4.6 Likelihood of Occurrence of Threatened Fauna Species

Lot 4, DP437419Flora and Fauna Assessment

S4.6 Likelihood of Occurrence of Threatened Fauna Species

There are a number of listed fauna species that have been recorded at or in thevicinity of the subject site (refer Table 4). The likelihood of these species utilisingthe subject site and particularly the area proposed for development, based on theirhabitat requirements, is discussed in Table 10. Species which are considered aseither likely to occur or possibly occurring at the subject site, are assessed inSection 5 with regard to relevant legislative considerations.

S

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northlJ PhcWWaft —Phcoaj nmey - Land Swveylng-. CM Emnoedng - StnjuraI Englnoeitng - Town PthMng - Mapping - Environmental

41

Table 10. Likelihood of Threatened Fauna Species Occurring at the Subject Site.


Detected Poiblr 'UñlikélyCommon Scientific Name Habitat at Subject Occursat toOccur ReasoningName ct su6ect

site

vifaunaIn NSW now most common along the coastalfringe with isolated populations inland.Generally considered a vagrant. A resident

reeding population is present on the far northoast of NSW (Gosper and Holmes 2002, D.

Charley pers obs). Favours shallow floodplairwetlands with dense rushes or sedges.Permanent swamps or dams and grasslands No suitable freshwater

Magpie Goose nseranas are often nearby. (NPWS 2002, Marchant and VO wetlands found on thesemzpalmata-hggins 1990). Feeds on grass seeds durmg the ubject site. No furthervet season and sedge rhizomes during the dry assessment required.

season. Will dig rhizomes from the ground(Marchant and Higgins 1990). In NSW thisspecies there are breeding records for theperiod August to November. Breeds in dense;edges or Typha. The nest is usually built overwater, supported by vegetation (Marchant and Higgins

1990).The Freckled Duck is primarily a bird of theinland with periodic dispersal to the coast No suitable freshwater

Freckled Duck Stictonetta during periods of inland drought (Marchan wetlands found on thezaevosa md Higgins 1990). Breeding takes place subject site. No further

following inland flooding. Prefers fresh, assessment required. densely vegetated waters, particularh Ref

No BA040049Mimi Photog y-Photogmimietsy - Land Surveying - CMI Engineeting - Sliuctural Englneedng -Town Raindng -Mapping - Emlronmental

ASPECT north

42


Detected Possibly-

Uñlikely.Common Scientific Name Habitat at Subject Occur', at to O.cur, ReasoningName

site Subject at Subjectsite --site

floodwater swamps and creeks vegetated withignum or Cane Grass (Marchant and Higgins1990). The species breeds in densely vegetatefreshwater lakes and swamps, creeks anfloodwaters with thickets of Melaleuca,Casuarina or Leptospermum. After breeding itnoves to open water (Marchant and Higgins1990). Nests solitarily. Nests are usually in

ignum (Marchant and Higgins 1990). 1specialist filter feeder with food beingprimarily seeds and vegetative parts of aquaticplants (Marchant and Higgins 1990).

The Gould's Petrel is a pelagic species. It feed:on small fish, squid and krill (Marchant anHiggins 1990, NPWS 2002). This specie

terodroma breeds primarily on Cabbage Tree Island pelagic species.ould's Petrel eucoptera offshore of Port Stephens in NSW with a No further assessment

eucoptera smaller colony on nearby Boondelbah Island. required.Forages across the Tasman Sea (Marchant andHiggins 1990, NPWS 2002).

Little The Little Shearwater inhabits oceanic and pelagic species.

,hearwater 'uffinus assimilis continental shelf waters (Marchant and No further assessment Higgins 1990). eqmred.

Wandering )iomedea exulans ['he Wandering Albatross occurs in open pelagic species. No

Ref No BA040049Aetlal Photography - Photograninetiy - Land Surveyhig - CMI Eriglneedng - Sfructwal Englneedng - Town PlanrJng - MappIng - EnvIronmental

ASPECT north

43


Detected Possibly UnlikelyCommon Scientific Name labitat at Subject Occurs at to Occur ReasoningName site Subject at Subject

site siteAlbatross oceans, and edges of pack-ice, feeding over urther assessment required.

both deep pelagic and shallower continentalhell waters (Marchant and Higgins 1990).

Red-tailed Phaethon he Red-tailed Tropicbird is a pelagic or n off-shore and pelagic

['ropicbird rubricauda ocean-going species that inhabits tropical, species. No furthermarine waters. assessment required.The Black Bittern is found acoss northerrAustralia and along the coastal plain of easterrAustralia to north eastern Victoria. It favoursterrestrial wetlands and estuarine and littoraltabitats where they forage at the edge of the

water. They are usually in permanent wetlandsSome potential for thisringed by dense vegetation (Marchant &species to occur along the

xobnjchus Higgins 1990). They have been recorded fromdrains and in the riparianBlack Bittern lavicollis rank grasslands, shrublands, rainforest andvegetation of the subject site.dry and wet scierophyll forest (Marchant and eight-part test undertaken asliggins 1990). Feeds on fish, mollusc,

precaution.freshwater crayfish and insects. Mostlycrepuscular and nocturnal (Marchant andHiggins 1990). They breed in denselyvegetated wetlands in secluded places. Nestsare solitary. The nest is usually on a horizontal,ranch in a leafy tree over-hanging water.

Australasian 3otaurus This species is widespread throughout south mall area of potential

Bittern oidloptilus astern Australia. It is not found in the fahabitat comprisingnorth-west corner of NSW. In NSW it is 'hraginites dominated

Ref No BA040049Aedal PhotograpIy— Photogrananetry - Lai'4 Surveyhig - CMI Enghmming - Structural Ennifloeitng -Town planning -Mapping - Environmental

ASPECT north

44


CommonName Scientific Name Habitat

Detectedat Subjectsite

Poibl3,Occurs atSubject

,ite

Unlikelyto Occur

at Subjectsite

Reasoning

widespread with most records from the Tegetation occurs adjacent toMurray -Darling Basin (Marchant and Higgins he dam and some drains.990). This species is probably sedentary. It ese permanent freshwater

may move to the coast during inland droughts swamps are very small(Marchant and Higgins 1990). The Australian seasonal and consideredBittern has a fairly narrow habitat range marginal habitat.(Garnett & Crowley 2000) and require ight-part test prepared as apermanent freshwater wetlands with tall dense precaution.vegetation such a Phragmites spp. and3ullrushes (Typha sp.). They mainly forage atnight when they feed on frogs, small fish,tabbies and other wetland invertebrate(Marchant and Higgins 1990, NPWS 2002)They breed in pairs and solitary. The nest isgenerally in a stand of Typha, Phragmites orother dense tall vegetation in swamps. Thenest is usually over water.The Black-necked Stork is found across Anecdotal evidence suggestsnorthern Australia. In NSW it is confined to his species uses the site onthe coastal plain north of Nowra and the upper an irregular and short-term

lack-necked phzppzorhynchusNorth western Slopes and Plains (Marchani basis, often following heavyStork iszaticus and Higgins 1990). It inhabits terrestrialinhabits

am. Limited suitableincludingwetlands mcludmg swamps, large permanent freshwater wetlands. eight-pools, lagoons and Mangrove swampsart test prepared as a(Marchant and Higgins 1990). The Stork is alsorecau on.round in estuaries and flooded meadows,

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northAedal PhAiy— Photograninetry - Land Swwylng - Civil Enginewing - Shuctural Englneeilng -Town Ftantng— Mapping - Environmental

45


Detected Possibh UnlikelyCommon Scientific Name Habitat at Subject Occur', at, 'to Occur ReasoningName

site Subject atSubjectSite.Lsite

spring seepages, on dry plains anoccasionally in open grassy woodlands. Ireeds in or near freshwater swamps and most

nests are found in secluded places as high aspossible in the fork of a live or dead treealthough nests are occasionally found on byhrubs or trees(Marchant and Higgins 1990

Ayers 1995, D. Charley pers obs). Consideredto be less common in Saltmarsh flats, intertidalwaters and estuarine mudflats (Marchant andHiggins 1990). Feeds on fish, crustaceans, somensects and snakes. Forage by walking throughhallow water and submerged vegetation.

Found around most of the coast of AustraliaIn NSW this species is found mostly in the Possibly over-flies thecoastal plain (Marchant & Higgins 1993). It subject site. No suitableutilises marine and estuarine waters however foraging areas or nest siteshere are a number of inland records within the development

Osprey Pandion halzaetus(Marchant & Higgins 1993). This species is area. Areas with Melaleucamore common in sub-tropical and tropical and Swamp Oak, potentialregions. Forages for fish in sheltered coastal sources of nesting material,takes, estuaries and shallow inshore waters in southern parts of subject(Marchant & Higgins 1993). The nest is site to be retained. Nousually in a large dead tree or on man-made further assessment required.structures.

ed Goshawk rythrotriorchis The Red Goshawk prefers forest anc I Yo No suitable forest habitat

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northi.aj PhakWaft Ptiotograiwnwhy - Land Suivaying - CtvN Englneeitng - StnturaI Englneeilng - Town Ianing - Mappbig - EiM,vnmental

46



Detected'at Subject

site

P6S-S'-ib13UOecurslaU

site

Unlikelyto Occur

site

Reasoning

adiatus woodlands with a mosaic of vegetation types occurs on the site.specially areas which include riversillabongs or swamp wetlands with large bird

populations (Marchant & Higgins 1993). JrNSW this species is restricted to the far northast including the Tweed, Richmond and

Clarence River catchments (Marchant &Higgins 1993). Generally considered to besedentary. Feeds mostly on birds includinglarge species. Small mammals, retiles andnsects are also taken. Nests are usually highnd near to the top of a tree. The nest is a large structure

of sticks.The Brolga is widely distributed acrossnorthern Australia, throughout Qld, centralwestern Victoria and northern NSW (Marchan Anecdotal evidence suggests& Higgins 1993). In NSW records are scattered his species uses the site on across their range. Brolgas inhabit shallow

in irregular and short-termswamps and swamp margins, floodplains, basis, often following heavykolga rus rubicundus grasslands and pastoral lands. In north easternNSW they are often found in coastal heaths, am. Suitable freshwater ;edgelands,

pastures and freshwater wetlands.vetlands limited. eight-part

The Brolga is partly migratory with regular test prepared as a movement

between breeding and non -breeding )reeding sites (Marchant & Higgins 1993) Such

sites appear to be traditional.

Ref No BA040049Mitel Photography- Ptictogran.netiy - Land Suivaying - Civil Engheedng - Sliuctwul Englnewlng -Town Planidng - Mapping - Envi,owtnental

ASPECT north

47



Detectedat Subject

site.

PossiblyOccurs atSubject

site

Unlikelyto Occur

at Subjectsite

Reasoning

Movements partly determined by rainfallFeed on grain, corms of wetland plants, insectéshwater molluscs, crustaceans, frogs, small

mammals, reptiles and 11 parts of dry and weand plants. They plunge their heads under

water to dig for roots and corms of swamivegetation. The nest is solitary and usuallymade of grasses and plant stems on smallisland in shallow swamps or standing itwater. Occasionally on plains some distance from

water (Marchant & Higgins 1993).Occurs in densely overgrown margins ofswamps, permanent terrestrial freshwaterwetlands, permanent water bodies, streamsand thick undergrowth, especially tall densgrasses or dense thickets of lantana or othershrubs (Marchant & Higgins 1993). In NSW Could occur adjacent to thehis species is found only on in the far north wetlands and associated

Bush-hen1LTOmIS

ivaceusoast, north of about the Evans River with dense lantana thickets.

(Marchant & Higgins 1993). Food is comprisedeight-part test prepared as amainly of seeds, plant material, insects and precaution.frogs (Marchant & Higgins 1993). The nest isconstructed in dense grasses and watersidevegetation. It is usually in the centre of a grasstussock, or on low branches of Lantana oi other

low growing shrubs (Marchant & Ref

No BA040049 ASPECT northAeilal Photcgmply - Photogianwnetiy - Land Surveying - Civil Enghwedng - Stiuctumi Engtneeilng - Town Flanctng - Mapping - EiMrcrimental

48


Common Detected PossiblyOccurs at

Unlikelyto Occur

Name Scientific Name Habitat at Subject Subject aiSubject Reasonmgsite site site

Higgins 1993).The Painted Snipe requires shallow vegetatedtemporary or infrequently filled freshwaterwetlands with dense groundcover (Garnett &:rowley 2000, Marchant & Higgins 1993).

They prefer freshwater wetlands, swampsmarshy grassed plains and very occasionallyignum where there is low dense cover. They Wetland areas present on

feed at the waters edge where they take seeds subject site do not have theand small invertebrates (Garnett & Crowley characteristics of preferred

ostratula 000). Seasonal conditions appear to influenc habitat. Saline wetland'ainted Snipe enghalensis distribution and birds will suddenly appear in habitats generally

ustralis an area after good rains. They are widely unsuitable. Unlikely to bedistributed across eastern and northern any significant impacts onAustralia. Records are scattered across this suitable habitat. No furtherange (Marchant & Higgins 1993). Mainly assessment required.reed in the Murray -Darling region. Records

suggest seasonal migration from southern,arts of their distribution. Nests are solitary or

loosely colonial. The nest is on the ground inswamps, Canegrass and other low dens vegetation.

The Black-tailed Godwit is a large wader. It is a Potential foraging habitatBlack-tailed a. mosa h. ion-breeding seasonal migrant to Australia and roost sites confined to

odwztr mosaifrom the northern hemisphere. In Australia

Vhe southern parts of the

s found on estuaries, sheltered coastal bays ubject site. Former roost

Ref No BA040049M,tat Photcgmphy - Photogienvnetry - Land Surveying - Civil Engineering - StiucuraI Englneeilng - Town Planning - Mapg*ig - En*oninental

ASPECT north

49

ILot 4, DP437419

Flora and Fauna Assessment


Detectedat Subject

site

PoiblyOccursatto:OccurSubjectJ

Unlikely

af Subject Reasoning-

and lagoons and sometimes around large site identified by Holmes etephemeral inland lakes, and less frequently l. now unsuitable due tofound on rocky coasts, islets and sewage farms invasion by Phragmites,(Higgins and Davies 1996). It tends to prefer Mangroves and Saltmarshestuarine environments. It is an omnivore species. Unlikely to beaneeding primarily on invertebrates. Probes for mpact upon this species.

food in sand and mud substrates (Higgins andeight-part test prepared as aDavies 1996). Migratory waders roost precaution.communally on sandbars, spits ocean beachesand rocky groins. Congregates at these roostsites during the high tide period. Disperserfrom these roosts as the tide falls. Follows theailing tide to forage. The Australian

population breeds in central Siberia (Higgins and Davies 1996).

The Terek Sandpiper is a common summer Potential foraging habitatmigrant to coastal mudfiats, sheltered estuaries and roost sites confined toand lagoons, as well as sandbars, reefs, coastal he southern parts of theswamps and salt fields around the coast of subject site. Former roost

Ferek Australia. Important habitats and flyway stop site identified by Holmes etSandpiper Xenus cinereus overs for the Terek Sandpiper are in Cairns 1. now unsuitable due to

Moreton Bay, Eighty Mile Beach and Roebuck invasion by Phragmztes,Bay (Higgins & Davies 1996). Mangroves and Saltmarsh.

Unlikely to be an impactupon this species. eight-partest prepared as a

Ref No BA040049 -Aedal Photography- Photograninwhy - Land Suvveyhig - Ovil Engbeeft - Stiuctumi Englneeilng - Town PIaMng -Mapptng - En*cnmental

ASPECT north

50


Detected Posib1Occirsa

Uñliké1yCommon

Name Scientific Name Habitat at Subject Subjectccur

atSubjectReasomngsiteif

precaution.Abundant across northern Australia but less Potential foraging habitatcommon in the south, the Great Knot is found and roost sites confined toon sheltered coastal mudflats, inlets, harbours, he southern parts of thelagoons, mangrove swamps, sandy bars and ubject site. Former roost,eaches. Occasionally found on salt lakes

site identified by Holmes etCalzdrzs agoons and saltworks ponds. Important 1. now unsuitable due toGreat Knot tenuirostrishabitats and flyway stop overs for the Great invasion by Phragmztes,Knots are n Cairns, Moreton Bay, Eighty Milei vlangroves and Saltmarsh'each and Roebuck Bay (Morcombe 2000 species. Unlikely to be anHiggins & Davies 1996). Sheltered coastal impact upon this species.ntertidal mudflats or sandflats, also ocean eight-part test prepared as abeaches (Higgins & Davies 1996). precaution.

The Sanderling is an uncommon to locally Potential foraging habitatcommon summer migrant. They occur around and roost sites confined toAustralia, although mainly along the northern the southern parts of theand eastern coastline. Preferred habitat, in subject site. Former roostAustralia, is open sandy beaches exposed to ite identified by Holmes et

Calidrzs alba he ocean swell. They have also been recorded al. now unsuitable due toanderlmg:rom sand banks and mudflats in river invasion by Phragmztes,estuaries, coastal lagoons and lakes (Higgins & Mangroves and SaltmarshDavies 1996). species. Unlikely to be an

mpact upon this species.ight-part test prepared as a

Precaution.

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northAwW Photcgiphy - Phcogmnmietiy - Land Surveying - cIvH Enghieeilng - Sliuciwal Englneeilng - Town Planidng - Mapping - EnvI.,....oniaI

51


Detected ly telyCommon Scientific Name labitat at Subject Ours at to Occur ReasoningName

site Subject abSubjectsite

The eastern form of this species breeds it Potential foraging habitatorthern Siberia and migrates in winter to and roost sites confined toAustralia. Broad-billed Sandpipers over-winterinon the northern coast, particularly the north he southern parts of the

vest, with birds located occasionally on the subject site. Former roostsouthern coast. Broad-billed Sandpipers dentified by Holmes et al.

road-billed zmicola.ninhabit estuarine sandflats and mudflats (1998) now unsuitable due to

Sandpiper alcinellusharbours, embayments, lagoons, saltmarshe' invasion by Phragmztes,

and reefs. Occasionally, recorded at sewagevlangroves and Saltmarsh

arms or within shallow freshwater lagoons. species. Unlikely to be anBroad-billed Sandpipers roost on banks or

impact upon this species.sheltered sand, shell or shingle beaches. eight-part test prepared as a(Morcombe 2004, Higgins & Davies 1996). precaution.

The Beach Stone-curlew occurs on openundisturbed beaches, islands, reefs and No suitable littoral habitatestuarine intertidal sand and mudflats (Pizze) )resent in the development991; Marchant & Higgins 1993). The species area. No beaches nearby.

each Stone- refers beaches with estuaries or mangrove' Area proposed for

curlew -sacus neglectus nearby (Garnett 1992). However, the species development dominated byalso frequents river mouths, offshore sandbars tall rank vegetation andassociated with coral atolls, reefs and rock unsuitable for this species.platforms and coastal lagoons (Woodall & No further assessmentWoodall 1989; Balmford 1990). required.

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northAerie! Photohy - Photograninetzy - Land Surveying - CM Engineering - Structural Engineering - Town Planning - Mapping - Emdronmental

52


DetectPossibja t tUnhkely

NameScientific Name labitat at Subject

:.;

Occur'.rcSubject

to OccuratSubject Reasoningsite site

4-

-

The Bush Stone-curlew is found anywherE No suitable woodlandswith cover of small sparse shrubs, grass or resent on site. Ground

Bush Stone- Burhinus litter of twigs, such as open woodlands, mallee v" :over generally very densecurlew grallarius

or mulga, and avoids closed canopy habitats not sparse. No further(Morcombe 2004). assessment required.Coastal, preferring intertidal mudflats and Littoral habitats not presentrand banks and sandy ocean beaches -it subject site. May occur(Marchant & Higgins 1993). Forages along during flood periods and

ocean beaches for molluscs and polychaete extreme weather events. NoPied -Iaematopus worms. Also forages on estuarine sandbarsbeaches nearby. AreaOystercatcher longirostfis sand spits, rock groins and inundated playing proposed for development

fields following heavy rain. Breeds on the dominated by tall rankore-dunes, sand spits and sandy flats adjacent vegetation and unsuitable

to beaches. for this species. No furtherassessment required.

Rocky intertidal shorelines, rock platforms Rocky littoral habitats notreefs, occasionally estuarine sandbars and )resent subject site. Nonudflats (Marchant & Higgins 1993). Forages beaches nearby. Area

Sooty -Iaematopus along rocky headlands, rock walls and groins proposed for developmentOystercatcher idiginosus and rocky islands. Breeds on rocky islands VO dominated by tall rank

and rocky headlands. vegetation and unsuitableor this species. No further

assessment required.

Lesser Sand Charadrius Lesser Sand Plovers are found on intertidal Potential foraging habitat

Plover nongolus ;andflats and mudflats, beaches and reef flats and roost sites confined to(Marchant & Higgins 1993). Prey is usually he southern parts of the

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northMdal Photography— Photogianinetiy - Land Surveying - Civil Englneedng - Structural Englneeitng -Town Planrthig - Mapping - E,Mronmental

53


CommonName

Scientific Name HabitatDetectedat Subject

site

Pib1 Ufifikely',?-

Otff'.atiSuhect

siteJ 'L

iOccurat Subject

site

Reasonmg

located visually and taken from the surface of ;ubject site. Former roostthe sand or mud. Roost communally or ;ite identified by Holmes et?xposed sandbars and spits, rocky groins, al. now unsuitable due to

ocean beaches and man-made islands. Roost invasion by Phragmites,sites are generally in close proximity to Mangroves and Saltmarsh)referred feeding grounds. Breed in the species. eight-part test

northern hemisphere. Like the Greater Sandprepared as a precaution.)lover often roost amongst Couch grasses orsimilar low Saltmarsh vegetation. Importanthabitats and flyway stop-overs for the Great(not are in Cairns, Moreton Bay, Eighty Mile

Beach and Roebuck Bay (Marchant & Higgins993).reater Sand Plovers are found on mudflat

and sandbanks of sheltered bays and estuaries,andy cays of coral reefs, reef platforms Potential foraging habitat

,altmarsh and wetlands around Australia md roost sites confined to

(Morcombe 2004, Marchant & Higgins 1993). he southern parts of the

rh Greater Sand-plover diet consists osubject site. Former roost

Greater Sand Charadrzusnsects, crustaceans, molluscs and marine

site identified by Holmes et'lover eschenaultn

iworms. Prey s usually located visually and l. now unsuitable due to

taken from the surface of the sand or mud. invasion by Phragmrtes,

Roost communally on exposed sandbars and Mangroves and Saltmarsh

pits, rocky groins, ocean beaches and man species, eight-part test

made islands. Roost sites are generally in closc prepared as a precaution.

proximity to preferred feeding grounds. Breec

Ref No BA040049MdBI Phctograpy - Photcgraninefry - Land Sum,ylng - CM Engkte.ilng - Structural Eng1nitng Town Planrdng -

MappIng

- En*onmentalASPECT north

54


Detected Pdssb1y.r

UnlikelyCommon Scientific Name Habitatt at Subject Occurs at toccur Reasoning,Name Su6ject at Stibject

-site sitein the northern hemisphere. Often roostamongst Couch grasses or similar by;altfllarsh vegetation. Important habitats andflyway stop-overs for the Great Knot are in:aims, Moreton Bay, Eighty Mile Beach and Roebuck

Bay (Marchant & Higgins 1993).Almost exclusively coastal, preferringsheltered environments and also at offshoreislands or coral cays. A migratory speciefound around much of the Australian coastBreeds on the east and north east coast in No suitable habitat present;mall, scattered colonies in low dunes or on on site. Uses nearbyLittle Tern Sterna albifrons sandy beaches just above high tide mark near icimoni River estuary. Nestuary mouths or adjacent to coastal lakes andfurther

assessment required.slands. The nest is an inconspicuous unlinedlepression in the sand (Higgins & Davie[996). Forages in shallow waters of estuaries,:oastal lagoons and lakes. Occasionally alonghe coastline.

medium sized tropical tern foundthroughout the oceans and islands of theTopics (Higgins & Davies 1996). In Australia An off-shore and pelagicSooty Tern Sterna fuscata it is mainly found on the islands associatedwith the Great Barrier Reef and isolated species.slands such as Lord Howe Island (Higgins 8)avies 1996). Forages at sea where it takes

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northAw4al Ptcgr y—Ptioingrane'iy - Lend Swveylng - CIvfl E gkeedng - S jtuiI Englneegtng Town PIanrng - Mapping - Enbironmental

55

Lot 4, DP43 7419Flora and Fauna Assessment

Detected.. P jib UnlikelyCommon

Name Scientific Name Habitat at SubjectOccurs at,Subject

to Occurat Sub1ect Reasoning

site ite siteood from the surface of the water. Feedsaainly on small fish (Higgins & Davies 1996).

This species inhabits rainforests, monsoonforests, wet eucalypt forests, Me1aleucwoodlands, Camphor Laurel thickets, lantanthickets and regrowth scrub along creeks Habitat marginal, limitedwhere there are significant numbers of fruiting

ruitmg trees such as nativeRose-crowned Ptilznopus reginatrees ands shrubs (Morcombe 2004 and Rechei figs and other rainforestnut-dove't al. 1995). Dependent upon fruits of native species. No furtherrainforest species, particularly figs and

assessment required.Vlyrtaceae. Have become seasonally reliantupon Camphor Laurel berries. Nests areconstructed in dense trees and shrubs. Clutch size

is 1-2 eggs.In NSW this species inhabits extensive Sub No suitable rainforest ortropical and Dry Rainforests, wet Eucalypt other forest with native

Superb Fruit- Ptilinopus forests, Melaleuca forests, Camphor Laurel fruits present on site.dove superbus thickets and regrowth scrub along creeks, Habitats highly fragmented.

particularly where fruit is plentiful (NPWr Unlikely to use the site. No2002, Morcombe 2004, Recher et al. 1995). further assessment required.In coastal NSW and Queensland this species One pair recorded as presentappears to be sedentary and inhabits mainly in the grassland mosaic and

Grass Owl Tyto capensis open -tussock grasslands, marshy areas with he Saltmarsh areas of theall dense tussocks or reeds such as Common southern and western partseed (Phragmites australis) and tall dens f the subject site, eight-part

Ref No BA040049Aerial PhoograpIiy - Photogranmwhy - Land SwveyIn - Od Englneeitng - Sliuctural Engineering - Town Planrthig - Mapping - Envticnmental

ASPECT north

56



Detectedat Subject

site

Posibly,Occur atSubject

-SIUnlikelyto Occur

atSubjecti,. steHr

Reasoning

rassIands dominated by Bladey Grass test prepared.(Imperata cylindrica) (Higgins 1999, Maciejewsk:994). They are also associated with

agricultural crops such as Sorghum, Oats anaRow paddocks used for hay or cut stubble

(Higgins 1999). They are also commonlyrecorded from coastal heathiands or well -grassed

and densely vegetated coastal dune(Maciejewski 1994, Fitzgerald & Thorstensei1994, Higgins 1999). The Grass Owl isconsidered to be an opportunistic nocturnal

ter and feeds on small mammalsrarticularlyrodents, small birds and insect

(Higgins 1999). Nests are usually constructedon the ground among dense clumps of tallgrasses and sedges. The nests are often inswampy areas or heathlands (Higgins 1999)The nest site may also be surrounded by ornearly surrounded by water (Higgins 1999).

medium sized frogmouth found in easternAustralia. The southern race confined to the

Marbledodargus deep, well vegetated gullies containing a No suitable habitat present.

rogmou th 'Ce a ussignificant number of palms, vines and dense No further assessmentvine towers (Meggs 1993, NPWS 2002). equired.Usually in low elevation subtropical rainforestr when at higher elevations in wet sclerophyl

Ref No BA040049M,tel Piotcgriphy - Ptiotograniiietry - Land Surve)lng - Civil Engbeedng - Structural Engineefing - Town Planing - Mapping - Environmental

ASPECT north

57


Detected PoTsib1y UnlikelyCommon

Name Scientific Name Habitat at Subject Occur. at)Subject'40:Occur-.at bubjett Reasoning

site. sitesiteforest with a well-developed rainforestinderstorey (NPWS 2002). In the NorthernRivers of NSW preferred habitat is usuallycharacterised as having a permanently flowingwatercourse (Meggs 1993).

Virtually confined to mangroves, sometimes in xtensive mangroves absentadjacent habitats including built up areas, such from subject site. Southernas street trees and golf courses adjoining Mangroves and riparian

Collared Todiramphus mangrove communities (Higgins 1999). In vegetation within proposed

Kingfisher chloris NSW favours extensive stands of mangroves environmental protectionthat includes a percentage of old age trees with areas. Not within normaliollows or termite nests. range of this species. No

further assessment required.

The Mangrove Honeyeater is usually found in Habitat marginal. NoMangrove .ichenostomusextensive, dense mangroves but visits nearby extensive mangrove forests.-Ioneyeater asciogularis Eucalypt and paperbark woodlands and ight-part Test undertakenwardens (NPWS 2002).

is a precaution.

This species is found in eastern Australia frominland Victoria, the western slopes and plains, 'referred Eucalypt

Grey-crowned omatostoinustemporallsisolated populations on the North Coast woodland habitats notBabbler

P SCentral Coast and the South Coast of NSW and )resent on site. No furtherrom Eastern Queensland. Occupy woodland assessment required.lominated by Eucalypts and a shrub layer. Ref

N0BAO40049MiaI Photography - Photcgmnunetsy - Iand Surveying - Civil Engkiee,tng - Suctuml Englneedng - Town FlanrJng - Mapping - Environmental

ASPECT north

58


Common Detected Póib11Occurs ati

Unlikelyto Occur

NameScientific Name Habitat at Subject Subject t Subject Reasoning

site site siteIntact ground cover of grasses and forb: required.

In NSW the Barred Cuckoo-shrike is fournalong the coast from the Qid border south toabout Port Macquarie. Often in coastal Preferred rainforest••amforest and vine scrubs, nearby eucalypts, 'ti including figsBarred Coraczna lineata ,aperbarks, plantations and tropical gardens.

not present. No furtherCuckoo-shrike They appear to prefer larger patches ofassessment required.rainforest and other moist forests includingi

where the edges are covered in screens ofTines. They forage across the canopy ofrainforest trees where they glean insects.

MammalsAssociated with eucalypt forest, the Koala Habitat not suitable. Nofeeds almost entirely on the foliage of a range eucalypt forest, woodlandof species of this genus of trees. Forest Red present. Isolated Red Gums

'has colarctos Gums, Tallowwoods, Swamp Mahogany and n south western parts of theKoala •Grey Gums are important (Martin am v site and within proposed

neIeUS -landasyde 1995). nvironmental protectionareas. Unaffected byproposal. No further assessment

required.

)asyurus Found along the Great Dividing Range and Jo suitable habitat presentSpotted-tailed naculatus iadjacent eastern seaboard from Hervey Bay i onsite. No furtheruoll naculatus ild to about Melbourne n Victoria and alsoissessment required.Tasmania. Found n a variety of vegetatioii

Ref No BA040049Aedal Photagraply— Photogiananetly - Land Sur.,ythg - Civil Engkieedng - Structural Englneedng - Town Plamdng - Mapping - Environmental

ASPECT north

59


Detected Eossib1 Uñlike1yCommon

Name Scientific Name Habitat at Subject Our' at-

Sibj&to Occur

atSubject Reasoningsite -

site sitetypes including coastal heathiands eucalyptforests and woodlands and rainforest (Strahar[995). They tend to move along drainage linesand make dens in fallen hollow logs, caves or among

large rocky outcrops (NPWS 2002).'referred habitat is characterised as havinround

litter such as numerous fallen logs

amleep•ocks

and dense ground cover - usually clos:0 water, at the ecotone between we leaf litter limited. Some

;clerophyll forests and wetlands (Miller 1998 potential to occur in riparianCommon Planigale Redhead 1995). They build a saucer-shaped vegetation within the south-'lanigale

naculatast made of grass and bark fibres in crevices1

western parts of the site.cllow

logs, beneath bark or under rockseight-part test prepared as a(NPWS 2002). The Common Planigale precaution.primarily inhabits coastal lowlands although ithas been recorded in modified environment such

as gardens (State Forests of N S W 1995).Inhabits coastal subtropical rainforest orswamp forest (Menkhorst & Knight 2001 Mangrove Forests, Red

JPWS 2002). Pollen and nectar of blossoms of sums and rainforest trees

Mack Flying- eucalypts, paperbarks and turpentine trees an could be used on a seasonal

fox terapus alecto the preferred food (Hall 1995). They also feed basis. Outside the proposedon other flowers and fruit, including development area. Eight-introduced

and commercial fruits. Individualspart test prepared asform large camps in the canopies of densprecaution.rees. Such camps are often near to rivers o:

Ref No BA040049 -Aedal PhotcgrapIy -

Photograninetry

- Land Swveytng - CM Engtneedng - Structural Engtneettng - Town Planalng - Itopçlng

- Envl,cnmentalASPECT north

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Common Detected gibJ el3

Name Scientific Name labitat at Subject OccursatSubject

toOccurat Sub ject

Reasoningsite site

estuaries.Occurs in subtropical and temperaterainforests, tall scierophyll forests andwoodlands. They forage on nectar and pollenof native trees, in particular Eucalyptus, Observed overflying site.vlelaleuca and fruits of rainforest trees and Likely to utilise the

Grey-headed Pteropus vines. They also forage in cultivated gardens vtelaleuca and Red GumFlying-fox ioliocephalus and fruit crops. The Grey-headed Flying-fox forests when flowering

roosts in large camps up to the tens of Eight-part test prepared asthousands, often in stands of riparian precaution.rainforest, Paperbark or Casuarina forest(NPWS 1999; Australasian Bat Society Inc.OOO).

The Little Bentwing-bat is found along thecoastal plain from Cape York to aboutNewcastle in NSW (Dwyer 1995a, Churchill998). This species prefers moist eucalypt

forest, rainforest and dense coastal scrubs Potential foraging habitatLittle Vlznuipterus ncludmg Banksia thickets. It is an obligate

resent in the southern halfentwing-batiustrahs cave-dweller that congregates at large VO

of the site. Eight-part testmaternity colonies to breed. It will also roost ri carried out as a precautionnines, tunnels and tree-hollows. Disturbance

to these maternity sites is the mainconservation concern. This species is typicallyfound in well-timbered habitats where theyforage beneath the canopy for flying

Ref No BA040049Aedal Pho.hy - Photogiwumetly. Land Surveying - Civil Engineering - Sliuctural Engineering - Town Planotng - Mapping - Environmental

ASPECT north

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Lot 4, DP43 7419Flora and Fauna Assessment

Detected4 PJCommon

NameScientific Name labitat at Subject 'O

riUñlike1y

Sat1Subject:to Occur:

Reasoningsite invertebrates

(Churchill 1998).This insectivorous species is widely distributedin northern and eastern Australia. In easternAustralia it is found from Cape York southinto NSW and Victoria and the south easterncomer of South Australia. It is typically found• 'otential foraging habitatvilniopterus n well-timbered habitats, including rainforest,Eastern

chreibersu vet and dry scierophyll forest, open woodland )resent in the southern halfentwing-bat

ceanensis and Melaleuca forest, where t forages, at greatiof the site. Eight-part test

peed, above or within the tree-canopycarried out as a precaution.

(Churchill 1998). They roost in caves, oldnines, stormwater channels and occasionally

buildings (Dwyer 1995). They form large maternity colonies in caves and old in ines.

Inhabits a variety of habitats including No rainforest occurs on therainforests, dry sclerophyll woodlands and is site. Given the retention ofoften found among the vegetation along forested habitats within thewatercourses (Lunney et al. 1995). Rainforest outhern half of the study

astern Long-. \Jyctophzlus bifaxif appears to be the most critical habitat for thi' area and the setting aside ofBat es i ispecies northern NSW. Roosts n tre this area for environmental

hollows and the roofs of buildings, dead protection the likely impactsfoliage of rainforest trees including fronds of on this species will be3angalow Palms and under the bark of minimal. Eight-part testaperbarks (State Forests of NSW 1995). carried out as a precaution

Large-footed4yotz .s adversus This species distribution is primarily coastal Potential foraging habitat,

Vlyotis and has been recorded from a wide variety 01 ricluding Mangroves,

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northMiIal Photogrhy - Photograimieliy - Land Staveythg - Civil Englneeflng - Sbuctural Englneeilng - Town PlazWng -

Mapçlng

- Envhvnmontal

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Common Detected P6Ib1Occurs at;

UnIike1yto Occur

Name Scientific Name Habitat at Subject Subject at SubjectReasomng-site

site sitehabitats provided they are in close proximity )resent in the southern halfto water. This species has been recorded from of the site. This is within theMangroves, Melaleuca swamps, rainforest, proposed environmentalpen woodland and wet and dry sclerophyll protection area and will

forest (Churchill 1998). They utilises bodies of emain unaffected by thewater where they forage individually or hunt development. Thereforetogether over the water. Colonies roost during impacts on this species willhe day in caves, mines, tunnels, tree-hollows, be minimal, eight-part test

disused bird nests, and under bridges and prepared as a precaution.buildings (NPWS 2002).The Greater Broad-nosed Bat is found on theoast and ranges from Queensland to southern

NSW. In a variety of habitats from open No suitable open woodland,reater Broad- ccoteanax woodland through moist and dry eucalypt habitats available. Nonosed Bat rueppeffli forest to rainforest. They roost in tree-hollows.)pen treed habitats suits the direct flight of further assessment required.

his species as it searches for beetles and other large flying insects.

The Dugong is a marine species found inTopical and sub-tropical coastal waters. JrAustralian waters its normal range extends

Dugong Dugong dugon from Shark Bay in Western Australia, around No suitable marine habitatshe northern coast to Moreton Bay m Southern present on site.

eensland (Heinsohn in Strahan 1995).casionally vagrant individuals are founc

rcurther

south in NSW.

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northAedal Photography - Photograninotry - Land Surveying - Ovfl Englneedng - Structural Englneeilng - Town Planctng - Mapping - Environmental

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Detected Pöib1 jUfilikelyCommon

Name Scientific Name Habitat at Sub1 ect Ours atSubject

toOccurat Subject Reasoning

site site

Reptiles

Leathery )ermochelys Occurs in coastal waters along the NSW north

Turtle :orzacea:oast, where there are scattered nesting record: marine species.(]flWS 2002).

AmphibiansThe Wallum Froglet is restricted to relatively No Wallum heath or suitablewell vegetated and undisturbed acid acid swamps on site.

Nallum )aperbark swamps and sedge swamps m the Habitats highly modified.rog1et Cnnza tinnula coastal Wallum country between southern Most waterbodies areQueensland and the central coast of NS.A brackish or saline. No(Cogger 2000, Robinson 1998). It breeds in further assessment required.acidic waterbodies with a pH of around 3.5.

Largely an aquatic species that occurs in wellstructured vegetation in and around coastalwetlands, lagoons, lakes, dams, floodedquarries and includes brick pits. Preferred Outside of the current rangesubstrate of suitable waterbodies is generally of this species. No suitable

reen and ,and, rock and clay (Pyke et al 2002). Suitable wetlands available. SalinityGolden Bell Litoria aurea habitat usually has grassy areas nearby and of site expected to precludeFrog other vegetation is generally woodland or by resence of this species from

in maximum height i.e. heathiand or sedges the site. No further(Pyke and White 1996). Found in coastal assessment required.astern and south eastern Australia north to

about the Clarence River (Cogger 2000). This frog appears to restrict its breeding to water

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northAeital Photography - Photo,.,.e*iy - Land Suivaing - CIvU Engineeting - StnturaI Englneeitng -Town PIantng - Mapptng - En*oninental

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•Detected Póib1y Uñlike1yCommon

Name Scientific Name Habitat at Subject Occurs at to,Occur Reasonmg•.site SubjectatSubject,

-site site •bodies that are still, sunny and low in salinity(Pyke et al 2002). Suitable habitat generally hasan abundance of shelter features such as rockslogs and tussock vegetation. This species is notgenerally found in sites that are completely or mostly

shaded (Pyke et al 2002).

Ref No BA040049Aedat Photography - Photograninet,y - Land Swveylng - Clvii Englrieedng - Stiuctural Englneedng - Town Planting - Mapping - Environmental

ASPECT north

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5. Statutory Requirements

5.1 NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44- Koala HabitatProtection

State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44 (SEPP 44) was gazetted in January1995. It encourages the conservation and management of natural vegetation areasthat provide habitat for Koalas to ensure permanent free-living populations willbe maintained over their present range. The policy applies to 107 localgovernment areas. Local councils cannot approve development in an area affectedby the policy without an investigation of core Koala habitat. The policy providesthe state-wide approach needed to enable appropriate development to continue,while ensuring there is ongoing protection of Koalas and their habitat.

Does the subject land occur in a Local Government Area identified in Schedule 1?

The site is located in the Ballina LGA, which is listed in Schedule 1.

0 Is the land to which the development application applies smaller than 1 hectare in area?

The subject land is greater than 1 hectare in area.

Does the site contain areas of native vegetation where the trees of the types listed inSchedule 2 constitute at least 15 percent of the total number of trees in the upper or lowerstrata of the tree component?

The site does not contain areas of native vegetation where the trees of the typeslisted in Schedule 2 constitute at least 15 percent of the total number of trees in theupper or lower strata of the tree component.

Is the land potential Koala habitat?

The land is not considered to be potential Koala habitat as defined in the PlanningPolicy.

Is there core habitat on the subject land?

The land is not considered to be core Koala habitat as defined in the PlanningPolicy.

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66


Is there a requirement for the preparation of a Plan of Management for identified coreKoala habitat?

There is no core Koala habitat on the land therefore a Plan of Management specificto the area is not required.

Section 5A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act

Section 5A of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act)lists the factors (eight-part test of significance) to be considered when determiningwhether a proposed development is likely to have a significant effect upon listedthreatened species, populations or ecological communities, and their habitats,therefore determining if a Species Impact Statement is required.

An eight-part test of significance has been addressed below to assist Council in itsdeterminations. It is not intended that the Section 5A assessment undertaken herewill replace that required upon lodgement of a development application.

No threatened flora species listed as a threatened species under the TSC Act werefound at the site during the site inspection of the 4th March 2005 and 10th July 2005.Two Endangered Ecological Communities were recorded as occurring on the site.

Two threatened fauna species (listed in Table 1) were found at the site during thesurvey of March 2005. These were the Grass Owl and the Grey-headed Flying-fox.In addition, a number of listed species identified in the search of the NPWS Atlasare considered to have potential to utilise the subject site. These species are asfollows:

> Black Bittern (Ixobrychus flavicollis);> Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus);> Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus);

Brolga (Grus rubicundus);> Bush-hen (Amaurornis olivaceus);

Mangrove Honeyeater (Lichenoston2us fasciogularis);> Common Planigale (Planigale maculata);> Little Bentwing-bat (Miniopterus australis);> Eastern Bentwing-bat (Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis);

Eastern Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus bifax);Black Flying-fox (Pteropus alecto); and

> Large-footed Myotis (Myotis adversus).

Despite the highly degraded state of the former migratory wader roost there ispotential for the southern parts of the subject site to be utilised by a number ofwading birds. Further, these southern parts are not within the area identified for

Ref No BA040049Aedal Photography- Photogrammetry - Land Swvoylng - Civil Englneedng - Structural Englneeitng - Town Planning- Mapping - Enviranmental

67

S

I


future development and therefore impacts are expected to be negligible.Adopting a precautionary approach an assessment has been undertaken of thewaders mostly likely to occur on the subject site. These include the Black-tailedGodwit, Terek Sandpiper, Sanderling, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Great Knot, LesserSand Plover and Greater Sand Plover. Habitat and ecological similarities withinthis group allows for a single combined eight-part test.

An assessment of the above species and the two Endangered EcologicalCommunities with regard to the provisions of Section 5A of the EP&A Act follows.

It is reiterated that this eight-part test assessment will not replace that requiredupon lodgement of a development application for any future development.

Eight-part Test of Significance

(1) In the case of a threatened species, whether the life cycle of the species is likely to bedisrupted such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk ofextinction.

Endangered Ecological Communities (TSC Act)

Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin andSouth East Corner Bioregions

Habitat Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest is the name given to thedescription/ life ecological community associated with grey-black clay-loamscycle and sandy barns, where the groundwater is saline or sub-components

saline, on waterlogged or periodically inundated flats,drainage lines, lake margins and estuarine fringes associatedwith coastal floodplains.

The structure of the community may vary from open forests tolow woodlands, scrubs or reedlands with scattered trees.Typically these forest, woodlands, scrubs and reedlands formmosaics with other floodplain forest communities and treelesswetlands, and often they fringe treeless floodplain lagoons orwetlands with semi-permanent standing water. Thecomposition is primarily determined by the frequency andduration of waterlogging and the level of salinity in thegroundwater (NPWS 2004d).

The community forms part of a complex of forested wetlandand treeless wetland communities found throughout thecoastal floodplains of NSW. The combination of features thatdistinguish the community from other endangered ecological

Ref No BA040049AetaI Pho4cgraphy— Phctogmninietly - Land Swv.ylng - Civil Enginewing - Stiuctural Engkleeitng - Town Ptantng - Mapclng - En*cnment.l

68

SLot 4, DF437419


communities on the coastal floodplains include: its' dominanceby a tree canopy of either Casuarina glauca or, more rarely,Melaleuca ericzfolia with or without subordinate tree species; therelatively low abundance of Eucalyptus species; and theprominent groundcover of forbs and graminoids. It generallyoccupies low-lying parts of floodplains, alluvial flats, drainagelines, lake margins and fringes of estuaries; habitats whereflooding is periodic and soils show some influence of salinegroundwater. This latter habitat feature sets it apart from otherfloodplain communities (NPWS, 2004d). The NSW ScientificCommittee's determination (NPWS, 2004d) provides a list ofcharacteristic species of Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest.

Sensitivities Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest in the NSW North Coast,Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions is at threatfrom the following:

• Clearing and fragmentation of habitat from urban andindustrial development including flood mitigation anddrainage works, and land filling and earthworks;

• Pollution from urban and agricultural runoff;• Weed invasion;.Overgrazing trampling and other soil disturbance by

domestic livestock and feral animals including pigs;• Activation of 'acid sulphate soils' and rubbish dumping;• Localised frequent degradation by fire;• Alteration to natural flow regimes of rivers, streams,

floodplains and wetlands; and• Invasion of native plant communities by exotic

perennial grasses.

Likelihood of The site assessment found that pure stands of Swamp Oaklocal extinction incorporating areas co-dominated by Forest Red Gum and

areas of regenerating Swamp Oak occur on the subject site.The vegetation therefore corresponds to the description whichcharacterises the EEC.

The proposal does not involve the clearing of extensive areas ofthis ecological community. The proposed development isconfined to the northern parts of the site within a grasslandmosaic characterised by Common Reed and numerous exoticgrasses and weeds. A small area of regrowth Swamp Oak willbe cleared adjacent to the main north-south drain to enable theconstruction of a road into the subject site. This is proposed foran area at the southern boundary of the proposed development

Ref No BA040049AeiIal Phooapfly— Pho -Land &uveyln —CM EngJneedn - St,ucbjral Eigke.dng - Tom Ptani*ig —M.ppn - E,Mrc.mnta1

69


area (refer Figs. 3 and 4). This clearing will be at the southernedge of this community and involve the clearing of a smallnumber of Swamp Oak, approximately 15 trees. The site ishighly disturbed and an artefact of the drain construction.The majority of the Swamp Oak communities have been clearlyidentified and are conserved within the conceptual designlayout. It is proposed to undertake restoration works withinSwamp Oak Communities. Given the extensive area of swampOak forest within the proposed environmental protection area,the proposed restoration works and the limited number oftrees to be removed the life cycle of this endangeredcommunity therefore would not be disrupted such that a viablelocal population could be placed at risk of extinction.

Coastal Saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South EastCorner Bioregions

'Coastal Saltmarsh' is the name given to the ecologicalcommunity occurring in the intertidal zone on the shores of

Habitat estuaries and lagoons including when they are intermittentlydescription/ life closed along the NSW coast. The community is frequentlycycle found as a zone landward of mangrove stands (NPWS 2004b).components The NSW Scientific Committee's determination (NPWS 2004b)

includes a list of plant species which are characteristic ofcoastal Saltmarsh.

Sensitivities Coastal Saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin andSouth East Corner Bioregions is at threat from the following:

• Clearing and fragmentation of habitat from coastaldevelopment;

• Invasion of the community by introduced weeds such asLantana, Bitou Bush and exotic vines and climbers;

• Degradation by fire;• Dumping of rubbish;• Damage caused by inappropriate use of four-wheel-drive

vehicles; and• Dieback caused by exposure to salt-laden winds.

Likelihood of The site assessment found that Coastal Saltmarsh occurs on thelocal extinction subject site in the form of Chenopod Shrubland/Rushland.

Dominat species are Salt Water Couch (Sporobolus virgincus),Seablite (Sueda australis), Samphire (Sarcocornia quinqueflora),and Maritime Rush (Juncus krausii) +/- Bare Twig Rush(Baumea juncea) and occasional emergent Grey Mangrove. The

Ref NoAedal Pho ograply —Photogminmetsy - Land Surveying - CM Ennedng- Stiudumi Engineeling - Town Planning—Mapping. Environmental

70


community was found to be widespread in low lying parts ofthe south east of the site intergrading with regeneratingMangrove shrublands and adjoining grasslands to the northand west. The vegetation therefore corresponds to thedescription which characterises the Endangered EcologicalCommunity.

The proposal does not involve the clearing of this ecologicalcommunity. The proposed development is confined to thenorthern parts of the site within a grassland mosaiccharacterised by Common Reed and numerous exotic grassesand weeds.The Saltmarsh vegetation community has been clearlyidentified on the site and is conserved within the conceptualdesign layout. Potential impacts of the proposed developmenthave been identified and amelioration measures described inSection 6.2 of this report. The life cycle of this endangeredcommunity therefore would will not be adversely impactedand will not be disrupted such that a viable local populationcould be placed at risk of extinction.

IThreatened Species (TSC Act)

Common name Scientific name Legal status(Black Bittern Ixobrvchus flavicollis Vulnerable

Habitat The Black Bittern is found across northern Australia and alongdescription/ life the coastal plain of eastern Australia to north eastern Victoria.cycle It favours terrestrial wetlands and estuarine and littoralcomponents habitats where they forage at the edge of the water. They are

usually in permanent wetlands fringed by dense vegetation(Marchant & Higgins 1990). They have been recorded fromrank grasslands, shrublands, rainforest and dry and wetsclerophyll forest (Marchant and Higgins 1990). FringingMangrove along estuaries is also considered to be importantbreeding habitat (Marchant and Higgins 1990). Feeds on fish,mollusc, freshwater crayfish and insects. Mostly crepuscularand nocturnal (Marchant and Higgins 1990). They breed indensely vegetated wetlands in secluded places. Nests aresolitary. In NSW breeding has been recorded betweenSeptember and March. The nest is usually on a horizontalbranch in leafy tree over-hanging water. Three to five eggs arelaid (Marchant and Higgins 1990).

Sensitivities The Black Bittern is at threat from the following:

Ref NoAwW $niy - Phologr.wmetzy - Land Susv.ylng - CM Englni4Mg - $tpjthjr.J E,nJne$ii.g Town $unnlng —Mapçlng - En*onmentil

71

o


• Loss of habitat from clearing or grazing;• Reduced water quality from siltation and pollution;• Predation by foxes and feral cats; and• Disturbance of nesting birds by watercraft (NPWS 2002).

Likelihood of The proposed development is confined to the northern parts oflocal extinction the subject site within a grassland mosaic characterised by

Common Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. Thisarea has been highly modified by previous land use practisesincluding sugarcane cropping. The extensive wetlands of thesouthern half of the site are proposed for environmentalprotection and will remain unaffected by the proposal.Surveys conducted as part of this study and by Warren (1998)did not record this species. Potential habitat, such as theMangrove forest and riparian vegetation along the RichmondRiver and Emigrant Creek, will not be affected by the proposal.Suitable wetland habitats are largely absent from the proposeddevelopment area and restricted to the main north-south drainand around the small dam in the north-eastern corner of thesite. Given the extensive areas of Mangroves, Saltmarshwetlands and littoral habitats that are proposed for habitatprotection it is unlikely that the life cycle of this species wouldbe disrupted such that a viable local population could beplaced at risk of extinction.

Common name Scientific name Legal status (TSC Act)Australasian Bittern Botaurus voiciloptilus Vulnerable

This species is widespread throughout south-eastern Australia.It is not found in the far north-west corner of NSW. In NSW itis widespread with most records from the Murray -DarlingBasin (Marchant and Higgins 1990). There are irregularsightings from the far north Coast of NSW. This species isprobably sedentary. It may move to the coast during inland

Habitat droughts (Marchant and Higgins 1990). The Australian Bitterndescription/ life has a fairly narrow habitat range (Garnett & Crowley 2000) andcycle requires permanent freshwater wetlands with tall densecomponents vegetation such a Phragmites spp. and Bulirushes (Typha sp.).

They mainly forage at night when they feed on frogs, smallfish, yabbies and other wetland invertebrates (Marchant andHiggins 1990, NPWS 2002). They breed in pairs and solitary.They are territorial. The nest is generally in a stand of Typha sp.,Phragmites spp. or other dense tall vegetation in swamps. Thenest is usually over water. The clutch size is thought to be 4-5

Ref No BA040049Aedal Photography - Photogrammetry - Land Suv.yIng— Civil Engln.e,lng - Stuctural Englneeitng - Town Ptaning - Mapçlng - Environmental

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(Marchant and Higgins 1990).

Sensitivities • Drainage of wetlands;• Reduced water quality from saltation and pollution;• Predation by feral cats;• Use of herbicides, insecticides and other chemical near

wetlands;• Grazing and associated frequent burning of wetland

areas (NPWS 2002).


Common Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. Thisarea has been highly modified by previous land use practisesincluding sugarcane cropping. The extensive wetlands of thesouthern half of the site are proposed for environmentalprotection and will remain unaffected by the proposal. Suitablefreshwater wetland habitats and dense riparian vegetationwithin the development site offer limited opportunities for thisspecies. These habitats are restricted to around the small dam

it Thisthe eastern quarter of the site and along Emigrant Creek.This species does not appear to use this site on a permanentbasis. Given the extensive areas of Saltmarsh, wetlands andlittoral habitats that are proposed for habitat protection it isunlikely that the life cycle of this species would be disruptedsuch that a viable local population could be placed at risk ofextinction.

Common name Scientific name Legal status (TSC Act)I Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhi,'nchus asiaticus Vulnerable

Habitat The Black-necked Stork is found across northern Australia. Indescription! life NSW it is confined to the coastal plain north of Nowra and thecycle upper North western Slopes and Plains (Marchant andcomponents Higgins 1990). It inhabits terrestrial wetlands including

swamps, large permanent pools, lagoons and Mangroveswamps (Marchant and Higgins 1990). The Stork is also foundin estuaries and flooded meadows, spring seepages, on dryplains and occasionally in open grassy woodlands. It breeds inor near freshwater swamps and most nests are found insecluded places as high as possible in the fork of a live or deadtree although nests are occasionally found on low shrubs ortrees (Marchant and Higgins 1990, Ayers 1995, D. Charley pers

Ref No BA040049Aedal Photogiapily— Photogrammehy - Land &av.ylng - CtvU Englneedng - Struotural Engtoeeilna - Toam Panalng - Mapping - Environmental

73


obs). Considered to be less common in Saltmarsh flats,intertidal waters and estuarine mudflats (Marchant andHiggins 1990). In NSW nesting is reported to occur betweenAugust and November. Clutch size is reported to be 2-5.Feeds on fish, crustaceans, some insects and snakes. Eels areoften taken. Forage by walking through shallow water andsubmerged vegetation.

Sensitivities The Black-necked Stork is at threat from the following:• Drainage and filling of wetlands;• Degradation of habitat through pollution;• Changing water-flow into and from wetlands;• Use of herbicides, insecticides and other chemicals near

wetlands;• Loss of suitable nest trees through clearing around

wetlands and estuaries;• Collision with powerlines near nest sites and wetlands;

and• Disturbance to breeding and feeding sites through

grazing and trampling by domestic stock (NPWS 2002).

S Likelihood of The proposed development is confined to the northern parts oflocal extinction the subject site within a grassland mosaic characterised by tall

and dense Common Reed, numerous exotic grasses and weeds.This area has been highly modified by previous land usepractises including sugarcane cropping. The extensiveSaltmarsh wetlands of the southern half of the subject site areproposed for environmental protection and will remainunaffected by the proposal. Suitable freshwater wetlandhabitats within the development site are small and offerlimited opportunities for this species. This species does not usethis site on a permanent basis. Given the extensive areasproposed for environmental protection, the limited extent offreshwater waterbodies and the infrequent use of the site bythis species it is unlikely that the life cycle of this species wouldbe disrupted such that a viable local population could beplaced at risk of extinction.

Common name Scientific name Legal status (TSC Act)I Brolga Grus rubicundus Vulnerable

Habitat The Brolga is widely distributed across northern Australia,description/ life throughout Qid, central western Victoria and northern NSWcycle (Marchant & Higgins 1993). In NSW records are scattered

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components across their range. Brolgas inhabit shallow swamps and swampmargins, floodplains, grasslands and pastoral lands. In northeastern NSW they are often found in coastal heaths,sedgelands, pastures and freshwater wetlands. The Brolga ispartly migratory with regular movement between breedingand non-breeding sites (Marchant & Higgins 1993). Such sitesappear to be traditional. Movements partly determined byrainfall. They are usually in pairs or small parties. Feed ongrain, corms of wetland plants, insect, feshwater molluscs,crustaceans, frogs, small mammals, reptiles and 11 parts of dryand wet land plants. They plunge their heads under water todig for roots and corms of swamp vegetation. The nest issolitary and usually made of grasses and plant stems on smallisland in shallow swamps or standing in water. Occasionallyon plains some distance from water (Marchant & Higgins 1993,NPWS 2002). Breeding occurs between May and March withmost occurring between July and October (Marchant & Higgins1993). One to two eggs are usually laid.

Sensitivities The Brolga is at threat from the following:• Drainage of swamps and other wetlands;• Reduced water quality from siltation and pollution;• Destruction of nests by grazing stock and associated

frequent burning of wetlands;• Predation at nest sites by feral animals and domestic

dogs;• Changing water-flow into and from wetlands; and• Collision with powerlines near nest sites and wetlands

(NPWS 2002).

The proposed development is confined to the northern parts ofthe subject site within a grassland mosaic characterised byCommon Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. Thisarea has been highly modified by previous land use practisesincluding sugarcane cropping. The extensive saltmarshwetlands of the southern half of the site are proposed for

Likelihood of environmental protection and will remain unaffected by thelocal extinction proposal. The dense grassland mosaic of the proposed

development area is of limited value to this species. Thisspecies may occasionally forage across the site however this ison an irregular basis and for short durations only. Given theinfrequent use of the site by this species and the extensive areaproposed for environmental protection it is unlikely that thelife cycle of this species would be disrupted such that a viable

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local population could be placed at risk of extinction.

Common name Scientific name Legal status (TSC Act)I Bush-hen Amaurornis olivacea Vulnerable

Habitat Occurs in densely overgrown margins of swamps, permanentdescription/ life terrestrial freshwater wetlands, permanent water bodies,cycle streams and thick undergrowth, especially tall dense grasses orcomponents dense thickets of lantana or other shrubs (Marchant & Higgins

1993). In NSW this species is found only on in the north coast(Marchant & Higgins 1993). Recent reports suggest that therange of this species is expanding south (Morris 2004). TheBush-hen is possibly nomadic although in northern NSW it hasbeen reported at all times of the year. Food is comprisedmainly of seeds, plant material, insects and frogs (Marchant &Higgins 1993). They feed alone and on the ground. Breedingoccurs between October and March with the nest constructedin dense grasses and waterside vegetation. It is usually in thecentre of a grass tussock, or on low branches of Lantana orother low growing shrubs (Marchant & Higgins 1993). Clutchsize is usually 4-7. The nest is a bowl or cup constructed ofgrass and twigs.

Sensitivities The Bush-hen is at threat from the following:• Clearing, filling and draining of wetlands for

agricultural, residential and industrial development;• Pollution of wetlands from agriculture, urban and

industrial run-off;• Changes to wetlands caused by invasion of weeds, often

associated with sedimentation or grazing;• Predation by feral and domestic predators, particularly

foxes and cats;• Use of herbicides and pesticides in agriculture and

residential areas (NPWS 2002); and• Clearing, alteration of habitats as part of weed control

and Landcare activities.


Common Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. Thisarea has been highly modified by previous land use practisesincluding sugarcane cropping. The extensive Saltmarshwetlands of the southern half of the site are proposed forenvironmental protection and will remain unaffected by the

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16,Lot 4, DP437419


proposal. The proposed development site contains potentialhabitat however extensive dense grassland mosaics similar tothat which is contained within the proposed development siteare also found to the north and west of the subject site. Theproposed development area does not contain significantfreshwater wetlands. Given the absence of freshwater wetlandswithin the proposed development area, the extensive areaproposed for environmental protection and limited area ofsuitable nest sites within the development area it is unlikelythat the life cycle of this species would be disrupted such that aviable local population could be placed at risk of extinction.

Common name Scientific name Legal status (TSC Act)I Grass Owl Tto capensis Vulnerable

Habitat The Grass Owl is medium sized owl. In coastal NSW anddescription! life Queensland this species appears to be sedentary althoughcycle numbers may fluctuate (Schodde & Mason 1980). The Grasscomponents Owl inhabits mainly open -tussock grasslands, marshy areas

with tall dense tussocks or reeds such as Common Reed(Phragmites australis) and tall dense grasslands dominated byBladey Grass (Imperata cylindrica) (Higgins 1999, Maciejewski1994). They are also associated with agricultural crops such asSorghum, Oats and fallow paddocks used for hay or cutstubble (Higgins 1999). They are also commonly recordedfrom coastal heathiands or well-grassed and denselyvegetated coastal dunes (Maciejewski 1994, Fitzgerald &Thorstensen 1994, Higgins 1999). The Grass Owl is consideredto be an opportunistic nocturnal hunter and feeds on smallmammals, particularly rodents, small birds and insects(Higgins 1999). Nests are usually constructed on the groundamong dense clumps of tall grasses and sedges. The nests areoften in swampy areas or heathiands (Higgins 1999). The nestis either a shallow unlined depression on the ground or canalso be a flimsy platform of trampled stems. The platform islined or constructed from the trampled stems of grasses andother plants. The nest site may also be surrounded by ornearly surrounded by water (Higgins 1999). They breed anytime of year.A single pair has been recorded at the subject site. These birdshave been recorded from the southern and western parts ofthe subject site. Grass Owls have used the site for a number ofyears (Maciejewski 1994).

Sensitivities The Grass Owl is at threat from the following:

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• Loss of suitable habitat from grazing, agriculture anddevelopment;

• Use of pesticides to control rodent populations therebyreducing food sources for owls and potentiallypoisoning owls; and

• Frequent burning, which reduces ground cover (NPWS2002).

Likelihood of A single pair has been recorded at the subject site. Thelocal extinction proposed development is confined to the northern parts of the

subject site within a grassland mosaic characterised byCommon Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. Thisarea has been highly modified by previous land use practisesincluding sugarcane cropping. The proposed development sitecontains potential habitat however extensive dense grasslandsand cropping lands similar to that which is contained withinthe proposed development site are also found immediately tothe north and west of the subject site. Further, the extensiveSaltmarsh wetlands and significant areas of grassland withinthe southern half of the site are proposed for environmentalprotection and will remain unaffected by the proposal.Observation of the site over the past 10 years or more hasshown that shrubs and trees, particularly Swamp Oaks andGroundsel Bush, are invading the grasslands. If unchecked thesubject site will not, in the long-term, support habitat for theGrass Owl. It is therefore proposed that development of thesite be staged with Stage 2 (refer Fig. 4) being subject to theimplementation and success of a Grass Owl habitatmanagement program. This program will be incorporatedinto an overall Environmental Management Plan for thesubject site (further described in Section 6.3). This Grass Owlhabitat management program will be developed in co-operation

with the DEC, who have given in-principle supportto the proposal, and will incorporate regular monitoring of theGrass Owl population, selective slashing or mowing of themanagement area in a mosaic pattern to maintain and enhanceGrass Owl habitat, selective shrub removal and weed control.Therefore, given the extensive area proposed forenvironmental protection, the existence of extensive areas ofsuitable habitat immediately to the north of the subject siteand the proposed habitat management measures it is unlikelythat the life cycle of this species would be disrupted such thata viable local population could be placed at risk of extinction.

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Common name Scientific name Legal status (TSC Act)I Mangrove Honeveater Lichenostomus fascio2ularis Vulnerable

Habitat The Mangrove Honeyeater is found along the east coast ofdescription! life Australia from about Townsville to about Kempsey in NSW.cycle Resident populations occur on the Tweed, Richmond, Clarencecomponents and Macleay River Estuaries. Vagrant birds have been

recorded elsewhere. The Mangrove Honeyeater is a mediumsized honeyeater that is confined to Mangrove and adjoiningswamp forests. It feeds on nectar and insects found in theseforests. Populations in the Richmond and Tweed RiverEstuaries are generally found in extensive and dense Mangroveforests (D. Charley unpublished data 2005). The only residentpopulation in the Richmond River estuary occurs in the middlereaches of North Creek (D. Charley unpublished data 2005). InNSW this species is generally found in small loose colonies andactively defend a territory from other passerines (D. Charleyunpublished data 2005). They construct a small cup nest.Breeding occurs between August and December and two eggsare laid (Morcombe 2004).

Sensitivities The Mangrove Honeyeater is at threat from the following:• Clearing of old mangrove forests and adjoining stands

of swamp forest and vegetation containing nectar-producing trees and shrubs;

• Pollution of estuarine areas; and• Use of herbicides and pesticides for agriculture and

tourist and residential areas (NPWS 2002).

The proposed development is confined to the northern parts ofthe subject site within a grassland mosaic characterised byCommon Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. Thisarea has been highly modified by previous land use practisesincluding sugarcane cropping. The extensive Saltmarshwetlands, Mangroves and littoral habitats of the southern half

Likelihood of of the site are proposed for environmental protection and will

local extinction remainunaffected by the proposal. No extensive tracts ofMangroves or adjoining stands of swamp forest / nectarproducing trees and shrubs are to be cleared as part of thisproposal. Given that the southern half of the site is to be setaside as for environmental protection purposes and the smallarea of Mangroves along the eastern drain that are to beaffected by the proposal is fragmented and linear in shapewould suggest minimal if any impact on this species. A

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0


resident population does not occur on site. It is thereforeunlikely that the life cycle of this species would be disruptedsuch that a viable local population could be placed at risk ofextinction.

Common name/ Scientific name! Legal status (1SC Act)Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa - Vulnerable), Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus- Vulnerable), Sanderling (Calidris alba - Vulnerable), Broad-billed Sandpiper(Limicolafalcinellus - Vulnerable), Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris - Vulnerable),Lesser Sand-plover (Charadrius mongolus - Vulnerable) and Greater Sand-plover(Charadrius leschenaultii - Vulnerable).

Habitat These migratory shorebirds are found around coastaldescription! life Australia.cycle • The Black-tailed Godwit is more common in northerncomponents Australia and is rare south of the NSW Central Coast.

This species is rarely observed on the Richmond Riverestuary and is most common at the Hunter riverestuary.

• The Terek Sandpiper is a rare migrant to eastern andsouthern Australia. It is most common on the Hunter

Sand the Richmond River estuary.• The Sanderling is usually solitary and is found around

the coast of Australia.• The Broad-billed Sandpiper is most common on the

northern and eastern coastline of Australia. They areusually found on mudflats adjacent to mangroves.There are records from inland Australia.

• The Great Knot is most common in northern Australia.This species occurs sporadically on the Richmond Riverestuary and adjacent ocean beaches.

• The Lesser Sand-plover to coastal Australia where it ismost common in the north. In NSW they are lesscommon south of the Hunter River. A gregariousspecies.

• The Greater Sand-plover is more common in the westand north and less common on the east and south coastof Australia.

All species tend to prefer estuarine habitats although all havebeen recorded on ocean beaches, Mangrove mud flats, andexposed reefs and sporadically at inland lakes and wetlands.They forage on a wide range of substrates including, sand flats,mud flats, beaches, flooded paddocks, particularly where thereis exposed mud and drying lakes and lagoon.

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• The Black-tailed Godwit diet includes a range of preyincluding crustaceans, mollusks and polychaete worms.

• The Terek Sandpiper forages on crustaceans, worms,crabs and small shellfish.

• The Sanderling forages on insects, insect larvae, smallinvertebrates and other small invertebrates that theycapture behind receding waves.

• Broad-billed Sandpiper is an active forager. It probesmud for insects, small crustaceans, worms andmolluscs. Will also wade into water to forage for food.

• The Great Knot preferred food is molluscs which itprobes for in the substate.

• The Lesser Sand-plover diet consists of insects,crustaceans, molluscs and marine worms. Prey isusually taken from the surface of the sand or mud.

• The Greater Sand-plover diet consists of insects,crustaceans, molluscs and marine worms. Prey isusually located visually and taken from the surface ofthe sand or mud.

Migratory shorebirds roost communally on exposed sandbarsand spits, rocky groins, ocean beaches and man-made islands.Roost flocks are often comprised of a number of species. Roostsites are generally in close proximity to preferred feedinggrounds. Each of the migratory waders listed here breed in thenorthern hemisphere. None nest or breed in Australia.

Sensitivities These migratory shorebirds are at threat from the following:• Disturbance at feeding grounds and roost sites;• Pollution of estuaries and coastal areas;• Destruction of roost sites and feeding ground through

development;• Invasion of roost sites and feeding grounds by

Mangroves, Phragmites and shrubs;• Changed waterfiows into wetlands;• Degradation of habitat through increased saltation

and/or erosion;• Draining and filling of wetlands;• Loss of habitat through development; and• Predation by foxes and dogs;


Common Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. Thisarea has been highly modified by previous land use practises

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including sugarcane cropping. The Mangroves, mud flats andSaltmarsh wetlands of the southern half of the site areproposed for environmental protection and will remainunaffected by the proposal. The roost site identified by Holmes(1998) is no-longer used by these species due to invadingCommon Reed, Mangroves, Couch grasses and other denseground cover. The mud flats at this former site have almostentirely revegetated. It is proposed to investigate theappropriateness of re-creating a wader roost over part of theformer roost site. Migratory wader habitat is now confined tothe mud flats and adjacent Mangrove communities and thelittoral edge fringing the Richmond River and Emigrant Creekat the southern boundary of the subject site. Given that theseareas are within the proposed environmental protection areaand the proposed development area is unsuitable for thesespecies it is unlikely that the life cycle of these species wouldbe disrupted such that a viable local population could beplaced at risk of extinction.

Common name Scientific name Legal status (TSC Act)Common Planigale Plani2ale maculata Vulnerable

Habitat The Common Planigale is found from Arnhem Land in thedescription! life Northern Territory, across northern coastal Queensland andcycle south to coastal north-eastern NSW. The species reaches itscomponents southern distribution limit on the NSW lower north coast. The

Common Planigale is a small carnivorous marsupial averaging70 to 100mm. Preferred habitat is characterised as havingground litter such as numerous fallen logs and rocks and denseground cover - usually close to water and often at the ecotonebetween wet scierophyll forests and wetlands (Miller 1998,Redhead 1995). They build a saucer-shaped nest made of grassand bark fibres in crevices, hollow logs, beneath bark or underrocks (NPWS 2002). The Common Planigale primarilyinhabits coastal lowlands although it has been recorded inmodified environments such as gardens (State Forests of NewSouth Wales 1995). The Common Planigale feeds on a varietyof insects and other invertebrates. Dispersal patterns in thisspecies are unknown.

Sensitivities The Common Planigale is at threat from the following:• Predation by foxes, cats and Cane Toads;• Loss and fragmentation of habitat through clearing for

agriculture and development in coastal areas;

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• Frequent burning and grazing that reduces groundcover, such as hollow logs and bark; and

• Disturbance of vegetation surrounding water bodies(NPWS 2002).


Common Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. Thisarea has been highly modified by previous land use practisesincluding sugarcane cropping. There are few if any logs andother ground litter and no rock-outcrops within the areaproposed for development. The Mangroves, Melaleuca andSwamp Oak forests and Saltmarsh wetlands of the southernhalf of the site are proposed for environmental protection andwill remain unaffected by the proposal. Given the extensivearea proposed for environmental protection, including theMelaleuca forests, Swamp Oak forests and other riparianvegetation and the absence of suitable nesting and shelter siteswithin the area proposed for development it is unlikely that thelife cycle of this species would be disrupted such that a viablelocal population could be placed at risk of extinction.

Common name Scientific name Legal status (TSC Act)I Black Flying-Fox Pteropus alecto Vulnerable

Habitat The Black Flying-fox is distributed across coastal northerndescription! life Australia. Camps may be found in Mangroves, paperbarkcycle swamps or occasionally in patches of rainforest. They foragecomponents for blossoms of Eucalypts, Paperbarks and Turpentine and are

known to travel up to 50km to feed on such trees (Hall 1995).The mating season lasts from March to April, females generallygive birth to a single young in October. The young is carried bythe mother for the first month and thereafter is left in the camp.Young leave the camp when three months old (Hall 1995).

Sensitivities The Black Flying-fox is at threat from the following:• Clearing and fragmentation of rainforest and swamp

forest remnants used for roost sites, mostly as the resultof urban development;

• Loss of forest areas used for feeding, particularly winterfeeding areas, through agriculture, intensive forestryand urban development;

• Deliberate destruction and disturbance of flying-foxesincluding shooting of individuals and harassment and

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attempted re-location of camps near urban areas;• Conversion of old-growth forests, woodlands and

shrublands to young, even-aged stands as a result ofintensive forestry and too frequent burning;

• Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds (NPWS 2002);• Unregulated shooting by local orchard owners as a

means of controlling crop loss; and• Electrocution on powerlines due to their large size (Hall

1995).


Common Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. Thisarea has been highly modified by previous land use practisesincluding sugarcane cropping. The Mangroves, Melaleucaforests and other forest communities of the southern half of thesite are proposed for environmental protection and will remainunaffected by the proposal. There are no suitable roost sites orsignificant stands of nectar producing trees within the areaproposed for development. The development will not result in

• a large scale removal of potential food trees. It is likely that thesite is used on a seasonal basis. Therefore, it is unlikely that thelife cycle of this species would be disrupted such that a viablelocal population could be placed at risk of extinction.

Common name Scientific name Legal status (TSC Act)I Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus Vulnerable

Habitat The Grey-headed Flying-fox is distributed along the east coastdescription/ life of Australia from Central Queensland to Western Vistoria. Itcycle appears to be expanding its range south. Occurs in subtropicalcomponents and temperate rainforests, tall sclerophyll forests and

woodlands. They forage on nectar and pollen of native trees, inparticular Eucalyptus and Melaleuca spp. and also on the fruitsof rainforest trees and vines. They also forage in cultivatedgardens and fruit crops. The Grey-headed Flying-fox aggregatein large camps up to tens of thousands, often in stands ofriparian rainforest, paperbark or casuarina forest (NPWS 2002;Australasian Bat Society Inc. 2000). They are capable offoraging long distances from these camps. Small groupsdisperse long distances during winter. The single young isborn in spring, with young being carried on the ventral surfaceof their mother for four to five weeks. They are then left in the

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camps at night and suckled when the mother returns (Tideman1995).

Sensitivities The Grey-headed Flying -fox is at threat from the following:• Clearing and fragmentation of rainforest and other

vegetation remnants used for roosting sites, mainlythrough agriculture and urban development;

• Loss or modification of forest areas used for feeding,particularly winter feeding areas, through agriculturaldevelopment, intensive forestry and urbandevelopment;

• Deliberate destruction and disturbance of flying-foxes,including shooting of individuals and attempted re-location

of camps near urban areas;• Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds;• Conversion of old-growth forests, woodlands and

shrublands to young, even-aged stands as a result ofintensive forestry and too-frequent burning (NPWS2002);

• Electrocution on power lines; and• Competition for diminishing resources with other

Flying-foxes (NPWS 1999 & Australasian Bat Society Inc2000).


Common Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. Thisarea has been highly modified by previous land use practisesincluding sugarcane cropping. The Mangroves, Melaleucaforests and other forest communities of the southern half of thesite are proposed for environmental protection and will remainunaffected by the proposal. As for the Black Flying-fox thereare no suitable roost sites or significant stands of nectarproducing trees within the area proposed for development.The development will not result in a large scale removal ofpotential foraging resources such as Melaleuca or Red Gums.It is likely that the site is used on a seasonal basis. There is noevidence that the development site is an important feeding areafor this species. Therefore, it is unlikely that the life cycle of thisspecies would be disrupted such that a viable local populationcould be placed at risk of extinction.

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Common name Scientific name Legal status (TSC Act)I Litle Bentwing-bat Miniopterus australis Vulnerable

Habitat The Little Bentwing-bat is found along the coastal plain fromdescription! life Cape York to about Newcastle in NSW (Churchill 1998). Thiscycle species prefers moist eucalypt forest, rainforest and densecomponents coastal scrubs including Banksia thickets. It is an obligate cave-dweller

that congregates at large maternity colonies to breed. Itwill also roost in mines, tunnels and tree-hollows. Disturbanceto these maternity sites is the main conservation concern andthe reason for its listing as vulnerable. This species is typicallyfound in well-timbered habitats where they forage beneath thecanopy for flying invertebrates (Churchill 1998).

Sensitivities The Little l3entwing-bat is at threat from the following:• Disturbance of colonies, especially in nursery or

hibernating caves;• Destruction of caves that provided roosting sites or

potential roosting sites;• Changes to habitat, especially surrounding maternity

caves; and• Use of Pesticides (NPWS 2002).


Common Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. Thisarea has been highly modified by previous land use practisesincluding sugarcane cropping. There are no suitable roost sitesat the subject site. Given the extensive area proposed forenvironmental protection and the limited area of suitableforested habitat within the proposed development area it isunlikely that the life cycle of this species would be disruptedsuch that a viable local population could be placed at risk ofextinction.

Common name Scientific name Legal status (TSC Act)I Eastern Bentwing-bat Miniopterus schreibersii Vulnerable

Habitat This insectivorous species is widely distributed in northern anddescription/ life eastern Australia. In eastern Australia it is found from Capecycle York south into NSW and Victoria and to the south easterncomponents corner of South Australia. It is typically found in well-timbered

habitats, including rainforest, wet and dry sclerophyll forest,

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open woodland and Melaleuca forest, where it forages, at greatspeed, above or within the tree-canopy (Churchill 1998). Dietconsists mostly of moths. They can travel great distances toforage. They roost in caves, old mines, stormwater channelsand occasionally buildings (Dwyer 1995). They form largematernity colonies. Disturbance to these roost and maternitysites is the key conservation concern.

Sensitivities The Eastern Bentwing-bat is at threat from the following:• Disturbance of colonies, especially in nursery or

hibernating caves;• Destruction or modification of caves that are seasonal or

potential roosting sites;• Rehabilitation of derelict mines;• Changes to forest habitat, especially surrounding

maternity caves; and• Insecticide use (NPWS 2002).


Common Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. This• area has been highly modified by previous land use practises

including sugarcane cropping. The southern half of the site isproposed for environmental protection and will remainunaffected by the proposal. There are no suitable roost siteswithin the proposed development area. Given the extensivearea proposed for environmental protection and the limitedarea of forest within the proposed development area it isunlikely that the life cycle of this species would be disruptedsuch that a viable local population could be placed at risk ofextinction.

Common name Scientific name Legal status (TSC Act)Eastern Long-eared Bat Nctophilus Wax Vulnerable

Habitat Distributed from Cape York through eastern Queensland to thedescription/ life far north-east corner of NSW. In NSW they appear to becycle confined to the coastal plain to about the Clarence River.components Inhabits a variety of habitats including rainforests, dry

sclerophyll woodlands and is often found among thevegetation along watercourses (Lunney et al. 1995). Rainforestappears to be the most critical habitat for this species innorthern NSW. Roosts in tree hollows and the roofs ofbuildings, dead foliage of rainforest trees including fronds of

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Bangalow Palms and under the bark of paperbarks (StateForests of NSW 1995).

Sensitivities The Eastern Long-eared Bat is at threat from the following:• Clearing, fragmentation and isolation of lowland

subtropical rainforest, wet and swamp eucalypt forestand coastal scrub, particularly forest and scrub close tothe coast, for agricultural, residential and otherdevelopment;

• Loss of hollow-bearing trees and stands of palms andrainforest trees used for roosting and maternity sites;

• Invasion of habitat by weeds, particularly by Bitou Bushon the coast; and

• Use of Pesticides (NPWS 2002).


Common Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. Thisarea has been highly modified by previous land use practisesincluding sugarcane cropping and as a result there are fewtrees or shrubs and no rainforest within this area. The extensive

• Mangroves, Melaleuca and Swamp Oak forests and Saltmarshwetlands of the southern half of the site are proposed forenvironmental protection and will remain unaffected by theproposal. There are no suitable roost sites (hollow-bearingtrees) within the development site. Given the extensive areaproposed for environmental protection and the limited area offorest within the proposed development area it is unlikely thatthe life cycle of this species would be disrupted such that aviable local population could be placed at risk of extinction.

Common name Scientific name Legal status (TSC Act)I Large-footed Myotis Mijotis adversus Vulnerable

Habitat The Large-footed Myotis is found in the coastal band from thedescription/ life north-west of Australia, across the top-end and south tocycle western Victoria. This specie's distribution is primarily coastalcomponents and has been recorded from a wide variety of habitats

provided there are in close proximity to water. This species hasbeen recorded from Mangroves, Melaleuca swamps, rainforest,open woodland and wet and dry scierophyll forest (Churchill1998). They utilises bodies of water where they forageindividually or hunt together over the water. Prey includesmoths, beetles, crickets and water insects such as water-Ref

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boatmen and mayfly (Churchill 1998). Colonies roost duringthe day in caves, mines, tunnels, tree-hollows, disused birdnests, and under bridges and buildings (NPWS 2002).

Sensitivities The Large-footed Myotis is at threat from the following:• Disturbance of cave roosts by recreational caving and

tourism;• Destruction of caves that provided potential roosting

sites;• Removal of old bridges used as roosting sites;• Changes to habitat;• Pollution of waterways; and• Use of Pesticides (NPWS 2002).


Common Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. Thisarea has been highly modified by previous land use practisesincluding sugarcane cropping. The extensive Mangroves,Melaleuca forest and riparian vegetation and Saltmarsh

• wetlands of the southern half of the site are proposed forenvironmental protection and will remain unaffected by theproposal. There are few if any suitable roost sites within thesubject site. Given the extensive area proposed forenvironmental protection, including the most extensiveMangrove and wetland communities on the subject site, andthe limited area of suitable wetlands or waterbodies within theproposed development area it is unlikely that the life cycle ofthis species would be disrupted such that a viable localpopulation could be placed at risk of extinction.

(2) In the case of an endangered population, whether the life cycle of the species thatconstitutes the endangered population is likely to be disrupted such that the viability of thepopulation is likely to be significantly compromised.

There are no endangered populations, as defined In Part 2 of Schedule 1 of theThreatened Species Conservation Act 1995, at the subject site and therefore the lifecycle of a species that constitutes such a population will not be disrupted.

(3) In relation to the regional distribution of the habitat of a threatened species, populationor ecological community, whether a significant area of known habitat is to be modified orremoved.

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The site provides potential habitat for the threatened species and communitiesassessed in this report. Implementation of the recommendations contained in thisreport will ensure that the existing habitat values will be retained and enhancedthrough a program of restoration and revegetation.

Further, it is proposed that approximately 37 hectares (64%) of the total 56.6hectares of the Subject site are proposed to be set aside for environmentalprotection purposes.

Therefore a significant area of habitat will not be significantly modified orremoved.

[: The region is based on the biogeographic regionalisation of Australia, withthe study, site situated within the New South Wales North Coast Bioregion(Thackney & Creswell 1995). This region extends along the coast from theQLD/NSW border south to Port Stephens, just north of Newcastle, and west toabout Muswellbrook, Armidale, Glen Innes and Tenterfield. The statementsregarding the individual species below relates to the distribution of individualspecies within this bioregion].

Black BitternThis species is widely distributed throughout coastal and sub-coastal areas wheredense vegetation fringing streams, swamps, tidal creeks and mudflats occurs. InNSW it occurs in coastal valleys principally at low elevations (NPWS 2002).

The proposed development is confined to the northern parts of the subject sitewithin a grassland mosaic characterised by Common Reed and numerous exoticgrasses and weeds. Therefore, a significant area of known habitat of the BlackBittern within the bioregion will not be modified by the proposed development.

Australasian BitternThis species is widely distributed throughout the eastern and central parts of NSWwere it is found in dense well-vegetated permanent freshwater wetlandsdominated by dense reeds, sedges and rushes (Marchant & Higgins 1999). Theproposal does not involve the removal or modification of preferred freshwaterwetlands and proposes that the southern half of the site be set aside forenvironmental protection. Potential use of the site would be intermittent and thisspecies has not been recorded previously for the site. The proposed developmentis confined to the northern parts of the subject site within a grassland mosaiccharacterised by Common Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds.Therefore, a significant area of known habitat of the Australasian Bittern withinthe bioregion will not be modified by the proposed development.

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Black-necked StorkThe Black-necked Stork is found across northern Australia. In NSW it is confinedto the coastal plain north of Nowra and the upper north western Slopes and Plains(Marchant and Higgins 1990). It is only occasionally found south of Sydney and ismost common in the Tweed, Richmond and Clarence catchments. The Black-necked

Stork inhabits permanent freshwater wetlands including swamps, shallowfloodwaters, and adjacent grasslands and savannah woodlands. It can also befound occasionally on inter-tidal shorelines, mangrove margins and estuaries(NPWS 2002). The proposed development is confined to the northern parts of thesubject site within a grassland mosaic characterised by Common Reed andnumerous exotic grasses and weeds. Therefore, a significant area of known habitatof the Black-necked Stork within the bioregion will not be modified by theproposed development.

BrolgaThe Brolga is widely distributed across northern Australia, throughout Qid,central western Victoria and northern NSW (Marchant & Higgins 1993). In NSWrecords are scattered across their range. Brolgas inhabit shallow swamps andswamp margins, floodplains, grasslands and pastoral lands. In north eastern NSWthey are often found in coastal heaths, sedgelands, pastures and freshwaterwetlands. The proposed development is confined to the northern parts of thesubject site within a grassland mosaic characterised by Common Reed andnumerous exotic grasses and weeds. Approximately 36 hectares (64%) of the siteis proposed for environmental protection. This area includes potential Brolgahabitat. Extensive areas of suitable habitat surround the subject site. The subjectsite is used on an irregular and occasional basis by this species. Therefore, asignificant area of known habitat of the Brolga within the bioregion will not bemodified by the proposed development.

Bush-henIn NSW this species is found only on in the north coast (Marchant & Higgins 1993)to about the Evans River. Recent reports (Morris 2004) suggest that the range ofthis species has expanding south to about the Clarence River. Densely overgrownmargins of wetlands, dams, swamps, Lantana thickets, rainforests and remnantvegetation are the preferred habitats of this species. They breed among dense, tallreeds, lantana, streambank tussocks and grasses (Marchant and Higgins 1996).The proposed development is confined to the northern parts of the subject sitewithin a grassland mosaic characterised by Common Reed and numerous exoticgrasses and weeds. Extensive areas of suitable habitat occur in the southern partsof the subject site and in the surrounding agricultural lands. Therefore, asignificant area of known habitat of the Bush-hen within the bioregion will not bemodified by the proposed development.

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Migratory shorebirds including: Black-tailed Godwit, Terek Sandpiper,Sanderling, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Great Knot, Lesser Sand Plover andGreater Sand Plover.These migratory shorebirds are all found along the coast of Australia. Importantfeeding grounds and roosts occur in the lower reaches of the Richmond Riverincluding North Creek, Mobbs Bay, Lake Chickiba and South Ballina Beach. It isproposed that the southern half of the site be set aside for environmentalprotection purposes. This will protect the existing Mangroves, Saltmarshwetlands and riparian vegetation. The proposed development is confined to thenorthern parts of the subject site within a grassland mosaic characterised byCommon Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. This area does notcontain significant migratory shorebird habitat. Therefore, a significant area ofknown habitat of these migratory shorebirds within the bioregion will not bemodified by the proposed development.

Grass OwlSuitable habitat is widespread within the region. Surveys and incidentalobservations have recorded Grass Owls over much of the Northern Rivers regionand particularly the coastal plain. The proposed development is confined to thenorthern parts of the subject site within a grassland mosaic characterised byCommon Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. The proposeddevelopment site contains potential Grass Owl habitat however extensive densegrasslands and cropping lands similar to that which is contained within theproposed development site are also found immediately to the north and northwest of the subject site. Further, the extensive Saltmarsh wetlands and significantareas of grassland within the southern half of the site are proposed forenvironmental protection and will remain unaffected by the proposal. These areasare used by the Grass Owls. Observation of the site over the past 10 years or morehas shown that shrubs and trees, particularly Swamp Oaks and Groundsel Bush,are invading the grasslands. If unchecked the subject site will not, in the long-term,

support habitat for the Grass Owl. It is therefore proposed thatdevelopment of the site be staged with Stage 2 (refer Fig. 4) being subject to theimplementation and success of a Grass Owl habitat management program. Thisprogram will be incorporated into an overall Environmental Management Plan(described in Section 6.3) for the Subject site. This Grass Owl habitat managementprogram will be developed in co-operation with the DEC, who have given in-principle

support to the proposal, and will incorporate regular monitoring of theGrass Owl population, selective slashing or mowing of the management area in amosaic pattern to maintain and enhance Grass Owl habitat, selective shrubremoval and weed control. Given the extensive area proposed for environmentalprotection, the existence of extensive areas of suitable habitat immediately to thenorth of the subject site and the proposed habitat management measures it isunlikely that the life cycle of this species would be disrupted such that a viablelocal population could be placed at risk of extinction.

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Therefore, a significant area of known habitat of the Grass Owl within thebioregion will not be modified by the proposed development.

Mangrove HoneyeaterThe Mangrove Honeyeater is found along the east coast of Australia from aboutTownsville to about Kempsey in NSW. Resident populations occur on the Tweed,Richmond, Clarence and Macleay River Estuaries. The site does not containsignificant or extensive Mangrove forests. It is proposed that the southern half ofthe site be set aside for environmental protection. This will protect the existingMangrove and riparian vegetation. The proposed development is confined to thenorthern parts of the subject site within a grassland mosaic characterised byCommon Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds. Therefore, a significantarea of known habitat of the Mangrove Honeyeater within the bioregion will notbe modified by the proposed development.

Common PlanigaleThe Common Planigale is found from Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory,across northern coastal Queensland and south to coastal north-eastern NSW. Thespecies reaches its southern distribution limit on the NSW lower north coast.Preferred habitat is characterised as having ground litter such as numerous fallenlogs and rocks and dense ground cover - usually close to water and often at theecotone between wet scierophyll forests and wetlands (Miller 1998, Redhead1995). They build a saucer-shaped nest made of grass and bark fibres in crevices,hollow logs, beneath bark or under rocks (NPWS 2002). The Common Planigaleprimarily inhabits coastal lowlands although it has been recorded in modifiedenvironments such as gardens (State Forests of New South Wales 1995). Theproposed development area does not contain significant foraging or nestinghabitat for this species. It is proposed that the southern half of the site be set asidefor environmental protection. This will protect the wetlands and adjacent riparianvegetation. The proposed development is confined to the northern parts of thesubject site within a grassland mosaic characterised by Common Reed andnumerous exotic grasses and weeds.

Therefore, a significant area of known habitat of the Common Planigale within thebioregion will not be modified by the proposed development.

Black Flying-foxThis species is found in coastal and near-coastal areas north from the BellingerRiver. They forage on the flowers and fruit of a range of native and exoticvegetation. The site does not contain significant foraging or roosting habitats forthis species. It is proposed that the southern half of the site be set aside forenvironmental protection. This will protect the existing Mangrove and riparianvegetation. The proposed development is confined to the northern parts of thesubject site within a grassland mosaic characterised by Common Reed andnumerous exotic grasses and weeds.

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Therefore, a significant area of the habitat of Black Flying-fox will not be modifiedby the proposed development.

Grey-headed Flying-foxThis species occurs from central eastern Queensland south to Victoria. The sitedoes not contain significant foraging or roosting habitats for this species. It isproposed that the southern half of the site be set aside for environmentalprotection. This will protect the existing Mangrove and riparian vegetation. Theproposed development is confined to the northern parts of the subject site within agrassland mosaic characterised by Common Reed and numerous exotic grassesand weeds.

Therefore, a significant area of the habitat of Grey-headed Flying-fox will not bemodified by the proposed development.

Large-footed MyotisThe Large-footed Myotis is found in the coastal band from the north-west ofAustralia, across the top-end and south to western Victoria. This species'distribution is primarily coastal. The Large-footed Myotis has been recorded froma wide variety of habitats provided they are in close proximity to water. Thisspecies has been recorded from Mangroves, Melaleuca swamps, rainforest, openwoodland and wet and dry scierophyll forest (Churchill 1998). The developmentwill not remove a significant area of Mangroves or forest communities and it isproposed that the saltmarsh wetlands and riparian vegetation, including scatteredstands of Melaleuca, will be retained. The proposed development is confined to thenorthern parts of the subject site within a grassland mosaic characterised byCommon Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds.

Therefore, a significant area of the habitat of Large-footed Myotis will not bemodified by the proposed development.

Little Bentwing-batThe Little Bentwing-bat is found along the coastal plain from Cape York to aboutNewcastle in NSW (Churchill 1998). This species prefers moist eucalypt forest,rainforest and dense coastal scrubs including Banksia thickets. The developmentwill not remove a significant area of forest or dense coastal scrub and it isproposed that the forests and riparian vegetation, including scattered stands ofMelaleuca, of the southern half of the subject site will be retained. The proposeddevelopment is confined to the northern parts of the subject site within a grasslandmosaic characterised by Common Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds.

Therefore, a significant area of the habitat of the Little Bentwing-bat will not bemodified by the proposed development.

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Eastern Bentwing-batThis species is distributed in northern and eastern Australia. In eastern Australia itis found from Cape York south into NSW and Victoria and to the south easterncorner of South Australia. It is typically found in well-timbered habitats, includingrainforest, wet and dry scierophyll forest, open woodland and Melaleuca forest(Churchill 1998). The development will not remove a significant area of forest andit is proposed that the forests and riparian vegetation, including scattered standsof Melaleuca, of the southern half of the subject site will be retained. The proposeddevelopment is confined to the northern parts of the subject site within a grasslandmosaic characterised by Common Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds.

Therefore, a significant area of the habitat of Eastern Bentwing-bat will not bemodified by the proposed development.

Eastern Long-eared BatThis species is distributed from Cape York through eastern Queensland to the farnorth-east corner of NSW. In NSW they appear to be confined to the coastal plainto about the Clarence River. Inhabits a variety of habitats including rainforests,dry scierophyll woodlands and is often found among the vegetation alongwatercourses (Lunney et al. 1995). Rainforest appears to be the most criticalhabitat for this species in northern NSW. The development will not remove asignificant area of forest, rainforest does not occur at the subject site and it isproposed that the forests and riparian vegetation, including scattered stands ofMelaleuca, within the southern half of the subject site will be retained. Theproposed development is confined to the northern parts of the subject site within agrassland mosaic characterised by Common Reed and numerous exotic grassesand weeds.

Therefore, a significant area of the habitat of Eastern Long-eared Bat will not bemodified by the proposed development.

Swamp Oak Forest on Coastal FloodplainsSwamp Oak Forest on Coastal Floodplains in NSW is widely distributed.Identified regionally within CRA Forest Ecosystem 143, this ecosystem iswidespread on poorly drained sites in coastal areas of both CRA Regions (e.g.Ballina, Richmond River, Limeburners Creek and Yahoo Nature Reserves, andKhappinghat, Bundjalung, Yuraygir and Myall Lakes National Parks), (NPWS2004e).

The proposal involves the clearing of a small area; approximately 22m x lOm, ofregrowth Swamp Oak at the southern edge of the proposed development topermit the construction of a major access road linking the eastern parts of thedevelopment with the western parts. This proposal will require the removal ofregrowth Swamp Oak fringing a short section of the main north - south drain(refer Figs. 4 and 5). The majority of the proposed development is confined to the

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northern parts of the subject site within a grassland mosaic characterised byCommon Reed and numerous exotic grasses and weeds.

All Swamp Oak communities have been clearly identified and are in the mainconserved within the conceptual design layout. The adjacent Swamp Oakcommunities within the subject site will not be adversely impacted. It is proposedto undertake restoration works within adjacent Swamp Oak communities. Giventhe small area to be cleared, the fact that this vegetation is an artefact of the drainconstruction, that the majority of this vegetation community is in the areaproposed for environmental protection and that restoration works are proposedfor the environmental protection area, it cannot be construed that, in relation tothe regional distribution of the habitat of threatened species, that a significant areaof known habitat is to be removed or modified.

Coastal Saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South EastCorner BioregionsThe site assessment found that Coastal Saltmarsh occurs on the subject site in theform of Chenopod Shrubland/Rushland. This vegetation corresponds to thedescription which characterises the Endangered Ecological Community (TSC Act).The community was found to be widespread in low lying parts of the south east ofthe site intergrading with regenerating mangrove shrublands and adjoininggrasslands to the north and west.

Coastal Saltmarsh is identified regionally within CRA Forest Ecosystem 125, andoccurs on tidal flats periodically inundated with seawater extending along thecoast of both CRA Regions (e.g. Bundjalung, Yuraygir and Booti Booti NationalParks), (NPWS 2004b).

The assessment found that the proposal does not involve the clearing of thisecological community. The proposed development is confined to the northernparts of the site within a grassland mosaic characterised by Common Reed andnumerous exotic grasses and weeds. The Saltmarsh vegetation community hasbeen clearly identified on the site and is conserved within the conceptual designlayout. In summary, it cannot be construed that, in relation to the regionaldistribution of the habitat of threatened species, that a significant area of knownhabitat is to be removed or modified.

(4) Whether an area of known habitat is likely to become isolated from currentlyinterconnecting or proximate areas of habitat for a threatened species, population orecological community.

The site provides potential habitat for the threatened species and endangeredecological communities assessed in this report. Implementation of therecommendations contained in this report will ensure that the existing habitatvalues are retained and enhanced through the setting aside of the southern parts

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of the property for environmental protection purposes. This area includes thefringing Mangrove forests, Saltmarsh wetland areas, Swamp Oak forests, theformer wading bird roost identified by Holmes (1998) and the riparian buffersalong the Richmond River and Emigrant Creek (refer Fig. 7). This area provides alink with adjacent riparian vegetation and habitats to the north west of the subjectsite. Adoption and implementation of an environmental management plan whichwill include restoration and vegetation management, a Grass Owl habitatmanagement plan and re-establishment of a wading bird roost at the subject sitewill enhance the corridor and habitat values of the site.

Extensive areas of open wetlands, Saltmarsh and grazing paddocks adjacent toand to the north west of the subject site provide suitable foraging habitat for theGrass Owl. An extensive area is proposed for environmental protection whichcontains large areas of Grass Owl habitat.

Therefore an area of known habitat is not likely to become isolated from currentlyinterconnecting or proximate areas of habitat as the site will continue to provideexisting habitat and corridor values.

(5) Whether critical habitat will be affected.

Stott's Island (habitat for the endangered Mitchell's Rainforest Snail) and Sydney'sNorth Harbour (habitat for the endangered Little Penguin) are the only criticalhabitats listed under the TSC Act. At the time of preparing this report a number ofother critical habitats were proposed. None were in the North Coast Bioregion.The proposed development will not affect any of these critical habitats.

(6) Whether a threatened species, population or ecological community, or their habitats, areadequately represented in conservation reserves (or other similar protected areas) in theregion.

All of the species and endangered ecological communities considered in thisassessment are found in one or more conservation reserves in the bioregion. Thefollowing is a summary of the conservation reserves where the subject flora andfauna species have been detected previously:

Black BitternThe Black Bittern has been recorded in the following conservation reserves: BorderRanges National Park; Boat Harbour Nature Reserve; Brunswick Heads NatureReserve; Tyagarah Nature Reserve and Bundjalung National Park. These reservesspan the range of this species.

Australasian BitternThe Australasian Bittern has been recorded in the following regional conservationreserves: Lake limes Nature Reserve, Gibraltar Range National Park, Bundjalung

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National Park and Cudgen Nature Reserve. These reserves span the range of thisspecies in the Bioregion.

Black-necked StorkThe Black-necked Stork has been recorded from the following regionalconservation reserves: Tweed Estuary Nature Reserve; Ukerabagh Island NatureReserve; Wooyung Nature Reserve; Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve; TyagarahNature Reserve; Richmond River Nature Reserve; Broadwater National Park;Bundjalung National Park; Tuckean Swamp Nature Reserve; and YuraygirNational Park. These reserves span the range of this species.

BrolgaThe Brolga has been recorded from the following regional conservation reserves:Tyagarah Nature Reserve; Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve; Tuckean SwampNature Reserve; Broadwater National Park; Bundjalung National Park; andYuraygir National Park. These reserves span the range of this species.

Bush-henThe Bush-hen has been recorded from the following regional conservationreserves: Goonengerry NP, Nightcap National Park, Cudgen Nature Reserve,Arakwal National Park and Broadwater National Park. These reserves span the

• range of this species.

Black-tailed Godwit, Terek Sandpiper, Sanderling, Broad-billed Sandpiper,Great Knot, Lesser Sand-plover and Greater Sand-plover.These migratory shorebirds have been recorded from the following regionalconservation reserves: Tweed Estuary Nature Reserve, Ukerabagh Island NatureReserve, Cook Island Nature Reserve, Cudgen Nature Reserve, Arakwal NationalPark, Broadwater National Park, Bundjalung National Park and Brunswick HeadsNature Reserve, Richmond River Nature Reserve. These reserves span the rangeof these migratory waders in the bioregion.

Grass OwlThe Grass Owl has been recorded from the following regional conservationreserves: Tyagarah Nature Reserve, Billinudgel Nature Reserve, Cudgen NatureReserve, Broadwater National Park, Bundjalung National Park, Yuraygir NationalPark and Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve. These reserves span the range ofthis species in northern NSW and particularly the core populations of north-eastern

NSW from where the majority of NSW records come.

Mangrove HoneyeaterThe Mangrove Honeyeater has been recorded from the following regionalconservation reserves: Ukerabagh Island Nature Reserve, Tweed Estuary NatureReserve; Marshall's Creek Nature Reserve; Billinudgel Nature Reserve; Brunswick

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Heads Nature Reserve; Ballina Nature Reserve; Richmond River Nature Reserve;and, Bundjalung National Park. These reserves span the range of this species.

Common PlanigaleThe Common Planigale has been recorded from the following regionalconservation reserves: Tooloom National Park, Yabbra National Park, MalanganeeNational Park, Border Ranges National Park, Mebbin National Park, BroadwaterNational Park and Bundjalung National Park and Tyagarah Nature Reserve,Arakwal National Park, Broken Head Nature Reserve; These reserves span therange of this species in the bioregion.

Black Flying-foxThe Black Flying-fox has been recorded in the following regional conservationreserves: Ukerebagh Nature Reserve; Tweed Estuary Nature Reserve; CudgenNature Reserve; Stotts Island Nature Reserve; Wilson Nature Reserve; BallinaNature Reserve; Boatharbour Nature Reserve; Border Ranges National Park; andBundjalung National Park. These reserves span the range of this species.

Grey-headed Flying-foxThe Grey-headed Flying-fox has been recorded in the following regionalconservation reserves: Ukerebagh Nature Reserve; Tweed Estuary Nature

• Reserve; Cudgen Nature Reserve; Stotts Island Nature Reserve; Brunswick HeadsNature Reserve; Tyagarah Nature Reserve; Wilson Nature Reserve; Ballina NatureReserve; Boatharbour Nature Reserve; Bundjalung National Park; and Cape ByronState Conservation Area. These reserves span the range of this species.

Little Bentwing-batThe Little Bentwing-bat has been recorded in the following regional conservationreserves: Tooloom National Park, Toonumbah National Park, Richmond RangeNational Park, Border Ranges National Park, Nightcap National Park, BroadwaterNational Park, Bundjalung National Park, Bungawalbin National Park, YuragirNational Park Tyagarah Nature Reserve, Arakwal National Park, UkerebaghNature Reserve; Tweed Estuary Nature Reserve; Cudgen Nature Reserve; StottsIsland Nature Reserve; Wilson Nature Reserve; Ballina Nature Reserve;Boatharbour Nature Reserve. These reserves span the range of this species.

Eastern Bentwing-batThe Eastern Bentwing-bat has been recorded in the following regionalconservation reserves: Tooloom National Park, Richmond Range National Park,Border Ranges National Park, Mount Warning National Partk, Nightcap NationalPark, Bundjalung National Park, Bungawalbin National Park, Broken HeadNature Reserve, Wilson Nature Reserve; Ballina Nature Reserve; BoatharbourNature Reserve. These reserves span the range of this species on the north coast.

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Eastern Long-eared BatThe Eastern Long-eared Bat has been recorded in the following regionalconservation reserves: Nightcap National Park, Mebbin National Park, MountWarning National Park; Broadwater National Park; Bundjalung NationalPark,;Illuka Nature Reserve; Yuragir National Park, Tyagarah Nature Reserve;Arakwal National Park; Broken Head Nature Reserve; Wilson Nature Reserve.These reserves span the range of this species.

Large-footed MyotisThe Large-footed Myotis has been recorded from the following regionalconservation reserves: Border Ranges National Park; Toonumbar National Park;Richmond Range National Park; Nightcap National Park; Broadwater NationalPark; Bundjalung National Park; Bundjalung Crown Reserve; Brunswick HeadsNature Reserve; Tyagarah Nature Reserve and Arakwal National Park. Thesereserves span the range of this species.

For all of the species addressed above there are conserved populations. Theseconserved populations are from across each species' range in the bioregion andNSW.

(7) Whether the development or activity proposed is of a class of development or activitythat is recognised as a threatening process,

A key threatening process is defined in the TSC Act as a process that threatens, orcould threaten, the survival or evolutionary development of species, populationsor ecological communities.

The current list of key threatening processes under TSC Act, and whether theproposed development is recognised as a threatening process is shown below atTable 11.

Table 11. Key Threatening Process - TSC Act.Is the development or

Listed Key Threatening Process (as described in the activity proposed of a classfinal determination of the Scientific Committee to list of development or activitythe threatening process) that is recognised as a

threatening process?Likely Possible Unlikely

Alteration of habitat following subsidence due to /longwall miningInvasion of the Yellow Crazy Ant /Herbivory and environmental degradation caused byferal deerCompetition and habitat degradation by feral goatsFeral pigsAlteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and /

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Is the development orListed Key Threatening Process:(as described in the activity proposed of a classfinal determination of the Scientific Committee to list of development or activitythe threatening process) that is recognised as a

threatening process?____Likely Possible Unlikely

streams and their floodplains and wetlandsBush rock removalClearing of native vegetationCompetition and grazing by the feral European Rabbit,Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.)Competition from feral honeybeeDeath or injury to marine species following capture inshark control programs on ocean beachesHigh frequency fire resulting in the disruption of lifecycle processes in plants and animals and loss of Vvegetation structure and compositionEntanglement in or ingestion of anthropogenic debris in Vmarine and estuarine environmentsHuman Caused Climate ChangeImportation of red imported fire ants into NSWInfection by Psittacine circoviral (beak and feather) disease /affecting endangered psittacine species and populationsInfection of frogs by amphibian chytrid causing thedisease chytridiomycosisInfection of native plants by Phytophthora cinnamomiIntroduction of the large earth bumblebee, Bombus VterrestrisInvasion of native plant communities by ChrysanthemoidesmoniliferaInvasion of native plant communities by exotic perennialgrassesLoss or degradation (or both) of sites used for hill- Vtopping by butterfliesPredation by the Feral Cat Felis catus (Linnaeus, 1758)Predation by the European Red Fox Vulpes vulpes /(Linnaeus, 1758)Predation by Gambusia hoibrooki Girard, 1859 (Plague VMinnow or Mosquito Fish)Predation by the Ship Rat Rattus rattus on Lord Howe VIslandRemoval of dead wood and dead trees V

Clearing of Native VegetationA total of approximately 19.72 ha of clearing is proposed (refer Fig. 4). This area isvegetated by the grassland mosaic with a small number of individual trees andshrubs. The proposal will involve the removal of 19.72 ha of mixed species

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grassland vegetation. A small number of individual regrowth shrubs of SallyWattle (Acacia melanoxylon) and Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca) and various nativespecies within degraded regrowth dominated by Lantana and other exoticsscattered throughout the grassland mosaic and at the southern edge of thedevelopment area (southern east to west road access) will also be impacted.

The grasslands which occur throughout the subject site have regenerated on landformerly utilised for sugarcane production and which has undergone disturbanceevents such as fire, slashing and harvesting for drought fodder. Common Reed isthe dominant species however it occurs in a mosaic with a variety of introducedgrasses and patches of exotic weeds such as Groundsel Bush, Lantana and CroftonWeed.

Grasslands dominated by Common Reed are widespread in the local area and area common feature colonising low lying disused agricultural land on the coastalplain of the Richmond-Tweed. They also are a feature within the nearbyRichmond River and Ballina Nature Reserves.

As evident on Figures 4 and 5 a total of 36.88 ha will not be impacted under theproposal. Additionally, an area of approximately 4.27 ha is proposed to beactively managed as Grass Owl habitat.

The removal of a small number of Sally Wattle (Acacia melanoxylon), Swamp Oak(Casuarina glauca) and various native species within degraded regrowthdominated by Lantana and other exotics scattered throughout the grasslandmosaic will be inconsequential given that:

• Sally Wattle (Acacia melanoxylon) and Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca) arecommon and widespread species therefore no loss of a local population ofplant species will occur;

• No fragmentation of habitat will occur as individual regrowth species arenot contiguous with adjoining vegetation;

• The riparian zone will not be degraded as a result;• Swamp Oak are rapidly invading the Saltmarsh and other vegetation

communities of the site;• Increased habitat will not be created for invasive species; and• The loss of these species will be more-than compensated for by the

protection, restoration and expansion of the Swamp Forest communitiesacross the south western part of the site.

Hence, the proposed development is not considered to be a key threateningprocess in that the clearing of native vegetation will not result in the destruction ofa sufficient proportion of one or more strata of a stand/s to result in the loss, orlong-term modification, of the structure, composition and ecological function ofthe stand of vegetation. Rather, the amount of vegetation to be cleared is to be

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minimised and extensive areas of regenerating land not subject to developmentwithin the subject site will be restored and in part managed for significant faunaspecies. Therefore, the resulting impact on the integrity of the subject stand ofvegetation with regard to habitat value should likewise be minimal.

(8) Whether any threatened species, population or ecological community is at the limit ofits known distribution.

The threatened flora and fauna species considered in this report are typicallydistributed throughout much of eastern Australia. The patterns of distribution forthe species concerned are as follows:

Black BitternThe Black Bittern is found in coastal and sub-coastal areas of south-western,northern and eastern Australia (NPWS 2002). Therefore, this species is not at thelimit of its distribution.

Australasian BitternThe Australasian Bittern is found throughout south-eastern Australia from aboutHervey Bay in Queensland across the eastern and central parts of NSW, Victoriaand south-eastern South Australia. Therefore this species is not at the limit of itsdistribution.

Black-necked StorkThe Black-necked Stork is found throughout tropical northern Australia and southto about the Central Coast of NSW and therefore this species is not at the limit ofits distribution.

BrolgaThis species is found from the Kimberley across tropical Australia and intosouthern Australia and therefore this species is not at the limit of its distribution.

Bush-henThis species is found in coastal northern Australia from far-north Queenslandsouth to the Evans River in north-east NSW (NPWS 2002a). Therefore this speciesis close to the southern limit of its distribution.

Black-tailed Godwit, Terek Sandpiper, Sanderling, Broad-billed Sandpiper,Great Knot, Lesser Sand-plover and Greater Sand-plover.These migratory shorebirds are found around the coastline of Australia. Therefore,these migratory shorebirds are not at the limit of their distribution.

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Grass OwlIn Australia the Grass Owl is primarily a species of northern Australia. The rangeof this species within Australia is not fully known, however, the majority ofreliable records are from eastern Australia. The species is widespread andregularly recorded in the following regions: Cape York, on the AthertonTablelands, between Cairns and Proserpine, in the Rockhampton region and in theCooloola region of southern Qid (Higgins 1999). In New South Wales theavailable records suggest that the species is primarily found east of the Dividewith many records from the Northern Rivers region between the Qld / NSWborder and the Clarence Valley (Higgins 1999). There are few records from westof the Divide. More recently, Grass Owls have been recorded from the HastingsValley and Tuncurry (Morris 2004), Ballimore in the central West (Morris 2004)and Bulahdelah, Harrington and Tyndale (Morris 2004). The number of recordssouth of the Manning River appears to be increasing (Morris 2004). Therefore, thisspecies is not at the limit of its distribution.

Mangrove HoneyeaterThe Mangrove Honeyeater occurs from about Townsville in northern Queenslandsouth to the Clarence River estuary. Vagrants have been recorded further south toabout Port Macquarie in NSW. Therefore, this species is not at the limit of itsdistribution.

Common PlanigaleThe Common Planigale is found in coastal north-eastern NSW, coastal eastQueensland and Arnhem Land. The species reaches its southern distribution limiton the NSW lower north coast. (NPWS 2002). Therefore, the Common Planigale isnot at the limit of its distribution.

Black Flying-foxThe Black Flying-fox is found in coastal areas and river valleys from centraleastern Qld south to Victoria (NPWS 2002). Therefore, this species is not at thelimit of its distribution.

Grey-headed Flying-foxThe Grey-headed Flying-fox is found in coastal areas and river valleys fromcentral eastern Qld south to Victoria (NPWS 2002). Therefore, this species is not atthe limit of its distribution.

Little Bentwing-batThe Little Bentwing-bat is found along the coastal plain from Cape York to aboutNewcastle in NSW (Churchill 1998). Therefore, this species is not at the limit of itsdistribution.

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Eastern Bentwing-batThis species is distributed in northern and eastern Australia. In eastern Australia itis found from Cape York south into NSW and Victoria and to the south easterncorner of South Australia (Churchill 1998). Therefore, this species is not at thelimit of its distribution.

Eastern Long-eared BatThis species is distributed from Cape York through eastern Queensland to the farnorth-east corner of NSW. In NSW they appear to be confined to the coastal plainto about the Clarence River. Therefore, this species is not at the limit of itsdistribution.

Large-footed MyotisThis species is primarily coastal and is found from the Kimberley in North-western

Australia, around the tropical north and south through eastern Australiato Victoria (Churchill 1998). Therefore, this species is not at the limit of itsdistribution.

Swamp Oak Forest on Coastal FloodplainSwamp Oak Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basinand South East Corner bioregions is known from parts of the Local GovernmentAreas of Tweed, Byron, Lismore, Ballina, Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley, CoffsHarbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey, Hastings, Greater Taree, Great Lakesand Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Wyong, Gosford, Pittwater, Warringah,Hawksberry, Baulkam Hills, Hornsby, Lane Cove, Blacktown, Aubern,Parramatta, Canada Bay, Rockdale, Kogarah, Sutherland, Penrith, Fairfield,Liverpool, Bankstown, Wollondilly, Camden, Campbelltown, Wollongong,Shellharbour, Kiama Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla, and Bega Valley (NPWS 2004e).

The occurrence of the Community on the subject site is within the Ballina LGAand as such the Endangered Ecological Community is not at the limit of its knowndistribution.

Coastal SaltmarshCoastal Saltmarsh occurs on tidal flats periodically inundated with seawaterextending along the coast of both CRA Regions (e.g. Bundjalung, Yuraygir andBooti Booti National Parks), (NPWS 2004b). To the north the community is knownto occur in the Byron Shire (Byron Shire Council et al. 1999) and the Tweed Shire(Kingston et al. 2004). Therefore the Endangered Ecological Community is not atthe limit of its known distribution.

ConclusionThe results of this assessment demonstrate that the proposed rezoning anddevelopment is not likely to result in a significant effect (as described in Section5A of the EP&A Act) on a threatened species, populations or ecological

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communities (as listed in the TSC Act). Therefore, a Species Impact Statement isnot required.

5.2 NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

The objectives of the TSC Act are:

• To conserve biological diversity and promote ecologically sustainabledevelopment;

• To prevent the extinction and promote the recovery of threatened species,populations and ecological communities;

• To protect the critical habitat of those threatened species, populations andecological communities that are endangered;

• To eliminate or manage certain processes that threaten the survival orevolutionary development of threatened species, populations andecological communities;

• To ensure that the impact of any action affecting threatened species,populations and ecological communities is properly assessed; and

• To encourage the conservation of threatened species, populations andecological communities by the adoption of measures involving co-operativemanagement.

Section 94 lists the eight-point test of significance to determine whether an actionis likely to be a significant effect on threatened species, populations or ecologicalcommunities, or their habitats. The appropriate provisions prescribed in Section94 are identical to those found in the EP&A Act and have been addressed inSection 5.1 above.

5.3 NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994

The Fisheries Management Act 1994 aims to protect fish and fish stocks and protectthreatened species, populations and ecological communities of fish and marinevegetation. The Act lists (Section 220C - Schedules 4 & 5) the followingendangered and vulnerable species, populations and communities:

Endangered Species (Part 1 of Schedule 4)*Carcherias taurus Grey Nurse SharkCraterocephalusfiuviatilis Murray Hardyhead*Maccullochella ikei Eastern Freshwater Cod*Macllochella macquariensis Trout Cod*Nannoperca oxleyana Oxleyan Pygmy PerchNotopala sublineata River SnailPristis zijsron Green Sawfish*indicates species also listed under the EPI3C Act

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Endangered populations (Part 2 of Schedule 4)The following are listed: Ambassis agassizii (Steindachner 1866) Olive Perchiet,western NSW population. Mogurnda ads persa (Castelnau 1878) Purple SpottedGudgeon, western NSW population.

Endangered ecological communities (Part 3 of Schedule 4)The following are listed: Aquatic ecological community in the natural drainagesystem of the lower Murray River catchment (as described in the recommendationof the Fisheries Scientific Committee to list the ecological community); and,Aquatic ecological community in the natural drainage system of the lowlandcatchment of the Darling River (as described in the recommendation of theFisheries Scientific Committee to list that aquatic ecological community, as thearea covered by that recommendation).

Vulnerable species (Schedule 5)Archaeophya adamsi Adams Emerald DragonflyBidyanus bidyanus Silver PerchBranchinella buchananensis Buchanans Fairy Shrimp*Carcharodon carcharias Great White SharkEpinephelus daemelii Black CodMac quaria australasica Macquarie PerchNannoperca australis Southern Pygmy Perch*indicates species also listed under the EPBC Act

The subject site is close to the Richmond River and Emigrant Creek. Thelikelihood of the species listed above utilising the subject site and the habitatsimmediately surrounding the subject site, based on their habitat requirements, isdiscussed in Table 12. Species detected, and those considered either likely to occuror possibly occurring at the subject site, have been assessed with regard to therelevant legislative considerations.

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Table 12. Likelihood of Threatened Aquatic Species Occurring at the Sit&

Detected oiiblVIM" ñlikél3to OccurCommon Scientific Habitat at at at RationaleName Name subject t--SubjectSubjectsite site, site.

The subject siteis not a marineenvironment. It

['here are a number of critical habitat sites along the coast of s not in close

Carcharzas rey Nurse NSW and southern Queensland where grey nurse sharks are proximity to

taurus ;hark regularly found in groups. These sites generally have sandy ''sandy-bottomed gutters or rocky caves and are in the vicinity of ottomed

inshore rocky reefs or islands. gutters, rockycaves or inshorerocky reefs or islands.

Murray Hardyheads live along the edges of slow-flowing The subject sitelowland rivers and in lakes, billabongs and backwaters. They is not part of

:raterocethaJusMurray are often found amongst aquatic weeds, in both fresh and quite he Murrayluviatilis -Jardyhead saline waters. Formerly widespread in the Murray River Basin River Basin and

and lower Darling System, now only a few populations in the ower Darlingmall lakes of the Swan Hill - Kerang area. system.

Although once considered prolific in the Clarence and The site is not a

vfaccullochellaEastern Richmond rivers, they are now only found naturally in a couple.freshwatertributary of the

ket reshwaterFreshwater f well isolated tributaries of the Clarence River, and there ann -,-,od to natural populations remaining in the Richmond Rive: Clarence orRichmondsystem. Rivers.

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'ossibb Llriuikel3

Common Scientific Habitat

)etecteat

raLOccursat

to Occurat RationaleName Name Subject. •Subject Subject.

site site siteThe Trout Cod is a large freshwater fish endemic to inlandwaters of the southeastern Australian region. It was once The subject siteabundant and widespread in the southern Murray-Darling river

.s not part of4accullochellarout Cod ;ystem but has undergone dramatic declines in its distributional the Murraynacquariensis range and abundance over the past century. Trout Cod are often )arling Riverfound close to cover and in relatively fast currents, especially in

fairly deep water close to the bank, and often congregate around ,ystem.

;nags.The subject site

)xleyan Pygmy Perch are a small freshwater fish endemic to the does not:oastal region of eastern Australia, from northern NSW to :ontain Wallumcoastal south-eastern Queensland. They also occur on FraserHeath, theMoreton and Stradbroke Islands. Oxleyan Pygmy Perch occur estuary (which

'.lannoperca )xleyan mostly in swamps, creeks and lakes of coastal 'wallum is adjacent toccleyana Pygmy Perch (Bariksia-dominated coastal heath). These waters are usually the subject site)

acidic, with low salinity and low conductivity, and are often is not acidic,darkly stained. They seem to prefer slow-moving or still waters does not havewith plenty of shelter in the form of dense aquatic vegetation ow salinity and(e.g. sedges) or undercut, root-filled banks. s not slow

noving.The River Snail once occurred in flowing rivers throughout the The subject siteMurray-Darling system, where it was found along the banks is not part of¼lotopala River Snail attached to logs and rocks or crawling in the mud. Although

'4 the Murray:ublzneata isomenow virtually extinct throughout its natural range, Darling Riverropulations have been recorded as surviving in artificial-ys em.abitats (irrigation pipelines) in the Murray and Darling Ref

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6ib1 JkikeFDetected-.• Occurs to OccurCommon Scientific Habitat at at at,Name Name Subject Subject Subjectsite 4,site site systems.

Green Sawfish live on muddy or sandy-mud soft bottomhabitats in inshore areas. They also enter estuaries, where theyhave been found in very shallow water. The Green Sawfish is The subject sitevidely distributed in the northern Indian Ocean (westwards to

toes not

rzstis zqsron .,reen Sawfish South Africa), and off Indonesia and Australia. Locally, it is contain muddyr sandy-mud

imore commonly encountered n the tropics and was ft bottom occasionally caught south to Sydney and Broome, WesternAustralia. There is also a single record off Gleneig, South habitats in

Australia. This species had in the past occasionally also been inshore areastaken southwards to Jervis Bay in NSW (DEH 2004).Specimens of this species are extremely rare and are found only

Adams in small streams. There are few currently known locations The subject siteirthaeophya including ncluding near Gosford (Somersby Falls and Floods Creek in is not one of therdamsi Dragonfly Brisbane Waters National Park), Tunks Creek near Berowra and known

Hornsby, Bedford Creek in the lower Blue Mountains, Hungry locations. Way Creek in Wollemi National Park.

The subject site3idyanus Rapid flow areas in the lower reaches of the Murray Darling s not part of

zdyanus Silverilver Perch i idrainage system, introduced into coastal streams n southeast he MurrayLD, NSW and southwestern WA. Darling River

.System.

ranchznella 3uchanans 3uchanans Fairy Shrimp live in the water of temporaryhe subject site

does notuchananensis 'airy Shrimp inundated) (intermittently mundated) salt lakes, which have salinities

contain a saltbetween freshwater and seawater. lake.Ref No BA040049Aedal Photography—Pho(ogjammaliy - Land Suiveylng - cM Engfrieedng - Stiuctural Englneedng -Town Piwutig —Mapgthg - Envkonmental

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T!)ih1) JfilikeF

Common ScientificHabitatDetected

- --iattOccurs

atto Occur

at RationaleName Name Subject Subject Subjectsite --site site

Great White Sharks, also commonly known as White Pointers orWhite Sharks, are found throughout the world in temperate and The subject site

Carcharodon Great White subtropical oceans, with a preference for cooler waters. This is not inshore

irthanas Shark distribution includes the coastal waters of NSW. Great White waters or near,harks are normally found in inshore waters around rocky reefs rocky reefs andand islands, and often near seal colonies. They have been islands.recorded at varying depths down to 1200m.

dult Black Cod are usually found in caves, gutters and beneath The subject site

prnephelus ommies on rocky reefs. They are territorial and often occupy ais not on or

ear rockyiaemelu Black Cod articular cave for life. Small juveniles m es are often found coastaljj reefs, rockrock pools, and larger juveniles around rocky shores in pools or rocky estuaries.

shores. 4acquarza

MacquarieFound in the Murray-Darling Basin(particularly upstreamhe site is not

therust ralasica Perch includingreaches) and parts of south-eastern coastal NSW, mcludmg the of

Murray Darlingand Shoalhaven catchments. 'tiver System.Southern Pygmy Perch were once widely distributed The site is notthroughout the Murrumbidgee and Murray River systems, as )art of thewell as coastal streams in South Australia and Victoria, north Murray Darling

"Jannoperca Southern eastern Tasmania and King and Flinders Islands in Bass Strait. River System orrust ralis Pygmy Perch There have been large-scale reductions in their range since in South

European settlement, particularly in inland regions. They have ustralia,also recently been discovered in the upper Lachlan River Victoria orcatchment. trasmania.

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Section 220ZZ of the Fisheries Management Act

Section 220ZZ of the Fisheries Management Act 1994 lists the factors (8 point test ofsignificance) to be considered when determining whether a proposeddevelopment is likely to have a significant effect upon threatened species,populations or ecological communities, and their habitats, therefore determining ifa Species Impact Statement is required. This assessment is also a requirementunder Section 5C of the EP&A Act.

None of the threatened species, populations or ecological communities listedunder the Act are found or considered likely at the subject site therefore anassessment with regard to the provisions of Section 220ZZ of the FisheriesManagement Act 1994 has not been undertaken.

Other Protected SpeciesThe Fisheries Management Act 1994 also protects a number of marine and estuarinefish, freshwater species and marine vegetation that are rare or important habitat.These include:

Marine and estuarine fish:• Ballina Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus ballinae);

• • Eastern Blue Devil Fish (or Bleekers Devil Fish) (Paraplesiops bleekeri);• Elegant Wrasse (Anampses elegans);• Estuary Cod (Epinephelus coioides);• Giant Queensland Groper (Epinephelus lanceolatus);• Herbsts Nurse Shark (Odontaspisferox);• All Syngnathiformes; and• Species in the families Syngnathidae, Solenostomidae and Pegasidae are

collectively known as Syngnathiformes. This includes seahorses,seadragons, pipehorses, pipefish, ghostpipefish and seamoths.

Freshwater species• Australian Grayling (Prototroctes maraena); and• Isopod (Crenoicus harrisoni).

Marine vegetation• All Seagrass, Seaweed and Mangrove species are protected.

The proposed activity (as described previously) is not likely to affect the aboveprotected species because:a) the species listed above do not occur at the subject site; andb) the proposal does not involve alteration of the stream or waterbody, bank orbed, installation of a structure that will affect natural flow regimes.

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The impact on aquatic or marine vegetation is limited to the removal of invadingMangrove shrubs that have colonised the drain located along the easternboundary of the subject site adjacent to Burns Point Ferry Rd. A Permit for theremoval of any Mangroves will be sought.

Permanent water-bodies within the subject site boundaries are otherwise limitedto a small man made dam (brackish) in the north east and a shallow (saline) waterbody surrounded by colonising Mangroves in the south. Additionally the existing(Mangrove-lined) drain network in the south of the subject site is subject toregular tidal inundation. The majority of the drain network occurs within areasoutside of the proposed development in the south of the subject site. That part ofthe drain network which extends into the proposed development area through thecentre of the site supports Swamp Oak and Mangrove vegetation. It is proposedthat this vegetation be retained.

5.4 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity ConservationAct 1999

The Commonwealth mechanism for national environment protection andbiodiversity conservation is the EPBC Act. The EPBC Act provides for:

.> Identification and listing of Threatened Species and Threatened EcologicalCommunities;Development of Recovery Plans for listed species and ecological communities;Recognition of Key Threatening Processes; and where appropriate; andReducing these processes through Threat Abatement Plans.

The EPBC Act states that a person must not, without approval under the act, takean action that has or will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on a matterof National Environmental Significance (NES). NES matters include:

The world heritage value of a declared World Heritage property;The national heritage value of a National Heritage Place;

> The ecological character of a declared Ramsar wetland;> An action in a Commonwealth Marine Area;> A Threatened Ecological Community listed under the Act;

A Threatened Species listed under the Act; and> A migratory species listed under the Act.

The EPBC Act also identifies a number of Other Matters it protects. These include:

Commonwealth Lands;Commonwealth Heritage Places;

> Places on the Register of the National Estate;

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S


> Listed Marine Species;> Whales and other Cetaceans;> Critical Habitats; and> Commonwealth Reserves.

Table 13 sun-imarises the assessment of the proposed re-zoning with regard to NESand Other Matters listed under the EPBC Act.

Table 13 demonstrates that the proposal is not likely to have a significant impacton NES or Other Matters as described under the EPBC Act. Therefore referral tothe Minister for the Environment for approval is not required.

Table 13. Assessment of Impacts on NES and Other Matters as Described in the EPBC Act.Matter I ImpactI Comment

National Environmental SignificanceWorld HeritageProperties None The site is not a recorded World Heritage Property.

National HeritagePlaces None The

site is not a recorded National Heritage Place.

Ramsar Sites None The site is not a Ramsar wetland or located near aRamsar wetland.

CommonwealthMarine Areas None The site is not a Commonwealth Marine Area.

Threatened Ecological None0 eThere are no nationally listed Threatened Ecological

Communities Communities within or surrounding the site.Nationally listed species and communities likely tooccur on the subject site are listed in Sections 3.1, 3.3 and4.1. Impacts on these species are discussed in detail in

Threatened Species None Section 5. More specifically the 8-point test ofsignificance found that the development is not likely toresult in a significant effect on a nationally listedthreatened species.There are 26 migratory species potentially occurring onthe site. Fourteen are migratory marine species unlikelyto occur on the subject site. Impacts on the migratoryterrestrial and wetlands species are discussed in Section5. The identified migratory terrestrial species are for themajority common bird species found throughout theregion i.e., the Black-faced Monarch, Rufous Fantail and

Migratory Species None White-throated Needletail. The Coxen's Fig-Parrot isunlikely to occur at the subject site due to the lack ofsuitable rainforest habitats or figs. The surroundingforest and estuarine communities including theMangrove forests provide habitat for migratoryshorebirds. These will be unaffected by the rezoning andproposed development. It is proposed to set aside thesouthern parts of the property for environmental

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Matter Impact Commentprotection purposes. More specifically the 8-point test ofsignificance found that the development is not likely toresult in a significant effect on a nationally listedthreatened species.

Other

Commonwealth Land None The proposal is not on Commonwealth land.Commonwealth None The site is not a Commonwealth Heritage Place.Heritage PlacesPlaces on the RNE None The site is not a Place on the RNE.

There are 53 marine species identified as possible at thesite. The site does not contain marine habitats. Thesespecies are identified because of the presence of suitable

Marine Species None habitat within a radius of 5km and the list does notrepresent actual records. Those that are consideredprobable are assessed with regard to the TSC Act inSection 5.1.

Whales and There are 12 listed Whales and Cetaceans recorded

Cetaceans None within a 5km radius of the subject site. The subject sitedoes not contain habitats suitable for these species.

Critical habitats None There are no Critical Habitats recorded at the subjectsite.

Commonwealth There are no Commonwealth Reserves recorded at theReserves None subject site.

With regard to the potential occurrence of the Grey-headed Flying-fox on thesubject site (a species listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act), the proposeddevelopment will be confined to the existing highly modified grasslands of thesubject site and will not involve the removal of Grey-headed Flying-fox habitats.The proposal includes the setting aside of the southern parts of the subject site forenvironmental protection purposes.

The rezoning and proposed development is not likely to have a significant impacton a matter of National Environmental Significance as listed previously.Therefore, referral to the Federal Minister for the Environment is not required.

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6. Impacts and Amelioration

6.1 Impacts


Potential impacts that may occur during the development of the site, if rezoned,include:

> Direct and indirect damage to vegetation communities and native floraspecies through construction activities;

> Disturbance to native fauna through construction activities;> Reduction in the extent of Grass Owl foraging/ nesting habitat;> Impacts on the habitats of migratory wading birds;> Alteration to hydrological regimes (salt and freshwater) potentially

impacting on coastal Saltmarsh vegetation (Endangered EcologicalCommunity) and Mangrove vegetation;

> Impacts on water quality resulting from potential erosion and sedimentrunoff during construction including acid sulphate soils; and

> Weed infestation due to increased nutrients and mechanical spread bymachinery.

• 6.2 Amelioration

The ameliorative measures identified below are proposed to assist Council in itsdeterminations. These measures are preliminary and subject to a more detailedassessment of any proposal submitted in a Development Application. It is notintended that the measures identified here will replace consideration of requiredamelioration pertinent to any future Development Application.

It is recommended that the following measures be undertaken in the developmentof the subject site to minimise and ameliorate the impacts of the proposeddevelopment:

Minimise the impact of the development on fauna habitats and fauna species.> Set aside the southern parts of the property for environmental protection

purposes (refer Fig. 7);Set aside from development a riparian buffer (50m) along the westernboundary of the site (along the eastern bank of Emigrant Creek);The development will be staged. Stage One - The northern half of thedevelopment area - will be developed first. Concurrently actively manage thegrasslands immediately to the south of the Stage 2 development area toencourage use of the area by Grass Owls (refer Fig. 7). This will also serve tomaintain existing Grass Owl habitat and reduce invasion by shrubs and exoticweed species such as Groundsel Bush;

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> Stage Two (refer Fig. 2) will be developed subject to the findings of a GrassOwl monitoring and habitat management program;Monitoring and habitat management will be in-accordance with the detailedGrass Owl habitat management plan to be incorporated into an EnvironmentalManagement Plan for the subject site. The Grass Owl habitat will be mapped,fenced and clearly delineated; andMeasures to protect fauna species (such as frogs) should be employed e.g.installation of sediment traps on all drains, establishment of vegetated edges aspart of the construction process.

Minimise the impact of site works on vegetation communities and native floraspecies.> Set aside the southern parts of the subject site for environmental protection

purposes. This includes the Endangered Ecological Communities i.e. CoastalSalt Marsh and Swamp Oak communities and the riparian buffer along thewestern boundary of the subject site (along the eastern bank of EmigrantCreek);

> Set aside from development a riparian buffer along the drain bisecting thecentre of the proposed development area. This area to rehabilitated by way ofmanagement of environmental weeds and buffer plantings;

> The boundary of the proposed development area will be fenced and clearly

• marked using coloured barriers during the development stage. This willprevent access and incursin into Endangered Ecological Communities i.e.Coastal Saltmarsh and Swamp Oak communities;

> Undertake a program to control environmental and noxious weeds within thesubject site. This should focus on, but not be limited to removal of all exotictree and shrub species within the site and the control of priority species such asthe Groundsel Bush, Lantana, Broad leaved Pepper, Camphor Laurel, CoastalMorning Glory, and Crofton Weed;

> Native trees and shrubs within the site to be retained where possible. Trees tobe removed are to be identified and marked so as to avoid the removal of non-target

trees;> Landscape plantings within the site should be dominated by species endemic

to the site and of similar local ecosystems;> Plant operators are to be educated with regard to the retention of priority

habitat areas and native flora and fauna species within the development site;> Waste material, including vegetation debris, is not to be pushed into the

vegetation surrounding the site.;> Where appropriate Mangrove species along the eastern drain to be

translocated to suitable areas in the south of the site. Plantings of Mangrovesto be carried out in the south of the site to compensate for loss of anyMangroves; and

> Where Mangroves are to be impacted a 'Permit to Harm Marine Vegetation'will be required. This to be carried out at the Development Application stage

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and will involve a detailed address of the NSW Fisheries 'MinimumRequirements for Environmental Studies'.

Minimise the impact of site works on surface water quality, control erosion andminimise sediment transport from the site during all construction activities.> Maintain present water conditions wherever practically possible and minimise

adverse construction impacts in particular alteration to hydrological regimes(salt and freshwater) potentially impacting coastal salt marsh vegetation(Endangered Ecological Community) and Mangrove vegetation;Construction to be staged wherever possible, so that the area disturbed at anytime is limited to enable adequate management of potential impacts;

> Appropriate erosion and sediment control structures and devices will beinstalled prior to construction of work. Sediment and erosion devices will bemonitored and maintained throughout the period of construction;

> During disturbance of the site, water runoff shall be directed to sedimentcontrol structures; and

> Roads and access tracks to be watered regularly to minimise dust generationand transportation of sediment off the site.

The subject site contains significant environmental values. Thee values areprimarily associated with the southern half of the property.

The proposal includes the setting aside of approximately 36.88 hectares forenvironmental protection purposes. This area supports extensive Saltmarshwetlands, Swamp Oak forests, Melaleuca forests, Mangrove forests, Red GumForests and grasslands.

6.3 Environmental Management Plan

The subject site contains significant environmental values. These values areprimarily associated with the southern half of the property.

The proposal includes the setting aside of approximately 36.88 hectares forenvironmental protection purposes. This area supports extensive Saltmarshwetlands, Swamp Oak forest, Melaleuca forest, Red Gum forest and grasslands.

It is proposed that an Environmental Management Plan be prepared for thesubject site to accompany any future Development Application. The Plan willinclude the following:

> The plan should be specific to the subject site and should include the long-termmanagement of threatened fauna species, including the Grass Owl andmigratory waders;

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> Prepare a Grass Owl habitat management plan - see below. This plan will beprepared following consultation with the Department of Environment andConservation (DEC) who has given in-principle support to the proposal toprepare and implement a Grass Owl habitat management plan;

> The long-term management of the Endangered Ecological Communities andriparian communities;

> Restoration and rehabilitation of the riparian vegetation;Strategies for restoration and rehabilitation works;

> Involvement of the local community and other organisations in the restorationworks;Management strategies for the existing drains and associated Mangrovevegetation;

> Siting and design of any public accessways, interpretative signage etc.,> The active management and rehabilitation of the former wading bird roost site.

This may include recreation of mudflats, open water, selective removal ofinvasive Mangroves, Swamp Oak and other shrubs and trees, exclusion ofpeople, dogs and other predators and retention of tidal inundation ifappropriate.

Grass Owl Habitat Management Plan.This plan will be prepared in consultation with the DEC who has given in-principle

support to the proposal to prepare and implement a Grass Owl HabitatManagement Plan.

It is proposed that development of Stage 2 of the proposal will be dependent uponthe success or otherwise of the proposed Grass Owl habitat management program.It is also proposed that development of stage 2 does not occur until the Grass Owlhabitat management program has been in operation for at least five years.

This Grass Owl Habitat Management Plan will include:> Identification and mapping of areas of potential Grass Owl habitat to be

actively managed. These areas have been identified preliminarily at Figure7 and encompass approximately 4.27 hectares;

> Identification and mapping of Grass Owl habitat (potential and known)within the Lower Richmond valley so as to develop a regional context forthe project;

> Proposed timetable for management works. Management works should notoccur during the breeding season;

> Habitat and population monitoring protocols, including an assessment ofpracticalities of radio tracking the resident Grass Owl population;

) Survey methodologies and habitat management techniques;Identification of areas in which selective removal and management ofinvading trees and shrubs will occur. This should focus on the grasslandareas as a first priority;

> Prescription of weed, tree and shrub removal techniques;

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> Identification of areas proposed for mosaic slashing of grasses. This willrequire intensive grid searching for Grass Owl roosts and nestsimmediately prior to slashing;

> Weed control and management prescriptions and will focus on species suchas Groundsel Bush; and

> Development of key outcomes and criteria against which the success orotherwise of the habitat management program can be assessed.

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Pajct B*040049 Da'e 10200b ScIe 1.4000@M

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AREASASPECT ,iorih Limited. LOT 4 OP 537419Ji Thn%wPOBOlc297 660M WK NIS AU*Sfm $ourte Mn" MA" In?OASPECT Noe Qrevm PHil,.

ASPECT o r h 0g No 8A040049-EV8A 1

Figure 7. Proposed Environmental Management Areas.

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7. Conclusion

This detailed flora and fauna assessment under Section 5A and 5C of the NSWEnvironmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 has been prepared to provideinformation to assist with the proposed rezoning of Lot 4 DP 537419 Burns PointFerry Road, West Ballina. It is submitted that:

> A number of threatened fauna species namely the Black Bittern, AustralasianBittern, Black-necked Stork, Brogla, Bush-hen, Grass Owl, MangroveHoneyeater, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Black Flying-fox, Common Planigale,Little Bentwing-bat, Eastern Bentwing-bat, Eastern Long-eared Bat, Large-footed

Myotis and the endangered ecological communities of Swamp OakFloodplain Forest and Saltmarsh on Coastal Floodplains have potential to or dooccur on the subject site and, as a result, various management measures andoptions have been recommended to retain and enhance significant habitats atthe subject site so as to minimise any potential impacts on these species.Consequently, the proposed development is not likely to result in a significanteffect (as described in Section 5A and 5C of the EP&A Act) on threatenedspecies, populations or ecological communities (as listed in the TSC Act).Therefore, a Species Impact Statement is not required;

> The criteria contained in SEPP 44 have been addressed and a KoalaManagement Plan is not required;

> The proposed rezoning is not likely to result in a significant effect on thethreatened species listed in the NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994, therefore aSpecies Impact Statement is not required; and

> The proposed rezoning will not have a significant impact on NES or OtherMatters as described in the EPBC Act and therefore does not need to bereferred to the Minister.

> The amelioration measures described in Section 6 be implemented into thedesign of any future development.

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• Australia, ed. Strahan, R., Australian Museum/ Reed New Holland, Sydney, pp. 432- 433.

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Lunney, D., Barker, J., Leary, T., Priddell, R.W., O'Connor, P., & Law, B. 1995, 'RoostSelection in the North Queensland Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus bzfax (Thomas, 1915)(Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Littoral Rainforest in the Iluka Word Heritage Area onthe North Coast of New South Wales', Australian Journal of Ecology, 20,532 - 537.

Maciejewski, 5., 1994, The Microdistribution, Abundance and Habitat Preference of the EasternGrass Owl, Tyto longimembris, in North-Eastern New South Wales, Unpublished HonoursThesis, Southern Cross University, Lismore.

Marchant, S. & Higgins, P.J. (eds) 1990, Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and AntarcticBirds, Volume 1, Ratites to Ducks, Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Marchant, S. & Higgins, P.J. (eds) 1993, Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and AntarcticBirds, Volume 2, Raptors to Lapwings, Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Martin, R.W. & Handasyde, K.A. 1995, 'Koala, Phascolarctos cinereus (Goldfuss, 1817)', inThe Mammals of Australia, ed. Strahan, R., Australian Museum/Reed New Holland,Sydney, pp. 196- 198.

Meggs, T. 1993, The Distribution, Abundance and Habitat Preference of the Marbled Frogmouthin the Northern Rivers Region, University of New England, Thesis.

Menkhorst, P. & Knight, F. 2001, Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia, Oxford UniversityPress, Melbourne.

Milledge, D, 1991, A Survey of the Terrestrial vertebrates of coastal Byron Shire. AustralianZoologist: 27, 66-90.

Miller, J. 1998. Habitat and Distribution of Small Dasyurid Marsupials within the Byron Shire,Northern NSW. Unpublished 3rd Year Project, Southern Cross University, Lismore.

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Morand, D.T. 1994, Soil Landscapes of the Lismore-Ballina - 1:100 000 Sheet Report,Department of Land and Water Conservation, Sydney.

Morcombe, M. 2004, Field Guide to Australian Birds, Steve Parish Publishing, Archerfield,Australia.

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NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), June 2004a, NSW Scientific Committee -Final Determination - Littoral Rainforest in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South EastCorner bioregions - endangered ecological community listinghup://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/littoral_rainforest_endangere

Sd, (Accessed January 2005).

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), June 2004b, NSW Scientific Committee -Final Determination - Coastal Saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South EastCorner bioregions - endangered ecological community listinghttp:/ /www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/coastal_saltmarsh_endangered, (Accessed January 2005).

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NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), December 2004d, NSW ScientificCommittee - Final Determination - Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest of the NSW North Coast,Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions - endangered ecological community listinghttp:/ /www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/ swamp_oak_floodplain_endangered, (Accessed January 2005).

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), December 2004e, NSW ScientificCommittee - Final Determination - Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains of the NSWNorth Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions - endangered ecological communitylistinghttp:/ /www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/ freshwater_wetlands_endangered, (Accessed January 2005).

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Pyke, G.H., White, A.W., Bishop, P.J. and Waldman, B. 2002, Habitat-use by the Greenand Golden Bell frog Litoria aurea in Australia and New Zealand, Australian Zoologist 32:1,pp. 12-31.

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Simpson, K. & Day, N. 1996, Field Guide to the Birds of Australia, Viking Publishing,Ringwood, Victoria.

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James Warren and Associated Pty Ltd (Warren), 1998, Flora and Fauna Assessment for theProposed rezone of Land at Burns Point Ferry Road, Ballina. Unpublished report to Steel andAssociates Pty Ltd.

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9. Appendices

Appendix A - Flora Species Detected

Native Flora SpeciesScientific Name Common Name Occurrence3 Conservation

StatusFernsAcrostichum speciosum Mangrove Fern 1Aspienium australasicum Birds Nest Fern 2Blechnum indicum Swamp Fern 2Cyciosorus interruptus Z4Hypolepis muelieri Harsh Ground Fern 2,4Piatijcerium bifrrcatum Elkhorn 2,4Pteridium esculentum Bracken Fern 2,7

GrassesImperata cylindrica Blady Grass 7Leersia hexandra Rice Grass 2,3Paspalum disH chum Water Couch 1, 2, 3Phragmites aus trails Common Reed 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7Sporobolus virginicus Salt Couch 1, 2,3,4,6

Sedges and RushesBaumea articulata Jointed Twig Rush 6Cyperus exaltatus Sedge Z7Juncus kraussii Maritime Rush 6Juncus usitatus Tussock Rush Z7Schoenoplectus mucronatus River Clubrush 2Typha on entails Bull Rush 9

Vines and EpiphytesAmyema cambagei A Mistletoe Z3Geitonopiesium cymosum Scrambling Lily 2, 3,4Nothotoxis subareus Golden Mistletoe 1, 2, 3, 4Pandorea pandorana Wonga Vine 2, 3,4Parsonsia stramina Common Silkpod 2, 3,4Platycenium bifurcatum Elkhorn 2, 3,4Smilax austraiis Austral Sarsparilla 2, 3, 4

Herbs and Groundcovers,Commelina cyanea Commelina 2, 3,4, 7

3 1=Mangroves, 2 & 3=Swamp Oak, 4=17orest red Gum, 5=Acacia dominated, 6=Coastal Saltmarsh, 7=Grassland Mosaic, 8= Grassland Mowed, 9=Mixed Regrowth, 10=Lantana regrowth.

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Scientific Name Common Name Occurrence3 ConservationStatus

Einadia hastata Berry Saitbush 6Ludwigia octovalvis Water Primrose 7Persicaria lopathifolia Pale Knotweed 7Persicaria strigosa Knotweed 7Sarcocornia guingueflora Samphire 6Suaeda australis Seablite 6Tetragonia tetragoniodes New Zealand

Spinach1,6

Viola hederacea Native Violet 2, 3,4

Shrubs and TreesAcacia melanoxylon Blackwood 5,7Acacia sophorae Coastal Wattle 7Aegiceras corniculatum River Mangrove 1,6Aiphitonia excelsa Red Ash 2, 3, 4Austromyrtus dulcis Midgenberry 2Avicennia marina var.australiasica

Grey Mangrove 1,6

Callistemon saligna White Bottle Brush 2, 3, 4Casuarina glauca Swamp She Oak 2, 3, 4, 7Commersonia bartramia Brown Kurrajong 2, 3,4Cupaniopsis anacardioides Tuckeroo 2, 3,4Eucalyptus robusta4 Swamp Mahogany n/aEucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum 2,3Ficus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig 2,3Ficus obligua var. obligua Small Leaved Fig 2,3Ficus virens var. suiblanceolata White Fig 2,3Hibiscus diversifolius Swamp Hibiscus 2,3, 7Jagera pseudorhus Foambark 2, 3, 4Lophostemon suaveol ens Swamp Box 2,3Madura cochinchinensis Cockspur 2,3Mel a! euca quinquinervia Broad-Leaved

Paperbark2,3

Mel a! euca stypheliodes Prickle-LeavedPaperbark

2, 3, 4

Myaporum acuminatum Boobialla 2,3Wickstroemia indica Bootlace Bark 17

4 Warren (1998) record only.

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Exotic Flora SpeciesScientific Name Common Name Occurrence Conservation

StatusVinesIpomea cairica Coastal Morning

Glory1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7,9,10

n/a

Ipomea purpurea Morning Glory 2,3,4, 5, 7 n/aPassiflora aurantea White Passionfruit 2,3,4, 5, 7 n/aPassiftora suberosa Corky Passionfruit 2, 3,4, 5, 7, n/aSolanum seaforthianum Climbing

Nightshade2, 3,4, 5, 7, 10 n/a

n/aHerbs and GroundcoversAgeratum houstonianum Blue Billygoat Weed 3,7 n/aAsparagus densiflorus Ground Asparagus 2,3 n/aAster sp. 7 n/aBidens pilosa Cobbler's Pegs 7 n/aCirsum vu! gare Thistle 7 n/aHydrocotyle bonariensis Pennywort 7 n/aOxalis sp. An Oxalis 7 n/aRumex sp. A Dock 7 n/aSenecio madagascariensis Fireweed 7 n/aSida rhombifolia Paddy's Lucerne 7 n/aSolanum nigrum Blackberry

Nightshade7 n/a

GrassesAxonopus affinis Carpet Grass 7,8 n/aChloris gayana Rhodes Grass 7,8 n/aCynodon dactylon Common Couch 2, 3, 7,8 n/aEleuisine indica Crows foot Grass 7,8 n/aMelinius minutiflora Molasses Grass 7 n/aPaspalum dilatatum Paspalum 7,8 n/aPaspalum vaginatum 7 n/aPaspalum weinstedii Broad leaf Paspalum 7,8 n/aPennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu 7,8 n/aSeteria spachelata Pigeon Grass 7 n/aStenotaphrum secundatum Buffalo Grass 2,3,4, 7, 8 n/a

Shrubs and TreesAsciepias curassavica Redhead Cotton

Bush7 n/a

Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel Bush 2, 3,4, 5, 7,9 n/aCest rum nocturnum Night Cestrum 2,3, 7 n/aCinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel 2,4 n/aErythrina cr1 sta-galli Cocks Spur Coral

Tree9 n/a

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Scientific Name Common Name Occurrence ConservationStatus

Goinphocatpus physocarpus Balloon Cotton Bush 7 n/aLantana camaro Lantana 2,3,4, 7, 9, 10 n/aMagrnfera indica Mango 9 n/aSchinus terebinthifolius Broad leaf Pepper 2,3,4, 7 n/aScheffi era actinophylla Umbrella Tree 2,3,4 n/aSenna glabrata var. pendula Winter Senna 2, 3,4 n/aSolanum mauritianum Wild Tobacco 2,3,4 n/a

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northAedal Phalcephy-PhotcgmnansUy - Land &tveylng - CM Ennouàg -Stsuw.I Engkmedng - Ton PI.vng -M.cpug - Ei*cnmeidal

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Appendix B - Fauna Species Detected

Common Name Scientific Name PP1997

JW1998

GH1998

SD1997

An25

AmphibiansEastern Sign-bearing Frog Crinia parinsigniferaCommon Eastern Froglet Crinia Signzfi era 0 W

-W

Marsh Frog Limnodynastes peroni -- -Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog Litoriafallax - 0

Cane Toad Bufo marinus 0 0ReptilesEastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja textilis 1Short-necked Tortoise Emidura sp. 1Grass Skink Lampropholus delicata 0Eastern Water Dragon Physignathus lesuerurii - -Avifauna -Australian Brush-turkey Alectura lathami nestBrown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora - - 2Australian Wood Duck Qienonetta jubata - 0 - 2Pacific Black Duck Anus superciliosa 0 4Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspiciflatus - 1 8Darter Anhinga me! anogaster 1 2Great Cormorant Pha!acrocorax carbo 1Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius - I -Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris 4Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax

melanoleucos1 1

White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica 3 1White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae - 0 7 4Cattle Egret Ardea ibis 12Great Egret Ardea alba - - 1 -Nankeen Night-heron Nycticorax caledonicus - - - 1Striated Heron Butorides striatus - - 2Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca 0 6 10Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia 1 1Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus - - 2 2Brabminy Kite Haliastur indus - - 2 1* Osprey Pandion haliaetus - - 1 1White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster -

-- 2 1

Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis - 1 2Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa -

-- 4

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphrio-

- - 1Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii

- -- 2 - 2 1

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica 60Eastern Curlew Numenius 33 2

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northMital PtiotompIy—Photogminmetry - Land &veybg - cM EnsednU - Stnidumi Eng ieeitng - Town PIang - M.pg - E,Mmnmantal

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JW1998

GH1998

SD1997

An2005

madagciscariensis- - -Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus - 1

-1

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia 20 2-Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis - 1 3-Curlew Sandpiper Gilidrisferruginea - 2 3

Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis - 9 1-Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata - 65 50-Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialisfrlva - 28

- -Red-capped Plover Oiaradrius ruficapillus 7-Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles - 28 - 5 4

* Pied Oystercatcher Haematapus longirostris ---

1-Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus - 0 86 7-Silver Gull Larus novarhollandiae 3 10

Crested Tern Sterna bergii 1 5Spotted Turtle-dove Streptopelia chinensi - - 3 2Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 1 6Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis - 2Galah Cacatua roseicapilla -

-- 2 2

Rainbow Lorikeet Trithoglossus haematodus - 2 6Scaly-breasted Lorikeet T. thlorolepiditus - - - 5 2Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus - - 1Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo Chrysococyx basalis 1

-Common Koel Eudynamys scopacea - - - 1-* Grass Owl Tyto capensis - - -

-2

White-throated Needle-tail Hirundapus caudacutus - - 6Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus - - 2Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus 2Red-backed Fairy-wen Malurus melanocephalus - 15Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus - 0 - 5

-Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti - - 2White-browed Scrubwren SerIcornisfrontalis - - - - 4Mangrove Gerygone Gerggone laevigaster -

-- 2 14

Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla - - 3 4Striped J-Ioneyeater Plectorhyncha lanceolata - -

-- 3

Lewin's Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii - - 4Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta - -

-- - 1 5

White-cheeked Honeyeater Phylidonyris nigra -- - -Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis- -

- 2Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus - - 2Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris

-- 1 1

Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica- -

--

1 2Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca

- - -1 2

Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus- -

1Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys

- - -- 1 r 1

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northAeitnJ Pflo(ogrephy - Ptio(ogranunelry Land Stve*g—CM Englneedng - Sbudural Engie.dng - Town PIaiwng - Mappg - Envimninental

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JW1998

GH1998

SD1997

An2005

Grey Fantail Rhipiduraftuliginosa 2 2Varied Triller Lalage leucornela 1Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehoiiandiae 2 2Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus 1Figbird Sphecotheres viridis - - 1 -White-breastedWoodwallow

Artamus leucorynchus 5 9

Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis 2Australian Magpie Gyinnorhina tibicen 2 2Pied Currawong Strepera graculina 2Torresian Crow Corvus orru 1 4Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena 3 3Fairy Martin Hirundo ariei 8Silvereye Zosterops lateralis 3 4Mistletoebid Dicaeunz hirundinaceuni 3 1Australian Reed-warbler Acrocephalus australis 1Tawny Grassbird Megalurus tirnoriensis 5 12Golden-headed Cisticola Cistiicoa exilis 0 7 18Australian Pipit Anthus aust rails 1Chestnut-breastedMannikin

Lonchura castaneothorax 4

Red-browed Finch Neochmia ternporalis 3MammalsNorthern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon macrourus TSwamp Wallaby Wallabia bicolor S. HPossum Trichosauus sp. Ht* Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus 0 0* Black Flying-fox Pteropus alecto 0* White-striped Freetail Bat Nyctinomus australis AnaA Freetail-bat Mormopterus sp. AnaBlack Rat Rattus rattus I -House Mouse Mus musculus TFox Vuipes vuipes SDog Canisfamuliaris - SBandicoot sp. Key:

0 - Observed, W - Heard calling, S - Scat or track, Ana - Anabat, T - Trapped,H - Hair sample. * Signifies a species listed under the TSC Act.PP - P. Parker (1997); JW - J. Warren and Associates (1998); GH - Glenn Holmes andAssociates (1998); SD - Stephen Debus (1998); An - ASPECT north (this study).

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northAedal Pho(cgrspy-Pt otcmmmsiy Land &rvsykig-CM Engineedag - Sindurul Engkieedng - Toee FI.iflng- Mspping - Emlrciaiiental

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Appendix C - Summary Descriptions of EndangeredEcological Communities

'Lowland Rainforest on the Floodplain', in an undisturbed state, is a closed canopyforest characterised by its high species richness and structural complexity. In disturbedstands the canopy continuity may be broken, or the canopy may be smothered by exoticvines (NPWS, 2003). The NSW Scientific Committee's determination includes a list ofplant species that characterise NSW rainforest communities that occur on floodplains.The floodplain is defined as the area of land affected by the 1 in 100 year flood event.

'Littoral Rainforest' is generally a closed forest, the structure and composition of which isstrongly influenced by proximity to the ocean. The plant species in this ecologicalcommunity are predominately rainforest species with evergreen mesic or coriaceousleaves. Several species have compound leaves and vines may be a major component ofthe canopy. The canopy is dominated by rainforest species; however scattered emergentindividuals of sclerophyll species may occur (NPWS 2004a). The NSW ScientificCommittee's determination (NPWS 2004a) provides a list of characteristic species oflittoral rainforest.

'Coastal Saltmarsh' is the name given to the ecological community occurring in theintertidal zone on the shores of estuaries and lagoons including when they areintermittently closed along the NSW coast. The community is frequently found as a zone

S landward of mangrove stands (NPWS 2004b). The NSW Scientific Committee'sdetermination (NPWS 2004b) includes a list of plant species which are characteristic ofcoastal saltmarsh.

'Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest' is the name given to the ecological communityassociated with clay-barns and sandy barns, on periodically inundated alluvial flats,drainage lines and river terraces associated with coastal floodplains. Floodplains are levellandform patterns on which there may be active erosion and aggradation by channelledand overbank stream flow with an average recurrence interval of 100 years or less.Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest generally occurs below 50m, but may occur onlocalised river flats up to 250m elevation in the NSW North Coast Bioregion. Thestructure of the community may vary from tall open forests to woodlands, althoughpartial clearing may have reduced the canopy to scattered trees. Typically these forestsand woodlands form mosaics with other floodplain forest communities and treelesswetlands, and often they fringe treeless floodplain lagoons or wetlands with semi-permanent

standing water (NPWS 2004c).

The composition is primarily determined by the frequency and duration of waterloggingand the texture, nutrient and moisture content of the soil. The combination of featuresthat distinguish the community from other endangered ecological communities on coastalfloodplains include: its' dominance by a mixed eucalypt canopy, often with Lophostetnonsuaveolens; the presence of rainforest elements as scattered trees or understorey plants; therelatively low abundance of Eucalyptus robusta; and the prominent groundcover of soft-leaved

forbs and grasses. It may occupy central or marginal parts of floodplains andsandy flats, including Pleistocene back-barrier flats; habitats where flooding is periodicand soils are rich in silt and sand, sometimes humic, and show little influence of saline

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northAsital Photography - Phc(cgwmm&iy - Land Swveyk - CM Fnneei1ng - St,uctural Engkoeft - Town Ptannlng - Mep -

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groundwater. The community may adjoin or intergrade with several other endangeredecological communities, which collectively cover all remaining native vegetation on thecoastal floodplains of NSW (NPWS 2004c). The NSW Scientific Committee'sdetermination (NPWS 2004c) provides a list of characteristic species of SubtropicalCoastal Floodplain Forest.

'Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest' is associated with grey-black clay-barns and sandybarns, where the groundwater is saline or sub-saline, on waterlogged or periodicallyinundated flats, drainage lines, lake margins and estuarine fringes associated with coastalfloodplains. The structure of the community may vary from open forests to lowwoodlands, scrubs or reedlands with scattered trees. Typically these forest, woodlands,scrubs and reedlands form mosaics with other floodplain forest communities and treelesswetlands, and often they fringe treeless floodplain lagoons or wetlands with semi-permanent

standing water. The composition is primarily determined by the frequencyand duration of waterlogging and the level of salinity in the groundwater (NPWS 2004d).

The community forms part of a complex of forested wetland and treeless wetlandcommunities found throughout the coastal floodplains of NSW. The combination offeatures that distinguish the community from other endangered ecological communitieson the coastal floodplains include: its' dominance by a tree canopy of either Casuarinaglauca or, more rarely, Melaleuca ericifoiia with or without subordinate tree species; therelatively low abundance of Eucalyptus species; and the prominent groundcover of forbsand graminoids. It generally occupies low-lying parts of floodplains, alluvial flats,

S drainage lines, lake margins and fringes of estuaries; habitats where flooding is periodicand soils show some influence of saline groundwater. This latter habitat feature sets itapart from other floodplain communities (NPWS 2004d). The NSW ScientificCommittee's determination (NPWS 2004d) provides a list of characteristic species ofSwamp Oak Floodplain Forest.

'Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains' is the name given to the ecologicalcommunity associated with periodic or semi-permanent inundation by freshwater,although there may be minor saline influence in some wetlands. They typically occur onsilts, muds or humic barns in depressions, flats, drainage lines, back swamps, lagoonsand lakes associated with coastal floodplains. The DEC (2004b), describes floodplains aslevel landform patterns on which there may be active erosion and aggradation bychannelled and overbank stream flow with an average recurrence interval of 100 years orless. Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains generally occur below 20m elevation inthe NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions. The structure ofthe community may vary from sedgelands and reedlands to herbfields, and woodyspecies of plants are generally scarce. Typically wetlands form mosaics with otherfloodplain communities, and often they include or are associated with ephemeral or semi-permanent

standing water (NPWS 2004e).

The composition of Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains is primarily determinedby the frequency, duration and depth of waterlogging and may be influenced by the levelof nutrients and salinity in the water and substrate. The community may adjoin orintergrade with several other endangered ecological communities, which collectivelycover all remaining native vegetation on the coastal floodplains of New South Wales(NPWS 2004e). The NSW Scientific Committee's determination (NPWS 2004e) provides a

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northAedaI Photograpliy_Photogranuiwtry - Land Swv.ykg— CM Enn.o,kg - Sttuctuml Er4kwwhv - Town PIan.*lg—M.pdng - En*cnmsntil

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SLot 4, DP437419


list of plant species which are characteristic of Freshwater Wetlands on CoastalFloodplains.

'Swamp Sclerophyll Forest' is the name given to the ecological community associatedwith humic clay barns and sandy barns, on waterlogged or periodically inundatedalluvial flats and drainage lines of coastal floodplains. These floodplains generally occurbelow 20m (though sometimes up to 50m) elevation, often on small floodplains or wherethe larger floodplains adjoin lithic substrates or coastal sand plains. The structure of thecommunity is typically open forest, although partial clearing may have reduced thecanopy to scattered trees. In some areas the tree stratum is low and dense, so that thecommunity takes on the structure of the scrub. The community also includes some areasof fen-land and tall reedland or sedgeland, where trees are very sparse or absent.Typically these forests, scrubs, femlands, reedlands and sedgelands form mosaics withother floodplain forest communities and treeless wetlands, and often they fringe treelessfloodplain lagoons or wetlands with semi-permanent standing water (NPWS 2004f).

The composition of Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Fboodplains is primarilydetermined by the frequency and duration of waterlogging and the texture, nutrient andmoisture content of the soil. The combination of features that distinguish the communityfrom other endangered ecological communities on the coastal floodplains include: itsrelatively dense tree canopy dominated by Eucalyptus robusta, Mel aleuca quinqueneivia or E.botryoides; Casuarina glauca or Lophosteinon suaveolens; the occasional presence of rainforestelements as scattered trees or understorey plants; and the prominence of large sedges and

S ferns in the groundcover. It generally occupies small alluvial flats and peripheral parts offloodplains where they adjoin lithic substrates or coastal sandplains. The soils are usuallywaterlogged, stained black or dark grey with humus, and show little influence of salineground water (NPWS 2004f). The NSW Scientific Committee's determination (NPWS2004e) provides a list of characteristic species of Swamp Sclerophyll Forest.

Ref No 8A040049 ASPECT northMitaI Phatogiaphy- Phc(ogranunstiy -Land &awyig-ClvU Enwuikig - S1njuraI Eigfresstng - Town Ptwang- Mapping - En*cnmwn1

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Appendix D - Fauna Habitat Conservation Values

The habitat value of the site was assessed using methodology developed byASPECT north. This methodology is based on a habitat evaluation systemestablished by Bolton (2001) and draws on information sourced from Davey et. al,(1993) and Kennedy (2003). For the purposes of assessment, this set of criteriaaims to demonstrate simply the habitat potential of the subject site for all of thefauna groups.

Habitat Conversion Table

Habitat Value (refer Table 4) Score Habitat Value (refer Table 4) Score<5 0 25-26 115-6 1 27-28 127-8 2 29-30 13

9-10 3 31-32 1411-12 4 33-34 1513-14 5 35-36 1615-16 6 37-39 1717-18 7 39-42 1819-20 8 43-45 1921-22 9 >45 2023-24 10

Habitat IndexHabitat Value from table above (12)/20 X 100 = 60%

Habitat Index Conservation Value>85% Excellent

>75-85% Very Good>65-75% Good>55-65% Medium>45.55% Poor to Average3545% Poor<35% Very Poor

Source: derived from Bolton (2001).

Ref No BA040049 ASPECT northAedal Photography- Phctogramniehy - Land &tv.ytog- CM Esssdng - Stndwal Engtoeollng -Town Planning-Mapping - Environmental

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4.6 Likelihood of Occurrence of Threatened Fauna Species

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