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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and
Communities
Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in
the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
25 June 2013
Document information
Client: Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Title: Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and
surrounds
Document No: 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162
Date: 21 June 2013
Rev
Date
Details
01
30/05/2013
Draft Report
A
25/06/2013
Final Report
Author, Reviewer and Approver details
Prepared by:
Reviewed by:
Approved by:
Debbie Landenberger
Paul Rossington
Toby Lambert
Selga Harrington
Alex Cockerill
Date: 25/05/2013
Signature:
Date: 25/06/2013
Signature:
Date: 25/06/2013
Signature:
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Recommended citation: Cockerill, A., Lambert, T, Landenberger, D and Rossington, P. (2013). Greater
Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and surrounds.
Report funded by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population, and Communities
through the Sustainable Regional Development Program. Parsons Brinckerhoff, Newcastle.
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Contents
Page number
Glossary
iv
Abbreviations
vii
Executive summary
viii
1.
2.
3.
4.
Introduction
1
1.1
Background
1
1.2
Study area
2
1.3
World Heritage explanation and project focus
6
1.4
Project aims
7
1.5
Acknowledgements
8
Methods
9
2.1
Personnel
9
2.2
Literature review
9
2.3
Stakeholder consultation
11
2.4
Priority conservation mapping
11
2.5
GIS analysis
14
2.6
Fieldwork
15
2.7
Limitations
16
Values assessment
18
3.1
World Heritage Values within GBMWHA
18
3.2
World Heritage Values in Cessnock LGA
21
3.3
Migratory species
27
3.4
Commonwealth listed threatened ecological communities
27
3.5
State listed threatened ecological communities
27
3.6
Values in nearby areas
28
Priority conservation areas
29
4.1
Mapping results
29
4.2
Priority conservation areas
38
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 i
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
5.
6.
7.
8.
Threats and management
41
5.1
Key threatening processes
41
5.2
Regional overview
41
5.3
Discussion of key threats
42
Field verification
59
6.1
Western Region
59
6.2
Central Region
64
6.3
Eastern Region
67
6.4
Chapter summary
69
Conclusion and recommendations
71
7.1
Conclusion
71
7.2
Recommendations
72
References
75
List of tables
Page number
Table 2.1
Table 2.2
Table 2.3
Table 3.1
Table 3.2
Table 3.3
Table 3.4
Table 3.5
Table 5.1
Project team
List of references
Conservation priority mapping parameters and weighting
Examples of World Heritage Biodiversity Values of the Cessnock portion of the
GBMWHA
Vegetation communities mapped in the Cessnock LGA in Yengo National Park
Threatened plants that are known from the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA
Threatened animals that are known from the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA
Migratory birds that are known from the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA
Management of habitat modification threats
9
9
12
21
23
24
25
27
47
List of figures
Page number
Figure 1.1
Figure 1.2
Figure 1.3
Figure 2.1
Figure 4.1
Figure 4.2
Figure 4.3
Figure 4.4
Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area
Study area location
Study area aerial photo
Site inspection locations
World Heritage priority conservation analysis overview
Western Region World Heritage priority conservation map
Central Region World Heritage priority conservation map
Eastern Region World Heritage priority conservation map
3
4
5
17
30
32
35
37
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 ii
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
List of appendices
Appendix A
Appendix B
Eucalypt species recorded in Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
Key Threatening Processes (KTPs) within GBMWHA and complementary lands
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 iii
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Glossary
Biodiversity
The biological diversity of life is commonly regarded as being made up of the
following three components:

Genetic diversity — the variety of genes (or units of heredity) in any
population.

Species diversity — the variety of species.

Ecosystem diversity — the variety of communities or ecosystems.
Bioregion (region)
A bioregion defined in a national system of bioregionalisation. The study area
is in the Sydney Basin bioregion as defined in the Interim Biogeographic
Regionalisation for Australia (Thackway & Cresswell 1995).
Complementary values
Complementary values are those natural values that support the integrity and
resilience of World Heritage values.
Critical habitat
The whole or any part or parts of an area or areas of land comprising the
habitat of an Endangered species, an Endangered population or an
Endangered Ecological Community that is critical to the survival of the species,
population or ecological community (Department of Environment and
Conservation 2004). Critical habitat is listed under either the TSC Act or the
EPBC Act and both the state (Office of Environment and Heritage) and
Federal (Department of the Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and
Communities) Both of these departments maintain a register of this habitat.
Capitalisation of the term ‘Critical Habitat’ in this report refers to the habitat
listed specifically under the relevant state and Commonwealth legislation.
Department of
Sustainability,
Environment, Water,
Population and
Communities
(SEWPaC)
The department develops and implements national policy, programs and
legislation to protect and conserve Australia’s natural environment and cultural
heritage and administers the EPBC Act. The Commonwealth Department of
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and
Communities was known previously as:
Department of Trade
and Investment (DTI)

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA).

Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH).

Department of the Environment and Water Resources (DEWR).
This department aims to attract investment to NSW and support innovative,
sustainable and globally competitive industries through technical knowledge.
The department includes forestry and fisheries and administers the FM Act.
Formerly known as:

Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services

Department of Industry and Investment.

Department of Primary Industries.
Ecological community
An assemblage of species occupying a particular area.
Environmental weed
Any plant that is not native to a local area that has invaded native vegetation.
Exotic
Introduced from outside the area (Stralberg et al. 2009). Used in the context of
this report to refer to species introduced from overseas.
Global Positioning
System (GPS)
A navigational tool which uses radio receivers to pick up signals from four or
more special satellites to provide precise determination of location.
Habitat
An area or areas occupied, or periodically or occasionally occupied, by a
species, population or ecological community, including any biotic or abiotic
components.
Indigenous
Native to the area: not introduced (Stralberg et al. 2009).
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Introduced
Not native to the area: not indigenous (Stralberg et al. 2009). Refers to both
exotic and non-indigenous Australian native species of plants and animals.
Key threatening
processes
A process that threatens, or could threaten, the survival, abundance or
evolutionary development of native species, populations or ecological
communities (Department of Environment and Conservation 2004). Key
threatening processes are listed under the TSC Act, the FM Act and the EPBC
Act. Capitalisation of the term ‘Key Threatening Processes’ in this report refers
to those processes listed specifically under the relevant state and
Commonwealth legislation.
Likely
Taken to be a real chance or possibility (Department of Environment and
Conservation 2004).
Local population
The population that occurs within the site, unless the existence of contiguous
or proximal occupied habitat and the movement of individuals or exchange of
genetic material across the boundary can be demonstrated as defined by
Department of Environment and Climate Change (2007c).
Locality
The area within a 10 km of the site.
Migratory species
Species listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act relating to international
agreements to which Australia is a signatory. These include Japan-Australia
Migratory Bird Agreement, China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement,
Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement and the Bonn
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.
Capitalisation of the term ‘Migratory’ in this report refers to those species listed
as Migratory under the EPBC Act.
Noxious weed
An introduced species listed under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. Under the
Act, noxious weeds have specific control measure and reporting requirements.
Office of Environment
and Heritage
Following the 2011 NSW elections, the Department of Environment, Climate
Change and Water was abolished as a Division of the Government Service
and was added to the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, as the Office
of Environment and Heritage.
Broadly, the Office of Environment works towards a healthy environment cared
for and enjoyed by the whole NSW community: manages the state’s natural
resources, including biodiversity, soils and natural vegetation: manages
natural and cultural heritage across the state’s land: acts to minimise the
impacts of climate change: promotes sustainable consumption, resource use
and waste management: regulates activities to protect the environment: and
conducts biodiversity, plant, environmental and cultural heritage research to
improve decision making.
Previously known as:

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW).

Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC)

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Priorities Action
Statements
Priorities Action Statements outline the broad strategies and detailed priority
actions to be undertaken in NSW to promote the recovery of threatened
species, population and ecological communities and manage key threatening
processes (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007a)
Protected species
Those species defined as protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act
1974. Includes all native animals, as well as all native plants listed on
Schedule 13 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
Recovery plan
A plan prepared under the TSC Act, FM Act or the EPBC Act to assist the
recovery of a Threatened species, population or ecological community.
scleromorphic
Type of vegetation that has hard leaves and short internodes (the distance
between leaves along the stem).
sensu lato
in the broad/broader/most broad sense
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Significant
Important, weighty or more than ordinary as defined by Department of
Environment, Climate Change and Water (2007c).
Species richness
Species richness is simply the number of species present in a sample,
community, or taxonomic group. Species richness is one component of the
concept of species diversity, which also incorporates evenness, that is, the
relative abundance of species (Matteson & Langellotto 2010).
Threatened biodiversity
Threatened species, populations or ecological communities as listed under the
TSC Act, FM Act or the EPBC Act.
Threatened species,
populations and
ecological communities
Species, populations and ecological communities listed as Vulnerable,
Endangered or Critically Endangered (collectively referred to as Threatened)
under the TSC Act, FM Act or the EPBC Act. Capitalisation of the terms
‘Vulnerable’, ‘Endangered’ or ‘Critically Endangered’ in this report refers to
listing under the relevant state and/or Commonwealth legislation.
Viable local population
A population that has the capacity to live, develop and reproduce under normal
conditions, unless the contrary can be conclusively demonstrated through
analysis of records and references (Department of Environment and Climate
Change 2007c).
Weed
A plant growing out of place or where it is not wanted: often characterized by
high seed production and the ability to colonise disturbed ground quickly
(Stralberg et al. 2009). Weeds include both exotic and Australian native
species of plant naturalised outside of their natural range.
World Heritage
World Heritage for the purposes of this project is defined as those lands within
the Greater Blue Mountains Area as inscribed on the World Heritage List by
the World Heritage Committee in 2000.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Abbreviations
CCC
Cessnock City Council
EPBC Act
Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
1999
FM Act
Fisheries Management Act 1994
GBMWHA
Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
GHM
Greater Hunter Native Vegetation Mapping
GPS
Global Positioning System
HDC
Hunter Development Corporation
KTP
Key Threatening Process
LGA
Local Government Area
LHCCREMS
Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environment Management Strategy
LHRS
Lower Hunter Regional Strategy
MNES
Matters of National Significance
NPWS
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
NSW
New South Wales
OEH
Office of Environment and Heritage
PAS
Priority Action Statement
RCP
Regional Conservation Plan
SEPP
NSW State Environment Planning Policy
SEWPaC
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and
Communities
TSC Act
NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995
TEC
Threatened Ecological Community listed on either the TSC Act and/or EPBC
Act
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 vii
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Executive summary
The Lower Hunter region, encompassing five local government areas in NSW (Newcastle, Lake Macquarie,
Port Stephens, Maitland and Cessnock) is one of Australia’s largest urban areas and a major centre of
economic activity. As part of the Australian Government’s sustainable population strategy, the Department of
Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) is undertaking the Sustainable
Regional Development program in high growth areas, including the Lower Hunter.
As part of the Sustainable Regional Development program in the Lower Hunter region, a key knowledge gap
has been identified by local, state and Commonwealth governments, namely data gaps in relation to the
values of the Lower Hunter that may be complementary to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
(GBMWHA), and potential direct and indirect influences upon these values. The World Heritage area within
the Lower Hunter region is contained within the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA). As a result the
study area for this project focuses on the relationship between World Heritage areas and the adjoining lands
within the Cessnock LGA.
Land management issues that apply within the Cessnock LGA are considered to be similar to those issues
experienced in other parts of the Hunter Valley such as the Central Hunter and Upper Hunter regions. The
information contained in this document can more broadly reflect the threatening processes and land use
issues being experienced in these other parts of the Hunter Valley adjoining the GBMWHA, particularly when
considering matters related to land use, biodiversity conservation and particularly consideration of MNES
management requirements.
Additional investigation in relation to the values of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
(GBMWHA) and the lands within Cessnock LGA has been identified by SEWPaC as being needed so that
the values of the GBMWHA and other associated lands with complementary values in the Lower Hunter can
be protected and managed as part of the future growth of the Lower Hunter region.
The GBMWHA was listed as a World Heritage Area as it forms an example of an area that displays
characteristics consistent with the following World Heritage criteria:

To be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the
evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities
of plants and animals.

To contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological
diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of
view of science or conservation.
Based on these criteria it was identified that it was the biodiversity and threatened species considerations
that needed to form the focus of this project. Although the other eight World Heritage Area criteria, such as
heritage-related criteria, may or may not apply, they are not officially the reasons for the listing of the World
Heritage area (including Yengo National Park) and hence they did not form core aspects of this project.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 viii
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
The natural values of outstanding universal significance (that is, World Heritage values) contained within the
GBMWHA are:

outstanding examples of significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and
development of ecosystems and communities of plants and animals, particularly eucalypt-dominated
ecosystems

important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including the
eucalypts and eucalypt-dominated communities, primitive species with Gondwanan affinities and a
diversity of rare or threatened plants and animals of conservation significance.
Complementary values are defined as those natural values that support the integrity and resilience of the
World Heritage values, while being generally located outside of the defined World Heritage area.
This project consisted of:

a detailed literature review

an expert workshop

stakeholder consultation

mapping to identify priority conservation areas

desktop assessment of the World Heritage values within Yengo National Park and the remaining lands
within Cessnock LGA

identification of direct and indirect threats to the World Heritage values within Yengo National Park and
the remaining land within Cessnock LGA, particularly the priority conservation lands

identification of existing and suggested management mechanisms to the World Heritage values within
Yengo National Park and the remaining land within Cessnock LGA, particularly the priority conservation
lands

assessment of land-use pressures, particularly around the priority conservation areas, and mechanisms
that may assist with management of those pressures

fieldwork to view priority conservation areas and assessment of management issues in practice.
The project involved a detailed process of literature review and expert consultation to identify key parameters
to include in the priority conservation mapping process. The results of the priority conservation mapping
process, which focussed on World Heritage complementary values within the Cessnock LGA, identified a
number of areas as priority for conservation. It should be noted that the mapping process was tenure-blind
and therefore treated all land, regardless of ownership, equally. The field investigations were found to
validate the modelled conservation priorities, while also directly identifying threats to complementary values
in a number of locations.
The outcome of the conservation mapping process has identified the Wollombi Valley and surrounds as one
of the key conservation priorities in relation to the protection and management of the GBMWHA. This area is
generally poorly studied due to its relative isolation. These lands, the majority of which are either privately
owned or managed by State Forests, were found to provide important buffer capacity to protecting the World
Heritage values contained within Yengo National Park. The lands in this area also demonstrate
complementary values consistent with those contained within Yengo National Park and the GBMWHA.
Management and protection of this area should be considered to enhance protection of the values of the
GBMWHA.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 1
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Another important set of lands was the inholdings of generally private lands located within the boundaries of
Yengo National Park. These lands are mostly naturally vegetated and were mapped as displaying high
affinities with World Heritage values. The future management of these inholdings is considered to be of high
importance in order to protect the World Heritage values within Yengo National Park and the GBMWHA, as
well as ensuring protection of the complementary values within the inholdings themselves.
Other priority conservation areas identified through the mapping process included the following:

Hunter Economic Zone.

East Pelton.

Congewai Road.

Cessnock/Broke Roads.

North Rothbury.

East Richmond Vale.
While some of the mapped locations are not necessarily directly linked or in close proximity to the GBMWHA
they have been identified by the project as containing a wide range of biodiversity values that are
complementary to the listing criteria for the GBMWHA. While some of the species and communities may be
different to Yengo National Park and the GBMWHA, the totality of threatened ecological communities
(including EPBC-nominated communities) and species, combined with other attributes such as high eucalypt
diversity, vegetation that has been highly cleared, large patch size and importance in local habitat
connectivity and riparian protection have identified such areas as important in providing complementary
values to the GBMWHA.
A number of threats were identified to the values of the GBMWHA and complementary lands. The main
existing general threats to this area, apart from the more specific threats that are legislated such as Key
Threatening Processes, consist of the following:

Mismanagement of the existing land uses, resulting in direct or indirect impacts upon Yengo National
Park or the complementary values of other lands.

The potential for more intensive use of the agricultural lands for purposes such as rural-residential
development.

The potential for mineral or gas exploration and extraction activities.
Future management of identified threats to all of these areas, particularly Wollombi Valley and the inholdings,
requires further attention to ensure that Yengo National Park and the associated GBMWHA continues to
maintain the characteristics for which the GBMWHA was listed by the World Heritage Committee. A number
of recommendations have been made in this report to aid future management prioritisation.
The high priority conservation areas identified in this study should be considered as part of strategic and
local planning processes, such as the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy, Lower Hunter Regional Conservation
Plan and Cessnock Biodiversity Strategy. This study should also be considered in the strategic assessments
being undertaken in both the Lower Hunter and Upper Hunter regions.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 2
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
1. Introduction
1.1
Background
The Lower Hunter region, encompassing five local government areas in NSW (Newcastle, Lake Macquarie,
Port Stephens, Maitland and Cessnock) is one of Australia’s largest urban areas and a major centre of
economic activity. Continued growth and development in this area is expected and the NSW Government's
25 year land use strategy for the region includes:

new urban areas for a projected population growth of 160,000 people

new commercial and industrial land to cater for up to 66,000 new jobs

creation, management and conservation of green corridors with high environmental value

protection of high quality agricultural land, and natural resources such as water aquifers and extractive
materials (Department of Planning 2006).
As part of the Australian Government’s sustainable population strategy, the Department of Sustainability,
Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) is undertaking the Sustainable Regional
Development program in high growth areas, including the Lower Hunter.
The Sustainable Regional Development program aims to provide a comprehensive approach to planning and
development in the region which in turn will ensure the region develops in a strong and sustainable way.
Specifically, the program aims to protect Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) whilst
helping to streamline environmental approvals and thus provide greater certainty for businesses, and state
and local governments in development and investment in this high growth region.
As part of the Sustainable Regional Development program in the Lower Hunter region, a key knowledge gap
has been identified by local, state and Commonwealth governments, namely data gaps in relation to the
values of the Lower Hunter that may be complementary to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
(GBMWHA), and potential direct, indirect and other influences upon these values. The World Heritage area
within the Lower Hunter region is contained within the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA). As a result
the study area for this project focuses on the relationship between World Heritage areas and the adjoining
lands within the Cessnock LGA.
Land management issues that apply within the Cessnock LGA are considered to be similar to those issues
experienced in other parts of the Hunter Valley such as the Central Hunter and Upper Hunter regions. The
information contained in this document therefore more broadly reflects the threatening processes and land
use issues being experienced in these other parts of the Hunter Valley adjoining the GBMWHA, particularly
when considering matters related to land use, biodiversity conservation and particularly consideration of
MNES management requirements.
Additional investigation in relation to the values of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
(GBMWHA) and the lands within Cessnock LGA has been identified by SEWPaC as being needed so that
the values of the GBMWHA and other associated lands in the Lower Hunter can be protected and managed
as part of the future growth of the Lower Hunter region.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 1
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
This project is intrinsically related to other studies being undertaken on behalf of SEWPaC under the
Sustainable Regional Development program. These other preceding studies relevant to this project include:

Lower Hunter Vegetation Mapping (Parsons Brinckerhoff 2013b)

EPBC Act Listed Ecological Communities Mapping (Parsons Brinckerhoff 2013a)

Swift Parrots and Regent Honeyeaters in the Lower Hunter Region of New South Wales: an
assessment of status, identification of high priority habitats and recommendations for conservation
(Roderick et al. 2013).
These studies have been used to ensure that consideration of the World Heritage issues relies on the latest
information available, particularly for the important biodiversity aspect of the project.
1.2
Study area
This project is focussed on the relationship between World Heritage lands and other lands within the Lower
Hunter region. In this regard, Cessnock LGA contains all lands identified as World Heritage in the Lower
Hunter region, NSW.
The areas identified as World Heritage in the Cessnock LGA consist of Yengo National Park. Other National
Parks located outside of the Cessnock LGA and the Lower Hunter Region include Wollemi National Park,
Blue Mountains National Park, Gardens of Stone National Park, Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve,
Kanangra – Boyd National Park, Nattai National Park and Thirlmere Lakes National Park. This combined
World Heritage Area extends from the vicinity of the Hunter River in the north, to the western slopes and
foothills of the Great Dividing Range/Blue Mountains and southwards towards Mittagong. It generally
surrounds the area known as the Sydney Basin, which contains the city of Sydney. GBMWHA lands within
Cessnock LGA are located in the central eastern section of Yengo National Park (Clark et al. 2007;
Department of Lands 2013). Yengo National Park is 154,271 ha in area (NSW National Parks and Wildlife
Service 2009), extending further west beyond the Cessnock LGA boundary to Putty Road (Clark et al. 2007;
Department of Lands 2013). Refer to Figure 1.1 for a map of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage
Area.
In order to ensure that no particular lands were excluded from the assessment within Cessnock LGA, the
LGA boundary was used to define the study area. This allowed the values for the entire LGA to be assessed
from a World Heritage perspective, ensuring a holistic study could be undertaken.
The scope of the project does not include the Central Hunter or Upper Hunter, which also contain parts of
World Heritage areas. However if desired the issues and approaches outlined in this project can be applied
to these other parts of the Hunter Valley as required to achieve consistency in decision making at a regional
and strategic level. For example, this study could be considered in the strategic assessment of a biodiversity
plan for coal mining in the Upper Hunter Valley (Commonwealth of Australia and the State of New South
Wales, 2013).
The model looks at the entire Cessnock LGA equally and is tenure-blind, ensuring equal treatment of all
lands. This study has particular focus on the areas adjoining the existing GBMWHA as these lands logically
provide some level of protection to the GBMWHA and have a higher level of interaction than the remainder of
Cessnock LGA.
Figure 1.2 shows the study area for this project. Figure 1.3 illustrates the context of the study area land use
and vegetation distribution on an aerial photo.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 2
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
This page should be replaced with the corresponding GIS figure once the
document has been pdf'd. This caption page must follow an even numbered page
if the figure is A3 size or larger.
This page should be replaced with the corresponding GIS figure once the
document has been pdf'd. This caption page must follow an even numbered page
if the figure is A3 size or larger.
Figure 1.1
Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 3
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
This page should be replaced with the corresponding GIS figure once the
document has been pdf'd. This caption page must follow an even numbered page
if the figure is A3 size or larger.
Figure 1.2
Study area location
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 4
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
This page should be replaced with the corresponding GIS figure once the
document has been pdf'd. This caption page must follow an even numbered page
if the figure is A3 size or larger.
Figure 1.3
Study area aerial photo
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 5
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
1.3
World Heritage explanation and project focus
World Heritage status can be listed for areas consistent with one of more of the following 10 criteria:
1.
To represent a masterpiece of human creative genius.
2.
To exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the
world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape
design.
3.
To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living
or which has disappeared.
4.
To be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or
landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history.
5.
To be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is
representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it
has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.
6.
To be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with
artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this
criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria).
7.
To contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic
importance.
8.
To be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life,
significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or
physiographic features.
9.
To be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the
evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities
of plants and animals.
10. To contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological
diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of
view of science or conservation.
The GBMWHA is listed as a World Heritage Area as it forms an example of an area that displays
characteristics consistent with criteria 9 and 10 as highlighted in bold above.
It has therefore been identified that it is the biodiversity and threatened species considerations that need to
form the focus of this project. Although the other eight World Heritage Area criteria may or may not apply,
they are not officially the reasons for the listing of the World Heritage area (including Yengo National Park)
and hence they do not form core aspects of this project. An obvious example of criteria for which further
consideration could be (and has been) applied is for Aboriginal and European heritage value. Such values
(or other values consistent with the remaining criteria) could be nominated for assessment by the World
Heritage Committee for potentially adding to the existing listed values of the GBMWHA. However, detailed
investigation into cultural heritage (or other) values is not part of the scope for this project.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Priority conservation areas and potential future GBMWHA extension considerations would logically consider
the two criteria that were used for listing the GBMWHA. Relevant documentation, existing studies and the
original nomination includes (but is not limited to):

The Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Nomination (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
1998)

The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Strategic Plan (NSW National Parks & Wildlife
Service 2009)

Vegetation, Fire and Climate Change in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (Hammill &
Tasker 2010).
The location and size of the GBMWHA results in a complex interrelationship between conservation
objectives, adjoining land uses and strategic planning objectives. This is exemplified by competing land uses
that occur in the Lower Hunter (and Hunter Valley in general) adjoining the GBMWHA such as mines, gas
exploration, wineries, the equine industry and urban uses. Further discussion of these issues is provided in
this project.
1.4
Project aims
The purpose of this project is to support regional sustainability planning, particularly the preparation of the
Lower Hunter Regional Strategy (LHRS) and Regional Conservation Plan (RCP). While the focus and
outputs of this project are at a regional scale, Cessnock City Council (CCC) will also be able to use the
outcomes of this project as one of its considerations for future land use management and planning within the
LGA.
There are three main components to this project:
1.
Identify and recommend high priority conservation areas within the Lower Hunter region through an
assessment of World Heritage values (and complementary values) across portions of the GBMWHA
and adjacent lands in the Cessnock LGA.
2.
Analysis and identification of potential threats to World Heritage values as a result of development and
conservation considerations.
3.
Analysis and identification of potential measures to protect, maintain and improve World Heritage values
in the region.
Complementary values are defined as those natural values that support the integrity and resilience of the
World Heritage values, while being generally located outside of the defined World Heritage area.
Specifically, the project aimed to:

review and assess existing available literature relevant to the project

undertake key stakeholder and expert consultation to obtain input into the project

prepare a priority conservation map, focussing on areas within the Cessnock LGA that provide values
complementary to the GBMWHA

using the priority conservation map and consultation with stakeholders, identify and discuss priority
conservation areas

undertake targeted field studies to assess relevant management issues on the ground, and inspect
priority conservation areas
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 7
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds

outline direct and indirect impacts on complementary values of the GBMWHA and the potential for
indirect impacts on World Heritage values within the GBMWHA

analyse and identify potential threats to World Heritage values (and complementary values) as a result
of development and conservation considerations

analyse and identify potential measures to protect, maintain and improve World Heritage values (and
complementary values) in the region.
1.5
Acknowledgements
This project could not have been prepared without the assistance of numerous people who have an interest
or role in protecting and managing the GBMWHA.
Particular thanks go to Paul Keighley from SEWPaC, who provided guidance and input into the ongoing
production of the project.
Staff at the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) including Richard Bath and Lucas Grenadier
provided valuable assistance in obtaining relevant literature for the project.
Thank you to Jacqueline Reid and the GBMWHA Advisory Committee, who provided input on available
literature and issues for consideration as part of the project.
Ian Turnbull from CCC also provided LGA-specific information and provided input into the reporting and
mapping process.
Thanks also go to all workshop attendees for their time and input into the process.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
2. Methods
2.1
Personnel
The contributors to the preparation of this project, their qualifications and roles are listed in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1
Project team
Name
Qualifications
Position and role
Alex Cockerill
BSc (Hons)
Project Director – report review
Toby Lambert
BEnvSc
Project Manager – report preparation and review
Paul Rossington
BSc, Dip WldMgt
Botanist – report preparation
Deborah Landenberger
BSc (Hons)
Botanist – field surveys, report preparation
Tanya Bangel
BSc (Hons)
Botanist – report preparation
Allan Richardson
BEnvSc (Hons)
Ecologist – field surveys
Selga Harrington
BSc (Hons)
Ecologist – report review
Sam Wilkins
Dip GIS
GIS team lead
Rob Suansri
BSc
GIS specialist
All work was carried out under the appropriate licences, including scientific licences as required under
Clause 22 of the National Parks and Wildlife Regulations 2002, Section 132C of the National Parks and
Wildlife Act 1974 (License Number: SL100630).
2.2
Literature review
A comprehensive literature review of documents relevant to the GBMWHA and the lands located within the
immediate vicinity, and generally within the Cessnock LGA, was conducted. These documents provided an
understanding of the values of the GBMWHA and the surrounding lands and guided identification of
conservation values to be modelled and managed. These references also provided information and
background to the potential impacts and threats to biodiversity values.
Table 2.2 below is a list of the references that were identified by Parsons Brinckerhoff, by SEWPaC, OEH,
GBMWHA Advisory Committee and CCC as being relevant to the project.
Table 2.2
List of references
Reference
1999 World Heritage Nomination - IUCN Technical Evaluation The Greater Blue Mountains Area (Australia)
(International Union for Conservation of Nature 1999)
A survey of a low-density Koala population in a major reserve system, near Sydney, New South Wales (Curtin et
al. 2002)
Blue Mountains City Council State of the City Report 2008-2012 (Blue Mountains City Council 2012a)
Blue Mountains City Council, Community Strategic Plan Engagement Strategy (Blue Mountains City Council
2012b)
Cessnock Biodiversity Management Plan (Office of Environment and Heritage 2012b)
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 9
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Reference
Cessnock LGA City Wide Settlement Strategy (Cessnock City Council 2003)
Cessnock LGA State of the Environment Report (Cessnock City Council 2012)
Connectivity conservation and the Great Eastern Ranges Corridor (Mackey et al. 2010)
Ecological assessment reports and monitoring reports for Donaldson Coal Mine (Donaldson Coal Pty Ltd 2006)
EPBC Act Listed Ecological Communities Mapping in the Lower Hunter (Parsons Brinckerhoff 2013a)
Fauna surveys Sugarloaf and Werakata conservation reserves (Department of Environment and Climate Change
2008c, 2008d)
Greater Blue Mountains Advisory Committee, Meeting Report (Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
Advisory Committee 2012)
Hunter Biodiversity Database, Newcastle City Council 1998
Hunter Catchment – Biodiversity Sensitivity Analysis (Eco Logical Australia 2012)
Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan (Department of Environment Climate Change and Water 2009)
Lower Hunter Vegetation Mapping (Parsons Brinckerhoff 2013b)
National Parks Fire Management Plans and Plans of Management, includes Blue Mountains, Watagans and Jilliby
SCA, Yengo and Parr Reserve (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2004; NSW National Parks and Wildlife
Service 2001, 2009)
Native vegetation of Yengo and Parr Reserves and Surrounds (Department of Environment and Climate Change
2008a)
Notes on distribution and conservation status of some restricted Plant Species from the Hunter Valley (Bell 2001)
Proposed Draft World Heritage SEPP, Discussion Paper (Department of Planning 2010)
Regional Coastal Planning – Lower Hunter. Mapping Methodology for Biodiversity Conservation Lands
(Department of Environment and Climate Change 2003)
Stephen Bell vegetation mapping for Cessnock LGA, Sugarloaf SCA, Werakata NP and Watagans and Jilliby SCA
(Bell 2004b; Bell & Driscoll 2006, 2007, 2012)
Sustainable Blue Mountains 2025 (Blue Mountains City Council 2010)
Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeaters in the Lower Hunter Region of NSW: An assessment of status, identification
of high priority habitats and recommendations for conservation (Roderick et al. 2013)
The Eucalypts of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (Hager & Benson 2010)
The Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Nomination (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1998)
The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Strategic Plan (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2009)
The Vegetation of the Hunter Economic Zone (HEZ), Cessnock LGA, New South Wales (Bell 2004a)
The Vertebrate Fauna of southern Yengo National Park and Parr State Conservation Area (Department of
Environment and Climate Change 2008b)
Vegetation, Fire and Climate Change in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (Hammill & Tasker 2010)
Vegetation, Survey, Classification and Mapping of the Lower Hunter and Central Coast Region (LHCCREMS)
(Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy 2003)
Wollombi Valley Catchment Management Plan (Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003)
Wollombi Vegetation and Habitat Plan (Fallding & Bell 1996)
Yengo National Park, Parr State Conservation Area and Finchley Aboriginal Area Plan of Management (NSW
National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009)
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 10
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
2.3
Stakeholder consultation
An expert workshop was held on the 12 March by Alex Cockerill, Toby Lambert and facilitated by stakeholder
engagement consultant Meriana Baxter. Attendees included Paul Keighley (SEWPaC), Lucas Grenadier
(OEH), Richard Coleburn (NPWS), Brooke Jackson (NPWS), Steve Wright (NPWS), Ian Turnbull (Cessnock
City Council), Jacqueline Reid (NPWS/GBMWHA Advisory Committee), Martin Fallding (GBMWHA Advisory
Committee) and Brad Staggs (GBMWHA Advisory Committee) Other key stakeholders unable to attend were
invited to provide comments and input. Outcomes of the expert workshop included:

identification of relevant available literature

likely conservation priority areas in the Cessnock LGA in relation to World Heritage values

potential complementary areas and values in Cessnock LGA

input into the priority conservation mapping methodology

input into relevant management issues, including existing threats to the GBMWHA.
Additional stakeholder engagement has occurred with CCC, OEH/NPWS, SEWPaC staff and the GBMWHA
Advisory Committee throughout the project.
2.4
Priority conservation mapping
The aim of the mapping process is to identify areas of high priority conservation significance within the
Cessnock LGA that are complementary in biodiversity values to the GBMWHA.
An initial set of parameters was discussed at the expert workshop. A consolidated set of parameters was
then refined and relative weightings were adopted. These weightings were applied to each parameter for
modelling in the mapping process.
Table 2.3 outlines the parameters and weightings that were used to identify the priority conservation areas. It
should be noted that the mapping process was tenure-blind and therefore treated all land, regardless of
ownership, equally.
A model based on an Analytical Hierarchy Process was adopted to rank and weight each parameter used in
the model. The parameter was assigned individual values (e.g. 1 to 3) where sub criteria needed to be
considered or a true-false (0 or 1) classification. Following the ranking process each criteria was assigned a
multiplier value dependant on its relative importance in the model. The aggregate score was the combined
sum of the different criteria values. The criteria scores and associated weightings are provided in Table 2.3.
The focus of the parameters for the priority conservation mapping was targeted towards the primary World
Heritage criteria as outlined in Section 1.3.
As a result of this approach the parameters of biodiversity, threatened species, threatened communities and
eucalypt diversity were given the highest weighting factors for the priority conservation mapping (Table 2.3).
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 11
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Table 2.3
Conservation priority mapping parameters and weighting
Parameter
Eucalypt
diversity rating
Description
Eucalypt diversity was a primary factor in
declaration of the existing World Heritage
Areas by the World Heritage Committee.
Eucalypt diversity is not necessarily reflected
by the threatened status of a vegetation type,
although it has intrinsic value providing
complex habitats and a high level of
biodiversity.
Weighting
Data set and approach
Consolidated vegetation mapping
prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff
(2013a) for the Cessnock LGA for
the related Lower Hunter project.
Vegetation types were classified
into three conditions:
6
1. High (3) – vegetation
communities that occur in
GBMWHA and occur within
the Cessnock LGA
2. Medium (2) – eucalypt
dominated vegetation
communities
3. Low (1) non-eucalypt
dominated communities.
EPBC Act
listed or
nominated
Threatened
Ecological
Communities
TSC Act listed
or nominated
Threatened
Ecological
Communities
Connectivity
specifically to
World Heritage
Area boundary
Proximity to
existing World
Heritage Area
boundary
A number of vegetation types are listed or
nominated at the Commonwealth level as
being threatened. These are considered high
priority biodiversity values that would be
complementary to the World Heritage values
within the World Heritage Area.
A number of vegetation types are listed at
the State level as being threatened. These
are considered high priority biodiversity
values that would be complementary to the
World Heritage values within the World
Heritage Area.
Direct connectivity of native vegetation to the
existing World Heritage Area is considered to
be an important factor in determining lands
that have complementary values to the World
Heritage Area and that may be priority areas.
Areas that might not be directly connected to
the existing World Heritage Areas but that
are in close proximity in general are likely to
have higher complementary values than
those areas that do not have any relationship
with the World heritage Areas at all.
6
The related two Lower Hunter
vegetation mapping projects being
undertaken for SEWPAC by
Parsons Brinckerhoff (2013a and
2013b) provided the most
accurate information of
occurrence of threatened
ecological communities.
Vegetation was modelled and
scored as either threatened (1) or
non-threatened (0).
5
The Lower Hunter project being
undertaken by Parsons
Brinckerhoff (2013a) provided the
most accurate data for the
Cessnock LGA of vegetation
types listed under the TSC Act.
Vegetation was modelled and
scored as either threatened (1) or
non-threatened (0).
5
Parsons Brinckerhoff identified
vegetation directly connecting to
the existing World Heritage Area,
using the latest 2013 Cessnock
LGA mapping (Parsons
Brinckerhoff 2013a). This was
modelled and scored as patches
either being directly connected to
the World Heritage Areas or not.
5
Parsons Brinckerhoff identified
vegetation in proximity to the
existing World Heritage Area,
using the latest 2013 Cessnock
LGA mapping (Parsons
Brinckerhoff 2013a). This was
modelled and scored as either
being proximal to the World
Heritage Areas or not. A nominal
figure of 5 km was used as the
definition of ‘proximal’ for this
project. Patches in their entirety
were classed as proximal
regardless if the full extents were
beyond 5 km.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 12
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Parameter
Threatened
flora habitat
value
Threatened
fauna habitat
value
Biometric tool
percentage
cleared
vegetation
Patch size
Description
The occurrence of threatened flora and
related habitat is considered of high
importance and forms a complementary
value to the World Heritage Area values.
The occurrence of threatened fauna and
related habitat is considered of high
importance and forms a complementary
value to the World Heritage Area values.
Whilst “percentage cleared” in many ways
translates into whether a vegetation type is
listed as threatened or not, a number of
vegetation types that are not listed as
threatened have still been overcleared and
are of importance to complementary
biodiversity values in the Cessnock LGA.
Patch size is a consideration when
considering integrity of native vegetation
within each patch. Generally, the greater the
patch size, the greater the integrity or
condition. Vegetation integrity is a valid
consideration in relation to World Heritage
values as it reflects general biodiversity
values of patches.
Weighting
Data set and approach
3
The NSW Atlas of Wildlife
Database records were used to
identify patches that are known to
contain threatened flora under the
TSC and EPBC Acts. This was
modelled and scored as patches
either containing threatened flora
or not containing threatened flora.
A recognised limitation of this
method was the intensity of
surveys being skewed towards
populated areas. Entire
community polygon flagged as 1
(positive) or 0 (negative).
3
The NSW Atlas of Wildlife
Database records were used to
identify patches that are known to
contain threatened fauna under
the TSC and EPBC Acts. This
was modelled and scored as
patches either containing
threatened fauna or not containing
threatened fauna. A recognised
limitation of this method was the
intensity of surveys being skewed
towards populated areas. Entire
community polygon flagged as 1
(positive) or 0 (negative).
1
The biometric data and mapping
from NSW CMA was used to
consider the presence of
overcleared vegetation. This was
modelled and scored as patches
either being overcleared or not.
Communities classified based on
ecologist review. Communities
given a value of 1(over 75%) or 0
(under 75%).
1
Vegetation mapping was derived
from the Parsons Brinckerhoff
(2013a) project. The vegetation
dataset dissolved together into
larger patches of adjacent
communities. Patch areas were
categorised as over 500 ha (3),
100 – 500 ha (2) or <100 ha (1).
Vegetation communities were
overlayed with the larger patch
sizes to determine which patch
size class they belong to.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 13
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Parameter
Description
Weighting
Data set and approach
Multiple products were included in
mapping process. These were:
Habitat connectivity is considered to be
important for native flora and fauna and
genetic exchange.
Habitat
connectivity
Riparian value
There is a riparian and corresponding
aquatic aspect to the World Heritage Criteria
for which the existing World Heritage Area
was listed. Riparian (aquatic) values need to
be considered as part of the mapping
process as they do provide complementary
values to the World Heritage Areas.
2.5
GIS analysis
2.5.1
Geodatabase
1
1

OEH regional north coast key
corridors

Cessnock Biodiversity
Management plan ‘Landscape
Conservation Corridors’
Using spatial analysis the
communities of habitat corridor for
each overlapping vegetation area
was determined. A coverage
percentage was calculated and
any vegetation community that
was covered by a percentage of
50% or more was defined as a
community supporting a habitat
corridor (1). All other areas were
defined as not supporting a
habitat corridor (0).
NSW 1:25,000 drainage line
mapping data. Approach is to
buffer existing drainage lines by
the NSW standard of 40 metres
either side. This was modelled
and scored as land either being
within these riparian buffers or
not.
Using spatial analysis the
communities of riparian corridor
for each overlapping vegetation
area was determined. A coverage
percentage was calculated and
any vegetation community that
was covered by a percentage of
50% or more was defined as a
community supporting a riparian
corridor (1). All other areas were
defined as not supporting a
riparian corridor (0).
A centralised GIS database (Geodatabase) was developed and used to store all relevant GIS data including
existing vegetation mapping, analysis and processing extents, as well as other relevant topographic
information. The Geodatabase was used throughout the life of the project for all GIS processing and
reporting purposes. The final vegetation sensitivity feature class stored within the Geodatabase has been
topologically checked and attributed with associated metadata.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 14
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
2.5.2
Data compilation
Existing GIS vegetation data was sourced by the project team from the Lower Hunter vegetation mapping
project that was undertaken by Parsons Brinckerhoff (2013a). For the purposes of the analysis the Lower
Hunter vegetation was clipped to the Cessnock LGA boundary. The vegetation data set was modified to
record the different scores of each criteria (see Section 2.4). The data sets of the different assessment
criteria were compiled and limited to the Cessnock LGA extents.
2.6
Fieldwork
Desktop analysis and the priority conservation mapping identified areas that have high conservation values
using World Heritage weighted values. The field survey particularly targeted lands that adjoined the
GBMWHA to look at the interface between private land and the GBMWHA to identify threats and to validate
and perform rapid data assessment. A site inspection to ground truth the current condition of the biodiversity
values of these lands and related management issues was undertaken by two qualified ecologists on 20 and
21 May 2013.
The site inspection involved driving on public roads and taking notes of vegetation condition, using Rapid
Data Points (RDPs) to assess the priority conservation mapping. The objective of the RDPs surveys is to
summarise the dominant vegetation, condition and threats surrounding each point. The RDPs were variable
in size. This methodology allowed for a brief confirmation of vegetation condition, vegetation community and
threats that occurred at each point. A total of 27 RDPs were inspected and each RDP included the following:

Canopy layer dominant species.

Shrub layer dominant species.

Ground layer dominant species.

Field observed vegetation unit.

Floristic structure.

GPS co-ordinate (GDA94).

Land use and practices.

Threats (vertebrate pests, weeds, soil erosion rubbish dumping).

Condition of unformed tracks.

Photographic record of vegetation condition and threats.
In addition to the lands adjoining GBMWHA, areas that were highlighted by the priority conservation mapping
as having high conservation value within Cessnock LGA generally were also inspected.
Figure 2.1 shows the site inspection locations. The results are outlined in Section 6 of this report.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 15
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
2.7
Limitations
2.7.1
Reliance on externally supplied data
In preparing this project, Parsons Brinckerhoff has relied upon data, surveys, analyses, plans and other
information provided by SEWPaC, OEH, CCC and the GBMWHA Advisory Committee. Except as otherwise
stated in the project, Parsons Brinckerhoff has not verified the accuracy or completeness of the data. To the
extent that the statements, opinions, facts, information, conclusions and/or recommendations in this project
(conclusions) are based in whole or part on the data, those conclusions are contingent upon the accuracy
and completeness of the data. Parsons Brinckerhoff will not be liable in relation to incorrect conclusions
should any data, information or condition be incorrect or have been concealed, withheld, misrepresented or
otherwise not fully disclosed to Parsons Brinckerhoff.
2.7.2
Field survey limitations
The field survey was restricted to publically accessible land, predominantly of key locations in lands within
Yengo National Park and its private land interface as well as areas that were highlighted by the priority
conservation mapping as having high conservation value within Cessnock LGA. No private properties were
accessed during the survey.
2.7.3
GIS limitations
It was decided to undertake the analysis using vector data rather than adopt a raster process. This approach
is superior from a data integrity point of view but it also allows for each vegetation community to have each
criteria score recorded as separate attribute information. To simplify the analysis and reduce processing time
when assessing the corridor criteria it was decided that for communities that overlap a riparian or habitat
corridor the entire patch would be identified as an area supporting a riparian or habitat corridor if 50% or
more of the vegetation area is covered by the corridor. It is acknowledged that this approach highlights a
whole community rather than the portion of land covered by a corridor, however due to direct connection to
the identified corridor this limitation was considered to be acceptable.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
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Figure 2.1
Site inspection locations
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
3. Values assessment
3.1
World Heritage Values within GBMWHA
The International Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage was adopted by
the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1972, and ratified by
Australia in 1974. The Convention provides a framework for international cooperation and the collective
protection of cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value.
The GBMWHA was formally nominated by the Australian Government for inscription on the World Heritage
List in June 1998, on the grounds of both natural and cultural criteria (NPWS and Environment Australia,
1998). In November 2000 the nominated area of over one million hectares was inscribed on the World
Heritage List for biological reasons. The long history of Aboriginal occupation and connection to the
Countries that comprise the GBMWHA, as well as its diversity of non-Aboriginal cultural sites, and the history
of early conservation campaigns, were factors cited in support of its nomination under the World Heritage
Convention’s cultural criteria, a proposal which was subsequently not endorsed by the World Heritage
Committee due to lack of adequate information available at the time (NSW National Parks & Wildlife
Service2009).
The GBMWHA is a complex area, incorporating eight protected areas comprising Blue Mountains,
Kanangra-Boyd, Gardens of Stone, Wollemi, Nattai, Yengo and Thirlmere Lakes National Parks and the
Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). These lands are
located within twelve LGAs. Refer to the earlier Figure 1.1 for a diagrammatic illustration of this.
The GBMWHA was inscribed on the World Heritage List because it satisfies the following criteria for natural
values of outstanding universal significance. It specifically contains:

outstanding examples of significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and
development of ecosystems and communities of plants and animals, particularly eucalypt-dominated
ecosystems (Criterion II); and

important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including the
eucalypts and eucalypt-dominated communities, primitive species with Gondwanan affinities and a
diversity of rare or threatened plants and animals of conservation significance (Criterion IV) (NSW
National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009).
Eucalypt diversity was considered to be a crucial factor in the listing of the GBMWHA. Australia is the only
continent in which the vast majority of woodland and forest ecosystems are dominated by a single group of
closely related taxa; namely the ‘eucalypts’ including the genera Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Angophora. The
vast majority of eucalypt species are endemic to the Australian continent, only sixteen species of eucalypts
being native elsewhere (Hammill & Tasker 2010).
The GBMWHA contains an exceptionally diverse array of eucalypt species which have evolved to fill the
wide variety of ecological niches found in the area as a result of its varied geology, rugged landform,
altitudinal variation and varied climate (Hammill & Tasker 2010). The area contains an outstanding diversity
of eucalypts, including 13 per cent of all described taxa, more than in any other major conservation area
(Hammill & Tasker 2010). A list of the Eucalypt species that have been recorded in the GMWHA is provided
in Appendix A and is based Eucalypts identified by Hager & Benson (2010) and Hammill & Tasker (2010).
The key World Heritage values of the GBMWHA as described in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage
Area Strategic Plan (Hammill & Tasker 2010; NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009) are shown
below.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Outstanding examples representing significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution
and development of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and
animals.

A centre of diversification of the eucalypts with:


exceptional representation of the major eucalypt groups and aspects of their evolution and
radiation, including species in the following groups:
–
genera; Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Angophora
–
Eucalyptus subgenera: Monocalyptus and Symphyomyrtus
examples of species divergence occurring in a relatively small area, including:
–
differentiation of eucalypt taxa in isolation in response to persistent habitat islands (e.g. those
associated with sandstone plateaux isolated by deep valleys)
–
mutually exclusive distributions of taxa in the series Strictae (the mallee ashes) and
Haemostomae (the scribbly ashes) resulting from long-term isolation of breeding populations
(allopatric speciation)

eucalypt taxa demonstrating very high levels of hybridisation

representative examples of dynamic processing in eucalypt dominated ecosystems, including the
full range of interactions between eucalypts, understorey, environment and fire, extending from
forests with rainforest boundaries to mallee communities with heath boundaries, demonstrating the
exceptional ecological amplitude of the eucalypts.

Ancient relict primitive species with Gondwanan affinities including the Wollemi Pine Wollemia nobilis
and the primitive gymnosperm Microstrobus fitzgeraldii.

The highly unusual juxtaposition of diverse scleromorphic species with Gondwanan taxa.
Contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in situ conservation of biological diversity,
including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of
science or conservation.

Outstanding levels of plant diversity:




high diversity at different taxonomic levels:
–
152 families
–
484 genera
–
approximately 1500 species
high values for all three measures of species diversity:
–
local species richness or ‘alpha’ diversity
–
species turnover across environmental gradients or ‘beta’ diversity
–
regional species richness or ‘gamma’ diversity
plant taxa with very high levels of species diversity, including
–
the families — Fabaceae (149 species), Myrtaceae (150 species), Orchidaceae (77 species),
Poaceae (57 species), Cyperaceae (43 species), and
–
the genera Eucalyptus (>100 species), Acacia (64 species)
very high diversity of scleromorphic taxa represented within 20 plant families including Myrtaceae,
Proteaceae, Ericaceae (Styphelioideae), Fabaceae (Faboideae and Mimosoideae), Dilleniaceae,
Rutaceae, and Euphorbiaceae (sensu lato).
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 19
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds

Outstanding levels of vegetation community and habitat diversity including:

exceptional diversity of eucalypt-dominated ecosystems, including: tall open forests (towering,
single-stemmed trees); open forest; woodland; low open woodland; and mallee shrubland (small,
multi-stemmed shrubs)

more than 70 plant communities, including 56 eucalypt-dominated open forest and woodland
communities covering a diverse array of environmental conditions including:
–
wet environments (including the margins of rainforests)
–
dry environments (rapidly-draining, drought prone sandstone plateaux)
–
low-nutrient environments (including sandstone-derived substrates)
–
fire-prone environments (including the sandstone plateaux)
–
fertile environments (remnants of formerly widespread Tertiary basalts).

Exceptional diversity of habitats that contributes to the property being one of the three most diverse
areas on earth for scleromorphic plant species and the only one of these areas that is dominated by
trees and without a Mediterranean climate, including plateaux tops, ridges, exposed rocks, cliffs, rocky
slopes and sheltered gorges and valleys.

Outstanding representation of the Australian fauna within a single place, including

400 vertebrate taxa:
–
52 species of native mammals
–
265 species of native birds (33% of the Australian total)
–
63 species of reptiles
–
> 30 species of frogs.

Examples of species of global significance such as the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and the
Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) .

High levels of diversity of invertebrate fauna, including Lepidoptera (4000 moth species, 125 butterfly
species), and cave invertebrates (67 taxa recorded at Jenolan Caves).

Primitive plants with Gondwanan affinities including:



ancient relict species including the Wollemi Pine Wollemia nobilis and the primitive gymnosperm
Microstrobus fitzgeraldii

other primitive species including: Lomatia, Dracophyllum, and Podocarpus; taxa in the family
Lauraceae; Atkinsonia, the most primitive extant root parasitic genus; and taxa in the family
Winteraceae, such as Tasmannia.
Plant taxa of conservation significance including:

endemic species (114 plant species)

relict species

species with a restricted range

rare or threatened species (127 species).
Animal taxa of conservation significance; rare or threatened taxa including:

40 vertebrate taxa including 12 mammal species and 15 bird species

12 invertebrate taxa.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 20
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
3.2
World Heritage Values in Cessnock LGA
3.2.1
Overview
GBMWHA lands within the Cessnock LGA are located in the central eastern section of Yengo National Park
(Department of Lands 2013; Land and Property Information NSW 2013). Yengo National Park covers
154,271 ha (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009), extending further west beyond the Cessnock
LGA boundary to Putty Road (Department of Lands 2013; Land and Property Information NSW 2013). The
section of Yengo National Park within the LGA is 40,044 ha in area.
Yengo National Park forms part of a group of sandstone national parks within the Sydney Basin bio-region
and is part of the Hornsby Plateau, a dissected sandstone plateau which extends from the Blue Mountains to
the Hunter Valley (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). The Hornsby Plateau consists of a large
number of narrow sandstone ridges and steep-sided valleys, extending from the eastern edge of the Blue
Mountains from a height of about 270 metres and gradually increases in altitude to 370 metres in the north
on the southern rim of the Hunter Valley (Bell et al, 1993) (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009).
The majority of streams within Yengo National Park flow south-east into the Hawkesbury River near
Wisemans Ferry via the Macdonald River and Webbs Creek. Streams in the north-eastern section of Yengo
National Park flow north-easterly into the Hunter River via Wollombi Brook (NSW National Parks and Wildlife
Service 2009).
Yengo National Park provides part of a naturally vegetated east-west link between the coastal and subcoastal conservation areas in the Hawkesbury Valley/Broken Bay region and those of the Central Tablelands
(NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009).
The area is located in a ‘rainshadow’ and, as a result, receives lower rainfall than the higher tableland areas
to the west and the coastal ranges to the east. Lower rainfall, together with milder local climates and a few
areas of good quality soils, has resulted in an area of high biodiversity including plant species and
communities with affinities to the Coast, Tablelands and Western Slopes (NSW National Parks and Wildlife
Service 2009).
3.2.2
Biodiversity values
Examples of World Heritage biodiversity values within the Cessnock portion of the GBMWHA are
summarised in Table 3.1 below.
Table 3.1
Examples of World Heritage Biodiversity Values of the Cessnock portion of the GBMWHA
GBMWHA World Heritage Values
Presence in Cessnock portion of the GBMWHA
(Bionet 2013)



outstanding levels of plant diversity:

127 families
high diversity at different taxonomic levels:

387 genera
– 152 families

ca. 850 species
– 484 genera
– ca. 1500 species and
– the genera Eucalyptus (>100 species),
Acacia (64 species)

high plant diversity at different taxonomic levels:
outstanding representation of the Australian fauna
within a single place, including
High eucalypt diversity (38 species) including:

31 Eucalyptus species

3 Corymbia species and

4 Angophora species


comparable animal diversity levels for each taxonomic level
268 native vertebrate taxa including:
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 21
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
GBMWHA World Heritage Values

Presence in Cessnock portion of the GBMWHA
(Bionet 2013)
ca. 400 native vertebrate taxa including:
– 47 mammals
– 52 mammals
– 158 native birds
– 265 birds (33% of the Australian total)
– 43 reptiles
– 63 reptiles
– 20 frogs
– > 30 frogs

examples of species of global significance such as
the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and the
Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus),

Primitive plants with Gondwanan affinities
including:

Lomatia, Dracophyllum, and Podocarpus;

taxa in the family Lauraceae

Atkinsonia, the most primitive extant root
parasitic genus; and

taxa in the family Winteraceae, such as
Tasmannia

examples of species of global significance including the
Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and the Short-beaked
Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) are present.

Primitive plants with Gondwanan affinities present
including:

Podocarpus spinulosus

Lomatia silaifolia

Atkinsonia ligustrina

Tasmannia insipida

Members of the Lauraceae including:
– Neolitsea spp. & Cryptocarya microneura

rare or threatened species (127 species)

threatened species (8 species)

Animal taxa of conservation significance (listed
under state and/or Commonwealth legislation)
including:

Comparable numbers of animal taxa of conservation
significance including:

53 vertebrate taxa composed of 19 mammals,
24 birds, 6 frogs and 3 reptiles
3.2.3

34 vertebrate taxa listed as threatened species under
the EPBC Act and/or the TSC Act composed of 14
mammals, 17 birds, 2 frog species and 1 reptile
Vegetation communities and species diversity
The information used in this section has been considered as part of the prioritisation and weighting process
for the conservation priority modelling and mapping. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2009)
identifies Yengo National Park as containing a high diversity of vegetation communities and plant species
due to high variability in microclimates and soil fertility. This variability causes quite different communities to
occur side by side. The park is located within the Central Coast Botanical Sub-division at the convergence of
three botanical provinces: the Central Western Slopes, Central Tablelands and Central Coast.
Over 700 plant species have been recorded with Yengo National Park, with high eucalypt diversity
comprising 43 species of eucalypts including seven ironbark species (Bell et al, 1993 in NSW National Parks
and Wildlife Service 2009). The vegetation is unique compared to other national parks in the area such as
Dharug and Wollemi. At least 20 plant species are at their limit of their known distribution within Yengo
National Park and the adjoining non-World heritage Parr State Conservation Area (NSW National Parks and
Wildlife Service 2009).Of particular significance are the warm temperate rainforests found in sheltered
valleys and a dry rainforest found on the basalt tops of Mt Yengo and Mt Wareng (NSW National Parks and
Wildlife Service 2009).
Yengo National Park protects undisturbed valley areas. These are of high conservation value as logging and
clearing concentrated in valley areas after European settlement has disturbed most valley ecosystems in
adjoining areas (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009).
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 22
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
The vegetation of Yengo National Park has been mapped by DECC (2008a). Forty three vegetation
communities occur, within eleven broad floristic groups:

Sheltered Hawkesbury sandstone dry forests.

Narrabeen sandstone dry sclerophyll woodlands.

Narrabeen series shale and sandstone dry sclerophyll forests.

Hunter escarpment Permian footslopes dry sclerophyll forests.

Freshwater wetlands.

Dry rainforest.

Mellong sandmass woodlands.

Hawkesbury sandstone exposed woodlands.

Hawkesbury and Narrabeen sandstone wet sclerophyll forests and rainforest.

Alluvial and basalt herb and grass forests and woodlands.

Sandstone warm temperate rainforest.
Those six groups in bold above occur within Cessnock LGA portion of the GBMWHA. Within these six
floristic groups, found in Cessnock LGA, 20 native vegetation communities (Table 3.2) have been mapped
(Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008a). Of these three correspond to state listed TECs
and one community nominated under the EPBC Act.
Table 3.2
Map unit
number
Vegetation communities mapped in the Cessnock LGA in Yengo National Park
Vegetation community name1
TSC Act TEC2, and EPBC Act TECs3
1
Hunter Range Stinging Tree Dry Rainforest
Lower Hunter Valley Dry Rainforest (VEC)
2
Sydney Hinterland Warm Temperate Rainforest
Lowland Rainforest on NSW North Coast
and Sydney Basin Bioregion (EEC)
3
Hunter Range Grey Myrtle Dry Rainforest
Lower Hunter Valley Dry Rainforest (VEC)
4
Sydney Hinterland Blue Gum-Turpentine Gully
Forest
5
Hunter Range Hillgrove Gum Gully Forest
9
Hunter Range Basalt Red Gum-Grey Box Forest
11
Hunter Range Flats Apple-Stringybark-Gum Forest
14
Hunter Range Sheltered Grey Gum Forest
17
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple Forest
18
Sydney Hinterland Sheltered Turpentine-Apple
Forest
20
Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
22
25
29
Hunter Valley Remnant Woodlands and
Open Forests (CEEC)
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red BloodwoodStringybark Forest
Hunter Range Exposed Stringybark-Grey Gum
Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Scribbly Gum
Woodland
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 23
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Map unit
number
Vegetation community name1
TSC Act TEC2, and EPBC Act TECs3
30
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow Bloodwood
Woodland
32
Sydney Hinterland Dwarf Apple Scrub
33
Sydney Hinterland Rock Complex
34
Coastal River Oak Forest
35
Sydney Hinterland Sandstone Riparian Complex
38
Hunter Range Flats Paperbark Thicket
River-flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal
Floodplains (EEC)
River-flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal
Floodplains (EEC)
Notes:
1. Vegetation communities names those that have been mapped within Yengo National Park and Parr State Conservation Area
(Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008a)
2. EEC = Endangered Ecological Community, VEC = Vulnerable Ecological Community listed under the TSC Act.
3. CEEC = Critically Endangered Ecological Community nominated for listing under the EPBC Act.
3.2.3.1
Threatened species of plants
Eight threatened species of plants (refer Table 3.3) are known from the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA
(Office of Environment and Heritage 2012a).
Table 3.3
Threatened plants that are known from the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA
Family
Scientific name
Asteraceae
Fabaceae
(Mimosoideae)
Goodeniaceae
Lamiaceae
Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
Myrtaceae
Proteaceae
Common name
EPBC Act
status1
TSC Act
status2
Olearia cordata
–
V
V
Acacia bynoeana
Bynoe's Wattle
V
E
Velleia perfoliata
Prostanthera cineolifera
Callistemon linearifolius
Eucalyptus fracta
Melaleuca groveana
Persoonia hirsuta
–
Singleton Mint Bush
Netted Bottle Brush
Broken Back Ironbark
Grove's Paperbark
Hairy Geebung
V
V
E
V
V
V
V
V
E
Notes:
1. V=Vulnerable, E=Endangered under the EPBC Act
2. V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered under the TSC Act.
3.2.4
Animal species and habitats
3.2.4.1
Animal diversity
There are 268 native vertebrate animal species recorded on the NPWS Wildlife Atlas within the Yengo
National Park section of the GBMWHA comprising 47 mammals, 158 birds, 20 frogs and 43 reptiles (Office
of Environment and Heritage 2012a).
These relatively high numbers are probably related to the lack of disturbance and the extensive and
topographically diverse areas of sandstone terrain. The richness of the herpetofauna (reptiles and frogs) in
Yengo National Park has been compared to the World Heritage Area rainforests in northern NSW which
have a well-documented diversity of amphibians and reptiles (NSW National Parks and Wildlife
Service 2009).
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 24
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
3.2.4.2
Threatened species of animal
Thirty-four threatened species of animals (refer Table 3.4) are known from the GBMWHA within Cessnock
LGA (Office of Environment and Heritage 2012a).
Table 3.4
Type of
animal
Birds
Threatened animals that are known from the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA
Common name
EPBC Act
status1
Scientific name
TSC Act
status2
Barking Owl
Ninox connivens
-
V
Black Bittern
Ixobrychus flavicollis
-
V
Black-chinned Honeyeater
(eastern subspecies)
Melithreptus gularis gularis
-
V
Brown Treecreeper (eastern
subspecies)
Climacteris picumnus victoriae
-
V
Gang-gang Cockatoo
Callocephalon fimbriatum
-
V
Glossy Black-Cockatoo
Calyptorhynchus lathami
-
V
Grey-crowned Babbler
(eastern subspecies)
Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis
-
V
Little Eagle
Hieraaetus morphnoides
-
V
Little Lorikeet
Glossopsitta pusilla
-
V
Masked Owl
Tyto novaehollandiae
-
V
Powerful Owl
Ninox strenua
-
V
Regent Honeyeater
Anthochaera phrygia
E
CE
Scarlet Robin
Petroica boodang
-
V
Sooty Owl
Tyto tenebricosa
-
V
Speckled Warbler
Chthonicola sagittata
-
V
Turquoise Parrot
Neophema pulchella
-
V
Varied Sittella
Daphoenositta chrysoptera
-
V
Giant Burrowing Frog
Heleioporus australiacus
V
V
Red-crowned Toadlet
Pseudophryne australis
-
V
Brush-tailed Phascogale
Phascogale tapoatafa
-
V
Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby
Petrogale penicillata
V
E
Frogs
Mammals
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 25
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Type of
animal
Reptiles
Common name
EPBC Act
status1
Scientific name
TSC Act
status2
Eastern Bentwing-bat
Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis
-
V
Eastern Cave Bat
Vespadelus troughtoni
-
V
Eastern False Pipistrelle
Falsistrellus tasmaniensis
-
V
Eastern Freetail-bat
Mormopterus norfolkensis
-
V
Greater Broad-nosed Bat
Scoteanax rueppellii
-
V
Grey-headed Flying-fox
Pteropus poliocephalus
V
V
Koala
Phascolarctos cinereus
V
V
Large-eared Pied Bat
Chalinolobus dwyeri
V
V
Parma Wallaby
Macropus parma
-
V
Spotted-tailed Quoll
Dasyurus maculatus
E
V
Squirrel Glider
Petaurus norfolcensis
-
V
Yellow-bellied Glider
Petaurus australis
-
V
Rosenberg's Goanna
Varanus rosenbergi
-
V
Notes:
1. V=Vulnerable, E=Endangered, CE = Critically Endangered listed under the EPBC Act
2. V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered listed under the TSC Act.
The World Heritage Area protects threatened species such as the Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby, which occurs
only in very small distinct populations in New South Wales and Queensland. Other examples of the species
listed above include the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot.
A recent Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater project has recorded a population of Regent Honeyeater, a
critically endangered species under the TSC Act and endangered species under the EPBC Act, in the
Wollombi Valley adjoining Yengo National Park. In addition the major sightings for this species have been
recorded as being centred on Cessnock and Abermain with a southern population recorded at Morisset.
Modelling of the extent of Regent Honeyeater populations was concentrated in three main areas, Wollombi
Valley, Cessnock-Abermain and to the south at Morisset (Roderick et al, 2013). Therefore, important habitat
resources occur for the Regent Honeyeater within the Wollombi and Cessnock areas.
Foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot differs slightly from that of the Regent Honeyeater. Swift Parrot records
are not common within Yengo National Park and the Wollombi Valley, however many records occur within
the central and eastern portion of the Cessnock LGA (Roderick et al, 2013). Roderick et al, (2013)
highlighted the importance of the Cessnock LGA for Swift Parrot foraging resources.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 26
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
3.3
Migratory species
Three migratory bird species (refer Table 3.5) are known from the GBMWHA within the Cessnock LGA
(Office of Environment and Heritage 2012a).
Table 3.5
Migratory birds that are known from the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA
Type of animal
Bird
Common name
Scientific name
EPBC Act
Migratory
listing1
Rainbow Bee-eater
Merops ornatus
J
White-bellied Sea-Eagle
Haliaeetus leucogaster
C
White-throated Needletail
Hirundapus caudacutus
C,J,K
Notes:
1. V=Vulnerable, J = Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), C = China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA),
K = Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA).
3.4
Commonwealth listed threatened ecological
communities
No TECs currently listed on the EPBC Act occur within Yengo National Park, although the nominated TEC
Hunter Valley Remnant Woodlands and Open Forests does occur.
Several TECs listed or nominated under the EPBC Act occur within the overall Cessnock LGA. These
include:

Lowland rainforest of subtropical Australia listed as Critically Endangered

Hinterland Sand Flats Forest and Woodland of the Sydney Basin Bioregion, nominated for listing

Hunter Valley Remnant Woodlands and Open Forests, nominated for listing.
3.5
State listed threatened ecological communities
In addition to the World Heritage values and other MNES described above, additional values of State
environmental significance include two TECs listed under the TSC Act which have been recorded within
Yengo National Park:

Lower Hunter Valley Dry Rainforest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion (VEC)

River-flat eucalypt forest on coastal floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East
Corner bioregions (EEC)

Lowland Rainforest on Floodplains in the NSW North Coast Bioregion.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Other state listed TECs which occur within the Cessnock LGA include the following:

Central Hunter Ironbark Grey Box Spotted Gum Forest in the NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin
Bioregions.

Central Hunter Grey Box Ironbark Woodland in NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin Bioregions.

Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains.

Hunter Lowland Redgum Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion.

Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion.

Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregions.

Quorrobolong Scribbly Gum Forest.

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains.
3.6
Values in nearby areas
The Lower Hunter Region is part of a transition zone for many plant and animal species between the subtropical influences of the north and the cooler, less fertile conditions to the south. As a consequence, the
vegetation is unique when compared to the neighbouring regions. The flora of the Hunter Valley floor is
remarkably diverse, with approximately 2000 species of vascular plants (Department of Environment Climate
Change and Water 2009).
The Lower Hunter contains significant areas of dry forest and woodland, comprised of a range of vegetation
communities dominated by Blackbutt, Grey Gum, Forest Red Gum, Ironbark, Rough-barked Apple, Scribbly
Gum, Smooth-barked Apple, Spotted Gum and Turpentine. The dry forest/woodland fauna have strong
affinities with the fauna of the western slopes and the Lower Hunter is thought to act as a refuge during times
of inland drought (Department of Environment Climate Change and Water 2009). Lowland dry forest and
woodland are very poorly conserved in the Lower Hunter and anecdotally are under increasing threat.
The GBMWHA extends north and south of the Cessnock LGA into Singleton and Lake Macquarie LGAs
respectively. To the north in the Singleton LGA the vegetation adjoining the GBMWHA is similar to that of the
Cessnock LGA in that it contains similar escarpment and sandstone ridge vegetation as within Yengo and
Wollemi National Parks. The footslopes and riparian areas contain similar vegetation and habitat to that
which occurs within similar situations in Cessnock LGA. These include River Oak riparian forests, Red Gum
riparian forests on the alluvial flats, with the footslopes containing central hunter grey box ironbark forests
and central hunter spotted gum forests, similar to that which occur within the Cessnock LGA.
The adjoining areas with Lake Macquarie LGA to the south contain similar habitats to that which occurs
within Yengo National Park in elevated areas within Olney State Forest. Similar riparian habitats include
Riparian Red Gum forests, Riparian Blue Gum forests and on the footslopes spotted gum and ironbark open
forest and woodlands.
Where these habitats adjoin private land similar land use activities occur and they have similar threats such
as grazing of cattle, vineyards, rural and residential subdivision, roads, infrastructure, open cut mining (in
Singleton LGA), weed incursions, soil erosion, vertebrate pests and salinity.
The presence of these similar habitats gives rise to similar flora and fauna species occurring within these
ecosystems.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
4. Priority conservation areas
4.1
Mapping results
4.1.1
Overview
The prioritisation process outlined in Section 2.4 has resulted in a final priority conservation map that
identifies the highest priority lands, from a World Heritage perspective, within the Cessnock LGA
(Figure 4.1).
It could be expected that only areas in close proximity to the existing World Heritage area would be identified
as being of priority for conservation. While in general the priority areas identified though the mapping process
are closer to the existing World Heritage area, there are pockets throughout the entire LGA that are shown
as being of high priority for conservation utilising the parameters and weightings used for modelling in this
study. This is because they support many similar complementary values to the World Heritage values, such
as:

high eucalypt diversity

threatened vegetation

threatened species habitat

large patch size

good connectivity

riparian areas.
Such factors are recognised as being of significance for biodiversity conservation in general, but are also
directly relevant to the values contained within the existing World Heritage area and the complementary
lands within the entire Cessnock LGA. The following maps and analyses provide priority conservation
rankings for all lands in the Cessnock LGA. These rankings are provided for discussion purposes and enable
identification of priority conservation areas.
A general description of the findings within the three main regions of the Cessnock LGA as shown in
Figure 4.1 are outlined below, with more detailed discussion on each of the priority conservations areas
provided in following sections.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
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Figure 4.1
World Heritage priority conservation analysis overview
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
4.1.2
Western Region
This area consists of Yengo National Park (existing GBMWHA), inholdings and the Wollombi Valley and
surrounds, as shown on Figure 4.2. Yengo National Park itself is not discussed in detail here as it can be
expected that it would predominantly be of high priority for conservation in the mapping, which is generally
the case on the map.
Given the close proximity to the existing GBMWHA, the native vegetation within the Wollombi Valley and
surrounds are of high complementary value to the protection and enhancement of World Heritage values
within Yengo National Park.
Wollombi Valley and the surrounding mountains and foothills are located immediately adjoining the eastern
boundary of the GBMWHA. The vegetation types identified within Yengo National Park and the GBMWHA
extend eastwards across the ridges and down into the lower slopes of the Wollombi Valley. In addition to the
extension of similar vegetation types, the following characteristics have been identified as contributing to the
areas high priority conservation:

A similar high eucalypt diversity and similar vegetation types to the GBMWHA.

Similar value for EPBC and TSC listed threatened ecological communities.

Direct connectivity to the GBMWHA, providing an immediate buffer capacity.

Providing large expanses of similar habitats that are used generally infrequently by humans, meaning
the mass of native habitats in and adjoining the GBMWHA are significantly buffered from human
impacts.

Containing similar habitat for threatened flora and fauna.

Containing generally high patch sizes, increasing resilience to external impacts and effectively buffering
the GBMWHA.

Providing conditions that support high genetic diversity and resilience.

Similar and directly connected riparian areas that provide semi-aquatic or aquatic habitats intrinsically
linked to the GBMWHA.
For the above reasons, a majority of vegetation from Pokolbin in the north to Cedar Creek, Wollombi, Laguna
and continuing southwards towards Murrays Run and Bucketty has been identified as being of medium to
high and priority classifications.
The State Forests to the east of Wollombi Valley, some of which are included in the area of forest generally
known as the Watagans, include Pokolbin State Forest, Corrabare State Forest, Watagan State Forest and
Olney State Forest. These State Forests, plus Yango State Forest (west of Wollombi Valley) provide an
expansive contiguous secondary buffer to the GBMWHA and also contain areas with similar values to the
GBMWHA.
This region also contains large areas of private ownership in the Wollombi and Laguna Valley’s, a substantial
proportion of which includes areas mapped as high priority conservation. This private land is likely to provide
supporting environmental buffering capacity to the GBMWHA.
Generally, the cleared valley floor is not shown as being of high priority as it supports little native vegetation
and is used for agricultural purposes.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 31
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
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Figure 4.2
Western Region World Heritage priority conservation map
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Inholdings are those lands that are privately owned but are located within Yengo National Park. Such lands
provide complex management challenges as they are mostly completely surrounded by the national park and
can therefore influence the condition of the national park and related World Heritage values. Some
significant inholdings exist in the part of Yengo National Park that is located within Cessnock LGA. The
largest of these inholdings is almost 2000 ha, while others are small and may not have easy access and/or
are not used for any purpose. The smallest inholding is 2.5 ha. All of the inholdings are shown in the
mapping as being in the highest categories of conservation value. This is expected as, unless cleared, these
areas contain complementary values to the GBMWHA and are likely to be an integral part of protection of
those values.
4.1.3
Central Region
The central region can be categorised as consisting of the areas broadly covered by the existing Cessnock
Biodiversity Management Plan (Office of Environment and Heritage 2012b). This area covers the central part
of Cessnock LGA from the eastern boundary of Pokolbin State Forest in the west, to Congewai and
Brunkerville in the south, to Richmond Vale in the east and Branxton/Rothbury in the north, as shown in
Figure 4.3. This area is under the highest competing land use pressure in the Cessnock LGA, containing the
major towns of Cessnock and Kurri Kurri and other smaller satellite towns such as Weston, Abermain,
Heddon Greta, Bellbird, Millfield, Paxton, Millfield, Quorrobalong, Branxton and Greta. The proposed new
town of Huntlee is also partly located in the northern extreme of this region.
In general, this region contains a significant proportion of lower priority conservation areas associated with
predominately fragmented vegetation and a more urbanised and intensive agricultural landscape. There are
however a number of important exceptions.
The largest, major exception is the area referred to as the Hunter Economic Zone. The majority of this
proposed future industrial area is identified as having high priority conservation value from a World Heritage
values perspective. This means that it supports important complementary values similar to the broad values
contained within the existing World Heritage area. This is not surprising given that it supports a highly diverse
landscape that contains large patches of contiguous threatened ecological communities that are well
connected and support numerous populations of threatened species, including woodland species not
generally encountered in other parts of the LGA or eastern part of the Lower Hunter. Part of this priority
conservation area is protected by Werakata National Park.
Another notable exception is an area to the east of Pelton, which is partially occupied by Werakata State
Conservation Area. This area contains important remnants of the threatened ecological community Lower
Hunter Spotted Gum – Ironbark Forest and associated biodiversity values, and also forms a relatively large
patch of remnant vegetation in an otherwise highly cleared landscape.
At the northern end of Pokolbin State Forest exists large patches of intact Lower Hunter Spotted GumIronbark Forest on the valley floor which are well connected to the contiguous vegetation to the south in
Pokolbin State Forest and into the GBMWHA.
An area on either side of Congewai Road is also ranked highly, primarily due to its connectivity to the
western parts of the LGA and the occurrence of vegetation on the valley floor.
The North Rothbury locality also supports some areas of high complementary value. This is at the eastern
edge of the proposed Huntlee township and contains numerous threatened species and threatened
ecological communities.
An area centred on Cessnock and Broke Roads, which is Commonwealth land (part of Singleton Army Base)
is ranked very highly as it contains numerous threatened species and ecological communities and several
highly restricted (endemic) eucalypt species such as Singleton Mallee.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 33
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
A number of other smaller areas of higher conservation ranking also exists however are not specifically
discussed as the focus is on identifying the main priority conservation areas. These other smaller areas
should be assessed on a merits based approach as required.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
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Figure 4.3
Central Region World Heritage priority conservation map
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
4.1.4
Eastern region
The eastern region can be categorised as consisting of the areas broadly covered any parts of the LGA east
of Richmond Vale in the south or Heddon Greta in the north. This area is shown in Figure 4.4. These areas
are in the part of the LGA that start to be more influenced by coastal environments, although still provide a
valuable transitional environment between the western valley floor and coastal valley floor.
This area contains the small localities of Buchanan, Buttai, Black Hill and Stockrington and encompasses
heavily wooded areas that form the northern end of the important link between the Watagans and Hexham
Swamp area. In general this area is sparsely populated and contains two open cut coal mines (Donaldson
and Bloomfield).
One area directly east of Richmond Vale is the highest priority locality in eastern Cessnock. The mapping
has identified this area as high priority due to a number of factors but primarily due to the large patch of
Lower Hunter Spotted Gum – Ironbark Forest being located within a large eucalypt-diverse patch that is part
of the important Lower Hunter Regional Strategy Green Corridor.
Areas in the north-eastern corner to the east and west of Donaldson Coal Mine are also generally ranked
highly and are well connected to the important areas of contiguous bushland between Buttai, the vicinity of
Stockrington and Pambalong Nature Reserve. Whilst not all of this area has been mapped as high as part of
this World Heritage project, these large intact lands are considered to be strategically important for numerous
threatened species, biodiversity protection purposes and regional habitat connectivity.
Other areas within this part of Cessnock LGA are generally lower priority from a complementary values
perspective.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 36
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
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if the figure is A3 size or larger.
Figure 4.4
Eastern Region World Heritage priority conservation map
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
4.2
Priority conservation areas
4.2.1
Wollombi Valley and surrounds
The Wollombi Valley and surrounds encompasses a large area that is situated between the GBMWHA to the
west and a conglomerate of State Forests in the east. This is the largest and most significant area located
outside the GBMWHA that contains complementary World Heritage values. Refer to Figures 4.1 and 4.2 for
the location of this area.
This area has been poorly studied in the past due to its relative isolation. Some older studies such as the
Wollombi Vegetation and Habitat Plan (Fallding & Bell 1996) and the Wollombi Valley Catchment
Management Plan 2003 (Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003) exist and provide useful information on
relevant aspects of the biodiversity and vegetative characteristics of the valley and surrounds, however these
do not focus directly on World Heritage values.
The Wollombi Valley and surrounds are characterised by expansive areas of native vegetation on footslopes,
hills, mountains and ridges. Conversely, the valley floor is mostly cleared due to its relatively fertile soils and
suitability for agricultural uses.
The World Heritage values-focussed mapping exercise has identified that the Wollombi Valley and surrounds
contains important complementary values that protect the existing World Heritage areas within Yengo
National Park. Important characteristics of this area are that it:

provides important buffering capacity to the boundaries of the GBMWHA

contains similar complementary vegetation to that contained within the GBMWHA

contains areas of high eucalypt diversity

contains similar threatened ecological communities

contains similar threatened species and their habitats

is directly connected to the GBMWHA

is in close proximity to the GBMWHA

contains large patches of intact vegetation

contains important riparian areas that eventually flow into the Hunter River

provides a ‘critical mass’ of adjoining vegetation that increases the biodiversity of the entire region
including the GBMWHA in totality.
It is evidently important that this area warrants further attention and management in the future to achieve
protection of the GBMWHA in perpetuity.
Generally these are either privately owned properties or State Forests.
This area has also been identified as important for the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot Project
(Roderick et al. 2013).
The Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan (Department of Environment Climate Change and
Water 2009) and Lower Hunter Regional Strategy (Department of Planning 2006) outlines that some of these
lands are proposed conservation lands. These include areas within and adjoining Pokolbin State Forest,
areas within Corrabare State Forest and a small area adjoining Olney State Forest.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
4.2.2
Inholdings
As mentioned previously, inholdings within Yengo National Park have been mapped as generally containing
high priority conservation value. The reasons for this are generally similar to the reasons outlined above for
the important Wollombi Valley and surrounds area. Although patch size within the individual lots is generally
small, the vegetation is contiguous with the Yengo National Park and contributes to its biodiversity value. If
managed poorly or used insensitively these areas could have a profound impact upon the World heritage
values for Yengo National Park and correspondingly the GBMWHA. Generally these are privately owned
properties. Refer to Figures 4.1 and 4.2 for the general location of these inholdings – shown as the nonNational Park areas.
The Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan (Department of Environment Climate Change and
Water 2009) and Lower Hunter Regional Strategy (Department of Planning 2006) outlines that a minority of
these inholdings are already proposed conservation lands.
4.2.3
Hunter Economic Zone
The Hunter Economic Zone (HEZ) is of high biodiversity value and ranks highly with all modelled parameters
except direct connectivity and proximity to the GBMWHA. While some of the species of flora and fauna are
different to Yengo National Park, the totality of threatened ecological communities and threatened flora and
fauna species is similar. Other attributes such as high eucalypt diversity, remnant vegetation that has been
highly cleared in the region, large patch size and importance in local habitat connectivity and riparian
protection have also identified this area as important. Land ownership of this area is a mixture of Crown
Land, private land and Aboriginal land. Refer to Figures 4.1 and 4.3 for the location of this area.
This areas has also been identified as important in Parsons Brinckerhoff (2013b), Cessnock Biodiversity
Management Plan (Office of Environment and Heritage 2012b) and the HDC report (Eco Logical
Australia 2012). This area has also been identified as important for the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot
(Roderick et al. 2013).
4.2.4
East Pelton
East Pelton lands contain large patches of threatened ecological communities combined with threatened
species records and habitat. It is eucalypt diverse, contains vegetation that has otherwise been highly
cleared, is well connected to other areas and contains important riparian value. Much of this area is
managed within Werakata State Conservation Area, although southern parts also occur on private land. This
area has also been identified as important for the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot Project
(Roderick et al. 2013). Refer to Figures 4.1 and 4.3 for the location of this area.
4.2.5
Congewai Road
Lands surrounding Congewai Road contain large patches of threatened ecological communities combined
with threatened species records and habitat. It is eucalypt diverse, contains vegetation that has otherwise
been highly cleared, contains large patches, is well connected to other areas and contains important riparian
value. Much of this area is private land. Refer to Figures 4.1 and 4.3 for the location of this area.
4.2.6
Cessnock/Broke Roads
Land around Cessnock and Broke Roads contain large patches of threatened ecological communities
combined with threatened species records and habitat. It is eucalypt diverse, including several highly
restricted species, contains vegetation that has otherwise been highly cleared, contains large patches, is well
connected to other areas and contains important riparian value. Much of this area is private land. Refer to
Figures 4.1 and 4.3 for the location of this area.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
4.2.7
North Rothbury
North Rothbury lands contain large patches of threatened ecological communities combined with threatened
species records and habitat. It is eucalypt diverse, contains vegetation that has otherwise been highly
cleared, contains large patches, is well connected to other areas and contains important riparian value. Much
of this area is private land and forms part of the future Huntlee lands. This areas has also been identified as
important in Parsons Brinckerhoff (2013b), Cessnock Biodiversity Management Plan (Office of Environment
and Heritage 2012b) and the HDC report (Eco Logical Australia 2012). This area has also been identified as
important for the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot (Roderick et al. 2013). Refer to Figures 4.1 and 4.3 for
the location of this area.
The Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan (Department of Environment Climate Change and Water
2009) and Lower Hunter Regional Strategy (Department of Planning 2006) outlines that a portion of the
southern part of this priority area is proposed conservation land. This conservation land is proposed to be
created as a biodiversity offset for the development of the Huntlee township.
4.2.8
East Richmond Vale
East Richmond Vale lands contain large patches of threatened ecological communities combined with
threatened species records and habitat. It is eucalypt diverse, contains vegetation that has otherwise been
highly cleared, contains large patches, is well connected to other areas and contains important riparian
value. Much of this area is private land. Refer to Figures 4.1 and 4.4 for the location of this area.
The Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan (Department of Environment Climate Change and
Water 2009) and Lower Hunter Regional Strategy (Department of Planning 2006) outlines that a majority of
this land and large private lands to the east are proposed conservation lands. These conservation lands are
proposed to be created as biodiversity offsets for a number of developments in the Lower Hunter.
4.2.9
Comparison to other studies
The mapping results are informative when compared to those areas that were identified in the expert
workshop as being likely to be priority conservation areas. The main areas that were not identified as
important from a World Heritage complementary values perspective but have been identified by other reports
as important for biodiversity were Bow Wow Gorge and Ellalong Lagoon. Whilst Bow Wow Gorge and
Ellalong Lagoon have not shown up as having high complementary value to the World Heritage area, they
are however generally agreed to be of high biodiversity value for other purely biodiversity reasons.
The current World Heritage assessment priority conservation lands that are similar to other studies’
conclusions include Hunter Economic Zone, Huntlee/North Rothbury, the areas around Werakata National
Park, east of Pelton, and the Wollombi Valley. These areas, along with the other nominated areas listed in
the previous sections, are considered to have high complementary values to the World Heritage area.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 40
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
5. Threats and management
There are a number of threats that affect both the GBMWHA and the complementary lands that surround or
are enclosed (i.e. inholdings) by the GBMWHA. Other threats solely affect either the GBMWHA or the
complementary lands.
This section outlines the historical, immediate and possible future threats that affect both the GBMWHA and
complementary lands. Additional threats associated solely with the complementary lands are discussed in
Section 5.3.
An overview of the general threats faced within each of the three previously discussed and mapped regions
within Cessnock LGA is outlined below.
5.1
Key threatening processes
Key threatening processes are listed under Schedule 3 of the NSW Threatened Species Conservation
Act 1995 and under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. A
process is defined as a key threatening process if it threatens or may threaten the survival, abundance, or
evolutionary development of a native species or ecological community. A process can be listed as a Key
Threatening Process (KTP) if it could cause a native species or ecological community to become eligible for
adding to a threatened list (other than conservation dependant), cause an already listed threatened species
or community to become more endangered, or if it adversely affects two or more listed threatened species or
ecological communities.
The KTPs considered likely to affect the GBMWHA and/or complementary lands are outlined in Appendix B.
5.2
Regional overview
5.2.1
Western Region
The western part of Cessnock LGA, containing Yengo National Park and Wollombi Valley and surrounds, is
relatively isolated. This isolation has in part meant that in previous years the threats to complementary
values in this area have been at relatively low levels.
The main use of this part of the Cessnock LGA is for either conservation purposes (Yengo National Park),
agricultural purposes (private land) or forestry (State Forests). It is for this reason that a high level of
biological integrity remains. While site-specific issues have been identified during the field inspections,
generally the condition of remnant bushland in this area is high.
The main existing general threats to this area, apart from the more specific threats that are legislated such as
Key Threatening Processes, consist of the following:



Mismanagement of the existing land uses, resulting in direct or indirect impacts upon Yengo National
Park or the complementary values of other lands.
The potential for more intensive use of the agricultural lands for purposes such as rural – residential
development.
The potential for mineral or gas exploration and extraction activities.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
The management of existing land uses can be well understood and investigated in detail. Such land uses
and their related threats are outlined in the following sections.
The potential use of the Wollombi Valley private lands for rural–residential development in the future is a
general present and future threat. More intensive development of the valley could potentially lead to poorer
management of the land than that which currently exists in the large agricultural holdings used for rural
purposes.
The main mineral or gas exploration threat is likely to relate to potential exploration for gas. Such exploration
is occurring at Broke (approximately 8km to the north west of the Cessnock LGA).
Some guidance in relation to the likelihood of future gas exploration is outlined in ‘The Lower Hunter over the
next 20 years: A Discussion Paper’ (NSW Government 2013). This document outlines that core hole drilling
and seismic surveys over the last five years indicate high potential for coal seam gas in the vicinity of the
Wollombi – Grumps Retreat – Bucketty – Peats Ridge areas. NSW Government (2013) indicates it is
possible that coal seam gas production could commence within the next two years, subject to coal seam gas
exclusion zones, which were announced in February 2013, as well as appropriate environmental
assessment.
An accurate likelihood of such exploration within western region is not known although any exploration/
extraction within this western region area would be expected to require strict controls in relation to potential
impacts upon World Heritage values or complementary values.
5.2.2
Central region
This part of the Cessnock LGA is subject to the highest level of land-use pressure (see Section 6). Many of
these land uses result in key threatening processes that are described in detail in the next sections.
Generally the threats within this part of the LGA relate to increasing intensity of land-use, such as increasing
urban and rural–residential development.
5.2.3
Eastern region
The eastern region is well vegetated and sparsely populated. To a certain degree, the existence of coal
mines in this area has meant that other land uses and related threats have been restricted. In general,
further clearing for mine expansions and increasing rural-residential development pose the main threats to
complementary values within this part of the LGA.
5.3
Discussion of key threats
5.3.1
Climate change
Rapid climate change associated with human-induced emissions of greenhouse gasses is a potential threat
to biodiversity values in the GBMWHA and surrounds.
5.3.1.1
Threats
Rapid climate change has potential to impact biodiversity both directly and indirectly. Possible effects of
climate change on biodiversity include:

alteration to water availability

changes in the intensity and frequency of fire

expansion in the distribution of species.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
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5.3.1.2
Alteration to water availability
Climate change may result in a reduction or increase in rainfall that may affect biodiversity through changes
to vegetation structure and composition. Reduced rainfall may result in the drying of wetlands, reduced flow
in streams and rivers and increased vulnerability of rainforests to fire; possibly threatening the long-term
persistence of these habitat types and the species which rely on them. Threatened species which could be
affected include, but not limited to, the Giant Dragonfly, Blue Mountains Water Skink, Dwarf Mountain Pine,
and Wollemi Pine. Increased water availability may result in changes to vegetation through increases in the
abundance of mesic plants which could affect its suitability of habitat for a variety of species adapted to more
open environments with greater light penetration, for example the Broad-headed Snake.
5.3.1.3
Changes in the intensity and frequency of fire
Changes in temperature and altered rainfall patterns may result in changes to the intensity and frequency of
bushfire. Increased temperature and reduced rainfall is likely to result in increases in the frequency and/or
intensity of bushfires. The interaction between fire regimes and biodiversity is discussed further in
Section 5.4.3.
5.3.1.4
Expansion in the distribution of species
Changes to climatic conditions may result in the expansion of the distribution of both native and introduced
species into previously climatically unsuitable habitats. These habitats are presently occupied by species,
including endemic animals and plants, which are adapted to present cool environmental conditions. If
conditions become suitable for common species with similar ecological niches to expand their distribution,
existing species may experience greater competition for resources or predation. This could potentially result
in the loss of cool climate adapted species in the long term. The interaction between potential weed
expansion and biodiversity is discussed further in Section 5.7.
5.3.1.5
Management
There is limited scope at the local scale to prevent human-induced climate change, however, its impacts may
be mitigated by addressing other threats such as weed invasion, inappropriate fires regimes and disease
which may affect the most susceptible species. Measures to address such impacts are addressed in
throughout the remainder of Section 5 and in Section 7.
5.3.2
Land clearing
Clearing of native vegetation is unlikely to occur on a significant scale within the GBMWHA, although may
occur for reasons such as illegal firewood collection.
Legal clearing of substantial areas of native vegetation in the complementary lands is likely to be undertaken
for:

agricultural activities in accordance with the Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NV Act)

construction of infrastructure, resource extraction (including mining and gas extraction) and industrial
and urban development in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
(EP&A Act).
Illegal clearing is likely to occur on a generally small scale within private agricultural and rural-residential
properties throughout the complementary lands.
The NSW Scientific Committee indicates that land clearing is a major factor contributing to loss of biological
diversity.
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Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
5.3.2.1
Threats
The NSW Scientific Committee lists the following impacts/threats resulting from land clearing activities:

Destruction of habitat results in loss of local populations of individual species.

Fragmentation.

Expansion of dryland salinity.

Riparian zone degradation.

Increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Increased habitat for invasive species.

Loss of leaf litter layer.

Loss or disruption of ecological function.

Changes to soil biota.
Whether or not such clearing activities are legal or illegal, any clearing of native vegetation is likely to
contribute to the above threats.
The main land clearing threats to the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA are likely to result from agricultural
clearing on rural lands that adjoin the boundary of the GBMWHA (including inholdings). A developing land
clearing cause is considered to be related to mineral and/or gas exploration in areas like the Wollombi
Valley. Impacts from such activities are yet to be realised. Further up the Hunter Valley clearing threats are
more likely to be related to expansion of mining activities, combined with agricultural clearing activities.
Mining clearing tends to be at a larger scale than agricultural clearing in the upper parts of the valley and can
therefore have more far-reaching affects to the environments that adjoin the GBMWHA boundary.
In the areas of Cessnock LGA that are further from the GBMWHA, land clearing is more likely to be related
to the increasing intensity of land use for residential, commercial, industrial or more intensive agricultural
activities.
5.3.2.2
Management
Effective management of land clearing activities is a complex issue that required detailed consideration. The
most powerful ways to regulate land clearing are through:

detailed strategic planning processes that analyse appropriate land uses and zonings, and
communication of this to land owners

effective communication at a land-owner level about values of remnant bushland and legislation that
applies to land clearing activities.
It is recommended that when land use zoning is reviewed, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, any
areas of important native vegetation are provided with appropriate legislative protection to regulate the
impacts of vegetation clearing on biodiversity values.
Correspondence with land managers responsible for management of private agricultural and rural-residential
land is recommended. Such correspondence should include details of rights and responsibilities under the
NV Act and advice regarding biodiversity values and ecosystem services and how these can be preserved.
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Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
5.3.3
Habitat modification
The following threats involve modification of habitat through changes in vegetation structure and composition
and/or the loss of specific microhabitat features (e.g. tree hollows, exfoliating rock).
These threats may result in impacts on habitat for threatened species by reducing the foraging, sheltering
and breeding opportunities and are described below.
5.3.3.1
Bushrock removal
Substantial historic bushrock removal is likely to have occurred but is unlikely to continue in anything but a
minor and localised basis within the GBMWHA. Bushrock removal may continue on a localised basis within
the complementary lands, particularly in association with areas with vehicle access such as forestry trails.
The animal groups most likely to be adversely affected by bushrock removal are reptiles and frogs including
the threatened species such as the Broad-headed Snake and Red-crowned Toadlet.
5.3.3.2
Forest eucalypt dieback
Forest eucalypt dieback associated with over-abundant psyllids and Bell Miners is one of a range of dieback
scenarios in Australian eucalypt forests that are as yet poorly understood (Office of Environment and
Heritage 2013). This form of dieback is characterised by leaf loss from the tips of twigs and branches, and
can result in defoliation and if it persists may result in the death of trees over quite extensive areas. Affected
trees exhibit lower reproductive success. Tree recruitment is often low and weed invasion extensive in
affected stands.
The forest types in the study area most likely to be susceptible to dieback are those dominated by Sydney
Blue Gum (Eucalyptus saligna), Flooded Gum (E. grandis), Grey Ironbark (E. siderophloia), Narrow-leaved
White Mahogany (E. acmenoides), Grey Gum (E. punctata) and Grey Ironbark (E. paniculata). Communities
dominated by these species typically occur in riparian areas and on shale-derived or volcanic soils and
typically consist of tall moist to dry sclerophyll forests. Due to the significant changes in vegetation structure
and biophysical conditions which may occur, a wide variety of animals and plants in these communities may
be significantly affected.
5.3.3.3
High frequency fire
Fire is a natural essential element required by many Australian sclerophyll vegetation communities. Fire
plays a positive role creating conditions ideal for the establishment and success of many species including
the release of nutrients from the soil and removing competitively dominant species to allow more light and
rain to reach the surface. Post fire conditions stimulate the reproductive success of many plant species by
promoting the germination of soil and aerial seed banks, resprouting of vegetative structures such as
lignotubers and flowering (Hammill & Tasker 2010).
However, inappropriate fire regimes (i.e. intensity, season, type and frequency) can also be a threat to
biodiversity. Specifically the intensity, season, type and frequency of fire have the potential to disrupt natural
ecological processes such as life cycles, vegetation structure and composition (NSW National Parks &
Wildlife Service 2009). Altering these ecological functions, through inappropriate fire regimes, may represent
a threat to biodiversity within the GBMWHA and complementary lands. For instance burning more frequently
than the regeneration period of some species, such as those that generate a seed bank, could lead to their
elimination from the GBMWHA or lead to their extinction (Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003).
Fire is a threat that must be managed to ensure the long term survival of native vegetation within the
GBMWHA and complementary lands. Fire regimes are actively managed within the GBMWHA and NPWS
estate and, possibly to a lesser extent, in State Forests and council reserves.
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Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Potential threats that may result in increased fire frequency in the western region include accidental or
purposeful fire ignition by private landholders within in-holdings or adjacent lands.
High levels of arson anecdotally occur within the central and eastern regions of Cessnock LGA and
management of such issues can be difficult.
5.3.3.4
Loss of Hollow-bearing trees
Substantial loss of hollow-bearing trees is likely to have occurred during historic timber harvesting activities
in parts of the GBMWHA but is unlikely to continue in anything but a minor and localised basis. Substantial
historic loss of hollow-bearing has occurred due to broad scale vegetation clearing, vegetation thinning and
firewood collection within the complementary lands. Loss of hollow-bearing trees is continuing due to
incremental clearing of remnant vegetation and the senescence of remnant paddock tress.
Loss of hollow-bearing trees reduces the availability of sheltering and/or breeding sites for a variety of
arboreal mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs and hollow-dependent birds and bats.
5.3.3.5
Loss or degradation of sites used for hill-topping by butterflies
The potential for loss or degradation of sites used for hill-topping by butterflies in the GBMWHA is low as
minimal clearing or degradation of hill-top sites has occurred within the GBMWHA and existing protections
against vegetation clearing are likely to be sufficient for the prevention of future impacts. In the
complementary lands, however, there is a moderate potential for loss or degradation of hill-topping sites due
to vegetation clearing and forestry operations in the ranges immediately to the east of the GBMWHA which
are largely included in state forests.
5.3.3.6
Removal of dead wood and dead trees
Substantial removal of dead wood and dead trees is likely to have occurred in areas within the GBMWHA
previously subject to forestry. Removal is unlikely to continue in anything but a minor and localised basis
involving collection of wood for use on camp fires associated with roadsides and camping grounds.
Substantial historic removal of dead wood and dead trees is likely to have occurred during the establishment
of grazing properties (Photo 5.1) and is likely to be continuing as a result of illegal firewood collection for
personal use and sale, tidying up of farmland and incremental clearing of native vegetation on private
property.
Removal of dead wood and dead trees is likely to affect a variety of animals including small arboreal
mammals, hollow-dependent microbats, small terrestrial mammals, ground-foraging birds and reptiles.
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Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Photo 5.1
Removal of dead wood for grazing purposes at Boree Track
5.3.3.7
Management
Existing management of threats resulting in habitat modification are summarised in Table 5.1.
Recommendations for changes or additions to management regimes are provided in Section 7.
Many of these threatening processes are at their greatest intensity in private lands. The availability of
resources, planning and expert advice for land owners has been identified as a constraint to the ecologically
sustainable management of private lands in the Wollombi Valley (Wollombi Valley Landcare Group
Inc 2003).
Government incentives such as the old ‘Free landowners Information Package’ have provided funding and
technical advice to landowners to aid in the conservation of remnant vegetation on private properties.
Effective strategic zoning and legislation is also important to regulating habitat modification activities.
Table 5.1
Management of habitat modification threats
Threat
Existing management
Bushrock removal
Restrictions on vehicle access are likely to minimise the potential for illegal bushrock removal
in the GBMWHA. Little information is available regarding illegal bushrock removal in the
complementary lands.
Forest eucalypt
dieback
Little information is available regarding the presence or absence of forest eucalypt dieback in
the GBMWHA or complementary lands.
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Threat
Existing management
A number of management and fire management plans have been prepared for particular
areas within the GBMWHA containing details strategies fire management:

Watagans National Park and Jilliby State Conservation Area – Plan of management (NSW
National Parks and Wildlife Service 2010).

Yengo National Park, Parr State Conservation Area and Finchley Aboriginal Area – Plan of
management (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009).

Blue Mountains National Park – Plan of management (NSW National Parks and Wildlife
Service 2001).

Blue Mountains National Park – Fire management strategy (NSW National Parks & Wildlife
Service 2004).
High frequency fire
Fire trails have been constructed in Wollombi valley to control bushfires and reduce bushfire
hazard to Wollombi.
Due to prohibitions on vegetation clearing, loss of hollow-bearing trees is unlikely to be a
significant issue in the GBMWHA.
Loss of Hollowbearing Trees
Prescriptions for forestry operations require the retention of a proportion of hollow-bearing
trees and young trees for long-term replacement of hollow-bearing trees. These measures
mitigate the loss of hollow-bearing trees due to forestry but do not eliminate the process
(NSW Scientific Committee 2007). The Private Native Forestry Code of Practice requires the
retention and protection of a minimum number of hollow bearing trees per hectare dependant
on the broad forest type (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007b). The NSW
National Parks and Wildlife Service has published an advisory note to assist voluntary
conservation of natural tree hollows on private and public land (NSW National Parks and
Wildlife Service 1999).
Loss or degradation of
sites used for hilltopping by butterflies
Due to prohibitions on vegetation clearing, loss or degradation of sites used for hill-topping by
butterflies is unlikely to be a significant issue in the GBMWHA. Little information was available
on hill-topping sites or their management in the complementary lands, however there is a hilltopping site known at Mount Sugarloaf.
Removal of dead
wood and dead trees
Due to prohibitions on vegetation clearing, removal of dead wood and dead trees is unlikely to
be a significant issue in the GBMWHA. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has
published an advisory note to assist voluntary conservation of natural tree hollows, including
dead standing trees, on private and public land (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
1999).
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Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
5.3.4
Diseases
The three diseases caused by plant and animal pathogens of moderate and high relevance to the study area
are described below.
5.3.4.1
Plant pathogens threat
Exotic Rust Fungi of the order Uredinales (Myrtle Rust, Uredo rangelii)
Myrtle Rust (Uredo rangelii) is a fungal pathogen which affects plant species within the family Myrtaceae. A
large proportion of the plant species within the GBMWHA are in the family Myrtaceae including species
which are prominent components of and/or dominate many of the ecosystems of the area including the
eucalypts, Leptospermum spp., Syzygium spp. and Melaleuca spp. This fungus was recently recorded for
the first time in Australia on the Central Coast, NSW in April 2010 and has now been recorded from
Shoalhaven NSW to the QLD border, generally occurring along the NSW coast (Department of Industry and
Investment 2010a). This fungus is easily spread by wind, water insects, machinery, tools, vehicles and
movement of infected plant material (Department of Industry and Investment 2010b, 2010c).
Myrtle Rust has been recorded within the GBMWHA it is highly likely that a large proportion of this area has
potential to be infected by the fungus, due to the presence of susceptible species and fast rate of the current
spread of the disease within NSW.
Introduction and establishment of Exotic Rust Fungi of the order Uredinales pathogenic on plants of the
family Myrtaceae is currently listed as a Key Threatening Process under the TSC Act and the EPBC Act.
Root-rot Fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi)
Root-rot Fungus or Cinnamon Fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) occurs as an epidemic within disturbed
plant communities that contain species inherently susceptible to the pathogen. This pathogen causes dieback in plant species, reducing the availability of food and shelter resources for animal species (Natural
Heritage Trust 2004b). The fungus affects a large number of native plant species from a variety of families.
The fungus has been recorded within Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and along the
coast of Queensland in areas that receive a mean average rainfall of 600 mm. This fungus spreads
independently through very moist but well aerated soil and more rapidly through the transport of soil during
road construction, nursery trade and bushwalking (Environment Australia 2001).
Whilst Root-rot Fungus has not been recorded within NSW it is likely that areas within NSW (including the
GBMWHA) would be susceptible to the fungus, due to presence of potentially susceptible species,
favourable environmental conditions and current spread of the disease throughout the rest of Australia.
Infection of native plants and dieback and caused by the root rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) is
currently listed as a Key Threatening Process under the TSC Act and EPBC Act.
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5.3.4.2
Animal pathogens threat
Amphibian Chytrid Fungus (Chytridiomycosis – Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis)
Chytridiomycosis is a worldwide highly infectious amphibian disease caused by the pathogen
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. This disease is potentially fatal to all species of amphibian and all survivors
are considered to be carriers of the disease (Natural Heritage Trust 2004a; Office of Environment and
Heritage 2011). The fungus has been first recorded in Australia in 1978 in south-east Queensland (Office of
Environment and Heritage 2011). The species has now been recorded from four regions of Australia – east
coast, south-west Western Australia, Adelaide and central Kimberly (Department of Sustainability
Environment Water Population and Communities 2009). Human-induced spread of the pathogen occurs
through transportation of frogs, cross contamination as a result of handling infected specimens or the
inadvertent transportation of infected material (e.g. wet mud or water) between frog habitats (Office of
Environment and Heritage 2011).
Whilst the prevalence of Chytrid Fungus within the GBMWHA is largely unknown it is likely that the frog
species within the GBMWHA would be susceptible. It is likely that apparent declines in some species of
stream-dwelling frog in the GBMWHA (e.g. barred frogs, Mixophyes spp.) are attributable, at least in part, to
Chytrid Fungus.
The infection of amphibians with Chytrid Fungus resulting in Chytridiomycosis is currently listed as a Key
Threatening Process under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Environment Protection
and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This disease is threatening to affect all threatened species of
amphibian within Australia.
5.3.4.3
Management
Myrtle Rust, Root-rot Fungus and Amphibian Chytrid Fungus are established in the Sydney Basin Bioregion
but are unlikely to have reached their maximum possible distribution. These pathogens have different ranges
of natural dispersal mechanisms; however, all three can be spread by human activities. The natural dispersal
mechanisms of these species include wind and water movement and animal foraging activities. There is
limited potential to manage these natural mechanisms with the possible exception of the control of feral
animals such as pigs which may be a vector for the spread of Root-rot Fungus and feral honeybees which
may spread Myrtle Rust. Management of feral animals is discussed in Section 5.6.
Management of possible human spread of these pathogens should include a combination of strategies
including:

education of the users of the GBMWHA and complementary lands regarding ways of minimising the
potential for spread of pathogens

monitoring of likely entry points such as road and track edges to detect the presence of Myrtle Rust and
Root-rot Fungus

signage and/or exclusion fencing of infected sites

treatment of any infestations of Myrtle Rust and Root-rot Fungus detected, if practicable.
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5.3.5
Pest animal species
5.3.5.1
Threat
Pest species have been identified as a key threat to biodiversity within the study area. The impacts of pest
animal species are likely to be most intense in areas of the GBMWHA that are subjected to edge effects
generated from previous disturbance. Edge effects result in zones of changed environmental conditions
which promote the growth of different vegetation types (including weeds), promote invasion of pest animal
specialising in edge habitats or change the behaviour of resident animals (NSW National Parks & Wildlife
Service 2009). These new environmental conditions can generate higher levels of predation by introduced
mammalian and native avian predators.
The pest animal species that have been identified or are considered likely to be present within the
GBMWHA, their distribution and potential impacts are described in Table 5.1. The majority of these pest
animal species are listed as a key threatening process listed under both or one of the TSC Act and the
EPBC Act.
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Table 5.2
Summary of pest animal distribution and potential disturbances in the GBMWHA and complementary lands
Pest
animal
Distribution within GBMWHA
Identified disturbance
Cats
Likely to be most intense in complementary lands near rural
properties and at GBMWHA boundaries but present throughout the
study area.
Predation on native fauna such as small mammals, birds and reptiles
Foxes
Likely to be most intense in complementary lands near rural
properties and at GBMWHA boundaries but present throughout the
study area.
Predation on small to medium-sized native mammals, ground-nesting birds and
reptiles.
Wild dogs
Likely to be most intense in complementary lands near rural
properties and at GBMWHA boundaries but present throughout the
study area.
Cattle and wild
horses (feral
and domestic
strays)
Localised distribution
Rabbits
Likely to be most intense in complementary lands near rural
properties and at GBMWHA boundaries.
Predation on native fauna such as medium-sized to large native mammals and
ground-dwelling birds.
Loss of the integrity of remnant Dingo populations due to hybridisation
Disturbance (grazing and trampling) of native vegetation resulting in stream bank
and waterhole erosion and prevention of regeneration of native vegetation.
Dispersal of weed species.
Competition with native fauna for food and habitat resources.
Disturbance to the structure and composition of native vegetation and associated
reduction in the suitability of habitat for native animals.
Dispersal of weed species.
Pigs
Deer
Localised distribution for example Mellong Creek – Wallaby Swamp
and Wallabadah areas within Yengo Nation Park
Apparently localised distribution but not well known.
Disturbance (grazing for food and wallowing) to soil resulting in stream bank and
waterhole erosion and preventing regeneration of previously cleared areas. Spread
of weeds and plant pathogens (e.g. Root-rot Fungus.
Disturbance (grazing and trampling) to native vegetation resulting in stream bank
and waterhole erosion, prevention of the regeneration of previously vegetation and
reduction in the suitability of habitat for native animals.
Dispersal of weed species.
Goats
Fish
(e.g. Mosquito
Fish & Carp)
Isolated small herds throughout GBMWHA
Competition with native fauna for food and habitat resources.
Predation on eggs and fry/tadpoles of native fish and frogs and on invertebrates.
Distribution unknown – likely in downstream areas from disturbed
waterways and inholdings.
Modification of in-stream vegetation (carp).
Generation of turbidity (carp).
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Pest
animal
Feral honey
bees
Yellow crazy
ant
Distribution within GBMWHA
Distribution unknown
Identified disturbance
Competition with native bee species for tree hollows and floral resources.
Spread of Myrtle Rust.
Predation on native fauna including invertebrates, birds, reptiles, amphibians and
fish
Unlikely – not known within the area
Competition with native fauna for food and habitat resources.
Reduced seed production and increase mortality in some tree canopy species.
Predation on native invertebrate and small vertebrate species.
Fire ant
Unlikely – not known within the area
Replacement of native invertebrate predatory species disrupting invertebrate food
webs.
Disruption of native plant pollination and seed dispersal.
Cane toads
Unlikely – not known within the area
Noisy Miners
Likely near edges of GBMWHA
Severe population decline of predatory native fauna.
Competition for food and habitat resources.
Displacement of other native bird species
Source: (Office of Environment and Heritage 2013), (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities 2013), (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009) and
(Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003).
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Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Photo 5.2 shows understory removal due to cattle grazing and wild horses, the native canopy is still relatively
intact, with understorey absent.
Photo 5.2
Understory disturbance due to cattle and horse grazing
5.3.5.2
Management
Major programs of vertebrate pest control are undertaken in the GBMWHA in conjunction with neighbouring
landholders (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001). Control programs involving co-operation by a
various stakeholders are in place for pigs and dogs for the southern section of the GBMWHA (NSW National
Parks and Wildlife Service 2001). Small scale control programs have been undertaken to target some other
vertebrate pests such as goats, foxes, cats, rabbits in the past. These programs have involved targeting of
problematic outbreaks rather than systematic control (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001).
As Foxes affect both biodiversity and agricultural values, fox control in cooperation with landowners and
NSW National Parks to eradicate foxes from properties. Encouraging land owners to cover compost removes
scraps etc. to get discourage the presence of foxes (Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc (2003).
5.3.6
Weeds
5.3.6.1
Threat
Eight Key Threatening Processes, related to weeds and relevant to the study area, are listed under the
Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
Act 1999 (refer Appendix B.).
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Although the majority of the GBMWHA is not subject to weed invasion, weeds have been identified as key a
key threat. Specifically, weed invasions have been limited to areas that have been previously disturbed for
development, mining and agriculture (including reserve boundaries and along access tracks) and locations
downstream of these areas (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). Increasing visitors to the
GBMWHA threaten to increase the introduction, spread and dispersal of weeds both into the GBMWHA from
complementary lands and from the GBMWHA to complementary lands (NSW National Parks & Wildlife
Service 2009).
There are over 60 declared noxious weeds that are known to occur within the GBMWHA and hundreds of
additional environmental weeds of concern that have the potential to invade (NSW National Parks & Wildlife
Service 2009).
Extensive weed infestations attributable to stormwater runoff have been identified in the following areas of
Blue Mountains National Park:

Gorse Ulex europaeus, upper Blue Mountains & Grose Valley, Popes Glen and Braeside Creek.

Lantana Lantana camara, lower Blue Mountains, Nepean River and Erskine Creek.

Privet Ligustrum lucidum, upper and lower Blue Mountains areas particularly south of the Great Western
Highway.

Scotch broom Cytisus scoparius, upper Blue Mountains, Katoomba Creek.

Montbretia Crocosmia crocosmiiflora, upper Blue Mountains, creeklines and roadside verges (NSW
National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001).
Monterey pines (Pinus radiata) have invaded in the Mt Werong-Banshea and Newnes Plateau areas where
plantations are located adjacent to the GBMWHA boundary (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001).
In Yengo National Park and adjacent lands, invasive introduced species such as Blackberry Rubus fruticosus
have colonised disturbed sites in and around the built up areas and adjoining rural properties and inholdings.
Weeds spread by water, wind and/or by attachment to animals such as Noogoora Burr Xanthium
occidentale, Dandelion Taraxacum officinale, Salix fragilis (Photo 5.3) and Weeping Willow Salix babylonica
occur in some isolated localities downstream of disturbed catchments of the park. Watercourses, particularly
Webbs Creek and the Macdonald River are sources of weed infestation as their headwaters are outside the
park in rural areas dominated by introduced species of plants (NSW National Parks and Wildlife
Service 2009).
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Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Photo 5.3
Infestation of Salix fragilis along Stockyard Creek
5.3.6.2
Management
Weed management programs in the Blue Mountains National Park have focussed on the control of specific
occurrences of introduced plants such as Gorse and Lantana through the use of bush regeneration
techniques. These programs have included volunteer groups and considerable scope exists for the
expansion of use of volunteer groups, particularly in the control of weeds at the boundaries of the GBMWHA
(NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001).
At least three biological control agents have been released for the control of Scotch Broom (Cytisis
scoparius) in the Blue Mountains region (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001).
A weed management strategy was prepared for the main valley of the Big Yango area in 2001 and provides
strategies for control of introduced plants in this area (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009).
Recommendations regarding management are provided in Section 7.
5.3.7
Waterways
5.3.7.1
Threats
Waterways within the GBMWHA and the complementary lands are subjected to various threats including:

erosion and sedimentation

pollution from stock, domestic use and irrigation

weed and pest invasion

decreases in water quality and quantity

modification of aquatic and riparian habitats (Department of Environment Climate Change and
Water 2009; Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003).
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These threats are a direct result of human activities, such as vegetation clearing, mining and pumping water
directly from waterways. Activities such as these are resulting in the modification of natural in stream and
stream banks environments within the GBMWHA and in complementary lands.
The main threat to waterways within the GBMWHA include difficulties in maintaining water quality due to the
location of headwaters outside of the park boundary, spread of weeds from upstream disturbed areas, and
increased sedimentation as a result of land clearing and high fire frequency (NSW National Parks & Wildlife
Service 2009). Photo 5.4 is an example of modification to waterways due to land clearing for farming
purposes.
Photo 5.4
Waterway modification of Yengo Creek on Yengo Creek Road
5.3.7.2
Management
The management of threats associated with waterways located within the GBMWHA and complementary
lands is difficult as many are introduced from waterways located upstream. Threats such as pollution,
vegetation clearing and introduction and spread of weed species have the potential to impact the rivers
hydrology and habitats (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001).
Legislation, including the Sydney Catchment Management Act 2003 and National Parks and Wildlife Act
1974, provide a framework for managing the health of waterways by improving vegetation cover, water
quality, ecological process and reducing erosion. This legislation is used by National Parks and Wildlife
Service, Sydney Catchment Management Authority and other organisations to correctly manage the
catchments within the GBMWHA and complementary lands (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001;
Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003).
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The habitat types within the Wollombi Valley have been mapped to identify type, condition, threats
associated with each vegetation type and the present conservation status (Fallding & Bell 1996). This habitat
mapping has allowed the Wollombi Valley Landcare Group to run trial targeted programs to re-create habitat
within sections of the William’s River and Stockyard Creek in the Wollombi Valley. Re-introduction of large
woody debris and revegetation within these waterways is generating natural conditions that will provide
habitat for many aquatic and riparian species and prevent stagnation (Wollombi Valley Landcare Group
Inc 2003).
Plans of management and advisory notes have been developed and made available to private landowners
and the broader community within the Wollombi Valley. These documents provide advice on how to manage
threats such as erosion and sedimentation (Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003).
5.3.8
Illegal activities
5.3.8.1
Threats
The GBMWHA provides a wide variety of natural resources, providing ecotourism, and environments for
many recreational and illegal activities. It is predominantly the illegal activities (including illegal recreational
activities) that are threatening the GBMWHA and complementary lands. The use of closed or management
trails used for unregistered bike riding, four-wheel driving, car and rubbish dumping, theft of rocks and
wildflowers, clearing for firewood and arson are all considered the main activities threatening the GBMWHA.
Additionally, many recreational drivers illegally create new trails particularly in areas that are prone to erosion
such as steep slopes (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2009; Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc
2003).
Illegal activities are having detrimental impacts within the GBMWHA and complementary lands. Impacts
associated with illegal activities include erosion, sedimentation, vegetation clearing and modification of
habitat such as the removal of bush rocks which is threatening amphibians and reptiles including the decline
in the Vulnerable EPBC Act-listed Broad-headed Snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) (NSW National Parks
& Wildlife Service 2009).
5.3.8.2
Management
The NPWS regulate visitor entry and monitor the activities of visitors to ensure that they do not impact the
GBMWHA. This is a difficult task given the large size of the GBMWHA and limited resources available to
cover the entire area.
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6. Field verification
The field survey consisted of targeted survey of the private lands which adjoin the GBMWHA and parcels of
land which were identified within the priority conservation mapping as being in the highest conservation
priority categories within the Cessnock LGA.
The field survey concentrated on the western section of the Wollombi Valley and the eastern portion of the
Cessnock LGA where high priority conservation lands adjoined private property.
6.1
Western Region
The major land use within the northern section of the Wollombi Valley is for grazing of cattle, horse riding,
vineyards and the small village of Wollombi is also a tourist attraction. The field survey confirmed and
identified several threats that currently occur within the inholdings and adjoining lands to Yengo National
Park. The following is a summary and each of these threats is discussed further in Section 5.3.6 in more
detail:

Weed infestations particularly along roadsides (Paynes Crossing Road and Stockyard Creek Track) and
creeklines. Includes, but not limited to, Lantana camara (Lantana), Rubus ulmifolius (Blackberry),
Bidens subalternans (Greater Beggar’s Ticks), Ligustrum lucidum (Large-leaved Privet), Chloris gayana
(Rhodes Grass), Salix babylonica (Weeping Willow), Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) and Verbena
bonariensis (Purpletop).

Wild horses in land adjoining Yengo National Park along Stockyard Creek Track.

Wollombi Brook in some locations has little riparian vegetation with sandy banks, these have been worn
down by major flood events. Sediment control measures have been put in place at Paynes Crossing at
Wollombi Brook, to help mitigate sediment from the road crossing entering Wollombi Brook.

The small creeklines which occur further up the catchment have good riparian vegetation with high
banks. These include the upper reaches of Bagnells, Stockyard and Yengo Creeks.
In addition to the threats the following provides a summary of the high conservation values of the vegetation
and infill lands adjoining the GBMWHA:

Stockyard Creek Road and valley traversed several land uses, with again the main land use being cattle
grazing. Further west towards Yengo National Park the condition of the vegetation increased with good
habitats in the form of open eucalypt forest and warm temperate rainforest observed. Minor weed
incursions along the unformed tracks were observed.

Finchley Track which adjoins Yengo National Park had good condition sandstone escarpment Yellow
Bloodwood open forest on the west of the road; however the eastern valley adjoining this track had
evidence of previous clearing, is currently being grazed and contains high weed incursions from
Blackberry.

Boree Track which adjoins Yengo National Park is in very good condition with this track having minor
clearing works for cattle grazing and some rural hobby farmers. This track provided good buffer lands to
GBMWA and would currently be under threat from further subdivision for hobby farmers.

Settlers Road contains good condition vegetation which adjoins the GBWBMA; the vegetation here is
comprised of Scribbly Gum woodland in good condition.
The following sections are a summary of the general land uses and threats from the tracks and road
traversed during the field survey.
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6.1.1
Paynes Crossing Road, Paynes Crossing
Land uses along Paynes Crossing Road are general cattle grazing with some small vineyards (Photo 6.1) at
the northern end of the road. Common weeds occurred along the road including Lantana camara, Rubus
ulmifolius, Chloris gayana and Bidens subalternans. The vegetation was generally cleared around Wollombi
Brook to the foothills of the surrounding ridgelines to the east and west of Wollombi Brook. A small linear
section of riparian vegetation generally follows Wollombi Brook. Vertebrate pests, such as rabbits and foxes
were observed as road kill along Paynes Crossing Road. The priority conservation mapping agrees with this
assessment of the current condition of the lands surrounding Wollombi Brook, as being of moderate
conservation significance due to the current land use practices occurring. Sites 1–7 on Figure 2.1 were in
this location.
Photo 6.1
Vineyards at Paynes Crossing Road, Yengo National Park in background
6.1.2
Stockyard Creek Track, Paynes Crossing
This road was an unformed track from Paynes Crossing Road and extends westward up to Yengo National
Park through private land. The cleared land generally had pasture weeds, with severe blackberry infestations
occurring in the upper reaches of the valley. Dense Bidens subalternans infestations occurred along the
track (Photo 5.8). Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) infestations occurred in some places along Stockyard Creek.
Vegetation which adjoins Yengo National Park along Stockyard Creek Track has minor unformed road edge
effects with pasture weeds being associated with creeklines and unformed tracks. The native canopy is intact
in the majority in vegetated areas, however the understorey has been significantly affected by cattle and
horse grazing, with the shrublayer generally absent and containing a grassy understorey. This type of
disturbance varied in its severity depending upon the land use. The lands closer to Paynes Crossing Road
were generally cleared, compared to partial clearing further west up towards Yengo National Park. One
landowner (Site 8) is actively undertaking weed control and these lands were generally in better condition
having fewer weeds than adjoining lands and more complex floristic structures resulting from good land
practices. These land holdings in some places directed adjoined Yengo National Park, with some Warm
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Temperate Rainforest observed in good condition adjoining Stockyard Creek (Photo 6.2). Vertebrate pests
such as wild horses, foxes and rabbits were observed and/or scat as occurring along this track.
The field survey has validated the priority conservation mapping in the fact that in general the lands along
stockyard creek adjoining the GBMWHA are of importance for conservation as they are in good condition
and can provide buffer lands to the world heritage area.
Sites 8–13 on Figure 2.1 were in this location.
Photo 6.2
Warm Temperate Rainforest at Stockyard Creek adjoining Yengo National Park
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Photo 6.3
Bidens subalternans along Stockyard Creek Track
6.1.3
Yengo Creek Road, Laguna
Yengo Creek Road land use consists generally of cattle and horse grazing, with minor olive groves occurring
along the alluvial floodplains of Yengo Creek, along Upper Yengo Creek Road. In the upper reaches of the
valley which adjoins Finchley track (Photo 6.4) the valley to the east of the track has been previously cleared
and contains weed invasions, with the canopy generally consisting of acacias. In contrast Boree Track which
is at the southern portion of Yengo Creek Road is in good condition with few disturbances on the ridgetop
(Photo 6.5, Site 15 Figure 2.1). Only one small section at the foothill of the ridge top has vegetation clearing
occurred (Sites 16 and 17) for cattle grazing. The adjoining valleys to the east and west of Boree Track are in
similar good condition. The vegetation surrounding Boree Track is in danger of being subjected to further
subdivision and therefore further fragmenting the vegetation. At site 17 Salvina molesta was present choking
a dam with the potential to spread to adjoining uninfected creeklines.
The field survey have validated that the lands to the west of Finchley track are in good condition, however
the infill lands to the east of the track are disturbed, containing limited conservation value. The lands
surrounding Boree Track are of high conservation value and could provide good buffer lands to the GBMWA.
Sites 14–16 on Figure 2.1 were in this location.
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Photo 6.4
Disturbed Valley to the east of Finchley Track
Photo 6.5
Good condition vegetation along Boree Track
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6.1.4
Settlers Road, Bucketty
Settlers Road traverses Yengo National Park and heads south to St Albans. The vegetation to the south of
the road is in good condition with very few weeds adjoining the road (Photo 6.6). This area could be under
threat from subdivision in the future and intensification of land use.
The field survey has validated the priority conservation mapping at Settlers Road are providing good buffer
lands to the GBMWHA with the vegetation in good condition with few threats. Site 18 on Figure 2.1 was in
this location.
Photo 6.6
Good condition vegetation adjoining Settlers Road
6.2
Central Region
In the central Cessnock LGA the Werakata National Park and the Hunter Economic Zone at Kurri Kurri were
visited. The following sections discuss each threat identified at each site in further detail.
6.2.1
Werakata National Park
The southern portion of Werakata National Park was visited at three locations. At Lake Road this vegetation
was in good condition with a few minor edge effects. Edge effects include rubbish dumping from cars, minor
pasture weeds and four wheel driving along existing unformed roads. The vegetation consisted of the TEC of
Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest (Photo 6.7) which is both state listed under the TSC Act and is
currently nominated at a Commonwealth level as Hunter Valley Remnant Woodlands and Open Forests.
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Photo 6.7
Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest at Lake Road
At Murray Street Kitchener, the vegetation was also Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest with few
weeds present from the road verge. The unformed road was locked to prevent four wheel drive and
motorcycle access. This vegetation had evidence of previous fire events.
The road between Kitchener and Pelton was traversed via vehicle, this road has evidence of four wheel drive
and motorcycle access during wet weather causing ruts and widening of the unformed road in some places.
Yellow Bloodwood forest (Photo 6.8) was observed along this road as well as Lower Hunter Spotted Gum
Ironbark Forest. A threatened species, Swift Parrot, was observed lerping in Corymbia maculata at Site 23.
Household rubbish dumping and building waste dumping was observed at Site 23 (Photo 6.9).
The field survey has validated the priority conservation mapping identifying Werakata National Park as high
priority conservation due to the range of habitats and the condition of the vegetation. The national park whilst
having a few minor threats, which can be managed, is of high conservation value. This has been confirmed
by the sighting of the Swift Parrots observed during the field survey. Sites 20–23 on Figure 2.1 were in this
location.
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Photo 6.8
Yellow Bloodwood Woodland at Werakata National Park
Photo 6.9
Rubbish Dumping at Werakata National Park adjoining Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark
Forest
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6.2.2
Hunter Economic Zone (HEZ)
HEZ is located to the south of Kurri Kurri and has a significant area of native vegetation containing a number
of threatened ecological communities and habitats for threatened flora and fauna. Part of HEZ is zoned for
industrial purposes. As part of the approvals for HEZ a portion of the land has been zoned 7(b) conservation
under the Cessnock Local Environment Plan (LEP). The native vegetation within HEZ is currently in good
condition with few weeds. However, impacts from illegal four wheel driving and motorcycle activities are
exacerbating existing vegetation disturbance. Rubbish dumping and burnt out cars were also observed along
the main road which has been constructed for the proposed industrial subdivision. Plantings of native
species along the Spine Road are now interspersed with pasture weeds (Photo 6.10) due to poor
maintenance.
The field survey has validated the importance of HEZ as of high conservation value due to the range of
habitats observed, with few current threats occurring within these lands. The current threats that have been
observed could be managed in the future. Site 24 on Figure 2.1 was in this location.
Photo 6.10 The Spine Road native plantings interspersed with pasture weeds
6.3
Eastern Region
In eastern Cessnock two sites were visited and they included the vegetation along John Renshaw Drive and
George Booth Drive and these are described below.
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6.3.1
John Renshaw Drive
The vegetation along John Renshaw Drive is fragmented by open cut mining operations of Donaldson Coal
and Bloomfield. In addition cleared areas contain cattle grazing lands, chicken farms and an industrial
subdivision has been built at the eastern end along Weakleys Drive. The extension to the F3 freeway occurs
at the western end of John Renshaw Drive. The existing fragmented vegetation in this area is currently in
good condition with little weeds, however unformed tracks traverse the vegetation and it is under threat from
further mining and subdivision. The majority of the vegetation consists of Lower Hunter Spotted Gum
Ironbark Forest. Photo 6.11 shows Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest where it adjoins Buchanan
Road with limited understorey with the native canopy intact.
The field inspection has validated that the vegetation within the vicinity of John Renshaw Drive is of high
conservation value, with the TECs consisting of Kurri Sands Swamp Woodland and Lower Hunter Spotted
Gum Ironbark Forest listed on the TSC Act occurring as dominant communities. Whilst this area is
fragmented from open cut mining, cleared lands and industrial subdivision, it contains high conservation
values in terms of threatened species habitat as well as TECs being present. Sites 24–27 on Figure 2.1 were
in this location.
Photo 6.11 Modified Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest at Buchanan Road
6.3.2
George Booth Drive
This road traverses the Sugarloaf Range from West Wallsend to Buchanan and has a range of threatened
vegetation communities including Hunter Lowland Redgum Forest, Lowland Rainforest, River-flat Eucalypt
Forest and Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest (Photo 6.7). The Tasman mine is currently operating
underground longwall mining under this road and the Hunter Expressway is currently traversing this
vegetation to the east of George Booth Drive. This vegetation is generally in good condition (Photo 6.12),
however it has been subjected to past logging, rubbish dumping, illegal four wheel driving access and has
several power easements dissecting the vegetation.
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Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
The field survey validated the priority conservation mapping as this area being of high conservation value,
this is due to the intactness of the vegetation floristic structure, threatened species habitat and several TECs
occurring within these lands. Site 19 on Figure 2.1 was in this location.
Photo 6.12 Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest at George Booth Drive
6.4
Chapter summary
In the western region, the field investigations identified that the areas that have been mapped as being the
higher levels of conservation priority were valid. Generally the condition and ‘intactness’ of native vegetation
in this region, much of which adjoins or is connected to the GBMWHA, is high. This is reflected in the
modelled conservation priority mapping. The field investigations also identified that while this region is
relatively isolated and intact; threats are still present to the integrity of the biodiversity of the area and
surrounding complementary lands. Threats directly observed included weeds, wild horses, riparian
vegetation impacts and general agricultural uses such as grazing. It should be noted that in some cases rural
property owners are contributing to positive outcomes that protect the GBMWHA by undertaking activities
such as weed control and fuel management.
The central region was found to represent a good example of conflict between conservation objectives and
being located within more densely populated urban areas. From a biodiversity and complementary values
perspective, the field investigations validated the mapping methodology by classifying areas of importance
as being within the higher categories of conservation priority. Direct observations of threats in locations such
as Werakata National Park and HEZ included potentially illegal activities such as 4WD use, trail bikes,
extensive rubbish and household waste dumping. They also included evidence of weed infiltration around
exposed edges of intact bushland.
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Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Within the eastern region the field investigations were relatively limited due to the smaller size of this area
and it being located the furthest distance from the GBMWHA. Areas mapped as being in the higher
categories of modelled conservation priority were confirmed in the field. Evidence of threats appeared to be
less evident in this part of Cessnock LGA, although general observations of illegal uses such as those
occurring in the central region, weed invasion and land uses such as cattle grazing, chicken farming,
industrial development and open cut (and underground) mining all threaten the complementary values to
various degrees.
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7. Conclusion and
recommendations
7.1
Conclusion
This project involved a detailed process of literature review and expert consultation to identify key
parameters to include in the priority conservation mapping process. The results of the priority conservation
mapping process, which focussed on World Heritage complementary values within the Cessnock LGA,
identified a number of areas as priority for conservation. It should be noted that the mapping process was
tenure-blind and therefore treated all land, regardless of ownership, equally. The field investigations were
found to validate the modelled conservation priorities, while also directly identifying threats to complementary
values in a number of locations.
The outcome of the conservation mapping process has identified the Wollombi Valley and surrounds as one
of the key conservation priorities in relation to the protection and management of the GBMWHA. This area is
generally poorly studied due to its relative isolation. These lands, the majority of which are either privately
owned or managed by State Forests, were found to provide critical buffer capacity to protecting the World
Heritage values contained within Yengo National Park. The lands in this area also demonstrate
complementary values consistent with those contained within Yengo National Park and the GBMWHA.
Management and protection of this area is of importance to ensure protection of the values of the GBMWHA.
Another important set of lands was the inholdings of generally private lands located within the boundaries of
Yengo National Park. These lands are mostly naturally vegetated and were mapped as displaying high
affinities with World Heritage values. The future management of these inholdings is considered to be of high
importance in order to protect the World Heritage values within Yengo National Park and the GBMWHA, as
well as ensuring protection of the complementary values within the inholdings themselves.
Other priority conservation areas identified through the mapping process included the following:

Hunter Economic Zone.

East Pelton.

Congewai Road.

Cessnock/Broke Roads.

North Rothbury.

East Richmond Vale.
While some of the mapped locations are not necessarily directly linked or in close proximity to the GBMWHA
they have been identified by the project as containing a wide range of biodiversity values that are
complementary to the listing criteria for the GBMWHA. While some of the species and communities may be
different to Yengo National Park and the GBMWHA, the totality of threatened ecological communities and
species, combined with other attributes such as high eucalypt diversity, vegetation that has been highly
cleared, large patch size and importance in local habitat connectivity and riparian protection have identified
such areas as important in providing complementary values to the GBMWHA.
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Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Future management of identified threats to all of these areas, particularly Wollombi Valley and the inholdings,
requires further attention to ensure that Yengo National Park and the associated GBMWHA continues to
maintain the characteristics for which the GBMWHA was listed by the World Heritage Committee. A number
of recommendations have been made below to aid future management prioritisation.
The high priority conservation areas identified in this study should be considered as part of strategic and
local planning processes, such as the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy, Lower Hunter Regional Conservation
Plan and Cessnock Biodiversity Strategy. This study should also be considered in the strategic assessments
being undertaken in both the Lower Hunter and Upper Hunter regions.
7.2
Recommendations
7.2.1
General

Consider conservation of the high priority conservation areas as part of strategic and local planning
processes, such as the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy, Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan and
Cessnock Biodiversity Strategy. Such areas could be the focus of future biodiversity offsetting to
facilitate other development in the region, thereby contributing to conservation of World Heritage values
within Cessnock LGA. High priority conservation areas identified in this study included:

Wollombi Valley and surrounds

inholdings

Hunter Economic Zone

East Pelton

Congewai Road

Cessnock/Broke Roads

North Rothbury

East Richmond Vale.

Community awareness and recognition of the values outlined in this project could be improved through
increased education activities for the general community and to specific areas of landholdings. This
could be done via mechanisms such as Catchment Action Plan updates.

Further investigate funding opportunities to assist State organisations such as OEH and State Forests,
and private landholders, to increase effective management of the threats outlined in this report.

Conduct a detailed study into the inholdings within Yengo National Park to determine options regarding
working with land owners to protect World Heritage values, both within the inholdings and within the
adjoining areas of Yengo National Park. Alternatively, determine with relevant government departments
and land owners the potential for acquisition and integration into Yengo National Park. This applies if
specific inholdings are determined to be in acceptable high quality condition or could be restored to
World Heritage-equivalent condition with appropriately sourced funding.

The modelling in this project should be considered for further refinement or expansion in the future,
including further field validation.

Undertake investigations into other values (such as cultural heritage or aesthetic values) of the
GBMWHA and surrounds.
The following sections outline specific recommendations for management strategies and actions that could
assist in responding to specific threats to World Heritage and complementary values within the Lower Hunter
region.
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7.2.2
Clearing

Undertake detailed strategic planning processes that analyse appropriate land uses and zonings.
Communicate this to land owners.

Communicate at a land-owner level about values of remnant bushland and legislation that applies to
land clearing activities.

Educate visitors, adjacent landowners and communities about potential threats posed by land clearing
within GBMWHA and complementary lands and ways they can minimise such impacts.

Restore native vegetation and habitat features to increase substrate stability and create natural habitats
suitable for terrestrial biodiversity.

Remove major existing weed infestations where recorded.
7.2.3
Habitat modification

Investigate whether substantial bushrock removal is occurring in the complementary lands and explore
options to minimise removal if detected.

Investigate potentially susceptible habitats to determine whether forest eucalypt dieback is occurring in
the GBMWHA or complementary lands and explore options to mitigate impacts through measures such
as weed control.

Conduct a review of management regimes prescribed for the parks that make up the GBMWHA to
ensure a consistent approach to fire management and associated biodiversity monitoring.

Consider any new research demonstrating the fire regime requirements of threatened species during
future updates of management plans.

Management activities that can minimise the potential conflict between fire management for protection
of human life and assets and biodiversity conservation include the location of developments, use of fire
resistant plants and bushfire hazard reduction burns.

Occupants of private inholdings and lands adjacent to the GBMWHA should be contacted and advised
of the importance of the retention of large and hollow-bearing trees, especially in fertile valley
landscapes. Advice should also be provided, regarding the ecosystem services provided by wildlife
associated with tree hollows (e.g. pest control by microbats) and regarding appropriate mechanisms for
tree protection.

Research into the possible presence of hill-topping sites in the complementary lands is recommended to
determine if any important sites may be threatened and the nature and severity of threats.
7.2.4
Diseases

Educate the users of the GBMWHA and complementary lands regarding ways of minimising the
potential for spread of pathogens.

Monitor likely entry points such as road and track edges to detect the presence of Myrtle Rust and Rootrot Fungus.

Signage and/or exclusion fencing of infected sites should occur.

Treat any infestations of Myrtle Rust and Root-rot Fungus detected, if practicable.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 73
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
7.2.5


Pest animal species
It is recommended that control programs for vertebrate predators are focussed on areas with sensitive
biodiversity values. For example, control should focus on habitat for the susceptible species such as:

Fox control in and surrounding areas of habitat for the Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby and other
threatened macropods and

Wild Dog control in areas of Koala habitat.
As foxes affect both biodiversity and agricultural values, fox control in cooperation with landowners and
NSW National Parks to eradicate foxes from properties should be investigated.
7.2.6
Weeds

Improvement of the quality of runoff from rural and urban areas should be a future objective.

Removal of major existing weed infestations associated with previous disturbance should be
considered.

Restoration of native vegetation in areas cleared during weed removal should occur.

Encourage adjacent landowners to remove weeds.

Monitor for new infestations and treat them prior to establishment.
7.2.7
Waterways

Educate visitors, adjacent landowners and communities of potential threats to the waterways within
GBMWHA and complementary lands and ways they can minimise the impacts.

Restore native vegetation and habitat features within waterways and riparian areas to increase
substrate stability and create natural habitats suitable for aquatic and riparian biodiversity.

Improve the quality of runoff from upstream rural and urban areas.

Remove of major existing weed infestations within waterways and riparian areas.

Control stock access into waterways.

Control domestic and feral animals.

Manage quantities of water withdrawn for irrigation purposes and type and level of pollutants that can be
legally discharged into waterways.

Water monitoring prior to and after strategies have been implemented should be considered.
7.2.8
Illegal activities

Improve the quality of highly used roads and access tracks.

Install barriers to further decrease access to tracks, ecologically sensitive and/or restricted areas.

Educate visitors to raise awareness of values and potential threats and impacts.

Regulate entry of visitors within ecologically sensitive and/or restricted areas.

Restore native vegetation in areas that have been cleared as a result of vegetation clearing or habitat
modification.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
8. References
Bell, S 2001, 'Notes on the distribution and conservation status of some restricted plant species from
sandstone environments in the Upper Hunter Valley New South Wales', Cunninghamia, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 77–
88.
Bell, S 2004a, The Vegetation of the Hunter Economic Zone (HEZ), Cessnock LGA, New South Wales, An
unpublished Report prepared for Harpers Somers O'Sullivan.
Bell, S 2004b, 'Vegetation of Werakata National Park, Hunter Valley, New South Wales', Cunninghamia, vol.
8, no. 3, pp. 331-47.
Bell, S & Driscoll, C 2006, Vegetation mapping of Watagans National Park and Jilliby State Conservation
Reserve, An unpublished report prepared for Department of Environment and Conservation.
Bell, S & Driscoll, C 2007, Vegetation of the Cessnock-Kurri Region, Cessnock LGA, New South Wales,
Vegetation Survey and Mapping, An unpublished report for the Department of Environment and Climate
Change.
Bell, S & Driscoll, C 2012, Vegetation and floristics of Sugarloaf State Conservation Area, Lake Macquarie
NSW, An unpublished report prepared for the Office of the Environment and Heritage.
Blue Mountains City Council 2010, Sustainable Blue Mountains 2025.
Blue Mountains City Council 2012a, Blue Mountains State of the City Report 2008–2012.
Blue Mountains City Council 2012b, Community Strategic Plan Engagement Strategy Informing the Review
of Sustainable Blue Mountains 2025.
Cessnock City Council 2003, City Wide Settlement Strategy, Cessnock City Council, Cessnock NSW.
Cessnock City Council 2012, '2012 State of Environment Report'.
Clark, P, Reed, JM & Chew, F 2007, 'Effects of urbanization on butterfly species richness, guild structure,
and rarity', Urban Ecosyst, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 321–7.
Commonwealth of Australia and the State of New South Wales (2013) Strategic Assessment of a
Biodiversity Plan for Coal Mining in the Upper Hunter Valley, NSW
Curtin, A, Lunney, D & Matthews, A 2002, 'A survey of a low-density koala population in a major reserve
system, near Sydney, New South Wales', Australian Mammalogy, vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 135–44.
Department of Environment and Climate Change 2003, Lower Hunter Biodiversity Conservation Lands Mapping Methodology, An unpbulished report, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Sydney.
Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007a, Introducing the NSW threatened species priorities
action statement (PAS), Department of Environment and Climate Change,, Sydney South NSW.
Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007b, Private Native Forestry - Advisory NOTE 1 - Hollow
bearing trees, 978 1 74122 513 6.
Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007c, Threatened species assessment guidelines. The
assessment of significance, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hurstville.
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008a, The native vegetation of Yengo and Parr Reserves
and Surrounds, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hurstville, NSW.
Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008b, The Vertebrate Fauna of Southern Yengo National
Park and Parr State Conservation Area, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hurstville, NSW.
Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008c, The Vertebrate fauna of Werakata National Park
and Werakata State Conservation Area, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hurstville, NSW.
Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008d, The vertebrate fauna survey of Sugarloaf State
Conservation Area, An unpublished report for the Department of Environment and Climate Change,
Hurstville, NSW.
Department of Environment and Conservation 2004, Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment:
Guidelines for Developments and Activities (Working Draft), Department of Environment and Conservation,
Hurstville.
Department of Environment Climate Change and Water 2009, Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan.
Department of Industry and Investment 2010a, Identification of Myrtle Rust (Uredo rangelii), Department of
Industry and Investment (Industry & Investment NSW).
Department of Industry and Investment 2010b, Preventing the Spread of Myrtle Rust in bushland,
Department of Industry and Investment (Industry & Investment NSW).
Department of Industry and Investment 2010c, Primefact 1017 Myrtle Rust – Uredo rangelii Second Edition,
Department of Industry and Investment (Industry & Investment NSW).
Department of Lands 2013, Spatial Information Exchange,
<https://six.lands.nsw.gov.au/wps/portal/SIXViewer >.
Department of Planning 2006, Lower Hunter Regional Strategy.
Department of Planning 2010, World Heritage in NSW Draft Discussion Paper, Sydney NSW.
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities 2009, Chytridiomycosis due to
the amphibian chytrid fungus, viewed 15 May 2013,
<http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/ktp/frog-fungus.html>.
Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities 2013, Listed Key Threatening
Processes, viewed 2013 15 May, <http://www.environment.gov.au/cgibin/sprat/public/publicgetkeythreats.pl>.
Donaldson Coal Pty Ltd 2006, Abel Underground Mine Part 3A Environmental Assessment.
Eco Logical Australia 2012, Hunter Catchment - Biodiversity Sensitivity Analysis, An Unpublished report for
Hunter Development Corporation.
Environment Australia 2001, Threat Abatement Plan for Dieback Caused by the Root-rot Fungus
Phytophthora cinnamomi, Department of Environment and Heritage, Canberra.
Fallding, M & Bell, S 1996, Wollombi Vegetation and Habitat Plan, An unpublished report prepared for
Cessnock City Council.
Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Advisory Committee 2012, Meeting Report.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 76
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Hager, T & Benson, D 2010, 'The Eucalypts of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area: distribution,
classification and habitats of the species Eucalyptus, Angophora and Corymbia (family Myrtaceae) recorded
in its eight conservation reserves', Cunninghamia, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 425-44.
Hammill, K & Tasker, L 2010, Vegetation, Fire and Climate Change in the Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area, Department of Environment Climate Change and Water.
International Union for Conservation of Nature 1999, 1999 World Heritage Nomination - IUCN Technical
Evaluation The Greater Blue Mountains Area (Australia).
Land and Property Information NSW 2013, Atlas of NSW, NSW Department of Finance and Services,
<http://www.atlas.nsw.gov.au/public/nsw/home/index-2.html>.
Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy 2003, Lower Hunter and
Central Coast Regional Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Technical Report 2003, Digital Aerial Photo
Interpretation and Updated Extant Vegetation Community Map, Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional
Environmental Management Strategy, Callaghan, NSW.
Mackey, B, Watson, J & Worboys, G 2010, Connectivity Conservation and the Great Eastern Ranges
Corridor, An independent report to the Interstate Agency Working Group (Alps to Atherton Connectivity
Conservation Working Group) convened under the Environment Heritage and Protection Council Natural
Resource Management Ministerial Council.
Matteson, KC & Langellotto, GA 2010, 'Determinates of inner city butterfly and bee species richness', Urban
Ecosyst, pp. 1–15.
Natural Heritage Trust 2004a, Chytridiomycosis (amphibian chyrid fungus disease), Canberra.
Natural Heritage Trust 2004b, Phytophthora root rot, Canberra.
NSW Government (2013) The Lower Hunter over the next 20 years: A Discussion Paper
NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2004, Blue Mountains National Park Fire Management Strategy, Blue
Mountains Region.
NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2009, Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Strategic Plan,
Department of Environment and Climate Change.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1998, The Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage
Nomination, Nomination prepared in association with Environment Australia.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1999, Conservation Management Note 5 – 1999 – natural tree
hollows.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001, Blue Mountains National Park Plan of Management, National
Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009, Yengo National Park, Parr State Conservation Area and
Finchley Aboriginal Area Plan of Management.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2010, Watagans National Park and Jilliby State Conservation Area
- Plan of Management, NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water.
NSW Scientific Committee 2007, Final Determination to list the Loss of Hollow-bearing Trees as a Key
Threatening Process, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hurstville.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 77
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Office of Environment and Heritage 2011, Infection of frogs by amphibian chytrid causing the disease
chytridiomycosis - key threatening process listing, viewed 15 May 2013,
<http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/AmphibianChytridKTPListing.htm>.
Office of Environment and Heritage 2012a, Atlas of NSW Wildlife,
<http://wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wildlifeatlas/watlas.jsp>.
Office of Environment and Heritage 2012b, Cessnock Biodiversity Management Plan.
Office of Environment and Heritage 2013, List of key threatening processes, viewed 2013 15 May,
<http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/KeyThreateningProcessesByDoctype.htm>.
Parsons Brinckerhoff 2013a, EPBC Act Listed Ecological Communities Mapping in the Lower Hunter, An
unpublished report prepared for the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and
Communities, Newcastle, NSW.
Parsons Brinckerhoff 2013b, Lower Hunter Vegetation Mapping, Cessnock Local Government Area, An
unpublished report prepared for the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and
Communities, Newcastle NSW.
Roderick, M, Ingwersen, DA & Tzaros, C 2013, Swift Parrots and Regent Honeyeaters in the Lower Hunter
Region of New South Wales: an assessment of status, identification of high priority habitats and
recommendations for conservation., Report funded by the Department of Sustainability Environment Water
Populations and Communities through the Sustainable Regional Development Program. Birdlife Australia,
Melbourne VIC.
Stralberg, D, Jongsomjit, D, Howell, C, Snyder, M, Alexander, J, Wiens, J & Root, T 2009, 'Re-Shuffling of
Species with Climate Disruption: A No-Analog Future for California Birds?', PLoS ONE, vol. 4, no. 9, p.
e6825.
Thackway, R & Cresswell, ID 1995, An Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia, Australian Nature
Conservation Agency, Canberra.
Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003, Wollombi Valley Catchment Management Plan 2003, Wollombi,
NSW.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 78
Appendix A
Eucalypt species recorded in Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
The following Table A.1 is based on the records from Hager & Benson (2010) and Hamill & Tasker (2010).
Please note potential additional species have not been included only those species that have been since
formally described.
Table A.1
Eucalypts recorded in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
Scientific name
Common name
Angophora bakeri
Narrow-leaved Apple
Angophora costata
Smooth-barked Apple
Angophora euryphylla
Large-fruited Apple
Angophora floribunda
Rough-barked Apple
Angophora hispida
Dwarf Apple
Corymbia exima
Yellow Bloodwood
Corymbia gummiferia
Red Bloodwood
Corymbia maculata
Spotted Gum
Corymbia trachyphloia subsp.
amphistomatica
White Bloodwood
Eucalyptus agglomerata
Blue-leaved Stringybark
Eucalyptus aggregata
Small-leaved Gum
Eucalyptus albens
White Box
Eucalyptus amplifolia
Cabbage Gum
Eucalyptus apiculata
Wollondilly Mallee Ash
Eucalyptus baeuerlenii
Baeurerlen’s Gum
Eucalyptus baueriana
Blue Box
Eucalyptus bensonii
Benson’s Stringybark
Eucalyptus benthamii
Nepean River Gum
Eucalyptus beyeriana
Beyer’s Ironbark
Eucalyptus bicostata
Eurabbie
Eucalyptus blakelyi
Blakely’s Red Gum
Eucalyptus blaxlandii
Blaxland’s Stringybark
Eucalyptus bosistoana
Bosisto’s Box
Eucalyptus bridgesiana
Apple Gum
Eucalyptus burgessiana
Burgess’s Mallee Ash
Eucalyptus caleyi subsp. cayleyi
Caley’s Ironbark
Eucalyptus camphora subsp.
camphora
Variable-leaved Swamp Gum
Eucalyptus cannonii
Capertee Stringybark
Eucalyptus capitellata
Brown Stringybark
Eucalyptus conica
Fuzzy Box
TSC Act1
EPBC Act2
V
V
V
V
V
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Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Scientific name
Common name
Eucalyptus consideniana
Yertchuk
Eucalyptus corticosa
Olinda Gum
Eucalyptus crebra
Narrow-leaved Ironbark
Eucalyptus cunninghamii
Cliff Mallee Ash
Eucalyptus cypellocarpa
Monkey Gum
Eucalyptus dalrympleana subsp.
dalrympleana
Mountain Gum
Eucalyptus dawsonii
Slaty Gum
Eucalyptus deanei
Mountain Blue Gum
Eucalyptus dendromorpha
Southern Highlands Ash
Eucalyptus dives
Broad-leaved Peppermint
Eucalyptus dwyeri
Dwyer’s Red Gum
Eucalyptus elata
River Peppermint
Eucalyptus eugenioides
Thin-leaved Stringybark
TSC Act1
EPBC Act2
V
Eucalyptus expressa (formerly
Eucalyptus sp. aff. eugenioides)
Eucalyptus fastigata
Brown Barrel
Eucalyptus fergusonii subsp.
dorsiventralis
Winged Ironbark
Eucalyptus fibrosa
Broad-leaved Ironbark
Eucalyptus fracta
Small-leaved Ironbark
Eucalyptus globoidea
White Stringybark
Eucalyptus hypostomatica
South Forest Box
Eucalyptus laevopinea
Silvertop Stringybark
Eucalyptus laophila
Newnes Mallee Ash
V
Eucalyptus ligustrina
Eucalyptus macarthurii
Paddy’s River Gum
Eucalyptus macrorhyncha
Red Stringybark
Eucalyptus mannifera subsp.
mannifers
Blue Mountain Brittle Gum
V
Eucalyptus mannifera subsp.
gullickii
Eucalyptus melliodora
Yellow Box
Eucalyptus michaeliana
Michael’s Gum
Eucalyptus moluccana
Grey Box
Eucalyptus moorei
Narrow-leaved Sally
Eucalyptus muelleriana
Yellow Stringybark
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162
A-2
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Scientific name
Common name
Eucalyptus multicaulis
Whipstick Ash
TSC Act1
EPBC Act2
E
E
Eucalyptus nobilis
Eucalyptus notabilis
Mountain Mahogany
Eucalyptus nubila
Blue-leaved Ironbark
Eucalyptus obiliqua
Messmate
Eucalyptus oreades
Blue Mountains Ash
Eucalyptus ovata
Swamp Gum
Eucalyptus paniculata subsp.
paniculata
Grey Ironbark
Eucalyptus parramattensis subsp.
parramattensis
Parramatta Red Gum
Eucalyptus pauciflora
Snow Gum
Eucalyptus pilularis
Blackbutt
Eucalyptus piperita
Sydney Peppermint
Eucalyptus polyanthemos subsp.
polyanthemos
Red Box
Eucalyptus praecox
Round-leaved Brittle Gum
Eucalyptus prominula
Wollombi Stringybark
Eucalyptus punctata
Grey Gum
Eucalyptus quadrangulata
Serrated-leaved Gum
Eucalyptus radiata subsp. radiata
Small-leaved Peppermint
Eucalyptus ralla
Nattai Stringybark
Eucalyptus resinifera subsp.
resinifera
Red Mahogany
Eucalyptus rossii
Inland Scribbly Gum
Eucalyptus rubida subsp. rubida
Candlebark
Eucalyptus saligna
Sydney Blue Gum
Eucalyptus scias subsp. scias
Large-fruited Red Mahogany
Eucalyptus sclerophylla
Hard-leaved Scribbly Gum
Eucalyptus sideroxylon
Mugga Ironbark
Eucalyptus sieberi
Silvertop Ash
Eucalyptus smithii
Gully Gum
Eucalyptus sparsifolia
Narrow-leaved Stringybark
Eucalyptus sp. Howes Swamp
Creek (Doherty 26)
Eucalyptus squamosa
Scalybark
Eucalyptus stellulata
Black Sally
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162
A-3
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
1
2
3
Scientific name
Common name
Eucalyptus stricta
Blue Mountains Mallee Ash
Eucalyptus tenella
Small-leaved Stringybark
Eucalyptus tereticornis
Forest Red Gum
Eucalyptus viminalis
Ribbon Gum
TSC Act1
EPBC Act2
V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered listed under the TSC Act.
V=Vulnerable, E=Endangered listed under the EPBC Act
Species in bold are threatened species listed either on the EPBC Act and/or the TSC Act
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162
A-4
Appendix B
Key Threatening Processes (KTPs) within GBMWHA and
complementary lands
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
B1. Key Threatening Processes (KTPs) within
GBMWHA and complementary lands
Key Threatening Processes1
Loss of climatic habitat caused by
anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse
gases (EPBC Act)
Threat type
Climate Change
Direct or
indirect
threat
Clearing of native vegetation (TSC Act)
Bushrock removal (TSC Act)
Forest eucalypt dieback associated with overabundant psyllids and Bell Miners (TSC Act)
Land clearing
Habitat modification
Habitat modification
Relevance to complementary lands
Indirect
Moderate
Although the nature and intensity of possible
effects is not currently well known, this has
potential to cause broadscale modification to
vegetation and habitat characteristics
through alteration to temperature, rainfall and
fire regimes. The effects may be particularly
severe for endemic species with highly
specific habitat requirements.
Moderate
Although the nature and intensity of possible effects is
not currently well known, this has potential to cause
broadscale modification to vegetation and habitat
characteristics through alteration to temperature, rainfall
and fire regimes. The effects may be particularly severe
for endemic species with highly specific habitat
requirements.
Direct
Low
GBMWHA is managed to ensure minimal
vegetation clearance occurs.
High
Clearing of native vegetation and land clearance are
likely to be occurring on an ongoing incremental basis
on private lands and unprotected crown lands (with the
exception of state forest) throughout the complementary
lands.
Direct
Low
Substantial historic bushrock removal is likely
to have occurred but is unlikely to continue in
anything but a minor and localised basis
within the GBMWHA.
Moderate
Substantial historic bushrock removal is likely to have
occurred and may continue on a localised basis within
the complementary lands.
Direct
Moderate
This process is likely to be occurring chiefly
in more disturbed vegetation at the periphery
of the GBMWHA.
High
This process is likely to be occurring, or to have
potential to occur, in more fragmented and disturbed
remnants of vegetation throughout the complementary
lands.
Anthropogenic Climate Change (TSC Act)
Land clearance (EPBC Act)
Relevance to the GBMWHA
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 B-1
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Key Threatening Processes1
High frequency fire resulting in the disruption
of life cycle processes in plants and animals
and loss of vegetation structure and
composition (TSC Act)
Loss of Hollow-bearing Trees (TSC Act)
Loss or degradation (or both) of sites used for
hill-topping by butterflies (TSC Act)
Removal of dead wood and dead trees (TSC
Act)
Alteration of habitat following subsidence due
to longwall mining (TSC Act)
Threat type
Habitat modification
Habitat modification
Habitat modification
Habitat modification
Habitat modification
Direct or
indirect
threat
Relevance to the GBMWHA
Relevance to complementary lands
Direct
Moderate
Potential exits for a conflict between fire
regimes suitable for hazard reduction and
ideal regimes for the conservation of
biodiversity in areas adjacent to residential
areas. Current management practices are
however in place to balance potentially
competing requirements. The achievement of
regimes suitable for both conservation and
the protection of human life and assets may
become more difficult to achieve under the
influence of climate change. The potential for
arson to contribute to high frequency fire in
this area is relatively low, except perhaps at
its periphery.
High
Potential exits for a conflict between fire regimes
suitable for hazard reduction and ideal regimes for the
conservation of biodiversity in areas adjacent to
residential areas. Current management practices are
however in place to balance potentially competing
requirements. The achievement of regimes suitable for
both conservation and the protection of human life and
assets may become more difficult to achieve under the
influence of climate change.
Direct
Low
Substantial loss of hollow-bearing trees is
likely to have occurred during historic timber
harvesting activities in parts of the GBMWHA
but is unlikely to continue in anything but a
minor and localised basis.
High
Substantial historic loss of hollow-bearing has occurred
due to broad scale vegetation clearing, vegetation
thinning and firewood collection within the
complementary lands. Loss of hollow-bearing trees is
continuing due to incremental clearing of remnant
vegetation and the senescence of remnant paddock
tress.
Direct
Low
Minimal clearing or degradation of hill-top
sites has occurred within the GBMWHA.
Moderate
Loss of degradation of hill-topping sites due to
vegetation clearing and forestry operations may be
occurring or have potential to occur in the ranges
immediately to the east of the GBMWHA which are
largely included in state forests.
Direct
Low
Substantial removal of dead wood and dead
trees is likely to have occurred in areas
previously subject to forestry but is unlikely to
continue in anything but a minor and
localised basis within the GBMWHA.
Moderate
Substantial historic removal of dead wood and dead
trees is likely to have occurred during the establishment
of grazing properties and is likely to be continuing as a
result of illegal firewood collection and incremental
clearing of native vegetation.
Direct
Low
Longwall mining is prohibited in the
GBMWHA. Not a current issue but may be in
future if restrictions on mining are relaxed.
Moderate
Historic mining is likely to have caused alteration to
riparian and wetland habitats in parts on the
complementary lands. Current and future mining may
have potential to cause further impacts.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 B-2
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Key Threatening Processes1
Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus
(Phytophthora cinnamomi) (EPBC Act)
Threat type
Disease
Direct or
indirect
threat
Disease
Direct
High
Although the threatening process is not currently known
from the GBMWHA, it may have potential to cause
broad scale impacts on vegetation community
composition and animal habitat, particularly if its
prevalence in increased as a result of climate change.
Direct
High
This process is likely to have resulted in the
loss or drastic reduction in numbers and
areas of occupancy of at least one frog
species, the Giant Barred-frog. Other frog
species may be at risk of loss.
High
This process is likely to have resulted in a drastic
reduction in numbers and areas of occupancy of at least
one frog species, the Giant Barred-frog. Other frog
species may be at risk of loss.
Direct
High
Uredo rangelii (Myrtle Rust), an exotic rust
fungus of the order Uredinales pathogenic on
plants of the family Myrtaceae, has been
recorded within Yengo NP and Wollemi NP
in the GBMWHA and in close proximity to
Blue Mountains NP. The threatening process
may, depending on the susceptibility of local
species, have potential to cause broad scale
impacts on vegetation community
composition and animal habitat. The National
Management Group for Myrtle Rust
determined that it is no longer technically
feasible to eradicate Uredo rangelii.
High
Although Myrtle Rust is not currently known from the
complementary lands, it has been recorded nearby and
it is likely to occur in future and may cause broad scale
impacts on vegetation community composition and
animal habitat.
Direct
Low
Psittacine Circoviral Disease likely to affect
the Swift Parrot which occupies the
GBMWHA, however, no practical
environmental management measures are
likely to be available for the mitigation of
impacts on this species in the locality.
Low
Psittacine Circoviral Disease likely to affect the Swift
Parrot which occupies the complementary lands,
however, no practical environmental management
measures are likely to be available for the mitigation of
impacts on this species in the locality.
Direct
Moderate.
Likely to be concentrated near the boundary
of GBMWHA and adjacent clearings.
High
Likely to occur throughout the complementary lands
particularly near the interface of native vegetation and
adjacent clearings.
Infection of frogs by amphibian chytrid causing
the disease chytridiomycosis (TSC Act)
Introduction and establishment of Exotic
Rust Fungi of the order Uredinales
pathogenic on plants of the family
Myrtaceae
Psittacine Circoviral (beak and feather )
Disease affecting endangered psittacine
species (EPBC Act)
Disease
Disease
Infection by Psittacine Circoviral (beak and
feather) Disease affecting endangered
psittacine species and populations (TSC Act)
Competition and land degradation by
rabbits (EPBC Act)
Competition and grazing by the feral
European Rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.)
(TSC Act)
Pest animal species
Relevance to complementary lands
High
Although the threatening process is not
currently known from the GBMWHA, it may
have potential to cause broad scale impacts
on vegetation community composition and
animal habitat, particularly if its prevalence in
increased as a result of climate change.
Infection of native plants by Phytophthora
cinnamomi (TSC Act)
Infection of amphibians with chytrid fungus
resulting in chytridiomycosis (EPBC Act)
Relevance to the GBMWHA
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 B-3
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Key Threatening Processes1
Competition and land degradation by
unmanaged goats (EPBC Act)
Threat type
Pest animal species
Direct or
indirect
threat
Herbivory and environmental degradation
caused by feral deer (TSC Act)
Introduction of the Large Earth Bumblebee
Bombus terrestris (L.) (TSC Act)
Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem integrity
following invasion by the Yellow Crazy Ant
(Anoplolepis gracilipes) on Christmas Island,
Indian Ocean (EPBC Act)
Invasion of the Yellow Crazy Ant, Anoplolepis
gracilipes (Fr. Smith) into NSW (TSC Act)
Pest animal species
Pest animal species
Pest animal species
Pest animal species
Relevance to complementary lands
Direct
Moderate.
Records on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife
indicate that Feral Goats are likely to be
present in Blue Mountains NP & Wollemi NP.
Moderate.
Records on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife indicate that the
Feral Goats are likely to be present in the eastern part
of the Cessnock LGA.
Direct
Moderate
This process is likely to be established
throughout the GBMWHA. It is likely to affect
a variety of hollow-dependent animals and
nectar-feeding birds and mammals.
Moderate
This process is likely to be established throughout the
complementary lands. It is likely to affect a variety of
hollow-dependent animals and nectar-feeding birds and
mammals.
Direct
Moderate
Deer have been recorded in a number of
locations in the GBMWHA and are likely to
be causing localised damage to vegetation
and animal habitats. If numbers increase
over time, impacts are likely to become more
significant.
Moderate
Deer have been recorded over a large proportion of the
complementary lands and are likely to be causing
localised damage to vegetation and animal habitats. If
numbers increase over time, impacts are likely to
become more significant.
Indirect
Moderate
The species is not yet established in the
region, however the climate of the GBMWHA
may be suitable. If/when the species does
become established, it may have significant
impacts on World Heritage biodiversity
values through promoting the spread and/or
naturalisation of weeds such as Scotch
Broom.
Moderate
The species is not yet established in the region,
however the climate of the complementary lands may be
suitable. If/when the species does become established,
it may have significant impacts on biodiversity values
through promoting the spread and/or naturalisation of
weeds such as Scotch Broom.
Direct
Moderate
The species has not yet been recorded in
NSW and the climate of the GBMWHA may
or may not be suitable, however, if the
species does become established, it could
have very significant impacts on World
Heritage biodiversity values. The area is
likely to become more suitable for the
species with increases in temperature
associated with climate change.
Moderate
The species has not yet been recorded in NSW and the
climate of the GBMWHA may or may not not be
suitable, however, if the species does become
established, it could have very significant impacts on
World Heritage biodiversity values. The area is likely to
become more suitable for the species with increases in
temperature associated with climate change.
Competition and habitat degradation by Feral
Goats, Capra hircus Linnaeus 1758
Competition from feral honey bees, Apis
mellifera L. (TSC Act)
Relevance to the GBMWHA
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 B-4
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Key Threatening Processes1
Predation and hybridisation by Feral Dogs,
Canis lupus familiaris (TSC Act)
Threat type
Pest animal species
Direct or
indirect
threat
Direct
Relevance to the GBMWHA
Moderate
Hybridisation with remnant Dingo populations
in much of the GBMWHA is likely to be
extensive and irreversible; however, remnant
Dingo populations with relatively low wild dog
influence may exist, particularly in the north
of the area.
Predation by Feral Dogs may impact
negatively impact threatened species (e.g.
Koala) but may also have positive impacts on
other threatened species through
suppression of Fox numbers.
Pest animal
Direct
High
Likely to be a major cause, in addition to habitat loss
and fragmentation, of losses of species of terrestrial
mammals, ground-nesting birds and possibly reptiles
from smaller remnants and declines in the abundance
and area of occupation of species in larger remnants.
Direct
Moderate
Likely to be contributing to declines in the
abundance and area of occupation of
species of small mammals, ground-nesting
birds and possibly reptiles.
Moderate
Likely to be contributing to declines in the abundance
and area of occupation of species of small mammals,
ground-nesting birds and possibly reptiles.
Direct
Moderate
Likely to be found predominantly in lowland
reaches of waterways in cleared
environments and near the periphery of
GBMWHA. Likely to have a moderate impact
on native fish and frog species in these
environments.
Moderate
Likely to be found predominantly in lowland reaches of
waterways in cleared environments throughout the
complementary lands. Likely to have a moderate impact
on native fish and frog species in these environments.
Predation by feral cats (EPBC Act)
Predation by the Feral Cat Felis catus
(Linnaeus, 1758) (TSC Act)
Predation by Gambusia holbrooki Girard,
1859 (Plague Minnow or Mosquito Fish) (TSC
Act)
Pest animal species
Pest animal species
Moderate
Hybridisation with remnant Dingo populations in the
complementary lands is likely to be extensive and
irreversible. Predation by Feral Dogs may impact
negatively impact threatened species (e.g. Koala) but
may also have positive impacts on other threatened
species through suppression of Fox numbers.
High
Likely to be a major cause of declines in the
abundance and area of occupation of
species of terrestrial mammals, groundnesting birds and possibly reptiles.
Predation by European red fox (EPBC Act)
Predation by the European Red Fox Vulpes
Vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) (TSC Act)
Relevance to complementary lands
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 B-5
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Key Threatening Processes1
Threat type
Direct or
indirect
threat
Predation, Habitat Degradation, Competition
and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs
(EPBC Act)
Pest animal species
Direct
Predation, habitat degradation, competition
and disease transmission by Feral Pigs, Sus
scrofa Linnaeus 1758 (TSC Act)
The biological effects, including lethal toxic
ingestion, caused by Cane Toads (Bufo
marinus) (EPBC Act)
Pest animal species
Act)
Pest animal species
Weeds
High
Particularly in the southern part of the
GBMWHA. Likely to have significant
localised impacts on:
Moderate
Likely to have a sparse and localised distribution in the
LGA. Likely to have localised impacts on:
native vegetation via direct disturbance and
weed spread,
native vegetation via direct disturbance and weed
spread,
native birds, reptiles, frogs via predation
native birds, reptiles, frogs via predation
native fungus-eating mammals via
competition
native fungus-eating mammals via competition
Direct
Moderate
The species is not yet established in the region,
however the climate of the complementary lands is likely
to be suitable. If/when the species does become
established, it is likely to have very significant impacts
on biodiversity values. The area is likely to become
more suitable for the species with increases in
temperature associated with climate change.
Direct
Moderate
The species has not yet been recorded in
NSW and the climate of the GBMWHA may
or may not be suitable, however, if the
species does become established, it could
have very significant impacts on World
Heritage biodiversity values. The area is
likely to become more suitable for the
species with increases in temperature
associated with climate change.
Moderate
The species has not yet been recorded in NSW and the
climate of the GBMWHA may or may not be suitable,
however, if the species does become established, it
could have very significant impacts on World Heritage
biodiversity values. The area is likely to become more
suitable for the species with increases in temperature
associated with climate change.
Direct
Moderate
A variety of exotic vines and scramblers have
been recorded or are likely to occur at the
periphery of the GBMWHA, in historic
clearings, along roads and in riparian areas.
Further expansion of the range and
increases in the dominance of weeds could
have substantial impacts on World Heritage
Values, particularly riparian and rainforest
environments.
Moderate
A variety of exotic vines and scramblers have been
recorded or are likely to occur throughout the
complementary lands, particularly in clearings, along
roads and in riparian areas. Further expansion of the
range and increases in the dominance of weeds could
have substantial impacts on biodiversity values,
particularly riparian and rainforest environments.
Importation of Red Imported Fire Ants
Solenopsis invicta Buren 1972 (TSC Act)
Invasion and establishment of exotic vines
and scramblers (TSC Act)
Relevance to complementary lands
Moderate
The species is not yet established in the
region, however the climate of the GBMWHA
may be suitable. If/when the species does
become established, it is likely to have very
significant impacts on World Heritage
biodiversity values. The area is likely to
become more suitable for the species with
increases in temperature associated with
climate change.
Invasion and establishment of the Cane Toad
(Bufo marinus) (TSC Act)
The reduction in the biodiversity of Australian
native fauna and flora due to the red imported
fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (fire ant) (EPBC
Relevance to the GBMWHA
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 B-6
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Key Threatening Processes1
Invasion and establishment of Scotch Broom
(Cytisus scoparius) (TSC Act)
Invasion of native plant communities by
African Olive Olea europaea L. subsp.
cuspidata (Wall ex G. Don Cirferri) (TSC Act)
Invasion of native plant communities by
Chrysanthemoides monilifera (TSC Act)
Invasion of native plant communities by exotic
perennial grasses (TSC Act)
Threat type
Weeds
Weeds
Weeds
Weeds
Direct or
indirect
threat
Relevance to the GBMWHA
Relevance to complementary lands
Direct
Moderate
Scotch Broom has been recorded at the
periphery of the GBMWHA adjacent to
residential areas. Further expansion of the
range and increases in the dominance of the
species could have substantial impacts on
World Heritage Values, particularly heathland
environments.
Moderate
Scotch Broom has been recorded at the periphery of the
GBMWHA adjacent to residential areas. Further
expansion of the range and increases in the dominance
of the species could have substantial impacts on World
Heritage Values, particularly heathland environments.
Direct
Moderate
Much of the sandstone dominated
environment of the GBMWHA is likely to be
marginal as habitat for the species, however,
areas with soils of shale, alluvial or volcanic
origin are likely to be susceptible to invasion.
Grassy woodland and rainforest communities
are the most likely to be susceptible.
High
Concentrated in lowland areas of the complementary
lands in areas subject to clearing and disturbance from
agricultural activities. The species has potential to have
very significant impacts on grassy woodland and open
forest communities on alluvial and shale-derived soils
and on and associated threatened species.
Direct
Moderate
Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera
(Boneseed) has been recorded along
roadways adjacent to the GBMWHA
boundaries along the Great Western
Highway and Bells Line of Road. The
species may have potential to become more
widespread in the GBMWHA.
High
Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera
(Boneseed) and Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp.
rotunda (Bitou Bush) have been recorded in the
complementary lands, predominantly in coastal and
near-coastal areas. Bitou Bush is causing very sever
impacts on dune vegetation in the locality.
Direct
Moderate
Much of the sandstone dominated
environment of the GBMWHA is likely to be
marginal as habitat for exotic perennial
grasses; however, areas with soils of shale,
alluvial or volcanic origin are likely to be
susceptible to invasion. Grassy woodland
communities are the most likely to be
susceptible.
High
Concentrated in lowland areas of the complementary
lands in areas subject to clearing and disturbance from
agricultural activities. Exotic perennial grasses have
potential to have very significant impacts on grassy
woodland and open forest communities on alluvial and
shale-derived soils and on and associated threatened
species.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 B-7
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World
Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds
Key Threatening Processes1
Threat type
Direct or
indirect
threat
Relevance to the GBMWHA
Relevance to complementary lands
Invasion, establishment and spread of
Lantana (Lantana camara L. sens. La (TSC
Act)
Weeds
Direct
Moderate
Lantana has been recorded or is likely to
occur at the periphery of the GBMWHA, in
historic clearings, along roads and in riparian
areas. Further expansion of the range and
increases in the dominance of the species
could have substantial impacts on World
Heritage Values, particularly riparian and
rainforest environments.
Loss and degradation of native plant and
animal habitat by invasion of escaped garden
plants, including aquatic plants (EPBC Act)
Weeds
Direct
Moderate
Evident in the GBMWHA particularly at its
boundaries, along disturbed waterways and
road edges.
High
Likely to occur throughout the complementary lands
particularly near the interface of native vegetation and
adjacent clearings and along waterways.
Direct
Moderate
A variety of escaped garden plants have
been recorded or are likely to occur at the
periphery of the GBMWHA, in historic
clearings, along roads and in riparian areas.
Further expansion of the range and
increases in the dominance of weeds could
have substantial impacts on World Heritage
Values, particularly riparian and rainforest
environments.
Moderate
A variety of escaped garden plants have been recorded
or are likely to occur throughout the complementary
lands, particularly in clearings, along roads and in
riparian areas. Further expansion of the range and
increases in the dominance of weeds could have
substantial impacts on biodiversity values, particularly
riparian and rainforest environments.
Direct
Low
Minor localised alteration to flow regimes is
likely to have occurred due to historic
clearing of some valley floors within the
GBMWHA however the impact is unlikely to
be substantial.
High
Substantial alteration to flow regimes is likely to have
occurred due to broadscale clearing of vegetation
particularly on valley floors and floodplains and the
construction of water storage facilities.
Direct
Low
Minor impacts are considered likely within
the GBMWHA due to the ‘intactness’ of the
vegetation, however the impact is unlikely to
be substantial.
Moderate
This KTP is likely to be occurring throughout the
complementary lands to various degrees, depending on
the patch size. Generally, the larger the patch size and
the less disturbance evident, the lower the impact Noisy
Miners are likely to be having.
Loss and degradation of native plant and
animal habitat by invasion of escaped garden
plants, including aquatic plants (TSC Act)
Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers
and streams and their floodplains and
wetlands (TSC Act)
Decline in woodland and forest birds due to
aggressive exclusion by abundant Noisy
Miners (Preliminary Determination NSW
Scientific Committee – TSC Act)
Weeds
Waterways
Pest animal species
Moderate
Lantana has been recorded or is likely to occur patchily
throughout the complementary lands, particularly in
moister vegetation types, in clearings, along roads and
in riparian areas. Further expansion of the range and
increases in the dominance of weeds could have
substantial impacts on biodiversity values, particularly
riparian and rainforest environments.
Note: 1. Equivalent EPBC Act and TSC Act listed key threatening processes are included together for brevity.
Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 B-8