial lighting,
road noise, dust and weeds).
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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4.2
Detailed design considerations
An objective of the early stage detailed design process is to position infrastructure so as to avoid
habitat for threatened invertebrates wherever possible. This includes, where appropriate, placing
construction compounds, ancillary infrastructure, access tracks and stockpile areas within cleared or
disturbed areas, and away from threatened plants to avoid unnecessary clearing and indirect impacts.
Another objective is to reduce the indirect impacts of road noise, dust, weeds and artificial light spill on
surrounding known and potential breeding habitat for Southern Pink Underwing Moth and Atlas
Rainforest Ground Beetle.
To meet these objectives Roads and Maritime during detailed design for Section 10 and 11 will
investigate the potential to reduce vegetation clearing where potential foraging habitat is identified.
Also in relation to lighting the majority of the road corridor in the vicinity of habitat for threatened
invertebrates will be unlit. The only exception is where lighting is an essential requirement for road
safety (e.g. on round-a-bouts, interchanges, and merging and diverging lanes). Where lighting has
been identified as required for road safety, lighting recognised as having a low attractiveness for
insects is being investigated to be used. Roads and Maritime is investigating the potential to use high
pressure sodium lights wherever the Project falls within 500 m of known or potential breeding habitat
for Southern Pink Underwing Moth. These types of lamp are widely used in street lighting and have
been demonstrated to attract significantly fewer insects than other viable options, such as metal halide
lamps (Eisenbeis, G. and F. Hassel 2000). LED lamps have also been demonstrated to attract fewer
insects, however the use of LED lamps for street lighting purposes has yet not been approved by
Roads and Maritime Services. If the use of LED lamps prior to the commencement of construction in
the aforementioned habitat areas is approved, these lights will be used for street lighting.
Modelling of a combination of the above lamp types in preliminary designs of lighting for the Project
suggest that the planned position of street lighting would not lead to light spill entering directly into
areas of threatened invertebrate habitat. The modelling suggests that light spill would only affect areas
150 m away from the edge of known threatened invertebrate habitat.
Where particularly bright light sources have been identified as required (notably the Coolgardie
interchange), shielding is recommended for each light source to shield the light from areas of
threatened invertebrate habitat, whilst allowing the required illumination of the road surface for road
safety. Consideration is recommended for the following shielding options:
●
●
●
Physical barrier to horizontal light spill on the pole structure as well as its final install height
Physical barriers (similar to noise barriers) on the edges of the road boundary; and
Thick plantings of vegetation along the road margin to reduce light penetration.
Consideration of the final height of installed lights may also influence light spill. Where possible the
installation of lights at the lowest, safe height possible will be considered to assist in the reduction of
light spill into threatened invertebrate habitat.
Implementation of the above recommendations for artificial lighting design near known breeding
habitat and host plants is expected to reduce impacts from the Project on both Southern Pink
Underwing Moth and Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle to a negligible level.
Where possible, final planning for construction compounds, ancillary infrastructure, access tracks and
stockpile areas will be placed within cleared or disturbed areas, and away from threatened species
habitats to avoid unnecessary clearing and indirect impacts
4.3
Mitigation and monitoring approach
A number of measures to mitigate and monitor the impact of the Project on threatened invertebrates
during construction and operation are proposed. These measures were initially identified in the EIS
(Biodiversity Working Paper), and the Submissions/Preferred Infrastructure Report (SPIR). In general
these measures relate to:
●
●
Development of a sound method for undertaking pre-clearing surveys
A suitable fauna handling procedure
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●
●
●
●
●
Provision of exclusion fencing to protect areas of invertebrate habitat to be retained during
construction
A staged habitat removal process
A method for the re-use of woody debris and bedrock (habitat for Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle)
Identification of procedures for habitat rehabilitation and revegetation of suitable habitat near the
Project to minimise the potential for indirect impacts and inform the design of appropriate buffers
between the habitat and the Project; and
Develop a monitoring program to monitor impacts on the populations of threatened invertebrates
and the effectiveness of mitigation measures and incorporate adaptive management actions
where impacts are noted.
4.4
Effectiveness of mitigation measures
A summary of proposed threatened invertebrate-specific mitigation measures, and an evaluation of
their effectiveness based on past experience with other highway upgrades is described in Table 4-1.
4.5
Adaptive management approach
This plan includes an adaptive management approach based on firstly identifying specific goals for
management, followed by the implementation of management actions, and finally the monitoring of the
performance of these measures against the goals and identified thresholds. Prescribed corrective
actions will be applied to improve mitigation where required.
To ensure the success of this approach the management goals presented in the plan were based on
the following SMART principles:
•
•
•
•
•
Specific.
Measurable.
Achievable.
Results-based.
Time-based.
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Table 4-1 Mitigation measures and evaluation of their effectiveness
Issue
Mitigation measure
History of success
Effectiveness rating
The host plant and
threatened invertebrates
are difficult to detect and
host plants may be
accidentally removed
during clearing.
Installation of temporary fencing to exclude
construction activities from known threatened
invertebrate habitat areas identified through
pre-construction targeted surveys.
Temporary exclusion fencing used in association with all Pacific Highway upgrade over the last 10 years.
High
Pre-clearing and clearing procedures.
A standard procedure has been developed by Roads and Maritime and documented in the Biodiversity
Guidelines for Construction (RTA 2011). The guidelines were developed in consultation with the NSW
Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) (Fisheries),
biodiversity specialists and Roads and Maritime staff including project managers, construction personnel
and designers. Consultation was facilitated through a number of workshops carried out in 2009. These
procedures have been developed using knowledge gained from a long history of upgrades on the Pacific
Highway and other road projects in NSW.
High
Translocation of Southern Pink Underwing
Moth if any are encountered on each day
prior to any clearing in areas of potential
habitat. This will be undertaken by suitably
qualified and licenced fauna spotters.
The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service has a Policy for the Translocation of
Threatened Fauna in New South Wales (NPWS 2001), which applies to all fauna, including
invertebrates. Roads and Maritime has previously funded studies into the translocation of threatened
invertebrates (e.g. Translocation of threatened species and rehabilitation of key habitat (Purple Copper
Butterfly – Paralucia spinifera).
Unknown; monitor
development of
immature stages for
three weeks following
translocation.
Translocation of Southern Pink Underwing
Moth and/or Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle
larvae or pupae from the construction area to
a safe place.
The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service has a Policy for the Translocation of
Threatened Fauna in New South Wales (NPWS 2001), which applies to all fauna, including
invertebrates. Roads and Maritime has previously funded studies into the translocation of threatened
invertebrates (e.g. Translocation of threatened species and rehabilitation of key habitat (Purple Copper
Butterfly – Paralucia spinifera)).
Unknown; monitor
development of
immature stages for
three weeks following
translocation.
Identification of exclusion zones and limits of
clearing.
Identification of exclusions zones and limits of clearing has for a number of Roads and Maritime Pacific
Highway projects managed the removal of vegetation within designated areas and avoided unnecessary
vegetation removal. Exclusions zones are generally marked on plans, outlined in inductions and pegged
out on site.
High
A species profile is provided in Appendix C.
Impact to threatened
invertebrate habitat
outside the construction
zone.
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Issue
Mitigation measure
History of success
Effectiveness rating
Prioritising the revegetation of Lowland
Rainforest areas, key habitat for the Southern
Pink Underwing Moth and Atlas Rainforest
Ground Beetle.
Protecting or rehabilitating breeding and foraging habitat is widely regarded as one of the most
fundamental methods of protecting threatened uspecies.
High; Monitor the
reestablishment of
Southern Pink
Underwing Moth Atlas
Rainforest Ground
Beetle into rehabilitated
habitat.
Movement disruption
and or disorientation of
threatened invertebrates
due to use of artificial
lighting.
Set minimum distances of 500 m where
practicable between known habitat and
artificial lighting, minimise use of artificial
lighting; use lamps with low attractiveness;
use lighting shields to block bright lights at
interchanges where lighting is required to
address road safety requirements.
A rigorous and detailed study of the attractiveness of different artificial light sources to insects was
completed by Eisenbeis and Hassel (2000). Information from this study has been used to inform the
choice of lamps in design considerations for the Project.
Moderate; monitor
effectiveness.
Increased incursion of
invasive weeds. This
can decrease habitat
quality for invertebrates
and be a threat to the
host plant.
Weed management procedures documented
in the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity
Guidelines, specifications and preferred
infrastructure report are to be implemented to
control weeds across the project area.
Roads and Maritime has developed standard weed management procedures that are documented in the
Biodiversity Guidelines (RTA 2011). These measures are implemented during construction and are
reported as part of the FFMP process. This includes pre-clearing surveys to identify weeds and noxious
species and map their location for on-going monitoring and control during construction. Weed monitoring
during construction is a routine procedure for road upgrades with a long history of success in NSW.
High
Weed management will be described in the
CEMP and Flora and Fauna Management
Plan (FFMP).
Roads and Maritime have developed standard procedures for weeds on construction sites as part of the
CEMP process with a long history of success as reported in auditing reports.
Dust and noise
impacting on habitat
use.
Monitoring of weeds in rainforest
communities will be undertaken to identify
any weed outbreaks and also assess the
effectiveness of weed management.
Dust and noise managed in accordance with
procedures in the CEMP.
Roads and Maritime have developed standard procedures for managing dust and noise on construction
sites as part of the CEMP process with a long history of success as reported in auditing reports.
High
Monitoring of dust on plants considered as
part of plant health monitoring. Dust
deposition is to be monitored monthly.
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Issue
Mitigation measure
History of success
Effectiveness rating
Vegetation communities
and habitats impacted
by changes to the water
quality within and
immediately adjacent to
the project.
Water quality managed in accordance with
procedures in the CEMP.
Roads and Maritime has successfully used water quality controls across a number of Pacific Highway
projects. Procedures for water quality management on construction sites have been developed in
accordance with the Blue Book principles and form part of the CEMP process.
High
Page 32
W2B Water Quality Management Program and Water Quality Monitoring Program will also outline how
water quality and hydrology will be managed on site during construction and operation.
NSW ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICES
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA | PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
5. Pre-construction management
measures
5.1
Potential impacts during pre-construction phase
There is an opportunity to protect habitat for threatened invertebrate species proximate to construction
areas through implementation of pre-construction management measures. There is potential for
accidental impact to invertebrate habitat when locating ancillary facility sites, including heavy vehicle
access as part of pre-construction planning.
5.2
Management objectives
The objectives of the management strategy include:
● Map the distribution and abundance of threatened invertebrate populations and identify suitable
locations (outside of the road reserve) for habitat rehabilitation
● No impact to threatened invertebrate habitat outside of the Project including designated work areas
for ancillary facilities within Section 10 and 11 during the pre-construction planning phase
● Should host plants be identified within the Project boundary and impacts are unavoidable, trial a
host plant propagation strategy
● Identify exclusions zones prior to construction commencing including corridor and ancillary sites
and access roads; and
● Weed management plan developed and approved prior to construction commencing.
5.3
Management measures
5.3.1 Targeted baseline and pre-construction surveys
Baseline targeted survey and pre-construction surveys for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth and
Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle have been completed for the Project (BAAM 2013, BAAM 2014) by
licensed and appropriately qualified ecologists. Details are provided in Section 3.
The objectives of the baseline targeted threatened invertebrate surveys were to:
●
●
●
●
●
●
Accurately identify and quantify individual host plants in habitat areas adjacent to the impact areas
and/or Project so that these may be used to collect propagules for later planting
Identify locations where threatened invertebrates have been encountered in or within 20 m of the
Project
Identify habitat features suitable for Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle within the Project that will be
removed to adjacent habitat
Identify suitable sites for relocation of adult beetles and moth larvae / pupae (if required)
Clearly identify and map habitat edges as far as possible, to enable avoidance and / or
implementation of edge protection; and
Mark each individual host plant to be retained within 20 m of the Project in the field using flagging
tape, survey pegs and a GPS location.
The aim of the targeted surveys was to identify the location of threatened invertebrate populations for
each upgrade section, and identify and map known and potential habitat for each species. A subset of
known locations was selected for ongoing population monitoring whilst some adjacent areas also
known to contain the target species were selected as control sites. The details of the monitoring
program are provided in Section 8, and the following information details the timing, methods and
parameters for the targeted surveys which are intended to be repeated as part of the post-construction
monitoring program.
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Targeted threatened invertebrate surveys have recorded the current condition of threatened
invertebrate habitat that will remain in the vicinity of the Project. Such data (coupled with historical
survey records) forms the baseline for the monitoring program and informs the habitat structure and
plant species diversity at known sites as a benchmark for the development of revegetation or offset
sites. For retained habitat patches, establishment of photographic reference points of edge zone
condition and evidence of host plant recruitment events was conducted.
The results of baseline and pre-construction surveys have informed the construction mitigation
measures for protecting local populations of host plants and invertebrates in-situ, where applicable.
These measures are detailed in Section 6.
It should be noted an additional pre-clearance field inspection will be undertaken by an experienced
ecologist to ensure that no host plants fall within the clearing limits once it has been accurately defined
and marked in the field with survey pegs. This survey is also described in Section 6.3.4.
5.3.2 Locating of ancillary facilities outside of known habitat for threatened
Invertebrates
Ancillary areas including stockpiles and construction infrastructure (i.e. batch plants, compound sites)
will be sited within cleared areas at appropriate distances to water bodies and potential threatened
invertebrate habitats. This will occur across all ancillary sites for each stage of the project and will be
documented in the CEMP.
5.3.3 Temporary exclusion zones
An exclusion zone would be a designated “no go” area that clearly identifies areas to avoid and would
be appropriately fenced to prevent damage to habitat for threatened invertebrates and host plants.
Exclusion zones can also be used to define clearing limits. The location and type of exclusion fencing
to be used will be included in the CEMP. Further detail on exclusion zone establishment and
maintenance can be found in the Biodiversity Guidelines Protecting and managing biodiversity on RTA
projects (RTA 2011).
Exclusion fencing will be established prior to clearing in proximity to known threatened invertebrate
habitat to ensure protection of vegetation immediately adjacent to the Project. Additional high visibility
fencing may be required in proximity to ancillary areas (laydown, construction tracks, car parks, works
sites, etc.).
The relevant protocols for exclusion zones include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Toolbox talks and induction training on the purpose of exclusion fencing and protocols to be
followed in working in close proximity to exclusion zones/fencing.
Exclusion zones to be identified and marked out prior to clearing works considering threatened
invertebrate habitats and lowland rainforest communities mapped by the targeted surveys
Exclusion zone fencing would be placed outside the tree protection zone (drip zone) and in
accordance with Australian Standard AS 4970-2009 Protection of trees on development sites
Appropriate signage would be erected to inform personnel about the purpose for the fencing
Signage needs to be clearly visible from a distance of 20 metres and be consistent in wording i.e.
Exclusion Zone or Environmental Protection Zone
All construction materials or equipment outside the exclusion zone should be stored in accordance
with Australian Standard AS 4970-2009 Protection of trees on development sites i.e. outside of the
tree drip line
All exclusion zones would be marked on a site plan used for construction with an aerial image
underlay
Indicate on the site plan construction stations or distance markers where the exclusion zones
would be located; and
Exclusion zones would be clearly labelled on the site plan, including the type of fencing to be used
and installation and maintenance requirements.
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The type of temporary fencing used may vary depending on the number of plants being protected,
specific species requirements and the sensitivity of the site. Fencing options may include (but are not
limited to) the following:
•
•
•
•
•
Highly sensitive sites – chain wire fencing or Jersey barriers (where appropriate)
Permanent protection required – stock fencing or similar
Temporary fencing of specific small areas – Para-web material and star pickets
Larger areas – capped star pickets and reflective spinning tape (helicopter tape); and
Delineation of low risk intrusion areas – earth bunding, mulch berms, sediment fencing or flagging
tape.
Induction material to be presented to construction staff would detail the importance of EPBC/TSC
listed species and communities and their management requirements, clearly identifying avoidance
requirements before commencing work at each location.
5.3.4 Host plant propagation trial strategy
After the pre-clearance field inspection is completed, should any host plants be found within the
construction footprint and/or clearing limits, Roads and Maritime will investigate the potential to take
vegetative material and propagate additional host plants from these specimens. This will be to
supplement areas of revegetation within the Project boundary or offset sites for the Southern Pink
Underwing Moth.
Collection of seeds is considered to be an impractical option for the host plant of Southern Pink
Underwing Moth, as the seeds of Carronia multisepalea tend to form quite high in the canopy, making
them difficult to source. Instead, propagation from cuttings will be trialled as a priority measure. The
collection of plant propagation material will be undertaken by an experienced ecologist/ horticulturalist.
There is no documented evidence to suggest that successful propagation of Carronia multisepalea
has been undertaken previously. Therefore, a trial program would provide best practice procedures for
cutting collection and propagation of Carronia multisepalea and provide baseline information into the
usefulness of propagation in the rehabilitation of rainforest, including habitat for Southern Pink
Underwing Moth. The propagation trial should commence early to establish whether propagation from
cuttings is a viable translocation method. The outcomes of the trial would inform the development of
the biodiversity offset strategy for Sections 10 and 11.
Plants propagated by cutting will be transplanted in areas of rainforest rehabilitation (within the project
area but outside of the clearing footprint) to increase the value of these areas as habitat for the
Southern Pink Underwing Moth. A guide to rainforest species cutting collection and propogation is
provided in Section 6.3.4 of the TRCRPMP.
Although Carronia multisepalea is not considered to be a threatened species under the EPBC Act or
TSC Act, the propagation of this species should consider the methodology outlined within the
TRCRPMP. Specific actions relevant to Carronia multisepalea are provided in Section 5.3.5 below.
Propogation and planting will also be outlined in the Translocation Strategy to be prepared by Roads
and Maritime to address the requirements of MCoA D7 for Sections 3-11.
5.3.5 Propagation from cuttings
The below actions will be undertaken if the host plant, Carronia multisepalea, is identified during preclearance surveys being within the Project boundary and the plant will be directly impacted during
construction.
The objective of propagating Carronia multisepalea from cuttings is to provide a source of new host
plants for the revegetation program and to maintain the current genetic diversity and resilience of the
host plant and Southern Pink Underwing Moth populations in the vicinity of the project. The propagule
collection program will be initiated at the earliest possible opportunity prior to clearing activities.
Cutting collection will be limited to no more than two cuttings per adult plant to maximise the chance of
maintaining genetic diversity.
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Collection, storage and propagation of cuttings would be undertaken in accordance with the methods
outlined in the TRCRPMP. The areas of the population restricted to the western side of the project are
considered an appropriate source for cutting collection.
The cutting collection and propagation activities will aim to match the density of vines present in areas
of habitat where the moth is known to occur (i.e. a minimum of 10 plants per hectare).
As per Section 5.3.4 above, an experimental trial will be undertaken with half of the plants grown from
cuttings placed in commercial potting mix, and the remainder in a mix containing only the natural soil
type from the site. Transplanting to the natural soil type would be carried out when vine propagules
reach 15-30 centimetres long. The trial would aim to examine the effect of the potting medium on
growth and establishment of plants in the field. As the host species typically grows in nutrient-rich soils
derived from basalt, all propagules would be planted with a slow release fertiliser to improve chances
of establishment.
The above experimental trial treatments would provide useful information for future management and
mitigation of the vines with regards to the effect of nursery soil medium and establishment of
propagated plants introduced to the wild; a factor that remains poorly understood.
Although propagation methods undertaken will be reflective of the TRCRPMP, specific details with
reference to propagule collection, storage and propagation for Carronia multisepalea are not specified
within the TRCRPMP as this species is not a threatened species. It is recommended that propagule
collection, storage and propagation follow Greening Australia guidelines. These are located online on
the Greening Australia website (http://www.greeningaustralia.org.au/uploads//Our Solutions – Toolkit
pdfs/NT_8_Undertake_Propagation_Web.pdf). The basic methods for collection, propagation and
storage of cut plant material is summarised within Table 5-1.
Table 5-1 Cutting collection, storage and propagation methods
Process
Method
Cutting collection







Cutting storage
Cutting propagation
Cuttings should be collected from as many parent plants as possible.
Cuttings would be collected early in the day, when conditions are cool and moist.
Take cuttings from the upper part of healthy plants, growing in shrub form (rather than vine form),
from relatively new growth formed in the current or immediately past season.
Single cuttings would be 8-12 cm in length and the cut should be performed just below the node,
avoiding material with flower buds.
Cuttings would be from the end of the stem, with the option for a longer cutting to be broken into two
separate cuttings if necessary.
Cuttings would preferentially be taken from plants that show signs of moth larval feeding activity;
however cuttings would not be taken from branches where moth eggs are present
Plants would be checked for moth larvae and eggs prior to taking each cutting and any sections of
plant with larvae or eggs would be avoided.
The basic requirements for good storage are to ensure the following:

Leaves would be removed from the bottom of the cutting.

Remaining leaves would be cut in half to reduce water loss.

Cuttings would be stored in water, or wrapped in wet paper or a plastic bag, in a cool place.

Accurate record keeping would be implemented including collection data, a unique plant number and
the associated GPS location of the source plant.

Most of the propagules would be planted out in the field when they reach 30 cm in length. If
landscaping activities become delayed some plants would be potted into larger pots and grown
further.
5.3.6 Weed Management
Weeds are plants that may threaten agricultural land adjacent to the project, have detrimental effects
on the natural environment or impact human health. The objective of weed management is to prevent
or minimise the spread of noxious and environmental weeds on Roads and Maritime project sites.
Guide 6: Weed management of the Biodiversity Guidelines: protecting and managing biodiversity on
RTA project (RTA 2011) provides the requirements for weed management on all Roads and Maritime
projects. The Introductory Weed Management Manual (Natural Heritage Trust 2004) also provides
guidance for developing weed management plans.
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In summary, Guide 6 requires a site weed assessment to be undertaken prior to construction for each
staged section of the project. Data collected during the assessment would be used to develop a weed
management plan, which would include details on the weed monitoring. Appropriately qualified
persons will complete the weed surveys prior to construction to identify weed species, their location
and density.
A project specific Weed Management Plan will be developed and will be incorporated into relevant
plans for the project (e.g. CEMP, FFMP or work method statements). This will form the baseline for all
weed management activities within the project area.
In general, weed management plans include descriptions and mapping of major weed infestations
identified during pre-clearing surveys, with appropriate management actions outlined to be
implemented for each infestation. The following information is included in these plans:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Type and source of the weed/s
Weed management priorities and objectives
Sensitive environmental areas within or adjacent to the site, including threatened plant species
populations and any different weed management actions and control methods to be adopted
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
Appropriate placement of tub grinder mulch that avoids being spread around retained in situ
threatened flora sites
A monitoring program to measure the success of weed management; and
Communication strategies to improve contractor awareness of weeds and weed management.
Details on monitoring the performance of weed management, as well as corrective actions to be
implemented in instances of change from performance measures, are provided in Section 8.
5.3.7 Mitigation goals and corrective actions
Pre-construction mitigation goals for threatened invertebrates and associated corrective actions are
summarised in Table 5-2.
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Table 5-2 Mitigation goals, mitigation and performance measures and corrective actions –preconstruction
Mitigation goals
Proposed mitigation measure
Monitoring/timing frequency
Trigger for corrective actions
Corrective actions
Responsible party for
corrective action
implementation
Protect threatened
invertebrates and habitats.
Conduct targeted invertebrate
baseline surveys and identify
and map areas of known and
potential habitat.
Conduct pre-clearance surveys
prior to clearing to confirm there
are no host plants within the
designated clearing limit.
Identify areas for rehabilitation
outside the road reserve.
Targeted baseline surveys have
been completed. Known and
potential habitat areas have
been identified.
Targeted invertebrate surveys
have been completed.
Cease any work until preclearance surveys have been
completed and results evaluated.
Project Contractor
Project Ecologist
No impact to threatened
invertebrate habitat outside of
the project including designated
work areas for ancillary facilities
within Section 10 and 11 during
the pre-construction planning
phase.
Identification and marking
including pre-clearance survey
and demarcation of exclusion
zones.
Temporary exclusion fencing to
be established prior to clearing
in proximity to known
threatened invertebrate habitat.
Identification of exclusion zones
informed by targeted surveys
and identified and approved by
construction clearing limits prior
to clearing works to mark and
flag exclusion zones.
Follow-up inspection after
surveying road corridor.
Pre-clearance survey not
completed prior to construction
commencing.
Inspection of clearing boundary
reveals gaps or inappropriate
placement of fencing.
Exclusion zones have not been
identified, established and
approved prior to construction.
Delay construction until preclearance survey completed.
Delay construction until
exclusions zones have been
identified, approved and
established.
Project Contractor
Project Ecologist
Project Environmental Advisor
Protection of host plants within
the clearing footprint
If pre-clearance survey
identifies host plants within the
clearing footprint implement the
trial propagation strategy. May
include cuttings and seed
propagation.
Incorporate host plant into Flora
Translocation Strategy for
Sections 10 and 11.
Pre-construction – Confirm
results of pre-clearance survey
prior to any clearing or
construction activities
commencing.
Propagation trial is not
successful, i.e. does not result
in propagation of host plant.
Re-trial using different method
and techniques using remaining
plant material collected.
Investigate potential to collect
host plant material from
populations adjacent to the
Project boundary.
Refer to Flora Translocation
Strategy for further details and
methods.
Project Contractor
Project Ecologist
Project Environmental Advisor
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Pre-clearing surveys must be
completed prior to clearing in
Sections 10 and 11.
Areas for rehabilitation will be
identified in the Urban Design
and Landscape Plan (UDLP)
prior to construction
commencing for Sections 10
and 11.
Pre-clearance surveys have not
been completed prior to
clearing commencing.
UDLP has not been completed
for relevant sections prior to
construction.
Cease clearing until exclusion
zones have been identified and
marked on the ground.
Don’t commence construction
until UDLP is finalised for Section
10 and 11.
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Mitigation goals
Proposed mitigation measure
Monitoring/timing frequency
Trigger for corrective actions
Corrective actions
Responsible party for
corrective action
implementation
Minimise the threat weeds pose
to threatened invertebrates
within the Project footprint.
Develop a weed management
plan to provide detail on weed
extent, location of high threat
weeds and weed infestation
within dissected rainforest
areas.
Plan also to provide details on
potential pathogens and
management measures to be
implemented.
Weed management plan to be
completed prior to construction
commencing as part of the
Flora & Fauna Management
Plan under MCoAD26 (e).
Weed Management Plan not
completed prior to construction
commencing.
Delay construction if the weed
and pathogen management plan
has not been completed prior to
construction.
Project Contractor
Project Environmental Advisor
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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6. Construction management measures
6.1
•
●
•
•
•
•
•
Impacts during clearing of vegetation
Machinery moving around rainforest communities and threatened invertebrate habitat has the
potential to cause direct and indirect damage to these plants directly by allowing materials to fall
on them or compacting soil and roots and changing water infiltration in these areas, introducing
and/or spreading weeds, contaminating the soil and/or water and generating dust that could coat
plants
Disturbance and degradation of adjacent known invertebrate habitat
Movement disruption and or disorientation of threatened invertebrates due to the use of artificial
lighting
Dust and noise impacting on invertebrates and habitats
Increased incursion of invasive weeds due to edge effects; and
Potential in-breeding depression due to fragmentation of habitats.
6.2
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Potential impacts during construction
Mitigation goals
No direct impact or indirect impact to known threatened invertebrate habitat or host plants outside
of the Project during construction
No displacement of threatened invertebrates due to artificial lighting during the construction phase
Dust managed in accordance with the CEMP which will aim to:
o Facilitate the identification of dust sources
o Identify dust suppression measures to be implemented, including:
 Use of water carts on unsealed surfaces and stockpiles
 Cover loads on all trucks on public roads
 Minimise tracked mud/dust on public roads
 Modify or cease operations during high winds
 Stabilise, revegetate and/or landscape all disturbed areas as soon as practicable
 Prohibit burning or incineration of any material at any time
o Inform dust monitoring and the use of dust deposition gauges at sensitive locations
o Monitor complaints associated with dust generation
o Facilitate training of personnel on air quality issues and safeguards; and
o Vehicles, equipment, machinery used and all facilities – designed, operated and
maintained to control the emission of smoke, dust and fumes.
Noise managed in accordance with the CEMP to minimise impacts on invertebrates
Water quality and soil quality managed in accordance with the CEMP which will aim to:
o Inform the preparation of site specific erosion and sediment control plans and measures to
be implemented, including:
 Silt fences
 Sand bags
 Mulch materials and straw bales
 Sedimentation basins
 Clean water diversion berms
Weeds managed in accordance with the CEMP to minimise impacts on invertebrates; and
Rehabilitation of known threatened invertebrate habitat areas adjacent to the project (outside of
the road reserve) to be commenced during the construction phase.
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6.3
Management measures
6.3.1 Work method statements
Work method statements would be prepared for specific activities that pose particular environmental
risks. Work method statements would ensure sound environmental practices are implemented to
minimise the risk of environmental incidents or system failures, in accordance with the CEMP.
Work method statements covering activities with the potential to impact on threatened invertebrates
would address all relevant management measures and be prepared in consultation with agencies,
Roads and Maritime and the relevant project environmental staff prior to the commencement of
identified activities.
6.3.2 Induction and training
Induction and training would be conducted with all contractors and other staff that would be working in
the areas of known and potential threatened invertebrate habitat. This training would identify
threatened invertebrate habitat and key threats, with all personnel shown pictures of the species. The
importance of following the clearing, and rehabilitation protocols would be made clear for any
personnel that require access to the site. Species profiles are included in Appendix C.
6.3.3 Temporary exclusion fencing
Exclusion fencing (high visibility) would be established prior to clearing in proximity to known
threatened invertebrate habitat to ensure protection of vegetation immediately adjacent to the project.
Any host plants identified within 20 m of the Project would be marked by GPS and flagged with high
visibility fencing/tape and ‘no-go’ signage to ensure that their location has been identified and
understood by construction contractors and that the plants are not disturbed. The retention of flagged
host plants would be checked on the day following clearing.
6.3.4 Clearing requirements
The Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guideline (2011) outlines the standard clearing protocol that
would be followed. The clearing area would be minimised and vegetation protection/no go areas would
be established.
An ecologist would check potential foraging habitat for Southern Pink Underwing Moth within the
Project on each day prior to commencement of any clearing activity to ensure that no host plants or
individuals of the moth fall within the clearing zone. This survey, immediately before clearing
commences, would be aimed at reducing the risk of mortality of threatened invertebrates during
clearing activities. Host plants will be marked during this survey if found within 20 m of the Project for
in-field identification and sensitive area planning, this ensures consistency with the requirements for
marking plants for retention as per the Threatened Flora Management Plan. If any host vines
(Carronia multisepalea) are found within the clearing footprint then the number to be removed and
their percentage of the overall food plants in the area will be recorded.
It will also be investigated the potential to collect propogative material from these host plants as
described in Section 5.3.4 of this TIMP.
No host plants of Southern Pink Underwing Moth have been identified within the proposed clearing
footprint during surveys undertaken to date, so it is not be expected that the moth or its host plant
would be encountered during clearing. However, if a case arises where individuals of the Southern
Pink Underwing Moth are found, they would be relocated by an ecologist to areas of suitable habitat
more than 100 m outside of the Project boundary.
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Larvae, eggs or pupae in particular would be relocated to another host plant vine (Carronia
multisepalea) in each case with a preference for a plant positioned under the protection of the
rainforest canopy that has ample foliage and at least some evidence of host use by the moth (e.g.
recent feeding activity; or 1–2 larvae already present). The development of any relocated immature
stages would be monitored for three weeks following translocation. All host plants, Southern Pink
Underwing Moths and larvae identified within the clearing footprint will be accurately recorded.
A copy of the species profile in Appendix C will be provided to the ecologist to assist with searches
and identification of the host plant and the moth. The responsible ecologist on site must have a current
NSW scientific licence (‘permits to collect’) to undertake these surveys and relocate threatened
insects.
During these surveys the presence of Pararistolochia praevenosa (the host vine species for the locally
significant Richmond Birdwing) will also be noted. Although this species is not considered to be
threatened under the TSC Act or EPBC Act, impacts to and mitigation measures undertaken for the
Southern Pink Underwing Moth may also affect this species respectfully given their host species occur
in similar habitats including those potentially impacted by the project. Positive rehabilitation and
mitigations measures undertaken as part of the project would likely benefit the Richmond Birdwing
should they be successful for the target threatened invertebrates.
6.3.5 Artificial lighting during construction and installation of street lighting
Potential impacts from artificial lighting on the moth are considered unlikely (Dr Sands pers. comm.).
No disturbance to Southern (and northern ssp.) Pink Underwing Moth behaviour (flight, feeding and
avoidance) has been seen (using night vision glasses) at localities in Queensland when lights are
500 m or further from habitat (Dr Sands pers. comm.). It is not possible to predict how longer-term
exposure to lights will influence moth behaviour without experiments or observations. Sometimes
insects will ‘condition’ themselves to light disturbance.
During construction there may be a need for lighting should night works be required.
The road corridor will be largely unlit; however, some areas of lighting would be installed in association
with interchange roundabouts and merge and diverge traffic lanes. Where lighting cannot be avoided
within 500 m of known and potential habitat for threatened invertebrates, precautionary mitigation
measures will be employed. In cases where lighting is essential (such as interchange roundabouts
and merge and diverge traffic lanes), the project will consider the use of non-standard forms of lighting
to minimise attraction and displacement of adult Southern Pink Underwing Moth, as well as potential
disorientation of Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle. Roads and Maritime is investigating the potential to
use high pressure sodium lights wherever the Project falls within 500 m of known or potential breeding
habitat for Southern Pink Underwing Moth. These types of lamp are widely used in street lighting and
have been demonstrated to attract significantly fewer insects than other viable options, such as metal
halide lamps (Eisenbeis, G. and F. Hassel 2000). Lighting will be investigated for those areas of the
road corridor between chainage 154900 to 158000 due to proximity of breeding habitat and records of
the host plant.
The following specific mitigation measures will apply to the project:
●
●
●
●
Lights and their wattage to be minimised
Physical barriers to horizontal light spill to be installed
Lights mounted as low as possible, and limited where possible to road & signage illumination
Avoid mercury vapour lights; sodium vapour will be investigated where the lighting is needed for
safety purposes in proximity to known and potential breeding habitat for the Southern Pink
Underwing Moth; and
● Avoid penetration by lights into forest or water courses to avoid disruption of flight behaviour, flight
paths, host and mate-finding by the moths.
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6.3.6 Minimising dust and noise
Dust impacts would be managed in accordance with the CEMP which will aim to:
o
Facilitate the identification of dust sources
o
Identify dust suppression measures to be implemented, including:

Use of water carts on unsealed surfaces and stockpiles

Cover loads on all trucks on public roads

Minimise tracked mud/dust on public roads

Modify or cease operations during high winds

Stabilise, revegetate and/or landscape all disturbed areas as soon as practicable

Prohibit burning or incineration of any material at any time.
o
Inform dust monitoring and the use of dust deposition gauges at sensitive locations, such
as within confirmed breeding habitats for threatened invertebrates
o
Monitor complaints associated with dust generation
o
Facilitate training of personnel on air quality issues and safeguards; and
o
Vehicles, equipment, machinery used and all facilities – designed, operated and
maintained to control the emission of smoke, dust and fumes.
Corrective measures would be adopted where a significant impact is noted and may include the
addition of shade cloth screening installed around rainforest plants and host plants to provide dust
protection and maintain microclimate. The presence of dust on threatened plants would be monitored
as part of the plant health monitoring as outlined in Section 8.
The monitoring program in Section 8 aims to monitor the impacts of dust on rainforest communities
near the Project and in particular impacts on the host plant Carronia multisepalea where this species
occurs in edge areas.
6.3.7 Revegetation and habitat improvement procedures
Given the limited distribution of remaining known or potential (rainforest) habitat for Southern Pink
Underwing Moth and Rainforest Atlas Ground Beetle within the NSW North Coast, management
measures would encompass a mix of improved management of existing rainforest patches and the
establishment of new areas of rainforest with the aim of recreating habitat suitable for the moth and
the beetle, and minimise the overall impact of edge effects on the remaining rainforest patches.
Revegetation for the moth will be focused towards management of its host plant and also retention or
establishment of rainforest food trees that are recognised to provide suitable resources for the adult
moth. These include Ficus spp., Waterhousea spp. and Syzygium spp. (Sands 2012). Revegetation
would also look to incorporate the host vine Pararistolochia praevenosa (the host vine species for the
locally significant Richmond Birdwing) known to occur in the area.
Habitat improvement for the beetle would include the provision of microhabitat features such as; plant
roots (via revegetation), large rocks and logs (Monteith and Turco n. d.). Revegetation would include
large-buttressed local plant species such as Ficus spp., Elaeocarpus spp., Sloanea spp. and Melia
azedarach, which would provide habitat for the beetle. Other important features including rocks and
logs would be sourced from within the project as per Roads and Maritime biodiversity guidelines
(2011). These would be placed on basaltic soil on sloping terrain to provide shelter and the best
opportunity for beetle colonisation.
The exact location(s) of revegetation in the project footprint will be provided in the UDLP.
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6.3.8 Weed Management
Weed management will be undertaken during construction according to the weed management plan
and CEMP. This plan would follow the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines requirements (RTA
2011). This plan would focus on weeds and pathogens identified in the recovery plan relevant to the
section where works are being undertaken, particularly Camphor Laurel, which is invasive in the
habitat occupied by both threatened invertebrates.
Weed management measures during construction will include:
● Communication strategies to improve contractor awareness of weeds and weed management
● Ensure all contractors have been made aware locations of threatened invertebrate habitat and
exclusion zones
● Measures to prevent the spread of weeds such as topsoil management, vehicle wash downs and
restricting vehicles to designated tracks and trails
● Appropriate disposal of weed infested materials and soils
● Identification of environmentally sensitive areas and weed zones where specific weed measures
are required
● Targeting those weeds that are of the highest environmental or agricultural threat and risk of
spreading for control; and
● Monitoring the effectiveness of weed control.
6.3.9 Hydrology and water quality
To manage potential impacts associated with water quality, erosion and sediment; management
considerations have been incorporated into the project design and will be detailed in the CEMP. These
designs have taken into account the guidelines, principles and design standards as defined in
Managing urban stormwater: soils and construction volume 1 (Landcom, 2004), and Managing urban
stormwater: soils and construction – main road construction (DECC, 2008). These documents
describe Roads and Maritime’s commitments to how soils and water quality are to be managed during
road construction, and during the ongoing operation of the NSW state road network, so as to prevent
environmental pollution.
The key surface water quality objective of the project is to protect downstream environments from the
potential impacts of surface runoff during the construction and operational phases of the project (RMS,
Aurecon, SKM, 2012c:58). Similarly, the key groundwater objectives of the project are to protect
environmental receivers of groundwater flows, and groundwater users from the potential impacts on
groundwater levels and quality during the construction and operational phases of the project (RMS,
Aurecon, SKM, 2012d:10).
The Water Quality Management Program (WQMP) will play a crucial role in ensuring construction and
operation of the project does not have a negative impact on sensitive receiving environments including
but not limited to threatened invertebrates species habitat.
The project has the potential to change the hydrological functioning of the adjacent habitat, which may
have impacts on the populations of threatened invertebrates in the Project area, including:
● Exposure of soils during earthworks (including stripping of topsoil, excavation, stockpiling and
materials transport), which may result in soil erosion and off-site movement of eroded sediments by
wind and/or stormwater to receiving waterways, resulting in increased nutrients, metals and other
pollutants
● Accidental leaks or spills of chemicals fuels oils and/or greases from construction plant and
machinery, which may result in pollution of receiving waterways
● Exposure of acid sulfate soils (as a result of earthworks or dewatering), which may result in
generation of sulfuric acid and subsequent acidification of waterways and mobilisation of heavy
metals in the environment
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● Disturbance of contaminated land causing contamination of downstream waterways impacting on
aquatic and riparian habitats
● Removal of riparian vegetation which may result in soil and stream bank erosion and increased
sediment loads in nearby creeks
● Direct disturbance of waterway beds and banks during culvert and bridge construction and
temporary or permanent creek diversions which may lead to high volumes of sediment entering
and polluting the waterways
● Changes to flow regimes, which can change the volumes and flow rates of water, leading to
stagnation of a waterway and changes in turbidity, nitrogen and phosphorus levels
● Reduction in flow regimes also has the potential to expose potential acid sulfate soils if it results in
a reduction to groundwater levels; and
● Leaching of tannins from stockpiles of cleared vegetation, which may have a number of adverse
effects on receiving waters, including:
o Increased biological oxygen demand, with consequent decreases in dissolved oxygen
o Reduced water clarity and light penetration
o Decreased pH.
Procedures including sediment and erosion control measures will be implemented to maintain water
quality during construction, which will be included in the CEMP. These measures are important in
maintaining the current condition of habitat for threatened invertebrates and to ensure water supplies
have not been contaminated as a result of construction.
The key mitigation measures during construction will be sediment basins and additional erosion and
sediment controls to intercept run-off and retain the associated sediments and pollutants. Maintenance
and monitoring of these measures by the Contractor will form a key component of the mitigation
measures as per Section 8 of the WQMP.
During operation, permanent water quality management and protection measures will be installed to
protect adjacent waterways from pollutants generated by the project. These will include:
● Water quality ponds; and
● Grassed swales
In the event that adverse impacts are identified from the monitoring, the following procedure should be
implemented:
● Identify potential pollutant source based on the parameters that were exceeded (e.g. sediment for
high TSS reading, or fuel spill / leak for high hydrocarbon reading); and
● Inspect and rectify water quality ponds and grassed swales in area where adverse impacts are
identified. This would include inspection of water quality ponds to assess available water storage
capacity, water quality, sediment build-up, structural integrity and debris levels.
Water quality monitoring, particularly following rainfall events, would identify if the hydrology and water
quality has been adversely impacted by the project.
6.4
Mitigation goals and corrective actions
The construction mitigation goals and mitigation measures for invertebrates and associated corrective
actions are summarised in Table 6-1.
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Table 6-1 Mitigation goals, mitigation and performance measures and corrective actions –construction
Mitigation goals
Proposed mitigation measure
Monitoring/timing frequency
Trigger for corrective
actions
Corrective actions
Responsible party for
corrective action
implementation
No loss or damage to
Lowland Rainforest and
Threatened Invertebrate
Habitat outside the clearing
limits.
• Implementation of the Roads
and Maritime clearing
protocol. Clearing areas
identified and approved
within the clearing protocol.
• Exclusion zones fenced off
prior to clearing, fencing
checked regularly, faults
rectified (Responsibility of
Project Contractor).
• Additional high visibility
fencing may be required in
proximity to ancillary areas
(laydown, construction tracks,
car parks, works sites, etc).
• Induct all construction staff at
the commencement of
construction works. Induct
new staff as appropriate.
• Implementation of weed
management as described in
the CEMP and FFMP.
• Up to date Sensitive Area
Plans (SAPs).
• Any host plants adjacent to
the project would be flagged
and appropriately protected
in an exclusion zone. Their
retention in Section 10 would
be confirmed on the day
following clearing activity.
• Prior to clearing near known
invertebrate habitat areas.
• Report results as per the
CEMP requirements.
• Clearing areas identified
and approved prior to
clearing activities being
undertaken.
• Exclusion zone fencing
monitored at least monthly,
faults rectified as soon as
noticed.
• Annual monitoring surveys
for threatened invertebrates
would be conducted during
the construction period.
Surveys will consist of one
survey night per month
between November and
March. Surveys will monitor
invertebrate species
numbers and habitat
condition at 5 monitoring
transects and 2 control
sites.
Clearing commenced prior to
clearing areas being marked
out and approved.
Clearing commenced prior to
exclusion barriers being
erected.
Delay construction until clearing
areas have been marked out.
Project Contractor
Zero mortality of host plants
outside the clearing limits.
No direct impact to, or
unnecessary fragmentation
of, known threatened
invertebrate habitat (that
occurs outside of the project
clearing footprint) within
Section 10 and 11 during
construction.
Evidence of direct impact to
known invertebrate habitat
or host plants outside of the
Project.
Breaches of exclusion zone
fencing.
Incident investigation to identify
cause and appropriate mitigation
measures to avoid no further
removal of host plants or harm to
threatened invertebrates outside
the Project.
Project Ecologist
Project Environmental Advisor
Stop construction in the area of
the fencing breach until exclusion
fencing has been repaired.
Investigate why breach in fencing
occurred and implement
corrective actions as required to
prevent reoccurrence.
Supplementary revegetation of
disturbed habitat and monitor
recovery for period of 12 months.
Dust impacts would be managed
in accordance with the CEMP
including dust suppression
measures. Corrective measures
would be adopted where a
significant impact is noted. The
presence of dust on threatened
rainforest communities and
rainforest plant populations
would be monitored as part of the
plant health monitoring as
outlined in Section 8.
If dust is determined to be having
an impact on Lowland Rainforest
vegetation or host plants
corrective actions may be
installing shade cloth screening
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WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA | PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
Mitigation goals
Proposed mitigation measure
Monitoring/timing frequency
Trigger for corrective
actions
Corrective actions
Responsible party for
corrective action
implementation
along the cleared edge of
threatened invertebrate habitat or
around a particular plant for the
duration of construction activities
that are creating dust to provide
microclimate protection (to
prevent potential dieback form
over sun exposure, dust, edge
effects).
No direct impact to known
threatened invertebrates or
host plants during clearing
of vegetation in Section 10.
No displacement of
threatened invertebrates
due to artificial lighting
during the construction
phase.
• Documented procedure for
clearing of vegetation.
• Ecologist to check areas to
be cleared for threatened
invertebrates and host plants
each day prior to clearing.
• If invertebrates are found in
clearing footprint they will be
relocated at least 100m from
clearing in suitable habitat.
For the Southern Pink
Underwing Moth this will
include habitat areas that
contain the host plant.
• During construction, lighting
within 500 m of known and
potential invertebrate habitat
would use high-pressure
sodium or LED lamps, which
have a low attractiveness for
invertebrates.
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
• Threatened invertebrate
incident reporting to be
maintained on a monthly
basis as per FFMP.
• Annual monitoring surveys
would be conducted during
the construction period and
consist of one survey night
per month between
November and March.
Survey will monitor
invertebrate species
numbers and habitat
condition at 5 monitoring
transects and 2 control
sites.
• Monitoring during
construction to ensure
artificial lighting is
minimised and appropriate
lights are being used in
areas adjacent to known
and potential invertebrate
habitat as illustrated in
Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2.
Evidence of direct impact to
threatened invertebrates or
host plants.
Incident investigation to
identify cause and appropriate
mitigation measures to avoid
no further removal of host
plants or harm to threatened
invertebrates.
Project Contractor
Project Ecologist
Project Environmental Advisor
Any additional impacts to those
approved will be offset and
included in the W2B Offset
Strategy.
Incorrect artificial lighting is
being used by the
contractor.
Ensure contractor is utilising
high-pressure sodium or LED
lamps, which have a low
attractiveness for invertebrates
in areas adjacent to threatened
invertebrate habitat.
Project Contractor
Investigate other design
features for lighting including
lamp type, design of shields
and potential implementation
of filters and height of light.
Page 47
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA | PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
Mitigation goals
Proposed mitigation measure
Monitoring/timing frequency
Trigger for corrective
actions
Corrective actions
Responsible party for
corrective action
implementation
Dust and noise managed in
accordance with the CEMP
to minimise impacts on
invertebrates and
invertebrate habitat.
• Implement dust and noise
management procedures as
outlined in the CEMP.
• Monitoring of dust on plants
considered as part of plant
health monitoring.
• Measures to be
implemented in response to
weather and construction
conditions/activities.
• Monthly reporting as part of
CEMP including updates on
the effectiveness of dust
and noise control
measures.
• Installation of dust gauges
in representative areas
adjacent to known and
potential moth habitat.
• Annual monitoring of
threatened invertebrate
habitat condition and
activity to commence at
start of the construction
phase.
Dust-related exceedances
recorded from the dust
monitoring within sections
adjacent to Lowland
Rainforest and invertebrate
habitat.
Investigate potential causes
and manage in accordance
with the CEMP, including
review of the dust and noise
management measures.
Project Contractor
Page 48
Noise exceedances from
those specified in the
CEMP.
Project Environmental Advisor
Corrective measures would be
adopted where a significant
impact from dust is noted.
If dust is determined to be
having an impact on Lowland
Rainforest vegetation or host
plants corrective actions may
be installing shade cloth
screening along the cleared
edge of threatened
invertebrate habitat or around
a particular plant for the
duration of construction
activities that are creating dust
to provide microclimate
protection (to prevent potential
dieback form over sun
exposure, dust, edge effects).
NSW ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICES
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA | PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
Mitigation goals
Proposed mitigation measure
Monitoring/timing frequency
Trigger for corrective
actions
Corrective actions
Responsible party for
corrective action
implementation
No notable increase in the
abundance of weeds within
Lowland Rainforest patches
and threatened invertebrate
habitat.
Weed management plan
contained within the FFMP and
CEMP developed and
implemented to control weeds.
• Weed management plan to
be completed prior to
construction commencing
as part of the Flora & Fauna
Management Plan under
MCoAD26 (e).
• Monthly reporting as part of
CEMP including updates on
the effectiveness of weed
control measures.
• Annual monitoring of
threatened invertebrate
habitat condition and
activity to commence at
start of the construction
phase.
In Lowland Rainforest
community patches, weed
cover must not increase by
≥30% from the baseline
cover. This will be measured
at each monitoring event*.
Review methods and objectives
of weed management plan.
Implement adaptive management
measures.
Project Contractor
• Plantings in threatened
invertebrate habitat (Section
10 and 11) to be undertaken
as per the UDLP.
• Progressive revegetation as
construction permits.
• Propagation trials to be
undertaken for the host plant
of Southern Pink Underwing
Moth, should host plants be
impacted by the Project.
• Propagation trial results as
per reporting in the CEMP.
• Landscape design
developed prior
construction.
• Progress revegetation
during construction, as
areas become available.
• Construction and
operational audits, with
specific review of the
landscape design.
No evidence of threatened
invertebrate habitat
revegetation captured in the
landscape design, Offsets
Strategy and/or audits.
• Adequate water quality
controls installed surrounding
retained rainforest patches
and threatened flora.
• Procedures for maintenance
and monitoring of water
quality controls included in
the CEMP.
• Water quality controls would
be monitored as a minimum
weekly throughout the
construction period and
directly after storm events.
No significant breaches of
water quality controls
recorded.
No loss of ecological
condition recorded from the
plant health monitoring
particularly from altered
water quality.
Monitoring surveys to include
quantification of weed abundance
and cover.
The landscaping design
includes details on
revegetation requirements
for areas adjacent to
Lowland Rainforest and
threatened invertebrate
habitat areas.
Rehabilitation to be
commenced during the
construction phase.
Water quality managed in
accordance with the CEMP.
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
Inspections and monitoring
indicate a decline in the
condition score of any
threatened invertebrate
habitat polygons due to an
increase in weeds (refer
Section 8).
Threshold minimum
propagation success - 20%
Project Environmental Advisor
Evaluate the reasons for a
decline in condition score.
Implement additional
management measures.
Update UDLP or Offsets
Strategy to provide details on
rehabilitation of lowland
rainforest to enhance
invertebrate habitats adjacent
to the project or within offset
sites.
RMS
Review adequacy of the water
quality controls and implement
appropriate corrective actions.
Review monitoring procedures
for water quality controls and
implement appropriate
corrective actions.
Project Contractor
Project Contractor
Project Environmental Advisor
Project Environmental Advisor
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WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA | PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
*Note: If performance threshold is not encountered during audit or monitoring, corrective action is taken. For example if weed cover was 10% and an increase of 30% occurred over a monitoring
period (making the total cover 13%), this would trigger an evaluation of what was occurring and corrective action to be taken
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7. Operational management measures
7.1
Potential impacts during operational phase
● Movement disruption and/or disorientation of threatened invertebrates due to the permanent
presence of artificial lighting outside of daylight hours
● Degradation of threatened invertebrate habitat revegetated areas; and
● Potential in-breeding depression due to fragmentation of habitats.
7.2
Mitigation goals
● No substantial reduction in activity of threatened invertebrates in Section 10 and 11 due to the
introduction of artificial lighting;
● No reduction in habitat quality from the baseline condition scores established by targeted surveys
prior to clearing; and
● To maintain and improve areas of threatened invertebrate habitat outside of the Project in Section
10 and 11 during operation.
7.3
Management measures
7.3.1 Street lighting
Potential impacts from artificial lighting on the moth are considered unlikely (Dr Sands pers. comm.).
No disturbance to Southern (and northern ssp.) Pink Underwing Moth behaviour (flight, feeding and
avoidance) has been seen (using night vision glasses) at localities in Queensland when lights are
500 m or further from habitat (Dr Sands pers. comm.). It is not possible to predict how longer-term
exposure to lights will influence moth behaviour without experiments or observations. Sometimes
insects will ‘condition’ themselves to light disturbance.
The road corridor will be largely unlit; however, some areas of lighting would be installed in association
with interchange roundabouts and merge and diverge traffic lanes. Where lighting cannot be avoided
within 500 m of known and potential habitat for threatened invertebrates, precautionary mitigation
measures will be employed. In cases where lighting is essential (such as interchange roundabouts
and merge and diverge traffic lanes), the project will consider the use of non-standard forms of lighting
to minimise attraction and displacement of adult Southern Pink Underwing Moth, as well as potential
disorientation of Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle.
Roads and Maritime is investigating the potential to use high pressure sodium lights wherever the
Project falls within 500 m of known or potential breeding habitat for Southern Pink Underwing Moth.
These types of lamp are widely used in street lighting and have been demonstrated to attract
significantly fewer insects than other viable options, such as metal halide lamps (Eisenbeis, G. and F.
Hassel 2000). Lighting will be investigated for those areas of the road corridor between chainage
154900 to 158000 due to proximity of breeding habitat and records of the host plant.
The following specific mitigation measures will apply to the project:
●
●
●
●
Lights and their wattage to be minimised
Physical barriers to horizontal light spill to be installed
Lights mounted as low as possible, and limited where possible to road & signage illumination
Avoid mercury vapour lights; sodium vapour will be investigated where the lighting is needed for
safety purposes in proximity to known and potential breeding habitat for the Southern Pink
Underwing Moth; and
● Avoid penetration by lights into forest or water courses to avoid disruption of flight behaviour, flight
paths, host and mate-finding by the moths.
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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7.3.2 Revegetation / landscaping
The propagation trial would commence pre-construction and will trial propagation methods and soil
medium. If successful, these proogated plats will be used during revegetation.
Revegetation would commence during construction and continue during operation in any areas within
the road reserve adjacent to existing known or potential invertebrate habitats and host plants. It would
be important that those areas near known and potential habitat are revegetated using locally collected
plant propagules (within the extent of the former big scrub such as Davis Scrub Nature Reserve and
Victoria Park Nature Reserve) and are revegetated with the aim of extending and enhancing the
adjacent habitat as outlined within the TRCRPMP, W2B Offsets Strategy and UDLP where applicable.
The exact areas of revegetation and landscaping would be determined during the detailed design
phase and outlined within the UDLP and Offsets Strategy. Areas for rehabilitation may include suitable
areas within or outside the road reserve. Consultation with adjacent landowners will also be
undertaken if opportunity to revegetate rainforest as an offset on private land exists. Where possible,
access to rehabilitation areas will be managed by Roads and Maritime and the Contractor to ensure
they are not degraded during planting or maintenance.
Inspection, monitoring and maintenance requirements for revegetation areas will commence from the
date of revegetation and will be undertaken and consistent with the Roads and Maritime specifications
including R178 and R179. The recommended monitoring and maintenance schedule for the
revegetated areas in the first year is outlined in Table 7-1. Maintenance for years two and three is
outlined in Table 7-2. An increased level of maintenance and monitoring will be completed in the first
twelve month period and then tapers off as the revegetation becomes self-sustaining, but will be
subject to performance measures being met.
Maintenance activities would include watering if necessary, removal of damaging debris after storms,
plantings to replace mortalities, removal of bags and stakes (if used) when the plants overtop them,
maintenance of mulch cover and weed control as necessary.
Table 7-1 Monitoring and maintenance schedule first year
Monitoring
Timing
Maintenance
Site preparation
Commencement
Where weed infestations occur spray the area for weeds prior to planting using appropriate
herbicides or pesticides and to the manufacturer’s specifications. The area is to be left for at
least two weeks prior to planting.
Watering
First month
Immediately post planting undertake watering in accordance with Specification R179. Undertake
watering at 2 day intervals for four weeks after planting.
Watering
2-6 months
Watering will continue at weekly intervals gradually decreasing over time. The amount of
watering will be in accordance with Specification R179.
Plant health
Monthly for 12
months
Carry out maintenance inspections of plantings at intervals not exceeding one month.
Weeds not smothering plants, plants healthy with active growth, replanting required if plant
survival not at required percentage. A written report to be submitted to Roads and Maritime by
contractor after each maintenance inspection.
Weed control
Monthly
Keep all planting areas free of weeds. Weed removal to be undertaken at intervals not more than
four weeks and ensure weeds do not flower to form seed heads. For noxious weeds take action
as required by that local government authority. Dispose of weeds off site.
Plant
replacement
Monthly for 12
months
The contractor will be responsible to replace missing or dead plants within fourteen days of
detection. They must be of similar size and quality and identical species to that lost.
Replacement plantings are to be watered for the first 12 weeks.
Stakes and tree
guards
Monthly for 12
months
Repair any tree ties or tree guards that have broken or are missing. Replace as soon as
practicable after being identified.
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Table 7-2 Recommended monitoring and maintenance schedule (Year 2 and Year 3)
Monitoring
Timing
Maintenance
Mulch/weed
suppression.
Plant nutrient
deficiency.
Every 6 months in
Year 2 and 3.
Addition of mulch where required.
Addition of fertiliser/nutrients where required.
Weeds controlled within 2 metres of planting locations, blanket treatment of weed areas if
appropriate or targeted treatment of weed outbreaks.
Weed and plant
health
Every 6 months in
Year 2 and 3.
Weeds not smothering plants, healthy active plant growth, replanting required if the target
percentage survival rate not achieved.
7.3.3 Weed management
Details of the weed management plan would follow the general approaches outlined in the FFMP and
CEMP and follow the Roads and Maritime Biodiversity Guidelines (Roads and Maritime 2011)
requirements. Focus would be on weeds identified in recovery plans as a threat to invertebrates (for
example Lantana and Camphor Laurel).
Weed management will be undertaken as part of the Roads and Maritime ongoing maintenance of
landscaped areas. Weed management in areas of potential invertebrate habitat and/or lowland
rainforest communities will be undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced contractors that are
familiar with threatened species and communities of the area.
The management of specific weeds in habitat for threatened invertebrates would be conducted as
specified in the TRCRPMP. The need for ongoing weed management would be informed by the
condition monitoring program.
7.4
Mitigation goals and corrective actions
The operational mitigation goals, mitigation measures for threatened invertebrates and associated
corrective actions are detailed in Table 7-3.
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Table 7-3 Mitigation goals, mitigation and performance measures and corrective actions – operation
Mitigation goals
Proposed mitigation
measure
No substantial
• Street lighting within 500 m
reduction in activity
of invertebrate habitat would
of threatened
use high-pressure sodium or
invertebrates in
LED lamps, which have a
Section 10 and 11
low attractiveness for
due to the
invertebrates.
introduction of
• Lighting at interchanges in
artificial lighting or
Section 10 within 500 m of
ongoing operational invertebrate habitat would be
traffic lighting.
shielded so that they would
not be directly visible to
areas of threatened
invertebrate habitat.
• Lighting within 500 m of the
invertebrate habitat would be
installed as low as safely
possible to reduce light spill.
To maintain and
• Implementation of weed
enhance areas of
management measures
threatened
throughout operational
invertebrate habitat
period.
outside of the
• Design of revegetation plans
project in Section
with respect to increasing
10 and 11 for three
connectivity between
consecutive
Threatened Invertebrate
successful
habitats.
monitoring periods.
Page 54
Monitoring/timing frequency
Trigger for corrective actions
Corrective actions
Responsible party for
corrective action
implementation
Annual monitoring of threatened
invertebrate habitat condition and
activity to commence at start of
the construction phase and
continue until such time as the
use and effectiveness of
mitigation measures can be
demonstrated to have been
achieved over a minimum of three
successive monitoring periods.
Evidence of a reduction in threatened
invertebrate activity in areas of known
habitat during annual monitoring.
Investigate potential adaptive changes to
the monitoring program (including timing
and density of monitoring events), as well
as potential design changes to lights,
including lamp type, design of shields
and potential implementation of filters
and height of light, as required.
Roads and Maritime
Annual monitoring of threatened
invertebrate habitat condition and
activity to commence at start of
the construction phase and
continue until such time as the
use and effectiveness of
mitigation measures can be
demonstrated to have been
achieved over a minimum of three
successive monitoring periods.
Evidence of a reduction in threatened
invertebrate habitat condition in areas
of known habitat during annual
monitoring.
Investigate potential causes for the
decline in habitat condition.
Roads and Maritime
NSW ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICES
Implement additional measures such as
increasing weed management, rectifying
if there are issues with runoff, further
revegetation to reduce edge effects etc.
Project Ecologist
Project Ecologist
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA | PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
Mitigation goals
Proposed mitigation
measure
At least 90 per cent • Revegetation of areas within
of the plants
the road reserve and in
planted as part of
select adjacent known or
the revegetated
potential habitat patches
areas have
where conditions are
survived after the
considered suitable for
first year and 80
threatened invertebrate
per cent survived
species and their host plants
after three
as per the UDLP.
consecutive
• Regular maintenance
monitoring events.
activities such as watering,
mulching, weed control and
supplementary plantings as
required as per the
Revegetation Specification.
• Inspect, monitor and
maintain revegetated areas
for a period of three years
post-construction.
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
Monitoring/timing frequency
Trigger for corrective actions
Corrective actions
Responsible party for
corrective action
implementation
Annual monitoring of threatened
invertebrate habitat condition and
activity to commence at start of
the construction phase.
Inspections and monitoring and
maintenance requirements not
undertaken.
More than 10% of plants have died
after year one, and more than 20%
have died after three consecutive
monitoring events.
Review and update maintenance
methods as required.
Project Contractor
For the first twelve months
monitoring of revegetation will be
monthly. It will then go to every 6
months for two years.
Monitoring will occur in
Spring/Summer to evaluate the
success of revegetation against
performance objectives
Any failed areas to be reseeded within 6
weeks of trigger.
Roads and Maritime
Project Ecologist
Ongoing monitoring and maintenance
undertaken until plant health and/or
ecological condition of habitat has been
maintained at 80% survival after three
consecutive monitoring events.
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WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA | PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
8. Monitoring program
The threatened invertebrate monitoring program will track the progress of the threatened invertebrate
habitat patches and threatened invertebrate populations that have been identified adjacent to the road
corridor and document the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
Monitoring will be undertaken at each threatened invertebrate location and any additional rehabilitation
sites. The monitoring program will be refined if found ineffective during monitoring programs.
A current NSW scientific licence (‘permits to collect’) will be held for all for all threatened invertebrate
monitoring surveys undertaken.
8.1
Objectives
Monitoring will continue until such time as the use and effectiveness of mitigation measures can be
demonstrated to have been achieved over a minimum of three successive monitoring periods. The
overall monitoring objectives are to:
● Evaluate the success of mitigation measures
● Further understand the habitat requirements of the Southern Pink Underwing Moth and Atlas
Rainforest Ground Beetle in the vicinity of the Project
● Determine the extent of indirect impacts of the project on the habitat and threatened invertebrate
and host plant populations and identify any additional mitigation measures that may minimise these
impacts; and
● Monitor changes to threatened invertebrate populations in habitats adjacent to the project.
Monitoring frequency and methodology may be refined, subject to progress against the above
objectives. In order to fulfil these objectives a number of ecological variables will be monitored, each
variable is discussed below.
8.2
Southern Pink Underwing Moth
8.2.1 Methods, timing, intensity, duration
Population Monitoring
Monitoring continued breeding activity of the Southern Pink Underwing Moth populations in habitats
adjacent to the project will follow a similar approach to that taken during pre-construction baseline
surveys. During monitoring surveys the presence, age and abundance of Southern Pink Underwing
Moths, eggs, and larvae will be recorded, as well as any potentially influential factors.
Surveys will consist of one inspection night per month over the course of five months between
November and March; this is intended to avoid intra-seasonal variation. These surveys will be planned
to coincide with optimum ambient environmental conditions for the species, taking into consideration
factors such as past and present rainfall events, and will be undertaken during the construction period
and operation until such time as the use and effectiveness of mitigation measures can be
demonstrated to have been achieved over a minimum of three successive monitoring periods (years).
The results of these surveys will also be used to determine the efficacy of using bait traps as a
monitoring approach.
Monitoring survey will focus on the two control transects, and five impact monitoring transects
adjacent to the road alignment. Monitoring locations are presented in Figure 3-3.
The proposed monitoring period has been developed taking into account intraseasonal variation, and
aims to cover the span of breeding activity for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth as follows:
● November to January, focus on detecting adult Southern Pink Underwing Moths during the peak
fruiting season; and
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● February and March, corresponds with peak breeding activity for the Southern Pink Underwing
Moth, based on findings of previous surveys (BAAM 2012, BAAM 2013 and BAAM 2014).
Monitoring surveys will be conducted in conjunction with habitat condition assessments and
monitoring for Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle (refer Section 8.3). Survey results will be documented
in the threatened invertebrate and host plant populations annual monitoring and research report.
Habitat Condition Monitoring
A baseline assessment of habitat condition (using the scoring criteria described in Section 3.2.1) has
been conducted for each accessible patch of threatened invertebrate habitat located in proximity to the
Project (Table 8-1). The results of this assessment will be used to monitor habitat during operation.
The aim of the habitat condition monitoring is to ensure that habitat polygons either retain, or achieve
a higher habitat condition score relative to the scores attributed prior to construction. All polygons of
known and potential habitat, including rehabilitation areas, will be monitored annually in conjunction
with Southern Pink Underwing Moth population monitoring events. Any polygons of known or potential
Southern Pink Underwing Moth habitat identified in Figure 3-2 that fall below their pre-construction
condition score will trigger further investigation and potential corrective actions. The baseline
assessment of habitat condition is presented in Table 8-1.
Table 8-1 Baseline habitat condition scores for Southern Pink Underwing Moth ranked according to
condition.
Habitat Condition ranking
Area (ha)
Known habitat
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
No Ranking1
Total Area
0
0
0
0
0
7.6
25.5
0
33.2
Potential habitat (where host
is present)
0
0
0
3.9
5.2
9.7
8.3
0
27.1
Potential habitat (where host
was not detected)
0.3
3.7
1.2
3.0
4.2
11.6
0
16.6
40.6
1
Rankings were allocated only to polygons that have been visited as part of this study or previous surveys
(BAAM 2012, 2013 and 2014).
Monitoring Host plant populations
The monitoring methodology for host plants includes the following:
● Propagules within each of the treatments (2–4 treatments) would be clearly identified in each of the
different plantings areas, comprising commercial potting medium with fertiliser application
● The health and development of plantings, including the height and girth of individuals in each of the
treatments, are to be measured, photographed and recorded at six monthly intervals
● The condition and success of the planting trial would be monitored at six monthly intervals
● Post-construction monitoring would focus on flowering and fruit production within planted areas and
possibly the establishment of seedlings and any suckering of individuals. It is envisaged that postconstruction monitoring would be able to determine if the plantings are developing into viable
populations; and
● Biannual monitoring would be conducted in conjunction with two of the threatened invertebrate
survey events and annual reports are to be prepared, which would cover threatened invertebrate
and host plant populations.
The targeted survey (BAAM 2012), subsequent targeted surveys (BAAM 2013) and pre-construction
surveys (BAAM 2014) provide the information necessary for comparison through the construction and
post-construction monitoring periods. These will be used as an indicator of change in condition at
monitoring sites in conjunction with the habitat condition scoring surveys.
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Monitoring sites (>50 m from the construction corridor with similar microhabitat characteristics) have
been selected as part of the pre-construction survey. The location of these sites are presented in
Figure 3-3.
8.3
Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle
8.3.1 Methods, timing, intensity, duration
The monitoring program will be implemented during construction and post-construction to assess the
presence and abundance of Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle within offset sites and revegetation sites.
This will adopt a similar approach to that of previous surveys (BAAM 2012, 2013, 2014). The approach
entails an ecologist traversing areas of rainforest habitat and checking carefully and thoroughly under
rocks, logs and large plant roots for the presence of the burrows that are characteristic of these
beetles. The location and number of these burrows will be counted to provide details on presence and
abundance. In offset sites and revegetation sites where beetles have not been detected previously,
the surveys will focus on identifying potentially new colonisations of these areas. Following an
extensive search for burrows, nocturnal monitoring for Atlas Rainforest Beetle will also be conducted
in specific areas where one or more burrows have been located.
Monitoring is proposed annually, with survey between November and March to coincide with the
height and end of the wet season (March/April, post beetle dispersal) and at the commencement of
the wet season (November to January). These surveys will coincide with monitoring of Southern Pink
Underwing Moth and its host plant.
Monitoring surveys for Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle will be conducted in conjunction with monitoring
events for Southern Pink Underwing Moth using the same survey transects. Monitoring will be
undertaken during the construction period and operation until such time as the use and effectiveness
of mitigation measures can be demonstrated to have been achieved over a minimum of three
successive monitoring periods (years).
The results will be documented in an annual monitoring and research report for threatened
invertebrates. Transect locations are illustrated in Figure 3-3.
The baseline targeted survey (BAAM 2012) focused on identifying and quantifying potential and
known habitat for Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle along the proposed corridor. A pre-construction
survey has been undertaken (BAAM 2014) to provide an estimate of the occurrence and abundance of
beetles in the known and potential habitat areas. This will be used as a preliminary reference for
indicating potential change in populations at impact sites during the construction and post-construction
monitoring phase.
8.4
Revegetation
8.4.1 Objective
Evaluate the success of habitat revegetation at locations adjacent to existing threatened invertebrate
habitats.
8.4.2 Timing and methods
After the first year of maintenance of habitat revegetation (Section 7.3.2), annual monitoring of
revegetated areas would be undertaken using a condition assessment approach, modified from the
BioBanking assessment methodology (DECC 2008), to evaluate the progress of revegetation against
benchmark data for the target vegetation community. These tasks will be integrated into the landscape
design for the project, as revegetation would benefit a diversity of flora species. Annual monitoring
reports will be submitted by the contractor to Roads and Maritime detailing the success of
revegetation. Monitoring of revegetation will be undertaken twice a year (in autumn and spring) during
construction and then annually during operation until the mitigation measures presented in this plan
have been proven successful for three consecutive monitoring periods nominally three years.
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Following selection of monitoring sites, a cluster of permanent monitoring plots (20 m x 20 m) would
be established in revegetation areas, with the number of plots dependent on the size of the site area.
The following would be recorded in each plot:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Native plant species richness
Native over storey cover
Native mid-storey cover
Native ground cover (grasses)
Native ground cover (shrubs)
Native ground cover (other); and
Exotic plant cover.
Monitoring of revegetation areas would commence 12 months after initial establishment and would
occur annually (in spring/summer) for a period of three years or until success of the revegetation has
been achieved against performance criteria. The Geographic coordinates of plot locations are to be
recorded and a photograph taken of the centre of the plot from the south east corner.
Monitoring for threatened invertebrate habitat revegetation will coincide with the Lowland Rainforest
communities as outlined in Section 9.4 of the TRCRPMP.
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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8.5
Performance indicators and corrective actions
The monitoring program, performance indicators and corrective actions if monitoring finds poor
outcomes is outlined within Table 8-2.
Table 8-2 Monitoring performance indicators and corrective actions
Monitoring
program
Trigger Corrective
action
Corrective actions
Responsibility
Southern Pink
Underwing Moth
Annual surveys
Evidence of a decline in
numbers over a three year
post-construction survey
period.
• If decline is noted in invertebrate numbers at a
monitoring event from the baseline evaluate potential
causes.
• Review monitoring locations and cross reference
with monitoring results of rehabilitation areas and
monitoring of Lowland Rainforest communities in
Section 10 and Section 11.
• Evaluate population numbers at the control sites and
investigate additional areas of habitat beyond the
project, and consider options to improve habitat
condition and connectivity.
• If a decline is still noted after three consecutive years
of monitoring engage with OEH and EPA and
consider provisional measures.
• This may include a review and update of the
monitoring program to consider more intense
monitoring or different techniques to identify if the
decline is as a result of the Project.
• If there is an additional residual impact to threatened
invertebrates Roads and Maritime will evaluate the
need for additional offsets.
Roads and Maritime
Invertebrate habitat
condition monitoring
(known habitat
retained outside the
project clearing
boundary)
Evidence of a decline in
habitat condition after
each monitoring event.
• Evaluate reasons for the decline such as weed
incursion, edge effects or natural event.
• Review and revise management techniques as
appropriate.
• Continue monitoring program to evaluate
effectiveness of revised management actions.
Roads and Maritime
Rehabilitation
condition monitoring
Evidence of a decline in
host plant quantity or
habitat condition.
• If decline in host plant numbers or habitat condition
is noted during any annual period of monitoring,
review and revise management techniques as
appropriate.
• Erect temporary shade cloth adjacent to host plants
where these occur in edge areas to minimise dust
impacts and increased exposure until plants have
stabilised.
• If decline noted after three years post-construction
monitoring, cross reference with monitoring of
threatened invertebrates.
• Investigate additional areas of habitat beyond the
project and consider options to improve habitat
condition and connectivity.
• If decline still noted in subsequent two monitoring
periods engage with OEH and consider provisional
measures.
• Further monitoring of provisional measures would be
planned at this stage.
Roads and Maritime
Atlas Rainforest
Ground Beetle
Annual surveys
Host plant condition
monitoring
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Less than 100% survival
rate of retained host
plants.
75% survival of tubestock
individuals of threatened
invertebrate host plants
replanted in revegetation
areas.
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8.6
Evaluation, project review and reporting
The Annual Monitoring and Research Reports for Threatened Invertebrates will include:
● The results of the population surveys including mapping the location and extent of habitats and
populations and baseline data for inclusion in the project monitoring program
● An analysis of the data to determine if change has taken place and/or demonstrate if there is
enough power to detect the specified levels of unacceptable change; and
● Reporting any change to performance indicators and how these were addressed in terms of actions
implemented.
8.6.1 Responsibility
Roads and Maritime and its specialist consultants or contractors would be responsible for reporting
and evaluating the monitoring information collected.
8.6.2 Timing
A brief annual report would be prepared for distribution to relevant government agencies. This
reporting would document the methods and results of each monitoring event (up to date) and a
discussion relating to the current year’s results of monitoring to the results of the previous year.
A final report would be prepared at the conclusion of the monitoring program. This report would
incorporate all the methods and results of the monitoring and recommend any provisional measures
(if deemed necessary) to facilitate the long-term survival of the threatened invertebrates and habitats
adjacent to the Project.
8.6.3 Adaptive management
There is potential for natural variation in threatened invertebrate populations for a range of reasons.
Further monitoring / assessment will be undertaken if a decline of population numbers has been
identified as being attributable to the construction and operation of the Project. The monitoring /
assessment will identify the cause of the decline and / or remedial actions to be commenced as
necessary, taking into account potential causes such as dry seasons, population fluctuations and
other natural variation. The following provides an indicative adaptive management strategy for the
threatened invertebrates.
Adaptive management is the process of continued site assessment against established performance
indicators to determine whether a site is responding positively to management approaches intended to
achieve quantifiable ecological improvement targets. Where the site does not respond in a manner
desired, the adaptive management framework identifies the need for action to arrest negative
responses (such as reduce plant mortality) or encourage positive site responses (such as an increase
in watering frequency) to redress the imbalance such that targets will be more likely to be achieved.
A target of 75% survival of tubestock individuals of threatened invertebrate host plants has been set
for offset sites and revegetation areas. Where plants have been retained adjacent to the road
boundary a target of 100% survival of those plants has been set. Should results of the monitoring
indicate a substantial decline in the health or number of individuals below the target rate of each site,
adaptive management measures will need to be implemented to ensure there will be no net-loss of
individuals as a result of the Project.
Implementation of the monitoring program and the development of subsequent management
measures based on the monitoring will be developed as part of the monitoring framework, which links
with the offset site rehabilitation plans and they will be prepared at the same time. A number of
adaptive management responses will be available if monitoring reveals an apparent decline in a
population of threatened invertebrate host plants during construction or post-construction. These may
include:
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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● A review of the records of the watering regime and mulch treatment together with the location
(particularly in terms of likely hydrological conditions) to determine the most likely cause(s) of the
health/mortality issues and subsequent readjustment of maintenance regimes
● Active weed control to minimise competition
● Watering of plantings when young whilst becoming established
● Replacement of any planted individuals that have perished if survival rate below 75%
(ecologist/horticulturalist)
● Replacement of any existing retained individuals that have perished due to indirect impacts
associated with the proposal such as edge effects and altered hydrology (ecologist/horticulturalist);
and
● Reporting of losses of host plants and decreases in abundance of threatened invertebrate
populations and likely reasons within the annual monitoring reports (ecologist).
If a decline has been identified despite all described procedures being enacted, the corrective
procedures described in Section 8.5 will be implemented.
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9. Summary table and implementation
schedule
A summary of the actions proposed in the above plan is provided in Table 9-1. It also identifies the
person responsible for the actions and the estimated timing of the Project.
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Table 9-1 Summary table and implementation schedule of management plan
Post-construction (Year and Season)
1.
Spring
Winter
Autumn
Summer
Spring
Winter
Year 5
Autumn
Spring
Year 4
Winter
Year 3
Autumn
Summer
Spring
Winter
Year 2
Autumn
Summer
Year 1
Summer
Construction
Summer
Preconstruction
Spring
Responsibility
Winter
Task
Autumn
No.
Pre-construction management
1.1
Undertake targeted invertebrate
baseline surveys.
Identification and mapping of
habitats and host plants.
Roads and
Maritime
X
1.2
Preparation of CEMP including
Weed Management Plan.
Roads and
Maritime and
Contractor
X
1.3
Demarcation of exclusion zones.
Pre-clearing survey to identify
habitats and host plants in the
field.
Contractor
X
1.4
Host plant propagation trial
strategy. (if host plants confirmed
to be impacted)
Roads and
Maritime
X
1.5
Finalise UDLP including areas for
revegetation of invertebrate
habitat
Roads and
Maritime
X
1.6
Confirm street lighting design and
lighting to be used during
construction.
Roads and
Maritime and
Contractor
X
2. Construction management
2.1
Construction work method
statements
Contractor
X
2.2
Construction induction and
training
Contractor
X
2.3
Temporary exclusion fencing
Contractor
X
2.4
Vegetation clearing procedure
Contractor
X
2.5
Lighting shielding
Contractor
X
2.6
Ongoing management of dust
and noise
Contractor
X
2.7
Ongoing management of
predators
Contractor
X
2.8
Ongoing management of weeds
Contractor
X
2.9
Undertake trial for propagation of
host plants (only if host plants are
impacted)
Roads and
Maritime
X
2.10
Commence revegetation and
habitat improvement procedures
Roads and
Maritime and
Contractor
X
3. Operational management
3.1
Revegetation / landscaping
Contractor
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
3.2
Weed management
Contractor
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
4. Operational monitoring program
4.1
Page 64
Habitat condition assessment for
the moth and beetle*
Ecologist
Annually – one
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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Post-construction (Year and Season)
Spring
Winter
Autumn
Summer
Spring
Winter
Year 5
Autumn
Spring
Year 4
Winter
Year 3
Autumn
Summer
Spring
Winter
Year 2
Autumn
Summer
Year 1
Summer
Construction
Summer
Preconstruction
Spring
Responsibility
Winter
Task
Autumn
No.
night per month
for five months
(November to
March)
4.2
Monitoring of moth and beetle
populations*
Ecologist
Annually – one
night per month
for five months
(November to
March)
4.3
Monitoring host plant populations
for the moth*
Ecologist
Annually – one
night per month
for five months
(November to
March)
4.4
Habitat revegetation monitoring*
Ecologist
4.5
Evaluation and reporting
Ecologist
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
* as per MCOA condition D8(k), ongoing monitoring during operation of the SSI (for operation/ongoing impacts) is to be undertaken until such time as the use and effectiveness of mitigation measures can be demonstrated to have
been achieved over a minimum of three successive monitoring periods (years).
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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10. References
Biodiversity Assessment and Management (BAAM) (2012). Ballina to Woodburn Pacific Highway
Upgrade Targeted Threatened Invertebrate Study. Report prepared for Sinclair Knight Merz.
Biodiversity Assessment and Management (BAAM) (2013). Supplementary survey for Pink Underwing
Moth. Report prepared for Sinclair Knight Merz.
Biodiversity Assessment and Management (BAAM) (2014). Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway
Upgrade Pre-construction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for Conservation Significant
Invertebratesi. Report prepared for Roads and Maritime Services.
DECC (2012). Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle – Profile, viewed 9 July 2013,
http://threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/tsprofile/profile.aspx?id=10564
Eisenbeis, G. and F. Hassel (2000) Attraction of nocturnal insects to street lights - a study of municipal
lighting systems in a rural area of Rheinhessen (Germany). Natur und Landschaft 75(4):145-156.
Herbison-Evans, D., J. Moss & N. Hewett (2004). Phyllodes imperialis H.Druce, 1888. [Online].
Available from: http://www.usyd.edu.au/macleay/larvae/cato/imper.html.
Monteith, G. B. and Turco, F. (n. d.). A Guide to Species of the Ground Beetle Genus Nurus
(Coleoptera: Caribidae) in the Lismore District, NSW. Queensland Museum, Brisbane.
New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) (2001). Threatened Species
Management Policy and Procedures Statement Policy No. 9. Policy for the Translocation of
Threatened Fauna in New South Wales. New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Roads and Maritime (2011). Biodiversity Guidelines: Protecting and Managing Biodiversity on RTA
projects. Department of Roads and Maritime Services.
Roads and Maritime (2015). Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade: Lowland Rainforest and
Threatened Rainforest Plants Management Plan Version 2.0. Department of Roads and Maritime
Services.
Sands, DPA (2012). Review of Australian Phyllodes imperialis Druce (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) with
description of a new subspecies from subtropical Australia. Australian Entomologist 39: 281-292.
Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC). (2011). Commonwealth Listing Advice on Lowland
Rainforest of Subtropical Australia. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and
Communities.
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Appendix A – Response to expert and agency comments
Expert Comments
ID No
Recommendation
TIMP1
Mapping of Wardell Site. The surveyed site and other rainforest ecosystems along the Richmond River
have been referred to in past times as the ‘Big Scrub’. To place emphasis on the importance of
threatened species and ecosystems, in the Introduction it would be helpful to refer to the site as a
remnant of the Big Scrub, indicate remaining intact areas, and those nearby protected (by tenure) as
national parks.
A Map to show areas proposed for clearing (‘before’ revision) and ‘after’ revision of boundaries would
be helpful to readers to reflect commitment to avoiding damage to protected species habitats. Show
current locations of food plants for the two (Lepidoptera) species of conservation concern, Carronia
multisepalea and Pararistolocia praevenosa.
TIMP2
TIMP3
TIMP4
TIMP5
TIMP6
TIMP7
TIMP8
TIMP9
TIMP10
Early in section 2.2.1 note the habitats occupied by the two targeted insect species (+ Richmond
birdwing butterfly) are defined as threatened Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia, by Federal
and NSW Governments.
Pink Underwing Moth - name. Add “Southern” (to common name); update scientific name for
subspecies (i.e. Phyllodes imperialis smithersi). Integrate in text: ‘larvae of the southern subspecies of
moth are dependent on one food plant vine, Carronia multisepalea, found only in rainforests of northeastern NSW and south-eastern Queensland” or similar….
In section 2.3 Add “Fragmentation of habitats from disturbance may result in in-breeding depression”.
Acknowledge State Agency for issue of ‘permits to collect’ (for protected insect surveys).
Conservation status update. Threatened species should be reviewed (by agency) every 3 years to take
account of new information. Appendix B, pp. 35Add weeds to Threats. List local invasive weeds so that appropriate agencies and their control
methods (e.g. herbicides) can be identified (e.g. green panic, molasses grass, lantana, camphor laurel)
and included in lists of threats for the overall ecosystem.
Avoid using exotic grasses to re-enforce road edge embankments (common practice in Qld). Some
(e.g. signal grass) are known to repel indigenous insects
Fruiting plants for adult moths. Plants suitable for adult food and species that fruit during flight seasons
for the moths (e.g. November – March) include: Lillypillies, Syzygium australe, S. smithii and other local
species; Waterhousea floribunda, Ficus spp., including F. opposita, F. coronata.
Translocation of moth eggs and larvae (from site of disturbance). Doubtful conservation value unless
stages are present on targeted vines, and can be moved prior to clearing. Pupae likely to be present
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
Recommendation has
been addressed (Version
1)
Adopted- plan to be updated
prior to implementation.
How recommendation has been addressed (Version 2)
To be reviewed prior to
implementation
Adopted- plan updated
Maps of host plants from pre-construction surveys have
been included. A map of confirmed and potential habitat for
the Southern Pink Underwing Moth and identified
populations in relation to the new alignment has also been
included.
The current road corridor alignment is shown.
Addressed in Section 2.2.1
Adopted- plan updated
Added throughout document.
Adopted- plan updated
Adopted- plan to be updated
prior to implementation.
Adopted- plan updated.
Added to all relevant impact sections.
The requirement for a ‘permit to collect’ has been added to
Section 6.3.4.
Section 1.3.2
Adopted- plan updated
Section 4 and Section 6.3.8.
Adopted- plan to be updated
prior to implementation.
Suitable fruit species for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth
are now included in the background information for this
species (Table 2-1).
To be reviewed prior to
implementation
Reference to ‘Big Scrub’ has been included in Section 2.1.
This measure is still proposed to be conservative and
ascertain whether this is an effective mitigation measure or
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Expert Comments
ID No
Recommendation
on nearby plants are at risk but are very difficult to locate.
Recommendation has
been addressed (Version
1)
How recommendation has been addressed (Version 2)
not. The current provisions in Section 6.3.4 state “ if a case
arises where individuals of the Southern Pink Underwing
Moth are found, they would be relocated by an ecologist to
areas of suitable habitat more than 100 m outside of the
Project boundary”.
“Larvae, eggs or pupae in particular would be relocated to
another host plant vine (Carronia multisepalea) in each case
with a preference for a plant positioned under the protection
of the rainforest canopy that has ample foliage and at least
some evidence of host use by the moth (e.g. recent feeding
activity; or 1–2 larvae already present). The development of
any relocated immature stages would be monitored for three
weeks following translocation. All host plants, Southern Pink
Underwing Moths and larvae identified within the clearing
footprint will be accurately recorded. “
TIMP11
Translocation of vine Carronia multisepalea (no longer proposed). Doubtful value, doubtfully
achievable. However, attempts might be made to propagate plants by using rhizomes removed from
the path of disturbance.
To be reviewed prior to
implementation
TIMP12
Plants to minimise edge effects. Soil-binding (& fire retardant) plants for embankments and vine to
stabilise edge effects (First check that Wardell, NSW is within the native range for each species):
Lomandra hystrix, L. longifolia (moist woodland form), Rubus spp.: (e.g. R. parvifolius, R. moluccanus,
R. risifolius, R. probus, R. moorei) (especially useful for steep embankment / moist slopes), Carex
apressa, other Carex spp. Solanum spp. Ficus coronate, Cordyline spp. Vine: Pandorea jasminiodes
Control sites. Nearby sites of little value when comparing undisturbed habitats with disturbed areas
unless positive results are obtained. More distant sites monitored are of value to indicate: (i) presence,
number and persistence of breeding in nearby sites, (ii) seasonal patterns, and when stages are most
Adopted- plan to be updated
prior to implementation
TIMP13
Page 68
Adopted- plan to be updated
prior to implementation
This will be undertaken by a suitably qualified ecologist with
relevant permits. N.B. Pre-clearance surveys did not find
any host plants, moth eggs or larvae within areas of
proposed disturbance. No direct impacts to breeding habitat
for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth are anticipated.
Adopted- plan updated. Translocation of the host plant has
been removed and Propagation trials have been added.
This includes propagation from cuttings.
N.B. Propogation trials will only be undertaken should the
host plant be confirmed within the clearing limits and
impacts are unavoidable. The host plant will then be planted
into revegetation areas or offset areas post construction as
an alternative measure (Section 5.3.5).
Plants to be used in revegetation will be specified in the
UDLP. Revegetation will occur where possible in the project
corridor in areas adjacent to existing rainforest communities
to limit edge effects.
Adopted – plan updated. Control sites located at a distance
to the area of clearing are now proposed (refer Section 3,
Figure 3-3 and Section 8).
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Expert Comments
ID No
TIMP14
TIMP15
Recommendation
likely to be present and (iii) whereabouts of meta-populations likely to influence colonising of disturbed
and re-planted (with vine) areas. As very few vines and patches of vines are used even in undisturbed
areas, negative results (no eggs or larvae seen) are likely to be frequent.
Pre-clearing surveys. An indication of vines (Carronia multisepalea, Pararistolocia praevenosa) that
have been removed or destroyed, and as a % of the overall food plants in the area would provide a
useful record. The Reviewer is of the opinion that the site once disturbed is unlikely to support breeding
by the moth until vegetation has matured and providing deep shade for at least 10 or more years
Rehabilitation of breeding sites for the moth.
Investigate opportunities to rehabilitate off-site habitats. for both moth and beetle, e.g. (i) private
covenants, nature refuges and other tenures; (ii) buy-back of private land for add to local national parks
(they do not need to share boundaries).
Recommendation has
been addressed (Version
1)
How recommendation has been addressed (Version 2)
To be reviewed prior to
implementation
Adopted – plan updated.
Added to the clearing protocol in Section 6.3.4.
To be reviewed prior to
implementation.
These recommendations are noted and will be considered
as part of the offset strategy for the moth and beetle in the
W2B Offset Strategy.
Roads and Maritime will explore potential to utilise local
community groups in revegetation projects.
Re-vegetation. If continued for more than 2 years, local community groups can be invited to participate
in a coordinated program. Local Landcare groups actively rehabilitate sites in northern NSW (e.g.
‘Rainforest Rescue’). Local members could be encouraged to take “ownership” of their efforts to ‘save
the endangered moth’. Most Incorporated groups are ‘not-for-profit’ organisations but they always need
financial assistance to support operating costs (e.g. herbicides) and other activities for rehabilitating
bushlands.
Habitat rehabilitation for the Atlas Ground Beetle. Very little is known about the ecology of this beetle
and it is therefore difficult to assess the potential for rehabilitation of sites to make them suitable for the
beetle and its prey. Information from the surveys would indicate that burrow need some overhang,
protection (e.g. overhanging log) or embankment and it is possible that these micro-habitats can be
simulated in areas rehabilitated. Use of night vision glasses in surveys could contribute to information
about nocturnal activity away from burrows, prey, ground shelters and any particular plants used for
making burrows (other than While Cedar).
TIMP16
Security for rehabilitation sites. Signage for sites (+ protected species) is desirable but security needs
to be considered. The tenure needs clarification so that protection can be seen as a long term
commitment. The moth has potential $$ value for trade (especially for overseas collectors of
specimens) but ‘collecting’ is not known to be a threat at present.
Support for ‘Feasibility Study to develop a Recovery Plan’
Recommend support be provided to an appropriate nursery for propagation studies on Carronia
multisepalea (e.g. Dorrigo Environment Watch Inc.) and develop methods to propagate the vine.
Community workshops. Community workshops can also be included in any local program and by
providing support funds. A community workshop on the Southern Pink Underwing Moth was run for
Barung Landcare (May 2008) at Maleny (Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve; cost: ca $2,000. The venue
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
To be reviewed prior to
implementation.
These recommendations are noted and will be considered
as part of the offset strategy for the moth and beetle. These
measures may form indirect, supplementary offset
measures.
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Expert Comments
ID No
Recommendation
TIMP17
was provided by Council. Community participation was encouraged using the Richmond Birdwing
Butterfly Conservation program
Lighting. Lights and their wattage to be minimised; lights mounted as low as possible, and limited
where possible to road & signage illumination. Avoid mercury vapour lights; sodium vapour may need
evaluation (effects on target species not known).
Recommendation has
been addressed (Version
1)
How recommendation has been addressed (Version 2)
To be reviewed prior to
implementation
Adopted – plan updated. Mitigation measures during
construction and operation have been added to address
lighting.
Refer to Section 4.2, Section 6.3.5 and Section 7.3.1.
Adopted- plan updated.
Additional wording has been added to identify impacts from
dust and describe mitigation measures and corrective
actions. These are outlined in Section 5.3.7, Section 6.4
and Section 7.4.
Adopted- plan to be updated
prior to implementation
Adopted – Monitoring methods have been updated. Refer to
Section 6.3.4 and Section 8.2.
•
Avoid penetration by lights into forest or water courses to avoid disruption of flight
behaviour, flight paths, host and mate-finding by the moths.
•
No disturbance to southern (and northern ssp.) pink underwing moth behaviour (flight,
feeding, avoidance) has been seen (using night vision glasses) at localities in Queensland when lights
are 500 m or further from habitat. It is not possible to predict how longer-term exposure to lights will
influence moth behaviour without experiments or observations. Sometimes insects will ‘condition’
themselves to light disturbance.
TIMP18
•
Studies on longer-term exposure light requires more research; this may justify use of night
vision glasses for a monitoring program.
Other edge effects.
•
Dust management in construction and diesel exhausts may have an impact on the larvae of
the moth
•
feeding.
TIMP19
Monitoring of dust settlement on foliage may provide an indication of impacts on larvae
•
The recommendation that disturbance should not occur within 500m of breeding sites
appears impractical. Therefore an attempt at no disturbance within 100m of breeding sites appears
more feasible.
Methods for Trapping and Monitoring
Southern Pink Underwing Moth
•
Monitoring eggs and larvae for numbers and distribution are appropriate methods for
determining presence or absence, health of habitat, season and suitability of plant phenotype when
stages are present.
•
Correct identification of eggs and moth larvae requires experienced personnel. Similar
common moth species (e.g. Eudocima fullonia) utilise the same food plant as used by P. imperialis
smithersi.
•
Page 70
Monitoring adults with lights is likely to be of little value for highly mobile moths; they are
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Expert Comments
ID No
Recommendation
rarely seen unless feeding. Lights occasionally attract moths but traps have proven (in SE Qld) to be
ineffective and may disrupt normal flight behaviour of the target species.
Recommendation has
been addressed (Version
1)
How recommendation has been addressed (Version 2)
Adopted- plan to be updated
prior to implementation
Adopted – Plan updated
Pre-construction surveys in 2014 utilised a number of the
suggested survey techniques (Section 3.2).
Monitoring methodology has been updated to include
recommended techniques (Refer to Section 8.3).
•
Lights and light traps (in the forest) may have unwanted impacts on non-target species and
disturb the behaviour of other species.
•
Fruit baited (e.g. with over-ripe bananas) traps can useful for determining presence/absence
of pink underwing moths, especially if mounted in-flight paths.
•
Cameras are unlikely to distinguish differences between many species of large night-flying
moths (e.g. large silk moths) that occur in the area.
TIMP20
•
Night vision glasses are useful research tools for observing host plant selection by female
moths, feeding by adults (e.g. on hanging fruit) and flight behaviour. Doubtful value for this –
essentially a monitoring project
Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle
•
Expert with most experience: Dr Geoff Monteith (retired Hon. Scientist) Queensland
Museum.
•
Monitoring: Correctly identifying burrows made by the Atlas Beetle would appear to be the
best method.
•
Traps. Pitfall traps may be useful for determining presence/absence of beetles but the
method can also be considered destructive, even when beetles are released, depending on their
densities per area of habitat.
•
Experienced surveyors are needed to identify burrows and avoid misidentifying burrows of
other related beetles in an area.
•
Flight? If the beetle is nocturnal or it can fly, night vision glasses may be useful for
monitoring beetles when they leave their burrows.
•
Off site monitoring of burrows and at control sites need first to establish the identity of this
species. Persistence of the beetle after nearby disturbance may be of value in assessing impacts on
beetle populations.
•
Light interference. Comments on possible effects of lights on the moth’s behaviour may
apply to beetle behaviour if it can fly.
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Agency Comments
EPA
ID No
Section (V 1)
Recommendation
How recommendation has been addressed and where (Version 2)
EPA 1
Appendix K
Threatened
Invertebrate
Management
Plan (TIMP)
The EPA considers that the current version of the TIMP provides a rigorous approach to the management of
the subject threatened species of invertebrates. However, it is considered the subject MP needs further
refinements based on the expert review recommendations. Some of these issues are discussed in the
following text.
Expert comments have been addressed where they apply throughout
this TIMP.
EPA 2
Section 3.2
While the EPA supports an introduction of a "A monitoring program for rehabilitation areas and retained
habitat in the vicinity of the project." it is noted that RMS will need to ensure unrestricted access to the
subject land parcels.
Roads and Maritime and the Contractor will manage access to
rehabilitation areas within the project corridor to ensure they are not
degraded during the planting and maintenance phase. This is
discussed in Section 7.3.2.
EPA 3
Sections
4.3.2, 7.2.1
Given that RMS's invertebrate expert Don Sands concludes habitat disturbance should not occur within
100m (refer TIMP18) of breeding sites the EPA suggests that the proposed baseline assessments and the
following monitoring program should be based on this criterion.
Baseline surveys (BAAM 2012 and BAAM 2013) identified threatened
invertebrates and their habitat within 400 m of the project area.
Following review by invertebrate expert and project approval, additional
pre-construction surveys (BAAM 2014) revisited these areas.
The EPA notes that inconsistencies occur in relation to the geographic extent of the proposed monitoring
program. For instance, Section 4.3.1 refers undertaking surveys up to 100 m from the road reserve. Section
4.3.2 refers to recording and marking species that occur within 20m of the project. In comparison, Section
7.2.1 surveys will extend out to a distance of 500m. Revision of these aspects of monitoring program is
suggested to ensure consistency.
Monitoring sites have been established during pre-construction surveys
(BAAM 2014) and locations are now fixed (Section 5 and Section 8).
Five monitoring locations have been established proximate to the
project area (located within the area surveyed during baseline and preclearance surveys).
Based on targeted baseline and pre-construction surveys no host vine
species were identified within 20 m of the construction footprint. The
marking of species occurring within 20 m of the Project is in relation to
pre-clearing surveys, and ensures consistency with the requirements
for marking plants for retention as per the Threatened Flora
Management Plan. This is detailed in Section 6.3.4.
EPA 4
Section
4.3.4.1
Confirms that the collection of plant propagation material will be undertaken "by an experienced ecologist/
horticulturalist" For consistency the EPA recommends the plant collection measures contained within Section
4.3.3 of the LRTRPMP should apply.
Collection, storage and propagation of cuttings will be undertaken in
accordance with the methods outlined in the Threatened Rainforest
Communities and Rainforest Plants Management Plan (TRCRPMP).
Although propagation methods undertaken will be reflective of the
TRCRPMP, specific details with reference to propagule collection,
storage and propagation for Carronia multisepalea are not specified
within the TRCRPMP as this species is not a threatened species.
Therefore details for collection of plant material for propogation need to
be retained in this document and are found in Section 5.3.4 and
Section 5.3.5. of this TIMP.
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Agency Comments
EPA
ID No
Section (V 1)
Recommendation
How recommendation has been addressed and where (Version 2)
EPA 5
Section 5.3.5
and Table
In relation to the disturbance of Pink Underwing Moth from street lights the MP confirms that street lighting
installed at a distance greater that 500m has no impact on Pink Underwing Moth behaviour (flight, feeding,
avoidance). The EPA notes that Table 5-1 confirms that street lighting will be installed within 100m of the
species' habitat. The EPA is concerned that this reduced separation distance will likely have an adverse
impact on this species and asks that RMS adopts additional mitigation measures to reduce potential
impacts?
Modelling for the Project indicates that light spill will remain 150 m from
identified habitat. Reference to lighting within 100 m of habitat has
therefore been amended.
The EPA is of the view the Lowland Rainforest associated with the Southern Pink Underwing Moth
(Phyllodes imperialis southern subspecies) and Atlas Rainforest Ground-beetle is of conservation
significance. The EPA agrees with RMS's invertebrate expert Don Sands (page 53 invertebrate report) that
the subject habitats should be protected as a conservation reserve.
Roads and Maritime as part of developing the W2B Offset Strategy is
exploring options to protect the Lowland Rainforest areas and
invertebrate habitats adjacent to the project. This is subject to
negotiations with the landholder.
While the subject land parcels are currently under private ownership it is envisaged RMS will be required to
purchase the land parcels to construct the highway. Consequently, upon purchase of the subject land parcels
the EPA suggests that some consideration should be given to the rehabilitation and securing of these areas
in perpetuity.
The W2B Offset Strategy is currently under development and includes
proposed offset lands that contain Lowland Rainforest in this area.
This plan will be submitted to satisfy MCoA D4 as required by the
project approval.
EPA 6
General
Comment
Mitigation measures have now been specified for all lighting within
500 m of habitat (Section 6.3.5)
Recommended Action
D&PI to request RMS to consider the subject landscapes as part of the overall ecological offsets package
that are protected in perpetuity.
EPA 7
General
Comment
The EPA agrees with RMS invertebrate expert Don Sands that weed management associated with the
Southern Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialis southern subspecies) in lowland rainforest needs to be
ongoing. Currently the TIMP limits weed control works to a period of three (3) years post construction.
Weed management within the road corridor will be ongoing as part of
operational maintenance. Weed management with revegetation
adjacent to the road corridor is proposed to occur three years post
construction. If revegetation does not meet performance criteria or
habitat condition of invertebrates adjacent to the road corridor has
declined after three consecutive monitoring events post construction
then an additional two years of management is specified.
EPA 8
General
Comment
It appears that a number of recommendations/observations included within Don Sands critical review remain
unaddressed. Further review of this information is warranted.
All expert comments have now been addressed as summarised above.
EPA 9
General
Comment
A good robust MP. Previous agency comments and, most importantly, expert comments have generally been
adequately addressed. The EPA have only the following to add.
Acknowledged.
EPA 10
Section 7
Temporary and permanent street lighting and construction lighting have been well dealt with. There seems
to be little information and consideration about horizontal (specifically ongoing operational traffic) light spill.
Is there detail on temporary/permanent barriers to this, is it also part of revegetation plan
requirements/goals?
Impacts associated with vehicle headlights has been reviewed. This
impact is not considered to be significant due to a lack of intensity and
consistency.
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Agency Comments
EPA
ID No
Section (V 1)
Recommendation
How recommendation has been addressed and where (Version 2)
EPA 11
Section 7.4
The EPA considers best practice regarding all no-go zones, exclusion zones etc to be under the
control/responsibility of one person only, to decrease confusion and make their implementation more robust.
The ideal person being the contractor’s Environmental Manager. May not be appropriate to discuss here
(prob CEMP) but could be included in current MP.
The project contractor has been defined as the responsible party for
management of exclusion zones.
Agency Comments
Commonwealth DoE
ID No
Section (V 2)
Recommendation
How recommendation has been addressed and where (Version 3)
DoE 1
Entire plan
The invertebrate species of concern under the EPBC Act is the Southern Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes
imperialis) (PUM).
Noted.
D9 is specific to Koala and is not relevant to address in here.
This condition has been removed.
DoE 2
DoE 3
Table 3-1 and
Section 3.1
Dates of targeted surveys undertaken in 2013 for the PUM differ from that in the Project Infrastructure report
(PIR, appendix J). PIR states that supplementary surveys for the PUM was undertaken in February 2013 and
July 2013 (section 3.2.2).
This information has been reviewed and updated in Table 3-1 and
Section 3 accordingly. Targeted surveys for PUM were undertaken in
Feb-March 2012, Feb-March 2013 and March-April 2014.
DoE 4
Appendix A
Appendix A is incomplete as it does not refer to the relevant section/s of the Plan where expert advice has
been incorporated. Eg Tables 2-1 and 2-2 have not been updated with reference to Lowland Rainforest of
Subtropical Australia.
Wording has been included in Table 2-1 and Table 2-2 regarding the
relationship between these species and the Lowland Rainforest of
Subtropical Australia. This is also discussed in more detail in the
paragraph above these tables. Responses to expert comments also
state the sections in the TIMP where comments have been
incorporated.
DoE 5
Section 2.2 –
and Table 2-2
Incomplete (figure references missing)
Figure reference has been included in Section 2.2 and Table 2-2.
DoE 6
Appendix A
Maps as required by TIMP 2 have not been included in the Plan.
Figure 3-1 shows the locations of host plants where larval records
occur and potential habitat where only the host plant was recorded.
DoE 7
Section 4
Impacts from fragmentation of habitat does not appear to have been satisfactorily addressed. (also see
comment below).
Breeding habitats for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth and Atlas
Rainforest Beetle will not be fragmented by the project as they occur to
the north of the road corridor in Section 10. Extensive surveys have
been completed in Sections 10 and 11 and no host plants for the moth
were found within the road corridor. There is potential foraging habitat
for the moth within the corridor and to the south however these are
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Agency Comments
Commonwealth DoE
ID No
Section (V 2)
Recommendation
How recommendation has been addressed and where (Version 3)
minor areas with primary habitats remaining intact to the north. RMS is
investigating the potential to secure and manage these habitats as part
of the offset program. Therefore it is not anticipated that breeding
habitats for the moth will be fragmented. For the Atlas Rainforest
Beetle all known and potential habitats occur to the north of the project
and will not incur impacts from fragmentation. These core habitats are
co-located with the moths’ breeding habitats therefore also have the
potential to be secured and managed as part of the offset program.
DoE 8
Section 4 and
5.3.4
Propogation of the host plant is proposed only if this plant is found within the road corridor during preclearance surveys. Given the close proximity of breeding habitat/host plant populations to the road corridor,
there is a credible risk to Moth’s lifecycle and its habitat from indirect impacts despite proposed dust
management, light management measure, particularly during construction. As identified by expert review, it is
suggested that RMS initiate a propagation project of the host plant species with a view to rehabilitating Moth
habitat areas or planting in offset areas in the longer term. This is further justified by the reviewers
recommendation that disturbance should not occur within 500 metres of the breeding sites.
RMS are proposing a number of mitigation measures to avoid and
minimise indirect impacts to moth habitat and host plants including
from lighting and dust. Monitoring is proposed to ensure these
mitigation measures are effective and that no impacts are occurring to
the moth, host plants or its lifecycle. Should a host plant be recorded
within the construction boundary then the propogation trials will be
commenced with a view to rehabilitating host plants in offset areas and
adjacent areas to the project.
Table 7-3 now includes additional information regarding the
propagation and revegetation of the host plant.
DoE 9
DoE 10
Moth
population
monitoring
Avoidance measures such as route alternatives considered/implemented are not discussed in the Plan.
Section 4.2 discusses the assessment of avoidance measures during
detailed design.
Three successive annual monitoring is unlikely to provide statistically robust data to determine the
effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures. Impacts may become apparent later than in a three year
period. It is also unclear if the monitoring is proposed 3 years following construction and/or 3 years following
operation.
Section 8.2.1 defines monitoring as continuing until effectiveness of
mitigation measures can be demonstrated to have been achieved over
a minimum of three successive monitoring periods as per Condition
D8(k). Therefore monitoring may continue for more than three years it
will depend on the outcomes of the monitoring program. This
approach is consistent with the Project’s approval conditions.
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Agency Comments
DPE
ID No
Section (V 2)
Recommendation
How recommendation has been addressed and where (Version 3)
DPE 1
Chapter 1.1
Stage 1 is expected to commence in May 2015 – please update.
Wording has been updated in Section 1.1
The project was approved in June 2014 – not late 2014.
The Staging Report (March 2015) only describes in detail Stage 1 of the project. Report for subsequent
stage(s) has not yet been submitted to the Secretary.
DPE 2
Chapter 1.3.2
and Figure 13
The Plan only addresses updating up to the commencement of construction. The Plan shall be amended to
include details on the process for monitoring, reviewing and amending the Plan during construction and
operation of the project, including the responsibilities for updating and approving the revised plan, the
proposed timeframe for review (e.g. annually) and any factors which may trigger a review. Triggers for review
should include where threatened species (invertebrates/host plants are located during future surveys and
clearing. In such instances, an assessment of the Plan should be undertaken and measures implemented, as
required.
Figure 1-3 has been amended to include actions that will occur post
construction. Wording in Section 1.3.2 has been added to outline
when the plan would be reviewed and triggers such as invertebrates
being recorded outside existing known areas.
DPE 3
Chapter 2.2
and Table 2-2
Error – reference source not found – missing references in 1st paragraph and table.
Addressed.
DPE 4
Table 4-1
Add movement of moth larvae/pupae as a mitigation measure.
Table 4-1 has been updated with wording regarding suggested
mitigation measures.
Add revegetation of lowland rainforest as measure to enhance potential moth and rainforest beetle habitat.
Reduction in water quantity and increase in surface water runoff from cleared areas adjacent to lowland
rainforest community - issue to be considered and mitigated?
DPE 5
Chapter 5.3.3
Protocols for exclusion zones should include toolbox talks and induction training of the purpose of exclusion
fencing and protocols to be followed in working in close proximity to exclusion zones/fencing.
Consider the use of jersey barriers to physically stop vehicles and plant entering exclusion zones.
Water runoff comment appears to be addressed in last comment in
Table 4-1.
The use of Jersey Barriers is not considered necessary. No go
boundary fencing will be installed with strict management control to
ensure no authorised access. Construction still need to allow for
access to undertaken and maintain revegetation works.
DPE 6
Chapters
5.3.4 and
5.3.5
The propagation trial should commence early to establish whether propagation from cuttings is a viable
translocation method. The outcomes of the trial would inform the development of the biodiversity offset
strategy for sections 10 and 11.
Wording has been included in Sections 5.3.4 and 5.3.5 regarding early
propagation trials.
DPE 7
Table 5-2
The mitigation goals listed in the table are mitigation measures rather than goals. The actual goals that the
proposed measures implement should be stated, e.g. first row should be characterised as protect threatened
invertebrates and habitats, which would be addressed by the measures contained in the 2 columns titled
“mitigation goals” and “proposed mitigation measures”.
Wording has been updated in Table 5-2 accordingly.
A review of the mitigation goals should be undertaken to identify and list the goal/objective of the proposed
mitigation measures. See Table 6-1.
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Agency Comments
DPE
ID No
Section (V 2)
Recommendation
How recommendation has been addressed and where (Version 3)
Rename the table as “Mitigation goals, mitigation and performance measures and corrective actions –
preconstruction”.
DPE 8
Chapter 6.3.3
Consider the use of barriers such as jersey barriers instead of signs and flagging/tape to physically stop
vehicles and plant entering the exclusion zones.
The use of Jersey Barriers is not considered necessary. No go
boundary fencing will be installed with strict management control to
ensure no unauthorised access. During construction access is still
required to undertake and maintain revegetation works.
DPE 9
Table 6-1
Mitigation goal – dust and noise management. Is noise management and no exceedances relevant to a
management plan for threatened invertebrates?
Research has been conducted discussing how invertebrates are
effected by noise pollution (Morely et al. 2014).
The proposed measures to implement the goal of revegetation includes a propagation trial. The trigger for
corrective actions should include a threshold figure to measure the performance of propagation (
success/failure rate of propagated plants). The corrective action would be updating of Biodiversity offset
Strategy.
Wording has been included in Table 6-1 regarding triggers for
corrective actions.
Table 6-1 has been renamed.
Rename the table as “Mitigation goals, mitigation and performance measures and corrective actions –
construction”.
DPE 10
Chapter 7.3.2
The propagation trial would commence pre-construction and trial propagation methods and soil medium. Is it
intended that the propagated plants, if successful would be planted in translocation sites? Would monitoring
of the translocation sites commence on planting of the propagated plants, which could be some time after the
road is operational?
Section 7.3.2 now discusses propagation in more detail, taking
recommendations into consideration.
DPE 11
Table 7-3
Rename the table as “Mitigation goals, mitigation and performance measures and corrective actions –
operation”.
Table 7-3 has been renamed.
DPE 12
Appendix A
ID TIMP1 (and others) mentions the plan will be updated prior to implementation. What is the approval
process for the updated plan, by the ER (minor amendments) or the Secretary? Will the updated plan be
provided to agencies if approved by the ER?
Agency comments on the draft version (Version 2) have been
considered and addressed in this final version (Version 3). Agencies
will receive the TIMP for final approval. All comments and responses
are summarised in Appendix A.
The approved Threatened Species Management Plans form part of the
Construction Environmental Management Plan(s) and sub-plans for the
project. As detailed in the CEMPs, should any future changes be
required to the approved plan, the proposed changes would be
discussed with relevant stakeholders. Following consultation minor
changes will be provided to the Environmental Representative for
approval, with major changes being formally submitted to DP&E for
approval.
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Agency Comments
DPE
ID No
Section (V 2)
Recommendation
How recommendation has been addressed and where (Version 3)
DPE 13
Section 8.2.1
Future monitoring for Southern Pink Underwing Moth should consider past rainfall that could influence activity
of this species and hence monitoring results. Monitoring conducted under more suitable seasonal conditions
will determine the efficacy of using bait traps as a monitoring approach.
This was considered broadly in the monitoring method updates,
however reference to the BAAM methodology is now included in
Section 8.2.1 to reflect details of survey methods and timing.
It has been recommend that survey planning consider environmental
cues, including rainfall, in planning the specific timing of surveys to
coincide with the most effective ambient conditions for this species.
Also that surveys note past rainfall in their results so this can be
considered when evaluating effectiveness of bait traps.
DPE 14
Section 8.2.1
Table 9-1
Future monitoring for Southern Pink Underwing Moth should be trialled on a monthly basis during the
warmest part of the year (November to March) to reduce the chances of intraseasonal variation affecting the
chances of detection.
This has been included within the management plan (monitoring
Section 8) and worded similarly to the BAAM reporting.
DPE 15
Section 8.3.1
Future monitoring for Atlas Rainforest Beetle in lowland rainforest adjacent to the Project will be conducted
during construction and post construction in accordance with the Management Plan.
This has been included within the management plan (monitoring
Section 8) and references the BAAM methodologies. Similar wording
to the BAAM reporting has been used. Monitoring will occur during
construction and post construction.
DPE 16
Section 8.2.4
Nocturnal monitoring for Atlas Rainforest Beetle should be conducted following an extensive, dedicated
search for burrows in the Study Area and should proceed only after one or more burrows have been located.
This is outlined early in the report when the BAAM survey methods are
defined. This methodology is also stated in Section 8.3.1 in regards to
the ongoing Atlas Rainforest Beetle monitoring methodology.
As per the Management Plan, future monitoring of Richmond Birdwing will occur during construction and post
construction and will incorporate transects T1, T2, T5 and C2, in addition to other locations where
Pararistolochia vines have been identified (Figure 3.3), to check on the health of vines.
This species is not included within the TIMP. It is not listed at a state or
federal level however was recommended to be incorporated by Don
Sands and BAAM. No specific monitoring is proposed for this species
however it is noted that monitoring and mitigation for the Southern Pink
Underwing Moth will benefit the Richmond Birdwing. During targeted
surveys prior to clearing if the Richmond Birdwing is detected it will be
recorded, including its host plant. Additionally, the TIMP acknowledges
this species has similar habitats to the Southern Pink Underwing Moth
(SPUM) and their host plants grow in similar habitats. Further, it
indicates host vines and the species will benefit from rehabilitation and
offsetting efforts for the SPUM. Additional wording regarding the
Richmond Birdwing has been included in Section 6.3.4 and Section
6.3.7.
Section 8.3.1
DPE 17
Section 2.1
Section 3.2.1
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Appendix B – Dr D Sands Review
BALLINA TO WOOLGOOLGA HIGHWAY UPGRADE
A REVIEW OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN
FOR THREATENED INVERTEBRATES AFFECTED BY ROADWORKS
DPA Sands
Contents
Page
1. Summary
2
2. Terms of Reference
3
3. Recommendations
4
Mapping of Wardell Site
4
Threatened Invertebrates Management Plan
5
2.2.1. Habitat requirements
5
Pink Underwing Moth – name
5
2.3. Threats
5
Acknowledge State Agency
5
Conservation status-update
5
Add weeds to Threats
5
Fruiting plants for adult moths
5
Translocation of moth eggs and larvae
5
Plants to minimise edge effects
6
Control sites
6
Pre-clearing surveys
6
Rehabilitation of breeding sites for the moth
6
Support for ‘Feasibility Study to develop a Recovery Plan’
7
Lighting
8
Other edge effects
8
Methods for trapping and monitoring
8
4. Review of Reports
Background and Purpose
9
Site descriptions
9
Survey Reports
10
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Targeted Threatened Invertebrate Study
10
Species Profile. Southern Pink Underwing Moth
10
Supplementary Survey
12
Results of Surveys
13
Species Profile. Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle
14
5. Threatened Invertebrates Management Plan
15
The Monitoring Programme (7)
15
Southern Pink Underwing Moth (7.2)
15
Atlas rainforest Ground Beetle (7.3)
16
Monitoring beetle populations (7.3.1)
17
Rehabilitation of areas and host plants (7.4)
17
Performance measures and corrective actions (7.5)
17
Evaluation, project review and reporting (7.6)
18
Responsibility (7.6.1)
18
Timing (7.6.2)
18
Adaptive Management (7.6.3)
18
Reviewer’s Comments
18
Summary table and implementation schedule of
management plan (Table 8-1).
19
Draft Threatened Invertebrates Management Plan –
Agency Comments (W2B) & Reviewer’s comments
20
Reviewer’s responses according to Section
20
6. Reviewers Dossiers.
An overview of ecosystems and insect habitats
(i) Southern Pink Underwing Moth
20
Biology and population structure
22
Dependence of moth on food plants and ecosystems
24
Food plant – insect interactions
24
(ii) Ecological profile for Caronia multisepalea
26
Rehabilitation of breeding sites for Phyllodes imperialis smithersi
27
(iii) Atlas Ground Beetle
27
7. Feasibility for supporting development of a
Management / Recovery Plan for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes
imperialis smithersi)
28
8. References
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9. Curriculum Vitae & Conservation Publications:
Donald Peter Andrew Sands
31
Sands References relating to conservation of insects
32
Appendix 1. Plant communities associated with Caronia multisepalea
34
Appendix 2. Plant nurseries with cultivation experience of
Carronia multisepalea
35
………………………………………….
1. Summary
This Review is prepared as a consultancy report for Sinclair Knight Merz. It is based on information
and reports from NSW Roads and Maritime Services, relating to proposed road works for a highway
upgrade near Wardell, NSW (as marked on maps provided). The reports relate to the impacts the
roadworks may have an impact on populations and habitats of two endangered insects, the Southern
Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialis smithersi) and the Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle (Nurus
atlas). Both insects are listed as Endangered by Federal and NSW Governments and their breeding
habitats are plant communities classified as an endangered ecosystem (EPBC 1999 [amended 2011]),
and defined as “Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia”.
The review focuses primarily on findings from surveys for two rare and threatened species of insects,
the Southern Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialis smithersi) and the Atlas Rainforest Ground
Beetle (Nurus atlas). More broadly the review discusses their conservation status, food plants and the
ecosystems they occupy, as well as touching on other insect species of conservation concern. The
latter include two butterflies, the “Laced” Fritillary (Argreus hyperbius inconstans; Endangered), the
Richmond birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia; conservation significance under the Byron
Biodiversity Conservation Strategy) and the dragonfly, Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly (Petalura litorea;
Endangered). The Review does not cover these or two other threatened invertebrates listed in the
‘Targeted Threatened Invertebrate Study’, the Mitchell’s Rainforest Snail (Thersites mitchellae) and
Shorter Rainforest Ground Beetle (Nurus brevis), invertebrates currently listed as “threatened” under
the appropriate State (NSW) and Federal environmental conservation acts.
The Review is based on documents provided by Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM). Any conclusions or
recommendations and experience of this author (Sands) relating to the documents provided, are
based on literature (References, e.g. Sands and New 2001) or following his discussions with informed
scientists at the Queensland Museum, Brisbane (Dr GB Monteith re. Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle),
the Australian Museum, Sydney (Dr D. Britton re. pink underwing moth in NSW), a Queensland plant
ecologist (P. Grimshaw re. insect food plants and regional ecosystems). The author has not recently
visited the targeted sites to assess habitats for the moth, their integrity, proximity to breeding sites or
to water courses, or rainforest gullies near the areas for moth larvae where landscapes might act as
corridors for nocturnal movement by the Moth.
SKM provided the Reviewer with electronic copies of the proposal (received 1/08/2013) and a CD
(received 12/08/13) with documents: (i) ‘Environment Impact Statement’ (TRMS, Executive Summary,
December 2012 [including evaluation of Impacts]), (ii) ‘Draft Threatened Invertebrates Management
Plan’ (TRMS, August 2013) and (iii) Report, ‘Targeted Threatened Invertebrate Study’, prepared by
Biodiversity Assessment (BAAM, 11 April 2012) and ‘Supplementary Targeted Threatened
Invertebrate Study’ (BAAM 1 March 2013). The review provided for two, 2-hour teleconferences. The
terms, conditions and dates of commencement for this Review and subsequent reviewers’
employment, were received on 8 August 2013 (from TECSIDE Personnel) and the agreement was
returned to TECSIDE on 13 August 2013. This document was drafted by the reviewer on 22 August
2013 and a second. version was drafted on 2 September 2013.
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2. Terms of Reference. The tasks to be addressed by the reviewer were summarised as follows (in
letter of 1 August 2013 from Kim Collins):
1. Review background information to the project, including the Environmental Impact
Assessment and associated Biodiversity Working Paper.
2. Consider feedback provided from DSEWPaC, DP&I, EPA and DPI on the relevant draft
Management Plan.
3. Provide a desktop review of the revised Management Plan from a scientific perspective of
the relevant species addressed by the Management Plan.
4. Attend a teleconference debriefing to provide feedback on the Management Plan to Roads
and Maritime and the authors.
5. Prepare a written review statement on the Management Plan on letter headed paper. This
review should, as a minimum, provide feedback on the following key questions:
a. Is the design of the monitoring project appropriate for the species?
b. Is the frequency and timing of monitoring adequate?
c. Is the Management Plan clear on what basis the monitoring locations would be selected?
d. Are appropriate goals being set?
e. Are the mitigation and management actions sufficiently targeted for the species?
f. Are the objectives, performance measures, corrective actions and thresholds for corrective
actions in accordance with SMART principles?
g. Do the management measure objectives, performance indicators, thresholds and corrective
actions link sufficiently to allow effective implementation?
h. Has the Management Plan provided sufficient evidence where the proposed mitigation has
previously been effective?
i. Does the Management Plan describe and discuss contingencies, should the proposed
measures be ineffective?
j. If we can’t demonstrate mitigation proposed will be effective, can we demonstrate that
corrective actions will be effective?
k. Where there is no known research / evidence of the effectiveness of the specific measure
proposed – have relevant alternative contingencies been committed to?
l. Have indirect impacts been addressed in the Management Plan, as relevant?
m. Are qualifications and experience of authors in subject field relevant?
3. Recommendations. Overall the topics and objectives of the Management Plan including
mitigation strategies, have been addressed appropriately, with goals outlined clearly and impacts
broadly addressed. The surveys for threatened species have been carried out effectively, as shown
by the recovery of threatened species in the targeted area. Some finer details and adjustments that
follow are recommended for consideration or inclusion in the Management Plan.
Mapping of Wardell Site. The surveyed site and other rainforest ecosystems along the Richmond
River have been referred to in past times as the ‘Big Scrub’. To place emphasis on the importance of
threatened species and ecosystems, in the Introduction it would be helpful to refer to the site as a
remnant of the Big Scrub, indicate remaining intact areas, an those nearby protected (by tenure) as
national parks.
•
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A Map to show areas proposed for clearing (‘before’ revision) and ‘after’ revision of boundaries
would be helpful to readers to reflect commitment to avoiding damage to protected species
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habitats. Show current locations of food plants for the two (Lepidoptera) species of
conservation concern, Carronia multisepalea and Pararistolocia praevenosa.
Threatened Invertebrates Management Plan
•
•
•
•
•
2.2.1. Habitat requirements. Early in this section note the habitats occupied by the two
targeted insect species (+ Richmond birdwing butterfly) are defined as threatened Lowland
Rainforest of Subtropical Australia, by Federal and NSW Governments.
Pink Underwing Moth - name. Add “Southern” (to common name); update scientific name for
subspecies (i.e. Phyllodes imperialis smithersi). Integrate in text: ‘larvae of the southern
subspecies of moth are dependent on one food plant vine, Carronia multisepalea, found only
in rainforests of north-eastern NSW and south-eastern Queensland” or similar….
2.3. Threats. Add “Fragmentation of habitats from disturbance may result in in-breeding
depression”.
Acknowledge State Agency for issue of ‘permits to collect’ (for protected insect surveys).
Conservation status update. Threatened species should be reviewed (by agency) every 3
years to take account of new information.
Appendix B, pp. 35-
•
Add weeds to Threats. List local invasive weeds so that appropriate agencies and their
control methods (e.g. herbicides) can be identified (e.g. green panic, molasses grass, lantana,
camphor laurel) and included in lists of threats for the overall ecosystem.
Avoid using exotic grasses to re-enforce road edge embankments (common practice in Qld).
Some (e.g. signal grass) are known to repel indigenous insects.
•
Fruiting plants for adult moths. Plants suitable for adult food and species that fruit during flight
seasons for the moths (e.g. November – March) include:
Lillypillies, Syzygium australe, S. smithii and other local species; Waterhousea floribunda,
Ficus spp., including F. opposita, F. coronata.
•
•
•
Translocation of moth eggs and larvae (from site of disturbance). Doubtful conservation value
unless stages are present on targeted vines, and can be moved prior to clearing. Pupae likely
to be present on nearby plants are at risk but are very difficult to locate.
Translocation of vine Carronia multisepalea (no longer proposed). Doubtful value, doubtfully
achievable. However, attempts might be made to propagate plants by using rhizomes
removed from the path of disturbance.
Plants to minimise edge effects. Soil-binding (& fire retardant) plants for embankments and
vine to stabilise edge effects
(First check that Wardell, NSW is within the native range for each species)
Lomandra hystrix
L. longifolia (moist woodland form)
Rubus spp.: (e.g. R. parvifolius, R. moluccanus, R. risifolius, R. probus, R. moorei) (especially
useful for steep embankment / moist slopes)
Carex apressa, other Carex spp.
Solanum spp.
Ficus coronata
Cordyline spp.
Vine: Pandorea jasminiodes
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Control sites. Nearby sites of little value when comparing undisturbed habitats with disturbed areas
unless positive results are obtained. More distant sites monitored are of value to indicate: (i) presence,
number and persistence of breeding in nearby sites, (ii) seasonal patterns, and when stages are most
likely to be present and (iii) whereabouts of meta-populations likely to influence colonising of disturbed
and re-planted (with vine) areas. As very few vines and patches of vines are used even in undisturbed
areas, negative results (no eggs or larvae seen) are likely to be frequent.
Pre-clearing surveys An indication of vines (Carronia multisepalea, Pararistolocia praevenosa) that
have been removed or destroyed, and as a % of the overall food plants in the area would provide a
useful record. The Reviewer is of the opinion that the site once disturbed is unlikely to support
breeding by the moth until vegetation has matured and providing deep shade for at least 10 or more
years
Rehabilitation of breeding sites for the moth. This off-site action can be seen as a positive ‘offset’
for disturbance of the threatened insect habitats, best done by working with local community groups
(collaborating with NPWS).
In a similar project on the Richmond Birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia) habitat rehabilitation
was achieved more that 20 years by involving community groups and schools in propagating and
planting food plants (mostly Pararistolchia praevenosa) for mass production by nurseries. This food
plant vine could be easily included in any replating programmes to help the Richmond Birdwing
recolonise. The Richmond Birdwing is currently locally threatened and at the southern edge of its
range at Wardell.
Investigate opportunities to rehabilitate off-site habitats. for both moth and beetle, e.g. (i) private
covenants, nature refuges and other tenures; (ii) buy-back of private land for add to local national
parks (they do not need to share boundaries).
Re-vegetation. If continued for more than 2 years, local community groups can be invited to
participate in a coordinated program. Local Landcare groups actively rehabilitate sites in northern
NSW (e.g. ‘Rainforest Rescue’). Local members could be encouraged to take “ownership” of their
efforts to ‘save the endangered moth’. Most Incorporated groups are ‘not-for-profit’ organisations but
they always need financial assistance to support operating costs (e.g. herbicides) and other activities
for rehabilitating bushlands.
Habitat rehabilitation for the Atlas Ground Beetle
Very little is known about the ecology of this beetle and it is therefore difficult to assess the potential
for rehabilitation of sites to make them suitable for the beetle and its prey. Information form the
surveys would indicate that burrow need some overhang, protection (e.g. overhanging log) or
embankment and it is possible that these micro-habitats can be simulated in areas rehabilitated. Use
of night vision glasses in surveys could contribute to information about nocturnal activity away from
burrows, prey, ground shelters and any particular plants used for making burrows (other than While
Cedar).
Security for rehabilitation sites. Signage for sites (+ protected species) is desirable but security needs
to be considered. The tenure needs clarification so that protection can be seen as a long term
commitment. The moth has potential $$ value for trade (especially for overseas collectors of
specimens) but ‘collecting’ is not known to be a threat at present.
Support for ‘Feasibility Study to develop a Recovery Plan’
Recommend support be provided to an appropriate nursery for propagation studies on Carronia
multisepalea (e.g. Dorrigo Environment Watch Inc.) and develp methods to propagate the vine.
Community workshops. Community workshops can also be included in any local program and by
providing support funds. A community workshop on the Southern Pink Underwing Moth was run for
Barung Landcare (May 2008) at Maleny (Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve; cost: ca $2,000. The
venue was provided by Council. Community participation was encouraged using the Richmond
Birdwing Butterfly Conservation program.
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Expert’s Contact Details and Plant Nurseries
(i)
Southern Pink Underwing Moth. Very few if any entomologists with experience in the moth are
known to live in the region. NSWPWS Rangers based at Alstonville (e.g. Bob Moffatt) were previously
(1990s) experienced in identifying threatened insects and their food plants but interests by current
staff are not known. Interest in conservation of the moth has come from Byron Bay NSWPWS but
knowledge of insects is limited.
Clearly the surveyor Lindsay Popple has gained a lot of experience and expertise with the moth and
beetle, and their specific habitats near Wardell.
Others •
Dr David Britton, Australian Museum, College St., Sydney. Others may have casual
experience in New South Wales.
•
For moth in the Bellinger Valley, I recommend Trevor and Carol Deane (address below), have
firsthand experience with the Southern Pink Underwing Moth and its food plant, mostly on Bellinger
Island).
•
Botanists (e.g. Alex Floyd, John Rigley) may help with cultivation and distribution of moth food
plant, the vine Carronia multisepalea.
•
Members of Community Group. Dorrigo Environment Watch Inc., PO Box 284, Dorrigo, NSW.
2453. (Trevor and Carol Deane
(ii) Atlas Ground Beetle. Reviewer only knows of the first-hand experience with the beetle of Dr Geoff
Monteith, Honorary entomologist, Queensland Museum (pr. email [email protected]).
Taxonomic and distribution information is available on the website Atlas of Living Australia. This is a
key point of reference for the moth.
Lighting. Lights and their wattage to be minimised; lights mounted as low as possible, and limited
where possible to road & signage illumination. Avoid mercury vapour lights; sodium vapour may need
evaluation (effects on target species not known).
•
•
•
Avoid penetration by lights into forest or water courses to avoid disruption of flight behaviour,
flight paths, host and mate-finding by the moths.
No disturbance to southern (and northern ssp.) pink underwing moth behaviour (flight, feeding,
avoidance) has been seen (using night vision glasses) at localities in Queensland when lights
are 500 m or further from habitat. It is not possible to predict how longer-term exposure to
lights will influence moth behaviour without experiments or observations. Sometimes insects
will ‘condition’ themselves to light disturbance.
Studies on longer-term exposure light requires more research; this may justify use of night
vision glasses for a monitoring program.
Other edge effects.
•
•
•
Dust management in construction and diesel exhausts may have an impact on the larvae of
the moth
Monitoring of dust settlement on foliage may provide an indication of impacts on larvae
feeding.
The recommendation that disturbance should not occur within 500m of breeding sites appears
impractical. Therefore an attempt at no disturbance within 100 m of breeding sites appears
more feasible.
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Methods for Trapping and Monitoring
Southern Pink Underwing Moth
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Monitoring eggs and larvae for numbers and distribution are appropriate methods for
determining presence or absence, health of habitat, season and suitability of plant phenotype
when stages are present.
Correct identification of eggs and moth larvae requires experienced personnel. Similar
common moth species (e.g. Eudocima fullonia) utilise the same food plant as used by P.
imperialis smithersi.
Monitoring adults with lights is likely to be of little value for highly mobile moths; they are rarely
seen unless feeding. Lights occasionally attract moths but traps have proven (in SE Qld) to be
ineffective and may disrupt normal flight behaviour of the target species.
Lights and light traps (in the forest) may have unwanted impacts on non-target species and
disturb the behaviour of other species.
Fruit baited (e.g. with over-ripe bananas) traps can useful for determining presence/absence
of pink underwing moths, especially if mounted in-flight paths.
Cameras are unlikely to distinguish differences between many species of large night-flying
moths (e.g. large silk moths) that occur in the area.
Night vision glasses are useful research tools for observing host plant selection by female
moths, feeding by adults (e.g. on hanging fruit) and flight behaviour. Doubtful value for this –
essentially a monitoring project
Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Expert with most experience: Dr Geoff Monteith (retired Hon. Scientist) Queensland Museum.
[email [email protected]]
Monitoring: Correctly identifying burrows made by the Atlas Beetle would appear to be the
best method.
Traps. Pitfall traps may be useful for determining presence/absence of beetles but the method
can also be considered destructive, even when beetles are released, depending on their
densities per area of habitat.
Experienced surveyors are needed to identify burrows and avoid misidentifying burrows of
other related beetles in an area.
Flight? If the beetle is nocturnal or it can fly, night vision glasses may be useful for monitoring
beetles when they leave their burrows.
Off site monitoring of burrows and at control sites need first to establish the identity of this
species. Persistence of the beetle after nearby disturbance may be of value in assessing
impacts on beetles populations.
Light interference. Comments on possible effects of lights on the moth’s behaviour may apply
to beetle behaviour if it can fly.
4. Review of Reports
(1.1) Background and Purpose. The Report provides the objectives and scope of surveys, the
names of investigators, the methods used and dates of two Surveys (6-10 February 2012, 13-16
March 2013) and a Supplementary Survey (11-15 February 2013). The objectives are appropriate
and the dates for surveys coincided with the times of appearance of the immature stages of the
Southern Pink Underwing Moth (to confirm its identity by photographs) and collection of specimens
(e.g. to confirm identity of the Atlas Ground Beetle). The Report and Supplement did not indicate if the
areas, or parts of areas surveyed, would be classified as ‘lowland subtropical rainforests’, plant
communities protected under the EPBC Act.
(1.2) Site Descriptions. The landscapes and ecosystems targeted for surveys are broadly described,
including swamp and mangrove forests, swamp sclerophyll and grasslands, with examples of
eucalypts and banksias occurring in woodlands, and basaltic hills with small pockets of rainforest,
some with exotic Camphor Laurel. Additional information defining the ‘regional ecosystems’ being
surveyed for moth stages and its food plant and occupied by the beetle are desirable for this report. In
addition, the occurrence of these ecosystems and the food plant outside of the study area would
provide valuable information for assessing the likelihood of other sites nearby being occupied by the
insects.
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Two maps were provided, Figure 1-1 provided aerial views of the Study Area and Survey Locations
with individual sites numbered and Figure 3-2 provided an enlarged map where the threatened moth
and beetle were found, the food plant (Carronia multisepalea) for the moth, as well as the very few
plants of (Pararistolochia praevenosa), food plant for the Richmond Birdwing butterfly,. One map
(Figure 3-2) showed the location of insects and plants within, on, or just outside, the Study Area
Boundaries and it also illustrated how moth stages were located on only one portion of the area
occupied by the food plant (C. multisepalea), probably indicating the habitat, food plant phenotype, or
shading were not suitable as a breeding site. The reviewer noted that “Fig 3-1” (referred to on pp. 4,7
& 8 of text) may have been an incorrect figure reference for Fig. 1-1.
Excellent images were provided for the threatened species located during the surveys as well as other
species of conservation concern and interest. All are relevant by providing indicators for the integrity
of the ecosystems and species they are supporting.
Is the area of habitat remaining to be disturbed (after variation in boundaries) 2.4 ha? Can it be
described as an area of Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia (as under the EPBC Act)?
Survey Reports
Targeted Threatened Invertebrate Study, by Popple, L., Chambers, J and Weber, L (11/04/2012)
Summary. The aims, methods used and seasonal timing of the studies were appropriately designed
and implemented, confirming that the field work was effective for locating the two target threatened
species at the Study site where the moth was breeding on its known food plants, and the moth and
beetle were associated with particular plant communities known to be habitats. The surveys achieved
the objectives and have added valuable information to the known distribution and breeding sites of two
threatened species, the Southern Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialis smithersi) and the Atlas
Ground Beetle (Nurus atlas). From these findings the potential impacts from roadwork disturbance can
be extrapolated from the presence of habitats and breeding by the targeted threatened insects, based
on location of the food plants and ecosystems occupied. The sightings of an adult Richmond Birdwing
Butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia) near Wardell, a species also of conservation concern, and
rediscovery of its local rare food plant vine (Pararistolochia praevenosa) at the Study Sites, provides
renewed evidence for this rare butterfly near the southern edge of its range where it has not been
seen since about 1994 (Sands 2008).
The Report was prepared by environmental specialists who hold appropriate qualifications (e.g. two
authors hold PhD degrees). Dr Lindsay Popple, who took the lead with field surveys, is known to have
extensive ecological and taxonomic experience with several insect groups (e.g. cicadas). Minor
recommendations are made by the reviewer in the following sections.
Species Profile. Southern Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialis smithersi Sands,
Lepidoptera: Erebidae).
(Management Plan, August 2013, Appendix B, pp. 35-40).
Author([s] of the Profile provided brief summaries for the moth under the headings below, followed by
Reviewer’s comments. The Report is accompanied by impressive and relevant images, for low growth
of the food plant Carronia multisepalea, larvae of stages of the Southern Pink Underwing moth and a
larva of a similar (“look-alike”) moth, Eudocima fullonia, for comparison; a species of no conservation
significance that has sometimes been confused with the threatened species.
Description. Reviewer: Brief but adequate. Dot point 2 might be improved by emphasising the moth
breeds in heavily shaded areas in “old Growth Rainforests” (perhaps give botanical types), where the
larvae feed only on soft leaves of the food plant, and on low growth (< 2m) of shoots, or new growth
arising from rhizomes.
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Adults of the Southern Pink Underwing Moth do not initiate damage to fruit but do feed on juices of
over-ripe fruit, or fruit damaged by other means. This is in contrast to the damage caused by large
moths in the genus Eudocima spp. (e.g. E. fullonia) which have a specialised proboscis modified for
piercing fruit; these piercing species can be regarded as pests when abundant in the tropics, and less
commonly in far northern NSW. It is important that the threatened species, the Southern Pink
Underwing Moth is not thought to be a “fruit piercing moth”, as sometimes mistakenly inferred by
uninformed authors.
Similar Species. Reviewer: Appropriate, but the Author may not know the extent of variation in colour
of larvae of the common species, Eudocima fullonia. Variation in colour needs to be considered when
identifying larvae to species, for example, young larvae of E. fullonia can appear to laymen very
similar to those of P. i. smithersi but its larger larvae never have the spectacular “eye patches” and
“teeth” markings, characteristic of the Southern Pink Underwing Moth.
Legislative Status. Reviewer: appropriate reference provided. Worth noting that Queensland has not
listed the moth as threatened, with reasons obscure.
Distribution. Reviewer: The map provided is adequate. The southern limit of the moth is known to be
Dorrigo and Bellingen and altitudinal limit as about 600 m (NSW/Qld Border Ranges.
Habitat. Rainforest habitat is briefly mentioned but brief floristic definitions of habitat requirements
(Regional Ecosystem) would be useful for documenting impacts of roadworks and other ecological
studies. Upfront in this section the area (and proportion) of moth breeding habitat proposed for
clearing of rainforest vegetation (?2.4 ha) should be compared with the area to be retained.
Threats. Reviewer: Invasive grasses (e.g. green panic, molasses grass) will be serious threats in the
shorter term and several weeds including lantana and camphor laurel will invade all disturbed areas as
longer-term threats. I recommend dot point 3 expand to name some of these weeds
A major threat could result by defoliation and increased light affecting nearby or adjacent corridors
used for adult dispersal, particularly any heavily wooded water courses. Can the tenure and
management of these water courses be secured against disturbance and weed invasions? Due to its
spectacular appearance the newly-named sub-species (ssp. smithersi) has recently become an iconic
species, and it may be further threatened by over-collecting of specimens by Australian and
International collectors.
Key management Requirements. Reviewer: The management requirements are adequately
addressed here and elsewhere in the documents. Translocation of immature stages (dot points) for
the site to be disturbed is unlikely to benefit the overall conservation of the species but the method
could be seen as a positive by ‘uninformed’ members of the community who may compare the action
with vertebrate translocations. Heavily shaded plants with ample foliage (and correct phonological
expression) may support subsequent development but they cannot always be placed at sites free of
natural enemies that will use the translocated larvae as prey (a common factor that regulates breeding
sites). Trained surveyors might be on the lookout for natural enemies and make a contribution to the
knowledge of natural population-regulating factors for the moth (Reviewer would be interested in these
data).
Clearing of vegetation containing Carronia multisepalea used as food plant and its habitat by the moth
is to be avoided. Efforts have been made to re-route the roadworks to avoid damage to the fragile
ecosystem used as habitat by the threatened species. Was resumption of farmlands an option to
relocate the roadworks to the east and can any nearby fragments of habitat be secured (or purchased)
for national parks, or permanently-protected and managed reserves?
Bibliography: Reviewer: Federal listing of the moth resulted from a publication by Clark GM and SpierAshcroft F (2003), who outlined the conservation concerns, details of micro-habitats, food plants and
other materials of interest, data that resulted from a CSIRO project investigating the moth and the
related E. fullonia. This reference should be used in this and all future reports. The reference to
Herbison-Evans et al. (2004) is inappropriate for reference here and it contains somewhat misleading
information.
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Supplementary Survey for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth (11-15 February 2013), by
Lindsay Popple.
Important new information resulted from this survey and showed that the Southern Pink Underwing
Moth and the Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle both occur in and beyond the proposed developmental
footprint of Sections10 and 11. These data included (i) additional habitat for Phyllodes imperialis
smithersi as confirmed by presence of larvae, (ii) potential habitat for the moth where the host plant
was present without moth stages, and (iii) plant communities assessed as potential habitat for the
moth (with presence of adult fruit trees) in absence of the larval food plant, and (iv) scores for a habitat
condition assessment as part of a pre-clearing survey.
Collection of specimens. During the surveys for two species of protected insect species the collection
of specimens is necessary to establish without doubt the identity of the species. Nowadays
photographs can be taken without difficulties in darkened rainforest and the quality of images is often
adequate to establishing the identity of a threatened species, for example the advanced stages
(instars 3-5) of larvae of the Pink Underwing moth, provided the images are shown to a specialist (e.g.
Dr David Britton, curator at the Australian Museum Sydney). Specimens of most carabid beetles
including the Atlas Ground Beetle, cannot be identified with certainty from images. Therefore
specimens are needed for referral to an expert. In these surveys specimens of the targeted
threatened species were collected under a permit issued by the appropriate State and/or Federal
agencies.
A recommendation to authors. it is appropriate to acknowledge taxonomist(s) (+ museum / agency)
that identified specimens to species (e.g using images of moth, specimens of beetle) and to
acknowledge any agencies that issued ‘permits to collect’.
Results of surveys
The location of 45 larvae (range of instars) and 9 eggs of Phyllodes imperialis smithersi on its host
vine (C. multisepalea) indicates more than one gravid female had oviposited over a period of several
weeks in the single block with larvae present (Lot 23), based on estimates for fecundity of moths
previously held in captivity. A further record of the Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle 750 m from the
previous record and additional records of the host plants (Pararistolochia praevenosa) for the
Richmond birdwing butterfly with sightings of an adult butterfly, indicate the overall areas of rainforest
surveyed close to Wardell, sustains breeding colonies of several species of insects of conservation
significance.
Methods are needed to identify the specific heavily shaded habitats (in lowland subtropical rainforest),
to identify and locate the moth’s specific food plant requirements (rainforest vine Carronia
multisepalea), and recognise the phenotypic expression of growth (only young, soft, rapidly-growing
and apical foliage) on plants in heavily areas. The shaded soft apical growth on vines is used by moth
larvae, and these expressions have proven to be effective when locating various stages of larvae of
the moth. The maps (Fig. 3-2) revealed how many moth larvae and all food plant vines were in, or just
outside of the study boundaries. Many moth larvae located and the pink underwing moth larvae were
distinguished from those of a related and common moth, the fruit piercing moth, Eudocima fullonia
(images confirm the identities in the Report). In the past, larvae of this and related common moths
have been mis-identified as larvae of the pink underwing moth. Whereas larvae of the pink underwing
moth are only found in heavily shaded areas, larvae of the common fruit moths will occur in shaded
areas as well as more exposed situations. The authors of the Report distinguished the two species
which have caused confusion in determinations amongst other experts in the past. They are to be
commended for distinguishing the larvae of the threatened species from a common species of no
conservation concern.
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Pupae and adult moths were not reported during surveys but the sites surveyed and observed
supporting the larvae the moth were confirmed suitable for supporting complete development of the
immature stages. Eggs of the Pink Underwing Moth are difficult to distinguish from eggs of a common
fruit piercing moth (Eudocima fullonia) and eggs of both species are found in similar situations
nd
rd
attached beneath leaves. Only after emergence and development to 2 and 3 instars, can larvae of
the two species be readily distinguished, as shown by figures (Photos 5-7) in the Report. Pupae of the
moth were not located but the cryptically-selected sites for larvae intending to pupate (folded living
leaves, loose cocoons stitched with silk) are very rarely located and would have taken many more
hours of searching. Moreover, pupae may not have been present at the same time of the year when
young larvae were observed, and the loose cocoons are extremely difficult to locate.
The surveying personnel are to be complemented for their efforts and successes in finding such rare
species and previously unknown breeding sites for the moth. As recommended elsewhere in this
Review, the area may prove to be extremely important as an intact remnant of the original ‘Big Scrub’
rainforests and there is a priority need to ensure the tenure and ecosystems on such environmentallyvaluable land is secured by State or Commonwealth as a protected, conservation reserve.
Species Profile. Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle [Nurus atlas (Castelnau), Coleoptera:
Carabidae]
Background. The identity of this beetle has been established for many years (Castelnau 1867) but
very little information on the distribution, biology or ecology of this beetle has been available until
recently (GB Monteith pers. comm., L. Popple in this Project). The beetle was named at a time when
large areas of the ‘big scrub’, the habitat for the beetle in north-eastern NSW, remained intact.
Description, distribution and an illustration of this beetle can be found on the website of “Atlas of Living
Australia”. The beetle is shown to occur at widely-separated sites in eastern Australia, in central and
northern NSW and at one in far northern Queensland. The species is said to be “Endangered” and
threats are said to be “Risks of collection (of specimens) and disturbance” (Atlas of Living Australia).
The lack of ecological information on the ecology of this beetle makes the tasks of threat abatement
and recovery for the species very difficult.
Methods. The Reviewer can add little useful information to recommendations or additional survey
methods. The contributions made to date by authors of the surveys indicate the need for supporting
future research on the beetle, and development of a recovery plan for the beetle – an essential
outcome and internationally-recognised step (and in NSW) following from the listing of threatened
species.
Methods described for searching for adults and burrows of the beetle have proven to be effective, and
the resulting recovery of an adult beetle of the target species, in a locality not previously known, is an
indication of effectiveness of implementation of the methods used. The photographs of the beetle are
diagnostic and the identity of a specimen was confirmed by an expert based at the Queensland
Museum. Location of the burrow and identity of plant with roots used for shelters as well as soil types
may be important for defining type of habitat. The photographs of slope and other ecological
information could be diagnostic for the beetle’s habitat and recovery of a specimen indicates the
surveys have been most effective. The dates selected for surveys, the methods of searching and
times spent searching added to effective location of this species on the survey site.
Is the beetle nocturnal? The reviewer would be interested to know if the photograph of the living adult
was taken during daylight hours or at night; information useful to guide future surveys, whether by day
or at night, for this extremely rare beetle. In view of the paucity of biological and ecological information
available for the Atlas Ground beetle, those conducting the surveys are to be congratulated for finding
adults and burrows, and to making a contribution to the ecological knowledge and the distribution of
this endangered species.
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5. Threatened Invertebrates Management Plan
The Monitoring Programme (7)
Objectives: To provide reliable information for management of the Southern Pink Underwing Moth and
Atlas Ground Beetle at the study sites, by monitoring invertebrate habitats, locations of threatened
insect populations and rehabilitation sites adjacent to the alignment, and to document effectiveness of
mitigation measures.
Schedule: Program to be conducted for three years post construction subject and to revision if new
locations are found after the final survey.
Reviewers comments: All objectives and the schedule as interpreted above are
appropriate. Monitoring might be extended by up to 500m from the edge of
disturbance, to assess (and measure) the selection of habitats by the species and
tolerance of their populations to edge effects disturbances.
Comments in sections and topics below are provided against dot points.
Southern Pink Underwing Moth (7.2)
Habitat condition assessment (7.2.1).
•
•
•
The criteria and scores are appropriate and will provide positive indicators of habitat condition
Recommendations: disturbance should not occur within 500m of breeding sites
Weed management needs to be maintained indefinitely.
Moth populations (7.2.2).
•
Methods to monitor immature moth stages and methods for locating the beetles are
appropriate and use of a positive control site will add to information on the effectiveness of
rehabilitation efforts
Moth activity at lights (7.2.3)
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lights attract attention and vandalism by public;
Lights disrupt flight behaviour of target moth, and activity of the target and non-target
nocturnal organisms.
Any lights are likely to disrupt normal adult moth activity and are not particularly attractive to
species of Phyllodes moths.
Cameras are available to monitor nocturnal animals but none would provide certainty of
identity for the target moth (at least 15 large non-target moth species occur in the area)
Fruit baited traps can be designed and used effectively for the Southern Pink Underwing Moth.
Trapped moths can be marked, released & recaptured to indicate habitat use and meaningful
population estimates.
Eggs and larvae are always the best means of monitoring local numbers as the stages are not
mobile and numbers observed are independent of non-breeding ‘visitors’
Host plant (Carronia multisepalea) populations (7.2.4)
(1) Propagules may be difficult to strike from cuttings – which sex of plant will be used? Good luck
with developing effective methods for propagation – they are needed for a future ‘recovery
plan’.
(2) Methods for monitoring growth seem reasonable but what about watering regimes?
(3) Growth rates and use by herbivores is valuable information for monitoring, 6-month intervals
useful but choose season and month
(4) Doubtful result. Flowering (and seed production) on propagules would be unlikely to occur
within 5 years unless sites are well-sunlit, and if so, unsuitable for use by moth as food plant.
Add to parameters “health/mortality” of propagules
(5) Annual schedules and monitoring frequency. Good parameters proposed.
(6) Is tissue culture for production of vine propagules feasible or has it been considered?
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Performance indicators (7.2.5)
•
•
Control sites need to extend >50 m from construction corridor to avoid light interference and
false negatives
Welcome mention of property acquisition – what category will the tenure become, NPs?
Offset and revegetation sites (7.2.6)
•
•
Effectiveness will depend on distance from disturbance (light, air movement etc)
Large Lepidoptera (Moths, birdwings) are very sensitive to air movements of > 5 km/h and
their flight behaviour (from lights and air movement) need to be considered.
Atlas rainforest Ground Beetle (7.3)
Habitat condition assessment. Criteria used for finding habitats for the moth can be applied equally to
the beetle. Localised adjustments to searches can be made by focus on the burrowing sites as
habitats which differ from plant use by moths.
Monitoring beetle populations (7.3.1)
•
•
•
Sites monitored can be the same (as per BAAM methods) as for the moth with adjustments for
monitoring known “micro-habitats” (including burrows and rock shelters).
Off-site monitoring may provide an indication for (i) presence of other individuals, (ii)
information regarding behaviour and beetle prey, and (iii) how rehabilitation of micro-habitats
could be undertaken
Recommend nocturnal monitoring be included in the monitoring schedules
Performance indicators (7.3.2)
•
•
•
•
Beetles along the proposed corridor are unlikely to be observed unless night observations are
conducted, due to probable nocturnal foraging behaviour
Such surveys are unlikely to indicate real impacts of construction activities
Indicators are needed to predict how many beetle borrows are likely to occur in the area to be
disturbed, based on known micro-habitats for the beetle
Populations changes are difficult to determine for any insects and may not be a useful
indicator of insect “health”. Presence/absence and burrows being used might be useful
monitoring parameters.
Rehabilitation of areas and host plants (7.4).
Food for adult Moths. Planting indigenous figs and other fruit bearing species will provide food for
both sexes of adults. as a long term strategy this will help provide fruit as food for other moths and
wildlife. Depending on species of Ficus, it is likely that local production of fruit would not be adequate
as an adult source in the shorter term (Ficus coronata may be the most rapid species to produce fruit.
Ficus watkinsiana is known to produce fruit attractive to the moth when damaged)
Performance measures and corrective actions (7.5)
Add to Corrective Action 1…, “Evidence of a decline in numbers of eggs and larvae…”, to reflect
changes occurring to the suitability of the breeding site whereas adult sightings or trapped may relate
only to individuals “passing through”..
Corrective Action 2. “options to improve habitat condition and connectivity” This objective might better
be identified soon so that a cost/benefit prediction against effectiveness can be made. The only
positive action is likely to be to – resume land for habitat restoration/enrichment and to ensure it has
indefinite protected tenure.
Second, a species can be considered a “rehabilitated species”, either from successful recovery
actions or from new information that leads to down-listing from the “threatened” categories.
Recommend: a Corrective Action 3 be included to “be informed the conservation status of the
threatened species by agencies every 2 years”, to ensure that rehabilitation efforts and ongoing management expenses are justified.
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Evaluation, project review and reporting (7.6)
Annual reports are essential. What will be the response if there are recommended activities
not forecast during the planning stage?
Responsibility (7.6.1)
Clear directions for evaluations
Timing (7.6.2)
Appropriate. If new ecological information becomes available it should be referred to
appropriate agencies or their staff (e.g. Museum staff, and as outlined 7.6.3).
Adaptive Management (7.6.3)
Reviewer: The criteria (e.g. 75% survival of tube stocks) would appear unreasonably optimistic
taking into account the little information on propagation currently available. Has anyone had
recent success in propagation of this vine?
Reviewer’s Comments:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Provision for variation in monitoring & assessments is needed as changes are recognised
during implementation, or alternatives proposed if methods prove to be ineffective
Sites selected need to take into consideration predatory ants
Methods to propagate need to be developed (for male and female vines)
Watering regimes are likely to be important (e.g. minimum of once per week in drought
periods)
Young plants grow very slowly in shaded areas
Edge effects likely to be considerable
Weeds likely are mostly exotic grasses, camphor laurel and lantana. Need to consider control
methods (removal/slash/herbicides/ early on.
It is unlikely that (i) moths will start using the planted vines within 5 years after planting and (ii)
that “ decreases in abundance* of threatened invertebrate populations and likely reasons…”
can be measured, or the reasons given, unless the moth discontinues using the undisturbed
section of the site. Presence/absence of breeding by the moth on particular plants is the key
cue for monitoring
Seasonal & parasitoid-induced fluctuations normally make counts and estimates for most
insect numbers very difficult or impossible, especially for mobile species such as the Southern
Pink Underwing Moths with meta-population structures.
Summary table and implementation schedule of management plan (Table 8-1).
Reviewer: This appears as a 3-year operational plan, can the planned duration for monitoring and
surveys be indicated?
Draft Threatened Invertebrates Management Plan - Agency Comments
(W2B)
Reviewer’s comments (relate to Version R01 of the Plan and Response. Comments are by item No.
and RO1 numbers). It is noted that the Responses relate to an up-dated plan. Generally the Agency
comments appear to be reasonable and only relevant comments are added below:
3. - considers all breeding sites with Caronia multisepalea (and Pararistolochia praevenosa)
would be classifiable as Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia.
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4. - doubts if translocation of immature stages will contribute towards local conservation of the
moth.
5. - would encourage propagation attempts for C. multisepalea as part of (suggested) rainforest
rehabilitation. Bear in mind that there are male and female vines that both need propagating.
6. See 4 above
7. Propose as additional need to predict the position of moth flight corridors to see if they will be
impacted by the roadworks or presence of the carriageway.
8. Light is known to disrupt behaviour of moths (and carabid beetles) over considerable
distances. Lights should be minimised near the habitats and potential watercourse corridors.
The Southern Pink Underwing Moth is weakly attracted to light but its ovipositional and mating
behaviour is likely to be disrupted.
9. A good proposal.
10. How about supporting development of a Recovery Plan for the moth by an incorporated
community group
101 - 104. No comment needed
EPA Comments (WB2)
The Reviewer considered the comments, up-dates and responses, with little further to add. Most EPA
concerns were considered appropriate but have been alleviated by changes in the boundaries as
shown in Responses. Monitoring should take into account the ‘meta-population’ of the moth where
each patch of food plant used as a breeding site may either be utilised, or avoided, year to year, or
season to season. As mentioned in the notes, large and sub-migratory Lepidoptera such as the Pink
Underwing Moth are prone to this movement between sites to avoid in-breeding depression, well
known for the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly.
Reviewer’s responses according to Section:
3.3.1
The low probability for impacts due to refinement of design applies here to Carronia
multisepalea. Does the same apply to the vine Pararistolochia praevenosa if it is present? It is
a food plant for the locally threatened Richmond Birdwing butterfly. Apart from being diurnal
and using a different food plant, the ecological interactions of the two insects – a moth and a
butterfly, are similar as are the habitats.
4.2.5
The moths are unlikely to utilise any plants translocated within the time frame for monitoring
unless mature plants survive and produce suckering growth or low shoots suitable for
attracting oviposition. Propagation, planting and translocating vines and maintaining them, is
an exercise for the “long haul” and plans need to be made for long-term watering,
management and protection. It is more important to consider the security and tenure of the
receiving (planted vines) land and adjoining habitats, to ensure all local habitats for moth and
food plant are zoned for indefinitely protection (e.g. Nature Refuges, proper;y managed
national parks.
6. Reviewers Dossiers.
An overview of ecosystems and insect habitats
(i) Southern Pink Underwing Moth
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The region proposed for road works contains remnants of natural ecosystems described and mapped
in documents provided for review. The region has a subtropical climate with a moderate to high
coastal rainfall that declines progressively towards the west to base of the Main Divide. To the south,
lowland subtropical rainforests once fringed the Clarence River and its tributaries, with its rich alluvial
soil areas extended northwards and forming flood plains surrounding the Richmond River. The natural
ecosystems support a very high diversity of plants, animals and their habitats, with many species
dependent on undisturbed plant communities surrounding intact water bodies and edging water
courses. This ecosystem, earlier referred to as the ‘Big Scrub’, once extended over 75,000 hectares,
but since the 1840s this rainforest area has been extensively cleared, leaving only remnants. Natural
wetlands have been equally disturbed by clearing, draining and grazing, resulting in losses of most
native grasslands and sedge lands, and displacement of native vegetation by exotic pasture grasses
and weeds. In the 1900s the lowland floodplain topography rendered much of the area amenable to
clearing following widespread timber extraction (predominantly for the Australian red cedar, Toona
australis). By the early 1990s, only 556 hectares (approximately) of rainforest remained (Lott and
Duggan 1993), with all of it seriously fragmented. By the end of the nineteenth century, many
rainforest plants and communities with associated indigenous animals, vertebrates and invertebrates,
had become displaced, extirpated or extinct, the destruction promoted by feral animals and introduced
weeds, including camphor laurel and lantana. The remnants of predominantly subtropical lowland
rainforest in now said to be protected (Federal EPBC Act).
Since the late 1990s, the integrity of the subtropical rainforests and wetlands has suffered from
clearing, drainage and the displacement of native flora by exotic weeds. Earthworks, roadworks, blue
metal extraction, clearing for powerlines and deliberately-lit fires (particularly increased frequency,
scale, season), added to impacts on invertebrate biodiversity, particularly in the remnant riparian
zones and wetlands. Diversified cropping, including subtropical fruit, avocado and macadamia nuts,
have recently increased pressures on the health of stream flows, and from chemical and bacterial
pollution extending from urbanization.
Wildlife endemicity of the region. The remnant rainforest patches are widely recognized as important
for sustaining biodiversity, and they support significant numbers of rare and threatened plants and
small animals. The regional ecosystems targeted during the surveys are known to be shared by a
range of threatened vertebrate animals and birds (e.g. Coxen’s Fig Parrot) and threatened insects
(e.g. Pink Underwing Moth), animals that occupy ecosystems currently recognized as Endangered by
Federal and State Agencies. These habitats for threatened species, particularly rain forested areas,
are often small in area but they continue to be disturbed by invasions by feral animals and subtropical
weeds, particularly wild pigs and dogs, lantana, exotic grasses, and edge effects.
The subtropical invertebrates of eastern Australia are unique and as much so as those of the northern
Wet Tropics. Losses of patches of subtropical habitats have had a serious impact on the diversity of
invertebrates as they have “no-where to go” and do not have the mobility to escape from habitats
when they are disturbed. Many locally endemic insects, some referred to in these reports, have
declined in abundance and become extremely rare, others are recognised as threatened (with
extinction) or have become extinct. Most invertebrates (making up 99% of animals), many species
now considered threatened, have co-evolved with particular plant species or other animals and are
adapted to one or few ecosystem types. The majority of invertebrates have evolved as part of the
Australian ecosystems over much longer periods than vertebrates, especially those with important
interactions (e.g. specific pollinators, dung beetles, dragonflies) with other animals and plants.
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Threatened species. Australian threatened phytophagous insects are often restricted to feed on
particular plants in specific plant communities, where climate is compatible with specific biological
processes including mate-finding, reproduction and immature development. In this category are
species surveyed including the Southern Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialis smithersi), the
Australian (= “Laced”) Fritillary (Argyreus hyperbius inconstans), and the Richmond Birdwing butterfly
(Ornithoptera richmondia). Not uncommonly, specific densities of one species of plant, with a
particular phenotypic expression, are essential for survival. Such insects usually occur only where
adapted to ecosystems with specific “climatic envelopes” where they are susceptible to extirpations
and extinctions from: (i) loss or disturbance of specific habitat, (ii) lack of corridors enabling escape
and re-colonisation, (iii) lack of mobility or opportunity when disturbed, (iv) seasonal susceptibility of
quiescent stages to disturbance, and (v) isolation of colonies from loss of connectivity leading to inbreeding depression. Food plants may survive disturbance but their phenotypic expression, age
structure and exposure to light may change and also make them unsuitable as food plants. The
threatened insects surveyed in this study are susceptible to one or more of these threats. In relation to
the Australian Fritillary, It is likely that fragmentation of habitats, severance of flight corridors and inbreeding may have been one of the major causes of declines in distribution and extirpations that have
led to it being now recognised as a seriously endangered butterfly.
In addition to threatened status of the Southern Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialis smithersi),
the Richmond Birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia) both are considered by the community and
agencies as ‘iconic species’, with spectacular appearances carrying the message of ‘conservation
needs’ for invertebrates and when selecting threatened species for listing by agencies (Clark GM and
Spier-Ashcroft F, 2003).
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Biology and population structure
Little is known about population structure of the Southern Pink Underwing Moth, particularly in NSW,
but from recent studies on the Blackall Ranges, Queensland, meta-populations of the breeding sites
are in place, made up of mosaics of heavily shaded old growth rainforest plant communities containing
the food plant for larvae, Carronia multisepalea. The moth has been seen (using night vision glasses)
to move from one individual plant to another when selecting plants for oviposition, only utilising the
suitable shaded foliage on low shoots or from root suckers, and avoiding the older stems and higher
(>2m) parts of the host vine that ascend into the canopy. Meta-populations composed of patches of
suitable food plants and immature stages of the moth are distributed over large areas and their
distribution may be important in sustaining survival in the region. The migratory behaviour between
widely-spaced plants selected for egg deposition, is likely to be a strategy used to avoid in-breeding
(unpublished), similar to the Richmond Birdwing butterfly where in-breeding depression is well known
to occur when populations become fragmented and genetically isolated (Orr 1994). The moths are
thought to have cryptic mating cues and specific mating sites but they have not been observed mating
in the wild. For movement between habitats and breeding sites moths have been seen (using night
glasses) moving through moist rainforest gullies, surrounding flowing streams. This is likely to be the
only way movement between breeding sites, covering large areas in search of food plants, can occur
without heavy losses to predation. Adults of the southern pink underwing moth are very rarely seen
but on occasions they have been observed feeding on damaged or over-ripe fruit of various types in
forests and occasionally in orchards. In the wild, adults have been observed feeding on soft, over-ripe
fruit of wild figs, lillipillies, and one or two other native fruit. They do not damage fruit, or feed on fallen
fruit, but will feed on the juices after some damage has already been done to ripe fruit by other insects
or birds.
Adult moths are not readily attracted to light and light traps have not proven to be successful for
trapping these moths. Light traps targeting this moth are therefore not reliable for identifying habitats,
adult abundance or flight corridors and the effects of light (when using night vision glasses) appear to
disrupt flight and moths will often turn away from light sources. Light traps also frequently attract
unwanted attention from passers by and have suffered from vandals. For monitoring presence and
absence, both sexes of adult moths can be collected from fruit-baited traps. However, fruit-baited
traps also attract many non-target species and the method is not encouraged unless the trap contents
can be attended to on a daily basis.
In Queensland, very few rainforest sites with the vine C. multisepalea have been found to carry
populations of larvae of the moth and there is strong evidence for “meta-populations” where different
patches of vines are used each season. The nocturnal feeding of adult Southern Pink Underwing
Moth (only on damaged/over-ripe fruit) and flight between breeding habitats occurs at similar times to
more abundant species (e.g. Eudocima fullonia, a fruit piercing and at times, a pest species) but the
Southern Pink Underwing Moth probably uses deep forested gullies for dispersal adults and mate
searching, whereas E. fullonia will use a range of open as well as forested habitats. With adequate
food a female moth (in captivity) lives for up to 30 days and deposit up to 300 eggs, depositing up to
30 (usually 12-15) eggs at each site over several evenings before moving on in search of other
suitable sites. The results of surveys indicated food plant vines were present at times when moth
stages were absent. The numbers of larvae observed on each sampling occasion, and number of
similar instars, suggest that they were likely progeny from one or two females. This would be expected
as very few vines in an otherwise suitable ecosystem carry immature stages, due to absence of low
soft growth of the vine needed as food by larvae, inadequate shade effects or presence of insect
predators that would attack the eggs and larvae (e.g. ants). These factors contribute to the patchy
and scarce distribution of the moth even when the food plant appears adequate in densities and with
needed phenotypic expression of the needed foliage.
Dependence of moth on food plants and ecosystems.
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When assessing the conservation status for insects, recognized threats and threat abatement
strategies for insects and their particular ecosystems. Species of insects investigated in this study are
endemic, and found only in subtropical eastern Australia. Those classified as “Endangered” or other
threat categories have lost large areas of habitats from human disturbance and survive as species
only in fragments of suitable habitats. Losses of small remnants or disturbance, added to ‘edge
effects’, could easily lead to total extinctions. In this category the wetland-adapted species
investigated, the wetland “laced” Fritillary, the rainforest-adapted Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle,
Nurus atlas and Southern Pink Underwing moth, Philodes imperialis smithersi, are threatened by loss
of habitats and any disturbance of the habitats in northern New South Wales. The large beetle is
extremely rare and is only known from a few fragmented localities in Northern New South Wales that
have survived since the clearing of ‘Big Scrub’ rainforests. This predatory Atlas Rainforest Ground
Beetle (Nurus atlas), is not known to occur in south-eastern Queensland and is thought to be
restricted to the very small ‘climatic envelopes’ of north-eastern NSW with one habitat pocket in far
northern Queensland. It belongs to a group of beneficial group of well-known invertebrates and many
important as predators of pests (e.g. armyworms) in cropping systems.
The Southern Pink Underwing moth, Philodes imperialis smithersi is likewise threatened by loss and
disturbance of its rainforest habitats, and although it occurs in south-eastern Queensland, the moths
only rarely breed in suitable “old growth” forests in heavily shaded areas where the larvae feed only on
the very soft, low-growing foliage of the rare vine, Carronia multisepalea. Presence of soft leaves
(measurable by leaf toughness devices) is critical for survival of young larvae of the moth. The moth
usually breeds in steep gorges or where the canopy is closed to avoid desiccation from wind and
exposure to bright sunlight. The moth is not known to breed within ca 50 m of open areas or near
exposed road reserves (e.g. near Maleny, in SE Queensland), even when the food plant vine appears
suitable for larvae. The moth is seasonal in the times of appearance of its larvae and adults and all
stages, particularly the young larvae are very susceptible to periods of prolonged drought which also
affects the quality of leaves of the food plant vine, C. multisepalea.
Direct disturbance, particularly weed invasions and nearby disturbances such as reduction in light
entering canopies, and changed wind currents affecting host recognition, can influence the ability of
the threatened moth and most populations in Queensland occur in national parks. When wellmanaged for weeds and without disturbance, National Parks are considered as areas set aside to
protect the whole ecosystems for the moths, and to provide undisturbed refuges and habitats for other
indigenous fauna and flora.
Food plant – insect interactions.
One species of rainforest vine (Carronia multisepalea, Menispermaceae) is known to be a food plant
for larvae of the Southern Pink Underwing Moth. Unlike the northern subspecies (ssp. meyricki Olliff)
where larvae feed on more than one species of vine, larvae of Southern subspecies (ssp. smithersi)
feed on one vine species when growing in heavily shaded areas. The vine occurs only in southeastern subtropical and sub-coastal rainforest ecosystems from Kin Kin Creek and the Mary River
near Gympie, Queensland (Qld), south to the Bellinger River in New South Wales (NSW). The
endemic vine is not considered to be of conservation concern in either State but it is regarded by
botanists as rare in Queensland and few localities are known for the vine in NSW. Often overlooked,
this species of vine bears male and female flowers on separate plants. Its pollinators have not been
identified but may possibly be a rainforest species of ant that has been seen visiting the flowers. The
reproduction and recruitment of this species of vine is therefore dependent on presence of both sexes
of vine occurring within the range of the pollinators, a possible conservation issue for the abundance
and recruitment of the vine if any of its habitats are disturbed. Such impacts on the specific food plant
would have flow-on effects on the survival and abundance of the moth.
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Both sexes of adult Southern Pink Underwing Moths feed on the juices from overripe and damaged
(by other agents) fruit from range of species of plants. They have been seen mainly on over-ripe fruit
of figs (e.g. Ficus watkinsiana, F. macrophylla, Syzygium spp.) where they imbibe juices containing
sugars needed to sustain their longevity. Moths fed in captivity on over-ripe bananas have lived for 30
days and the females require regular food to develop their reproductive systems (Sands unpublished
and in press). Many other fruit (damaged or over-ripe) will in time be found attractive to adult moths.
Much more information is available from studies on the northern subspecies, Phyllodes imperialis
meyricci, from near Cairns and in Papua New Guinea, where its feeding behaviour is similar to that of
the southern subspecies.
Vine forms selected by the moth. The vine (C. multisepalea) is only utilised as a food plant for the
Southern Pink Underwing Moth when it is growing in deep shade and when soft, low emergent growth
is emerging either from the vine stems or from ground level from the rhizomes. Moths prefer to
oviposit on heavily shaded growth up to 1 m from ground level, or rarely soft horizontal shoots to about
1.5 m. This soft growth occurs usually following periods of rain and female moths will not oviposit on
the leaves unless the soft growth is present. Immature stages of the moth have never been observed
on vines growing in unshaded areas, near fence lines where larvae are disturbed by airflows from
frequent traffic or on the vines when ascending into the canopy. The larvae are believed to be very
susceptible to ultra violet light and on one occasion, larvae exposed briefly to sunlight died after
attempting to find shade.
The Southern Pink Underwing Moth is believed to be very susceptible to disturbance of vegetation and
weeds invasions, in and surrounding breeding habitats, due to its selection of shaded vegetation with
low vine growth to maximise larval camouflage and survival from predators.
(ii) Ecological profile of the moth’s food plant Carronia multisepalea.
Identity. The identity, distribution and distinguishing characteristics of this dioecious vine were recently
summarised in Harden et al. (2007). Carronia multisepalea is one of 7-8 species in the family
Menispermaceae occurring in northeastern NSW. In Queensland, the vine is considered uncommon
(Leiper et al., 2008) or rare (P. Grimshaw pers. comm.) and where Carronia multisepalea often shares
its habitat (see RE’s below) with two other rainforest vines, Melodorum leichhardtii and Pararistolochia
praevenosa, the latter the principal food plant for another insect of conservation concern, the
Richmond Birdwing Butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia). Both moth (P. i. smithersi) and butterfly (O.
richmondia) share similar habitats and are endemic to subtropical, eastern Australia.
Distribution. Carronia multisepalea is restricted to patches of lowland subtropical rainforests (to 600m),
sub-coastally from Kin Kin, Queensland (Qld) to the Bellinger River, NSW, and inland from Conondale
ranges, Qld to Dorrigo. Other species of Carronia occur in northern Queensland and New Guinea but
C. multisepalea does not occur north of Gympie, Queensland. The vine usually grows on rich, welldrained basaltic soils, less commonly on other volcanic soils and nutrient-rich alluvial soils, where it
favours slopes or steep creek embankments with high water tables. The vines produces long,
tapering stems with the young, growing tip often without leaves. The roots form rhizomes from which
stems often arise meters from the parent rot stocks. The vine is essentially a component of “old
growth” rainforests where it ascends to 10m or more into canopies and where most flowers and seeds
are produced.
Vine ecology & insect interactions. Little is published on the ecology of the vine. Male and female
flowers are produced on separate vines but seeds are not often formed and uncommonly rarely seen.
Most low growth (< 2m, as required by larvae of P. imperialis smithersi) is produced from underground
rhizomes or shoots (often erect to1m from parent stems). Pollinators are not known but ants are active
on flowers and some native bees are suspected to be the pollinating agents. As is common with other
Menispermaceae (e.g. Blanchfield et al. 1993, Hungerford et al. 1998), the vine may contain
biologically active compounds that are consumed and concentrated by moth larvae when feeding on
leaves, and when compound are accumulated in the tissues, used to repel predators. Larvae of most
moths recorded feeding on C. multisepalea belong to the family Erebidae (Calpinae: tribe Phyllodini)
(formerly Noctuidae: Catocalinae) and they have developed defensive strategies including camouflage
(e.g. as P. i. smithersi, image in Zborowski and Edwards, 2007; Calyptra spp.,), warning colours (P. i.
smithersi, Eudocima spp.) or toxicity.
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Architecture of vines. Mature vines of Caronia multisepalea are usually spindly and tall when growing
in shade (usual growth form seen) but the vine may form spreading canopies over other plants when
exposed to sunlight (especially following tree falls) or on exposed slopes of basaltic boulders. The
high growth and spreading vines in canopies are not used by larvae of the Southern Pink Underwing
Moth but are used by other large moth larvae, producubg similar feeding scars. Flowers of C.
multisepalea are rarely seen unless low forms are present. In sub-coastal south-eastern Queensland
most flowering has been observed from mid late September. The seedlings grow slowly in shade but
growth is rapid after rain in open areas not used by the moth larvae. The vines used for breeding by
the moth are therefore scattered and occur in localised shaded patches.
Cultivation of Carronia multisepalea. The vine has been grown from cuttings and seeds but the
success of germination and root growth from cuttings has been slow, and the propagation methods
are not easily defined when compared to the propagation of the rainforest vine, Pararistolochia
praevenosa, used in other rainforest insect conservation projects (Sands and Grimshaw (2013).
Sands in 1992 propagated severl vines from cuttings using a root hormone but the “take” (production
of roots) was very low and the plants did not thrive after they had reached about 30 cms (at Chapel
Hill, Qld). Attempts to propagate numbers of C. multisepalea by Barung Nursery at Maleny, Qld as
part of a community recovery effort for P. i. smithersi met with delays in production of sufficient vines
for distribution. However, Dorrigo Environment Watch Inc. Dorrigo, NSW, have grown a few plants of
C. multisepalea from cuttings. At least 2 vines have continued to grow and one is currently thriving
(Trevor & Carol Deane pers. comm.). The vine is unlikely to be amenable to translocation of
rootstocks due to its extensive and branching sub-surface nature. Care needs to be taken when
handling cutting materials due to the possible presence of biologically active compounds known to be
present in other species of Menispermaceae (Blanchfield 1994). The Reviewer notes that
translocation of the vine is no longer proposed (Response to Agency Comments W2B).
Rehabilitation of breeding sites for Phyllodes imperialis smithersi.
Unlike the relative ease for propagating and planting out the lowland birdwing butterfly vines
(Pararistolochia praevenosa), to attract butterflies to breed, the moth’s narrow environmental (plants,
climate, landforms) envelope will make the rehabilitation of breeding habitats difficult and prolonged. It
would appear that planting the vine Carronia multisepalea in places suitable for oviposition, would
require: (i) heavy shading, (ii) nearby (? distance) watercourses for searching adults, (iii) permanent
moisture, (iv) nearby plants suitable for the vine substrates, and (v) selection of sites where plants
associated with the vine (e.g. almost same as for P. praevenosa) are already present.
(iii) Atlas Ground Beetle.
The identity and distribution of this beetle has been summarised on the website Atlas of Living
Australia. The distribution of the beetle is wider that that of the Southern Pink Underwing Moth with
records from Atherton tablelands and central NSW. Little is known about the ecology of this beetle but
new information has come from the surveys by BAAM. These surveys would indicate that burrows
need some overhang, protection (e.g. overhanging log) or embankment, and the Reviewer considers
soil type (e.g. basaltic soils) may be important, based on information available for other large ground
beetles. The type of rainforest ecosystems and particular plants may also be important. It may be
possible to develop micro-habitats in areas rehabilitated. Use of night vision glasses in surveys could
contribute to information about nocturnal activity away from burrows, prey, ground shelters and any
particular plants used for making burrows (other than While Cedar).
6. Feasibility for developing a Management / Recovery Plan for the Southern Pink Underwing
Moth (Phyllodes imperialis smithersi)
Preamble. In New South Wales, listing an animal as ‘threatened’ is recognized by agencies as a
catalyst for development of a Recovery Plan. In some other States a Management Plan is though to
be adequate to address threatening processes. However, in several states recovery and management
plans have not been developed for the majority of listed species. . ‘Listing’ is not seen as an adequate
step to protect a species unless actions to recover the species are identified. The objectives for any
Recovery Plan is to address threats, to prevent declines in numbers and in numbers of populations,
and to ultimately aim at down-listing the species (or subspecies), provided management for the
species includes on-going management of threats (see Sands 1999, Sands and New 2002).
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Threats. Very little is know about the ecology of the Southern Pink Underwing Moth (P. imperialis
smithersi) but its habitats are known to be lowland subtropical rainforest of Australia (NS and Qld)
where it is dependent on one species of vine, Carronia multisepalea. Some threats (e.g. habitat loss,
loss of food plant, weed invasion) are easily identified to for the basis of a recovery plan but how to
address these threats requires planning and expert guidance. Most ecosystems that support the Pink
Underwing Moth have been threatened by human disturbance and by weeds (camphor laurel, lantana)
displacing the plant communities and several grasses (green panic, molasses grass) after invading the
understory, threaten habitats by increases in flammability. A serious threat, the insecurity of tenure of
habitats (including national parks) may threaten remnants of all indigenous biodiversity in Australia.
A Proposed feasibility study. At a workshop hosted by CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences (Canberra, 6-7
July 2013) several insects of conservation concern were discussed. The Southern Pink Underwing
Moth was seen as one species to benefit from habitat management and likely to gain the interest of
community groups in northern NSW as a ‘Flagship species’. With these species, agencies and the
community can contribute to recovery, similar to the contributions to the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly
Conservation Project (e.g www.richmondbirdwing.org.au), a species that occupies similar habitats. As
it is known the southern limit for the moth is Dorrigo-Bellinger River, members of the Dorrigo
Environment Watch Inc., attending the Canberra Workshop expressed interest in commencing a
feasibility study for recovering the moth. Since then in conjunction with their plant nursery, they have
been seeking ways to support the first activity - how to cultivate the moth’s food plant, Carronia
multisepalea. Members have already had success in striking cuttings and have one or two vines
producing growth after they have been planting out.
Members of Dorrigo Environment Watch (DEW) have invited three people as an Advisory Team to
assist with developing a ‘feasibility study’ on the moth: Drs David Britton (Australian Museum,
Sydney), Michael Braby (Northern Territory Govt.) and Don Sands (CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences,
Brisbane). Objectives of the DEW ‘feasibility study’ are to: (i) develop methods to propagate C.
multisepalea, (ii) expand community awareness for the plight of the moth in the region (with workshop
/ talks), (iii) commence mapping of moth habitats and C. multisepalea (north from Bellinger River,
NSW), and (iv) integrate information on the moth from further north in its range (including Queensland)
to guide production of a recovery plan.
Opportunities to support the DEW ‘feasibility study’
For threatened insect species “offsets” have sometimes been put in place to stabilise declining
species populations and gain the recognition and support by members of the community. In their
feasibility study, DEW will require funds to develop and evaluate their propagation facility and
materials (e.g. root hormones, shade cloth, potting mixes, stakes), to run community workshops, to
cover travel costs for preliminary mapping etc. I warmly recommend that the Main Roads Authority
consider support that could enable Dorrigo Environment Watch to begin these activities and I am
happy to help facilitate contacts between the two groups.
Publicity. In the local media several years ago, media publicity was given when habitats of the
endangered Bathurst Copper Butterfly (Paralucia spinifera) were threatened by roadworks near
Bathurst, NSW. This related to efforts by the Authority to avoid and then re-locate food plants from the
path road widening. The work was recognised by the community as unusually considerate and it has
been followed by several local conservation activities sponsored by the Bathurst Council (including
publicity by the Lord Mayor, Bathurst).
There is an opportunity for the NSW Main Roads to publicise their efforts to consider impacts on
threatened insects and the successes by the contracted surveyors (BAAM) towards locating
threatened insect species. Local communities need to be made aware of the importance of protecting
threatened species and their habitats (not only koalas!), and how generic threat abatement and off-set
strategies can be sought to address potential threats from the range of human environmental
disturbances.
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7. References
Blanchfield JT, Kitching W, Sands DPA, Thong Y.H, Kennard, C.H.L. and Byriel, K.A. (1993). Alkaloids
from Australian Stephania (Menispermaceae) species. Natural Products Letters 3: 305-312.
EPBC Federal Act (1999). Environmental Protection and Conservation Act. Australian Department of
Environment and Heritage, Canberra, Australia.
Harden GJ, McDonald WJF, Williams JB (2007). Rainforest climbing plants. A field guide to their
identification. Gwen Harden Publishing, Nambucca Heads, New South Wales.
Hungerford, N.L., Sands, D.P.A. and Kitching, W. (1998). Isolation and structure of some constituents of
the Australian medicinal plant, Tinospora smilacina (“snakevine”). Australian Journal of Chemistry 51:
1103-1111.
Leiper G, Glazebrook J, Cox D, Rathie K. (2009 ). Mangroves to Mountains (revised edition). A Field
Guide to the Native Plants of South-east Queensland. Society for Growing Australian Native Plants Inc.
(Qld Region), Browns Plains, Queensland.
Orr AG (1994) Inbreeding depression in Australian butterflies: Some implications for conservation.
Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 36: 179-184
Lott R. H, Duggin J. A. (1993) Conservation significance and long-term viability of subtropical
rainforest remnants of the Big Scrub, north eastern New South Wales. New South Wales Department
of Planning, Sydney.
Sands D, Grimshaw P (2013) Cultivation of the birdwing butterfly vine Pararistolochia praevenosa
(Aristolochiaceae). Fact Sheet, Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network & Wildlife Preservation
Society of Queensland, Brisbane
Sands DPA, New TR (2002). The Action Plan for Australian Butterflies. Environment Australia,
Canberra.
Sands DPA, Scott SE, Moffatt R (1997) The threatened Richmond birdwing butterfly Ornithoptera
richmondia [Gray]: a community conservation project. Memoirs of the Museum of Victoria 56: 449-453
Sands DPA (2008) Conserving the Richmond birdwing butterfly over two decades: Where to next?
Ecological Management & Restoration 9: 4-16
Sands DPA (2012) Review of Australian Phyllodes imperialis Druce (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) with
description of a new subspecies from subtropical Australia. Australian Entomologist 39: 281-292
Clark GM and Spier-Ashcroft F (2003). A review of the conservation status of selected Australian nonmarine invertebrates. Species synopsis (4). Environment Australia, Canberra.
Zborowski, P. and Edwards, E.D. 2007. A Guide to Australian moths.
CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne; 214 pp.
……………………………………………..
Curriculum Vitae: Dr Donald Sands
Don Sands is an insect taxonomist and ecologist, having specialised in the identities and interactions
of predators and parasitoids with their hosts, and how to ensure safety of biological control agents
when introduced from overseas in biological control programs. Don’s studies sought to distinguish and
select those species likely to be efficient for controlling their hosts (plants and insects) from those with
benign impacts. His research on insect interactions led more recently to focus on insect conservation
issues, particularly beneficial insects in farming systems, as well as ‘flagship species’ - those
charismatic species that can be used as icons for the community, and to involve members in the
conservation and rehabilitation of threatened species.
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Don joined CSIRO Division of Entomology in Sydney in 1967 to study the biological control of fruit flies
and scale insects and in 1972 he transferred to Papua New Guinea to work on agricultural pests, rejoining CSIRO in Port Moresby in 1973 to work on ecology and control of the Old World Screw Worm
Fly. In 1978 he returned to Brisbane to work on biological control of the weeds and subtropical pests
of horticulture (including fruit-piercing moth Eudocima spp.). He applied taxonomic principals to
correctly identify and biological control agents in the insect orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and
Hymenoptera. He developed collaboration with several overseas projects and was involved in the
successful biological control of 5 major international weed species and of 6 insect pests. He published
more than 120 scientific papers and five books. As a Post-retirement Fellow he wrote two major
works, Biological Control of Arthropods in Australia (with Dr DF Waterhouse, ACIAR) and The Action
Plan for Australian Butterflies (with Prof. TR New), the latter to review the conservation status of all
Australian butterflies.
Don’s conservation research and concerns began in the 1990s (e.g. Richmond birdwing butterfly,
Ornithoptera richmondia) ands was followed by a research project on the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing
Butterfy (Ornithoptera alexandrae), a large and spectacular threatened species of international
concern. His studies with CSIRO on fruit piercing moths led to the discovery in 1987 of spectacular,
non-destructive related Southern Pink Underwing Moth, subsequently recognised as endangered
species (Federal, NSW). Most recently Don published the description of this moth and provided a
name for this new and unnamed sub-species. This moth, the Southern Pink Underwing Moth
(Phyllodes imperialis smithersi), is becoming an icon for insect conservation, and is threatened by its
dependence on only one endemic vine as a food plant, occurring in threatened fragments of the
subtropical rainforests of eastern Australia.
Academic qualifications:
MSc (1976), PhD (1982); Associate Australian Institute of Medical Science (1965).
Employment & postings:
1967-1972
CSIRO Division of Entomology, Sydney, NSW
1972-1973
Department of Agriculture, Stock and Fisheries, Lae, Papua New Guinea
1973-1978
CSIRO, Division of Entomology, Port Moresby. Papua New Guinea
1978-1997
CSIRO Division of Entomology, Brisbane:
Experimental Officer 1978-1983,
Senior Research Scientist 1983-1985,
Principal Research Scientist 1985-1994,
Senior Principal Research Scientist 1994-1997; Officer-in-Charge Brisbane 1992 –
1995, Deputy Program Leader 1995 - 1997
1998 -
Post-retired Fellow, Honorary Research Fellow; CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences
Awards
1985. UNESCO Science Prize (with CSIRO colleagues). The specific contribution by Sands was
identified as "… discovery by Sands of a weevil previously unknown to science;..."
1988. AIDAB Award for Excellence in Overseas Development Assistance (shared with colleagues).
1990. EUREKA POL Prize (with colleagues). For Environmental Research, hosted by the Australian
Museum, Sydney, for “Scientific excellence in research leading to the resolution of an
environmental problem”.
1990.
ROLEX AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE, Honourable Mention (with colleagues)
1990. CSIRO National Incentive Scheme, for work done in National Interest. Awarded for contributions
towards biological control of scale insects.
2001. Medal of the Order of Australia. For service to the horticultural industry in Australia and the
Pacific region through the development of biological pest control solutions, and to entomology
particularly through conservation projects.
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2010 Australian Natural History Medallion. Nomination by the Australian Entomological Society.
Sands references relating to conservation of insects
Sands D.P.A (1962) Papilio priamus richmondius. Communication Entomological Section of
the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales 13: 21.
Sands, D.P.A. (1996).
Queensland 33: 7-9.
Birdwing blues.
Wildlife Australia.
Wildlife Preservation Society of
New, T.R. and Sands, D.P.A. (1996). Progress in butterfly conservation in Australia. Pp. 116-127
in Decline and conservation of butterflies in Japan III. Proceedings International Symposium on Butterfly
Conservation, Osaka, Japan 1994.
Sands, D.P.A. (1997) Richmond birdwing. Nature Australia, Summer 1996-97. Pp. 24 - 29,
Australian Museum, Sydney.
Sands, D.P.A., Scott, S.E. and Moffatt, R. (1997) The threatened Richmond birdwing butterfly
(Ornithoptera richmondia [Gray]): a community conservation project. Memoirs of the Museum of Victoria
56: 449-453.
Sands, D.P.A. (1997). Alexfloydia repens Simon: a food plant for Ocybadistes knightorum
Lambkin and Donaldson (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) and their conservation significance. The Australian
Entomologist 24: 117-118.
Sands, D.P.A. (1999). Conservation status of Lepidoptera: assessment, threatening
processes and recovery actions. Pp. 382-387 in (eds Ponder W. and Lunney, D), The Other 99%.
The Conservation and Biodiversity of Invertebrates. Transactions of the Royal Zoological Society of
New South Wales, Mosman.
Sands, D.P.A. (1999). Conservation and recovery of the Richmond birdwing butterfly,
Ornithoptera richmondia and its lowland food plant, Pararistolochia praevenosa. Pp 124-132, in
(Boyes, B.R. ed.), Rainforest Recovery for the New Millenium. Proceedings of the World Wide Fund
For Nature 1998 South-East Rainforest Recovery Conference. WWF, Sydney.
New T.R. and Sands. D.P.A (2002) Narrow-range endemicity and conservation status:
interpretations for Australian butterflies. Invertebrate Systematics 16: 665-670.
New, TR. AND Sands, D.P.A.. (2002). Conservation concerns for butterflies in urban areas of
Australia. Journal of Insect Conservation 6: 207-215.
Sands, D.P.A. AND Scott, S. (eds). (2002). Conservation of birdwing butterflies. SciComEd,
and THECA, Brisbane. 48 pp.
New, T.R. AND Sands, D.P.A. (2002) Narrow-range endemicity and conservation status:
interpretations for Australian butterflies. Invertebrate Systematics 16: 665-670.
Sands, D.P.A. and New, T.R. (2002) The Action Plan for Australian Butterflies. Environment
Australia, Canberra. 378 pp. and CD.
New, T.R. AND Sands, D.P.A. (2003). Coordinated invertebrate surveys in Australia’s National
Parks: an important tool in refining invertebrate conservation management. Records of the South
Australian Museum Monograph Series No. 7: 203-207.
New, T.R. AND Sands, D.P.A. (2003). The listing and de-listing of invertebrate species for
conservation in Australia. Journal of Insect Conservation 7: 199-205.
New, T.R. AND Sands, D.P.A. (2004). Management of threatened insect species in Australia,
with particular reference to butterflies. Australian Journal of Entomology 43: 258-270.
Sands, D.P.A AND New, T.R.. (2008). Conservation status and needs of the butterflies on
Torres Strait Islands Journal of Insect Conservation 12: 325-332
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Sands, D.P.A. AND New, T.R. (2008). Irregular diapause, apparency and evaluating
conservation status: anomalies from the Australian butterflies. Journal of Insect Conservation 12: 8185.
Sands, D.P.A (2008) Conserving the Richmond birdwing butterfly over two decades: Where to
next? Ecological Management & Restoration 9: 4-16.
New, T.R., Yen, AL, Sands, D.P.A, Greenslade, P, Neville, PJ, York, A and Collett, NG.
(2010). Planned fires and invertebrate conservation in south east Australia. Journal of Insect
Conservation 14: 567-544.
Sands, D.P.A (2011). (Abstract). Invasive African Grasses: rising threats to Australian
invertebrate biodiversity. Joint Invertebrate Biodiversity & Conservation / Society of Australian
Biologists Conference, Parkville Victoria 4-8 December 2011. p. 55.
Sands, D.P.A (2012). Southern pink underwing moth Phyllodes imperialis H. Druce pp. 38-39,
in (eds Curtis LK, Dennis AJ, McDonald K, Kyne, PM and Debus, SJS), pp. 38-39, Queensland’s
Threatened Animals. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne. 2012.
Sands, D.P.A (2012). Review of Australian Phyllodes imperialis Druce (Lepidoptera: Erebidae)
with description of a new subspecies from subtropical Australia. The Australian Entomologist 439:
281-292.
Sands, D.P.A (2013). Effects of invasive scales on forest butterflies in Australia, and benefits
following biological control (Expanded Abstract), pp. 82-85 (in eds. Peter G. Mason, David R. Gillespie
th
& Charles Vincent). Proceedings of the 4 International Symposium on Biological Control of
Arthropods, Pucon, Chile March 4-8.
Sands DPA & New TR. 2013. Conservation of the Richmond birdwing butterfly in Australia.
Springer, Dordrecht.
………………………………………..
Appendix 1. Plant communities associated with Caronia multisepalea (in SE Queensland)
(RE: Regional ecosystems classification of plant communities in Queensland)
RE 12.2.1 Notophyll / evergreen vine forest (rarely) . Moist or wet valley floors of parabolic high sand
dunes.
RE 12.2.2. Mixed microphyll / notophyll vine forest (rarely). Coastal dunes and behind beach ridges.
RE 12.3.1 Complex to simple notophyll vine forest and gallery rainforest edging stream channels
(usually). Quaternary alluvial soils and plains, edging stream channels and embankments in high
rainfall areas.
RE 12.3.2 Tall, wet sclerophyll forest, with rainforest understory (usually). Soils of alluvial plains,
fringing streams and narrow gullies in high rainfall areas.
RE 12.5.13. Microphyll and notophyll vine forest (rarely). Soils on lateritised basalt .
RE 12.8.3 Complex and wet notophyll vine forest (rarely). Soils on igneous rocks, especially basalt.
RE 12.8.4 Complex Araucarian notophyll vine forest (rarely). Soils on igneous rocks including basalt
and lateritised basalt.
RE 12.8.13 Microphyll / notophyll rainforest (usually). Soils on igneous rocks, especially basalt.
RE 12.11.1 Simple notophyll vine forest (rarely). Sils of gully floors on old, deformed metamorphic
sediments and volcanic rocks.
RE 12.11.2 Tall moist-adapted eucalypt forest with rainforest understory (rarely). Soils on strongly
metamorphosed sedimentary and inter-bedded metamorphic rocks.
RE 12.11.10 Evergreen notophyll vine forest ()usually). Soils on metamorphosed sedimentary and
sometimes inter-bedded metamorphic rocks.
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Appendix 2. Plant nurseries with cultivation experience on Carronia multisepalea
1. Dorrigo Environment Watch Inc., PO Box 284, Dorrigo, NSW. 2453. Has grown C. multisepalea
from cuttings. At least 2 vines have continued to grow and one is currently thriving (Trevor Deane
pers. comm.). Likely to provide information on cultivation of the vine.
2. Barung Nursery. Shop 3, Riverside Centre, Maleny, Qld 4552. No longer growing C. multisepalea
but cultivators may have useful information on propagation.
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Appendix C – Threatened invertebrate
species profiles
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Southern Pink Underwing Moth
(Phyllodes imperialis smithersi)
Photo source: Dr Don Sands
Adult Southern Pink Underwing Moth
Carronia multisepalea, host plant for Southern Pink Underwing Moth (and also
Common Fruit-piercing Moth; see below)
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|——–|
1 cm
Mature larva of Southern Pink Underwing Moth on its host plant, in alarmed
position
|——––|
2 cm
Mature larva of Southern Pink Underwing Moth on its host plant, in resting
position
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|——––––––––|
1 cm
Eggs (left) and young larva (right) of Southern Pink Underwing Moth on the
underside of a leaf of its host plant
|——–|
1 cm
Larva of Common Fruit-piercing Moth (a non-threatened species) on the same
species of host plant used by Southern Pink Underwing Moth
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DESCRIPTION
•
•
•
•
A large moth with leaf-like wings that camouflages well against foliage; hind wings
(normally hidden when stationary) have distinctive pink and black colouration.
Larvae feed on the foliage of Carronia multisepalea, a plant that grows in the form of a shrub or
a vine on rich volcanic soils in association with mature rainforest and regrowth vegetation.
Immature larvae are cryptic (twig-like) and often occur on the underside of leave and sometimes
on stems
More mature larvae have a characteristic threat display as pictured
SIMILAR SPECIES
•
Common Fruit-piercing Moth Eudocima fullonia
•
Adult moth a similar size and shape; hind wings orange and black (rather than pink and
black).
•
Larvae also occur on the same vine, but are more uniformly brown and have two “eye spots”
on each side.
CURRENT LEGISLATIVE STATUS
EPBC Act: Endangered; TSC Act: Endangered.
AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTION
From near Gympie in south-eastern Queensland south to near Urunga in north-eastern New South Wales.
Source: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=86084
HABITAT
•
•
Rainforest on rich volcanic soils and fertile alluvium where the host vine, Carronia multisepalea, is
present.
The adult feeds on the soft fruits of native rainforest plants, including Ficus and Syzygium and
possibly also on fruits of cultivated plants in the vicinity of rainforest.
THREATS
•
•
•
Habitat loss and fragmentation due to clearing for various purposes.
Degradation of habitat through disturbance and weed invasion.
Adult moths may be displaced through attraction to artificial light sources.
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KEY MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The project boundary (i.e. area intended for vegetation clearing) is to be pegged out prior to
site inspection.
A site inspection by an ecologist would be required on each day prior to the clearing of mapped
potential habitat for Southern Pink Underwing Moth.
The ecologist would check the area thoroughly for the presence of the host plant
(Carronia multisepalea).
On each occasion where a host plant is located within the project boundary, the
plant would be checked thoroughly for eggs or larvae.
The identification of any larvae would be checked carefully to confirm if it matches
Southern Pink Underwing Moth (c.f. Common Fruit-piercing Moth)
Any eggs located on the host plant would be assumed to belong to Southern Pink
Underwing Moth
Any larvae or eggs would be relocated to another host plant >10 m outside of the
project boundary; preference would be given to a plant that has ample foliage and
at least some evidence of host use by the moth (e.g. recent feeding activity; or 1–2
larvae already present).
The development of any relocated immature stages would be monitored for three
weeks following translocation.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Herbison-Evans, D., J. Moss & N. Hewett (2004). Phyllodes imperialis H.Druce, 1888.
[Online]. Available from: http://www.usyd.edu.au/macleay/larvae/cato/imper.html.
Sands, DPA (2012). Review of Australian Phyllodes imperialis Druce (Lepidoptera: Erebidae)
with description of a new subspecies from subtropical Australia. Australian Entomologist
39: 281-292.
Page 112
NSW ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICES
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA | PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
Atlas Rainforest Ground-beetle
(Nurus atlas)
Atlas Rainforest Beetle Nurus atlas waiting for prey at the entrance to a burrow
Photo source: BAAM 2014
DESCRIPTION
The Atlas Rainforest Ground-beetle is a large, heavily-built, black-coloured ground beetle about
3 to 3.5 cm in length. Its larger size distinguishes it from the related Shorter Rainforest Groundbeetle.
CURRENT LEGISLATIVE STATUS
EPBC Act: Not Listed; TSC Act: Endangered.
DISTRIBUTION
Historically widespread in heavily timbered high rainfall areas east of the Great Dividing Range on the
north coast of NSW. The species had not been seen for many years and was thought to be extinct
until it was rediscovered in Victoria Park near Lismore in 1973. Presently it is only known from this
location and a few others in the Lismore-Alstonville area.
HABITAT
•
•
Low-elevation rainforest and wet eucalypt forest with a well-developed rainforest understorey.
Other habitat requirements may be relatively undisturbed old-growth forests on highly productive
soils and consistently high moisture levels.
It is flightless and preys on other ground invertebrates.
THREATS
•
•
•
•
•
•
Disturbance to rainforest and wet eucalypt forest remnants including cattle grazing, agricultural
activities, fire, removal of fallen timber and litter, and desiccation caused by widening of tracks
and small scale clearing.
Risk of local extinction due to small isolated populations.
Clearing of rainforest and wet eucalypt forest remnants.
Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds.
Predation by feral and domestic cats.
Beetle collecting activities.
KEY MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
This species is in the NSW Department of the Environment’s ‘Data Deficient’ stream as there is little
know about its distribution and the management techniques required to secure it in the wild.
Source: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedSpeciesApp/profile.aspx?id=10564
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
Page 113
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA | PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
Appendix D – Targeted survey and habitat
assessment for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly
(BAAM, 2014)
THREATENED INVERTEBRATES MANAGEMENT PLAN
Page 115
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Document Control Sheet
File Number: 0361-002
Project Manager/s: Dr Lindsay Popple
Client: Roads and Maritime Services
Project Title: Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade Targeted Survey and Habitat
Assessment for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly.
Project Author/s: Dr Lindsay Popple and Ko Oishi.
Project Summary: A targeted survey was undertaken for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly during midNovember 2014 in association with the proposed Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
in northern New South Wales. The results of the survey and wetland mapping were used to inform
mapping of potential and known breeding habitat for the dragonfly.
Draft Preparation History:
Draft No.
Date draft
completed
12/12/2014
0361-002 Draft A
Reviewed by
Issued by
Adrian Caneris
Lindsay Popple
Checked by
Jedd Appleton
Issued by
Lindsay Popple
Revision/ Checking History Track:
Version
0361-002 Version 0
Date of Issue
24/02/2015
Document Distribution:
Destination
Client Copy 1 digital
Client Copy 1hard copy
PDF - server
PDF – backup –
archived Disk/tape
Hard Copy -library
Revision
1
Date
Dispatched
A 12/12/2014
0
Date
Dispatched
24/02/2015
A
A
0
0
24/02/2015
24/02/2015
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
12/12/2014
12/12/2014
2
3
Date
Dispatched
4 Date
Dispatched
NOTICE TO USERS OF THIS REPORT
Copyright and reproduction
This report and all indexes, schedules, annexures or appendices are subject to copyright pursuant to
the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Subject to statutory defences, no party may reproduce, publish, adapt
or communicate to the public, in whole or in part, the content of this report without the express
written consent of Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd.
Purpose of Report
Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd has produced this report in its capacity as
consultants for and on the request of Roads and Maritime Services (the "Client") for the sole purpose
of documenting the results of a preconstruction survey and series of nocturnal monitoring events to
form a baseline for conservation significant invertebrates in association with the proposed
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade (the "Specified Purpose"). This information and any
recommendations in this report are particular to the Specified Purpose and are based on facts,
matters and circumstances particular to the subject matter of the report and the Specified Purpose at
the time of production. This report is not to be used, nor is it suitable, for any purpose other than the
Specified Purpose. Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd disclaims all liability for any
loss and/or damage whatsoever arising either directly or indirectly as a result of any application, use
or reliance upon the report for any purpose other than the Specified Purpose.
This report has been produced solely for the benefit of the Client. Biodiversity Assessment and
Management Pty Ltd does not accept that a duty of care is owed to any party other than the Client.
This report is not to be used by any third party other than as authorised in writing by Biodiversity
Assessment and Management Pty Ltd and any such use shall continue to be limited to the Specified
Purpose. Further, Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd does not make any warranty,
express or implied, or assume any legal liability or responsibility for any third party's use in whole or
in part of the report or application or use of any other information or process disclosed in this report
and to the full extent allowed by law excludes liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any loss or
damage sustained by any person or body corporate arising from or in connection with the supply or
use of the whole part of the report through any cause whatsoever.
Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd has used information provided to it by the Client
and governmental registers, databases, departments and agencies in the preparation of this report.
Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd does not know, nor does it have any reason to
suspect, that the information provided to it was false, inaccurate, incomplete or misleading at the
time of its receipt. This report is supplied on the basis that while Biodiversity Assessment and
Management Pty Ltd believes all the information in it is deemed reliable at the time of publication, it
does not warrant its accuracy or completeness and to the full extent allowed by law excludes liability
in contract, tort or otherwise, for any loss or damage sustained by any person or body corporate
arising from or in connection with the supply or use of the whole or any part of the information in this
report through any cause whatsoever.
Signed on behalf of
Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd
Director
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Version 0
Date: 20 th Feb 2015
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Biodiversity Assessment and Management (BAAM) has prepared this report for Roads and
Maritime Services to document the results of a targeted survey and habitat assessment of
Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly along the corridor of the proposed Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific
Highway Upgrade. The objectives of the study are to:
1. Survey and map the occurrence of adult Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly within the Study
Area;
2. Perform habitat assessments for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly along the proposed road
alignment; and
3. Perform mapping of Known and Potential Breeding Habitat for Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly along a 100 metre buffer of the proposed road corridor.
The survey was performed over five days in November 2014, covering 32 sites within or
adjacent to the proposed road corridor. Wetland areas and fringing vegetation were traversed
using active observation to search for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly. Dragonflies were captured
with a long-handled insect net and identified prior to release throughout the survey. Habitat
assessments were performed noting any characteristics recognised as being important for
breeding habitat of the target species. These included the presence/ absence of: permanent or
semi-permanent wetlands, noticeable pollution, aquatic and fringing vegetation, open standing
water and more extensive wetland habitat in the vicinity of each site. Sites were then assigned
a habitat condition score from criteria defined using these habitat characteristics.
No observations of adult Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly individuals were made during the survey.
This was despite suitable conditions for dragonfly activity for the majority of the survey
timeframe and the observation and identification of numerous smaller dragonfly species that
would be a potential food source for the target species.
A single previous record of Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly exists in the New South Wales Wildlife
Atlas database within 300 m of the proposed highway corridor northeast of Tucabia. This
record appears to be associated with an isolated permanent or semi-permanent wetland
immediately adjacent to the location of the record. An inspection of the broader area during the
survey found no suitable breeding habitat in the vicinity of the proposed highway corridor.
As no observations of Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly were made during the survey and no suitable
breeding habitat was identified in association with past records in close proximity to the
proposed highway corridor, no Known Breeding Habitat was mapped for this species.
Nevertheless, several suitable wetland habitats were identified during the course of the survey.
This, in conjunction with examination of aerial mapping and vegetation mapping associated with
the Project, led to the identification and mapping of 65 polygons and 174 hectares of Potential
Breeding Habitat for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly. Given the sporadic appearance of Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly due to its prolonged life cycle, the presence/ absence of the species in
association with these areas of Potential Breeding Habitat could only be assessed through
repeated surveys over several years.
While the proposed highway corridor may have potential to impact upon areas identified as
Potential Breeding Habitat for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly, it should be noted that far more
extensive wetland areas to the west of the Project have been avoided. It is suggested that
management controls should focus on reduction of impacts to mapped wetlands through
highway design. Some brief recommendations for the management of weeds that are
recognised to potentially transform wetland habitats are also provided.
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Version 0
TARGETED SURVEY AND HABITAT ASSESSMENT FOR
COASTAL PETALTAIL DRAGONFLY
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
Table of Contents
1.0
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................1
1.1. Background and Purpose ................................................................................................1
1.2. Site Description................................................................................................................1
1.3. Proposed Works ..............................................................................................................1
1.4. Target Species.................................................................................................................1
1.5. Past Surveys....................................................................................................................3
2.0
METHODOLOGY .......................................................................................................................3
2.1. Targeted Survey and Site Assessments .........................................................................3
2.2. Habitat Mapping and Condition Scores ...........................................................................3
3.0
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ..................................................................................................5
3.1. Database Records ...........................................................................................................5
3.2. Targeted Surveys.............................................................................................................5
3.3. Habitat Assessments .......................................................................................................7
3.4. Habitat Mapping and Condition Scores ...........................................................................7
4.0
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR IMPACT MITIGATION ..........................................................29
5.0
REFERENCES .........................................................................................................................30
Table of Figures
Figure 1.1: Location of the Study Area
Figure 2.1: Location of survey and habitat assessment sites within and adjacent to the Study
Area
Figure 3.1: Records of Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly in the vicinity of the Study Area
Figure 3.2: Habitat mapping for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly within the Study Area
Table of Appendices
Appendix 1: Habitat assessment proforma for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly targeted survey
Table of Terms and Abbreviations
BAAM
Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd
EPBC
Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999
Study Area
An area within 100 m of the proposed Woolgoolga to Ballina
Pacific Highway Upgrade Corridor, northern New South Wales
TSC Act
New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Page i
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Biodiversity Assessment and Management
(BAAM) has prepared this report for Roads and
Maritime Services for the purpose of
documenting the results of a targeted survey and
habitat assessment for threatened dragonflies
along the proposed Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific
Highway Upgrade road corridor in northern New
South Wales (the ‘Study Area’). This study aims
to:
1. Survey and map the occurrence of adult
Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly within the Study
Area;
2. Perform habitat assessments for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly along the proposed road
alignment; and
3. Perform mapping of known and potential
breeding habitat for Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly along a 100 metre buffer of the
proposed road corridor.
The results of this report are based on site
investigations undertaken by Dr Lindsay Popple
and Ko Oishi on 17–21 November 2014.
1.2. SITE DESCRIPTION
The Study Area is broadly linear and partially
follows the footprint of the existing Pacific
Highway from Arrawarra near Woolgoolga in the
south to near Pimlico in the north (Figure 1-1).
The area includes mostly flat to undulating
terrain, generally avoiding areas with extensive
topographic relief, as well as extremely low-lying
areas with extensive flood plains and
depressions.
Vegetation types targeted for the purpose of this
study include a variety of permanent to semipermanent coastal freshwater wetlands listed in
the NSW Department of Environment and
Heritage listing advice (DEH 2014b). These
included:
-
For the purpose of this project, designation of
habitat value focused on whether a site exhibited
suitable characteristics as a breeding habitat
(see Section 2.0).
1.3. PROPOSED WORKS
It is understood that a development is intended
to take place within the Study Area in the form of
a partly raised, multi-lane highway, with
interchanges, lighting and temporary
construction infrastructure located at appropriate
points. These works will require clearing of
vegetation and earthworks throughout a portion
of the length of the Study Area; however more
extensive wetland areas have generally been
avoided. More specific details on the project are
available in NSW Roads and Maritime Services
(2013b).
1.4. TARGET SPECIES
The single species targeted for this survey was
Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly Petalura litorea
(Endangered under the New South Wales TSC
Act). A closely related species, Giant Dragonfly
Petalura gigantea (also Endangered under the
TSC Act as well as under the Commonwealth
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation (EPBC) Act), has historically been
recorded to the west of the Study Area (near
Kalgan and also from Grafton) in the Atlas of
Living Australia database
(http://www.ala.org.au/). However, based on
Theisinger (1999), these records are attributable
to Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly. Theisinger (1999)
notes that the two closely-related dragonfly
species are likely to be mutually exclusive (i.e.
allopatric) in their geographical distributions,
although there remains some possibility for cooccurrence (sympatry). DEH (2014a) recognises
the potential for sympatry in coastal northern
New South Wales to the south of Coffs Harbour
(well outside of the Study Area). Therefore, only
Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly was the subject of
this assessment. The targeted survey did,
nevertheless, aim to capture and confirm the
identification of any Petalura dragonflies
encountered during the field component.
Coastal Floodplains Wetlands;
Coastal Swamp Forests;
Coastal Freshwater Lagoons;
Coastal Heath Swamps; and
Coastal Valley Grassy Woodlands.
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
Page 1
153°0'E
ALSTONVILLE
MUMMULGUM
LISMORE
!
BALLINA
WYRALLAH
CASINO
MALLANGANEE
!
!
!
TATHAM
!
MONGOGARIE
!
!
WARDELL
!
29°0'S
29°0'S
CORAKI
BROADWATER
!
WOODBURN
!
RAPPVILLE
EVANS HEAD
!
!
CAMIRA CREEK
!
WHIPORIE
!
CHATSWORTH
!
COALDALE
!
ILUKA
!
HARWOOD
NEW
YAMBA
!
!
MACLEAN
!
SOUTH
LAWRENCE
!
WALES
BRUSHGROVE
PA C I F I C
!
COPMANHURST
!
CARRS CREEK JUNCTION
ULMARRA
OCEAN
!
!
TUCABIA
!
GRAFTON
! PILLAR
VALLEY
MINNIE WATER
!
COUTTS CROSSING
!
WOOLI
!
NYMBOIDA
!
30°0'S
30°0'S
RED ROCK
!
CORINDI BEACH
!
GLENREAGH
!
MULLAWAY
!
WOOLGOOLGA
!
153°0'E
Notes:
Coordinate Sys tem: GCS GDA 1994
Datum: GDA 1994
Units : Degree
!
1:703,891 at A4
0
3.7 5
7.5
15
22.5
30
Kilome ter s
© Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd. While every care is taken to ens ure the accuracy of this data, Biodiversity Ass ess ment and Management mak es no representations or warranties about its acc uracy, reliability,
completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and dis claims all responsibility and all liability (inc luding without limitation liability in negligence) for all ex pens es, losses, damages (inc luding indirect c onsequential damage) and costs
which might be incurred as a result of the data being inaccurate or inc omplete in any way and for any reason.
Figure:
Project
Location
Title:
LEGEND
N
N ee w
w
S
S oo uu tt hh
W
W aa ll ee ss
Proposed Road Alignment
Rail line
Primary roads
Built-up area
Secondary roads
!
Project:
Towns
Watercourse
Drawn By: MG
Reviewed by: LP
Dat e: 15/12/2014
Document Location: D:\GIS\J obs\0361-002 Coas tal Petaltail Dragonfly\GIS\MXDs\R eportMaps\Figure 1-1 Location of Study Area.mxdDate: 15/12/2014 8:24:50 AM
Client:
1-1
Location of the Study Area
Targeted Survey and Habitat
Assessment for Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly - Woolgoolga to Ballina
Pacific Highway Upgrade
Roads & Maritime Services, NSW
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Coastal Petaltail is a large dragonfly species that
is distributed from Byfield in Queensland
(Theisinger 1999) south to the Grafton district in
New South Wales (DEH 2013a). It occurs in
heathland areas, vegetated swamps and
wetlands. Breeding takes place in vegetated
coastal freshwater wetlands and the larvae may
take 10 years or more to develop (DEH 2013a).
Adults (and possibly larvae) prey upon other
species of dragonfly that occur within their
territories (Theisinger and Hawking 2006).
Adults may be observed when actively flying
around suitable habitats or resting on vegetation,
typically in or adjacent to permanent or semipermanent wetland breeding sites. The species
is an exceptionally large dragonfly with distinctive
enlarged terminal lobes at the end of the
abdomen (hence the name ‘petaltail’). With such
diagnostic features, it could not be readily
confused with any other dragonfly once sighted,
apart from other species in the genus Petalura,
which are not expected to co-occur.
1.5. PAST SURVEYS
A preliminary survey for Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly was conducted by BAAM (2012) in
Sections 10 and 11 of the Study Area (between
Wardell and Ballina). The survey was performed
during February, near the end of the dragonfly
season and many dragonfly species were
observed. However, no observations of Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly were made. Habitat
assessments were conducted at several sites
and a small proportion of these were identified as
containing Potential Breeding Habitat for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly.
2.0
METHODOLOGY
Prior to commencement of the field survey,
existing records of Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly
(including those still listed under its former name,
P. gigantea — now recognised as a different
species) were searched in the New South Wales
Wildlife Atlas (via the Atlas of Living Australia)
within a 10 kilometre radius of the Study Area.
Aerial imagery and wetland mapping were
reviewed to identify potentially suitable wetland
survey location sites for the dragonfly.
Targeted surveys and field assessments
(detailed below) were conducted at 32 unique
sites along the footprint of the proposed road
corridor. The extent of survey locations was
limited to where property access was available.
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
The locations of these sites are shown on Figure
2-1. All surveys were performed under BAAM’s
NSW Scientific Licence number SL100704.
2.1. TARGETED SURVEY AND SITE
ASSESSMENTS
Active observations and meandering searches in
association with wetland areas were undertaken
at each site to maximise the opportunity of
sighting the distinctive Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly. An insect net was carried at all times
during the survey and dragonflies were captured
on a routine basis to confirm identification.
Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly spends much of its
time resting on vegetation on or adjacent to
wetlands (DEC 2014a). Therefore, vegetation
around each wetland was traversed and scanned
closely to provide the best chance of detecting
adults at rest.
Each site was assessed in terms of potential
habitat value for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly.
Firstly, the vegetation composition was noted,
with particular reference to wetland species.
Sites were searched carefully for the presence of
permanent or semi-permanent wetland features,
including standing water and dominant
aggregations of plants that are typically
associated with non-ephemeral wetlands
Eleocharis equisetina, E.sphacelata, Lepironia
articulata, Baumea articulata, Nymphaea
caerulea, Leersia hexandra, Bulboshoenus sp.,
Persicaria sp., and Philydrum lanigunosum. For
details see DEH 2014b). The presence of
permanent standing water was noted, as was
any signs of disturbance, such as grazing, water
pollution and/or weed cover. Some basic notes
were made on the general suitability of habitat
for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly and the diversity
of other dragonflies that could potentially act as a
food resource for the target species. More
detailed information on what was recorded at
each site during the habitat assessment can be
found in the proforma in Appendix 1.
2.2. HABITAT MAPPING AND CONDITION
SCORES
Based on the outcomes of the targeted survey
and habitat assessment, wetland polygons were
mapped into two categories. These were:
Page 3
153°0'E
ALSTONVILLE
MUMMULGUM
LISMORE
!
BALLINA
WYRALLAH
CASINO
!
!
!
!
!
!
WARDELL
TATHAM
!
MONGOGARIE
!
!
!
!
29°0'S
CORAKI
!
29°0'S
MALLANGANEE
!
BROADWATER
!
!!
!
! !
!
!
WOODBURN !
!
!
!
!
EVANS HEAD
!
!
!
!
!
!
RAPPVILLE
!
!
!
!
CAMIRA CREEK
!
WHIPORIE
!
CHATSWORTH
!
COALDALE
!
ILUKA
!
HARWOOD
NEW
YAMBA
!
!
MACLEAN
!
SOUTH
!
!
LAWRENCE
!
WALES
BRUSHGROVE
PA C I F I C
!
COPMANHURST
!
CARRS CREEK JUNCTION
ULMARRA
!
!
!
!
!
OCEAN
!
TUCABIA!
!
GRAFTON
!
!
!
!
!
!
! PILLAR
VALLEY
MINNIE WATER
!
COUTTS CROSSING
!
WOOLI
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
NYMBOIDA
!
30°0'S
30°0'S
RED ROCK
!
!
!
! CORINDI BEACH
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
GLENREAGH
!
MULLAWAY
!
WOOLGOOLGA
!
153°0'E
Notes:
Coordinate Sys tem: GCS GDA 1994
Datum: GDA 1994
Units : Degree
!
1:703,891 at A4
0
3.7 5
7.5
15
22.5
30
Kilome ter s
© Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd. While every care is taken to ens ure the accuracy of this data, Biodiversity Ass ess ment and Management mak es no representations or warranties about its acc uracy, reliability,
completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and dis claims all responsibility and all liability (inc luding without limitation liability in negligence) for all ex pens es, losses, damages (inc luding indirect c onsequential damage) and costs
which might be incurred as a result of the data being inaccurate or inc omplete in any way and for any reason.
Figure:
Project
Location
LEGEND
!
!
Title:
Survey and habitat assessment sites
Project:
Properties surveyed within alignment
N
N ee w
w
S
S oo uu tt hh
W
W aa ll ee ss
Proposed Road Alignment
Rail line
Primary roads
Built-up area
Secondary roads
!
Client:
2-1
Location of the survey and habitat assessment
sites within and adjacent to the Study Area
Targeted Survey and Habitat
Assessment for Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly - Woolgoolga to Ballina
Pacific Highway Upgrade
Roads & Maritime Services, NSW
Towns
Watercourse
Drawn By: MG
Reviewed by: LP
Dat e: 15/12/2014
Document Location: D:\GIS\J obs\0361-002 Coas tal Petaltail Dragonfly\GIS\MXDs\R eportMaps\Figure 2-1 Location of Surveyand habitat assessment sites.mxdDate: 15/12/2014 8:25:25 AM
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
1.
2.
Known habitat for Coastal Petaltail where
records occur associated with wetlands
representing breeding habitat for the
dragonfly;
Potential breeding habitat for Coastal
Petaltail where permanent or semipermanent wetlands are known or
considered likely to be present, but where
the dragonfly has not yet been recorded.
The behaviour and, specifically, the foraging
range of Coastal Petaltail is not well understood,
although most records have been in association
with freshwater wetland areas. As a result, areas
that represent foraging habitat for the dragonfly
were not directly captured as part of this
mapping methodology. Instead the focus for the
mapping was on breeding habitat, which is
critical for ensuring the survival of the species. A
100 metre buffer was applied to all mapped
areas of habitat to capture a nominal area of
potential foraging habitat around each wetland.
After each habitat assessment, areas of known
or potential breeding habitat were scored by
‘habitat condition’ relative to the known
ecological requirements of Coastal Petaltail
dragonfly as far as they are understood.
Polygons were given a score of between 0 and
5, with a point being awarded for each one of the
following criteria:
o
o
o
o
o
3.0
Presence of permanent or semi-permanent
open standing freshwater.
Freshwater wetland without obvious signs of
pollution.
Presence of ample aquatic vegetation.
Presence of fringing vegetation.
Presence of extensive freshwater swamp
within 100 metres of site.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1. DATABASE RECORDS
The New South Wales Wildlife Atlas contains two
records attributable to Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly
that fall within 10 km of the Study Area. One
record is located between Tyndale and Tucabia,
approximately 300 m west of the proposed
Pacific Highway Upgrade corridor. This record
appears to be associated with a small,
permanent wetland that ends approximately
250 m from the edge of the alignment buffer.
The second record is located between Kungala
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
and Dirty Creek, approximately 4.2 km to the
southwest of the alignment. The location of each
of these records is shown in Figure 3-1.
3.2. TARGETED SURVEYS
Conditions encountered during the survey were
highly amenable to dragonfly activity, with warm
temperatures and sunny weather occurring
predominantly throughout. A series of storms in
the fortnight prior to commencement of the
survey most likely contributed to a proliferation of
invertebrate activity, as observed in the field.
Despite dedicated active searches around all
suitable wetland habitats that were accessed
during the survey, no adult Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly individuals were observed. However,
many other dragonfly species that could
potentially act as a food source for the target
species were observed, caught and identified on
site (e.g. Photos 1 and 2).
There are three alternative explanations for the
absence of observations of the target species
during the present survey, including:
1.
2.
3.
Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly is apparently
absent from the Study Area;
Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly adults had not
yet emerged in sufficient numbers to enable
detection during the timeframe of the survey;
or
Few or no Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly adults
had completed larval development in time to
coincide with the 2014–2015 wet season.
Given the presence of extensive wetlands in the
region and records in the vicinity near Tucabia
and Kungala, it would seem unlikely that Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly would be entirely absent from
the Study Area. Two surveys have now been
conducted in the Woodburn to Ballina sections of
the Project (present survey and BAAM (2012))
without locating the species, so it may be rare or
absent in that area. However, given the
generally unpredictable appearance of adults,
with larvae taking several years to mature
(Theisinger and Hawking 1999), it is more likely
that the second or third scenarios would apply.
DEC (2014a) notes that adults emerge from late
October to late January, so timing the survey
within a given wet season can also potentially
prove challenging.
Page 5
153°0'E
MUMMULGUM
ALSTONVILLE
LISMORE
!
BALLINA
WYRALLAH
CASINO
MALLANGANEE
!
!
!
TATHAM
!
MONGOGARIE
!
!
WARDELL
!
29°0'S
29°0'S
CORAKI
PA C IF I C
BROADWATER
!
NEW
WOODBURN
OCEAN
!
SOUTH
RAPPVILLE
!
EVANS HEAD
!
WALES
CAMIRA CREEK
!
Approximately 300m
outside of 100m
alignment buffer
WHIPORIE
!
CHATSWORTH
"
#
!
COALDALE
!
ILUKA
!
HARWOOD
YAMBA
!
!
MACLEAN
!
LAWRENCE
!
BRUSHGROVE
!
COPMANHURST
!
CARRS CREEK JUNCTION
"
#
ULMARRA
!
!
TUCABIA
!
GRAFTON
! PILLAR
VALLEY
MINNIE WATER
!
COUTTS CROSSING
!
WOOLI
!
Approximately 4.2 km
outside of alignment buffer
NYMBOIDA
!
"
#
RED ROCK
!
30°0'S
30°0'S
"
#
CORINDI BEACH
!
GLENREAGH
!
MULLAWAY
!
WOOLGOOLGA
!
153°0'E
Notes: DE M sourced from SRTMP (c) 2014
© Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data, Coordinate S ystem: GCS GD A 1994
Datum: GDA 1994
Biodiversity Assessment and Management makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability,
completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation Units: Degree
liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect consequential damage) and costs
which might be incurred as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason.
LEGEND
Project
Location
"
#
3.75
Figure:
Title:
Historical Petalura litorea record
Properties surveyed within alignment
N
N ee w
w
S
S oo uu tt hh
W
W aa ll ee ss
!
1:703,891 at A4
0
Project:
Alignment -100m Buffer
Proposed Road Alignment
Rail line
Primary roads
Built-up area
Secondary roads
Drawn By: MG
Reviewed by: LP
Date: 18/02/2015
!
Client:
Towns
Watercourse
Document Location: D:\GIS\Jobs\0361-002 Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly\GIS \MXDs\ReportMaps\Figure 3-1 Records of Coastal P etaltail Dragonfly.mxdDate: 18/02/2015 12:43:45 AM
7.5
15
22.5
30
Kilometers
3-1
Records of Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly
in the vicinty of the Study Area
Targeted Survey and Habitat
Assessment for Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly - Woolgoolga to Ballina
Pacific Highway Upgrade
Roads & Maritime Services, NSW
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
worksheets that were completed in the field
(example in Appendix 1).
Photo 1. Slender Skimmer Orthetrum Sabina
at site D23.
The area of the alignment closest to the nearby
record of Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly from near
Tucabia was visited during the field survey. A
small, permanent wetland exists in the vicinity of
this record. This wetland adjoins a broad gully
along the same contour that passes through the
Study Area, intersecting with the proposed
highway alignment. A close examination of this
gully revealed a wetland habitat within open
forest, partly lined with Paperbark Melaleuca
quinquenervia (Site 15 in Table 3.1). The site
contained a small number of wetland species,
but was also infested with Lantana camara and
contained patches of Blady Grass Imperata
cylindrica, which indicated that the wetland was
ephemeral rather than permanent in the Study
Area. This particular site was therefore
considered to contain no suitable breeding
habitat for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly.
3.4. HABITAT MAPPING AND CONDITION
SCORES
Photo 2. Australian Tiger Ictinogomphus
australis at site D26.
3.3. HABITAT ASSESSMENTS
Site assessments aimed to achieve an
understanding of habitat values for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly at a representative variety of
wetland habitats in the Study Area. Sites ranged
from being assessed as highly suitable to not
suitable. Highly suitable sites were typically
characterised by permanent or semi-permanent
wetlands with ample aquatic and fringing
vegetation, minimal evidence of pollution and
reasonable connectivity to adjoining areas of
suitable habitat. Not suitable sites generally
contained swampland or ephemeral wetlands
that would not include breeding habitat for the
dragonfly. Sites in-between were generally
considered to be potentially or marginally
suitable. A detailed summary of the habitat
assessments for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly is
provided in Table 3.1. This summary was
developed from the habitat assessment proforma
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
Due to the absence of records of Coastal
Petaltail dragonfly during the present survey and
absence of suitable breeding habitat in
association with a single record from outside of
the Study Area (see Section 3.3), no known
breeding habitat was mapped. Interpolation of
site specific habitat assessment data and
extrapolation against aerial imagery led to
identification and mapping of 65 polygons of
Potential Breeding Habitat, covering an area of
174 hectares in total (including habitat buffer
zones). A summary of site condition scores
associated with wetlands that were mapped as
Potential Breeding Habitat in provided in Table
3.2. The habitat mapping and suitability of
survey sites based on condition scores is
presented in Figure 3-2.
Given that the Project is located in the Northern
Rivers region of New South Wales, it is not
surprising that the Study Area intersects will
numerous wetland features. However, the
majority of these are small to medium sized
wetlands. The proposed upgrade corridor has
been sited to avoid extensive wetland areas.
This is particularly evident in the Kungala,
Lavadia–Tucabia and New Italy–Woodburn
regions where wetland areas are vast and
particularly conspicuous to the west of the Study
Area.
Page 7
B
A
D
C
D01
A
D06
4
2
BROADWATER
WARDELL
4
B
4
2
5
4
4
D02
4
2
29°0'S
29°0'S
CORAKI
C D32
E
BROADWATER
F
K
D03
D
3
D31
D30
D05
D04
E
D08
2
D07
F
WOODBURN
4
G
H
G
D09
EVANS HEAD
H
D10
D11
2
0
I
J
I
D12
0
J
3
4
D13
K
Coordinate S ystem: GCS GD A 1994
© Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data,
Datum: GDA 1994
Biodiversity Assessment and Management makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability,
Units: Degree
completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without
limitation liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect consequential damage) and costs
which might be incurred as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason.
KEY MAP
"
Habitat Assessment
Score
1:168,494 at A4
0
Figure:
Title:
0
1
Project:
2
LEGEND
3
Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly
100m Buffer
4
Potential breeding habitat
Proposed Road Alignment
Built-up area
Properties surveyed within alignment
Drawn By: MG
!
Reviewed by: LP
5
Towns
Date: 19/02/2015
Document Location: D:\GIS\Jobs\0361-002 Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly\GIS \MXDs\ReportMaps\Figure 3-2 a Habitat Mapping.mxdDate: 19/02/2015 10:05:47 A M
Client:
0.75 1.5
3
4.5
6
Kilometers
3-2a
Habitat mapping for Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly within the Study Area
Targeted Survey and Habitat
Assessment for Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly - Woolgoolga to Ballina
Pacific Highway Upgrade
Roads & Maritime Services, NSW
A
A
CHATSWORTH
B
HARWOOD
B
C
MACLEAN
C
D14
3
Coordinate S ystem: GCS GD A 1994
© Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data,
Datum: GDA 1994
Biodiversity Assessment and Management makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability,
Units: Degree
completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without
limitation liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect consequential damage) and costs
which might be incurred as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason.
KEY MAP
"
Habitat Assessment
Score
1
1:106,201 at A4
0
Figure:
Title:
Project:
2
LEGEND
3
Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly
100m Buffer
4
Potential breeding habitat
Proposed Road Alignment
Built-up area
Properties surveyed within alignment
Drawn By: MG
!
Reviewed by: LP
5
Towns
Date: 18/02/2015
Document Location: D:\GIS\Jobs\0361-002 Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly\GIS \MXDs\ReportMaps\Figure 3-2 b Habitat Mapping.mxdDate: 18/02/2015 12:21:12 A M
Client:
0.5
1
2
3
4
Kilometers
3-2b
Habitat mapping for Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly within the Study Area
Targeted Survey and Habitat
Assessment for Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly - Woolgoolga to Ballina
Pacific Highway Upgrade
Roads & Maritime Services, NSW
D15
B
A
2
ULMARRA
A
D16
D17
TUCABIA
3
B
5
D
3
D18
5
D19
C
C
E
2
D
D20
E
PILLAR VALLEY
PILLAR VALLEY
Coordinate S ystem: GCS GD A 1994
© Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data,
Datum: GDA 1994
Biodiversity Assessment and Management makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability,
Units: Degree
completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without
limitation liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect consequential damage) and costs
which might be incurred as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason.
KEY MAP
Habitat Assessment
Score
1
"
1:82,886 at A4
0
Figure:
Title:
Project:
2
LEGEND
3
Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly
100m Buffer
4
Potential breeding habitat
Proposed Road Alignment
Built-up area
Properties surveyed within alignment
Drawn By: MG
!
Reviewed by: LP
5
Towns
Date: 18/02/2015
Document Location: D:\GIS\Jobs\0361-002 Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly\GIS \MXDs\ReportMaps\Figure 3-2 c Habitat Mapping.mxdDate: 18/02/2015 12:33:54 AM
Client:
0.425 0.85
1.7
2.55
3.4
Kilometers
3-2c
Habitat mapping for Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly within the Study Area
Targeted Survey and Habitat
Assessment for Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly - Woolgoolga to Ballina
Pacific Highway Upgrade
Roads & Maritime Services, NSW
153°0'E
A
B
C
D21
A
4
D22
30°0'S
D23
4
153°0'E
B
C
4
D
D
E
F
D
2
D24 E
1
5
5
D25
2
D26
D29
5
RED ROCK
D27
F
CORINDI BEACH
30°0'S
D28
Coordinate S ystem: GCS GD A 1994
© Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data,
Datum: GDA 1994
Biodiversity Assessment and Management makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability,
Units: Degree
completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without
limitation liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect consequential damage) and costs
which might be incurred as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason.
KEY MAP
Habitat Assessment
Score
1
1:125,000 at A4
0
Figure:
Title:
Project:
3
Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly
100m Buffer
Potential breeding habitat
Proposed Road Alignment
Built-up area
Properties surveyed within alignment
Drawn By: MG
!
Reviewed by: LP
4
5
Towns
Date: 18/02/2015
Document Location: D:\GIS\Jobs\0361-002 Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly\GIS \MXDs\ReportMaps\Figure 3-2 d Habitat Mapping.mxdDate: 18/02/2015 12:41:19 A M
1
2
3
4
Kilometers
2
LEGEND
0.5
Client:
3-2d
Habitat mapping for Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly within the Study Area
Targeted Survey and Habitat
Assessment for Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly - Woolgoolga to Ballina
Pacific Highway Upgrade
Roads & Maritime Services, NSW
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
A modified environment in an old quarry site has become
a suitable Potential Breeding Habitat with permanent
freshwater and ample vegetation. Sedge species include
Juncus continuus, Nymphaea caerulea, Lycopodiella
cernua, Baumea sp., Melaleuca quinquenervia,
Leptospermum sp., Melaleuca salicina and Lepironia
articulata.
3–4 species, including Rhyothemis
phyllis, Tramea loewii, Orthetrum
caledonicum.
D02
Limited wetland connectivity may reduce habitat value
within a broader landscape context.
This permanent standing water appears to be a suitable
Potential Breeding Habitat. An artificial permanent
open waterbody stretches from the north to the south on
the western extent of the property with ample fringing
vegetation, including Melaleuca quinquenervia,
Eucalyptus robusta, Empodisma minus, Entolasia
marginata, Leptospermum sp., Baeckea frutescens and
Baloskion tetraphyllum.
Site Description
Approximately six species observed,
including Diplacodes sp., Orthetrum
caledonicum and Australian Emerald
Hemicordulia australiae.
Dragonflies observed
D01
Site
Table 3.1. Habitat Assessment for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly in the Study Area
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Representative Site Photo
Page 12
Twin-spot Hunter Austrogomphus
melaleucae.
D04
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
3–4 species, including Crocothemis
nigrifrons.
Dragonflies observed
D03
Site
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Fringing vegetation includes Xanthorrhoea fulva,
Baloskion pallens, and Baloskion tetraphyllum,
Empodisma minus, Gahnia sieberiana, Banksia aemula,
Baeckea frutescens, Endiandra sieberi and Nematolepis
squamea.
An extensive area of undisturbed semi-permanent
Melaleuca swamp, lacking areas of open standing water.
Nevertheless, other habitat features indicate Potential
Breeding Habitat.
The site is characterised by open wet heath species
including Melaleuca quinquenervia, Baeckea frutescens,
Leptospermum trinervium, Leptospermum liversidgei,
Baloskion pallens, Gahnia sieberiana, Baloskion
tetraphyllum, Leptospermum semibaccatum, Boronia
falcifolia, Boronia safrolifera, Nematolepis squamea and
Empodisma minus.
The site contains good heath connectivity but limited
wetland habitat. The presence of sphagnum moss
indicates presence of some semi-permanent waterbody;
Potential Breeding Habitat.
Site Description
Representative Site Photo
Page 13
Diplacodes sp.
D06
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
Australian Emerald, Orthetrum
caledonicum, Rhyothemis phyllis.
Dragonflies observed
D05
Site
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Closed rainforest forest to the North and Paperbark
swamp to the south with no potential breeding habitat.
The area is affected by exotic weeds.
This habitat contains a heavily polluted wetland with no
obvious connectivity to the broader landscape. The
wetland appears to be an ephemeral drainage line and is
therefore not suitable as breeding habitat.
Fringing vegetation includes M. quinquenervia,
Leptospermum trinervium, Baeckea frutescens, Gahnia
sieberiana, Empodisma minus, Xanthorrhoea fulva,
Lycopodiella cernua, Nematolepis squamea, Baloskion
tetraphyllum, Melaleuca nodosa and Melaleuca
pachyphylla.
This isolated open standing water with fringing wet heath
vegetation appears to be highly suitable Potential
Breeding Habitat and is broadly connected to the
surrounding wet heath vegetation community to the east
and the north. With the exception of this waterbody, the
remainder of the site is dominated by mown Empodisma
minus and does not support any noteworthy breeding
habitat.
Site Description
Representative Site Photo
Page 14
Diplacodes sp.
D08
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
Diplacodes sp., Australian Emerald,
Rhyothemis spp.
Dragonflies observed
D07
Site
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
This fenced permanent wetland with open standing water
provides marginal Potential Breeding Habitat due to its
high turbidity and relative isolation within a disturbed
grazing landscape. Fringing vegetation include Lepironia
articulata, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Melicope elleryana,
Leersia hexandra, Persicaria sp. and Baumea sp.
Closed Paperbark swamp forest to the west with
Cabbage Palm, Swamp She-oak and Cheese Tree.
Potential Breeding Habitat exists in the form of semipermanent wetlands. The wetlands occur in a landscape
disturbed by grazing, with broadly limited and patchy
connectivity with some aquatic and fringing vegetation.
Wetland species include Gahnia sp., Baumea sp.,
Lepironia articulata, Cyperus sp., Melaleuca
quinquenervia, Schoenoplectus mucronatus, Isolepis
nodosa, and Juncus continuus.
Site Description
Representative Site Photo
Page 15
Twin-spot Hunter Austrogomphus
melaleucae.
D10
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
Overcast conditions not conducive to
dragonfly activity.
Dragonflies observed
D09
Site
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
The wetland was assessed as being ephemeral and
therefore is not suitable for breeding habitat. Species
include Lepironia articulata, Philydrum lanuginosum,
Baumea sp. and Persicaria sp. with open Paperbark
woodland to the west and an extensive ephemeral
wetland to the north-east.
Existing vegetation includes Eucalyptus tereticornis,
Casuarina glauca, Melaleuca quinquenervia and
Imperata cylindrica.
This Swamp Sclerophyll habitat is not suitable for
breeding due to the absence of a permanent or semipermanent wetland. There are extensive wetlands to the
west; however, it is approximately 500 m from this area.
Site Description
Representative Site Photo
Page 16
One small unidentified species
observed.
D12
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
Tramea sp., Orthetrum caledonicum,
Diplacodes sp.
Dragonflies observed
D11
Site
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Existing vegetation includes Lepironia articulata, Baumea
sp., Blechnum indicum, Melaleuca quinquenervia,
Lophostemon suaveolens and Eucalyptus robusta.
Not suitable for breeding due to dense vegetation
characterised by closed Melaleuca swamp with limited
and sparse semi-permanent wetland indicators. The site
exhibited patchy connectivity to potentially suitable
habitat to the south (D11) and north.
Existing vegetation includes Lepironia articulata,
Philydrum lanuginosum, Nymphaea caerulea and
Eleocharis equisetina.
Potential Breeding Habitat exists within large artificial
dam with ample fringing vegetation. There is patchy
foraging connectivity to the north into closed Red
Mahogany and Broadleaved Paperbark forest with sedge
species in depressed areas.
Site Description
Representative Site Photo
Page 17
Diplacodes sp.
D14
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
A brief sighting of two small species.
Dragonflies observed
D13
Site
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Existing vegetation includes Eleocharis equisetina and
Juncus usitatus.
Marginal Potential Breeding Habitat exists within a
drainage line running north to south connected to a
tributary of Clarence River to the north-west. However
the broader landscape is evidently disturbed by livestock
and potential eutrophication into the waterway, with
limited connectivity.
Existing vegetation includes Lomandra longifolia,
Philydrum lanuginosum, Blechnum indicum, Stylidium
sp., Cyperus sp., Melaleuca quinquenervia,
Lophostemon suaveolens, Eucalyptus siderophloia,
Eucalyptus tereticornis, Alphitonia excelsa and
Eucalyptus carnea.
Assessed as being not suitable for breeding due to poor
connectivity to surrounding wetland, severe disturbance
and water erosion along creek bank.
Site Description
Representative Site Photo
Page 18
Orthetrum caledonicum.
D16
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
Predominantly overcast conditions not
conducive to dragonfly activity.
Dragonflies observed
D15
Site
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Evidence of standing water and wetland species included
Lepironia articulata, Drosera sp., Lycopodiella cernua,
Cyperus sp. and Philydrum lanuginosum.
A semi-permanent wetland provides suitable Potential
Breeding Habitat. The wetland appears to have good
connectivity to the south.
Existing vegetation includes Gahnia sp., Pteridium
esculentum, Baloskion tetraphyllum, Trochocarpa
laurina, Cissus hypoglauca, Flindersia schottiana,
Elaeocarpus reticulatus, Cyperus sp. and Imperata
cylindrica.
A wetland is present at this site and was assessed as
being ephemeral rather than semi-permanent. Wet heath
species do occur in the gully; however it is infested with
Lantana and it is considered to be not suitable as a
breeding habitat for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly. The only
standing water observed adjacent to this site was on a
neighbouring property, heavily polluted by cattle and
almost entirely devoid of aquatic and fringing vegetation.
Site Description
Representative Site Photo
Page 19
Diplacodes sp., Orthetrum caledonicum
Tramea sp., Australian Tiger
Ictinogomphus australis, Slender
Skimmer Orthetrum sabina.
Several species, including Slender
Skimmer Orthetrum sabina
D17
D18
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
Dragonflies observed
Site
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Good wet heathland connectivity from north-east to
south-west.
Vegetation community includes Baumea juncea, Isolepis
nodosa, Schoenus brevifolius, Cyperus sp., Blechnum
indicum, Entolasia marginata, Leptospermum sp.,
Melaleuca thymifolia, Melaleuca pachyphylla, Baloskion
tetraphyllum, Eriocaulon sp., Melaleuca sieberi and
Juncus usitatus.
Wetter parts of this wallum heathland community appear
to contain moderately suitable Potential Breeding
Habitat.
Existing vegetation includes Lepironia articulata,
Casuarina glauca, Lophostemon suaveolens and Carex
impressa.
Appears to be highly suitable as a Potential Breeding
Habitat, with presence of one open waterbody and
reasonable connectivity to the north and north-west. A
diverse range of dragonfly species were recorded,
indicating ample food source for the Coastal Petaltail
Dragonfly.
Site Description
Representative Site Photo
Page 20
Several species including Slender
Skimmer Orthetrum sabina.
D20
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
Diplacodes hematodes, Orthetrum
caledonicum.
Dragonflies observed
D19
Site
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Existing vegetation includes Philydrum lanuginosum,
Juncus usitatus, Ludwigia sp., Persicaria sp., Eleocharis
equisetina, Eleocharis sphacelata, Leersia hexandra with
fringing vegetation of Melaleuca alternifolia.
Highly suitable Potential Breeding Habitat exists within
an extensive wetland and creek stretching from east to
west, with presence of ample fringing vegetation and
aquatic vegetation.
Existing vegetation includes Carex appressa, Nymphaea
caerulea, Juncus usitatus, Philydrum lanuginosum,
Baumea articulata, Cyperus sp., Persicaria sp., Ludwigia
sp. and fringing vegetation of Casuarina glauca.
Potential Breeding Habitat exists within permanent
creek running east to west; however some evidence of
disturbance by livestock is evident. Connectivity to
surrounding wetlands appears to be patchy.
Site Description
Representative Site Photo
Page 21
Several small to medium-sized species,
including Diplacodes sp., Orthetrum
caledonicum, Tramea sp., Slender
Skimmer Orthetrum sabina.
One small unidentified species.
D21
D22
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
Dragonflies observed
Site
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Existing vegetation includes Lepironia articulata,
Eleocharis sphacelata, Baumea sp., Blechnum indicum,
Leptospermum sp., Eucalyptus robusta and Melaleuca
alternifolia.
Potential Breeding Habitat exists within a permanent
waterbody and expansive wetland to the west. The area
appears to contain good fringing vegetation and sedge
vegetation. The habitat is undisturbed with the exception
of Setaria sphacelata (Pigeon Grass) intrusion.
Highly suitable Potential Breeding Habitat with ample
fringing and aquatic vegetation. The site buffer falls just
outside of the Study Area and is therefore not likely to be
affected by the highway upgrade.
Site Description
Representative Site Photo
Page 22
High Dragonfly activity and diversity,
including Diplacodes bipunctata,
Orthetrum caledonicum, Slender
Skimmer Orthetrum sabina.
D24
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
Diplacodes bipunctata, Orthetrum
caledonicum, Slender Skimmer
Orthetrum sabina.
Dragonflies observed
D23
Site
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Existing vegetation includes Leptospermum
semibaccatum, Banksia spinulosa, Melaleuca sieberi,
Epacris sp., Dodonaea viscosa, Conospermum
taxifolium, Dampiera stricta, Persoonia sp., Gleichenia
dicarpa, Lycopodiella cernua, Entolasia marginata,
Gahnia sp., Eucalyptus resinifera, Lophostemon
suaveolens and Eucalyptus planchoniana.
Whilst this site exhibited poor connectivity to wetlands in
the broader landscape, two artificial dams appear to
provide highly suitable Potential Breeding Habitat. The
wetland areas are not considered likely to be directly
affected by the highway upgrade.
Existing vegetation includes Baumea juncea, Philydrum.
lanuginosum, Juncus usitatus and fringing vegetation of
Melaleuca sp.
Marginal Potential Breeding Habitat exists within a
small permanent waterbody situated in the landscape;
however, the wetland is evidently degraded by factors
associated with grazing (i.e. turbidity, compaction).
Moderate connectivity to a creek to the northwest.
Site Description
Representative Site Photo
Page 23
Diplacodes bipuncata, Orthetrum
caledonicum, Tramea loewii,
Rhyothemis graphiptera, Australian
Tiger Ictinogomphus australis,
Australian Emperor Hemianax
papuensis.
D26
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
Diplacodes bipunctata
Dragonflies observed
D25
Site
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Wetland vegetation includes Baumea articulata, Carex
appressa, Philydrum lanuginosum, Eleocharis equisetina
with fringing vegetation consisting of Melaleuca
quinquenervia, Eucalyptus robusta and C. glauca.
Semi-permanent wetland provides moderate habitat
connectivity to the south.
A large artificial dam appears to be highly suitable as a
Potential Breeding Habitat due to abundant food
source, fringing vegetation and ample wetland
vegetation.
Wetland species include Juncus usitatus, Persicaria sp.,
Philydrum lanuginosum, Eleocharis equisetina, Carex
appressa and Triglochin sp.
Considered to be not suitable for breeding. One very
small isolated semi-permanent waterbody with a low
diversity of sedge vegetation was recorded within a
disturbed paddock.
Site Description
Representative Site Photo
Page 24
Orthetrum caledonicum, Slender
Skimmer Orthetrum sabina,
Austrogomphus melaleucae.
None observed.
D28
D29
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
This closed Melaleuca-Swamp/She-oak woodland is
considered to be not suitable as a breeding habitat due
to lack of semi-permanent to permanent waterbody.
Several species, including Diplacodes
bipuncata, Austrogomphus melaleucae.
D27
Existing vegetation includes Eucalyptus pilularis,
Melaleuca salignus, Lophostemon confertus,
Tristaniopsis laurina, Syzygium luehmannii, Corymbia
intermedia, Hibiscus heterophyllus and Lomandra
longifolia.
Corindi Creek extends from east to west, intersecting the
Study Area. The habitat is considered to be not suitable
for breeding due to limited aquatic vegetation and
moderate turbidity.
Wetland vegetation includes Eleocharis equisetina,
Cyperus sp., Philydrum lanuginosum, Baumea muelleri,
Baumea articulata with low lying fringing Melaleuca and
Swamp-box woodland.
A series of artificial dams appears to be highly suitable
as a Potential Breeding Habitat. This habitat is
connected to a closed Melaleuca swamp to the west;
however there is no open standing water within the
broader landscape context. Approximately half of the
dam is within 100 metre buffer of the highway upgrade.
Existing vegetation includes Schoenus brevifolius,
Isolepis nodosa, Themeda triandra, Carex appressa,
Paspalum sp., Dodonaea viscosa, Polymeria sp.,
Imperata cylindrica and Lomandra longifolia.
Baccharis halimifolia is present in patches.
Site Description
Dragonflies observed
Site
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Representative Site Photo
Page 25
Diplacodes bipunctata, Orthetrum
caledonicum, Australian Emerald
Hemicordulia australiae, Tramea sp.,
Austrogomphus melaleucae, Australian
Emperor Hemianax papuensis.
Austrogomphus melaleucae, Orthetrum
villosovittatum.
D31
D32
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
Dragonflies observed
Diplacodes bipunctata, Orthetrum
caledonicum, Australian Emerald
Hemicordulia australiae, Tramea sp.,
Austrogomphus melaleucae, Australian
Emperor Hemianax papuensis.
Site
D30
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Vegetation includes Melaleuca quinquenervia, Baumea
rubiginosa, Baloskion tetraphyllum, Baloskion pallens,
Gahnia sp., Xanthorrhoea fulva, Pteridium esculentum,
Entolasia marginata and Baeckea frutescens.
A narrow Melaleuca swamp to the south to Broadwater
National Park and north towards an existing quarry.
Semi-permanent waterbody provides suitable Potential
Breeding Habitat, although it is unlikely to contain areas
of open standing water due to the density of aquatic
vegetation.
Fringing vegetation includes Lepironia articulata,
Baumea muelleri, Baloskion pallens, Baeckea
frutescens, Melaleuca nodosa, Melaleuca quinquenervia,
Gahnia sp., Banksia ericifolia, Banksia aemula,
Baloskion tetraphyllum, Leptospermum trinervium.
This open standing pond at Broadwater National Park is
bordered by Melaleuca and wet heath and highly suitable
Potential Breeding Habitat. There is good heath
connectivity and moderate wetland connectivity to the
south-east; however this is interrupted by the existing
Pacific Highway footprint.
There is ample fringing vegetation and aquatic vegetation
within the Melaleuca swamp. High dragonfly activity was
observed across the wetland during the survey.
Situated within Broadwater National Park, an extensive
Melaleuca swamp with permanent standing waterbody
provides highly suitable Potential Breeding Habitat.
This wetland stretches from north-west to south-east.
Site Description
Representative Site Photo
Page 26
Lot 5 on DP843369
Lot 2 on DP818940
Lot 3 on DP818940
Lot 3 on DP818940
Lot 61 on DP1088684
Lot 212 on DP851963
Lot 64 on DP755624
Lot 48 on DP864069
Lot 10 on DP1108270
Lot 100 on DP1138614
Lot 100 on DP1138614
Lot 3 on DP755610
Lot 1 on DP534051
Lot183/DP751365
Lot 20 on DP751365
Lot19 on DP751365
Lot 133 on DP751365
Lot 2 on DP622795
Lot 1 on DP393766
Lot 162 on DP736670
Lot 111 on DP751368
Lot 40 on DP602517
D03
D04
D05
D06
D07
D08
D09
D10
D11
D12
D13
D14
D15
D16
D17
D18
D19
D20
D21
D22
D23
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
Lot 4 on DP223267
D02
Lot on Plan
D01
Site
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
Presence of
permanent or
semi-permanent
open standing
freshwater
0
1
1
1
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
Freshwater
wetland without
obvious signs of
pollution
1
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
Presence of
ample aquatic
vegetation
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Presence of
fringing
vegetation
Assessment Criteria (0-5)
Table 3.2. Habitat condition scores for Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly at survey sites in the Study Area.
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
1
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
Presence of extensive
freshwater swamp within
100 metres of site
Page 27
4
4
4
5
2
3
5
3
2
3
2
3
4
2
0
3
4
2
4
4
4
4
4
Total
Score
Roadside on Kathleen Drive,
Dirty Creek
Lot 5 on DP752820
Lot 10 on DP1152234
Lot 4 on DP806515
Lot 34 on DP600591
Corindi Creek, Pacific
Highway
Broadwater National Park
Broadwater National Park
Lot22 on DP1163533
D24
D25
D26
D27
D28
D30
D31
D32
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-002 Draft A
D29
Lot on Plan
Site
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
Presence of
permanent or
semi-permanent
open standing
freshwater
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
Freshwater
wetland without
obvious signs of
pollution
1
1
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
Presence of
ample aquatic
vegetation
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
Presence of
fringing
vegetation
Assessment Criteria (0-5)
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
Presence of extensive
freshwater swamp within
100 metres of site
Page 28
4
4
5
1
5
2
5
2
5
Total
Score
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
4.0
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR
IMPACT MITIGATION
The following are recommended for
consideration in relation to the mitigation of
impacts to Potential Breeding Habitat for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly:
"
Utilise road design features that avoid
disturbance to mapped wetland areas as far
as possible;
"
Implement drainage designs that reduce the
potential for altered hydrology in the vicinity
of mapped wetlands;
"
Ensure areas within the development
corridor that intersect with Potential
Breeding Habitat have appropriate silt and
sediment controls in place; and
"
Employ weed management practices to
reduce the proliferation of aggressive weeds
into wetland areas, such as Crofton Weed
Ageratina adenophora, Setaria Setaria
sphacelata, Hygrophila Hygrophila costata,
Smartweed Persicaria decipiens, Water
Primrose Ludwigia peploides ssp.
Montevidensis, East Indian Hygrophila
Hygrophila polysperma and Buffalo Spinach
Enydra fluctuans (Grantley et al. 2009). In
open wetland areas, light grazing could be
considered as an appropriate management
action to limit the spread of Setaria, which is
particularly problematic in the Study Area.
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Page 29
Targeted Survey and Habitat Assessment for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
5.0
REFERENCES
Biodiversity Assessment and Management
(BAAM) (2012). Ballina to Woodburn
Pacific Highway Upgrade Targeted
Threatened Invertebrate Study. Report
prepared for Sinclair Knight Merz.
NSW Department of Environment and
Heritage (DEH) (2014a). Coastal Petaltail
– Profile.
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threate
nedspeciesapp/profile.aspx?id=20139
Accessed 13/11/14.
NSW Department of Environment and
Heritage (DEH) (2014b). Freshwater
wetlands on coastal floodplains of the NSW
North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East
Corner bioregions - endangered ecological
community listing.
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determ
inations/FreshwaterWetlandsEndSpListing.
htm Accessed 11/11/14.
Grantley J, McPherson F, Petroeschevsky A
(2009). Recognising Water Weeds Plant
Identification Guide. Industry & Investment
NSW.
Theisinger, G. (1999). A new species of
Petalura Leach from south-eastern
Queensland (Odonata: Petaluridae). Linzer
biol Beitr. 31: 159–166.
Theisinger, G. and Hawking, J. (2006). The
Complete Field Guide to Dragonflies of
Australia. CSIRO publishing, Collingwood,
Vic.
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Page 30
APPENDIX 1
Habitat assessment proforma for Coastal
Petaltail Dragonfly survey
Lot number
Site Name
Recorders
GPS Co-ords
Camera
Slope
Photo number(s)
Crest
Ridge
Lower Slope
Silty Clay
Hillock
Flat
Clay
Soil Texture
Stony
Date
Simple Slope
Open Depression
Clay Loam
Sandy Clay
Vegetation
Upper Slope
Silty Loam
Closed Depression
Loam
Silty Clay Loam
Sandy Loam
Sand
Sandy Clay Loam
yes
Mapping correct
Midslope
no
Loam Sand
maybe
Describe
Waterbody present
yes
Swamp
Gilgai
Seepage
Permanent
Reeds
Sedges
Melaleuca
Spring
Fringing Vegetation
no
Type of Waterbody
Dam
Lake
Creek
yes
no
Heath
Density
Weed cover %
<5
Disturbance type(s)
5-25
livestock
25-50
>50
fire
recreational
none
very low
yes
if yes:
poor
logging
extractive industry
Comments including other disturbance
Disturbance severity (inc weeds)
Evidence of exuviae
Connectivity inc regrowth
Comments on connectivity
no
isolated
Comments on habitat suitability for Petalura litorea
Dragonfly species recorded:
low
moderate
high
severe
sparse
common
very common
moderate
good
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA | PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
Appendix E – Pre-construction survey and
nocturnal monitoring for conservation
significant invertebrates (BAAM, 2014)
Page 116
NSW ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICES
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA
PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
PRECONSTRUCTION SURVEY
AND NOCTURNAL MONITORING
FOR CONSERVATION
SIGNIFICANT INVERTEBRATES
Report prepared
for
Roads and Maritime Services
Document Control Sheet
File Number: 0361-001
Project Manager/s: Dr Lindsay Popple
Client: Roads and Maritime Services
Project Title: Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade Preconstruction Survey and
Nocturnal Monitoring for Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Project Author/s: Dr Lindsay Popple, Lui Weber, Ko Oishi and Dr Penn Lloyd
Project Summary: An initial site reconnaissance was conducted to identify future monitoring
locations for Southern Pink Underwing Moth, Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle and Richmond
Birdwing Butterfly in the Study Area and at control locations in Victoria Park Nature Reserve and
Davis Scrub Nature Reserve. Nocturnal monitoring was performed for Southern Pink Underwing
Moth and Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle for one week over six consecutive weeks during March
and early April 2014. A preconstruction survey to obtain baseline data on the occurrence and
abundance of significant invertebrates and their host plants was conducted in areas of known and
potentially suitable habitat within 200 metres of the proposed road alignment corridor.
Draft Preparation History:
Draft No.
Date draft
completed
01/05/2014
0361-001 Draft A
Reviewed by
Issued by
Jedd Appleton
Lindsay Popple
Checked by
Jedd Appleton
Issued by
Jo Chambers
Revision/ Checking History Track:
Version
0361-001 Version 0
Date of Issue
23/05/2014
Document Distribution:
Destination
Client Copy 1 digital
Client Copy 1hard copy
PDF - server
PDF – backup –
archived Disk/tape
Hard Copy -library
Revision
1
Date
Dispatched
A 01/05/2014
0
Date
Dispatched
23/05/2014
A
A
0
0
23/05/2014
23/05/2014
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
01/05/2014
01/05/2014
2
3
Date
Dispatched
4 Date
Dispatched
NOTICE TO USERS OF THIS REPORT
Copyright and reproduction
This report and all indexes, schedules, annexures or appendices are subject to copyright pursuant to
the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Subject to statutory defences, no party may reproduce, publish, adapt
or communicate to the public, in whole or in part, the content of this report without the express
written consent of Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd.
Purpose of Report
Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd has produced this report in its capacity as
consultants for and on the request of Roads and Maritime Services (the "Client") for the sole purpose
of providing a preconstruction survey and series of nocturnal monitoring events to form a baseline
for conservation significant invertebrates in association with the proposed Woolgoolga to Ballina
Pacific Highway Upgrade (the "Specified Purpose"). This information and any recommendations in
this report are particular to the Specified Purpose and are based on facts, matters and
circumstances particular to the subject matter of the report and the Specified Purpose at the time of
production. This report is not to be used, nor is it suitable, for any purpose other than the Specified
Purpose. Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd disclaims all liability for any loss and/or
damage whatsoever arising either directly or indirectly as a result of any application, use or reliance
upon the report for any purpose other than the Specified Purpose.
This report has been produced solely for the benefit of the Client. Biodiversity Assessment and
Management Pty Ltd does not accept that a duty of care is owed to any party other than the Client.
This report is not to be used by any third party other than as authorised in writing by Biodiversity
Assessment and Management Pty Ltd and any such use shall continue to be limited to the Specified
Purpose. Further, Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd does not make any warranty,
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in part of the report or application or use of any other information or process disclosed in this report
and to the full extent allowed by law excludes liability in contract, tort or otherwise, for any loss or
damage sustained by any person or body corporate arising from or in connection with the supply or
use of the whole part of the report through any cause whatsoever.
Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd has used information provided to it by the Client
and governmental registers, databases, departments and agencies in the preparation of this report.
Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd does not know, nor does it have any reason to
suspect, that the information provided to it was false, inaccurate, incomplete or misleading at the
time of its receipt. This report is supplied on the basis that while Biodiversity Assessment and
Management Pty Ltd believes all the information in it is deemed reliable at the time of publication, it
does not warrant its accuracy or completeness and to the full extent allowed by law excludes liability
in contract, tort or otherwise, for any loss or damage sustained by any person or body corporate
arising from or in connection with the supply or use of the whole or any part of the information in this
report through any cause whatsoever.
Signed on behalf of
Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd
Director
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Date: 23rd May 2014
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Biodiversity Assessment and Management (BAAM) has prepared this report for Roads and
Maritime Services to document the results of a preconstruction survey and nocturnal monitoring
study of conservation significant invertebrates in rainforest habitats along the corridor of the
proposed Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade. The objectives of the study are to:
1. Document the occurrence of Southern Pink Underwing Moth Phyllodes imperialis (and
its host plant, Carronia multisepalea), Atlas Rainforest Beetle Nurus atlas and Richmond
Birdwing Ornithoptera richmondia (and its host plant Pararistolochia praevenosa);
2. Establish monitoring transects for the three invertebrate species and the two host plants
listed above; and
3. Perform nocturnal monitoring of adult Southern Pink Underwing Moth and Atlas
Rainforest Beetle.
Occurrences and counts of Carronia multisepalea and Pararistolochia praevenosa were
recorded in rainforests between Wardell and Coolgardie to the south of Ballina. Thorough
searches were conducted for larvae of Southern Pink Underwing Moth and Richmond Birdwing,
as well as for burrows of Atlas Rainforest Beetle. Site assessments were conducted throughout
areas of potentially suitable habitat for each species and rainforest polygons were specifically
categorised to refine habitat mapping for Southern Pink Underwing Moth.
Five transects were established for the nocturnal monitoring of Southern Pink Underwing Moth
and Atlas Rainforest Beetle adjacent to the Study Area. Two control transects suitable for each
of these species were identified in reserves to the north-west of the Project. Three transects
adjacent to the Study Area and one of the control transects were also identified as being
suitable for future monitoring of Richmond Birdwing. Nocturnal monitoring was conducted for
one night over six consecutive weeks using night vision goggles and LED flashlights. Fruit baits
were used to attract Southern Pink Underwing Moth. Searches for Atlas Rainforest Beetle were
reliant on active observation and the identification and examination of their distinctive burrows.
Carronia multisepalea was found to occur widely throughout appropriate habitats in the study
area, including areas where its presence was not previously confirmed. Despite this, no adults,
larvae or eggs of Southern Pink Underwing Moth were encountered in the Study Area during the
preconstruction survey or entire monitoring period. Only a single larvae was found at one of the
control sites during establishment of the transects. Observations of Atlas Rainforest Beetle
were restricted to sightings at burrows in the control sites. No occupied burrows were identified
in the Study Area. Richmond Birdwing adults and larvae were encountered on a small number
of occasions in the Study Area. Sightings of the butterfly were made in association with
Pararistolochia praevenosa, which occurred patchily throughout.
Below average rainfall during the 2013–2014 summer is considered likely to have contributed to
the lack of activity of Southern Pink Underwing moth during this study. In spite of the poor
season, the local prevalence of Carronia multisepalea and past survey results indicate that the
Study Area does support an important breeding population of the moth. The same sites provide
highly suitable breeding habitat for Richmond Birdwing. However, the Study Area appears to be
of comparatively low suitability for Atlas Rainforest Beetle. The presence of the beetle was
found to be far more conspicuous in the more friable Ferrosol soils associated with control sites
to the north-west.
Monitoring for Southern Pink Underwing Moth would ideally be repeated in a higher rainfall
summer season and consideration could be given to conducting the monitoring on a monthly
(rather than weekly) basis across the warmer months. Further attempts to monitor Atlas
Rainforest Beetle should be conducted only in the case where at least one definitive burrow is
identified in the Study Area. Future monitoring of Richmond Birdwing could be considered on
an annual basis to monitor the persistence of the local population.
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
PRECONSTRUCTION SURVEY AND NOCTURNAL
MONITORING FOR CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANT
INVERTEBRATES
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1 1.1. Background and Purpose .............................................................................................. 1 1.2. Site Description ............................................................................................................. 1 1.3. Proposed Works ............................................................................................................ 1 1.4. Target Species .............................................................................................................. 3 2.0 METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................... 3 2.1. Establishment of Monitoring Transects.......................................................................... 3 2.2. Weekly Monitoring ......................................................................................................... 3 2.3. Preconstruction Survey ................................................................................................. 7 2.3.1. Southern Pink Underwing Moth ...................................................................... 7 2.3.2. Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle ....................................................................... 7 2.3.3. Richmond Birdwing ......................................................................................... 7 2.4. Habitat Mapping and Condition Scores for Southern Pink Underwing Moth.................. 7 3.0 RESULTS ................................................................................................................................ 8 3.1. Rainfall conditions preceding the surveys ..................................................................... 8 3.2. Weekly Monitoring ......................................................................................................... 8 3.3. Preconstruction Survey ................................................................................................. 9 3.3.1. Southern Pink Underwing Moth ...................................................................... 9 3.3.2. Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle ..................................................................... 13 3.3.3. Richmond Birdwing ....................................................................................... 13 3.4. Habitat Mapping and Condition Scores ....................................................................... 13 4.0 DISCUSSION......................................................................................................................... 16 4.1. Efficacy of Monitoring .................................................................................................. 16 4.2. Comparison with Previous Surveys ............................................................................. 16 4.3. Habitat Suitability Within the Study Area ..................................................................... 16 4.3.1. Southern Pink Underwing Moth .................................................................... 16 4.3.2. Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle ..................................................................... 17 4.3.3. Richmond Birdwing ....................................................................................... 18 5.0 CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................................... 18 6.0 KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE MONITORING ................................................. 18 7.0 REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................... 19 BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Page i
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for
Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Table of Figures
Figure 1.1: Location of the Study Area
Figure 2.1: Location of monitoring and control transects in the vicinity of the Study Area
Figure 3.1: Late spring to mid autumn monthly rainfall at Meerschaum Vale Weather Station (for
years 2011–2012, 2012–2013 and 2013–2014, coinciding with the invertebrate surveys).
Figure 3.2: Location of Carronia multisepalea records obtained in the Study Area
Figure 3.3: Location of Pararistolochia praevenosa and Richmond Birdwing records obtained in
the Study Area
Figure 3.4: Habitat mapping and condition scores for Southern Pink Underwing Moth in the
Study Area
Table of Appendices
Appendix 1: Preconstruction survey baseline data for relevant invertebrates in lowland rainforest
in the Study Area and at control sites near Meerschaum Vale
Table of Terms and Abbreviations
BAAM
Conservation significant
EPBC Act
Study Area
TSC Act
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd
Includes species listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered,
Vulnerable and Near Threatened under the EPBC Act and/or
TSC Act and species listed as Regionally Significant under the
Byron Biodiversity Conservation Strategy that have been
identified in association with rainforest communities in the Study
Area
Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999
SKM Sinclair Knight Merz
An area within 200 m of the proposed Woolgoolga to Ballina
Pacific Highway Upgrade Corridor between Pimlico and
Buckombil Mountain southwest of Ballina, northern New South
Wales
New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995
Page ii
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for
Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
1.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Biodiversity Assessment and Management
(BAAM) has prepared this report for Roads and
Maritime Services for the purpose of providing a
preconstruction survey and nocturnal monitoring
for conservation significant invertebrates on
properties in the vicinity of Coolgardie Road
near Woodburn in northern New South Wales
(the ‘Study Area’). The scope of works also
required nocturnal monitoring at control
locations in national park estates to the
northwest of the Study Area for comparative
purposes.
The overarching goal of this project is to partially
fulfil obligations specified under the Woolgoolga
to Ballina Threatened Invertebrate Management
Plan (NSW Roads and Maritime Services
2013a), which prescribes management
practices for values protected by regulations in
relation to the Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)
and the Threatened Species Conservation Act
1995 (TSC Act). More specifically, this study
aims to:



Obtain new baseline data on rainforestassociated invertebrates (and their host
plants) identified as being relevant to the
project.
Establish monitoring transects for
conservation significant invertebrates and
host plants that will allow data to be
collected throughout the life of the project.
Undertake and report on nocturnal
monitoring for Southern Pink Underwing
Moth Phyllodes imperialis smithersi and
Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle Nurus
atlas along each transect.
The results of this report are based on site
investigations undertaken by Dr Lindsay Popple
and Lui Weber on 4–5 March and 18–21 March
2014 and from monitoring activities undertaken
by Dr Lindsay Popple and Lui Weber on 5, 12,
19 and 26 March, by Lui Weber and Ko Oishi on
2 April, and by Dr Lindsay Popple and Ko Oishi
on 9 April, all during 2014.
1.2.
SITE DESCRIPTION
Highway near Pimlico in the north, then
diverting to the west from the intersection of
Coolgardie Road southwest to Buckombil
Mountain (Figure 1.1). Areas to the south
along the proposed Woolgoolga to Ballina road
upgrade alignment have already been
identified as not containing habitat suitable for
the rainforest-associated invertebrates that
have been targeted as part of this study
(BAAM 2012).
Vegetation types targeted for the purpose of
this study included areas mapped by BAAM
(2012, 2013) as Lowland Rainforest of
Subtropical Australia (Commonwealth-listed
Threatened Ecological Community [TEC]), as
well as rainforest regrowth or camphordominated communities that did not meet the
condition requirements to match the
Commonwealth-listed TEC. Almost all
polygons of these habitats within the Study
Area are restricted to steep rocky slopes or
lower slopes on dark basaltic soils
(Sheringham et al. 2008), with the exception of
some parts of Buckombil Mountain, where red
basaltic earths transition abruptly to lighter
coloured soils (presumably Kurosols derived
from metamorphic rocks; Jenkins & Morand
2002).
Suitable control sites were identified outside
and to the northwest of the Study Area in
Victoria Nature Reserve and Davis Scrub
Nature Reserve. Both of these areas contain
remnant Lowland Rainforest on rich red
Ferrosols formed on a basaltic plateau
(Jenkins and Morand 2002).
1.3.
PROPOSED WORKS
It is understood that a development is intended
to take place within the Study Area in the form
of a partly raised, multi-lane highway, with
interchanges, lighting and temporary
construction infrastructure located at
appropriate points. These works will require
clearing of vegetation and earthworks
throughout a portion of the length of the Study
Area; however the position of the proposed
road alignment has been sited to avoid direct
impacts to rainforest habitat containing the
conservation significant invertebrates targeted
in this study. More specific details on the
project are available in NSW Roads and
Maritime Services (2013b).
The Study Area is broadly linear and partially
follows the footprint of the existing Pacific
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Page 1
153°0'E
LENNOX HEAD
ALSTONVILLE
MUMMULGUM
LISMORE
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BALLIN A
WYRALLAH
CASINO
TATH AM
MONGOGARIE
WARDELL
29°0'S
29°0'S
CORAKI
BROADWATER
WOODBURN
RAPPVILLE
EVANS HEAD
CAMIRA CREEK
WHIPORIE
CHATSWORTH
COALDALE
ILUKA
HARWOOD
YAMBA
STUDY
AREA
MAC LEAN
LAWRENCE
BRUSHGROVE
CARRS C REEK JUNCTION
ULMARRA
TUCABIA
GRAFTON
PILL AR VALLEY
COUTTS CROSSING
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MINNIE WATER
WOOLI
WARDELL
30°0'S
30°0'S
RED ROCK
CORINDI BEACH
GLENREAGH
MUL LAWAY
153°0'E
Notes:
C oo r di n a te S y ste m : GC S GD A 1 9 9 4
D atu m : GD A 1 9 9 4
U ni ts: D e g re e
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Kilo me ters
© Bi o di v er si ty As se s sm e n t a n d M a n ag e m e n t Pty Ltd . W hi l e e v e ry c a re is ta ke n to e n s u re the a c cu ra c y o f th is d a ta , B io d iv e rsi ty A ss es sm e n t a n d M a n a g em e n t m a ke s n o re p re s e nta ti o ns o r w a rra n ti e s a b o ut i ts a c cu ra c y, r e li a bi li ty,
co m p le te n es s o r s u ita b i li ty fo r a n y p a rti cu l ar p ur p o se a n d d i sc la i ms a ll re sp o n s ib il i ty a n d a l l l ia b i li ty (i n cl u d in g w ith o u t li m ita ti on l ia b i li ty i n n e g l ig e n ce ) fo r a l l e x pe n s es , lo s se s , d a m a g e s (i n cl u di n g in d ir e ct co n s e qu e n ti al d a ma g e ) a n d co s ts
w hi ch m i gh t b e in c u rre d a s a re s ul t o f the d a ta b ei n g in a cc u ra te o r in c o mp l e te i n a ny w a y a n d for a ny re a so n .
Project
Location
Figure:
LEGEND
Title:
Prop osed Road Alignme nt
New
South
Wales
!
Towns
Primary roads
Built-up a rea
Secondary roa ds
Watercourse
Rail line
Prop erties w ithin alignme nt
Drawn By: M G
Revi ewed b y: L P
Date: 2 9/04 /20 14
D oc u m en t L o ca ti o n: D :\G IS\J ob s \0 36 1 - 00 1 B a ll in a Su r ve y s\GIS \M XD s \R e po r tMa p s \Fig u re 1 -1 L o ca ti o n o f S tu dy A re a .m xd D a te : 2 9/0 4 /2 0 1 4 1:5 6 :2 1 PM
Project:
Client:
1-1
Location of the Study Area
Woolgoolga to Ballina
Pacific Highway Upgrade
Invertebrate Monitoring.
Roads & Maritime Services, NSW
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for
Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
1.4.
TARGET SPECIES
Three conservation significant invertebrate
species are known to occur in association with
rainforest habitats in the Study Area:



2.0
Pink Underwing Moth Phyllodes imperialis
smithersi (Endangered under the EPBC Act
and the TSC Act) and its host plant
Carronia multisepalea (not threatened);
Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle Nurus atlas
(Endangered under the TSC Act); and
Richmond Birdwing Ornithoptera
richmondia (Regionally Significant under
the Byron Biodiversity Conservation
Strategy) and its host plant Pararistolochia
praevenosa (not threatened).
METHODOLOGY
All surveys were performed under BAAM’s NSW
Scientific Licence number SL100704.
2.1.
ESTABLISHMENT OF MONITORING
TRANSECTS
control transect in Victoria Park (C2) was also
considered suitable for monitoring this species.
No birdwing vine was located in either of the
control sites; however an extensive (planted)
vine was located adjacent to Victoria Park not
far from transect C2.
Each transect was 50 m in length, with some
deviation from a straight line to improve
detection of Atlas Rainforest Beetle in areas of
potentially suitable microhabitat. The start and
end of each transect was recorded by GPS.
Flagging tape was used to mark 10 m intervals
along each transect to facilitate the deployment
of baits for Pink Underwing Moth. Photographic
records were taken at each cardinal compass
point at the centre of each transect.
The locations of the monitoring transects are
shown in Figure 2.1. A description of each of
the Study Area and control site transects is
provided in Table 2.1.
2.2.
WEEKLY MONITORING
Monitoring transects were identified to enable
preconstruction and future monitoring of
Carronia multisepalea, Pararistolochia
praevenosa, Southern Pink Underwing Moth,
Richmond Birdwing and Atlas Rainforest Beetle
populations in the Study Area and at control
sites throughout the various phases of the
project. Suitable locations for the transects
were identified in the Study Area with reference
to the previous records of BAAM (2012, 2013).
Suitable control sites were identified using
occurrence data provided in the Atlas of Living
Australia portal.
Nocturnal monitoring was conducted for Pink
Underwing Moth and Atlas Rainforest Beetle at
each of the five Study Area transects and the
two control sites for one night over six
consecutive weeks from the beginning of
March 2014. Over-ripe banana baits were
prepared and deployed during the afternoon
prior to each monitoring session. The baits
were suspended from tree branches within
arms reach at 10 m intervals along each 50 m
transect. For the final monitoring event two
additional baits consisting of ripe custard apple
were deployed at each trapping location to
observe the potential influence of using a
different bait type on monitoring success.
Five transects were established for monitoring
both Southern Pink Underwing Moth and Atlas
Rainforest Beetle in the Study Area. These
included locations where the presence of these
species has been confirmed during previous
surveys. An additional transect for each of
these species was identified at control sites in
each of Davis Scrub Nature Reserve and
Victoria Park Nature Reserve. Each transect
included multiple individuals of the host plant for
Pink Underwing moth, Carronia multisepalea.
Three of the Study Area transects described
above also contained Pararistolochia
praevenosa and were identified as being
suitable for monitoring Richmond Birdwing. The
Monitoring was conducted for approximately
20 minutes along each transect, between 6.30
and 10.30 pm. Night vision goggles and a
night vision LED torch were used to scan each
bait for signs of moth activity. Baits were
removed sequentially after being checked.
The ground and any previously identified
burrows in the vicinity of each transect was
checked for signs of Atlas Rainforest Beetle
activity. Small LED flashlights were used to
negotiate areas of difficult terrain along each
transect and during transit. Use of these
torches was kept to a minimum as far as
possible during the monitoring to minimise light
disturbance.
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Page 3
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T2
T1
T5
T3
C oo r di n a te S y ste m : GC S GD A 1 9 9 4
D atu m : GD A 1 9 9 4
U ni ts: D e g re e
Notes:
°
1:62,500
0
0.32 5 0.65
at A4
1.3
1.95
2.6
Kilo me ters
© Bi o di v er si ty As se s sm e n t a n d M a n ag e m e n t Pty Ltd . W hi l e e v e ry c a re is ta ke n to e n s u re the a c cu ra c y o f th is d a ta , B io d iv e rsi ty A ss es sm e n t a n d M a n a g em e n t m a ke s n o re p re s e nta ti o ns o r w a rra n ti e s a b o ut i ts a c cu ra c y, r e li a bi li ty,
co m p le te n es s o r s u ita b i li ty fo r a n y p a rti cu l ar p ur p o se a n d d i sc la i ms a ll re sp o n s ib il i ty a n d a l l l ia b i li ty (i n cl u d in g w ith o u t li m ita ti on l ia b i li ty i n n e g l ig e n ce ) fo r a l l e x pe n s es , lo s se s , d a m a g e s (i n cl u di n g in d ir e ct co n s e qu e n ti al d a ma g e ) a n d co s ts
w hi ch m i gh t b e in c u rre d a s a re s ul t o f the d a ta b ei n g in a cc u ra te o r in c o mp l e te i n a ny w a y a n d for a ny re a so n .
Figure:
Project
Location
Title:
LEGEND
Project:
Survey transects
New
South
Wales
Proposed Road Alignment
Drawn By: M G
Revi ewed b y: L P
Client:
Date: 2 9/04 /20 14
D oc u m en t L o ca ti o n: D :\G IS\J ob s \0 36 1 - 00 1 B a ll in a Su r ve y s\GIS \M XD s \R e po r tMa p s \Fig u re 2 -1 L o ca ti o n o f m o n ito ri n g a n d co n tro l tra n se c ts.m xd D a te : 2 9/0 4 /2 0 1 4 1 :3 0 :0 4 PM
2-1
Location of the monitoring and control
transects in the vicinity of the Study Area
Woolgoolga to Ballina
Pacific Highway Upgrade
Invertebrate Monitoring.
Roads & Maritime Services, NSW
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for
Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Table 2.1. Monitoring and control transects in the vicinity of the Study Area
Transect name, target
species and position
T1. Confirmed location for
Southern Pink Underwing
Moth and Atlas Rainforest
Beetle. Suitable for
Richmond Birdwing.
Start: 28.9296°S
153.4652°E. End:
28.9294°S 153.4657°E.
Baseline photographs
North
East
South
West
T2. Confirmed location for
Southern Pink Underwing
Moth. Suitable transect
for Atlas Rainforest
Beetle and Richmond
Birdwing. Start:
28.9293°S 153.4649°E.
End: 28.9292°S
153.4653°E.
T3. Suitable for Southern
Pink Underwing Moth and
Atlas Rainforest Beetle.
Start: 28.9268°S
153.4698°E. End:
28.9266°S 153.4701°E.
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Page 5
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for
Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
T4. Confirmed location for
Southern Pink Underwing
Moth. Suitable for Atlas
Rainforest Beetle. Start:
28.9253°S 153.4718°E.
End: 28.9248°S
153.4719°E.
T5. Suitable for Southern
Pink Underwing Moth,
Atlas Rainforest Beetle
and Richmond Birdwing.
Start: 28.9286°S
153.4669°E. End:
28.9290°S 153.4665°E.
C1. Confirmed site for
Atlas Rainforest Beetle.
Suitable for Southern
Pink Underwing Moth.
Start: 28.8665°S
153.4051°E. End:
28.8668°S 153.4048°E.
C2. Confirmed site for
Atlas Rainforest Beetle.
Suitable for Southern
Pink Underwing Moth and
Richmond Birdwing.
Start: 28.9028°S
153.4102°E. End:
28.9030°S 153.4100°E.
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Page 6
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for
Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Notes on the invertebrate activity and weather
conditions were kept for each transect during
each weekly monitoring event.
2.3.
PRECONSTRUCTION SURVEY
The preconstruction survey targeted properties
within the Study Area where Carronia
multisepalea, Pararistolochia praevenosa,
Southern Pink Underwing Moth, Richmond
Birdwing and Atlas Rainforest Beetle
populations were previously identified (BAAM
2012, 2013). Locations with potential habitat for
the above species that were not accessed
during those previous surveys on Lot 50 on
DP1120710, Lot 2 on DP543525 and Lot 4 on
DP707736 were also visited.
in areas of suitable habitat, checking under
rocks, logs and plant roots for characteristic
burrows. Areas where burrows have
previously been recorded were checked. GPS
records were taken for any potential new
burrows.
2.3.3. Richmond Birdwing
Opportunistic observations and records of
Richmond Birdwing adults and larvae were
made during the preconstruction survey and
throughout the monitoring. Additional records
of Pararistolochia praevenosa were obtained
wherever new vines were encountered.
2.4.
2.3.1. Southern Pink Underwing Moth
Counts and GPS records of Carronia
multisepalea were recorded wherever it was
encountered. Thorough searches were
undertaken along meandering transects through
patches of the host plant for larvae and eggs of
Southern Pink Underwing Moth. Notes were
kept on the health, growth form and sex (where
possible) of the host plants.
Data collected within each polygon of known or
potentially suitable habitat and at each
monitoring transect for Southern Pink
Underwing Moth included:






Number, sex and form of individuals of
Carronia multisepalea.
Leaf characteristics (in particular, presence
of soft, pale new leaf growth) of individuals
of Carronia multisepalea.
Presence, abundance and age of any
Southern Pink Underwing Moth larvae
found on host plants.
Number of fleshy-fruited native tree
species.
Percent cover of native and exotic plant
species in each stratum.
Percent canopy cover
2.3.2. Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle
Habitat assessments were performed in areas
of lowland rainforest, making note of the cover
of rocks and logs and general suitability of
remnant and regrowth areas for Atlas Rainforest
Beetle. Meandering searches were conducted
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
HABITAT MAPPING AND CONDITION
SCORES FOR SOUTHERN PINK
UNDERWING MOTH
As per the previous survey of BAAM (2013),
polygons of habitat for Southern Pink
Underwing Moth were identified into three
categories. These were:
1.
2.
3.
Known habitat for P. i. smithersi where
host plant and larval records occur and
where the moth is considered likely to
occur throughout the polygon;
Potential habitat for P. i. smithersi where
the host vine, Carronia multisepalea, has
been detected, but where moth larvae
have not been recorded; and
Potential habitat for P. i. smithersi where
the moth and host vine have not yet been
detected.
The survey of additional polygons and
revisiting the areas surveyed previously
allowed a refinement of past mapping. Areas
of potential and known habitat were then
scored by ‘habitat condition’ relative to the
ecological requirements of Southern Pink
Underwing Moth as far as they are understood.
Polygons were given a score of between 0 and
6, with a point being awarded for each one of
the following criteria (modified from BAAM
2013):


Host plant (Carronia multisepalea) was
detected during the surveys;
Number of native fleshy-fruited tree
species (which potentially provide food for
the adult moth) detected during the survey
was >20;
Page 7
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for
Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services




Patch exhibited natural canopy gaps
(allowing for potential recruitment of the
host plant);
Canopy cover comprised >50% native
species;
Number of rainforest indicator species (from
TSSC 2011) was >30; and
Included areas where canopy cover was
dominantly ≥65%.
3.0
RESULTS
3.1.
RAINFALL CONDITIONS PRECEDING THE
SURVEYS
Rainfall conditions differed between the current
survey and the surveys in 2012 and 2013. The
2012 survey was preceded by a rainfall event
that was significantly above average. Greater
than average rainfall occurred again in January
and February, 2013, immediately prior to the
next survey. However, rainfall across three
months prior to the 2014 survey was far below
average, leading to conditions that were far less
conducive to invertebrate activity (Figure 3.1).
candidate and this brief sighting was
inconclusive (Table 3.1).
Photo 1. Common Fruit-piercing Moth
Eudocima fullonia attracted to a banana
bait in transect T4.
Observations of Atlas Rainforest Beetle activity
were made on several occasions in both
transects at the control sites (Photo 4);
however, none were obtained during
monitoring within the Study Area (Table 3.1).
Several beetle burrows were identified at the
control transects prior to the undertaking of
monitoring and all Atlas Rainforest Beetle
activity was observed in or immediately
adjacent to these burrows. Only a single
potential burrow was identified in the Study
Area and no beetle activity was observed in
association with this burrow during the
monitoring.
Figure 3.1. Late spring to mid autumn monthly
rainfall at Meerschaum Vale Weather Station
(for years 2011–2012, 2012–2013 and 2013–
2014, coinciding with the invertebrate surveys).
Mean monthly rainfall is also shown. Data from
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/.
3.2.
WEEKLY MONITORING
A summary of the weekly monitoring results is
provided in Table 3.1. Notably, no definitive
observations of adult Southern Pink Underwing
Moth were made during the six weeks of
monitoring, despite a variety of other moth
species being attracted to the baits (Photos 1–
3). Only one observation of a large moth near a
bait during one monitoring event was a potential
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Photo 2. Owl Moth Erebus terminitincta
attracted to a banana bait in transect T5.
Page 8
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for
Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Records of Carronia multisepalea within the
Study Area are depicted in Figure 3.2. No
plants were identified within 20 m of the road
corridor.
Photo 3. A small moth (Achaea sp.) attracted
to a banana bait in transect T1.
Plants in all populations were found to be in
good health, typically with signs of new growth,
sporadic evidence of seeding and patchy
occurrences of recent recruitment. Almost all
plants showed signs of old herbivory consistent
with moth larval activity (either Southern Pink
Underwing Moth or Common Fruit Piercing
Moth, or both) presumably during the most
recent summer. Signs of more recent
herbivory were generally indicative of leaf
beetle or orthopteran damage, rather than
moth activity.
Despite thorough searches in patches of
Carronia multisepalea, including searches at
locations where the presence of Southern Pink
Underwing Moth was confirmed during the
previous surveys (BAAM 2012, 2013), no signs
of moth larvae or eggs were observed in the
Study Area during the current survey. Only a
single larvae of a Southern Pink Underwing
Moth was found at one of the control sites
during establishment of the transects
(28°51.994°S 153°24.355’E) (Photo 5).
Photo 4. Atlas Rainforest Beetle Nurus atlas
waiting for prey at the entrance to a burrow
at control transect C2.
3.3.
PRECONSTRUCTION SURVEY
The survey was performed in the middle of
March, two weeks after a modest amount of
rainfall (~25 mm over a week), which was the
largest amount of rain in over one month prior to
the rainfall event. Detailed site assessments
undertaken during the survey for Southern Pink
Underwing Moth, Atlas Rainforest Beetle and
Richmond Birdwing are presented in Appendix
1.
3.3.1. Southern Pink Underwing Moth
Photo 5. Southern Pink Underwing Moth
Phyllodes imperialis smithersi larva on a
Carronia multisepalea vine in Davis Scrub
Nature Reserve.
All polygons where the host plant for Southern
Pink Underwing Moth, Carronia multisepalea,
was identified on previous surveys were
revisited during the current survey to check on
the health and status of the host plant
populations. Two large additional patches of
Carronia multisepalea were identified in areas
that were not accessed during previous surveys.
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Page 9
21
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6
5
160
4
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8
52
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12
15
16
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8
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62
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2
157000
156900
156800
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155200
157300
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2
117
157400
156500
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156700
156600
P
156400!
155600
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156300!
155700
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156200!
155800 155900
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156000 156100!
P
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155500
C oo r di n a te S y ste m : GC S GD A 1 9 9 4
D atu m : GD A 1 9 9 4
U ni ts: D e g re e
Notes:
°
1:12,772
0 0.05 0.1
0.2
at A4
0.3
0.4
Kilo me ters
© Bi o di v er si ty As se s sm e n t a n d M a n ag e m e n t Pty Ltd . W hi l e e v e ry c a re is ta ke n to e n s u re the a c cu ra c y o f th is d a ta , B io d iv e rsi ty A ss es sm e n t a n d M a n a g em e n t m a ke s n o re p re s e nta ti o ns o r w a rra n ti e s a b o ut i ts a c cu ra c y, r e li a bi li ty,
co m p le te n es s o r s u ita b i li ty fo r a n y p a rti cu l ar p ur p o se a n d d i sc la i ms a ll re sp o n s ib il i ty a n d a l l l ia b i li ty (i n cl u d in g w ith o u t li m ita ti on l ia b i li ty i n n e g l ig e n ce ) fo r a l l e x pe n s es , lo s se s , d a m a g e s (i n cl u di n g in d ir e ct co n s e qu e n ti al d a ma g e ) a n d co s ts
w hi ch m i gh t b e in c u rre d a s a re s ul t o f the d a ta b ei n g in a cc u ra te o r in c o mp l e te i n a ny w a y a n d for a ny re a so n .
Figure:
LEGEND
Project
Location
New
South
Wales
_
^
Title:
Carronia m ultisepalea records
Total number of individual plants:
1 - 17
21 - 33
52 - 65
Drawn By: M G
112 - 128
65 - 81
49
P
!
Project:
Client:
140 - 160
Chainage 100m marks
Revi ewed b y: L P
Date: 2 9/04 /20 14
D oc u m en t L o ca ti o n: D :\G IS\J ob s \0 36 1 - 00 1 B a ll in a Su r ve y s\GIS \M XD s \R e po r tMa p s \Fig u re 3 -2 L o ca ti o n o f C a rr on i a mu l tis e p al e a re co rd s .m xd D a te : 2 9 /0 4 /2 0 14 1 :3 4 :0 7 P M
3-2
Location of Carronia mulisepalea records
obtained in the Study Area
Woolgoolga to Ballina
Pacific Highway Upgrade
Invertebrate Monitoring.
Roads & Maritime Services, NSW
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for
Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Table 3.1. Results of the six monitoring events for Southern Pink Underwing Moth and Atlas Rainforest Beetle.
Date
Rainfall
General Notes
Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle
Pink Underwing Moth
5/03/2014 13 mm over 7 Low humidity. No ant activity.
No activity identified at the monitoring transects
No activity or possible signs of adult Pink
days prior to
Minimal invertebrate activity with within the Study Area, including at the potential
Underwing Moth found during the
survey.
the exception of some small
burrow identified at transect T3. No activity
monitoring at any Study Area or control
moths. A katydid was found
observed at control transects, including at likely
transects.
consuming one of the baits at
burrows.
transect T2 and cockroaches
were found on baits at T5 and
C1.
12/03/2014 18.2 mm over 7 High humidity. Increased
A large beetle was observed briefly at transect T3; A single large moth was disturbed at rest
from near a bait in transect T3. It was the
days prior to
invertebrate activity, including
however it evaded capture before it could be
size of a small bird. It moved quickly in
survey,
ants, spiders, beetles,
examined. No other activity was identified at the
bouts of several short flights up and
including 8.8
cockroaches and moths. A
monitoring transects within the Study Area,
disappeared into the middle canopy
mm on day
geometrid moth was observed
including at the possible burrow in site T3. No
before close observations or a
prior to survey. briefly feeding at a bait at
activity observed at control transects, including at
photograph could be obtained. Its size,
transect T5.
likely burrows. Other carabid beetles were
observed and photographed during the monitoring, shape and behaviour were all potentially
consistent with Southern Pink Underwing
including a Pamborus species at transect T2 and
Moth; however a variety of other potential
an unidentified species near transect T3.
candidates also exist.
19/03/2014 15.8 mm over 7 High humidity, warm night.
No activity identified at the monitoring transects
No activity or possible signs of adult Pink
days prior to
Reasonable invertebrate activity, within the Study Area, including at the potential
Underwing Moth found during the
survey.
including ants, spiders, beetles, burrow identified at transect T3. An active Atlas
monitoring at any Study Area or control
cockroaches and moths.
Rainforest Beetle was observed in one burrow in
transects.
Photograph of an Owl Moth
each of control transects C1 and C2. In C1,
feeding at a bait on transect T2. aggressive feeding activity was observed under
torchlight. The beetles were positioned at angles
that proved difficult to photograph. After some
observation the beetles retreated down their
burrows.
26/03/2014 67.6 mm over 7 High humidity, light breeze, mild No activity identified at the monitoring transects
No activity or possible signs of adult Pink
days prior to
night. Conspicuous invertebrate within the Study Area, including at the potential
Underwing Moth found during the
survey.
activity, including ants, spiders,
burrow identified at transect T3. An active Atlas
monitoring at any Study Area or control
beetles, cockroaches and moths. Rainforest Beetle was observed in one burrow in
transects.
Owl Moth sighted in transect T5 each of control transects C1 and C2. Photographs
(not near baits). Common Fruit
were taken at each location. After some
Piercing Moth photographed at
observation the beetles retreated down their
bait in transect T4.
burrows. Vibration appeared to disturb beetles, but
not the use of an LED flashlight.
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Page 11
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for
Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Date
Rainfall
2/04/2014
123.6 mm over High humidity, warm night.
7 days prior to Conspicuous invertebrate
survey.
activity, including ants, spiders,
beetles, cockroaches and moths.
Owl Moth sighted and
photographed at bait in transect
T4.
9/04/2014
General Notes
Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle
No activity identified at the monitoring transects
within the Study Area, including at the potential
burrow identified at transect T3. An active Atlas
Rainforest Beetle was observed in one burrow in
control transect C2 and three were observed at site
C1 (photos taken). After some observation the
beetles retreated down their burrows. Vibration
appeared to disturb beetles. Use of the LED
flashlight appeared to disturb the beetles only when
they were sitting outside of the entrance of their
burrows.
No activity identified at the monitoring transects
43.8 mm over Moderate humidity, mild night.
within the Study Area. Four active Atlas Rainforest
three days
Patchy invertebrate activity,
immediately
including ants, spiders, katydids, Beetle were observed in their burrows in control
prior to survey. beetles, cockroaches and moths. transect C2 and one was observed at site C1. After
some observation the beetles retreated down their
Two Owl Moth sighted and
photographed at bait in transect burrows.
T4. Two Achaea sp. Moth
photographed at baits in transect
T1. Almost all insects attracted
to traps were found at banana
baits, with only a few small
beetles attracted to the custard
apples incorporated into this final
monitoring event.
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Pink Underwing Moth
No activity or possible signs of adult Pink
Underwing Moth found during the
monitoring at any Study Area or control
transects.
No activity or possible signs of adult Pink
Underwing Moth found during the
monitoring at any Study Area or control
transects.
Page 12
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for
Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
3.3.2. Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle
Thorough searches for Atlas Rainforest Beetle
were conducted in areas of suitable habitat,
including at Transect 1 where the presence of
the beetle was confirmed during previous
surveys; however, no individuals of the beetle
were found in the Study Area during the
monitoring events. A single potential burrow
was found at monitoring transect T3 (Figure
2.1), but this was later identified to be an
inactive burrow with no signs of activity during
nocturnal monitoring. Remnants of older
potential burrows were found near transect T1;
however there were no signs of recent
occupation. In comparison, numerous active
burrows were identified in the control monitoring
transects (Table 3.1) and many more were
identified during general observations
throughout both control sites.
3.3.3. Richmond Birdwing
Incidental observations of Richmond Birdwing
adults and larvae (Photo 6) were made in the
Study Area during the preconstruction survey
and throughout the monitoring activity.
Courtship activity was observed at transect T1.
Several new host plants were identified, along
with new recruitment events. Records of
Richmond Birdwing and Pararistolochia
praevenosa obtained during the survey are
presented in Figure 3.3.
Photo 6. Richmond Birdwing larva on a
Pararistolochia praevenosa vine in the
Study Area.
3.4.
HABITAT MAPPING AND CONDITION
SCORES
Due to the absence of records of Southern
Pink Underwing Moth during the
preconstruction survey, the area of known
habitat for the moth in the Study Area remains
unchanged from previous surveys (33.2
hectares) and. Following completion of the
current survey where new sites were visited,
the total amount of potential habitat has been
extended from the 57.3 hectares identified in
the supplementary survey report (BAAM 2013)
to 67.7 hectares, although the area of potential
habitat within the road corridor footprint
remains unchanged. Table 3.2 summarises
the extent of potential habitat that was scored
and ranked based on Habitat Condition relative
to the ecological requirements of the moth
(with a score of “6” being the highest ranking of
Habitat Condition). Habitat mapping for this
species is presented in Figure 3.4.
Table 3.2. Extent of known or potential habitat for Southern Pink Underwing Moth ranked
according to condition.
Habitat Condition
Area (hectares)
ranking (see
Known
Potential habitat (where
Potential habitat (where host was
Section 2.4)
habitat
host is present)
not detected)
0
0
0
0.3
1
0
0
3.7
2
0
0
1.2
3
0
3.9
3.0
4
0
5.2
4.2
5
7.6
9.7
11.6
6
25.5
8.3
0
No ranking1
0
0
16.6
TOTAL AREA
33.2
27.1
40.6
1
Rankings were allocated only to polygons that have been visited as part of this study or previous
surveys (BAAM 2012, 2013).
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Page 13
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Adult
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6
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Adult & Larvae
larvae
157100
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156500
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C oo r di n a te S y ste m : GC S GD A 1 9 9 4
D atu m : GD A 1 9 9 4
U ni ts: D e g re e
Notes:
°
1:14,117
0
0.07 5 0.15
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0.3
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0.6
Kilo me ters
© Bi o di v er si ty As se s sm e n t a n d M a n ag e m e n t Pty Ltd . W hi l e e v e ry c a re is ta ke n to e n s u re the a c cu ra c y o f th is d a ta , B io d iv e rsi ty A ss es sm e n t a n d M a n a g em e n t m a ke s n o re p re s e nta ti o ns o r w a rra n ti e s a b o ut i ts a c cu ra c y, r e li a bi li ty,
co m p le te n es s o r s u ita b i li ty fo r a n y p a rti cu l ar p ur p o se a n d d i sc la i ms a ll re sp o n s ib il i ty a n d a l l l ia b i li ty (i n cl u d in g w ith o u t li m ita ti on l ia b i li ty i n n e g l ig e n ce ) fo r a l l e x pe n s es , lo s se s , d a m a g e s (i n cl u di n g in d ir e ct co n s e qu e n ti al d a ma g e ) a n d co s ts
w hi ch m i gh t b e in c u rre d a s a re s ul t o f the d a ta b ei n g in a cc u ra te o r in c o mp l e te i n a ny w a y a n d for a ny re a so n .
Figure:
LEGEND
Project
Location
Richmond Birdwing Butterfly record
_
^
Pararistolochia praevenosa records by count
( 0
!
9
!
( 1
31
4
14
(
!
New
South
Wales
!
(
(
!
!
(
Drawn By: M G
5
6
!
(
(
!
(
!
Revi ewed b y: L P
15
P
!
Title:
Project:
Client:
3-3
Location of Pararistolochia praevenosa
and the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly records
obtained within the Study Area
Woolgoolga to Ballina
Pacific Highway Upgrade
Invertebrate Monitoring.
Roads & Maritime Services, NSW
Chainage 100m marks
Date: 2 9/04 /20 14
D oc u m en t L o ca ti o n: D :\G IS\J ob s \0 36 1 - 00 1 B a ll in a Su r ve y s\GIS \M XD s \R e po r tMa p s \Fig u re 3 -3 L o ca ti o n o f P a ra ri sto lo c h ia p ra e ve n o sa a n d A R i ch m o nd B ir d w in g re c or d s.m xd D a te : 2 9/0 4 /2 0 1 4 2 :1 4 :0 0 PM
6
5
5
2
6
5
2
5
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157200
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4
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1
3
4
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5
P
!
3
4
155100
P
!
P
!
155200
155300
P
!
P
!
P
!
156900
P
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6
4
155400
157000
156800
6
P
!
157100
4
2
155600
P
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155700
4
P
!
156500
P
!
156600
P
156400!
155500
P
!
P
!
3
156700
P
156300!
156200!
155800 155900
P
156000 156100!
P
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3
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C oo r di n a te S y ste m : GC S GD A 1 9 9 4
D atu m : GD A 1 9 9 4
U ni ts: D e g re e
Notes:
°
1:12,772
0 0.05 0.1
0.2
at A4
0.3
0.4
Kilo me ters
© Bi o di v er si ty As se s sm e n t a n d M a n ag e m e n t Pty Ltd . W hi l e e v e ry c a re is ta ke n to e n s u re the a c cu ra c y o f th is d a ta , B io d iv e rsi ty A ss es sm e n t a n d M a n a g em e n t m a ke s n o re p re s e nta ti o ns o r w a rra n ti e s a b o ut i ts a c cu ra c y, r e li a bi li ty,
co m p le te n es s o r s u ita b i li ty fo r a n y p a rti cu l ar p ur p o se a n d d i sc la i ms a ll re sp o n s ib il i ty a n d a l l l ia b i li ty (i n cl u d in g w ith o u t li m ita ti on l ia b i li ty i n n e g l ig e n ce ) fo r a l l e x pe n s es , lo s se s , d a m a g e s (i n cl u di n g in d ir e ct co n s e qu e n ti al d a ma g e ) a n d co s ts
w hi ch m i gh t b e in c u rre d a s a re s ul t o f the d a ta b ei n g in a cc u ra te o r in c o mp l e te i n a ny w a y a n d for a ny re a so n .
LEGEND
Project
Location
New
South
Wales
Figure:
Southern Pink Underwing Moth Habitat
_
^
Habitat condition score: 5
Title:
(example)
Known habitat for Phyllodes imperialis
Project:
Potential P. imperialis habitat no host plant
Potential P. imperialis habitat with host plant
Client:
3-4
Habitat mapping and condition scores for
Southern Pink Underwing Moth
within the study area.
Woolgoolga to Ballina
Pacific Highway Upgrade
Invertebrate Monitoring.
Roads & Maritime Services, NSW
Other mapped vegetation
P
!
Drawn By: M G
Chainage 100m marks
Revi ewed b y: L P
Date: 2 9/04 /20 14
D oc u m en t L o ca ti o n: D :\G IS\J ob s \0 36 1 - 00 1 B a ll in a Su r ve y s\GIS \M XD s \R e po r tMa p s \Fig u re 3 -4 H a b ita t m a p p in g a nd c o nd i tio n s co re s fo r So u th e rn Pi n k U n d e rw i n g M o th in th e Stu d y a r ea .m xd D a te : 2 9 /04 /2 0 1 4 1 :4 4 :3 2 PM
P
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Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for
Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
4.0
DISCUSSION
4.1.
EFFICACY OF MONITORING
The methodology for monitoring Southern Pink
Underwing Moth was developed through
consultation with Dr D. P. A. Sands, a leading
expert on the biology of this species. It is the
first time this methodology has been trialled,
and on this occasion, it was not successful in its
primary goal of attracting adults of the moth.
However, it should be noted that moths of
various species, as well as other invertebrates,
were observed to be attracted to the banana
baits. Therefore, the banana baits were at least
proven to be successful as a general attractant.
Custard apples, which were deployed in
addition to bananas for the final monitoring
event, were not found to be superior to
bananas in this regard (Table 3.1).
Only a single larvae of Southern Pink
Underwing Moth was found at one of the
control sites during establishment of the
transects. This lack of activity may be related to
the timing of the surveys following an
exceptionally poor summer rainfall season (see
Section 4.2). Consequently, the monitoring
conducted to date is insufficient to allow
judgement of the effectiveness of using
nocturnal observation of banana baits to
monitor Southern Pink Underwing Moth.
For Atlas Rainforest Beetle, the approach to
monitoring was reliant upon either (1) the prior
identification of potential burrows to check
during the monitoring, and/or (2) the discovery
of male adult beetles performing nocturnal
roving in search of a mate. Unlike the methods
for Southern Pink Underwing Moth, these
techniques have previously been demonstrated
as a suitable recommended approach for
surveys (Monteith and Turco, n.d.). After
extensive searches within the Study Area prior
to undertaking monitoring, one potential burrow
was identified, but no beetle activity was
observed in association with that burrow. In
contrast, at the control sites, several burrows
were identified and beetle activity was observed
on a regular basis. Notably, however, no
beetles were observed roving at the control
sites, which suggests that mating activity may
not have taken place during the six weeks of
monitoring. Perhaps not surprisingly,
monitoring of beetles in the Study Area without
the identification of any occupied burrows and
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
potentially in the absence of mating activity
resulted in no observations. Nevertheless, the
monitoring was clearly effective at the control
sites where occupied burrows were identified.
4.2.
COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS SURVEYS
During past surveys, the presence of Southern
Pink Underwing Moth and Atlas Rainforest
Beetle was confirmed in the Study Area during
March 2012 and February 2013 (BAAM 2012,
2013). Southern Pink Underwing Moth was
detected in large numbers (in immature
stages), whereas only one individual of Atlas
Rainforest Beetle was encountered in each
year. Contrastingly, in March–April 2014,
neither species was detected during the survey
and monitoring of the same sites visited during
the former surveys. Although, in the case of
Southern Pink Underwing Moth, some potential
herbivory was evident in most survey sites
(Appendix 1), suggesting that they may have
been present earlier, perhaps during summer.
The most conspicuous environmental variable
that may have contributed to the disparity
between the 2012–2013 surveys and the 2014
survey is rainfall. It is evident that invertebrate
activity in 2012 and 2013 coincided with above
average rainfall in the preceding month(s)
(January in 2012 and January–February in
2013). By contrast, rainfall over the three
months of summer in 2014 was well below
average (Figure 3.1). The lack of detectable
activity of Southern Pink Underwing Moth and
Atlas Rainforest Beetle in the Study Area during
the March–April 2014 survey could quite
feasibly be linked to below average rainfall.
Rainfall in particular may be an important
environmental cue for triggering eclosion of the
pupa, which is a critical precursor to seasonal
moth activity (Common 1990).
4.3.
HABITAT SUITABILITY WITHIN THE
STUDY AREA
4.3.1. Southern Pink Underwing Moth
The Study Area contains 33.2 hectares of
lowland rainforest that is recognised as known
habitat for Southern Pink Underwing Moth
(Figure 3.4). Due to the presence of a large
number of Carronia vines (Figure 3.2) and the
finding of a large numbers of larval stages of
the moth during previous surveys (BAAM 2012,
Page 16
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for
Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
2013), the Study Area must be considered as a
significant breeding site for the species (NSW
Roads and Maritime Services 2013).
Nearby control sites in Davis Scrub Nature
Reserve and Victoria Park Nature Reserve also
contain breeding populations of the moth (pers.
obs. BAAM staff 2012, 2013; this report).
However, a thorough search of these reserves
yielded only small quantities of the host plant by
comparison with the Study Area (18 stems in
site C1 and six stems in site C2; c.f. 30–160
stems per location in transects T1 to T5;
Appendix 1). Therefore, the Study Area is
believed to support a much larger breeding
population than the neighbouring reserves.
The retention of habitat in areas adjacent to the
Project can be considered to be particularly
important for sustaining Southern Pink
Underwing Moth, both in the Ballina district and
within its wider distribution in northern New
South Wales and southern Queensland.
4.3.2. Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle
Previous surveys detected Atlas Rainforest
Beetle on two occasions in the Study Area
(BAAM 2012, 2013). The first beetle was
detected in a burrow in the vicinity of transect
T1 in March 2012 (Figure 2.1). The beetle was
collected and supplied to the Queensland
Museum. Staff at the museum confirmed its
identification as Atlas Rainforest Beetle and the
specimen has been kept as a voucher for the
new locality record. A second beetle was
serendipitously found dead on the ground in an
adjoining property within the same polygon of
vegetation to the west of the previous record a
year later. This second specimen was also
provided to the Queensland Museum. No other
confirmed observations of Atlas Rainforest
Beetle were made during those surveys.
Immediately prior to and during the recent
monitoring in 2014, no further observations of
occupied beetle burrows were made in the
Study Area. In contrast, at the control sites in
Davis Scrub Nature Reserve and Victoria Park
Nature Reserve, beetle burrows were easily
identified on multiple occasions with 10 and 16
burrows identified in transects C1 and C2
respectively (Appendix 1). In one area within
Victoria Park, burrow density appeared to be
particularly high with a burrow being present
within every 1–2 m2, often immediately adjacent
to burrows occupied by other aggressive
predatory invertebrates, including Myrmecia sp.
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
(jumping) ants, mygalomorph (funnel web)
spiders and stenopalmatid (king) crickets.
The apparent difference in detection rates of
Atlas Rainforest Beetle between the nature
reserve control sites and the Study Area can
perhaps be explained by differences in the
microhabitat attributes of the two areas. The
two nature reserves are characterised by rich
red ferrosols (Jenkins and Morand 2002), which
are friable and highly suitable for burrowing.
The soil is plentiful and deep, with large rocks
and/or logs and tree roots scattered fairly
regularly throughout the habitat. In contrast,
the Study Area contains a chocolate clay loam
soil, which shows a tendency to be aggregate
and is not so friable. Small rocks are typically
abundant throughout, with only occasional logs,
plant roots or large rock overhangs available.
Soil accessibility, including under otherwise
suitable structures, is affected by the small
rocks, which appear to be just as abundant
beneath the surface. This provides a limitation
to the majority of microsites that would
otherwise be suitable for occupancy of Atlas
Rainforest Beetle.
At the single location where an Atlas Rainforest
Beetle was found during the BAAM (2012)
survey, the beetle was located in a 10 cm long
burrow beneath a plant root. This burrow was
exceptionally shallow, compared to the burrows
encountered in the control sites, which all
appeared to be in excess of 30 cm (in
accordance with the description of a typical
burrow given in Monteith and Turco (n.d.)). The
length of the burrow was found to be impeded
by a small rock, which made it relatively easy to
extract the beetle. A year later in 2013, the
burrow location was found to have been
occupied by a spider (BAAM 2013). In 2014,
the burrow was gone.
Through comparison between the Study Area
and control sites, it is considered that the Study
Area contains habitat that is currently of low
suitability for Atlas Rainforest Ground Beetle.
As a consequence of this, the beetle is
expected to occur at a very low density with
microsite colonisation occurring only
occasionally as a result of dispersive events,
potentially from the plateau to the north of the
Study Area. Habitat suitability may be
improved through the strategic placement of
rock overhangs in microsites with a deep soil
layer.
Page 17
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for
Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
4.3.3. Richmond Birdwing
As noted by Sands (2012), Carronia
multisepalea and Pararistolochia praevenosa
often occur together. The Study Area is no
exception, with both plants being present at
several locations throughout the area (Figures
3.2, 3.3) and with apparent signs of recent
recruitment. The observation of several adults
and larvae of Richmond Birdwing indicates that
the Study Area contains important breeding
habitat for the butterfly. The presence of the
vine at multiple transects within the Study Area
and its apparent absence within reserve control
sites (Appendix 1), gives greater emphasis to
the importance of the Study Area in maintaining
the local occurrence of this species.
Neither Richmond Birdwing nor its host plant is
considered to be threatened in New South
Wales. Nevertheless, given the general
importance of the Study Area to the local
conservation of Richmond Birdwing, it may be
appropriate to consider translocating
Pararistolochia praevenosa vines that are
presently located within the road corridor
(Figure 3.3) to areas of lowland rainforest that
will be rehabilitated as part of the road upgrade
Project (NSW Roads and Maritime Services
2013).
5.0
CONCLUSIONS
The lack of observation of Southern Pink
Underwing Moth in the Study Area and control
sites during the recent survey and monitoring is
considered likely to be due to the below
average rainfall season of 2013–2014,
especially in comparison to previous years.
Data from previous surveys indicates that an
important breeding population of the moth is
present in the study area.
The relative abundance of Atlas Rainforest
Beetle in control sites contrasts strongly with
their apparent lack of detection during the
recent survey and monitoring in the Study Area.
Microhabitat differences between these areas
indicate that the Study Area, even areas
previously identified as known habitat, may
ultimately be of low suitability for the species.
There may however be scope for strategic
habitat improvement.
present in the Study Area. Translocation of any
host vines present within the road upgrade
corridor would be considered likely to provide
benefit to the species.
6.0
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
FUTURE MONITORING
The following are recommended for
consideration in future monitoring:

Future monitoring for Southern Pink
Underwing Moth should consider past
rainfall that could influence activity of this
species and hence monitoring results.
Monitoring conducted under more suitable
seasonal conditions will determine the
efficacy of using bait traps as a monitoring
approach;

Future monitoring for Southern Pink
Underwing Moth should be trialled on a
monthly basis during the warmest part of
the year (November to March) to reduce
the chances of intraseasonal variation
affecting the chances of detection;

Future monitoring for Atlas Rainforest
Beetle in lowland rainforest adjacent to the
Project will be conducted during
construction and post construction in
accordance with the Management Plan;

Nocturnal monitoring for Atlas Rainforest
Beetle should be conducted following an
extensive, dedicated search for burrows in
the Study Area and should proceed only
after one or more burrows have been
located;

As per the Management Plan, future
monitoring of Richmond Birdwing will occur
during construction and post construction
and will incorporate transects T1, T2, T5
and C2, in addition to other locations
where Pararistolochia vines have been
identified (Figure 3.3), to check on the
health of vines.
A conspicuous, though potentially fragile,
breeding population of Richmond Birdwing is
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Page 18
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for
Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
7.0
REFERENCES
Biodiversity Assessment and Management
(BAAM) (2012). Ballina to Woodburn
Pacific Highway Upgrade Targeted
Threatened Invertebrate Study. Report
prepared for Sinclair Knight Merz.
North Coast. A report prepared by the
Department of Environment and Climate
Change for the Comprehensive Coastal
Assessment. Department of Environment
and Climate Change (NSW), Coffs
Harbour, NSW.
Biodiversity Assessment and Management
(BAAM) (2013). Supplementary survey
for Pink Underwing Moth. Report
prepared for Sinclair Knight Merz.
Common I.F.B. (1990). Moths of Australia.
Melbourne University Press, Melbourne.
Jenkins B. and Morand D. (2002). A
comparison of basaltic soils and
associated vegetation patterns in
contrasting climatic environments. In:
Roach I.C. (ed) Regolith and landscapes
in eastern Australia. CRCLEME
(Cooperative Research Center for
Landscape Environments and Mineral
Exploration), Australia.
Monteith, G. B. and Turco, F. (n. d.). A Guide
to Species of the Ground Beetle Genus
Nurus (Coleoptera: Caribidae) in the
Lismore District, NSW. Queensland
Museum, Brisbane.
NSW Roads and Maritime Services (2013a).
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway
Upgrade Threatened Invertebrates
Management Plan. Prepared by NSW
Roads and Maritime Services, Aurecon,
BAAM and Sinclair Knight Merz.
NSW Roads and Maritime Services (2013b).
Woolgoolga to Ballina Appendix E
Supplementary Biodiversity Assessment
of Submissions/Preferred Infrastructure
Report.
Sands, DPA (2012). Review of Australian
Phyllodes imperialis Druce (Lepidoptera:
Erebidae) with description of a new
subspecies from subtropical Australia.
Australian Entomologist 39: 281-292.
Sheringham P.R., Dr. Benwell A., Gilmour,
P., Graham M.S., Westaway J., Weber
L., Bailey, D., and Price, R. (2008).
Targeted Vegetation Survey of
Floodplains and Lower Slopes on the Far
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No. 0361-001 Version 0
Page 19
APPENDIX 1
Preconstruction survey baseline data for
relevant invertebrates in lowland rainforest in
the Study Area and at control sites near
Meerschaum Vale
APPENDIX A. Preconstruction survey baseline data for relevant invertebrates in lowland rainforests in the Study Area and at control sites near Meerschaum Vale
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Table A.1. Summary of data from Southern Pink Underwing Moth assessment sites throughout the Study Area and control transects within Davis Scrub Nature Reserve (C1) and Victoria Park Nature Reserve (C2).
Author
Date
PUM1
274
-28.9277
153.453
0
0
0
NA
NA
0
NA
?
NA
17
50
35
85
LP
18/03/2014
PUM2
276
-28.9277
153.454
0
0
0
NA
Earlier in
summer
65
Mainly
shrub, 1
vine
?
Narrow
17
60
10
70
LP
18/03/2014
PUM3
279
-28.9293
153.459
0
0
0
NA
Earlier in
summer
52
All shrub
?
Narrow
34
80
10
90
LP
18/03/2014
PUM4
284
-28.9287
153.458
0
0
0
NA
Within past
month
8
All shrub
?
Narrow
29
85
0
85
LP
18/03/2014
PUM5
285
-28.9282
153.458
0
0
0
NA
NA
0
NA
?
NA
34
35
15
50
LP
18/03/2014
PUM6
293
-28.9276
153.459
0
0
0
NA
None
4
All shrub
?
Narrow
34
85
5
90
LP
18/03/2014
PUM7
295
-28.9278
153.461
0
0
0
NA
Earlier in
summer
16
Mix of
shrub and
vine
?
Narrow
34
75
5
80
LP
18/03/2014
PUM8
296
-28.9296
153.461
0
0
0
NA
Earlier in
summer
15
Nearly all
shrub, 1
vine
?
Narrow
34
68
8
75
LP
18/03/2014
PUM9
299
-28.9276
153.467
0
0
0
NA
NA
0
NA
?
NA
17
65
5
70
LP
19/03/2014
T5
300
-28.9286
153.467
0
0
0
NA
Earlier in
summer
8
?
Narrow
34
50
25
75
LP
19/03/2014
T1
303
-28.9294
153.466
0
0
0
NA
Within past
month
160
1
female
Mixed
34
30
50
80
LP
19/03/2014
T2
305
-28.9292
153.465
0
0
0
NA
Earlier in
summer
62
?
Mixed
34
50
15
65
LP
19/03/2014
T3
306
-28.9265
153.47
0
0
0
NA
Limited and
old
89
Mainly
shrubs, 12
vines
?
Mixed, often
leathery
17
15
50
65
LP
19/03/2014
T4
310
-28.9253
153.472
0
0
0
NA
None
30
Mostly
shrubs, 3
vines
?
Broad
17
15
50
65
LP
19/03/2014
C1
315
-28.8665
153.405
0
0
0
NA
None
18
Mostly
shrubs, 3
vines
?
Narrow
29
75
0
75
LP
19/03/2014
C2
257
-28.9028
153.41
0
0
0
NA
Earlier in
summer
6
Mostly
shrubs, 2
vines
?
Narrow
29
90
0
90
LP
19/03/2014
1
Young
shrub,
poor
condition
?
Narrow
0
50
15
65
LP
20/03/2014
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No: 0191-010
0
0
0
NA
Sex of
vines*
Total
percent
canopy
cover**
Longitude
153.473
Form of
vines
Percent
cover
exotic
Latitude
-28.9205
Evidence of
eating
Percent
cover
native
species
Photo
314
Age of
larvae
Count
of
vines
Leaf
characteristics
Site
name
PUM10
Count
of eggs
Count
of
larvae
Count
of
fleshy
fruit
trees
Count
of
moths
None
2 vines, 6
shrubs
Mostly
shrub, 5
vines
Mostly
shrub, 11
vines
Page i
APPENDIX A. Preconstruction survey baseline data for relevant invertebrates in lowland rainforests in the Study Area and at control sites near Meerschaum Vale
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Site
name
Photo
PUM11
317
Latitude
-28.9186
Longitude
153.473
Count
of
moths
0
Count
of eggs
0
Count
of
larvae
0
Age of
larvae
Evidence of
eating
Count
of
vines
NA
Some old
eating may
be
attributable
to moths
21
Form of
vines
Sex of
vines*
Mostly
shrubs, 4
vines
?
Leaf
characteristics
Count
of
fleshy
fruit
trees
Percent
cover
native
species
Percent
cover
exotic
Total
percent
canopy
cover**
Author
Date
Broad, leathery,
some hairy new
growth
25
55
0
55
LP
20/03/2014
Table A.2. Summary of data from Atlas Rainforest Beetle assessment sites throughout the Study Area and control transects within Davis Scrub Nature Reserve (C1) and Victoria Park Nature Reserve (C2).
Site name
Photo
Latitude
Longitude
Count of Beetle
Count of burrows
% cover logs
% cover
rocks
% cover overhangs
Author
Date
ARB1
273
-28.9276
153.453
0
0
5
60
3
LP
18/03/2014
ARB2
276
-28.9289
153.459
0
0
1
90
1
LP
18/03/2014
ARB3
-
-28.9286
153.458
0
0
7
65
5
LP
18/03/2014
ARB4
288
-28.9283
153.458
0
0
1
80
10
LP
18/03/2014
ARB5
290
-28.9279
153.459
0
2 potential old,
unoccupied burrows
5
60
10
LP
18/03/2014
ARB6
298
-28.9277
153.467
0
0
1
85
10
LP
19/03/2014
T5
302
-28.9286
153.467
0
0
2
70
1
LP
19/03/2014
T1
305
-28.9294
153.466
0
0
1
80
3
LP
19/03/2014
T2
306
-28.9292
153.465
0
0
3
70
2
LP
19/03/2014
T3
311
-28.9265
153.47
0
1 potential burrow,
likely unoccupied
1
85
5
LP
19/03/2014
T4
312
-28.9253
153.472
0
0
1
50-95
1
LP
19/03/2014
ARB7
314
-28.9242
153.47
0
0
5
60
5
LP
19/03/2014
C1
317
-28.8665
153.405
0 during day, up to four
observed in burrows
during monitoring
10
10
1
5
LP
19/03/2014
C2
032
-28.9028
153.41
0 during day, Up to two
observed in burrows
during monitoring
16
10
1
5
LP
19/03/2014
ARB8
314
-28.9205
153.473
0
0
10
3
1
LP
20/03/2014
ARB9
323
-28.9369
153.431
0
1
3
15
2
LP
20/03/2014
ARB10
324
-28.9363
153.428
0
0
5
15
5
LP
20/03/2014
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No: 0191-010
Page ii
APPENDIX A. Preconstruction survey baseline data for relevant invertebrates in lowland rainforests in the Study Area and at control sites near Meerschaum Vale
Preconstruction Survey and Nocturnal Monitoring for Conservation Significant Invertebrates
Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade
for Roads and Maritime Services
Table A.3. Summary of data from Richmond Birdwing assessment sites throughout the Study Area and a control transect within Victoria Park Nature Reserve (C2).
Site name
Photo
Latitude
Longitude
Count of
butterfly
Count of eggs
Count of
larvae
Age of larvae
Count of vines
Health of vines
Author
Date
RB1
-
-28.9276
153.454
0
0
0
NA
1+13 seedlings
Good
LP
18/03/2014
RB2
285
-28.929
153.459
0
0
0
NA
15
Good
LP
18/03/2014
RB3
289
-28.9286
153.458
0
0
0
NA
2+3 seedlings
Good
LP
18/03/2014
RB4
291
-28.9282
153.458
0
0
0
NA
0
NA
LP
18/03/2014
th
RB5
295
-28.9279
153.461
0
0
1
5 instar
6
Good
LP
18/03/2014
T5
301
-28.9286
153.467
1
0
1
2nd instar
1 mature, 30
seedling,5 %
canopy, 2% shrub
Good
LP
19/03/2014
T1
304
-28.9294
153.466
2
0
0
NA
1
Good
LP
19/03/2014
T2
308
-28.9292
153.465
1
0
0
NA
15
Good, 40%
canopy birdwing
LP
19/03/2014
LP
19/03/2014
C2
257
-28.9028
153.41
1
NA
NA
NA
0
NA; Extensive
healthy vine on
private adjacent
to reserve
RB6
319
-28.9207
153.473
0
0
0
NA
1
Good, some old
eating
LP
20/03/2014
RB7
320
-28.9187
153.473
0
0
0
NA
15
Good, old eating
LP
20/03/2014
RB8
322
-28.9196
153.475
0
0
0
NA
1
Good, old eating
LP
20/03/2014
BAAM Pty Ltd
File No: 0191-010
Page iii