Warringah Aquatic Centre
Transcription
Warringah Aquatic Centre
Warringah Aquatic Centre Flora and Fauna Assessment Final Prepared for Warringah Council November 2015 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment DOCUMENT TRACKING Item Detail Project Name Warringah Aquatic Centre – Flora and Fauna Assessment Project Number 2177 Jennie Powell Project Manager Phone (02) 8536 8656 Level 6, 299 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Prepared by Belinda Failes, Jennie Powell and Ian Mullins Reviewed by Meredith Henderson and David Bonjer Approved by David Bonjer Status Final Version Number 1 Last saved on 3 November 2015 Cover photo Top Left: Existing Aquatic Centre and adjacent vegetation. Right: Canopy layer suitable for fauna habitat. Bottom Left: Duffys Forest Ecological Community. This report should be cited as ‘Eco Logical Australia 2015. Warringah Aquatic Centre – Flora and Fauna Assessment. Prepared for Warringah Council.’ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This document has been prepared by Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd with support from Warringah Council. Disclaimer This document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the contract between Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd and Warringah Council. The scope of services was defined in consultation with Warringah Council, by time and budgetary constraints imposed by the client, and the availability of reports and other data on the subject area. Changes to available information, legislation and schedules are made on an ongoing basis and readers should obtain up to date information. Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report and its supporting material by any third party. Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for site specific assessment or legal advice in relation to any matter. Unauthorised use of this report in any form is prohibited. Template 24/07/2015 © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD ii Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Contents Executive summary ................................................................................................................................ vi 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Background................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Location ........................................................................................................................................ 1 1.3 Terminology .................................................................................................................................. 1 1.4 Legislative context ........................................................................................................................ 2 2 Methods ....................................................................................................................................... 4 2.1 Data audit and literature review .................................................................................................... 4 2.2 Site inspection .............................................................................................................................. 4 2.2.1 Vegetation communities ............................................................................................................... 4 2.2.2 Flora surveys ................................................................................................................................ 5 2.2.3 Fauna surveys .............................................................................................................................. 5 2.2.4 Survey conditions ......................................................................................................................... 5 2.3 Survey limitations ......................................................................................................................... 5 3 Literature review ......................................................................................................................... 7 4 Ecological values ..................................................................................................................... 10 4.1 Desktop review ........................................................................................................................... 10 4.1.1 Landscape context and land use ................................................................................................ 10 4.1.2 Threatened ecological communities ........................................................................................... 13 4.1.3 Threatened flora species ............................................................................................................ 15 4.1.4 Threatened fauna species .......................................................................................................... 15 4.2 Field survey results ..................................................................................................................... 16 4.2.1 Vegetation communities within the study area ........................................................................... 16 4.2.2 Highly modified Duffys Forest..................................................................................................... 17 4.2.3 Remnant Duffys Forest ............................................................................................................... 17 4.2.4 Vegetation communities within MWWMP ................................................................................... 18 4.2.5 Flora species .............................................................................................................................. 21 4.2.6 Threatened flora species ............................................................................................................ 21 4.2.7 Fauna species and habitats ........................................................................................................ 21 4.2.8 Threatened fauna species .......................................................................................................... 24 4.2.9 Ecological connectivity ............................................................................................................... 24 5 Constraints and potential impacts ......................................................................................... 26 5.1 Potential Impacts to DFEC ......................................................................................................... 26 5.2 Potential impacts to other vegetation communities .................................................................... 27 © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD iii Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment 5.3 Potential impacts to habitat for threatened flora and fauna and other significant species ......... 27 5.4 Potential Impacts to ecological connectivity ............................................................................... 27 5.5 Recommendation ....................................................................................................................... 27 References ............................................................................................................................................. 29 Appendix A : Likelihood of occurrence .............................................................................................. 32 Appendix B : Species list ..................................................................................................................... 60 Appendix C : Anabat Results ............................................................................................................... 66 List of figures Figure 1: Warringah Aquatic Centre study area and locality ...................................................................... 3 Figure 2: 1972 aerial photograph of landfill extent and proposed lease area overlay ............................. 11 Figure 3: 1978 aerial photograph of vegetation disturbance and proposed lease area overlay ............. 12 Figure 4: Council vegetation mapping of the locality .............................................................................. 14 Figure 5: Council vegetation mapping within study area and MWWMP ................................................. 19 Figure 6: Validated vegetation mapping and APZ for infill development ................................................. 20 Figure 7: Fauna habitat ............................................................................................................................ 25 Figure 8: Call profile for Miniopterus australis recorded at Warringah Aquatic Centre at 0249 on 10 August 2015. ............................................................................................................................................ 69 Figure 9: Probable call profile for Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis recorded at Warringah Aquatic Centre at 0253 on 10 August 2015. ......................................................................................................... 69 Figure 10: Possible call profile for Tadaria australis recorded at Warringah Aquatic Centre at 2111 on 9 August 2015. ............................................................................................................................................ 70 Figure 11: Call profile for Vespadelus darlingtoni recorded at Warringah Aquatic Centre at 1738 on 8 August 2015. ............................................................................................................................................ 70 List of tables Table 1: Weather conditions during field survey (Station 066059 Terrey Hills – BOM 2015) .................... 5 Table 2: Summary of literature relevant to the project ............................................................................... 7 Table 3: Noxious weeds and WoNS present in the study area ................................................................ 21 © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD iv Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Table 4: Habitat features and associated fauna groups (guilds) recorded in the study area................... 22 Table 5: Areas of vegetation communities impacted for building footprint on entire lease area ............. 26 Table 6: Areas of vegetation communities impacted for amended building footprint ............................. 28 Table 7: Site 1 (Anabat01) results from two Anabat nights 8 and 9 August 2015, Warringah Aquatic Centre. ...................................................................................................................................................... 67 Table 8: Site 2 (Anabat02) results from two Anabat nights 8 and 9 August 2015, Warringah Aquatic Centre. ...................................................................................................................................................... 67 Abbreviations Abbreviation Description APZ Asset Protection Zone BPA Bushfire Protection Assessment DA Development Application DFEC Duffys Forest Ecological Community DP&E Department of Planning and Environment EA Environmental Assessment ELA Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 EP&A Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 FFA Flora and Fauna Assessment MWWMP Manly Warringah War Memorial Park OEH NSW Office of Environment and Heritage PoM Plan of Management SMCMA Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority REF Review of Environmental Factors RMS Roads and Maritime Services TEC Threatened Ecological Community TSC Act NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 WAC Warringah Aquatic Centre © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD v Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Executive summary Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd (ELA) was engaged by Warringah Council (WC) to undertake an Environmental Constraints Assessment (ECA) for land directly to the east and south of the existing Warringah Aquatic Centre (WAC) located on Aquatic Drive, Frenchs Forest, NSW. Council wish to lease this land so that it can be developed to accommodate facilities complementary to the existing WAC and sporting fields to the east of the WAC. The ECA identifies environmental constraints in relation to this lease area and to land to the south and west of the site which may require vegetation clearing for bushfire asset protection zones (APZ). This report is a Flora and Fauna Assessment which along with a Bushfire Protection Assessment and a Stage 1 Environmental Site Assessment (Contaminated Site) will support the Environmental Constraints Assessment. This assessment has taken a precautionary and conservative approach and concluded that the regrowth vegetation on a previously disturbed site to the south of the WAC building is a form of highly modified Duffys Forest vegetation. With the exception of landscape plantings on the eastern side of the building and some modified sandstone vegetation immediately to the north of a water supply pipeline, the remaining vegetation within the study area is a remnant form of Duffys Forest Ecological Community (DFEC) listed as endangered under the TSC Act. Compared to remnant Duffys Forest the biodiversity values of the highly modified Duffys Forest are low due to poor species diversity and capacity for the vegetation to improve over time due to past disturbance of the soil seedbank and soil structure. The Flora and Fauna Assessment has also concluded that: Habitat for a number of threatened fauna and flora species exists within the area. One locally significant freshwater fish, Galaxias brevipinnis (Climbing Galaxias) is known to occur within Curl Curl Creek. This species is not listed as threatened under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 or EPBC Act, however, the Curl Curl Creek population is the northern-most distribution for this species. Despite the presence of major roads to the west and east, in general, the ecological connectivity of the study area is good. The adjacent landscape in the west contains large tracts of native vegetation which form part of a Council reserve and Garigal National Park. The vegetation within the study area is part of a corridor with Manly Warringah War Memorial Park (MWWMP) Reserve which includes over 377 ha of high quality native vegetation. To avoid significant impacts to the remnant Duffys Forest Ecological Community it is recommended that the development footprint and Asset Protection Zones are contained within the proposed lease area. If so, the development would impact on only 0.03 ha of remnant DFEC and 0.28 ha of highly modified DFEC. This impact is not considered to have a significant effect on DFEC with the application of an assessment of significance under Section 5a of the EP&A Act. The potential environmental constraints within the proposed lease area are moderate to low for threatened fauna, flora and other significant species. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD vi Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment 1 Introduction 1.1 Ba c kg roun d Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd (ELA) was engaged by Warringah Council (WC) to undertake an Environmental Constraints Assessment (ECA) for land directly to the east and south of the existing Warringah Aquatic Centre (WAC) located on Aquatic Drive, Frenchs Forest, NSW. Council wish to lease this land so that it can be developed to accommodate facilities complimentary to the existing WAC and sporting fields to the east of the WAC. The ECA identifies environmental constraints in relation to this lease area and land to the south and west of the site. This FFA identified key site constraints relating to Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC), threatened species and their habitats listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Other constraints associated with the possible indirect or flow-on effects to adjacent waterways and bushland have also been considered. Of particular concern to Council and the local community is the potential impact that construction work may have on the local flora and fauna, especially the endangered Duffys Forest Ecological Community (DFEC) and transitional vegetation community, and local habitat for threatened fauna such as Pseudophryne australis (Red-crowned Toadlet), the inherent as value of the of the bushland, well as downstream impacts into the Manly Warringah War Memorial Park (MWWMP). 1.2 Loc at i on The Warringah Aquatic Centre (WAC) is located in the northern beaches suburb of Frenchs Forest less than 15 km north of the Sydney Central Business District. The centre is owned and operated by Warringah Council The WAC is accessed off Aquatic Drive to the north. To the west of the WAC is the Wakehurst Parkway; there are sportsfields and amenities to the east and MWWMP also known as Manly Dam is located to the south. A major water supply pipeline and associated maintenance trail on the southern boundary is managed by Sydney Water and separates the Aquatic Reserve area from MWWMP. The Aquatic Reserve sportsfields are part of reclaimed land on a former municipal land fill waste site from 1970s. A separate contamination lands assessment of the former landfill site has been prepared for the EA. 1.3 T erm ino log y The following terminology has been used for this report and is consistent with the NSW Threatened Species Assessment Guidelines (DPI 2008): Subject site – refers to the area directly affected by the proposal (i.e. the development footprint and APZ clearing). Study area – refers to the subject site and any additional areas, which are likely to be affected by the proposal, either directly or indirectly (this area may include adjacent waterways and bushland). Locality - the same meaning as ascribed to local population of a species or local occurrence of an ecological community. Additional terms used in this report are defined below: © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 1 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment 1.4 Lease area – a potential footprint of land that may be developed to accommodate facilities complementary to the existing WAC and sporting fields to the east of the WAC Special Fire Protection Purpose Asset Protection Zone – an area maintained to minimal fuel loads to protect a development defined as a Special Fire Protection Purpose from fire hazard. These are generally developments designed for occupants that are more vulnerable to bush fire attack due to reduced mobility capacity, less educated regarding bush fire impacts, organisational difficulties for relocation, have communication barriers and logistical arrangements Infill development – development of vacant or under-used land parcels within existing urban areas that are already largely developed; in the context of development that may occur within the lease area an asset protection zone for infill development will have a smaller extent than an asset protection zone for a special fire protection purpose development. Leg is l at iv e cont e xt The legislative context of the assessment is covered in Section 3 of the main constraints assessment report. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 2 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Figure 1: Warringah Aquatic Centre study area and locality © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 3 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment 2 Methods 2.1 Dat a au dit a nd lit e r at ur e r ev iew Database records and relevant literature pertaining to the ecology of the study area and surrounding areas were reviewed. The material reviewed included: 2.2 NSW BioNet, Atlas of NSW Wildlife database search (5 km) (Accessed 3 August 2015) EPBC Protected Matters Search tool (5 km) (Accessed 4 August 2015) OEH threatened species profile database Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Authority vegetation mapping (OEH 2013) Vegetation mapping for Warringah Council (Smith and Smith 2010) Soil Landscapes of Sydney 1:100 000 Sheet (Chapman and Murphy 1989) Manly Warringah War Memorial Park Plan of Management (Gondwana Consulting Pty Ltd. 2014) Mona Vale Road upgrades – Stage 3 (Sinclair Knight Merz 2013) Biodiversity Assessment Report – Northern Beaches Hospital Stage 2 (SMEC 2015) Preliminary Species Impact Statement - Manly Vale Public School (Kleinfelder 2015) Aerial photography. Si te in sp e ct i on The site inspection for the flora and fauna assessment was conducted on 6, 8 and 12 August 2015 by Ecologists Jennie Powell and Matthew Dowle. The site inspection was conducted to: Validate existing vegetation mapping (OEH 2013 and Smith & Smith 2010) and determine the condition of vegetation communities present and / or presence of any endangered ecological communities. Determine the presence of any threatened flora and fauna species. Identify habitat features for potential threatened flora and fauna species within the study area. Acquire field information to facilitate a bushfire assessment. 2.2.1 Vegetation communities The random meander method (Cropper 1993) was used to confirm the boundaries of vegetation communities and species assemblages within the study area. Where the boundaries of vegetation communities differed from existing vegetation mapping, these were modified on hard copy maps and marked with a hand-held GPS. Two biometric vegetation plots (20 m x 50 m) were undertaken to assist with the determination of vegetation types within the study area. The floristic data was compared with the “Duffys Forest index” (DFI) which was developed by Smith and Smith (2000) to differentiate this community from other similar vegetation communities. The test uses positive and negative diagnostic species for DFEC and two closely associated vegetation communities (Sydney Sandstone Ridgetop Woodland and Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest). A second diagnostic vegetation community test using positive and negative diagnostic plant species from a range of vegetation communities lists from Tozer 2010 was also applied. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 4 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment 2.2.2 Flora surveys Targeted flora surveys were conducted simultaneously while validating the vegetation communities. A list of potential threatened flora species likely to occur was identified during literature review (Section 2.1). Field surveys focused on suitable habitat for threatened flora species. A list of opportunistic observations was also recorded. 2.2.3 Fauna surveys General The presence of threatened fauna species identified as having the potential to occur in the study area was determined through a habitat assessment. Where threatened species or important habitat features were observed, such as hollow-bearing trees, their locations were marked using a hand-held GPS. However, the locations of all important habitat features (e.g. rock outcrops, significant logs and location of all winter flowering eucalypts) observed were not recorded, but rather a qualitative assessment was conducted for each feature was conducted. Surveys also included a search for ephemeral drainage lines within the study area which may provide suitable habitat for threatened amphibians (namely the Red-crowned Toadlet). Opportunistic sightings of all fauna present within the study area were recorded. Microbat echolocation call recording and identification Two anabat ultrasonic recording devices were deployed within the study area between the 8 to 12 August and set to record all night. A total of eight recording nights were completed. Calls were analysed and identified by Danielle Adams-Bennett. 2.2.4 Survey conditions Field surveys were conducted when morning temperatures were cold and daytime temperatures 0 reaching a maximum of 17.8 C on two days (Table 1). No rain fell during the field survey, or had fallen during the previous week. Table 1: Weather conditions during field survey (Station 066059 Terrey Hills – BOM 2015) 0 0 Max Date Min temp. ( C) Max temp. ( C) Rainfall (mm) 6 August 2015 5.7 15.2 0 WSW 33km/hr 8 August 2015 6.2 15.0 0 SSW 30 9 August 2015 5.0 17.0 0 NNE 20 10 August 2015 7.7 18.2 0 NW 22 11 August 2015 .7 19.2 0 W 26 12 August 2015 6.8 15.6 0 WNW 43km/hr 2.3 wind speed/direction Su rv e y li mit at ion s The initial field survey was conducted at the beginning of spring, and may be outside of the optimal survey period for some flora and fauna. Thus, it is possible that flora and fauna species that may occur in the study area were not recorded due to the life cycle and behaviour of species and seasonal considerations. Targeted surveys would require repeating over a number of seasons to more adequately capture the diversity of flora and fauna that could be present in the study area. Since this © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 5 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment was not possible, habitat assessments were undertaken to predict the likely presence of species. In addition, considering the habitat available on site, the condition of the vegetation and the proposed impacts, the survey effort was deemed satisfactory for the purposes of this report. A conservative approach was also taken in assuming the presence of species that could potentially occur in the study area (that is, species were assessed to have the potential to be present even if the potential for this was low). It should also be noted that ideal survey period for microbats using ultrasonic devices (anabat) should coincide with warmer weather when microbats are more active, i.e. between October to May. However, species may be active at any time of year, provided the weather conditions are mild and calm. Weather conditions during anabat surveys were generally stable and no wind was recorded and temperatures above 5 degrees each night (Section 2.2.4). Although there may be some additional species which were not recorded during the survey period the detectors were able to capture microbat activity within the study area. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 6 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment 3 Literature review Table 2: Summary of literature relevant to the project Report Author Background/Objectives Key conclusions relevant to this FFA Impacts from the hospital construction will: A biodiversity impact assessment was undertaken at the Northern Beaches – Hospital Concept Proposal DP&E 2014 and Stage 1 nearby proposed hospital site using the Biobanking Assessment Methodology. A site at Bundaleer Street Belrose Ecological Community (DFEC) is proposed as an offset site for impacts at the proposed hospital site. remove approximately 5 ha of the endangered Duffy’s Forest reduce the width of habitat ecological connectivity between Oxford Falls and MWWMP A total of 323 ecosystem credits (DFEC) and 121 species credits (Powerful Owl) are required to be offset from the construction of the hospital. EIS – Stage Impacts from the Stage 1 road access works will: 1 This project is part of an Environmental Impact Statement remove 1.2 ha of DFEC RMS assessed under Part 5.1 State Significant Infrastructure of the impact on habitat for five threatened fauna species recorded in the 2014 EP&A Act. Stage 1 works will focus on providing adequate overview Northern Beaches Hospital Connectivity Work EIS – Stage vicinity of the Stage 1 works; Red-crowned Toadlet, Powerful Owl, road access to the hospital. Swift Parrot, Eastern Bentwing-bat and Grey-headed Flying fox. remove potential foraging habitat for the Red-crowned Toadlet. 2 overview Northern Beaches Hospital - Stage 2 works will focus on road widening and upgrading of road intersections, particularly addressing peak traffic flow on RMS the Wakehurst Parkway, Warringah Road and Forest Way. 2015 Impacts from the Stage 2 works will: remove 6.1 ha of DFEC of which 4.5 ha occurs as ‘modified’ DFEF (i.e. mown lawns). increase surface water flow rates which will impact on Red-crowned Network Works will also service population growth in the area and Enhancement coincide with the hospital upgrade. This report identifies the methodologies and impacts of the The report findings include the following: Northern Beaches Hospital Stage 2 works which includes the Toadlet habitat identified in the vicinity of Aquatic Drive. increase fragmentation of wildlife habitat. Work Biodiversity Assessment Report – Northern SMEC 2015 current study area (WAC). It describes the targeted surveys © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD a total of 17 flora and 35 fauna species have potential to occur within the Stage 2 area although potential impacts to habitat for these 7 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Report Author Background/Objectives Key conclusions relevant to this FFA Beaches Hospital which were conducted and identifies ecological communities Stage 2 and threatened species impacted by Stage 2 species are only minor. an assessment of significance under S5A of the EP&A Act has concluded that Stage 2 works are likely to have a significant impact on DFEC as only 16% of original extent of DFEC remains offsetting for the impacts to DFEC and potential Red-crowned Toadlet habitat are required A 3.3 km section of Mona Vale Road between McCarrs Creek Sinclair Road Terry Hills to Powder Works Road, Ingleside will be Mona Vale Road Knight increased from a dual lane to a four lanes carriageway to upgrade – Stage 3 Merz improve traffic flow. Three potential route options were 2013 considered for the upgrade. The final ecological assessment will be available in 2015. A preliminary impact assessment has identified that the road widening will: remove DFEC impact on two threatened flora species: Microtis angusii (Angus Onion Orchid) and Grevillea caleyi impact a wildlife corridor. The works will: The NSW Department of Education and Communities Preliminary SIS Manly Vale Primary School propose to expand Manly Vale Primary School to Kleinfeld accommodate up to 1000 students (from a current 400 er 2015 capacity). Works will include new classrooms, recreational areas and landscaping with an additional clearing of bushland for an APZ. impact habitat for four threatened fauna species: Eastern Pygmypossum, Powerful Owl, Eastern Bentwing-bat and Grey-headed Flying-fox. remove 4.37 ha of native vegetation The SIS concludes that the works are unlikely to have a significant impact on threatened species. The Park contains habitat for: A plan of management prepared for 377 ha of crown land Manly Warringah War Park Memorial - Plan Management of three patches of DFEC three threatened flora species, Prostanthera mariflora, Pimelea Gondwan (comprising of sandstone bushland and a 30 ha freshwater a water body) under the management control of Council. The Consultin plan was prepared with community extensive consultation and g Pty Ltd provides strategic direction and sustainable management Koala and Spotted-tailed Quoll. Occasional visitors include Grey- 2014 options for the cultural, biodiversity and heritage values of the headed Flying-fox and Eastern Bent-wing Bat Park. curviflora var. curviflora and Tetratheca glandulosa Rosenberg’s Goanna, Red-crowned Toadlet and historic records of one locally significant freshwater fish, Galaxias brevipinnis (Climbing Galaxias) known to occur within Curl Curl Creek. This species is not listed as threatened under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 or © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 8 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Report Author Background/Objectives Key conclusions relevant to this FFA EPBC Act, however, the Curl Curl Creek population is the northernmost distribution for this species. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 9 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment 4 Ecological values 4.1 De s kt op r ev i ew 4.1.1 Landscape context and land use The Warringah Aquatic Centre (WAC) is located within the central section of the study area with the Aquatic Reserve baseball sportsfields to the east, and native vegetation extending to the Wakehurst Parkway to the west and to the water supply pipeline and maintenance trail to the south. A tall chain mesh fence encloses the WAC building, outdoor pool, associated lawn areas and adjacent bushland. To the south of the water supply pipeline is the MWWMP which is a large Council bushland reserve and highly valued by the local community as a recreation venue, conservation area and scenic asset (Gondwana Consulting 2014). The soil landscape is broadly mapped as ‘Disturbed Terrain’ (Chapman and Murphy 1989) and the soil profile of much of the study area was substantially altered by the former municipal landfill which operated throughout the 1970s and possibly, subsequently during the construction of the WAC towards the latter end of the 1970s.. A review of historic aerial photographs to determine the extent of the original landfill was undertaken as a part of the contamination site assessment. Figure 2 shows an aerial photograph taken in 1972 when the disturbance associated with the landfill was depicted to be at the greatest extent. The entire eastern section and a little less than half of the southern section of the proposed lease area was cleared of vegetation and the soil profile appears to be significantly disturbed. Figure 3 shows an aerial photograph taken in 1978. The municipal landfill operation appears to be almost complete and a flat cleared area to the east of the WAC has been created which now comprises the baseball sportsfields. The photograph shows what appears to be the WAC under construction. A disturbed partially vegetated area is located immediately to the south of the WAC building within the current proposed lease area. While this area does not appear to consist of landfill, disturbance to the soil profile and vegetation removal is evident, possibly as a result of the landfill operation activities and/or construction of the WAC. Despite the disturbance this area now contains mature trees and other regrowth native vegetation. The study area drains into the headwaters of Curl Curl Creek which is the main feeder creek flowing through relatively intact riparian vegetation of MWWMP to discharge into Manly Dam, a 30 ha freshwater water-body used for “primary contact” recreational activities such as swimming and water skiing. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 10 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Figure 2: 1972 aerial photograph of landfill extent and proposed lease area overlay © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 11 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Figure 3: 1978 aerial photograph of vegetation disturbance and proposed lease area overlay © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 12 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment 4.1.2 Threatened ecological communities A desktop review of protected matters search identified six TECs listed under the TSC/EPBC Acts which have potential to occur within a 5 km radius of the study area (Appendix A). These include: Coastal Upland Swamp in the Sydney Basin Bioregion Duffys Forest Ecological Community in the Sydney Basin Bioregion Posidonia australis seagrass meadows of the Manning-Hawkesbury ecoregion Shale/Sandstone Transition Forest Coastal Saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions Western Sydney Dry Rainforest and Moist Woodland on Shale. Council’s vegetation mapping shows the vegetation community, Silvertop Ash – Stringybark Forest which correlates to the endangered Duffys Forest Ecological Community (DFEC) within the study area (Figure 4), to the north of the WAC along Aquatic Drive, Wakehurst Parkway and Warringah Road and in three locations within the MWWMP (Smith and Smith 2010). The Council mapping of DFEC broadly coincides with the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority mapping of Coastal ShaleSandstone Forest, a component, of which is recognised as DFEC based on soils, elevation and dominant canopy species (OEH 2013). For field results please refer to Section 4.2 © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 13 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Figure 4: Council vegetation mapping of the locality © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 14 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment 4.1.3 Threatened flora species The desktop review identified a total of 30 threatened flora species listed under the TSC or EPBC Acts (Appendix A), which may have the potential to occur within a 5 km radius of the study area (locality). An assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of each threatened flora species within the subject site was conducted prior to field surveys. The threatened flora species that were identified as having a potential, likely or known occurrence in the study area are: Epacris purpurascens var. purpurascens Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora Persoonia hirsuta Tetratheca glandulosa. MWWMP located directly south of the study area has a rich diversity of flora and fauna species and supports intact vegetation communities which are virtually contiguous with the study area (only separated by the water supply pipeline and unmade maintenance trail). The Plan of Management (PoM) for MWWMP has recorded three threatened flora species within the reserve (Gondwana Consulting Pty Ltd. 2014): Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora Prostanthera marifolia (Seaforth Mintbush) Tetratheca glandulosa. For field results please refer to Section 4.2 4.1.4 Threatened fauna species The desktop literature review identified a total of 54 threatened fauna species and one threatened population (Koalas in Pittwater LGA) listed under the TSC or EPBC Act (Appendix A), which may have the potential to occur within a 5 km radius of the study area (locality). An assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of threatened flora species within the subject site was conducted prior to field surveys. The threatened flora species that were identified as having a potential, likely or known occurrence in the study area include: Cercartetus nanus (Eastern Pygmy-possum) Varanus rosenbergi (Rosenberg’s Goanna) Pseudophryne australis (Red-crowned Toadlet) Ninox strenua (Powerful Owl) Glossopsitta pusilla (Little Lorikeet) Anthochaera phrygia (Regent Honeyeater). The PoM for MWWMP has recorded potential or known habitat for the following threatened fauna species (Gondwana Consulting Pty Ltd. 2014): Varanus rosenbergi (Rosenberg’s Goanna) Pseudophryne australis (Red-crowned Toadlet) Phascolarctos cinereus (Koala) Dasyurus maculatus (Spotted-tailed Quoll) Pteropus poliocephalus (Grey-headed Flying-fox) Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis (Eastern Bent-wing Bat) Ninox strenua (Powerful Owl). © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 15 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment There were three BioNet records for Pseudophryne australis (Red-crowned Toadlet) in the locality of the site (Figure 7). The closest was within Curl Curl Creek to the east of the baseball sportsfields recorded prior to the construction of a residential sub-division on the site. A record for Red-crowned Toadlet within an ephemeral drainage line located north of Aquatic Drive was identified in the biodiversity assessment for Stage 2 Northern Beaches Hospital - Network Enhancement (SMEC 2015) In the broader locality, a population of Cercartetus nanus (Eastern Pygmy-possum) has been recorded within vegetation at the Manly Vale Public School. The school is located directly south of MWWMP and is therefore connected to the study area. One locally significant freshwater fish, Galaxias brevipinnis (Climbing Galaxias), is known to occur within Curl Curl Creek (Gondwana Consulting Pty Ltd. 2014). Although this species is not listed as threatened under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 or EPBC Act, the species has regional significance because the Curl Curl Creek population is the northern most distribution for this species. For field results please refer to Section 4.2 4.2 Fie ld s urv e y re su lt s 4.2.1 Vegetation communities within the study area While undertaking the field survey the ecologists noted that the proposed lease area to the south of the WAC building had an unnatural soil surface comprising in places of mounded soil and small deposits of building debris such as concrete and tiles. This is consistent with the 1972 and 1978 aerial photographs showing partial vegetation clearance and a disturbed soil profile in this location. However, as identified above, this previously disturbed area has subsequently regenerated/regrown. This regeneration has potentially occurred from a combination of planting and natural regeneration from the soil seedbank. A small wet area/soak containing tree ferns (Cyathea cooperi) and a ferny understorey which receives natural seepage and drainage from the hard surface areas surrounding the WAC was located to the west of the proposed lease area. Council’s vegetation mapping (Figure 5) shows exotic vegetation within the proposed lease area to the south of the WAC extending to the west and to the east along the lower batter of the baseball playing fields/old landfill site. However the field survey identified that with the exception of the landscape plantings within the proposed lease area immediately to the east of the WAC, the area mapped as exotic vegetation was native vegetation with an indigenous midstorey and groundcover and an overstorey of either indigenous or non-indigenous species. This vegetation was characterised by two different forms: Non-indigenous canopy/regrowth: an area with a tree canopy which appeared to be planted or recruited from landscaping including Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt), E. punctata (Grey Gum), E. botryoides (Bangalay) and E. microcorys (Tallowwood). This vegetation had an indigenous midstorey and groundcover comprising a low diversity plant species assemblage. Scattered weeds were also present throughout this vegetation. This area correlates with the area that had been partially cleared and the soil profile disturbed as depicted in the 1972 and 1978 aerial photographs. Remnant canopy: an intact remnant with an indigenous canopy of Angophora costata (Sydney Red Gum), Corymbia gummifera (Bloodwood) and E. resinifera and a high plant species diversity in the midstorey and groundcover. The geographic location, structure, and species assemblage of this vegetation was generally consistent with the Smith and Smith mapping of Silvertop Ash – Brown Stringybark Forest which is a form of the endangered Duffys Forest Ecological Community. Exotic/weedy plants such as Paspalum quadrifarium (Tussock © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 16 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment paspalum) and Ochna serrulata (Mickey Mouse Bush) were scattered throughout the vegetation. The Council mapping of the extent of exotic vegetation in the study area was altered to show that DFEC occurred more extensively to the west and south of the WAC building (Figure 6). A key issue is whether the regrowth vegetation on the previously disturbed soil profile is also consistent with DFEC despite this vegetation having an apparently non-indigenous canopy and low to very low plant species diversity. To assist with this determination the “Duffys Forest index” (DFI) test developed by Smith and Smith (2000) to differentiate DFEC from two closely associated vegetation communities (Sydney Sandstone Ridgetop Woodland and Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest) was applied at two sites. The two sites were within a regrowth previously disturbed area (BB1) and an intact remnant (BB2) which had been mapped as exotic in Council’s vegetation mapping. A species list was assembled from plants recorded from two biobanking plots and surrounding vegetation at both sites. The plant species list found at Appendix B, identifies positive and negative diagnostic species for the three vegetation communities recorded at both sites. The results of the DFI test however were not conclusive as there were an insufficient number of species for the tests work correctly. A second diagnostic vegetation community analysis developed by OEH using positive and negative diagnostic plant species from a range of vegetation communities lists was also applied for both sites. Again, the tests results were inconclusive due to the low number of species. 4.2.2 Highly modified Duffys Forest After considering the above analysis as well as the Scientific Committees Determination for the Duffys Forest Ecological Community, ELA concluded that the regrowth vegetation on the previously disturbed site meets the definition of the Duffys Forest Ecological Community albeit in a highly modified form. Our rationale is that: : occurs on a site where the original vegetation prior to disturbance is likely to have been Duffys Forest or a transitional form of Duffys Forest vegetation the plant species within the midstorey and groundcover are indigenous to the Duffys Forest vegetation community Smith and Smith (2000) in their keystone survey of the Duffys Forest Vegetation Community called another area of vegetation within Belrose a form of highly modified Duffys Forest because “it had developed from regeneration and plantings at a disturbed site”. The biodiversity values of the highly modified Duffys Forest are low due to poor species diversity and capacity for the vegetation to improve over time. The plot data for the highly modified form of Duffys Forest recorded 28 native plant species (with not all of these being indigenous to the area e.g. Tallowwood and Bangalay) compared to 53 indigenous species from the plot data for the remnant Duffys Forest. Due to past disturbance of the soil seedbank and soil structure (through mounded soil, deposition of building debris such as concrete and tiles and runoff from hard surfaces) it is unlikely that species diversity and general biodiversity values will increase significantly through natural regeneration or planting. 4.2.3 Remnant Duffys Forest This assessment concludes that, with the exception of the landscape plantings on the eastern side of the building and a small patch of modified sandstone vegetation to the north of the water supply pipeline, the remaining vegetation within the study area is remnant Duffys Forest vegetation. Although the patch may show transitional elements of Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest it should be regarded as the endangered DFEC because it occurs in the correct geographic location, ridgetop landscape position © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 17 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment and supports a vegetation structure and species assemblage which is consistent with the description of the community. The location of the remnant and modified DFEC vegetation communities in addition to landscape plantings on the eastern side of the WAC building and a modified form of regrowth vegetation that appears to be consistent with a sandstone vegetation community is shown in Figure 6. 4.2.4 Vegetation communities within MWWMP Council’s vegetation mapping within MWWMP immediately to the south of the proposed lease was validated in the field (Figure 6). DFEC is present in the western section of the site and the vegetation was generally in very good condition with a high plant species diversity. There was evidence of longterm bush-regeneration work within the creekline vegetation originally mapped by Council as “Native vegetation – highly disturbed” and this area is now almost weed free. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 18 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Figure 5: Council vegetation mapping within study area and MWWMP © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 19 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Figure 6: Validated vegetation mapping and APZ for infill development © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 20 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment 4.2.5 Flora species The field survey identified a total of 117 flora species, comprised of 100 native and 17 exotic species. Weeds were generally located in close proximity to the existing building where the soil profile has previously been disturbed or in wetter areas. A flora list for the study area is presented in Appendix B. This is not a comprehensive list of all flora species likely to be present within the study area. Of the exotic species recorded, eight are listed as noxious within the Warringah LGA (Table 3) and one weed, Lantana camara, is also listed as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS). Table 3: Noxious weeds and WoNS present in the study area Noxious Weed Species Noxious Weed Class WoNS Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata – African Olive 4 - Senna pendula var. glabrata - Cassia 4 - Lonicera japonica – Japanese Honeysuckle 4 - Lantana camara – Lantana 4 Yes Ochna serrulata – Mickey Mouse Plant 4 - Ligustrum lucidum – Privet Broad-leaf 4 - Ligustrum sinense – Privet Narrow-leaf 4 - Paspalum quadrifarium – Tussock Paspalum 4 - Class 4 – Locally Controlled Weeds that pose a threat to primary production, the environment or human health, are widely distributed in an area to which the order applies and are likely to spread in the area or to another area. 4.2.6 Threatened flora species No threatened flora species were recorded during field surveys. Due to previous clearing and disturbance to the soil profile, it is unlikely that threatened flora including orchids remain within the subject site. However, there is potential that one threatened species (Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora) may occur within the APZ to the south. Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora is listed as a vulnerable species under the TSC and EPBC Acts. This species is known to occur within MWWMP and may tolerate some disturbances. This cryptic species is often difficult to detect. Field surveys were conducted outside of flowering season (October to May). There is possible that during APZ clearing indirect impacts may impact on potential habitat for this species. 4.2.7 Fauna species and habitats Despite the previous clearing of vegetation and land use the study area contains suitable habitat for a variety of different fauna species. The vegetation within the subject site consists of regenerating vegetation. It lacks a dense shrub layer and contains no hollow-bearing trees. Eucalyptus species (including non-indigenous species) were located throughout the study area and provide foraging opportunities for arboreal species (birds and mammals). The remaining vegetation, located in the south and west of the study area is in good condition. It is virtually continuous with vegetation which extends into MWWMP. It contains all structural layers © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 21 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment (ground layer, shrubs and canopy) and a rich assemblage of fauna habitat resources such as accumulated litter, fallen logs and temporary wet soaks. A small soak occurs to the west of the proposed lease area, and occasionally forms a temporary pool. Figure 6 shows the typical habitat features required for fauna species with particular emphasis on threatened species and their presence within the study area. Table 4: Habitat features and associated fauna groups (guilds) recorded in the study area. Habitat features Guild Presence in study area Birds, microchiropteran bats (microbats), Remnant vegetation megachiropteran bats (fruit bats), arboreal Present mammals, reptiles Winter flowering species Winter migratory birds, arboreal mammals and megachiropteran bats (fruit bats) Limited Birds and arboreal mammals (gliders and Absent in study area and limited microbats) in study area Birds, particularly birds of prey, reptiles, One recorded within the study amphibians, micro bats area Leaf litter Reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates Present Coarse woody debris Terrestrial mammals, reptiles, invertebrates Limited Watercourse Amphibians, water birds Hollow-bearing trees Stags A water soak present in study area Fencing prevents movement of Vegetative corridor Birds, Reptiles, arboreal and small mammals large terrestrial species into MWWMP Mistletoe Native/ Exotic grassland Birds Migratory Absent wetland predator species birds (Egrets) and Present in adjacent sportsfields Amphibians The topography was generally flat and lacked ephemeral drainage lines or waterbodies. Accumulated leaf litter was confined to areas of intact native vegetation to the south of the study area. Rocky outcrops or boulders were absent. A temporary soak was located within the study area however outside of the proposed lease area. Due to the number of database records recorded in the vicinity of the study area, it is assumed that this could provide marginal foraging/breeding habitat for the Red-crowned Toadlet. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 22 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Bats Four microchiropteran (microbats) were recorded including two species (Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bentwing-bat - and Miniopterus australis Little Bentwing-Bat) listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act. The majority of the calls came from a vegetated area within a flyway. Results from targeted bat survey are provided in Appendix C. The Eastern Bentwing-bat is a cave roosting species although it is known to utilise man-made structures such as mines, tunnels and stormwater drains. None of these structures were present in the study area, therefore, this species is likely to forage within the study area and roost in adjacent areas. The Little Bentwing-bat often shares roosting habitat with the Eastern Bentwing-bat. The remaining two microbat species, Tadarida australis (White-striped Freetail-bat) and Vespadelus darlingtoni (Large Forest Bat) are not listed under the TSC Act. They are known to utilise small hollow, defoliating bark or stags for roosting. Hollow-bearing trees were limited across the study area. No trees with suitable hollows were recorded within the subject site. Mammals (not including bats) The mid-storey within the south of the study area contained a sparse but diverse layer of sclerophyllous species, Banksia, Hakea and Acacia. These along with Eucalyptus species provide suitable foraging resources for Cercartetus nanus (Eastern Pygmy-possum). Other common arboreal mammals are also likely to utilise these foraging resources, however, the lack of hollow-bearing trees within the study area will limit fauna activity to foraging, rather than nesting or breeding. A total of six historical records of Koalas occur within a 5 km radius around the study area. The sightings occurred between 1940 with the latest in 1997. Potential Koala feed trees were limited in the study area. One feed species, Eucalyptus punctata (Grey Gum), was recorded and represented less than 5 % of the canopy cover over entire study area. It is unlikely that Koalas utilise the study area. Macropod scats, presumably Wallabia bicolor (Swamp Wallaby) were located throughout the study area. Although the area contains a tall fence this species presumably occupies both sides of the fencing. Birds The presence of an intact native canopy provides suitable foraging habitat for a wide variety of bird species. The shrub layer located in the south and west of the study area contains potential foraging habitat for smaller bird species. Scattered Allocasuarina littoralis were recorded within the tall mid-storey. These were generally located in the southern section of the study area, outside of the subject site. Allocasuarina are the primary foraging resource for the Glossy Black-cockatoo. Due to the lack of hollow-bearing trees, the study area only contains marginal foraging habitat and no breeding habitat for this threatened species. The vegetation also provides potential foraging habitat for larger predator species such as the Powerful Owl. No breeding habitat (i.e. large hollow-bearing trees) was recorded within the study area. Reptiles There are several records for Rosenberg’s Goanna located within MWWMP. This species may utilise the greater study area, although it is unlikely it would breed within the study area. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 23 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment 4.2.8 Threatened fauna species Two threatened fauna species Eastern Bentwing-bat and Little Bentwing-bat were recorded during Anabat surveys. This species is capable of flying large distances each night to forage. Suitable foraging habitat is present throughout the study area and includes forested areas where it forages for flying insects above the tree canopy. Several other threatened fauna species have potential to occur within the study area, although were not recorded during field surveys. These include: Red-crowned Toadlet Eastern Pygmy-possum Powerful Owl Rosenberg’s Goanna. A wet ‘soak’ or pooling of water at lower elevations was noted during field surveys. This soak may sustain enough water following rainfall events to provide breeding opportunity for Red-crowned Toadlets. Eggs are usually laid in leaf litter which is then washed down into ponds after rainfall (Stauber 2006). The remnant DFEC contains an intact shrub layer which includes a variety of flowering species such as Banksia, Grevillea and Hakea. These shrubs may support a population of Eastern Pygmy-possums. Although, hollow-bearing trees were limited within the study area, this species may also utilise fallen logs, possum dreys and Xanthorrhoea skirts for nesting. Therefore, there is potential breeding and foraging habitat for this species within the study area. The Powerful Owl is known to frequent MWWMP. This species prefers to build a nest in the headwaters to a gully and requires a large tree hollow. No breeding habitat for the Powerful Owl was recorded within the study area or immediately adjacent. There is potential that this species may utilise the vegetation within the study area in search for prey items (arboreal mammal species). The Rosenberg’s Goanna forages for carrion and small prey items within heath and open forests. Much of the vegetation identified within the study area provides suitable foraging habitat for this species. No breeding habitat (in the form of subterranean termite nests) was observed during the field survey. 4.2.9 Ecological connectivity In general, the ecological connectivity of the study area is good. In the broader locality there is a major road to the west (Wakehurst Parkway) and a minor road to the north (Aquatic Drive) and a larger road (Warringah Road) further north. The adjacent landscape in the west contains large tracts of native vegetation which forms part of a Council reserve and Garigal National Park. However, the heavy traffic movement on the Wakehurst Parkway is likely to restrict the movement of some fauna species. Similarly the patch of vegetation to the north is fragmented by Warringah Road. The vegetation within the study area is connected with MWWMP Reserve which includes over 377 ha of high quality native vegetation and habitat for threatened flora and fauna species and one endangered ecological community, DFEC. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 24 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Figure 7: Fauna habitat © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 25 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment 5 Constraints and potential impacts To consider how the ecological constraints would affect development proposals for the site, this section firstly explores the potential impacts associated with the use of the entire lease area for an indoor recreation facility (ie a building extending up to the lease area boundary). Due to the potential for significant impacts associated with asset protection zones under that scenario, this section then makes recommendations regarding a smaller impact footprint that would be less likely to have a significant impact on DFEC. The requirement for asset protection zones (APZ) is assessed in the separate Bushfire Protection Assessment Report (ELA 2015). While section 4.2.6 of Planning for Bushfire Protection (PBP) states that Class 9 buildings should be assessed as if they were a Special Fire Protection Purpose, as the proposal involves alterations and additions to an existing development the infill provisions of PBP can be applied. Accordingly, in recognition of the high ecological values of the surrounding vegetation, the Bushfire Protection Assessment Report recommends an APZ based on residential subdivision rather than a more extensive Special Fire Protection APZ and has assessed that a residential subdivision APZ will provide an adequate defendable space and meet the acceptable solution and performance criteria for APZ outlined in Section 4.3.5 of PBP. For the purposes of this flora and fauna assessment the impact of an infill APZ extent of 19m to the west and 34m to the south (as specified in Bushfire Protection Assessment Report) is firstly considered. Partial clearance of vegetation within an APZ of the vegetation which occurs within the study area would entail selective removal of trees to significantly reduce the density of the overstorey and almost complete removal of the midstorey. Generally within an APZ a native groundcover may be retained but managed to reduce density. The effect of partial clearance for the establishment of an APZ and the ongoing management of this vegetation as an APZ is likely to substantially degrade the biodiversity values of the affected vegetation through a reduction of species diversity and vegetation structural complexity and result in invasion of weed species within the ground layer over time. 5.1 Pot ent ia l Im pa ct s t o DF EC The potential impacts to DFEC are considered to be a high constraint associated with the proposed development of an indoor recreational facility up to the lease boundary. The area of vegetation impacted by the removal of vegetation for the construction of a building and establishment of an APZ should the building footprint incorporate the entire extent of the proposed lease area is identified in Table 5. Table 5: Areas of vegetation communities impacted for building footprint on entire lease area Vegetation Community Area cleared proposed lease area ha Area Infill APZ ha Total ha Remnant DFEC 0.03 0.29 + 0.04 (wet soak*) 0.36 Highly modified DFEC 0.28 0.08 0.36 Modified sandstone vegetation 0 0.14 0.14 Open- Space landscape gardens 0.20 0.0002 0.2 *Wet Soak represents potential habitat for Red-crowned Toadlet © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 26 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Table 5 identifies that a total 0.36 ha of remnant DFEC and a total of 0.36 ha highly modified DFEC would be impacted by a development that build up to the lease area boundary and then required an infill APZ outside of the lease area. There is a high likelihood that this type of development would have a significant effect on DFEC. A key consideration is that since the original listing of DFEC as an endangered ecological community in 1998 when it was estimated that only 15% of the original area of the ecological community existed, additional areas of remnant DFEC have been cleared for development. Developments proposing a significant impact on DFEC would require to be accompanied by a Species Impact Statement and have a high risk of being rejected by the consent authority. 5.2 Pot ent ia l im pa ct s t o ot he r v eg et atio n com muni ti es The potential impacts to the landscaped gardens and area of modified sandstone vegetation within the study area are considered to be a low constraint subject to general impact minimisation and mitigation measures. 5.3 Pot ent ia l im pa ct s t o hab it a t fo r th re at en e d fl or a an d f aun a a nd oth e r sig nif ic ant sp ec ie s The potential impacts to habitat for threatened flora and fauna species and habitat for other significant species such as the Galaxias brevipinnis are considered to be a moderate constraint associated with the proposed development of an indoor recreational facility due to the requirement for additional assessment and/or mitigation measures to minimise potential environmental impacts. A number of threatened fauna and flora species were considered likely to have habitat within the study area and will require an assessment of significance under Section 5a of the EP&A Act 1979 with for a development application under Part 4 of the EP&A Act 1979. In particular habitat for Red- crowned Toadlet and Eastern Pygmy possum and some cryptic flora species such as Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora will require further field assessment under suitable survey conditions. Potential impacts to the Galaxias brevipinnis and other aquatic species downstream in MWWMP will be further investigated in a Stage 2 Environmental Site assessment. 5.4 Pot ent ia l Im pa ct s t o ec olo gi ca l co nn ect iv i t y The potential impacts to the wildlife corridor are considered to be a low constraint subject to general impact minimisation and mitigation measures. The proposed development of an indoor recreational facility and associated APZ may reduce the density and structure of the impacted vegetation but will not fragment an area of habitat such that fauna movement will be significantly disrupted. 5.5 Re co mm end at i on To reduce the high likelihood of a significant effect on DFEC with the application of an assessment of significance under Section 5a of the EP&A Act 1979 this assessment recommends containing all impacts (including APZs) within the proposed lease area. Figure 6 shows which areas would be available for an indoor sports facility and which areas would be required for the ‘infill’ APZ as described in the bushfire report. The impacts associated with this scenario are shown in Table 6 below. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 27 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Table 6: Areas of vegetation communities impacted for amended building footprint Vegetation Community Area cleared for amended building footprint ha Area Infill APZ ha Remnant DFEC - 0.03 Highly modified DFEC 0.07 0.21 Modified sandstone vegetation - - Open- Space landscape gardens 0.16 0.04 Total ha 0.31 0.20 If all impacts are contained within the lease area, there would be an impact of only 0.03 ha of remnant DFEC and 0.28 ha of highly modified DFEC for the building footprint and the infill APZ. This impact is not considered to have a significant effect on DFEC with the application of an assessment of significance under Section 5a of the EP&A Act because: there are only negligible impacts to remnant DFEC which may be further mitigated with ecologically sensitive management of the APZ while a precautionary and conservative approach has been applied in the classification of the regrowth vegetation on the previously disturbed areas as a highly modified form of Duffys Forest vegetation, compared to remnant DFEC the biodiversity values of this vegetation are low due to poor species diversity and the presence of a non-indigenous canopy. Furthermore, due to past disturbance of the soil seedbank and soil structure (through mounded soil, deposition of building debris such as concrete and tiles and runoff from hard surfaces) it is unlikely that species diversity and general biodiversity values of the highly modified DFEC will increase significantly through natural regeneration or planting. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 28 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment References Benson, D. & McDougall, L. 1998. Ecology of Sydney plant species Part 6: Dicotyledon family Myrtaceae. Cunninghamia 5(4): 808-987. Chapman, G.A and Murphy, C.L. 1989. Soil Landscapes of the Sydney 1:100 000 sheet. Soil Conservation Service of NSW, Sydney. Churchill, S. 1998. Australian Bats, Reed New Holland, Sydney. Cropper S.C. 1993. Management of Endangered Plants. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia. Department of Planning and Environment (DP&E). 2014. State Significant Infrastructure Assessment Report: Northern Beaches Hospital Concept Proposal and Stage 1 (site works), corner Wakehurst Parkway and Warringah Road, Frenchs Forest (SSI 5982). Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Report Section 115ZA of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Department of Primary Industries (DPI) 2008. assessment of significance. Threatened Species Assessment Guidelines: The Hoye, G. A., and Richards. G, C. 2008 Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii. Pp.551 – 552. In van Dyck, S. and Strahan, R. (eds). The Mammals of Australia. Third Edition. Reed New Holland, Sydney. Department of the Environment (DotE) 2015a. Protected Matters Search Tool [online]. Available: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/protect/index.html (Accessed: 4 August 2015). Dwyer, P.D. 1995. ‘Common Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus schreibersii)’, In: R. Strahan (Ed.) The Australian Museum Complete Book of Australian Mammals, pp494-495, Angus and Robertson Publishers, Sydney. Ehmann, E. 1997. Threatened Frogs of New South Wales: Habitats, status and conservation, Frog and Tadpole Study Group, Sydney. Eco Logical Australia 2015 Bushfire Protection Assessment Proposed additions – Warringah Aquatic Centre. Report to Warringah Council Environment Australia 2000. Comprehensive and Regional Assessments for North-East NSW. Report to National Parks and Wildlife Service. Garnett, S. (Ed) 1993. Threatened and extinct birds of Australia. Royal Australian Ornithologists Union and Australian NPWS, Royal Australian Ornithologists Union Report, No. 82. Gondwana Consulting Pty Ltd. 2014. Manly Warringah War Memorial Park Plan of Management prepared for Manly Warringah War Memorial Park Reserve Trust, Warringah Council and the Crown Lands Division. Kleinfelder 2015. Preliminary Species Impact Statement – Manly Vale Public School – Development Application for Government Architects Office. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 29 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Marchant, S. & P.J.Higgins, eds. 1990. The Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 1 Part a - Rattites to Petrels. Melbourne, Victoria: Oxford University Press. Marchant and Higgins 1993. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Menkhorst, P.W. & Seebeck J.H. 1990 Distribution and conservation status of bandicoots in Victoria. In: Seebeck, J.H., P.R. Brown, R.L. Wallis & C.M. Kemper, eds. Bandicoots and Bilbies. Page(s) 51-60. Chipping Norton, NSW: Surrey Beatty & Sons. Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. 2010. A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia, 3rd. Oxford University Press, South Melbourne. McKilligan, N. 2005. Herons, Egrets and Bitterns, CSIRO Publishing. Morcombe, M. 2004. Field Guide to Australian Birds, Steve Parish Publishing. National Parks and Wildlife Service 1997. Urban Bushland Biodiversity Study - Western Sydney, National Parks and Wildlife Service. Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH). 2015a. Threatened Species Database (5 km radius search). OEH Sydney, NSW. (Data viewed July 2015). Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH). 2015b. http://www.threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/index.aspx. Threatened Species Profiles Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), 2013. The Native Vegetation of the Sydney Metropolitan Area. Volume 1. Technical Report. Version 2.0. Office of Environment and Heritage, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Sydney. Pittwater Council 2000. Management Plan for Threatened Fauna and Flora in Pittwater. Prepared for Pittwater Council by Smith, J. and Smith, P. Payne, R. (1997) The Distribution and Reproductive Ecology of Syzygium paniculatum and Syzygium australe (Myrtaceae) in the Gosford-Wyong Region. Unpublished Thesis prepared for the award of Masters of Natural Resources, University of New England, Armidale NSW. Pyke, G.H and White, A.W. 1996. Habitat requirements for the Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea (Anura:Hylidae), Australian Zoologist, 30(2):177-189. Roads and Maritime Services (RMS). 2015. Northern Beaches Hospital - Road Connectivity and Network Enhancement Project Stage 2 Environmental Impact Statement: Overview. Prepared for the NSW Government. Roads and Maritime Services (RMS). 2014. Northern Beaches Hospital Stage 1 Connectivity Work and Concept Proposal EIS – Overview. Prepared for the NSW Government. Sinclair Knight Merz 2013. Mona Vale Road Upgrade: McCarrs Creek Road to Powder Works Road – preferred option report. Prepared for Roads and Maritime Services. th Simpson, K. and Day, N. 2004. Field guide to the birds of Australia 7 edn., Penguin Books Australia Ltd, Ringwood Victoria. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 30 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Smith, P. and Smith, J. 2000.Survey of the Duffys Forest Vegetation Community. Prepared for NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services and Warringah Council. SMEC 2015. Biodiversity Assessment Report – Northern Beaches Hospital Connectivity and Network Enhancements Stage 2. Prepared for Roads and Maritime Services. Stauber. A. 2006. Habitat requirements and habitat use of the Red-crowned Toadlet Pseudophyrne australis and Giant Burrowing Frog Heleioporus australiacus in the Sydney basin. Thesis for Doctor of Philosophy, University of Technology, Sydney, Department of Environmental Sciences. Strahan, R. (Ed.) 1998. The Australian Museum Complete Book of Australian Mammals, Angus and Robertson Publishers, Sydney. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 31 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Appendix A : Likelihood of occurrence Summary of initial assessment to determine the likelihood of occurrence of threatened species, populations and ecological communities in the impact assessment area. An assessment of likelihood of occurrence was made for threatened and migratory species identified from the database search. This assessment applies to the impact assessment area only, not to the entire subject site. Five terms for the likelihood of occurrence of species are used in this report. This assessment was based on database or other records, presence or absence of suitable habitat, features of the proposal site, results of the field survey and professional judgement. The terms for likelihood of occurrence are defined below: “known” = the species was or has been observed on the site “likely” = a medium to high probability that a species uses the site “potential” = suitable habitat for a species occurs on the site, but there is insufficient information to categorise the species as likely to occur, or unlikely to occur “unlikely” = a very low to low probability that a species uses the site “no” = habitat on site and in the vicinity is unsuitable for the species. Ecological Communities Name TSC Act EPBC Act Likelihood of Occurrence Habitat Associations This ecological community is restricted to the Sydney Basin Bioregion. It occurs on the Hawkesbury sandstone plateaux on acidic soils which are high in organic matter and subject to periodic waterlogging (OEH 2015B). The structure of the vegetation Coastal Upland Swamp in the Sydney Basin Bioregion E E may vary from tall open scrubs, tall closed scrubs, closed heaths, open graminoid heaths, sedgelands and fernlands (OEH 2015B). This ecological community is associated with shallow groundwater aquifers in the headwaters and impeded No, this community was not identified within the study area drainage lines of streams, and on standstone benches with abundant seepage moisture (OEH 2015B). The floristic assemblage is diverse particularly in the ground © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 32 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Associations Likelihood of Occurrence layer (OEH 2015B). The distribution of this ecological community is highly restricted. It has been recorded Duffys Forest Ecological Community in the Sydney Basin Bioregion in Warringah, Pittwater, Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby and Manly Local Government Areas. It E - is associated with Hawkesbury sandstone geology, with laterite soils and soils derived Yes from shale and laminite lenses. The community forms a open-forest to woodland usually on ridgetops (OEH 2015b). Posidonia australis seagrass are associated with sub-tidal sheltered waters in Posidonia australis seagrass meadows of Manning- the permanently open estuaries in the warm temperate waters along the east coast of - E Hawkesbury ecoregion Australia (DotE 2015). This species is slow growing and highly sensitive to disturbance. It provides important habitat for benthic flora and is considered the greatest habitat structure of any seagrass which is important for fish and No, this community was not identified within the study area invertebrates. Occurs at the edges of the Cumberland Plain, where clay soils from the shale rock intergrade with earthy and sandy soils from sandstone, or where shale caps overlay sandstone. Shale/Sandstone Transition Forest CE E The boundaries are indistinct, and the species composition varies depending on the soil influences. It typically occurs in moderately wet sites, with an annual rainfall of 800-1100mm per year, and on clay soils derived from Wianamatta shale. The tree canopy is dominated by Turpentine and a variety of eucalypt species. No, this community was not identified within the study area Its distribution is mainly on the Cumberland Plain of the Sydney region. Was not recorded during the field surveys. This coastal community is characterised by saline tolerant species within the intertidal Coastal Saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions (TSC © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD E V zone of estuaries and lagoons. The community is subject to inundation of saline water and is generally located on the landside of mangrove stands (OEH 2015B). The community is represented by a diversity of species including: Baumea juncea, No, this community was not identified within the study area 33 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Associations Likelihood of Occurrence Sea Rush (Juncus krausii subsp. australiensis), Samphire (Sarcocornia quinqueflora Act) subsp. quinqueflora), Marine Couch (Sporobolus virginicus), Streaked Arrowgrass Subtropical and Temperate Coastal (Triglochin striata) and occasionally it is invaded by mangroves or tall reeds (OEH Saltmarsh (EPBC Act) 2015B). A closed canopy often associated with humid conditions and supports epiphytes, Western Sydney Dry Rainforest and Moist Woodland on Shale E vines and mesic shrubs although this varies according to topography and landform. It CE is found on shale soil in the Cumberland Plain Sub-region of the Sydney Basin Bioregion in elevations below 300m with a mean annual rainfall between 700-900mm. No, this community was not identified within the study area Flora Species Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. FLORA Acacia bynoeana is found in central eastern NSW, from the Hunter District (Morisset) south to the Southern Highlands and west to the Acacia bynoeana Bynoe’s Wattle E V Blue Mountains, and has recently been found in the Colymea and Parma Creek areas west of Nowra. It is found in heath and dry sclerophyll forest, typically on a sand or sandy clay substrate, often Unlikely, not identified in field survey with ironstone gravels (OEH 2015b). © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 34 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. Acacia terminalis subsp. terminalis has a very limited distribution, mainly in near-coastal areas from the northern shores of Sydney Acacia terminalis subsp. terminalis Sunshine Wattle E E Harbour south to Botany Bay, with most records from the Port Jackson area and the eastern suburbs of Sydney. It occurs in coastal scrub and dry sclerophyll woodland on sandy soils (OEH Unlikely, not identified in field survey 2015b). Asterolasia elegans - E E Asterolasia elegans is restricted to a few localities on the NSW Unlikely, no Central Coast north of Sydney, in the Baulkham Hills, Hawkesbury suitable habitat and Hornsby LGAs. It is found in sheltered forests on mid- to lower recorded within slopes and valleys, in or adjacent to gullies (OEH 2015b). study area Caladenia tessellata occurs in grassy sclerophyll woodland, often growing in well-structured clay loams or sandy soils south from Caladenia tessellata Thick Lip Spider Orchid E V Swansea, usually in sheltered moist places and in areas of increased sunlight (OEH 2015b). It flowers from September to November (OEH 2015b). Unlikely, no suitable habitat recorded within study area Cryptostylis hunteriana is known from a range of vegetation communities including swamp-heath and woodland (OEH 2015b). The larger populations typically occur in woodland dominated by Cryptostylis hunteriana Leafless Tongue Orchid V V Scribbly Gum (Eucalyptus sclerophylla), Silvertop Ash (E. sieberi), Unlikely, no Red Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera) and Black Sheoak suitable habitat (Allocasuarina littoralis); where it appears to prefer open areas in the recorded within understorey of this community and is often found in association with study area the Large Tongue Orchid (C. subulata) and the Tartan Tongue Orchid (C. erecta) (OEH 2015b). Flowers between November and February, although may not flower regularly (OEH 2015b). © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 35 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. Callistemon linearifolius has been recorded from the Georges River to Hawkesbury River in the Sydney area, and north to the Nelson Callistemon linearifolius Netted Bottlebrush V - Bay area of NSW, growing in dry sclerophyll forest (OEH 2015b). For the Sydney area, recent records are limited to the Hornsby Plateau area near the Hawkesbury River (OEH 2015b). Darwinia biflora is an erect or spreading shrub to 80cm high Darwinia biflora Darwinia biflora V V associated with habitats where weathered shale capped ridges intergrade with Hawkesbury Sandstone, where soils have a high clay content (NPWS 1997). Unlikely, no suitable habitat recorded within study area Unlikely, not identified in field survey Potential habitat, Epacris purpurascens var. Epacris purpurascens purpurascens var. purpurascens Eucalyptus camfieldii Camfield’s Stringybark © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD V V - V Epacris purpurascens var. purpurascens has been recorded however, this between Gosford in the north to Avon Dam in the south, in a range species was not of habitats, but most have a strong shale soil influence (OEH recorded during 2015b). field surveys Eucalyptus camfieldii is associated with shallow sandy soils Unlikely, no bordering coastal heath with other stunted or mallee eucalypts, often suitable habitat in areas with restricted drainage and in areas with laterite influenced recorded within soils, thought to be associated with proximity to shale (OEH 2015b). study area 36 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. Eucalyptus nicholii naturally occurs in the New England Tablelands of NSW, where it occurs from Nundle to north of Tenterfield. Grows Eucalyptus nicholii Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint in dry grassy woodland, on shallow and infertile soils, mainly on V V granite (OEH 2015b). This species is widely planted as an urban street tree and in gardens but is quite rare in the wild (OEH 2015b). Plantings undertaken for horticultural and aesthetic purposes are not Unlikely, no suitable habitat recorded within study area considered threatened species under the TSC Act. Genoplesium baueri Grevillea caleyi Bauer’s Midge Orchid Caley’s Grevillea V E - E Known from coastal areas from northern Sydney south to the Nowra Unlikely, no district. Previous records from the Hunter Valley and Nelson Bay are suitable habitat now thought to be erroneous. Grows in shrubby woodland in open recorded within forest on shallow sandy soils. study area Grevillea caleyi is restricted to an 8 km square area around Terrey Potential habitat, Hills, approximately 20 km north of Sydney. It occurs in three major however, this areas of suitable habitat, namely Belrose, Ingleside and Terrey Hills species does / Duffys Forest within the Ku-ring-gai, Pittwater and Warringah not occur in this LGAs. It occurs on ridgetops between elevations of 170 to 240 m, area. It was not on laterite soils in open or low open forests, generally dominated by identified during Eucalyptus sieberi, Corymbia gummifera and E. haemastoma (OEH field surveys. 2015b). survey Known locations of this species are confined to a very narrow distribution on the north shore of Sydney. Haloragodendron lucasii is Haloragodendron lucasii Haloragodendron lucasii E E associated with low woodland on sheltered slopes near creeks on moist loamy sand on bench below small sandstone cliff lines, with continuous seepage (Benson and McDougall 1998). © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD Unlikely, no suitable habitat recorded within study area 37 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. Hibbertia puberula is currently only known from near Warrimoo in Blue Mountains National Park on the Central Coast. There also Hibbertia puberula Hibbertia puberula E several old records from a number of localities in the Sydney basin. It grows in heathy open forest in thin rocky/sandy light brown soil over sandstone (RBG Herbarium records). Unlikely, no suitable habitat recorded within study area Hibbertia superans mainly occurs in the north west Sydney region Hibbertia superans Hibbertia superans E between Baulkham Hills and Wisemans Ferry, with a disjunct Unlikely, no occurrence near Mt Boss (inland from Kempsey) on the Mid North suitable habitat Coast of NSW. In the Sydney region it occurs in dry sclerophyll recorded within forest on sandstone ridgetops while the northern occurrence is on study area granite (OEH 2015b). Unlikely, no Lasiopetalum joyceae Lasiopetalum joyceae V V Lasiopetalum joyceae grows in ridgetop woodland, heath, woodland suitable habitat or open scrub, often with a clay influence (NPWS 1997). recorded within study area Leptospermum deanei has been recorded in Hornsby, Warringah, Ku-ring-gai and Ryde LGAs, in woodland on lower hill slopes or near Leptospermum deanei Leptospermum deanei V V creeks, at sites with sandy alluvial soil or sand over sandstone (OEH Unlikely, no 2015b). It has also been recorded in riparian scrub dominated by suitable habitat Tristaniopsis laurina and Baeckea myrtifolia; woodland dominated recorded within by Eucalyptus haemastoma; and open forest dominated by study area Angophora costata, Leptospermum trinervium and Banksia ericifolia (OEH 2015b). © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 38 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. Melaleuca biconvexa occurs in coastal districts and adjacent Melaleuca biconvexa Biconvex Paperbark V V tablelands from Jervis Bay north to the Port Macquarie district. It grows in damp places often near streams. Found in heath on sandstone (OEH 2015b), and also associated Melaleuca deanei Deane’s Paperbark V V with woodland on broad ridge tops and slopes on sandy loam and lateritic soils (Benson and McDougall 1998). Unlikely, no suitable habitat recorded within study area Unlikely, no suitable habitat recorded within study area Currently only known from one site at Ingleside in the north of Sydney (OEH 2015b). The dominant species occurring on the highly disturbed Ingleside site are introduced weeds Hyparrhenia hirta (Coolatai grass) and Acacia saligna (ibid.). Most likely associated Microtis angusii Angus’s Onion Orchid E E with the Duffys Forest vegetation community (ibid.). Exists as subterranean tubers during most of the year, producing leaves and then flowering stems in late winter and spring and flowers from May Unlikely, no suitable habitat recorded within study area to October (ibid.). By summer, the above ground parts have withered leaving no parts above ground (ibid.). Pelargonium sp. (G.W. Carr 10345) © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD E In NSW, Pelargonium sp. (G.W. Carr 10345) is known from the Unlikely, no Southern Tablelands. Otherwise, only known from the shores of suitable habitat Lake Omeo near Benambra in Victoria where it grows in cracking recorded within clay soil that is probably occasionally flooded. study area 39 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. Potential habitat, Persoonia hirsuta Hairy Geebung E E Persoonia hirsuta occurs from Singleton in the north, south to Bargo however, this and the Blue Mountains to the west (OEH 2015b). It grows in dry species was not sclerophyll eucalypt woodland and forest on sandstone. identified in field survey Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora is confined to the coastal area of Sydney between northern Sydney in the south and Maroota in the Pimelea curviflora var. Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora curviflora north-west. It grows on shaley/lateritic soils over sandstone and V V shale/sandstone transition soils on ridgetops and upper slopes amongst woodlands (OEH 2015b). Associated with the Duffys Forest Community, shale lenses on ridges in Hawkesbury sandstone geology (Pittwater Council 2012). Potential habitat however this species was not detected during site survey as flowering occurs from October to May. Likely to be restricted to the Somersby Plateau, found on the Somersby and Sydney Town soil landscapes. Occurs predominantly Prostanthera junonis Somersby Mintbush E E in the low woodland component of the Hawkesbury Sandstone Unlikely, no Complex dominated by Eucalyptus haemastoma with Banksia suitable habitat ericifolia or B. serrata in the understorey (ibid.). Has been found in recorded within the ecotone between low woodland and open forest or the open study area scrub\heath components (ibid.). Not found in sedgelands or Allocasuarina distyla open heath (ibid.). © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 40 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. Prostanthera marifolia is currently only known from the northern Prostanthera marifolia Seaforth Mintbush CE CE Sydney suburb of Seaforth and has a very highly restricted Unlikely, no distribution. It occurs in localised patches in or in close proximity to suitable habitat the Duffys Forest EEC. It grows on deeply weathered clay-loam recorded within soils associated with ironstone and scattered shale lenses (OEH study area 2015b). Known from just a few populations north of the Richmond River in far northern NSW. Plants grow as a lithophyte on rock surfaces, Sarcochilus hartmannii Hartman’s Sarcochilus V V usually in exposed sites in woodland or open forest. Previous records from further south now refer to a different species, S. aequalis. Unlikely, no suitable habitat recorded within study area This species occupies a narrow coastal area between Bulahdelah and Conjola State Forests in NSW. On the Central Coast, it occurs on Quaternary gravels, sands, silts and clays, in riparian gallery Syzygium paniculatum Magenta Lilly pilly E V rainforests and remnant littoral rainforest communities (Payne Unlikely, no 1997). In the Ourimbah Creek valley, S. paniculatum occurs within suitable habitat gallery rainforest with Alphitonia excelsa, Acmena smithii, recorded within Cryptocarya glaucescens, Toona ciliata, Syzygium oleosum with study area emergent Eucalyptus saligna. S. paniculatum is summer flowering (November-February), with the fruits maturing in May (OEH 2015b). Associated with ridgetop woodland habits on yellow earths also in Tetratheca glandulosa Tetratheca glandulosa V V sandy or rocky heath and scrub (NPWS 1997). Often associated with sandstone / shale interface where soils have a stronger clay influence (NPWS 1997). Flowers July to November. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD Potential habitat, however, this species was not identified in field survey 41 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Occurrence on Habitat Requirements site and impact to habitat. Widespread throughout the eastern third of NSW but most common Thesium australe Austral Toadflax V V on the North Western Slopes, Northern Tablelands and North Coast. Unlikely, no Occurs in grassland or grassy woodland. Often found in damp sites suitable habitat in association with Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis) (OEH recorded within 2015b). The preferred soil type is a fertile loam derived from basalt study area although it occasionally occurs on metasediments and granite. Found only in a few locations in the ranges south-west of Glenreagh Triplarina imbricata Creek Triplarina E E and near Tabulam in north-east NSW. Along watercourses in low open forest with Water Gum (Tristaniopsis laurina) (OEH 2015b). Common Name Species Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Unlikely, no suitable habitat recorded within study area Likelihood of Occurrence FAUNA Terrestrial wetlands with tall dense vegetation, occasionally estuarine habitats (Marchant & Higgins 1990). Found along the east coast and in the Murray-Darling Basin. Favours permanent shallow Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus E E waters, edges of pools and waterways, with tall, dense vegetation such as sedges, rushes and reeds on muddy or peaty substrate. Also occurs in Lignum (Muehlenbeckia florulenta) and Canegrass Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area (Eragrostis australasica) on inland wetlands. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 42 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. Unlikely, This species occurs along the coasts of Victoria, Tasmania, Australian Fairy Tern Sternula nereis nereis - V South Australia and Western Australia. It nests on sheltered sandy beaches, spits and banks above the high tide line and below vegetation. suitable habitat not recorded in study area Unlikely, Beach Stone-curlew Black Bittern Bush Stone-curlew Esacus neglectus Ixobrychus flavicollis Burhinus grallarius E4A V E - - - Beaches, mudflats, reefs and especially islands. Open undisturbed suitable beaches, islands, reefs, intertidal sand and mudflats, preferably with not recorded in estuaries or mangroves nearby (OEH 2015b). study area Occurs in both terrestrial and estuarine wetlands generally in areas Unlikely, of permanent water and dense vegetation (OEH 2015b). In areas suitable with permanent water it may occur in flooded grassland, forest, not recorded in woodland, rainforest and mangroves (OEH 2015b). study area Associated with dry open woodland with grassy areas, dune scrubs, Unlikely, in savanna areas, the fringes of mangroves, golf courses and open suitable forest / farmland (Pittwater Council 2000; Marchant & Higgins 1993). not recorded in Forages in areas with fallen timber, leaf litter, little undergrowth and study area habitat habitat habitat where the grass is short and patchy (Marchant & Higgins 1993). Is thought to require large tracts of habitat to support breeding, in which there is a preference for relatively undisturbed in lightly disturbed. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 43 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. Habitat is characterised by dense, low vegetation and includes Unlikely, sedgeland, heathland, swampland, shrubland, sclerophyll forest and suitable habitat woodland, and rainforest, as well as open woodland with a heathy not recorded in understorey. In northern NSW occurs in open forest with tussocky study area grass understorey. All of these vegetation types are fire prone, aside from the rainforest habitatas utilised by the northern population as Eastern Bristlebird Dasyornis brachypterus E E fire refuge. Age of habitat since fires (fire-age) is of paramount importance to this species; Illawarra and southern populations reach maximum densities in habitat that has not been burnt for at least 15 years; however, in the northern NSW population a lack of fire in grassy forest may be detrimental as grassy tussock nesting habitat becomes unsuitable after long periods without fire; northern NSW birds are usually found in habitats burnt five to 10 years previously. Associated with waterbodies including coastal waters, inlets, lakes, Eastern Osprey Pandion cristatus (Pandion haliaetus) estuaries, beaches, offshore islands and sometimes along inland V M rivers (OEH 2015b). Osprey may nest on the ground, on sea cliffs or in trees (OEH 2015b). Osprey generally prefer emergent trees, often dead or partly dead with a broken off crown. Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area Associated with a variety of forest types containing Allocasuarina species, usually reflecting the poor nutrient status of underlying soils Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami V - (Garnett and Crowley 2000; NPWS 1997; OEH 2015B). Intact drier forest types with less rugged landscapes are preferred (OEH 2015B). Nests in large trees with large hollows (Garnett and Potential foraging habitat present Crowley 2000). © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 44 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. In New South Wales Little Lorikeets are distributed in forests and woodlands from the coast to the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range. Little Lorikeets mostly occur in dry, open eucalypt Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla V - forests and woodlands. They have been recorded from both oldgrowth and logged forests in the eastern part of their range. They feed primarily on nectar and pollen in the tree canopy, particularly on profusely-flowering eucalypts, but also on a variety of other Potential. supplementary foraging habitat, no breeding habitat present species including melaleucas and mistletoes. Little Tern Sterna albifrons © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD E M Almost exclusively coastal, preferring sheltered areas (OEH 2015b), Unlikely, however may occur several kilometres inland in harbours, inlets and suitable rivers. Australian birds breed on sandy beaches and sand spits not recorded in (Simpson & Day 2004). study area habitat 45 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. Regent Honeyeaters mostly occur in dry box-ironbark eucalypt woodland and dry sclerophyll forest associations, wherein they prefer the most fertile sites available, e.g. along creek flats, or in broad river valleys and foothills. Regent Honeyeaters sometimes occur in coastal forest, especially in stands dominated by Swamp Mahogany and Spotted Gum, but also in those with Southern Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia CE CE, M Mahogany E. botryoides, and in those on sandstone ranges with Unlikely, banksias in the understorey (DotE 2015b). The Regent Honeyeater suitable primarily feeds on nectar from box and ironbark eucalypts and not recorded in occasionally from banksias and mistletoes (NPWS 1995). The study area habitat species is concentrated around two main locations, the Capertee Valley and the Bundarra-Barraba area, but Honeyeaters are also recorded along the coast in the Northern Rivers and Mid-North Coast Regions, and in the Illawarra and South Coast Regions, from Nowra south to Moruya, where small numbers are recorded in most years. The Scarlet Robin is found in south-eastern and south-western Australia, it is found south of latitude 25°S, from south-eastern Scarlet Robin Petroica boodang V - Queensland along the coast of New South Wales (and inland to Unlikely, western slopes of Great Dividing Range) to Victoria and Tasmania. suitable The Scarlet Robin lives in open forests and woodlands in Australia, not recorded in while it prefers rainforest habitats on Norfolk Island. During winter, it study area habitat will visit more open habitats such as grasslands and will be seen in farmland and urban parks and gardens at this time (BIB, 2006). © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 46 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Occurrence on Habitat Requirements site and impact to habitat. Inhabits rainforest and similar closed forests where it forages high in the canopy, eating the fruits of many tree species such as figs and Superb Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus superbus V M palms (OEH 2015b). It may also forage in eucalypt or acacia Unlikely, woodland where there are fruit-bearing trees (ibid.). Part of the suitable population is migratory or nomadic (ibid.). At least some of the not recorded in population, particularly young birds, moves south through Sydney, study area habitat especially in autumn (ibid.). Breeding takes place from September to January (ibid.). Will feed in adjacent mangroves or eucalypt forests. Breeds in Tasmania between September and January. Feeds mostly on nectar, mainly from eucalypts, but also eats psyllid insects and lerps, seeds and fruit. Migrates to mainland in autumn, where it forages on profuse flowering Eucalypts. Favoured feed trees include winter flowering species such as Swamp Mahogany Swift Parrot Lathamus discolour E E (Eucalyptus robusta), Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata), Red Bloodwood (C. gummifera), Mugga Ironbark (E. sideroxylon), White Box (E. albens) and Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis) (OEH 2015b). Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area Box-ironbark habitat in drainage lines, and coastal forest in NSW is thought to provide critical food resources during periods of drought or low food abundance elsewhere. Varied Sitellas are endemic and widespread in mainland Australia. Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sitellas are found in eucalypt woodlands and forests V - throughout their range. They prefer rough-barked trees like stringybarks and ironbarks or mature trees with hollows or dead branches Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area Nocturnal birds © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 47 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. Associated with a variety of habitats such as savanna woodland, open eucalypt forests, wetland and riverine forest. The habitat is Barking Owl Ninox connivens V - typically dominated by Eucalypts (often Redgum species), however Unlikely, often dominated by Melaleuca species in the tropics (OEH 2015b). It suitable usually roosts in dense foliage in large trees such as River She-oak, not recorded in other Casuarina and Allocasuarina, eucalypts, Angophora, Acacia study area habitat and rainforest species from streamside gallery forests. It usually nests near watercourses or wetlands in large tree hollows. Powerful Owls are associated with a wide range of wet and dry Powerful Owl Ninox strenua V - forest types with a high density of prey, such as arboreal mammals, Potential large birds and flying foxes. Large trees with hollows at least 0.5m foraging habitat deep are required for shelter and breeding. — V Sooty Owls are associated with tall wet old growth forest on fertile soil with a dense understorey and emergent tall Eucalyptus species (Environment Australia 2000). Pairs roost in the daytime amongst Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa dense vegetation, in tree hollows and sometimes in caves. The Sooty Owl is typically associated with an abundant and diverse supply of prey items and a selection of large tree hollows (Garnett Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area 1993). Amphibians Giant Burrowing Frog Heleioporus australiacus © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD V V Forages in woodlands, wet heath, dry and wet sclerophyll forest Unlikely, (Ehmann 1997). Associated with semi-permanent to ephemeral suitable sand or rock based streams (Ehmann 1997), where the soil is soft not recorded in and sandy so that burrows can be constructed. study area habitat 48 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. E V This species has been observed utilising a variety of natural and man-made waterbodies (Pyke & White 1996) such as coastal swamps, marshes, dune swales, lagoons, lakes, other estuary wetlands, riverine floodplain wetlands and billabongs, stormwater detention basins, farm dams, bunded areas, drains, ditches and any other structure capable of storing water (DotE 2015b). Fast flowing streams are not utilised for breeding purposes by this species. Preferable habitat for this species includes attributes such as Green and Golden Bell Frog shallow, still or slow flowing, permanent and/or widely fluctuating Litoria aurea water bodies that are unpolluted and without heavy shading (DotE 2015b). Large permanent swamps and ponds exhibiting wellestablished fringing vegetation (especially bulrushes–Typha sp. and Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area spikerushes–Eleocharis sp.) adjacent to open grassland areas for foraging are preferable (Ehmann 1997). Ponds that are typically inhabited tend to be free from predatory fish such as Gambusia holbrooki (Mosquito Fish) (DotE 2015b). Formerly distributed from the NSW north coast near Brunswick Heads, southwards along the NSW coast to Victoria where it extends into east Gippsland. Records from west to Bathurst, Tumut and the ACT region. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 49 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Occurrence on Habitat Requirements site and impact to habitat. Red-crowned Toadlets are found in steep escarpment areas and plateaus, as well as low undulating ranges with benched outcroppings on Triassic sandstones of the Sydney Basin (OEH 2015b). Within these geological formations, this species mainly Red-crowned Toadlet Pseudophryne australis V - occupies the upper parts of ridges, usually being restricted to within about 100 metres of the ridgetop (OEH 2015b). Associated with open forest to coastal heath (Ehmann 1997). Utilises small ephemeral drainage lines which feed water from the top of the ridge to the perennial creeks below for breeding, and are not usually Potential. Suitable habitat present in the form of a soak outside of development area found in the vicinity of permanent water (Ehmann 1997). A variety of forest habitats from rainforest through wet and moist sclerophyll forest to riparian habitat in dry sclerophyll forest (OEH 2015b) that are generally characterised by deep leaf litter or thick Stuttering Frog Mixophyes balbus E V cover from understorey vegetation (Ehmann 1997). Breeding habitats are streams and occasionally springs. Usually found fairly close to permanent running water. Not known from streams Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area disturbed by humans or still water environments. Mammals Unlikely, Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Petrogale penicillata E V Rocky areas in a variety of habitats, typically north facing sites with suitable numerous ledges, caves and crevices (Strahan 1995). not recorded in habitat study area © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 50 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. Eastern Pygmy Possum Koala Koala in the Pittwater LGA Cercartetus nanus Phascolarctos cinereus Phascolarctos cinereus © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD V V E2 - V The Eastern Pygmy Possum occurs in wet and dry eucalypt forest, Potential subalpine woodland, coastal banksia woodland and wet heath occur on site (Menkhorst & Knight 2010). Pygmy-Possums feed mostly on the Potential impact pollen and nectar from banksias, eucalypts and understorey plants to foraging, and and will also eat insects, seeds and fruit. The presence of Banksia shelter sp. and Leptospermum sp. are an important habitat feature (OEH through removal 2015b). Small tree hollows are favoured as day nesting sites, but of nests have also been found under bark, in old birds’ nests and in the groundcover branch forks of tea-trees. vegetation Associated with both wet and dry Eucalypt forest and woodland that Unlikely. contains a canopy cover of approximately 10 to 70%, with Records are old acceptable Eucalypt food trees. Some preferred Eucalyptus species and are: Eucalyptus tereticornis, E. punctata, E. cypellocarpa, E. some viminalis from the site As above to habitat shrub and located distance not in Pittwater LGA 51 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Occurrence on Habitat Requirements site and impact to habitat. This species has been recorded from Queensland to Tasmania, though with a sporadic and patchy distribution. Most records are coastal. However, populations have been recently recorded up to 400km inland. The species includes heathlands, woodands, open New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae forest and paperbark swamps and on sandy, loamy or rocky soils. - V In coastal populations the species seems to have a preference for sandy substrates, a heathy understorey of legumes less than one metre high and sparse ground litter. This species is generally Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area recorded in regenerating burnt areas occurs that are one or two years post fire and rehabilitated sand-mined areas that are four to five years post-mining. The Spotted-tailed Quoll inhabits a range of forest communities including wet and dry sclerophyll forests, coastal heathlands and rainforests (OEH 2015b), more frequently recorded near the ecotones of closed and open forest and in NSW within 200km of the coast. Preferred habitat is mature wet forest, especially in areas with Spotted-tail Quoll Dasyurus maculatus V E rainfall 600 mm/year. Unlogged forest or forest that has been less disturbed by timber harvesting is also preferable. This species requires habitat features such as maternal den sites, an abundance Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area of food (birds and small mammals) and large areas of relatively intact vegetation to forage in (OEH 2015b). Maternal den sites are logs with cryptic entrances; rock outcrops; windrows; burrows. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 52 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. This species is associated with heath, coastal scrub, sedgeland, heathy forests, shrubland and woodland on well drained, infertile soils, within which they are typically found in areas of dense ground Southern Brown Bandicoot (eastern) cover. Suitable habitat includes patches of native or exotic Isoodon obesulus E E vegetation which contain understorey vegetation structure with 50– 80% average foliage density in the 0.2–1 m height range. This species is thought to display a preference for newly regenerating Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area heathland and other areas prone to fire, but requires a mosaic of burnt and unburnt areas for survival (Menkhorst & Seebeck 1990). Mammals (bats) Eastern Bentwing-bat Miniopterus oceanensis schreibersii V - Associated with a range of habitats such as rainforest, wet and dry Recorded within sclerophyll forest, monsoon forest, open woodland, paperbark the study area. forests and open grassland (Churchill 1998). It forages above and Suitable below the tree canopy on small insects (Dwyer 1995). Will utilise foraging habitat. caves, old mines, and stormwater channels, under bridges and No occasionally buildings for shelter (Dwyer 1995). habitat breeding Most records of this species are from dry eucalypt forest and woodland east of the Great Dividing Range (Churchill 1998). Eastern Freetail-bat Mormopterus norfolkensis Individuals have, however, been recorded flying low over a rocky V - river in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest and foraging in clearings at forest edges. Primarily roosts in hollows or behind loose bark in mature eucalypts, but have been observed roosting in the roof of a Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area hut. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 53 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Habitat Requirements Occurrence on site and impact to habitat. Associated with moist gullies in mature coastal forest, or rainforest, east of the Great Dividing Range (Churchill, 1998), tending to be more frequently located in more productive forests (Hoye & Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii V - Richards 2008). Within denser vegetation types use is made of natural and man made openings such as roads, creeks and small rivers, where it hawks backwards and forwards for prey (Hoye & Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area Richards 2008). V Large-eared Pied Bat V The Large-eared Pied Bat has been recorded in a variety of Chalinolobus dwyeri habitats, including dry sclerophyll forests, woodland, sub-alpine Unlikely, woodland, edges of rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests (Churchill suitable 1998; OEH 2015b). This species roosts in caves, rock overhangs not recorded in and disused mine shafts and as such is usually associated with rock study area habitat outcrops and cliff faces (Churchill 1998; OEH 2015b). Prefers well-timbered areas including rainforest, wet and dry Little Bentwing-bat Miniopterus australis V - sclerophyll forests, Melaleuca swamps and coastal forests (Churchill Recorded within 1998). This species shelter in a range of structures including the study area. culverts, drains, mines and caves. Relatively large areas of dense Suitable vegetation of either wet sclerophyll forest, rainforest or dense foraging habitat. coastal banksia scrub are usually found adjacent to caves in which No this species is found (OEH 2015b). Breeding occurs in caves, habitat breeding usually in association with M. schreibersii (OEH 2015b). Grey-headed Flying Fox Pteropus poliocephalus © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD V V Inhabits a wide range of habitats including rainforest, mangroves, Supplementary paperbark forests, wet and dry sclerophyll forests and cultivated foraging habitat, areas (Churchill 1998). Camps are often located in gullies, typically no close to water, in vegetation with a dense canopy (Churchill 1998). habitat present breeding 54 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Occurrence on Habitat Requirements site and impact to habitat. Will occupy most habitat types such as mangroves, paperbark swamps, riverine monsoon forest, rainforest, wet and dry sclerophyll forest, open woodland and River Red Gum woodland, as long as Southern Myotis Myotis macropus V - they are close to water (Churchill 1998). While roosting is most Unlikely, commonly associated with caves, this species has been observed to suitable roost in tree hollows, amongst vegetation, in clumps of Pandanus, not recorded in under bridges, in mines, tunnels and stormwater drains (Churchill study area habitat 1998). However the species apparently has specific roost requirements, and only a small percentage of available caves, mines, tunnels and culverts are used. Reptile Potential to occur on site Potential impact Rosenberg’s Goanna Varanus rosenbergi V - Associated with Sydney sandstone woodland and heath land. to foraging Rocks, hollow logs and burrows are utilised for shelter. Terrestrial habitat through termitaria are required for reproduction. removal of shrub and groundcover vegetation FISH Black Rockcod Epinephelus daemelii © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD - V This species is listed as vulnerable under Management Act. This species is a marine species the Fisheries No 55 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Likelihood of Species Name Common Name TSC Act EPBC Act Occurrence on Habitat Requirements site and impact to habitat. Australian Grayling Prototroctes maraena - V The historic distribution of the Australian Grayling included coastal streams from the Grose River southwards through NSW, Vic. and Tas. On mainland Australia, this species has been recorded from rivers flowing east and south of the main dividing ranges. This species spends only part of its lifecycle in freshwater, mainly inhabiting clear, gravel-bottomed streams with alternating pools and No riffles, and granite outcrops but has also been found in muddybottomed, heavily silted habitat. Grayling migrate between freshwater streams and the ocean and as such it is generally accepted to be a diadromous (migratory between fresh and salt waters) species. Migratory terrestrial species Sometimes travels with Needletails. Varied habitat with a possible tendency Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus - Ma, Mi to more arid areas but also over coasts and urban areas (Simpson & Day 2004). Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area Forages over large open fresh or saline waterbodies, coastal seas and open White-bellied Haliaeetus Sea-Eagle leucogaster terrestrial areas (Simpson & Day 2004). Breeding habitat consists of tall — Ma, Mi trees, mangroves, cliffs, rocky outcrops, silts, caves and crevices and is located along the coast or major rivers. Breeding habitat is usually in or Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area close to water, but may occur up to a kilometre away. Rainbow Beeeater Merops ornatus — Ma, Mi Resident in coastal and subcoastal northern Australia; regular breeding Unlikely, suitable habitat not migrant in southern Australia, arriving September to October, departing recorded in study area February to March, some occasionally present April to May. Occurs in open © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 56 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment country, chiefly at suitable breeding places in areas of sandy or loamy soil: sand-ridges, riverbanks, road-cuttings, sand-pits, occasionally coastal cliffs (ibid). Nest is a chamber a the end of a burrow, up to 1.6 m long, tunnelled in flat or sloping ground, sandy back or cutting (ibid). Black-faced Monarcha Monarch melanopsis Spectacled Monarcha Monarch trivirgatus Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca — Mi Rainforest and eucalypt forests, feeding in tangled understorey. — Mi Wet forests, mangroves (Simpson and Day 2004). — Mi Associated with drier eucalypt forests, absent from rainforests, open forests, often at height (Simpson & Day 2004). Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area The Rufous Fantail is a summer breeding migrant to southeastern Australia Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons (Morcombe, 2004). The Rufous Fantail is found in rainforest, dense wet — Mi eucalypt and monsoon forests, paperbark and mangrove swamps and riverside vegetation (Morcombe, 2004). Open country may be used by the Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area Rufous Fantail during migration (Morcombe, 2004). Forages aerially over a variety of habitats usually over coastal and mountain White-throated Hirundapus Needletail caudacutus areas, most likely with a preference for wooded areas (Marchant & Higgins — Mi 1993; Simpson & Day 2004). Has been observed roosting in dense foliage of canopy trees, and may seek refuge in tree hollows in inclement weather Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area (Marchant & Higgins 1993). Migratory Wetland species The Great Egret is common and widespread in Australia (McKilligan, 2005). Great Egret Ardea alba — Mi It forages in a wide range of wet and dry habitats including permanent and Unlikely, suitable habitat not ephemeral freshwaters, wet pasture and estuarine mangroves and mudflats recorded in study area (McKilligan, 2005). © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 57 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Cattle Egrets forage on pasture, marsh, grassy road verges, rain puddles and croplands, but not usually in the open water of streams or lakes and they avoid marine environments (McKilligan, 2005). Some individuals stay close Cattle Egret Ardea ibis — Mi to the natal heronry from one nesting season to the next, but the majority Unlikely, suitable habitat not leave the district in autumn and return the next spring. Cattle Egrets are recorded in study area likely to spend the winter dispersed along the coastal plain and only a small number have been recovered west of the Great Dividing Range (McKilligan, 2005). The Eastern Reef Egret is found on the coast and islands of most of Eastern Reef Egretta sacra - M Egret Australia, but is more common on the Queensland coast and Great Barrier Unlikely, suitable habitat not Reef than elsewhere. The Eastern Reef Egret inhabits beaches, rocky recorded in study area shores, tidal rivers and inlets, mangroves, and exposed coral reefs A variety of permanent and ephemeral wetlands, preferring open fresh water Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii — Mi wetlands with nearby cover. Occupies a variety of vegetation around Unlikely, suitable habitat not wetlands including wetland grasses and open wooded swamps (Simpson recorded in study area and Day 2004). Prefers fringes of swamps, dams and nearby marshy areas where there is a cover of grasses, lignum, low scrub or open timber (OEH 2015b). Nests on Rostratula Painted Snipe benghalensis s. the ground amongst tall vegetation, such as grasses, tussocks or reeds — Mi (ibid.). Breeding is often in response to local conditions; generally occurs from September to December (OEH 2015b). Roosts during the day in dense lat. Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area vegetation. Forages nocturnally on mud-flats and in shallow water (OEH 2015b). Feeds on worms, molluscs, insects and some plant-matter (ibid.). Short-tailed Ardenna Shearwater tenuirostris Wandering Diomedea Albatross exulans © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD - E1 M, Mi V, M, Mi Marine forager Marine forager Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area Unlikely, suitable habitat not recorded in study area 58 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Disclaimer: Data extracted from the Atlas of NSW Wildlife and DE Protected Matters Report are only indicative and cannot be considered a comprehensive inventory. ‘Migratory marine species’ and ‘listed marine species’ listed on the EPBC Act (and listed on the DE protected matters report) have not been included in this table, since they are considered unlikely to occur within the study area due to the absence of marine habitat. Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995: E1: Endangered V: Vulnerable CE Critically Endangered E2: Endangered Population Environment Protection Act 1999: E: Endangered V: Vulnerable Mi: Migratory, M: Marine © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 59 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Appendix B : Species list Flora species list and Duffy’s Forest Index test Exotic Family Species Name Common Name / BB1 BB2 Opportunistic Native BB1 DFEC SSRW SSGF BB2 DFEC SSRW SSGF x Acanthaceae Brunoniella australis Blue Trumpet N x Apiaceae Actinotus minor Lesser Flannel Flower N x Apiaceae Centella asiatica Indian Pennywort N x Apiaceae Hydrocotyle peduncularis N x Apiaceae Platysace stephensonii Platysace N Apiaceae Xanthosia tridentata Rock Xanthosia N Apocynaceae Parsonsia straminea Common Silkpod N Araliaceae Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry Panax N Asteraceae Olearia microphylla Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina littoralis Black She-oak N x Casuarinaceae Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak N x Convolvulaceae Polymeria calycina Cunoniaceae Callicoma serratifolia Black Wattle Stephenson's x x x x - x x - x x x N x Ceratopetalum New South Wales gummiferum Christmas-bush N Cyperaceae Caustis flexuosa Curly Wig N Cyperaceae Cyathea australis Black Tree-fern N Cyperaceae Cyathea cooperi Straw Treefern N x Cyperaceae Gahnia clarkei Tall Saw-sedge N x Cyperaceae Gahnia radula x x N Cunoniaceae © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD x x N N x x x + x x x x x x x x x 60 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Exotic Family Species Name Common Name / BB1 BB2 Opportunistic Native BB1 DFEC SSRW SSGF BB2 Lepidosperma laterale N Cyperaceae Lepyrodia scariosa N Cyperaceae Schoenus melanostachys Cyperaceae Ptilothrix deusta Dennstaedtiaceae Hypolepis muelleri Harsh Ground Fern N Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum Common Bracken N Dilleniaceae Hibbertia aspera Rough Guinea Flower N x Dilleniaceae Hibbertia empetrifolia N x Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blueberry Ash N Epacris microphylla Coast Coral Heath N x Epacris pulchella Wallum Heath N x N x N SSRW SSGF x Cyperaceae Black Bog-rush DFEC x x + x + x x N x x x x - x x x Ericaceae Styphelioideae - Ericaceae Styphelioideae x Ericaceae Styphelioideae Leucopogon lanceolatus Euphorbiaceae Homalanthus populifolius Bleeding Heart N x x x Fabaceae Faboideae Glycine clandestina N x - N x - Pultenaea rosmarinifolia N x Acacia binervia N Mimosoideae Acacia elata N Fabaceae - Acacia decurrens Fabaceae Faboideae Platylobium formosum Handsome Flat Pea Fabaceae Faboideae Fabaceae Mimosoideae Fabaceae - © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD Black Wattle N x x x x x x 61 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Exotic Family Species Name Common Name / BB1 BB2 Opportunistic Native BB1 DFEC SSRW SSGF BB2 DFEC SSRW SSGF Mimosoideae Fabaceae Mimosoideae Acacia floribunda White Sally Wattle N Acacia irrorata Green Wattle N x x Fabaceae – Mimosoideae x Fabaceae Mimosoideae x Acacia linifolia N x Acacia longifolia N x x x x Fabaceae Mimosoideae Fabaceae Mimosoideae Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle N Mimosoideae Acacia myrtifolia Red-stemmed Wattle N Gleicheniaceae Gleichenia dicarpa Pouched Coral Fern N Haloragaceae Gonocarpus teucrioides Raspwort N Juncaceae Juncus usitatus Lauraceae Cassytha glabella Lindsaeaceae Lindsaea linearis Screw Fern Lobeliaceae Pratia purpurascens Whiteroot N Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush N Lomandraceae Lomandra obligua N Malvaceae Lasiopetalum ferrugineum N Myrtaceae Angophora costata Sydney Red Gum N Myrtaceae Corymbia gummifera Red Bloodwood N x Fabaceae - x x x N x N x N x x Myrtaceae Callistemon linearis Bottlebrush N Myrtaceae Eucalyptus botryoides Bangalay N - x x x x x x x x x x Narrow-leaved © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD x x x x x x 62 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Exotic Family Species Name Common Name / BB1 BB2 Opportunistic Native BB1 DFEC SSRW SSGF BB2 DFEC SSRW SSGF Myrtaceae Eucalyptus haemastoma Scribbly Gum N x Myrtaceae Eucalyptus microcorys Tallowwood N x Myrtaceae Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt N x Myrtaceae Eucalyptus punctata Grey Gum N x Myrtaceae Eucalyptus resinifera Red Mahogany N Myrtaceae Eucalyptus saligna Blue Gum N x Myrtaceae Eucalyptus sieberi Silvertop Ash N x Myrtaceae Kunzea ambigua Tick-bush N x x x x Leptospermum x x Myrtaceae polygalifolium Tantoon N Myrtaceae Leptospermum trinervium Flaky-barked Tea-tree N Myrtaceae Melaleuca armillaris Bracelet Honey-myrtle N Myrtaceae Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly-leaved Tea Tree N Orchidaceae Cryptostylis subulata Laege Tongue Orchid N Oxalidaceae Oxalis perennans Phormiaceae Dianella caerulea var. producta N x x Phyllanthaceae Glochidion ferdinandi N x x Picrodendraceae Micrantheum ericoides Pittosporaceae Pittosporum undulatum Poaceae Austrostipa pubescens Poaceae Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic N Poaceae Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass N Poaceae Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass N x x x x N Cheese Tree x x x x x x x x x x x x N Native Daphne N x N x Australian Basket Poaceae Oplismenus aemulus Grass N Poaceae Oplismenus imbecillis Creeping Beard Grass N © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD x x x x 63 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Exotic Family Species Name Common Name / BB1 BB2 Opportunistic Native BB1 DFEC SSRW SSGF BB2 DFEC SSRW SSGF x Proteaceae Banksia integrifolia Coastal Banksia N Proteaceae Banksia marginata Old-man Banksia N x Proteaceae Banksia serrata Old-man Banksia N x Proteaceae Banksia spinulosa Hairpin Banksia N x Proteaceae Grevillea buxifolia Grey Spider Flower N x Proteaceae Grevillea linearifolia Proteaceae Grevillea sericea Pink Spider Flower N Proteaceae Hakea sericea Needlebush N Proteaceae Persoonia laurina Laurel Geebung N Proteaceae Persoonia levis Broad-leaf Geebung N x Proteaceae Lambertia formosa Mountain Devil N x Proteaceae Lomatia silaifolia Crinkle Bush N x Pteridaeae Adiantum aethiopicum Ranunculaceae Clematis aristata Restionaceae Empodisma minus N x x Restionaceae Lepyrodia scariosa N x x Rutaceae Boronia ledifolia Showy Boronia N x x Sapindaceae Dodonaea triquetra Large-leaf Hop-bush N Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa Sticky Hop-bush N Smilacaceae Smilax glyciphylla Sweet Sarsaparilla N Solanaceae Solanum aviculare Kangaroo Apple N x Vitaceae Cayratia clematidea Native Grape N x Xanthorrhoeaceae Xanthorrhoea arborea Xanthorrhoeaceae Xanthorrhoea media Xanthorrhoeaceae Xanthorrhoea sp. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD N x x x x x + Grass Tree N x x x + x x + x x x x x N x N x N x + x N Old Man's Beard x - + x 64 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Exotic flora species Family Botanic Name Exotic / Native Common Name BB1 BB2 Opportunistic Caprifoliaceae Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle E Caryophyllaceae Fabaceae – Caesalpinioideae Stellaria media Senna pendula var. glabrata Common Chickweed E Liliaceae Lilium formosanum Formosan Lily E Lomariopsidaceae Nephrolepis cordifolia Fishbone Fern E Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia Paddy's Lucerne E Ochnaceae Ochna serrulata Mickey Mouse Plant E x Oleaceae Ligustrum lucidum Large-leaved Privet E x Oleaceae Small-leaved Privet E Oleaceae Ligustrum sinense Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata African Olive E Oxalidaceae Oxalis sp. E x Passifloraceae Passiflora sp. E x Poaceae Cynodon dactylon Couch E Poaceae Tussock Paspalum E Poaceae Paspalum quadrifarium Stenotaphrum secundatum Buffalo Grass E Solanaceae Solanum mauritianum Wild Tobacco Bush E Verbenaceae Lantana camara Lantana E x x x E x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Fauna Species Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Trichoglossus Birds Cracticus tibicen Australian Magpie haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet Corvus coronoides Australian Raven Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird Eastern Rosella Neochmia temporalis Red-browed Finch Zosterops lateralis Silvereye Platycercus eximius Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote Psophodes olivaceus Eastern Whipbird Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail Mammals Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra Oryctolagus cuniculus* European Rabbit Meliphaga lewinii Lewin’s Honeyeater Perameles nasuta Long-nosed Bandicoot Anthochaera chrysoptera Little Wattlebird Vulpes vulpes* European Red Fox Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby Strepera graculina Pied Currawong © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD * Denotes introduced species 65 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Appendix C : Anabat Results Anabat Results –Warringah Aquatic Centre 15SYD-2177. 2 Anabat nights 8 August – 10 August 2015 Bat calls were analysed using the program AnalookW (Version 3.8 25 October 2012, written by Chris Corben, www.hoarybat.com). Call identifications were made by Danielle Adams-Bennett and reviewed by Alicia Scanlon from Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd who has seven years’ experience using regional based guides to the echolocation calls of microbats in New South Wales (Pennay et al. 2004); and south-east Queensland and northeast New South Wales (Reinhold et al. 2001) and the accompanying reference library of over 200 calls from north-eastern NSW. Available: (http://www.forest.nsw.gov.au/research/bats/default.asp). Bat calls are analysed using species-specific parameters of the call profile such as call shape, characteristic frequency, initial slope and time between calls (Rinehold et al. 2001). To ensure reliable and accurate results the following protocols (adapted from Lloyd et. al. 2006) were followed: Search phase calls were used in the analysis, rather than cruise phase calls or feeding buzzes (McKenzie et al. 2002) Recordings containing less than three pulses were not analysed and these sequences were labeled as short (Law et al. 1999) Four categories of confidence in species identification were used (Mills et al. 1996): o definite – identity not in doubt o probable – low probability of confusion with species of similar calls o possible – medium to high probability of confusion with species with similar calls o low – calls made by bats which cannot be identified to even a species group. Nyctophilus spp. are difficult to identify confidently from their calls and no attempt was made to identify this genus to species level (Pennay et al. 2004) Sequences not attributed to microbat echolocation calls were labeled as junk or non-bat calls and don’t represent microbat activity at the site Sequences labelled as low or short can be used as an indicator of microbat activity at the site Anabat detectors were placed adjacent and to the west of the proposed lease area as shown in Figure 6 in the main report. There were 102 passes recorded from Anabat detectors placed at two sites west of the Warringah Aquatic Centre between 8 and 10 August 2015. Approximately 89% of passes submitted were able to be identified to genus or species with the remainder being too short or of low quality preventing positive identification. There were four species identified including up to two vulnerable species listed under the NSW TSC Act 1995 (Tables 1 – 2, Figures 1 – 4). Of the two threatened species Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis (Eastern © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 66 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Bentwing-bat) was well represented by the number of calls recorded whereas Miniopterus australis (Little Bentwing-bat) was represented by only two calls. General microbat activity was very low at site 1 with fewer than one call every ten minutes throughout the night.. Microbat activity was moderate at site 2 with calls recorded on average less often than every two minutes and more often than every ten minutes throughout the survey period. There were few long sequences or feeding buzzes recorded in the data set, indicating that the area was not an important foraging resource for microbats at the time of the survey. Eastern Bentwing-bat and Vespadelus darlingtoni (Large Forest Bat) were the most commonly recorded species. The remaining species identified were represented by fewer than three calls in total. The calls of the Eastern Bentwing-bat can often display very similar characteristics to other species such as Large Forest Bat. Calls of the Eastern Bentwing-bat were distinguished by the irregular pulse shape and time between calls, lack of an up-sweeping tail and drop in frequency of the pre-characteristic section of more than 2kHz. Table 7: Site 1 (Anabat01) results from two Anabat nights 8 and 9 August 2015, Warringah Aquatic Centre. SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail-bat DEFINITE PROBABLE POSSIBLE TOTAL 1 1 Short 2 TOTAL 3 Table 8: Site 2 (Anabat02) results from two Anabat nights 8 and 9 August 2015, Warringah Aquatic Centre. SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Miniopterus australis Little Bentwing-bat Miniopterus oceanensis* Eastern Bentwing-bat DEFINITE PROBABLE POSSIBLE TOTAL 2 schreibersii 9 7 Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis* / Vespadelus Eastern Bentwing-bat / Large darlingtoni Forest Bat © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 47 67 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat 9 9 Low 1 Short 8 TOTAL 11 9 7 99 * Threatened species © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 68 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Figure 8: Call profile for Miniopterus australis recorded at Warringah Aquatic Centre at 0249 on 10 August 2015. Figure 9: Probable call profile for Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis recorded at Warringah Aquatic Centre at 0253 on 10 August 2015. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 69 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Figure 10: Possible call profile for Tadaria australis recorded at Warringah Aquatic Centre at 2111 on 9 August 2015. Figure 11: Call profile for Vespadelus darlingtoni recorded at Warringah Aquatic Centre at 1738 on 8 August 2015. References Law, B. S., Anderson, J., and Chidel, M. (1999). ‘Bat communities in a fragmented forest landscape on the south-west slopes of New South Wales, Australia.’ Biological Conservation 88, 333-345. © ECO LOGICAL AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 70 Warringah Aquatic Centre - Flora and Fauna Assessment Lloyd, A.M., Law, B.S., and Goldingay, R. (2006) ‘Bat activity on riparian zones and upper slopes in Australian timber production forests and the effectiveness of riparian buffers.’ Biological Conservation 129, 207-220. McKenzie, N. L., Stuart, A. N., and Bullen, R. D. (2002). ‘Foraging ecology and organisation of a desert bat fauna.’ Australian Journal of Zoology 50, 529-548. Mills, D. J., Norton, T. W., Parnaby, H. E., Cunningham, R. B., and Nix, H. A. (1996). ‘Designing surveys for microchiropteran bats in complex forest landscapes - a pilot study from south-east Australia.’ Special issue: Conservation of biological diversity in temperate and boreal forest ecosystems 85, 149-161. Parnaby, H. (1992). An interim guide to identification of insectivorous bats of south-eastern Australia. Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Number 8. Pennay, M., Law, B., and Rhinhold, L. (2004). Bat calls of New South Wales: Region based guide to echolocation calls of Microchiropteran bats. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville. Reinhold, L., Law, B., Ford, G., and Pennay, M. Key to the bat calls of south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales. 2001. 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