Clarence Valley Council Flora and Fauna Report 14 March 2012

Flora and Fauna Report - Appendix 1 - Yamba Motorway, Freeburn Street to Yamba Road at Shores Drive
NCEP
Flora and Fauna Report
Proposed Road Construction Freeburn Street to Yamba Road
February 2012
Prepared by
North Coast Environmental Planning PO Box 228 Yamba NSW 2464, Email ncep@tpg.com.auI
Prepared for Clarence Valley Council by; Janet Purcell (BSc. Grad. Dip. URP), Alan Cibilic (B.Ag.Sc.) n association with Dr Greg Clancy Ph.D .,M. Sc., M.R.Z.S. (NSW), M.E.S.A., Russell Jago (Assoc. Dip. App. Sc.)
Disclaimer: This Flora and Fauna Report is based on the methodology and information available at the time of writing. The information contained within this report has been prepared for the sole use of Clarence Valley Council and is site and date specific. This report is not to be used for any other purpose.
Summary The flora and fauna assessment for the clearing and construction of Yamba Motorway Freeburn Street to Yamba Road located at Yamba revealed a diverse range of flora and fauna including threatened species (Appendix 1 and 2, flora and fauna species lists). The vegetation at the subject site consists of Swamp Open Forest with a wet understory of rainforest and wetland species. Grey Mangroves occur on the edge of flood mitigation drains and the estuarine channel. An endangered plant, Acronychia littoralis was identified within the subject site east of Golding Street. An endangered listing under the Threatened Species Conservation Act refers to species that are likely to become extinct in nature in NSW unless factors that threaten its survival cease. To avoid damage to this tree the road will require realignment. A Species Impact Statement for this species will be required if the proposed design for the road construction is to proceed (Schedule 1 Part 1 Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995) The results from the flora survey revealed that there were no other flora species listed as threatened under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, occurring on or adjacent to the proposed activity site. The results from the fauna survey revealed seven threatened species recorded within and adjacent to the proposed activity site during the on-site fauna survey. Species recorded within close proximity to the site are recognised as potentially utilising the site as foraging and nesting habitat. Assessment of the proposed road site and the Assessment of Significance has determined that the proposed road construction will have a significant impact on the Grey-crowned Babblers and their dormitory nests and Squirrel Gliders and their habitat trapped and observed during the field survey. A Species Impact Statement is recommended. The Office of Environment and Heritage should be contacted to seek advice on the preparation of a species impact statement.
Other threatened species recorded during the field survey are not expected not be significantly impacted by the proposed works.
Contents Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 5 Site Description ............................................................................................................... 6 Legislative Requirements ................................................................................................ 7 Methodology.................................................................................................................... 7 Desktop ....................................................................................................................... 7 Field Methodology ....................................................................................................... 8 Flora ............................................................................................................................ 8 Flora ............................................................................................................................ 8 Fauna .......................................................................................................................... 8
Bird Census ................................................................................................... 8 Trapping......................................................................................................... 8 Ultrasonic Bat detection ................................................................................. 9 Call Playback ............................................................................................... 10 Spotlighting .................................................................................................. 10 Herpetofauna search ................................................................................... 11
Results .......................................................................................................................... 12 Flora .......................................................................................................................... 12
Table 1. Flora species identified as occurring within a 5 km radius of the site (NSW Department of Environment and Conservation Wildlife Atlas database) 12
Fauna ........................................................................................................................ 13
Table 3. Matters of National Environmental Significance relevant to the site (Department of the Environment and Heritage Search Tool) ....................... 16 Table 4 Threatened Fauna identified as a result of Fauna Field Survey (20 th to the 23rd February) .................................................................................... 17
Assessment of Significance (Part 5A, EPA Act 1979) .................................................... 17 Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolkensis) ..................................................................... 18 Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) ..................................................... 20 Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flavivientris) ........................................... 22 Hoary Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus nigrogrogriseus).................................................... 23 Little Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus australis) ............................................................... 25 Fishing Bat (Myotis macropus).................................................................................. 26 Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis) ................................................... 28 Clearing of Native Vegetation .................................................................................... 30 Removal of Dead Wood and Dead Trees .................................................................. 30 Loss of Hollow-bearing Trees .................................................................................... 30 Safeguards .................................................................................................................... 31 Discussion and Conclusion ........................................................................................... 32 Recommendations ........................................................................................................ 37 References .................................................................................................................... 40 Appendix 1 Flora List Deering Street Yamba .............................................................. 41 Appendix 2 Fauna species Deering Street Yamba ....................................................... 45
Introduction Clarence Valley Council engaged North Coast Environmental Planning (NCEP) to conduct a Flora and Fauna survey for the proposed construction of the Yamba Motorway Freeburn Street to Yamba Road. The field survey was undertaken over four days and three nights from the 20th through to the 23rd of February 2012. This report provides information and assessment on the results of the field survey and threatened species, including populations and ecological communities, which may occur on the site; as required by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The flora and fauna field survey and report format closely follows the requirements of the Office of Environment and Heritage (formerly NSW Department of Environment and Conservation) Working Draft Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment: Guidelines for Developments and Activities, November 2004.
This report includes a search of the area for existing records of threatened species, ecological communities and migratory species held by the Office of Environment and Heritage Wildlife Atlas database and a search for matters of environmental significance and other matters protected by the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This report includes an Assessment of Significance in order to assess the impact of the proposed works on threatened species, populations and endangered ecological communities.
The information provided is based on the flora and fauna field survey, threatened species records obtained from the Department of Environment and Conservation Wildlife Atlas database and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation website.
The data within the report, as stated, has been compiled from a flora and fauna survey and does not take into account seasonality. Seasonality, in addition to weather
conditions, may restrict or enhance the presence of fauna and flora species at the time of survey. Site Description The site of the proposed activity and field survey is confined to sections of Deering Street and Cox Streets (Map 1).
The study area and subject site are located on the southern edge of the town of Yamba. The site consists of remnant vegetation including Open Swamp Forest with a wet understory of rainforest and wetland species. Grey Mangroves occur on the edge of drains. A threatened species, Acronychia littoralis was identified within the proposed construction area.
Approx. study area
Map 1 Site Location - Deering Street Yamba Yamba 9539-2S 1:25 000 Topographic Map.
Legislative Requirements
NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Native Vegetation Act 2004 Fisheries Management Act 1994 Commonwealth Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 o o o o
Including: Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA) The Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance
Methodology
Desktop
The results of a desktop survey of threatened species, ecological communities and migratory species records within a five kilometre radius of the proposed activity site was obtained via the Office of Environment and Heritage Wildlife Atlas database. The results of this search are presented in Table 1 and Table 2.
A search of the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage database was conducted to ascertain the occurrence of threatened species, ecological communities and sites of National and International Significance. The results of this search are presented in Table 3.
Field Methodology Flora Flora

The vegetation on this site is Open Swamp Forest with a wet understory of rainforest and wetland species. Grey Mangroves, occur on the edges of the drains. The flora of the proposed activity site was comprehensively surveyed using a random meander technique and linear transects during a four day flora survey conducted from the 20th through to the 23rd of February 2012. A comprehensive flora list has been compiled as part of this report (Appendix 1).
Fauna
On-site habitat assessment of the proposed activity site was undertaken during a four day and three night fauna survey conducted from the 20th through to the 23rd February 2012.
Bird Census
Intensive bird watches were conducted during times of high bird activity and a continual census was kept of bird species during the four day and three night survey.
Trapping
Elliott Traps Arboreal Elliot traps are mounted on trees in order to sample small arboreal mammals. The distance of traps is generally determined by the availability of suitable trees. Twenty arboreal B-sized Elliott traps were set along the site. There were five A size arboreal Elliot traps approximately 20 metres apart, set at the eastern site in the small remnant patch of Swamp Sclerophyl forest. Five A size Elliot traps set in the central section of the site set approximately 20 metres apart. A further ten B size Elliot traps were set in the western end of the site set approximately 20 to 30 metres apart.
Fifty A-sized Elliott traps, set on the ground approximately 10 metres apart from the east to the west of the subject site.
Cage Traps Three cage traps were set, one at the eastern end of the site and two at the western end of the site.
Harp Traps Two harp traps were set during the survey, one at the eastern end of the site 533515E 6743232 and the second at the western end of the site 532887E 6743820.
Pitfall Traps Ten pitfall traps were set in areas of habitat expected to support small mammals, amphibians and reptiles.
Hair Tubes Ten hair tubes were set for a period of ten days in habitat from the eastern end of the site to the western end of the site.
Ultrasonic Bat detection

Bat detection was conducted from the eastern end to the centre of the site and then to the western end of the site on the 21st of February 2012. The detection held at the eastern end of the site began at 1950 hours to 2030 hours, the dry temperature was 24 degrees celsius, wet temperature was 23 degrees celcius and humidity was 92%. The detection held at the central site began at 2030 hours until 2115 hours dry temperature was 23 degrees, wet temperature 22 degrees and humidity 92%. The third bat detection was held at the western end of the site and began at 2115 hours and finished at 2150 hours, dry temperature was 22 degrees, wet temperature was 21 degrees and humidity 92%. The sky was mostly clear with a slight breeze. Cloud cover was 7/8 and was at a high level. The bat detection held on the 22nd of February was conducted from the centre at the intersection of Golding and Deering Street along Cox Street to the western end of the study area at 1950 hours to 2050 hours for one hour. Dry temperature was 23 degrees and wet temperature was 21 degrees and humidity was 84% with no wind. There was no moon and cloud cover was 7/8-8/8.
The ultrasonic bat detections were conducted during high bat activity in the early hour or so of dark. The bat detection was conducted during high bat activity in the early hour of dark. Recordings were made using a sensitivity setting between 5 and 6. These recordings have been professionally analysed to determine species present.
Call Playback
On the 21st February, call playback for Buff-banded Rail, Bush Hen and Black Bittern was conducted from the centre of the site to the eastern end of the site at 1920 hours until 1940 hours. Later at 2200 hours until 2300 hrs call playback for Powerful Owl, Barking Owl, Masked Owl, Boobook, Barn and Grass Owl and Bush-stone Curlew was conducted at the eastern end of the site Cloud was 0/8, moon 0/8 and the wind steady south easterly. Call playback was conducted on the 22nd February, at the western end of the study area at 2150 hours for Powerful Owl, Masked Owl, Barking Owl, Grass Owl, Koala, Yellowbellied Glider, Squirrel Glider, Bush-stone Curlew and Black Bittern. Moon, cloud, wind. 7/8 cloud, no moon no wind
Spotlighting
Spotlight walk Spotlighting was carried out to search for nocturnal amphibians, fish, mammals, birds and reptiles. Spotlighting was conducted on the 21st February from the eastern end of the site through to the far western end of the site from 1945 to 2200 hrs. Cloud was 7/8, moon 0/8 and the wind a steady south-easterly. On the 22nd of February spotlighting began at 2000 ending at 2150 hours at the Western end of the study area.
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Herpetofauna search
The first herpetofauna search was conducted on the 21st February at the eastern end of the site at 1230 to 1330 hours. The dry temperature was 29 degrees and the wet temperature 24 degrees with humidity at 66%.
The second herpetofauna search was conducted at the central area of the site from 1135 hours until 1300 hours on the 22nd February , the dry temperature was 28 degrees and the wet temperature was 22 degrees, with humidity at 71%. The third herpetofauna search was conducted at the western end of the site on the 23rd February from 1130 hours until 1200 hours. Dry temperature was 22 degrees, wet temperature 21.5 degrees and humidity 96%.
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Results One flora species, Acronychia littoralis was identified within the study area and is listed as Endangered under Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act. This species is located on or near the centre line of the proposed construction road. The proposed road construction will destroy this small tree.
Seven threatened fauna species were revealed on and adjacent to the subject site as a result of the fauna and flora survey conducted on the 20th to 23rd.
Flora
The eastern section of the study site supports Open Swamp Forest with a wet understory of rainforest and wetland species (Blackwood Wattle is a dominant understory species in some sections). Grey Mangroves, protected under the Fisheries Management Act 1994, occur on the edges of the flood mitigation drains.
The results of the Department of Environment and Climate Change database search identified five endangered and two vulnerable plant species within a five kilometre radius of the study site.
The field survey revealed a total of 191 flora species, comprising 112 native species and 79 introduced species (Appendix 1). One plant species Acronychia littoralis, listed as Endangered under Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, and listed in table 1 above, was identified within the study area as a result of the flora survey. This plant is located within the subject site near to the centreline of the proposed roadl.
Eight plants of significance were identified during the field survey including Umbrella Cheese Tree, Willow Primrose, Pink-flowered Doughwood, Scented Achronychia (also endangered), Queensland Silver Wattle, Zornia, Swamp Lilly and Narrow-leaved Cumbungi.
Table 1.
Flora species identified as occurring within a 5 km radius of the site (NSW Department of Environment and Conservation Wildlife Atlas database) Common Name Scientific Name Status
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Dwarf Heath Casuarina Silver Bush Rusty Rose Walnut Arrow-head Vine Byron Bay Diuris Southern Swamp Orchid Sweet Acronychia
Allocasuarina defungens Sophora tomentosa Endiandra hayesii Tinospora tinosporoides Diuris sp. aff. chrysantha Phaius australis Acronychia littoralis
E1 E1 V V E1 E1 E1
Fauna
Results of a desktop search of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Wildlife Atlas identified thirty two threatened fauna species as occurring within a five kilometre radius of the proposed activity site.
Seven of these species were identified on the site and are recognised as regularly utilising the habitat of the proposed activity area. Six threatened species were identified on and adjacent to the subject site during the on-site fauna survey, including the Squirrel Glider, Grey-headed Flying-fox,Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat, Hoary Wattled Bat, Little Bentwing-bat, Fishing Bat and the Grey-crowned Babbler, all listed as Vulnerable under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.
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Table 2.
Fauna species identified as occurring within a 5 km radius of the site
(NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Wildlife Atlas database) Species Crinia tinnula - Wallum Froglet V Litoria olongburensis - Olongburra Frog V Dromaius novaehollandiae - Emu E2 Ixobrychus flavicollis - Black Bittern V Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus - Black-necked Stork E1 Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite V Pandion haliaetus - Osprey V Grus rubicunda - Brolga V Burhinus grallarius- Bush Stone-curlew V Ptilinopus magnificus - Wompoo Fruit-Dove V Ptilinopus regina - Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove Ninox connivens Barking Owl V Ninox strenua - Powerful Owl V Tyto capensis Grass Owl V Lichenostomus fasciogularis Mangrove Honeyeater Glossy Black-Cockatoo V Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis - Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) V 18 Glossopsitta pusilla Little Lorikeet V 19 Monarcha leucotis - White-eared Monarch V 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sitella V Coracina lineata - Barred Cuckoo-shrike V Dasyurus maculata - Spotted-tailed Quoll V Phascogale tapoatafa -Brush-tailedPhascogale V Planigale maculata - Common Planigale V Phascolarctos cinereus - Koala V Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider V Comment Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Unlikely Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Recorded during the field survey Recorded within 2 km of study site in 2000 Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Recorded during the field survey Recorded on site Recorded within 2 km of study site Recorded on site Recorded within 2 km of study site Recorded within 2 km of study site Possible but not detected Possible but not detected Possible but not detected
28 Pteropus poliocephalus - Grey-headed Flying-fox V 29 Syconycteris australis - Common Blossom bat - V 30 Chalinolobus nigrogriseus - Hoary Wattled Bat - V 31 Miniopterus australis Little Bentwing V 32 Myotis adversus - Large footed Myotis V
33 Myotis macropus Southern Myotis V 34 Nyctophilus bifax - Eastern Long-eared Bat V 35 Scoteanax rueppellii - Greater Broad-nosed Bat
Note: The Office of Environment and Heritage Wildlife Atlas Database search accounts for a 5 kilometre radius. This area includes open water of the ocean, the estuary and extends across to Iluka. As a result some species that are listed in the search results are not included in Table 2 because their occurrence would not be possible. These
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include; Calidris alba Sanderling, Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot, Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit, Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper, Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew, Haematopus fuliginosus Sooty Oystercatcher, Haematopus longirostiris Pied Oystercatcher, Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand-plover, Sterna albifronsLittle Tern, Pezoporus wallicus wallicusi Eastern Ground Parrot, Dugong dugon Dugong, Physeter macrocephalus Sperm Whale. Source: Office of Environment and Heritage Protected Matters Report Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 A search was conducted on the Commonwealth Governments Department of Environment and Heritage web site (www.deh.gov.au). The search results provide guidance on matters of National Environment Significance and other matters protected by the EPBC Act in the area selected.
Thirteen threatened fauna species, eleven migratory species, one ecological community and five threatened plant species were identified as a result of this search (Table 3).
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Table 3. Matters of National Environmental Significance relevant to the site (Department of the Environment and Heritage Search Tool) Threatened Species Birds Swift Parrot Lathamus discolour Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis Australasian Bittern Botourus poiciloptilus Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza Phrygia Frogs Green and Golden Bell Frog Wallum Sedge Frog Mammals Large-eared Pied Bat, Large Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri Spot-tailed Quoll, Spotted-tail Quoll, Tiger Quoll Dasyurus maculatus maculatus (SE mainland population) Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus tridactylus Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus False Water Rat Xeromys myoides Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Petrogale penicillata New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae Plants Leafless Tongue-orchid Cryptostylis hunteriana Sweet Myrtle Cossia fragrantissima Dwarf Heath Casuarina Allocasuarina defungens Stinking Laurel Cryptocarya foetida Minute Orchid Taeniophyllum muelleri Status Endangered Vulnerable Endangered Endangered Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Endangered
Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Endangered Vulnerable Vulnerable
Threatened Ecological Community Littoral Rainforest with Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia Migratory Birds White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus Black-faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis Spectacled Monarch Monarcha trivirgatus Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca
Migratory Migratory Migratory Migratory Migratory
Recorded flying over the site Species or species habitat may occur within area Occurs at site in season Occurs at site in season Not likely to occur Clarence lowlands Recorded on the site Recorded on the site Unlikely in
Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons Migratory Rainbow Bee-eater - Merops ornatus Migratory Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza Migratory
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Phrygia Great Egret.-.Ardea alba Cattle Egret.-.Ardea ibis Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus Register of National Estate Lower Clarence River Area State and Territory Reserve Clarence Estuary
Migratory Migratory Migratory
Recorded over site Recorded over site Possible flying over site
Status Indicative Place State NSW
The Clarence River estuary is listed in the Directory of Nationally Important Wetlands
(Source: Department of Environment and Heritage search tool www.environment.gov.au/epbc)
Table 4 Threatened Fauna identified as a result of Fauna Field Survey (20th to the
23rd February) Common Name Mammals Squirrel Glider Grey-headed Flying-fox Yellow-bellied Sheath-tailed Bat Hoary Wattled Bat Little Bent-wing Bat Fishing Bat Birds Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis Vulnerable Scientific Name Status*
Petaurus norfolkensis Pteropus poliocephalus Saccolaimus flaviventris Chalinolobus nigrogriseus Minioterus australis Myotis macropus
Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable
* As listed under Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.
Assessment of Significance (Part 5A, EPA Act 1979) The presence of threatened species in the locality, as recorded during the survey and historically, triggers the Assessment of Significance, also referred to as the seven parttest, and is required in accordance with Part 5A of the Environment and Planning and Assessment Act 1979 as amended by the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.
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A seven part test has been completed for the following species, which were recorded within and adjacent to the proposed activity site during the fauna survey; Squirrel Glider, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat, Hoary Wattled Bat, Little Bentwing-bat, Fishing Bat, and Grey-crowned Babbler.
Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolkensis)

Listed as Vulnerable on the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995
(a) in the case of a threatened species, whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction,
There is denning and foraging habitat for this species within the subject site. Three Squirrel Gliders were trapped within the remnant vegetation located within the subject site and a further two Squirrel Gliders were observed on the site.
The vegetation required to be removed for the construction of this road will destroy important denning and foraging habitat of the local Squirrel Glider population and it is expected that there will be a significant impact on the local population.
Sharpe and Goldingay 2007 estimate the mean home-range area for an individual as 6.2 hectares and for a group 6.7 hectares. The area to be removed is swamp open forest with rainforest emergents and an understory of acacia. The Squirrel Glider prefers mixed species stands with a shrub or Acacia mid-storey (DEC NSW).
The Squirrel Glider requires abundant tree hollows for nesting and refuge sites (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2002). Hollow-bearing trees were identified in this section during the field survey.
(b) in the case of an endangered population, whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction,
There is no local Squirrel Glider population listed as an endangered population under Part 2, Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.
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(c) in the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered ecological community, whether the action proposed: (i) is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or (ii) is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction,
Not relevant refers only to ecological communities

(d) in relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community: (i) the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and
Three squirrel gliders were trapped on the site during the survey and a further two were observed. This local squirrel glider population would very likely use hollow-bearing trees on and adjacent to the site for nesting and denning and would use the site for foraging.
The proposed activity will remove remnant vegetation that clearly supports a local population of Squirrel Gliders. An area of approximately 2.45 hectares of remnant native open swamp vegetation with considerable rainforest elements will be removed for proposed construction of the road. Squirrel Gliders occupy a home range and live in family groups. Dissecting this section of vegetation will modify this remnant and create a further loss of habitat for both den sites and foraging sites.
. The mean home-range area for an individual Squirrel Glider has been estimated to be 6.2 hectares for an individual and for a group 6.7 hectares (Sharpe and Golding 2007).
(ii) whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action, and
Areas of remnant vegetation that supports a local population of Squirrel Gliders will become further fragmented through the proposed construction of this road. This will result in increased fragmentation of an important remnant and will represent loss of vegetation within the remnant of approximately 50%. Furthermore, the remnant vegetation constitutes a corridor linking to a similar if not the same vegetation community to the south and across Yamba Road to the Estuary Nature Reserve.
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The importance of the habitat at this site is illustrated by the number of squirrel gliders found on the site during the survey. This site represents an important corridor and linkage to the large patch of vegetation to the south and east.
This section of vegetation may represent a significant portion of the Squirrel Gliders home range given that an estimated 2.45 hectares of vegetation will be removed. If the Squirrel Gliders home range depends solely on the existing remnant of vegetation, the removal of vegetation could represent a loss of up to 90% of the groups home range.
The mean home-range area for an individual Squirrel Glider has been estimated to be 6.2 hectares for an individual and for a group 6.7 hectares (Sharpe and Golding 2007).
(iii) the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or isolated to the long-term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality,
The long term survival of the species in the locality may well be at risk because there are old growth hollow bearing trees on the site and the site supports flowering trees that provide foraging habitat for the local squirrel glider population.
(e) whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical habitat (either directly or indirectly),
The proposed activity area does not contain critical habitat.

(f) whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threat abatement plan,
Not applicable for this species.
Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)

Listed as Vulnerable in the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995
The proposed activity is unlikely place this species at risk of extinction.
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There is no Grey-headed Flying-fox population listed as an endangered population under Part 2, Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

There will be removal of flowering trees used by this species for foraging. This species forages at night feeding on fruit, nectar and pollen of rainforest and eucalypt forests (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2002).
The area of foraging habitat is expected to become fragmented as a result of the proposed action.
This will fragment a remnant of native vegetation. The area of habitat that will be removed is approximately 2.45 hectares within the proposed activity site. It is expected that some of the remnant will become isolated habitat as a result of clearing required for the proposed road construction.
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Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flavivientris)


There is no Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat population listed as an endangered population under Part 2, Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

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There will be removal of approximately 2.45 hectares of vegetation will include hollowbearing trees. The Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat depends on tree hollows for roosting. Loss of mature hollow-bearing trees and changes to the structure of forests....(NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2002).
It is not considered that this species will be significantly impacted.

The area of foraging habitat is expected to become fragmented as a result of the proposed action because a section of vegetation which will include mature trees will be removed.
This will fragment a remnant of native vegetation. The area of habitat that will be removed is approximately 2.45 hectares within the proposed activity site.

Hoary Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus nigrogrogriseus)

This species relies on hollow-bearing trees and there are hollow-bearing trees within this remnant. The Hoary Wattled Bat prefers dry old growth eucalypt forests, (www.
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threatenedspecies/environment.nsw.au) this vegetation may occur nearby, this site supports open swamp forest therefore this species is not at risk of extinction through the proposed works.
There is no local Hoary Wattled Bat population listed as an endangered population under Part 2, Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

There will be 2.45 hectares of vegetation removed from this site. The western section of the site includes old-growth hollow-bearing trees. Loss of hollow-bearing trees is a threat to this species.
The area of habitat will become fragmented. The proposed road will be constructed through the middle of a remnant containing mature old-growth hollow-bearing trees.
There will be some removal of hollow-bearing trees but this should not affect the longterm survival of the Hoary Wattled Bat.
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Little Bentwing-bat (Miniopterus australis)

Little Bentwing-bats sometimes use tree-hollows during the day and at night forage beneath the canopy of densely vegetated habitats (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2002) It is not expected that the proposed road will have an adverse effect on the life cycle of this species because they prefer caves and tunnels for roosting.
There is no local Little Bentwing-bat population listed as an endangered population under Part 2, Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

(d) in relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:
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(i) the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action proposed, and
The habitat to be removed represents approximately 50% of the current remnant. This however is not expected to have a significant effect on this species. There is similar habitat for foraging in nearby locations and the Little Bentwing-bat prefers to roost in caves.
An area of foraging habitat will become fragmented as a result of the proposed road construction. Approximately 2.45 hectares of vegetation will be removed.
The Little Bentwing-bat is found in moist eucalypt forest, rainforest and dense banksia scrub ((NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2002). The vegetation at the site includes a large number of rainforest species. This is important habitat to this species but will not impact on the long terms survival given that there is similar foraging habitat in the vicinity.

Fishing Bat (Myotis macropus)

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There is no Fishing Bat population listed as an endangered population under Part 2, Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

There will be modification of the water body along the roadside in the section of Deering Street east of Golding Street (approximately chainage 1150) which may temporarily disturb foraging for the Fishing Bat in a small section. There is adequate waterway adjacent to the site so this species will not be impacted by the proposed road construction.
The area of foraging habitat is not expected to become fragmented as a result of the proposed action.
There will not be removal or fragmentation of habitat. There will be some modification of the waterbody however this is expected to be minor and habitat will be available within the tidal channel and drains.
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Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis)

Grey-crowned Babblers were observed within the proposed construction area during during the field survey. Two dormitories of nests were identified on the site during the survey and it is expected that the proposed road construction will have an impact on this species.
This is the only known local population of Grey-crowned Babbler and the disturbance of their nests would cause stress to this species that are the only known local population in this locality. Grey-crowned Babbler populations have declined throughout their range as a
result of land-clearing practices that leave habitats fragmented. When groups become isolated, numbers decline to a level where they cannot continue to successfully breed.(Birds in Backyards 2012) It is possible that this species may become locally extinct if the nests
are removed, there is further fragmentation of remnant vegetation and if there are vehicles travelling at a speed of 80km/hour
There is no Grey-crowned Babbler population listed as an endangered population under Part 2, Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.
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Not relevant, only refers to endangered ecological communities.

There will be removal of vegetation along the proposed site and this will remove the existing dormitory nests of the Grey-crowned Babblers detected during the field survey. The nesting site that this species have been using for many years will be destroyed if the trees are removed. The Grey-crowned Babbler is threatened by clearance and the fragmentation of
habitat including removal of dead timber (OEH
The area of habitat used by the Grey-crowned Babblers is already fragmented due to urban development. The proposed works will further fragment the area of nesting and foraging habitat.
It is unlikely that the long term survival of the species in the locality will be considerably affected by habitat modification, removal and fragmentation as a result of the proposed activity.

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Key Threatening Process

(g) whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a key threatening process or is likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.
Listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995
Clearing of Native Vegetation

The proposed road construction will clear an approximate area of 2.45 hectares of native vegetation and is therefore considered to be a Key Threatening Process. The NSW Scientific Committee has identified that Clearing of any area of native vegetation, including areas less than 2 hectares in extent, may have significant impacts on biological diversity (environment nsw).
Removal of Dead Wood and Dead Trees

The proposed road construction will clear dead wood and dead trees within the subject site. The Squirrel Glider utilises hollows within standing dead trees for denning.
Loss of Hollow-bearing Trees

Squirrel Gliders, other arboreal mammals, microbats and birds including owls rely on tree hollows for nesting and shelter. The removal of hollow-bearing trees is a key threatening process for these animals and in particular those listed as vulnerable. Squirrel Gliders rely on hollows, this species was captured and observed during the field survey.
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Safeguards Any works conducted within the proposed activity area are required to address the Erosion and Sediment Controls in Clarence Valley Councils Development Control Plan for Development in Residential, Industrial zones. Any works conducted within the proposed activity area are to be carried out in accordance with Clarence Valley Councils Occupational Health and Safety requirements. A species impact statement will ensure that further information will be provided for threatened species that will be impacted by this development. To improve the habitat of the site introduced flora species need to be removed, using best practice, and local native flora of the area re-established.
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Discussion and Conclusion The field survey for this flora and fauna assessment revealed seven threatened fauna species listed as Vulnerable under Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, being the Squirrel Glider, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Yellow-bellied Sheath-tailed Bat, Hoary Wattled Bat, Little Bent-wing Bat, Fishing Bat and Grey-crowned Babbler.
Grey Mangroves, protected under the Fisheries Management Act 1994, were identified along the edges of water bodies within the study site and the study area. In some sections Mangroves will be required to be removed and a 7a permit under the Fisheries Management Act will be required from the Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries).
Spotlighting in the constructed drains and the estuarine channel on the site revealed juvenile mullet, whiting and mud crabs. The drains and channel are subject to tidal influences and may be important fish and crustacean nursery areas. These species would migrate into and from the Clarence estuary and it would be appropriate for council to consult with fisheries in regard to managing fish passage and habitat.
The proposed works will require removal of remnant vegetation containing old growth and hollow-bearing trees, important for denning and foraging of the local squirrel glider population. The footprint of the road including shoulders is estimated to be an area of 2.45 hectares. The existing remnant vegetation is an area of approximately 5.08 hectares, removal of 2.45 hectares is approximately 50% loss. The remnant vegetation represents a corridor from the south that connects to Yuraygir National Park and across Yamba Road to the Estuary Nature Reserve to the north.
Three Squirrel Gliders were trapped during the survey within the remnant vegetation and a further two Squirrel Gliders were observed during spotlighting. It is evident that part of the home range of the local population of Squirrel Gliders is within the remaining remnant vegetation. The vegetation at this site is important for denning and foraging and removal of an area of 2.45 hectares will have a significant impact given that a group of Squirrel Gliders require an area of 6.7 hectares (Sharpe and Golding 2007). The mean home range of individual Squirrel Gliders has been identified as 6.2 hectares (Sharpe and Goldingay 2007). The removal of 2.45 hectares represents a loss of approximately 36% of the mean home range of a group of Squirrel Gliders. Squirrel Gliders have the
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ability to glide over a distance of 50 metres. The removal of an area of 2.45 hectares will fragment a significant area of habitat and will reduce landing sites for gliding which may mean the animals are at risk of predation if they are forced to travel along the ground. In addition, the removal of hollow-bearing trees used for denning on the site and foraging habitat will place undue pressure on this local population.
The existing remnants are important in terms of supporting habitat for the Squirrel Glider. The remnants are link by a corridor of vegetation along the large drain to a large patch of vegetation to the south of the site and the remnant vegetation running along Deering Street provides a corridor to the east of Angourie Road and to the north of the site is the Estuary Nature Reserve. The local Squirrel Glider population may only be viable while there are corridors linking to larger patches of vegetation. A 2008 study conducted by Martin Falding for Lake Macquarie City Council found that long term viability of populations relies on protecting sufficient major habitat fragments which are physically connected to other minor and small habitat fragments by movement corridors which facilitate dispersal and breeding.
Loss of Hollow-bearing trees is a Key Threatening Process listed by the NSW Scientific committee. A range of species rely on tree hollows for nesting and shelter. One of these species is the Squirrel Glider. It is evident that a local population utilise part or the whole of the subject site as their home range. The hollow-bearing trees on the subject site and study area are likely to be used by the Squirrel Glider for nesting and shelter and to remove these trees would pose a significant impact on this local population. It is considered that there will be a significant impact on the local Squirrel Glider population and individuals. The results of the field survey and the Assessment of Significance triggers a species impact Statement for this species.
A threatened plant species, Acronychia littoralis was identified within the study area and was confirmed by Alex Floyd of the Coffs Harbour Botanical Garden. The location of this species is directly within the path of the proposed road construction and at risk of being destroyed if the proposed works proceed. Acronychia littoralis is an endangered species and destruction of this plant will cause a significant effect on this species and will therefore trigger a Species Impact Statement.
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Clearing of Native Vegetation is a Key Threatening Process listed by the NSW Scientific Committee. Clearing an area of less than two hectares may present a loss of biodiversity according to the NSW Scientific Committees Final Determination. The subject site exhibits a high level of biodiversity and the footprint of the area required to be cleared for road construction including road shoulders is an area of 2.45 hectares, reducing the current remnant by approximately 50%.
Removal of dead wood and dead trees is listed as a Key Threatening Process by the NSW Scientific Committee. Any dead wood should be left in situ where possible and where it is in a situation that might need removal it is recommended that it should be moved away from the construction area but remain within vegetated areas because it provides important habitat for vertebrate and invertebrate fauna.
It could be assumed that there is a higher risk of fatalities to native fauna if vehicles travel at a speed of 80km/hour, this speed should be reduced to 50-60km/hour. Calculations suggest that there is a maximum saving of 32 seconds in travelling the approximate 1,225metre section of motorway at 80 km/ compared with 50km/hour. The need to reduce speed approaching and leaving the Golding Street roundabout would reduce this savings of 32 second in travel time. This saving may also be further reduced as a result of the Yamba Road roundabout. Justification for an 80km/hour road design and speed limit should be further assessed and balanced against the potential impact on native fauna including threatened species that are known to occur at the site.
If the current proposed road design is constructed, sediment and erosion controls must be installed and maintained to avoid any erosion and sediment runoff into the adjoining vegetation and the small waterways that adjoin the construction site. A sediment and erosion control plan should be included in the design of the road and comply with Clarence Valley Councils Development Control Plan for Development in Industrial and Residential Zones.
As previously stated, a Species Impact Statement for the Squirrel Glider, Grey-crowned Babbler and the Acronychia littoralis has been triggered through the Assessment of Significance under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and the Threatened Species Conservation Act which revealed a significant impact on these species.
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It is not recommended in this report, however, it may be possible to avoid the requirement for a Species Impact Statement if alternative options are investigated and implemented. These options would require avoiding impact on the Achronychia littoralis, the Squirrel Glider habitat and Grey-crowned Babbler dormitories. The suggested options are discussed below and relate to impacts on species and habitat.
Suggested Options include: Option 1a. To service subdivisions in the West Yamba Area, upgrade Carrs Drive as a major access road and require developers to include internal roads as part of their subdivision plan.
Option 1b. Upgrade Golding Street to provide access to West Yamba and the Industrial Estate.
Option 1c. Move the section of the proposed Motorway located to the east of Golding Street to the south of the drain on the southern side of Deering Street to avoid the Acronychia littoralis, Grey-crowned Babbler dormitory and the Squirrel Glider corridor of native trees along the drains. This land is privately owned and Council would be required to purchase it and relocate the powerline and powerpole(s).
Option 1d The section of the motorway from Yamba Road to Golding Street should not be developed.
Option 2. Includes Options1a to service both West Yamba and the Industrial Estate to south of Golding Street and Cox Street to avoid areas of native trees including hollow-bearing trees. In this option the motorway would not connect to Yamba Road at Shores Drive but rather continue along the planned motorway corridor to Carrs Drive.
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If the current design is constructed, it is also recommended that offsets should be negotiated. Any offset area should be adjacent to the locality in order to provide habitat linkage for the local Squirrel Glider population. Suggested offsets include: 200% (5 ha) of NEW protected-in-perpetuity existing similar habitat within 5 km of the site (eg conservation covenant or reserve acquisition) 600% (15 ha) of NEW protected degraded/cleared similar habitat within 5 km of the site including re-establishment of native vegetation forest and maintenance costs for 5 years 1000% (25 ha) of weed and pest control in existing publicly-owned and protected similar habitat within 5 km of the site for a period of 20 years
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Recommendations
The following recommendations have been identified in consideration of the results of the field survey based on the current design for the proposed road construction: A species impact statement be prepared for the local Squirrel Glider population, the Grey-crowned Babbler, and the Acronychia littoralis. The application of the Assessment of Significance has found that the proposed road construction will have a significant impact on these species; Council should consult with Office of Environment and Heritage to determine the requirements of the Director General for a Species Impact Statement for the Squirrel Glider, Grey-crowned Babbler and the Acronychia littoralis; If Council, as consent authority, chooses to proceed with construction of the current design without a Species Impact Statement (SIS), or, if the SIS finds that the work can proceed, the following recommendations should be implemented in order to minimise the environmental impact of the proposal Prepare a vegetation management plan to: 1. Minimise disturbance of vegetation and soil during construction work; 2. Minimise removal of mature trees (some re-alignment of the Motorway at the western (Yamba Road) end may be required); 3. Identify and propagate from local seed, replacement habitat trees for Squirrel Glider, (replacement trees should also include Melalueca quinquenervia); 4. Manage both environmental and noxious weeds along the road reserve from Angourie Road through to Yamba Road; 5. Rehabilitate the site with local native flora species, seeds to be collected from plants occurring close to the site. Prepare and implement a community information package to education residents on the issues related to dumping garden plants and waste; Consult with Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) to apply for a Part 7 Permit to remove Mangroves, and also regarding possible dredging or filling of the estuarine channel and the provision of a culvert suitable for fish passage at the location; Further survey work may be required if the footprint of the proposed works deviates from the Yamba MotorwayYamba Freeburn Street to Yamba Road location plan (Figure 2 contained in the Review of Environmental Factors); Do not remove any on-ground dead wood from the site, if necessary push any dead wood toward vegetated areas; Do not remove or damage any standing dead wood (Stags) that may be outside the proposed road construction site (ie. Subject site) but within the study area; Wash down construction vehicles before arrival to the site and before leaving the site in order to avoid weed infestation; Undertake maintenance and weed control of the site post-construction;
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Conduct engineering works in a manner that minimises impact to and protects the native flora species occurring on site; Manage, construct and monitor sediment and erosion control measures on-site during proposed works; Implement 50km/hour speed limit; Consult with DPI (Fisheries) in regard to fish passage (ie. culvert) and filling of the estuarine channel.
No significant impact will occur to threatened species and endangered ecological communities if these measures are adopted. If they are not adopted a species impact statement under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 would be required. It is not recommended in this report may be possible to avoid the requirement for a Species Impact Statement if alternative options are investigated. These options would require avoiding impact on the Achronychia littoralis, the Squirrel Glider habitat and Grey-crowned Babbler habitat. The suggested options are discussed in sections of the road to relate to impacts on species and habitat. Suggested Options include: Option 1a. To service subdivisions in the West Yamba Area, upgrade Carrs Drive as a major access road and require developers to include internal roads as part of their subdivision plan. Option 1b. Upgrade Golding Street to provide access to West Yamba and the Industrial Estate. Option 1c. Move the section of the proposed Motorway located to the east of Golding Street to the south of the drain on the southern side of Deering Street to avoid the Acronychia littoralis, Grey-crowned Babbler dormitory and the Squirrel Glider corridor of native trees along the drains. This land is privately owned and Council would be required to purchase it and relocate the powerline and powerpole(s). Option 2. Includes Options1b and 1c and suggests purchase of private land to the south of the vegetation area to the west of Golding Street. If the current design is constructed, it is also recommended that offsets should be negotiated. Any offset area should be adjacent to the locality in order to provide habitat linkage for the local Squirrel Glider population. The following offsets are suggested (or
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alternative offsets as suggested by Councils Environment Officers (Biodiversity and Ecology): 200% (5 ha) of NEW protected-in-perpetuity existing similar habitat within 5 km of the site (eg conservation covenant or reserve acquisition) 600% (15 ha) of NEW protected degraded/cleared similar habitat within 5 km of the site including re-establishment of native vegetation forest and maintenance costs for 5 years 1000% (25 ha) of weed and pest control in existing publicly-owned and protected similar habitat within 5 km of the site for a period of 20 years
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References
Australian Museum, Strahan. R. (ed)., (1995). The Mammals of Australia. Reed Books Chatsworth Cogger. H.G., (1994) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed Books. Chatsworth Department of Environment and Conservation, (2004). Working Draft Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment: Guidelines for Developments and Activities, November 2004. Department of Environment and Conservation. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/GreycrownedBabblerVulSpListing.htm Falding, M P & Smith, A P (2008) Squirrel Glider review for Morisset Structure Plan area, Lake Macquarie City Council. NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources. NSW Bug Survey Buglopedia Factsheets. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, (2002). Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW Fauna. Northern Directorate, Coffs Harbour. Slater. P., P. & R. (2001) The Slater Guide to Australian Birds (Revised Edition) Reed New Holland. Sydney. Sharpe D.J. and Goldingay R.L., (2007) Home Range of the Australian Squirrel Glider, Petaurus Norfolcensis (Diprotodontia) Journal of Mammalogy, 88(6):1515-1522,2007 www.decc.nsw.gov.au. www.deh.gov.au
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/aboutKTPSinNSW.htm
http://birdsinbackyards.net/
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Appendix 1 Flora List Deering Street Yamba 20th to 23rd February 2012
FAMILY FILICOPSIDA (ferns) POLYPODIACEAE DICKSONIACEAE DENNSTAEDTIACEAE ASPLENIACEAE DAVALLIACEAE BLECHNACEAE COMMON NAME BOTANICAL NAME STATUS
Elkhorn (Staghorn) Common Ground Fern Harsh Ground Fern Bracken Birds Nest Fern Hares Foot Fern Fishbone Fern Swamp Water Fern
Platycerium bifurcatum subs. Bifurcatum P Calochlaena dubia Hypolepis muelleri Pteridium esculentum Asplenium australasicum P Davallia pyxidata P Nephrolepis cordifolia Blechnum indicum
CONIFEROPSIDA (Conifers) CUPRESSACEAE Cypress Pine Callitris columellaris
MAGNOLIOPSIDA (flowering plants) 1. Dicotyledons LAURACEAE Three-veined Cryptocarya Camphor Laurel Devils Twine Snake Vine Marvel of Peru Madeira Vine Calico Plant Tropical Chickweed Slender Knotweed Climbing Guinea Flower Brown Kurrajong Hard Quandong Swamp Hibiscus Sleeping Hibiscus Paddys Lucerne Cockspur Thorn Creek Sandpaper Fig Sandpaper Fig Port Jackson Fig Strangler Fig Weeping Fig White Mulberry Red Ash Slender Rice Flower Phyllanthus Umbrella Cheese Tree Cheese Tree Dwarf's Apple (Coffee Bush) White Kamala Bleeding Heart Painted Spurge White Passionflower Common Passionfruit Cork Passionflower Native Passionfruit Ivy-leaved Violet Spade Flower Cryptocarya triplinervis *Cinnamomum camphora Cassytha filiformis Stephania japonica var. discolor *Mirabilis jalapa *Anredera cordifolia *Alternanthera dentata Purple Drymaria cordata Persicaria decipiens Hibbertia scandens Commersonia bartramia Elaeocarpus obovatus Hibiscus diversifolius *Hibiscus sp. (cultivated variety) * Sida rhombifolia Maclura cochinchinensis Ficus coronata Ficus fraseri Ficus rubiginosa Ficus watkinsiana *Ficus benjamina *Morus alba Alphitonia excelsa Pimelea linifolia subs. linifolia *Phyllanthus tenellus Glochidion sumatranum Glochidion ferdinandi Breynia oblongifolia Mallotus discolor Omalanthus populifolius *Euphorbia cyathophora *Passiflora subpeltata *Passiflora edulis *Passiflora suberosa Passiflora herbertiana Viola hederacea forma B Hybanthus stellarioides
MENISPERMACEAE NYCTAGINACEAE BASELLACEAE AMARANTHACEAE Knight CARYOPHYLLACEAE POLYGONACEAE DILLENIACEAE STERCULIACEAE ELAEOCARPACEAE MALVACEAE
MORACEAE
RHAMNACEAE THYMELAEACEAE EUPHORBIACEAE S
PASSIFLORACEAE
VIOLACEAE
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FAMILY OCHNACEAE MYRSINACEAE CASUARINACEAE
COMMON NAME Mickey Mouse Plant Variable Muttonwood Brush Muttonwood Swamp Oak Forest Oak Black Sheoak Molucca Bramble Native Raspberry Indian Hawthorn Geebung Coast Banksia Pink Bloodwood Flooded Gum Forest Red Gum Swamp Turpentine Willow Bottlebrush Broad-leaved Paperbark Prickly-leaved Paperbark Sannantha Midgen Berry Brazilian Cherry Chinese Crepe Myrtle Willow Primrose Pink-flowered Doughwood Scented Acronychia Evening Jesamine White Cedar Mango Tuckeroo Large-leaved Hop Bush Golden Rain Tree Winter Senna Brush Ironbark Wattle Coast Wattle Blackwood Hickory Queensland Silver Wattle Coral Tree Glycine Siratro Zornia Rattlepod lanceolata Polygala Giant Water Vine Nave Frangipani Sweet Pittosporum English Ivy Celery Wood Elderberry Panax Umbrella Tree Dwarf Umbrella Tree Tufted Bluebell Whiteroot
BOTANICAL NAME *Ochna serrulata Rapanea variabilis Rapanea howittiana Casuarina glauca Allocasuarina torulosa Allocasuarina littoralis Rubus hillii Rubus parvifolius *Rhaphiolepis indica Persoonia stradbrokensis Banksia integrifolia Corymbia intermedia Eucalyptus grandis Eucalyptus tereticornis Lophostemon suaveolens Callistemon salignus Melaleuca quinquenervia Melaleuca styphelioides Sannantha angusta Austromyrtus dulcis *Eugenia uniflora *Lagerstroemia indica Ludwigia octovalvis S Melicope elleryana S Acronychia littoralis T,S *Murraya paniculata Melia azedarach *Mangifera indica Cupaniopsis anacardioides Dodonaea triquetra *Koelreuteria paniculata *Senna pendula var. glabrata Acacia aulacocarpa var. Acacia sophorae Acacia melanoxylon Acacia falcata *Acacia podalyriifolia S *Erythrina X sykesii Glycine microphylla *Macroptilium atropurpureum Zornia floribunda *Crotalaria lanceolata subsp. *Polygala paniculata Cissus hypoglauca Hymenosporum flavum Pittosporum undulatum *Hedera helix Polyscias elegans Polyscias sambucifolia subsp. A *Schefflera actinophylla *Schefflera arboricola Wahlenbergia communis Pratia purpurascens
ROSACEAE
MALACEAE PROTEACEAE P MYRTACEAE
LYTHRACEAE ONAGRACEAE RUTACEAE
MELIACEAE ANACARDIACEAE SAPINDACEAE
FABACEAE (CAESALPINIOIDEAE) (MIMOSOIDEAE) aulacocarpa
(FABOIDEAE)
POLYGALACEAE VITACEAE PITTOSPORACEAE ARALIACEAE
CAMPANULACEAE LOBELIACEAE
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FAMILY ASTERACEAE
COMMON NAME Vernonia Wild Aster Flaxleaf Fleabane Tall Fleabane Annual Ragweed Singapore Daisy (Yellow Dots) Farmers Friend Stinking Roger Brazilian Fireweed Thickhead Fireweed Bitou Bush subsp. rotundata Smooth Catsear Catsear Black-berry Nightshade Brazilian Nightshade Wild Tobacco Bush Cape Gooseberry Purple Morning Glory Sweet Potato Bearded-heath Tree Heath Large Mock-olive Pomax White Eye Morinda Vine Large-leaved Canthium Hairy Psychotria Common Silkpod Common Milk Vine Wonga Wonga Vine Bacopa Plantain Polka Dot Plant Veined Verbena Lantana Smooth Clerodendrum Grey Mangrove
BOTANICAL NAME Vernonia cinerea *Aster subulatus *Conyza bonariensis *Conyza albida *Ambrosia artemisiifolia *Sphagneticola trilobata *Bidens pilosa *Tagetes minuta *Erechtites valerianifolia *Crassocephalum crepidioides *Senecio madagascariensis *Chrysanthemoides monilifera *Hypochaeris glabra *Hypochaeris radicata *Solanum nigrum *Solanum seaforthianum *Solanum mauritianum *Physalis peruviana *Ipomoea cairica *Ipomoea batatas Leucopogon lanceolatus var. Trochocarpa laurina Notelaea longifolia Pomax umbellata *Richardia brasiliensis Morinda jasminoides Canthium lamprophyllum Psychotria loniceroides Parsonsia straminea Marsdenia rostrata Pandorea pandorana Bacopa monnieri *Plantago lanceolata *Hypoestes phyllostachya *Verbena rigida *Lantana camara Clerodendrum floribundum Avicennia marina var. australasica
SOLANACEAE
CONVOLVULACEAE EPACRIDACEAE gracilis OLEACEAE RUBIACEAE
APOCYNACEAE ASCLEPIADACEAE BIGNONIACEAE SCROPHULARIACEAE PLANTAGINACEAE ACANTHACEAE VERBENACEAE
AVICENNIACEAE
MAGNOLIOPSIDA (flowering plants) 2. Monocotyledons ARACEAE Cunjevoi Dumb Cane Purple Elephant-ear Sarsaparilla Wombat Berry Scrambling Lily Asparagus Plant Climbing Asparagus Plant Happy Plant Narrow-leaved Palm Lily Mother-in-laws Tongue Spiny-headed Mat-rush Blue Flax Lily Common Fringe-lily Alocasia brisbanensis *Dieffenbachia sp. *Colocasia sp. Smilax australis Eustrephus latifolius Geitonoplesium cymosum *Protasparagus aethiopicus *Protasparagus plumosus *Dracaena fragrans Cordyline stricta P *Sansevieria trifasciata Lomandra longifolia Dianella longifolia Thysanotus tuberosus
SMILACACEAE LUZURIAGACEAE ASPARAGACEAE
ASTELIACEAE DRACAENACEAE LOMANDRACEAE PHORMIACEAE ANTHERICACEAE
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FAMILY AMARYLLIDACAE TYPHACEAE COMMELINACEAE BROMELIACEAE JUNCACEAE CYPERACEAE
COMMON NAME Swamp Lily Narrow-leaved Cumbungi Blue Wandering Jew Small Wandering Jew Bromeliad rush Twig-rush Saw-sedge P Umbrella Sedge Dirty Dora Schoenoplectus Whip Vine Ischaemum Blady Grass Barbed Wire Grass Bordered Panic Summer Grass Paspalum Vasey Grass Broad-leaved Paspalum Bahia Grass Barnyard Grass Swamp Barnyard Grass Green Panic trichoglume Shade Grass Shade Grass mollis Red Natal Grass Palm Grass South African Pigeon Grass Pale Pigeon Grass Rhodes Grass Couch Marine Couch Parramatta Grass Giant Reed Common Reed Quaking Grass Cabbage Palm Bangalow Palm Alexander Palm Queen (Cocos) Palm
BOTANICAL NAME Crinum pedunculatum Typha domingensis Commelina cyanea *not known *not known
STATUS S S
Juncus kraussii subsp. australiensis Baumea juncea Gahnia sieberiana *Cyperus eragrostis Cyperus difformis Schoenoplectus subulatus Flagellaria indica Ischaemum australe Imperata cylindrica var. major Cymbopogon refractus Entolasia marginata *Digitaria sanguinalis *Paspalum dilatatum *Paspalum urvillei *Paspalum wettsteinii *Paspalum notatum *Echinochloa crus-galli Echinochloa telmatophila *Panicum maximum var. Oplismenus aemulus Oplismenus undulatifolius var. *Melinis repens *Setaria palmifolia *Setaria sphacelata *Setaria pumila *Chloris gayana Cynodon dactylon Sporobolus virginicus var. minor *Sporobolus indicus var. capensis *Arundo donax Phragmites australis *Briza maxima Livistona australis P Archontophoenix cunninghami P *Archontophoenix alexandrae *Arecastrum romanzoffianum
FLAGELLARIACEAE POACEAE
POACEAE
ARECACEAE
KEY * T S P = = = = introduced species Threatened species (Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995) Significant plant listed by Sheringham and Westaway (1997) Protected species (National Parks & Wildlife Act, 1974)
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Appendix 2 Fauna species Deering and Cox Streets Yamba 20 to 23 February 2012 FAMILY STATUS MAMMALS DASYURIDAE PERAMELIDAE PETAURIDAE drey Yellow-footed Antechinus Northern Brown Bandicoot Common Ringtail Possum Squirrel Glider T,C Common Brushtail Possum Swamp Wallaby Eastern Grey Kangaroo Grey-headed Flying-fox Black Flying-fox C VESPERTILIONIDAE T possible Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat Antechinus flavipes Isoodon macrourus Pseudocheirus peregrinus Petaurus norfolkensis Trichosurus vulpecula Wallabia bicolor Macropus giganteus Pteropus poliocephalus Pteropus alecto Chalinolobus gouldii COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME
th
rd
PHALANGERIDAE MACROPODIDAE PTEROPODIDAE T, EPBC
MURIDAE LEPORIDAE CANIDAE den BIRDS
Hoary Wattled Bat Chalinolobus nigrogriseus T,C probable Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii T,C probable Little Bentwing-bat Miniopterus australis probable Fishing Bat Myotis macropus probable Swamp Rat Rattus lutreolus Black Rat *Rattus rattus Brown Hare *Lepus capensis Fox *Vulpes vulpes
T T
MEGAPODIIDAE PHASIANIDAE ANATIDAE
Australian Brush-turkey Brown Quail Australian Wood Duck Pacific Black Duck COLUMBIDAE Spotted Dove Brown Cuckoo-Dove Crested Pigeon Bar-shouldered Dove PODARGIDAE Tawny Frogmouth PHALACROCORACIDAE Little Black Cormorant PELICANIDAE Australian Pelican ARDEIDAE White-faced Heron THRESKIORNITHIDAE Australian White Ibis Royal Spoonbill ACCIPITRIDAE Eastern Osprey T Black-shouldered Kite
Alectura lathami Coturnix ypsilophora Chenonetta jubata Anas superciliosa *Streptopelia chinensis Macropygia amboinensis Ocyphaps lophotes Geopelia humeralis Podargus strigoides Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Pelecanus conspicillatus Egretta novaehollandiae Threskiornis molucca Platalea regia Pandion cristatus Elanus axillaris
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FALCONIDAE RALLIDAE
CHARADRIIDAE SCOLOPACIDAE
LARIDAE CACATUIDAE PSITTACIDAE
CUCULIDAE TYTONIDAE ALCEDINIDAE HALCYONIDAE MEROPIDAE MALURIDAE
ACANTHIZIDAE
PARDALOTIDAE MELIPHAGIDAE
POMATOSTOMIDAE PSOPHODIDAE CAMPEPHAGIDAE PACHYCEPHALIDAE
White-bellied Sea-Eagle EPBC Whistling Kite Brahminy Kite Brown Goshawk Peregrine Falcon Buff-banded Rail Spotless Crake Dusky Moorhen Red-capped Plover Masked Lapwing Bar-tailed Godwit Whimbrel Terek Sandpiper Crested Tern Silver Gull Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Galah Rainbow Lorikeet Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Little Lorikeet Australian King-Parrot Eastern Rosella Pheasant Coucal Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Eastern Barn Owl Azure Kingfisher Laughing Kookaburra Sacred Kingfisher Rainbow Bee-eater Superb Fairy-wren Variegated Fairy-wren Red-backed Fairy-wren Large-billed Scrubwren Yellow Thornbill Brown Thornbill Spotted Pardalote Striated Pardalote Lewins Honeyeater Noisy Miner Little Wattlebird Scarlet Honeyeater Brown Honeyeater White-cheeked Honeyeater Blue-faced Honeyeater Noisy Friarbird Little Friarbird Striped Honeyeater Grey-crowned Babbler Eastern Whipbird Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Cicadabird Golden Whistler Rufous Whistler Little Shrike-thrush Grey Shrike-thrush
Haliaeetus leucogaster Haliastur sphenurus Haliastur indus Accipiter fasciatus Falco peregrinus Gallirallus philippensis Porzana tabuensis Gallinula tenebrosa Charadrius ruficapillus Vanellus miles Limosa lapponica EPBC Numenius phaeopus EPBC Xenus cinereus T, EPBC Thalasseus bergii Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae Calyptorhynchus funereus Eolophus roseicapillus Trichoglossus haematodus Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus Glossopsitta pusilla T Alisterus scapularis Platycercus eximius Centropus phasianinus Chalcites lucidus Tyto javanica Ceyx azureus Dacelo novaeguineae Todiramphus sanctus Merops ornatus EPBC Malurus cyaneus Malurus lamberti Malurus melanocephalus Sericornis magnirostris Acanthiza nana Acanthiza pusilla Pardalotus punctatus Pardalotus striatus Meliphaga lewinii Manorina melanocephala Anthochaera chrysoptera Myzomela sanguinolenta Lichmera indistincta Phylidonyris niger Entomyzon cyanotis Philemon corniculatus Philemon citreogularis Plectorhyncha lanceolata Pomatostomus temporalis T Psophodes olivaceus Coracina novaehollandiae Coracina tenuirostris Pachycephala pectoralis Pachycephala rufiventris Colluricincla megarhyncha C Colluricincla harmonica
46
FAMILY ORIOLIDAE ARTAMIDAE
COMMON NAME Olive-backed Oriole Australasian Figbird White-breasted Woodswallow Grey Butcherbird Pied Butcherbird Australian Magpie Pied Currawong Spangled Drongo Rufous Fantail Grey Fantail Willie Wagtail Torresian Crow Leaden Flycatcher Magpie Lark Eastern Yellow Robin Silvereye Welcome Swallow Common Myna Mistletoebird Red-browed Finch
SCIENTIFIC NAME Oriolus sagittatus Sphecotheres vieilloti Artamus leucorynchus Cracticus torquatus Cracticus nigrogularis Gymnorhina tibicen Strepera graculina Dicrurus bracteatus Rhipidura rufifrons Rhipidura fuliginosa Rhipidura leucophrys Corvus orru Myiagra rubecula Grallina cyanoleuca Eopsaltria australis Zosterops lateralis Hirundo neoxena *Sturnus tristis Dicaeum hirundinaceum Neochmia temporalis
DICRURIDAE RHIPIDURIDAE EPBC
CORVIDAE MONARCHIDAE PETROICIDAE TIMALIIDAE HIRUNDINIDAE STURNIDAE NECTARINIIDAE ESTRILDIDAE
REPTILES GEKKONIDAE AGAMIDAE SCINCIDAE Asian House Gecko Eastern Water Dragon Striped Skink Land Mullet Garden Sun-Skink Black-bellied Swamp Snake *Hemidactylus frenatus Physignathus lesueurii Ctenotus robustus Egernia major Lampropholis delicata Hemiaspis signata
ELAPIDAE
AMPHIBIANS MYOBATRACHIDAE Plains Toadlet Common Eastern Froglet Ornate Burrowing Frog Brown-striped Frog Northern Banjo Frog Great Barred Frog Dusky Toadlet Green Tree Frog Red-eyed Tree Frog # Bleating Tree Frog Dainty Green Tree Frog Broad-palmed Frog Rocket Frog Cane Toad Litoria dentata Litoria gracilenta Litoria latopalmata Litoria nasuta *Bufo marinus Crinia parinsignifera Crinia signifera Opisthodon ornatus Limnodynastes peronii Limnodynastes terraereginae Mixophyes fasciolatus Uperoleia fusca Litoria caerulea Litoria chloris
HYLIDAE
BUFONIDAE
47
FAMILY FISH MUGILIDAE SILLAGINIDAE POECILIIDAE
COMMON NAME
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Sea Mullet Sand Whiting Plague Minnow
Mugil cephalus Sillago ciliata *Gambusia holbrooki
INVERTEBRATES
Insects:
Butterflies
HESPERIIDAE PAPILIONIDAE
PIERIDAE
Flame Skipper Common Dart Macleays Swallowtail Blue Triangle Orchard Butterfly Chequered Swallowtail Common Migrant Lemon Migrant Common Grass Yellow Northern Jezebel Cabbage White
Monarch
Hesperilla idothea clara Ocybadistes flavovittatus flavovittatus Graphium macleayanum macleayanum Graphium sarpedon choredon Papilio aegeus aegeus Papilio demoleus sthenelus Catopsilia pyranthe crokera Catopsilia pomona pomona Eurema hecabe phoebus Delias argenthona argenthona Pieris rapae rapae
*Danaus plexippus plexippus
NYMPHALIDAE
LYCAENIDAE
Black and White Tiger Lesser Wanderer Blue Tiger Evening Brown Sword-grass Brown Meadow Argus Small Green-banded Blue
Danaus affinis affinis Danaus chrysippus petilia Tirumala hamatus hamatus Melanitis leda bankia Tisiphone abeona antoni Junonia villida calybe Danis hymetus taygetus
Moths
AMATIDAE NOT KNOWN Tiger Moth Large orange moth Amata sp. not known
Dragonflies and Damselflies

LIBELLULIDAE NOT KNOWN NOT KNOWN NOT KNOWN NOT KNOWN Red-tailed Dragonfly Olive-brown Dragonfly Golden Dragonfly Green Dragonfly Blue Damselfly Nannophya dalei occidentalis not known not known not known not known
Beetles
SCARABAEIDAE Rhinoceros Beetle Xylotrupes gideon
Wasps
VESPIDAE Paper Wasp Polistes sp.
48
FAMILY
COMMON NAME
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Grasshoppers, crickets and locusts

TETTIGONIIDAE ACRIDOIDEA GRYLLIDAE Fawn Long-horned Grasshopper not known Green Long-horned Grasshopper not known Locust not known Black Field Cricket Gryllus servillei
Cockroaches
NOT KNOWN NOT KNOWN Small round native Cockroach Small black native cockroach not known not known
Arachnids
SPARASSIDAE ARGIOPIDAE Brown Huntsman Spider Leaf-curling Spider Garden Orb-weaving Spider Heteropoda cervina Phonognatha graeffei Eriophora transmarina
Crustaceans
PORTUNIDAE Mud Crab Scylla serrata
Molluscs
CAMAENIDAE HELICIDAE HELICARIONIDAE native snail Garden Snail Semi-slug Meridolum sp. *Helix aspera Parmavitrina megastoma
Other invertebrates millipedes, centipedes, cicadas, earthworms and slaters.
KEY T C = = Species listed as Threatened in NSW Fauna of Conservation Concern Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
EPBC =
49

Clarence Valley Council Flora and Fauna Report 14 March 2012

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Clarence Valley Council Flora and Fauna Report 14 March 2012

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Flora and Fauna Report - Appendix 1 - Yamba Motorway, Freeburn Street to Yamba Road at Shores Drive

Flora and Fauna Report

Proposed Road Construction Freeburn Street to Yamba Road

Approx. study area

Field Methodology Flora Flora

Ultrasonic Bat detection

Fauna species identified as occurring within a 5 km radius of the site

Migratory Migratory Migratory Migratory Migratory

Migratory Migratory Migratory

Status Indicative Place State NSW

Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable

* As listed under Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolkensis)

Not relevant refers only to ecological communities

The proposed activity area does not contain critical habitat.

Not applicable for this species.

Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)

The proposed activity is unlikely place this species at risk of extinction.

Not relevant refers only to ecological communities

The proposed activity area does not contain critical habitat.

Not applicable for this species.

Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (Saccolaimus flavivientris)

The proposed activity is unlikely place this species at risk of extinction.

Not relevant refers only to ecological communities

It is not considered that this species will be significantly impacted.

The proposed activity area does not contain critical habitat.

Not applicable for this species.

Hoary Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus nigrogrogriseus)

Not relevant refers only to ecological communities

The proposed activity area does not contain critical habitat.

Not applicable for this species.

Little Bentwing-bat (Miniopterus australis)

Not relevant refers only to ecological communities

The proposed activity area does not contain critical habitat.

Not applicable for this species.

Fishing Bat (Myotis macropus)

The proposed activity is unlikely place this species at risk of extinction.

Not relevant refers only to ecological communities

The proposed activity area does not contain critical habitat.

Not applicable for this species.

Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis)

Not relevant, only refers to endangered ecological communities.

The proposed activity area does not contain critical habitat.

Not applicable for this species.

Key Threatening Process

Listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

Clearing of Native Vegetation

Removal of Dead Wood and Dead Trees

Loss of Hollow-bearing Trees

CONIFEROPSIDA (Conifers) CUPRESSACEAE Cypress Pine Callitris columellaris

RHAMNACEAE THYMELAEACEAE EUPHORBIACEAE S

FAMILY OCHNACEAE MYRSINACEAE CASUARINACEAE

MALACEAE PROTEACEAE P MYRTACEAE

LYTHRACEAE ONAGRACEAE RUTACEAE

MELIACEAE ANACARDIACEAE SAPINDACEAE

FABACEAE (CAESALPINIOIDEAE) (MIMOSOIDEAE) aulacocarpa

POLYGALACEAE VITACEAE PITTOSPORACEAE ARALIACEAE

CONVOLVULACEAE EPACRIDACEAE gracilis OLEACEAE RUBIACEAE

APOCYNACEAE ASCLEPIADACEAE BIGNONIACEAE SCROPHULARIACEAE PLANTAGINACEAE ACANTHACEAE VERBENACEAE

SMILACACEAE LUZURIAGACEAE ASPARAGACEAE

ASTELIACEAE DRACAENACEAE LOMANDRACEAE PHORMIACEAE ANTHERICACEAE

FAMILY AMARYLLIDACAE TYPHACEAE COMMELINACEAE BROMELIACEAE JUNCACEAE CYPERACEAE

PHALANGERIDAE MACROPODIDAE PTEROPODIDAE T, EPBC

MURIDAE LEPORIDAE CANIDAE den BIRDS