ecological assessment cm high dominated by copperburrs such as sclerolaena eriacantha, sclerolaena...

OzArk Environmental & Heritage Management Pty Limited

Dubbo | Queanbeyan | Brisbane HEAD OFFICE: 145 Wingewarra St/PO Box 2069 DUBBO NSW 2830 02 6882 0118 | [email protected] | www.ozarkehm.com.au

Goangra Bridge Replacement

Ecological Assessment

Walgett Local Government Area, NSW

Prepared for Walgett Shire Council

February 2018

OzArk and staff acknowledge Traditional Owners and Custodians of the country on which we work

OzArk Environmental & Heritage Management Pty Ltd

Ecological Assessment: Goangra Bridge Replacement i

DOCUMENT CONTROLS

Proponent Walgett Shire Council

Purchase Order No

Document Description Ecological Assessment: Goangra Bridge Replacement

Name Signed Date

Clients Reviewing Officer Sylvester Otumbo

Clients representative managing this document OzArk representative managing this document

Sylvester Otumbo (SO) Kate Hammill (KH)

Location OzArk Job No.

S:\OzArk EHM Data\Clients\Walgett Shire Council\Goangra Bridge REF Nov 2017\Ecology

#1843

Document Status: FINAL Version Date Action

Draft series V1.X = OzArk internal edits V1.0

V1.1

20.12.2017

21.12.2017

RM to NA

Reviewed

Draft series V2.X = OzArk and Client internal edits V2.0 21.12.2017 JEB to SO

FINAL once latest version of draft approved by client V3.0 2.02.2018 JEB to client

Prepared for Prepared by

Sylvester Otumbo

Director of Engineering / Technical Services

Walgett Shire Council

P: 02 68286132

M: 0409616343

E: [email protected]

Rowan Murphy

Ecologist / Project Manager


145 Wingewarra Street (PO Box 2069)

Dubbo NSW, 2830

P: 02 6882 0118

F: 02 6882 6030

E: [email protected]

COPYRIGHT

© OzArk Environmental & Heritage Management Pty Ltd, 2017

and

© Walgett Shire Council, 2017

All intellectual property and copyright reserved.

Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this report may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or adapted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without

written permission.

Enquiries would be addressed to OzArk Environmental & Heritage Management Pty Ltd.

This document is in draft form. The contents, including any opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in, or which may be implied from, this draft document must not be relied upon. OzArk reserves the right, at any time, without notice, to modify or retract any part or all of the

draft document. To the maximum extent permitted by law, OzArk disclaims any responsibility or liability arising from or in connection with this draft document.


Ecological Assessment: Goangra Bridge Replacement ii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Walgett Shire Council (the proponent, Council) propose to replace the Goangra Bridge over

the Namoi River in the Walgett Shire, NSW. The aim of the proposal is to replace a single lane

concrete bridge with a two-lane concrete bridge, increase the load limit from 50T to 166T; and

extend the useful life allowing for improved community access, heavy vehicle access (cotton

and grain transport), and the removal of a potential 64 km detour if the bridge fails or load

restrictions are enforced.

OzArk Environmental & Heritage Management Pty Ltd (OzArk) was commissioned by Council

to complete an ecological assessment under Part 5 of the NSW Environmental Planning and

Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).

This assessment addresses requirements of section 5A of the EP&A Act and the following

legislation:

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (Cth).

Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act) (NSW).

Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW).

Fisheries Management Act 1994 (FM Act) (NSW).

The subject site at Goangra Bridge over the Namoi River is part of the Lowland Darling River

aquatic Endangered Ecological Community (Darling River EEC). Protected matters include

the watercourse, riparian zone vegetation, and the floodplain as an integral part of this river

system. Many fish species rely on the seasonal flow pattern and inundation of the floodplain

for successful reproduction. The complex river morphology provides a multitude of habitats

that play a critical role in the life cycles of the species making up this ecological community.

The physical and biological characteristics of the Namoi River at the subject site were

assessed during the field inspection. The proposal has the potential to significantly impact the

aquatic habitat of the Namoi River and part of the Darling River EEC if environmental

safeguards and management measures are not planned, documented and implemented for

this project. Removal of the concrete pylons will mobilise and destabilise clays and nutrients

in the soil of the banks of the Namoi River. Deconstruction of the Goangra Bridge risks

mobilisation of concrete particulates into the Namoi River.

Removal of piers within Namoi River is considered dredging work under the FM Act. Council

will be required to obtain a Part 7 Permit under the FM Act from the Department of Primary

Industries (DPI) Fisheries before work begins. Additionally, a Construction Environmental

Management Plan and an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan will be devised for this project,

adherence to these protocols will be documented.

The riparian zone on either bank of the Namoi River is an important wildlife corridor in a region

that is highly disturbed and degraded by primary production / agricultural activities. Four

vegetation communities were recorded in the study area:

PCT 36: River Red Gum tall to very tall open forest / woodland wetland on rivers on

floodplains mainly in the Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion.

PCT 37: Black Box woodland wetland on NSW central and northern floodplains

including the Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion and Brigalow Belt South Bioregion.


Ecological Assessment: Goangra Bridge Replacement iii

PCT 39: Coolibah - River Coobah - Lignum woodland wetland of frequently flooded

floodplains mainly in the Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion.

PCT 168: Derived Copperburr shrubland of the NSW northern inland alluvial floodplains.

PCT 37 and PCT 39 are associated with the following endangered ecological community

listings:

Coolibah-Black Box Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar

Peneplain, and Mulga Lands Bioregion – Endangered, NSW BC Act.

Coolibah - Black Box Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt

South Bioregions – Endangered, Commonwealth EPBC Act.

The Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt

South Bioregions ecological community (hereafter, Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands) is

associated with the floodplains and drainage areas of the Darling Riverine Plains and the

Brigalow Belt South bioregions. This ecological community represents occurrences of one

type of eucalypt woodland where Eucalyptus coolabah subsp. coolabah (Coolibah, Coolabah)

and/or Eucalyptus largiflorens (Black Box) are the dominant canopy species and where the

understorey tends to be grassy (DoE, 2011).

A review of habitat requirements and database search records for each listed species,

populations and ecological communities predicted to occur in the study area concluded five

threatened plants and 44 threatened fauna species have potential to utilise habitat available

in the study area. No threatened flora species were identified within the study area. Those

species with potential to occur in the study area will not have their available habitat disturbed

to the extent that a viable local population is likely to become locally extinct. The proposal will

disturb the banks of the Namoi River around the existing bridge, a population of Noogoora

Burr (Xanthium occidentale) was recorded around the western bank at the Goangra Bridge.

Council should exterminate this priority weed from the study area prior to the commencement

of work, and should monitor the work site after completion of work to ensure that weed

populations are managed until native understory becomes established.

Walgett is a listed LGA under schedule 1 of State Environmental Planning Policy No 44—

Koala Habitat Protection. Feed tree species for the Koala listed in schedule 2 were identified

as dominating the subject site, namely River red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). No

evidence of a resident population of Koalas was identified within the subject site. The subject

site has therefore been identified as potential Koala habitat.

The proposal will involve the removal of up to six hollow bearing trees which provide potential

habitat for several threatened fauna species. However, this habitat is contiguous with a large

extent of homogenous habitat and is unlikely to result in vegetation removal to the extent that

a viable local population of a threatened fauna species is likely to become locally extinct.

Environmental safeguards and mitigation measures have been provided to minimise harm to

the environment. If these are implemented then the proposal is unlikely to have a significant

impact to species, populations and communities listed under the EPBC, BC or FM Acts.

The proposed activity should not be considered to constitute a significant impact and, as such,

no Species Impact Statement (SIS), or referral to the Department of Environment and Energy

is warranted.


Ecological Assessment: Goangra Bridge Replacement iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction .............................................................................................................. 1

Report objectives ................................................................................................. 1

Legislative context ............................................................................................... 1

1.2.1 International agreements ..................................................................................... 1

1.2.2 Commonwealth assessment framework .............................................................. 1

1.2.3 NSW assessment framework .............................................................................. 1

1.2.4 Other relevant legislation ..................................................................................... 2

The proposal ....................................................................................................... 3

1.3.1 Location .............................................................................................................. 3

Methods .................................................................................................................... 7

2.1.2 Staff accreditation ................................................................................................ 7

Desktop review .................................................................................................... 8

2.2.1 Information sources ............................................................................................. 8

Field survey ......................................................................................................... 9

2.3.1 Flora .................................................................................................................. 11

2.3.2 Ecological communities ..................................................................................... 11

2.3.3 Fauna ................................................................................................................ 11

2.3.4 Limitations ......................................................................................................... 12

Results .................................................................................................................... 13

Regional context ................................................................................................ 13

Landscape context ............................................................................................ 14

3.2.1 Climate .............................................................................................................. 14

3.2.2 Mitchell Landscape ............................................................................................ 14

3.2.3 Land use ........................................................................................................... 14

Aquatic ecological communities ......................................................................... 16

3.3.1 Endangered aquatic ecological communities ..................................................... 16

3.3.2 Aquatic habitat assessment ............................................................................... 17

3.3.3 Key fish habitat .................................................................................................. 21

3.3.4 Groundwater ..................................................................................................... 21

3.3.5 Impact to aquatic ecological communities .......................................................... 23

Terrestrial ecological communities..................................................................... 24


Ecological Assessment: Goangra Bridge Replacement v

3.4.1 Biodiversity values ............................................................................................. 24

3.4.2 Vegetation connectivity ...................................................................................... 24

3.4.3 Predicted vegetation communities ..................................................................... 25

3.4.4 Recorded vegetation communities..................................................................... 27

3.4.5 Threatened terrestrial ecological communities ................................................... 33

3.4.6 Groundwater dependant ecosystems ................................................................ 35

3.4.7 Impact to terrestrial ecological communities ...................................................... 35

Flora .................................................................................................................. 36

3.5.1 Predicted flora ................................................................................................... 36

Fauna ................................................................................................................ 39

3.6.1 Threatened fauna habitats ................................................................................. 39

3.6.2 Predicted threatened fauna ............................................................................... 41

Key threatening processes ................................................................................ 49

Matters of National Environmental Significance ................................................. 51

Environmental safeguards ..................................................................................... 53

Avoid impact ...................................................................................................... 53

Minimise impact ................................................................................................. 53

Mitigate impact .................................................................................................. 53

Residual impact ...................................................................................................... 56

Direct impacts ................................................................................................... 56

5.1.1 Aquatic ecological communities ......................................................................... 56

5.1.2 Vegetation communities .................................................................................... 57

5.1.3 Threatened species ........................................................................................... 59

Indirect impacts ................................................................................................. 63

Cumulative impacts ........................................................................................... 63

Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 65

References .............................................................................................................. 66

Appendix A: Field survey results ..................................................................................... 69

Appendix B: Habitat assessment table ........................................................................... 72

Appendix C: Database search results ............................................................................. 86

Appendix D: Terms and abbreviations .......................................................................... 110


Ecological Assessment: Goangra Bridge Replacement vi

FIGURES

Figure 1-1: Location of Goangra Bridge, Walgett Shire, NSW ............................................... 4

Figure 1-2: Regional context of the study area ...................................................................... 5

Figure 1-3: The study area .................................................................................................... 6

Figure 2-1: Survey transect and flora plots .......................................................................... 10

Figure 3-1: Land use surrounding the study area and riparian corridor ............................... 15

Figure 3-2: Area of the Darling River Endangered Ecological Community ........................... 16

Figure 3-3: Groundwater aquifer types in the Namoi River catchment (NOW 2011) ............ 22

Figure 3-4: Aquatic groundwater dependant ecosystems .................................................... 22

Figure 3-5: Biodiversity values map for the study area ........................................................ 24

Figure 3-6: Predicted vegetation communities of the study area ......................................... 26

Figure 3-7: Vegetation communities recorded in the study area .......................................... 28

Figure 3-8: Viable local population of threatened ecological communities ........................... 34

Figure 3-9: Terrestrial GDE’s mapped for the study area .................................................... 35

Figure 3-10: Habitat trees recorded near the subject site .................................................... 40

Figure 3-11: Threatened species within 10km of the study area .......................................... 48


Ecological Assessment: Goangra Bridge Replacement vii

TABLES

Table 1-1: Description of the subject site............................................................................... 3

Table 2-1: Summary of OzArk qualifications ......................................................................... 7

Table 2-2: Habitat value of trees ......................................................................................... 12

Table 3-1: Regional context of the study area ..................................................................... 13

Table 3-2: Proximity of environmentally sensitive areas to the study area ........................... 13

Table 3-3: Physical characteristics of the hydrology of the Namoi River .............................. 17

Table 3-4: Biological characteristics of the Namoi River at the subject site ......................... 19

Table 3-5: Vegetation communities predicted for the study area ......................................... 25

Table 3-6: Vegetation communities recorded in the study area ........................................... 27

Table 3-7: Threatened flora species with potential to be impacted by the proposal ............. 37

Table 3-8: Threatened fauna species with potential to be impacted by the proposal ........... 42

Table 3-9: Review of proposed impacts to key threatening processes ................................ 49

Table 3-10: Impacts to Matters of National Environmental Significance .............................. 52

Table 4-1: Summary of mitigation methods ......................................................................... 53

Table 5-1: 7-Part Test for Darling River EEC ...................................................................... 56

Table 5-2: Assessment of significance for Coolibah - Black Box Woodlands EEC .............. 57

Table 5-3: 5-Part Test for impact to Coolibah – Black Box Woodland EEC ......................... 58

Table 5-4: Impact to Commonwealth listed threatened species ........................................... 59

Table 5-5: Summary of the findings of BC Act 5-Part Tests................................................. 61

PLATES

Plate 3-1: Brown / grey cracking clays on the floodplain of the Namoi River ....................... 14

Plate 3-2: Factors affecting bank stability at Goangra Bridge .............................................. 20

Plate 3-3: Artificial bank protection measures at Goangra Bridge ........................................ 20

Plate 3-4: Mid channel bars (vegetated) at Goangra Bridge ................................................ 21

Plate 3-5: PCT 168 recorded in the subject site .................................................................. 29

Plate 3-6: PCT 36 recorded in the study area ..................................................................... 30

Plate 3-7: PCT 37 recorded within the study area ............................................................... 31

Plate 3-8: PCT 39 recorded within the study area ............................................................... 32

Plate 3-9: Example of typical ground cover at vegetation plot one....................................... 38

Plate 3-10: Example of typical ground cover at vegetation plot two ..................................... 38

Plate 3-11: Example of Habitat Tree Class 3 within the study area ..................................... 39


Ecological Assessment: Goangra Bridge Replacement viii


Ecological Assessment: Goangra Bridge Replacement 1

Introduction

Walgett Shire Council (the proponent, Council) propose to replace the Goangra Bridge over the

Namoi River in the Walgett Shire, NSW. The aim of the proposal is to replace a single lane

concrete bridge with a two lane concrete bridge, increase the load limit from 50T to 166T; and

extend the useful life allowing for improved community access, heavy vehicle access (cotton and

grain transport), and the removal of a potential 64 km detour if the bridge fails or load restrictions

are enforced.

OzArk Environmental & Heritage Management Pty Ltd (OzArk) was commissioned by Council to

complete an ecological assessment under Part 5 of the NSW Environmental Planning and

Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).

Report objectives

The objectives of the ecological assessment are to provide:

Accurate mapping of any vegetation clearing on site.

Identification of all potential impacts to the aquatic ecology of the Namoi River.

Detailed assessment of the potential impact to any threatened species, populations,

endangered ecological communities or their habitats; groundwater dependent ecosystems

predicted to occur; and any potential for offset requirements in accordance with the relevant

Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) Guidelines.

Detailed description of the measures to avoid, minimise, mitigate and offset biodiversity

impacts.

Legislative context

This assessment meets these objectives while addressing requirements under the following

legislation.

1.2.1 International agreements

Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA).

China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA).

Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA).

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar).

1.2.2 Commonwealth assessment framework

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), including:

o EPBC Act Environmental Offsets Policy.

o Significant Impact Guidelines Version 1.1, 2013.

1.2.3 NSW assessment framework

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).

Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act).

Biosecurity Act 2015.

Fisheries Management Act 1994 (FM Act).



1.2.4 Other relevant legislation

State Environmental Planning Policy No 44—Koala Habitat Protection

This Policy aims to encourage the proper conservation and management of areas of natural

vegetation that provide habitat for koalas to ensure a permanent free-living population over their

present range and reverse the current trend of koala population decline by:

Requiring the preparation of plans of management before development consent can be

granted in relation to areas of core koala habitat.

Encouraging the identification of areas of core koala habitat.

Encouraging the inclusion of areas of core koala habitat in environment protection zones.

Walgett is a listed LGA under schedule 1 of this state environmental planning policy. Feed tree

species for the Koala listed in schedule 2 were identified as dominating the subject site, namely

River red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). No evidence of a resident population of Koalas was

identified within the subject site. The subject site has therefore been identified as potential Koala

habitat.

Water Management Act 2000

The objective of this Act is to manage the State’s water supply to maintain intergenerational

equity. The Act sets standard provisions for work within waterways (controlled activity approvals)

which is managed by the Department of Primary Industries Office of Water (DPI Water). The

subject site is controlled under section 345 of the Water Management Act 2000 (WM Act) as

‘Waterfront Land’. Waterfront land includes the bed and bank of any river, lake or estuary and all

land within 40 m of the highest bank of the river, lake or estuary.

Under section 91E of the WM Act, it is an offence to carry out a controlled activity without, or

otherwise than as authorised by, a controlled activity approval. Regulation 38 Water Management

(General) Regulations 2011, provides for all public authorities to be exempt from the need to hold

Controlled Activity Approval. Accordingly; Council are not required to obtain a Controlled Activity

Approval.

Fisheries Management Act 1994

The objects of the FM Act are to conserve, develop and share the fishery resources of the State

for the benefit of present and future generations. Under section 200 of the Act, a local government

authority must not carry out dredging or reclamation work without a permit issued by the Minister.

Removal of piers within Namoi River is considered dredging work under the FM Act. Therefore

Council will be required to obtain a Part 7 Permit from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI)

Fisheries before work beings.



The proposal

The scope of construction is as follows:

Demolition of existing bridge and disposal as appropriate.

Construction of a new concrete bridge.

Construction of 100m approach roads on both sides of the new bridge.

Approach and departure terminals.

1.3.1 Location

The proposal is the replacement of Goangra Bridge, located over the Namoi River on Goangra

Road within the Walgett Shire.

Three terms are used in this report to contextualise the proposal:

Subject site.

Study area.

10km buffer.

Boundaries of the subject sites and study area are shown in Figure 1-2. Additional terms and

abbreviations used are provided in Appendix F.

Subject site

The ‘subject site’ is the area directly affected by the proposal (DEC 2004). For the purpose of this

report, the subject sites consist of (Figure 1-3):

Goangra Bridge and approaches.

Stockpile and compound sites.

Approach and departure terminals.

The subject sites and the expected impact area are listed in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1: Description of the subject site

Subject site Dimensions Estimated impact area

Goangra Bridge and approaches including approach and departure terminals; and stock pile sites.

350m x 60m 2.1 ha

Total 2.1 ha

Study area

The ‘study area’ includes the ‘subject sites’ and any additional areas likely to be affected by the

proposal, either directly or indirectly (DEC, 2004). The study area is the extent of the subject sites

with a 50m buffer as well as 1 km downstream of the Namoi River and is shown on Figure 1-2.

10-kilometre search area

The 10km search area contains all land within a 10km radius of the study area. It is used to review

database records of listed plants and animals to predict what may occur in the study area.



Figure 1-1: Location of Goangra Bridge, Walgett Shire, NSW



Figure 1-2: Regional context of the study area



Figure 1-3: The study area



Methods

The ecological assessment was carried out in three stages:

1. Desktop and literature review of ecological databases and reports as direct references for

the field survey to identify any threatened species or critical habitat that may be present

within the development area.

2. Field survey of the study area that targeted threatened species, populations and

communities with potential to occur as identified during the desktop review.

3. Preparation of a comprehensive biodiversity assessment report that:

i. Clearly describes the proposed activity.

ii. Assesses the potential impact of the proposal on identified threatened species,

populations and communities, including direct and indirect impacts.

iii. Provides management and mitigation measures to avoid, minimise and, if

necessary, offset the proposed impacts.

iv. Enables the client to refine the alignment design to avoid or minimise impacts to

local biodiversity.

The assessment rationale was to evaluate the type and quality of habitat to be affected by the

proposal; apply professional judgement, then complete targeted assessments of potential habitat

to detect the region’s listed species, populations or communities.

Personnel

2.1.1 Authority to carry out the work

OzArk operates under:

NSW Scientific Research License 101908.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Accreditation of a corporation as an animal

research establishment Ref No. AW2017/012.

2.1.2 Staff accreditation

Reporting components were completed by:

Main author: Rowan Murphy.

Editor: Nikki Allen.

Key details of personnel are provided in Table 2-1.

Table 2-1: Summary of OzArk qualifications

Name Position CV Details

Kate Hammill

Senior Ecologist / Project Manager

PhD Revegetation of landfill sites (University of Sydney).

Bachelor of Science majoring in Botany / Zoology / Microbiology (University of Sydney).

Graduate Diploma in Bushfire Protection (University of Western Sydney).

Bushfire Planning and Design level 2 Accredited Practitioner

Practicing member of the NSW Ecological Consulting Association.



Name Position CV Details

Rowan Murphy

Ecologist /

Project Manager

Bachelor of Environmental Science (University of New England).

Bachelor of Laws (University of New England).

Practicing member of the NSW Ecological Consulting Association.

Practicing member of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ).

National Railtrack Safety Induct ion (ARTC).

WHS White Card: 1652972.

Apply First Aid (Parasol) ID: 6007220.

Nikki Allen

Environmental Scientist

BSc. Major in Chemistry and Geography. University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy

Grad. Dip. In Environmental Health. Queensland University of Technology.

Apply First Aid (ABC First Aid) ID: 34795

CPCCOHS1001A Work Safely in the Construction Industry (White Card)

Roads and Maritime Worker on Foot Training

Desktop review

2.2.1 Information sources

Preliminary assessments drew on local experience, previous preliminary reporting and

information held on government databases and archives (Appendix C). Data was used to assist

in identifying distributions, suitable habitats and known records of threatened species to increase

the effectiveness of field investigations. All databases were searched on 30 November 2017.

Information sources reviewed included:

Aerial photograph interpretation of the landscape and previous vegetation maps.

Literature reviews (OzArk library, OEH Biometric list) to determine vegetation and species

habitat(s) within the proposed study area and environs.

Review of flora and fauna records contained in the NSW Threatened Species Database,

EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool and DPI threatened fish distribution maps.

NSW Wildlife Atlas/Bionet GIS data request and website search.

Royal Botanical Gardens (PlantNET NSW Flora Online).

The background searches enabled the consultant to develop a predictive model for threatened

flora and fauna to be recorded in the study area (sections 3.5 and 3.6).

2.2.2 Predictive model for threatened flora and fauna

A review of the previously recorded (Appendix C – NSW Wildlife Atlas/Bionet GIS data),

predicted (Appendix C – OEH, DPI Fisheries and Commonwealth database searches) and field

survey recorded (Appendix A) threatened species was used to inform the list of threatened

species with potential to be impacted by the proposal as discussed in sections 3.5 and 3.6. An

assessment of likelihood of occurrence for listed species, populations, communities and migratory

species identified from database searches was compiled (Appendix B). Five terms of likelihood

for occurrence (based on database results or other records, presence or absence of suitable

habitat, features of the study area, results of the field survey and professional judgement) were

used to determine the likelihood of occurrence:



“Yes” = 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 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.

Once a species presence was determined the likelihood of the species to be impacted by the

proposal was determined. This decision was based upon whether or not the location, duration

and methods of the proposal would impact on important habitat features, breeding requirements,

food sources and threatening processes. Species determined to have potential to be impacted by

the proposal are listed in sections 3.5 and 3.6. Assessments of significance were undertaken for

these species and results are summarised in section 5.1.

Field survey

Field assessment was carried out by Rowan Murphy on 01-02 December 2017. Weather was

warm and overcast, ranging from 21.0°C to 35.6°C. No rainfall or adverse weather conditions

compromised the effectiveness of the field survey. Survey effort and location of flora plots is

provided in Figure 2-1.

The objectives of the field assessment were to:

Identify the nature and extent of vegetation removal.

Determine if species, populations or communities listed in the EPBC, BC or FM Acts would

be, or have potential to be, affected by the proposal.

Determine if ground water dependant ecological communities would be, or have potential to

be, affected by the proposal.

Describe the quality and value of the habitat affected by the proposal.



Figure 2-1: Survey transect and flora plots



2.3.1 Flora

The flora assessment methodology followed the “Random Meander Technique” described by

Cropper (1993). Formal 20m by 20m vegetation, 50m by one metre transects and 20m by 50m

habitat plots based upon the principles of the Biodiversity Assessment Method (OEH 2017) were

used for this assessment.

Plant identification followed nomenclature in Harden (1990-2002), Cunningham (1992) and Royal

Botanic Gardens (2017). Special consideration was given to locating rare or threatened plants

identified in database searches and literature review as having the potential to occur. The national

conservation significance of flora was determined by referencing the schedules associated with

the BC Act and the EPBC Act.

2.3.2 Ecological communities

Ecological communities were identified in the field using (Benson 2009) and conditional classes

were assigned following definitions of low condition vegetation stated in BBAM (OEH 2014).

A list of predicted threatened or endangered EPBC Act, BC Act and FM Act communities was

brought into the field during the assessment. Where the community had potential to be the listed

community the description and definition for the listed item was cross referenced.

2.3.3 Fauna

Habitat assessment

Habitat in the study area was assessed for its potential to provide resources for listed species

predicted to occur in Appendix B. Preference of habitat for these species was determined by

OEH, Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries and the Australian Government

Department of Environment and Energy (DoEE) threatened online species profiles.

Database searches were undertaken before the assessment to inform the consultant of what

species predicted or known in the 10km buffer may be recorded or should need a targeted search.

Any indirect evidence of fauna i.e. scats, tracks, calls, fur feathers, sloughed skins etc. was

assessed.

Each mature tree in the subject site was inspected for hollows and to determine if they were used

for breeding. All Eucalyptus trees in the study area were also assessed for nests, feeding habitat

including mistletoe or resting habitat. Where a tree with a hollow was observed it was given a

score reflecting its habitat value (Table 2-2).



Table 2-2: Habitat value of trees

No. Habitat value

3

High habitat vale and highest level of constraint: i.e. tree is a threatened species, provides known breeding/roosting habitat for a threatened species or possesses unique or rare habitat values within the landscape (such as large hollows suitable for forest owls). Occasionally 3 is used where one tree possesses several large tree hollows suitable for breeding owls.

2

Moderate habitat value and medium level of constraint: i.e. tree has potential to provide breeding or roosting habitat for a threatened species but is located in an environment where this is unlikely, but not out of the question. Tree may also possess holl ows or other habitat values that are limited in the local environment such as moderate sized hollows or moderate volumes of decorating bark etc.

1 Low habitat value and low level of constraint: i.e. tree is very unlikely to provide breeding or roosting sites for threatened species and it possesses common habitat elements for the environment such as a tree without hollows that provides nectar/insects as a resource.

0 No constraint.

Birds

Opportunistic sightings of birds were recorded during the assessment of the study area. Particular

attention was given to identifying tree hollows with signs of breeding activity or the presence of

nests.

2.3.4 Limitations

Not all animals and plants can be fully accounted for within any given study area. The presence

of threatened species is not static. It changes over time, often in response to longer term natural

forces which can, at any time, be dramatically influenced by man-made disturbance or weather.

In order to overcome some of these limitations, database searches were conducted for threatened

species, populations and ecological communities known to occur within the region. A

‘precautionary approach’ for species occurrence has been adopted where required.

This report is based upon data acquired from recent and current surveys, however, it should be

recognised that data gathered is indicative of the environmental conditions of the site at the time

the report was prepared.

Limitations associated with the survey included:

Trapping was not a component of the assessment.

The field survey was at the end of the ideal survey period for threatened amphibians.

The above-mentioned constraints are not considered to compromise the findings or results of the

field assessment. Nocturnal and diurnal fauna habitat surveys identified potential threatened

species habitat and a precautionary approach has been taken to threatened species presence.



Results

Regional context

The regional context of the study area informs the desktop database review and is provided in

Tables 3-1 and 3-2, it is mapped in Figure 1-2.

Table 3-1: Regional context of the study area

Criteria Value

Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA Region)

Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion,

Castlereagh-Barwon Subregion

Local Government Area Walgett Shire

Nearest town Walgett

Accessed from nearest town by Walgett Pilliga Road

Nearest locality Goangra Head

Land use / disturbance Grazing, transport corridors

Nearest waterway (Name, Strahler Order) Namoi River (>3rd order)

Spot point Australian Height Datum (AHD) 140 m

Table 3-2: Proximity of environmentally sensitive areas to the study area

Environmental Considerations In the study area?

An area reserved or dedicated under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974? No

Is the proposal located within land reserved or dedicated within the meaning of the Crown Lands Act 1989 for preservation of other environmental protection purposes?

No

A World Heritage Area? No

Environmental Protection Zones in environmental planning instruments? No

Lands protected under SEPP 14 – Coastal Wetlands? No

Lands protected under SEPP 26 – Littoral Rainforests? No

Lands protected under SEPP 71 – Coastal Protection? No

Lands protected under SEPP 44 – Koala Protection? Yes

Lands protected under SEPP Sydney Drinking Water Catchment? No

Land identified as wilderness under the Wilderness Act 1987 or declared as wilderness under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974?

No

Aquatic reserves dedicated under the Fisheries Management Act 1994? No

Wetland areas dedicated under the Ramsar Wetlands Convention? No

Land subject to a conservation agreement under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974?

No

Land identified as State Forest under the Forestry Act 1916? No

Land within a mining subsidence district? No

Acid sulphate area? No

Protected riparian habitat? Yes

Mapped as Key Fish Habitat? Yes

Critical habitat NSW? No

Critical habitat nationally? No



Landscape context

Landscape context of the study area locality is important when predicting the presence and

abundance of species. Landscape features such as distance to water and land use can greatly

influence the present of certain species in an area.

The study area falls within the Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion within the Upper Darling

Castlereagh - Barwon land system and is wholly comprised of the Namoi Channels and

Floodplains landscape unit (Mitchell 2002). The topography of this bioregion is characterised by

a series of overlapping, low gradient alluvial fans. Almost all bedrock features have been buried

in this sedimentary basin, with only a few high points of basement rocks rising above the plain.

Overall the landscape is flat with river channel and floodplain features dominant (OEH 2011a).

3.2.1 Climate

Walgett has a warm and persistently dry semi-arid climate (Stern, de Hoedt and Ernst 2000) with

the maximum average temperature occurring in January (35.4°C) and minimum average

temperature occurring in July (4.2°C). The average rainfall per year is 475.9 millimetres (BoM

2015).

3.2.2 Mitchell Landscape

Locally, the landform consists of Holocene fluvial sediments of channels and meander plain facies

of the Namoi River alluvial fan and distributary stream system. Sinuous channels are entrenched

in the meander plain with a fine sand bed load, with a local relief of 10m to 15m. Banks and plains

with brown to grey silt or cracking clay layers of red-brown sand (Plate 3-1).

Plate 3-1: Brown / grey cracking clays on the floodplain of the Namoi River

3.2.3 Land use

The vegetation of the subject site has experienced minor disturbance due to grazing, firewood

collection and illegal dumping of rubbish. These disturbances have contributed to the destruction

of native flora and the proliferation of introduced grass and weed species. Surrounding land use

is also primarily agricultural (Figure 3-1).



Figure 3-1: Land use surrounding the study area and riparian corridor



Aquatic ecological communities

The Namoi River is one of the Murray-Darling Basin’s major NSW sub-catchments. It covers a

total area of about 42,000 km2 from the Great Dividing Range near Tamworth to the Barwon River

near Walgett (Figure 1-2) (NOW 2011).

3.3.1 Endangered aquatic ecological communities

Endangered aquatic ecological communities face a very high risk of extinction in the near future

as determined by the Fisheries Scientific Committee. An ecological community is eligible for listing

as endangered if it has undergone a very large reduction in ecological function, geographic

distribution or genetic diversity, and is affected by a threatening process (DPI 2016).

The aquatic ecological community of the lowland Darling River (Darling River EEC) includes all

native fish and aquatic invertebrates within all natural creeks, rivers, streams and associated

lagoons, billabongs, lakes, anabranches, flow diversions to anabranches and floodplains of the

Darling River within NSW. The listing includes the Namoi River within the Walgett Shire (Figure

3-2).

Figure 3-2: Area of the Darling River Endangered Ecological Community

The subject site at Goangra Bridge over the Namoi River is part of the Darling River EEC.

Protected matters include the watercourse, riparian zone vegetation, and the floodplain as an

integral part of this river system. Many fish species rely on the seasonal flow pattern and

inundation of the floodplain for successful reproduction. The complex river morphology provides

a multitude of habitats that play a critical role in the life cycles of the species making up this

ecological community (Fisheries Scientific Committee 2003).

Study area



3.3.2 Aquatic habitat assessment

While the Namoi catchment does not contain any extensive wetland complexes, a feature of the

river downstream of Narrabri is the many small lagoons, wetlands, and anabranches, as well as

extensive areas of floodplain woodlands and high level flood runners that occur on the lower

Namoi floodplain (NOW 2011).

Below Baradine Creek the lower reaches of the Namoi are characterised by multiple channels,

and the occurrence of many small flood channels and lagoons alongside the river (Green and

Dunkerley 1992). At the far end of the valley a number of flood runners, such as Two Mile

Warrambool, break away from the river and carry water through to the Barwon River during high

flows (NOW 2011) (Figure 1-2).

Physical characteristics

The physical characteristics of the Namoi River at the subject site were assessed during the field

inspection, these characteristics are described in Table 3-3. The subject site is shown in Plates

3-2 to 3-4.

Table 3-3: Physical characteristics of the hydrology of the Namoi River

Physical characteristic Value

Watercourse type Namoi River a 4 th Strahler order waterway

Watercourse temperature 29.0°C at 12pm

Water conductivity

373 microsiemens/cm

Dissolved oxygen 8.25 mg/L

Dissolved oxygen saturation

113.4%

pH 8.08

Turbidity Opaque: Water clarity is reduced by suspended material (e.g. mud, clay, organics)

Water level 1.061m

Local land use Agricultural grazing, recreational fishing, reserved land (travelling stock route) with native riparian corridor

Valley shape Symmetrical floodplain

Channel shape Flat U shaped



Physical characteristic Value

Bank shape Concave (West) | Convex (East)

Bank slope Moderate: 30 – 60°(West) | Steep: 60 – 80° (East)

Factors affecting bank stability

Reinforcement surrounding Goangra Bridge. Erosion and native vegetation removal up and downstream

Bedrock outcrops 0% on both banks (Plate 3-2)

Artificial bank protection measures

Reinforced at Goangra Bridge (West and East) (Plate 3-3)

Channel modifications Reinforced at Goangra Bridge (West and East) (Plate 3-3)

Physical barriers to fish passage

Base flow: Partly restricted passage

Low flow: Good passage

High flow: Good passage

Type of bars Mid channel bars (vegetated) (Plate 3-4)

Riffles None

Oils Oils absent

Odours Odours absent

Water level at time of sampling

Low:

Bed compaction Low Compaction (2): Loose array of fine sediments, no overlapping, no packing and structure can be dislodged very easily

Sediment matrix Matrix dominated: >60% fine sediment, interstitial spaces virtually absent

Sediment angularity Cobble, pebble and gravel fractions not present

Bed stability rating Moderate deposition: moderate build-up of fine sediments at obstructions and bars. Streambed flat and uniform. Channel wide and shallow (Plate 3-4)

Water quality parameters of the study area are slightly above the expected ranges. For example,

the Australian New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council Guidelines for Fresh and

Marine Water Quality states the standard pH is 6.5-8, whereas the study area is at 8.08 pH.

However, above standard results can be a positive outcome when it comes to dissolved oxygen

(DO). Low levels of DO can cause stress (and even death) to fish and other aquatic animals which

rely on oxygen in the water to breathe. The normal range for water is between 6-8 milligrams per

litre (mg/L) (DPI Fisheries 2011). The study area contains a slightly higher than normal DO



content. This is a positive outcome as it means the Namoi River can sustain a greater number of

fish, however, it may not be high enough to support larger fish species such as Murray Cod

(Maccullochella peelii).

Sand bars, pools and riffles are important fish habitat features as these create pockets of slower

moving water which is important fish refuge for an array of fish including the Southern Purple-

spotted Gudgeon (Mogurnda adspers) – Endangered, FM Act. At the study area, snags

(submerged logs) were present but rocks were not. The presence of rocks and snags is important

as they provide refuge and / or breeding habitat. This determines which fish species can inhabit

the study area, for example the Olive Perchlet (Ambassis agassizii) – Endangered Population FM

Act.

Biological characteristics

The biological characteristics of the Namoi River were assessed at the subject site during the field assessment, these are given in Table 3-4.

Table 3-4: Biological characteristics of the Namoi River at the subject site

Biological characteristic Value

Overall vegetation disturbance

Low disturbance:

Riparian vegetation – native vegetation present on both sides of the river and in relatively good condition with few exotic species present. Any disturbance present is relatively minor

Valley vegetation – native vegetation present on both sides of the river, with a virtually intact canopy and few exotic species

Shading of channel ~ 5%

Fringing vegetation within 2 metres of the water’s edge

Riparian vegetation within 2 metres of the water’s edge was absent

Emergent aquatic flora species

Emergent aquatic flora species were absent from the subject site

Submerged biological features

No submerged biological features (e.g. aquatic plants, water ribbons, algae) were identified within the subject site

Presence of macroinvertebrates

Macroinvertebrates were absent from the subject site during the field inspection

Threatened vertebrate species or endangered populations predicted to occur

Western Olive Perchlet (Ambassis agassizii) – Endangered population NSW FM Act

Silver Perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) – Vulnerable NSW FM Act.

No vertebrate aquatic species were identified within the subject site at the time of the field survey. No endangered populations are predicted to occur within the study area.

Endangered ecological communities

The Namoi River is part of the Darling River EEC listed under the NSW FM Act

The study area did not contain in-stream aquatic vegetation, overhanging vegetation or

macroinvertebrates. All of which are important habitat features to fish and aquatic

macroinvertebrates (insects). Macroinvertebrates feed on aquatic plants aquatic plants, which are

in turn eaten by fish. The presence of aquatic plants are therefore necessary for fish for feeding

and are also required for some fish for refuge and breeding, e.g. the Crimson-spotted Rainbowfish

(Melanotenia fluviatilis).

The lack of macroinvetebrates is contributable to the following factors: Water of the study area

was recorded as being very turbid during the field survey. Water with high turbidity has reduced



light penetration, affecting photosynthesis of aquatic plants, a food source to macroinvertebrates.

Suspended solids can block feeding and breathing surfaces of macroinvertebrates, leading to a

reduction of macroinvertebrate diversity and quantity (Water and Rivers Commission, 2001).

Plate 3-2: Factors affecting bank stability at Goangra Bridge

Plate 3-3: Artificial bank protection measures at Goangra Bridge



Plate 3-4: Mid channel bars (vegetated) at Goangra Bridge

3.3.3 Key fish habitat

The Namoi River is mapped as Key Fish Habitat (KFH). Field assessment of the subject site found

the Namoi River is classed as Type 1 highly sensitive key fish habitat as it contains diverse in-

stream freshwater habitat features (see Table 3-4) and is known habitat for threatened fish

species. The Namoi River is also classified as Class 1, major key fish habitat as it is a permanently

flowing freshwater watercourses which is known habitat for threatened fish species.

3.3.4 Groundwater

Groundwater is contained in the unconsolidated sediments along the Namoi River and its major

tributaries. The alluvium of the Namoi River is by far the most important in the state in terms of

groundwater use, providing water for stock use, domestic supplies, irrigation, industry and town

water supplies (Figure 3-3).

The high-yielding aquifers of the Namoi catchment are managed as two groundwater resources

– the Lower Namoi Groundwater Source and the Upper Namoi Groundwater Source. The Lower

Namoi Groundwater Source extends approximately 160 km west from Narrabri and covers an

area of about 7,630 km2. The alluvium is up to 120 m deep and some bores yield more than 200

litres per second (WRC 1984).

Aquatic groundwater dependant ecosystems as mapped by the Commonwealth Department of

the Environment and Energy (DoEE) are mapped in Figure 3-4. The proposal is not expected to

impact groundwater resources in the study area or in the broader Namoi catchment.



Figure 3-3: Groundwater aquifer types in the Namoi River catchment (NOW 2011)

Figure 3-4: Aquatic groundwater dependant ecosystems



3.3.5 Impact to aquatic ecological communities

The definition of 'water pollution' in the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO

Act) sets out general and specific circumstances that constitute pollution. Water pollution means

introducing any matter into waters which changes the physical, chemical or biological condition

of the water. It also includes placing any matter where it might fall, descend, be washed, be blown

or percolates into any waters (e.g. soil which might washed into a waterway).

Additionally, the Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Regulation 2009 (see

Schedule 5) includes a list of specific substances (prescribed matter) which, if they are introduced

onto or into waters, are automatically assumed to constitute pollution of waters, including; soil,

earth, mud, stones, sand, clay or similar inorganic matter, scrap metal, glass, junk, paper, plastic,

rubbish, vehicles or vehicle tyres, any industrial waste and any refuse of any other description.

The proposal has the potential to significantly impact the aquatic habitat of the Namoi River and

part of the Darling River EEC if bridge demolition is not effectively managed. Removal of the

concrete pylons will mobilise and destabilise clays and nutrients in the soil of the banks of the

Namoi River. Deconstruction of the Goangra Bridge risks mobilisation of concrete particulates

into the Namoi River.

Removal of piers within Namoi River is considered dredging work under the FM Act. Council will

be required to obtain a Part 7 Permit under the FM Act from the Department of Primary Industries

(DPI) Fisheries before work begins. Additionally, a Construction Environmental Management Plan

and an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan will be devised for this project, adherence to these

protocols will be documented.



Terrestrial ecological communities

An ecological community is a naturally occurring group of native plants, animals and other

organisms that are interacting in a unique habitat. Its structure, composition and distribution are

determined by environmental factors such as soil type, position in the landscape, altitude, climate

and water availability (DoE 2016).

3.4.1 Biodiversity values

The Biodiversity Values Map (BV Map) identifies land with high biodiversity value, as defined by

the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017. The Biodiversity Offsets Scheme does not apply

to Part 5 development under the EP&A Act. However, riparian vegetation surrounding the Namoi

River has been identified as having biodiversity value as protected riparian land (Figure 3-5).

Figure 3-5: Biodiversity values map for the study area

3.4.2 Vegetation connectivity

Wildlife corridors are physical linkages between patches of native vegetation (Bennett 1998).

They are believed to:

Facilitate the movement of animals through suboptimal habitat (Palomares, et al. 2000).

Provide habitat for resident populations (Lindenmayer, Cunningham and Donnelly 1993).

Enhance dispersal success (MacMahon and Holl 2001) such as by reducing mortality during

dispersal (Beier 1993).

Prevent and reverse localised extinctions through recolonization of empty patches

(Burbrink, Phillips and Heske 1998).



Promote the exchange of genetic information between subpopulations (Aars and Ims 1999),

increasing the effective population size and reducing genetic drift and inbreeding

depression (Newman and Tallmon 2001).

Maintain the inherent species richness at the patch and landscape scale (Harris and Scheck

1991).

Riparian corridors are particularly effective at maintaining habitat connectivity for many species

as well as contributing to ecological connectivity (Kirchner, et al. 2003). Riparian corridors may

also act as dispersal routes for some terrestrial animals (Lindenmayer and Peakall 2000) and

facilitate seed dispersal in plants (Kirchner, et al. 2003).

The riparian zone on either bank of the Namoi River is an important wildlife corridor in a region

that is highly disturbed and degraded by primary production / agricultural activities (Figures 3-4

and 3-8).

3.4.3 Predicted vegetation communities

The NSW Vegetation Information System (VIS) provides the NSW Government, its clients and

the community with a central authoritative repository for native vegetation data. This data is

generally comprised of predictive modelling extrapolated from field observations. Three

vegetation communities have been predictively modelled as occurring within the study area

(Table 3-5 and Figure 3-6).

Table 3-5: Vegetation communities predicted for the study area

PCT ID PCT Name NSW EEC Commonwealth EEC

1 Candidate Native Grasslands No No

36

River Red Gum tall to very tall open forest / woodland wetland

on rivers on floodplains mainly in the Darling Riverine Plains

Bioregion

No No

39

Coolibah - River Coobah - Lignum woodland wetland of

frequently flooded floodplains mainly in the Darling Riverine

Plains Bioregion

Coolibah-Black Box Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow

Belt South, Cobar Peneplain and Mulga

Lands Bioregion

Coolibah - Black Box Woodlands of the

Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt

South Bioregions

* Open water or disturbed land No No

* = Not a Plant Community Type

One predicted vegetation community, PCT 39 is protected as part of an Endangered Ecological

Community (EEC) under Commonwealth (EPBC Act) and State (BC Act) legislation.



Figure 3-6: Predicted vegetation communities of the study area



3.4.4 Recorded vegetation communities

Field survey of the study area found that the predictive model of vegetation mapping closely

matched the real distribution and extent of vegetation communities within the study area (Figure

3-7). Four vegetation communities were recorded within the study area (Table 3-6).

Table 3-6: Vegetation communities recorded in the study area

PCT ID PCT Name NSW EEC Commonwealth EEC Area

36

River Red Gum tall to very tall open forest / woodland

wetland on rivers on floodplains mainly in the Darling Riverine Plains

Bioregion

No No 0.131 ha

37

Black Box woodland wetland on NSW central and northern floodplains

including the Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion and Brigalow Belt South

Bioregion



Lands Bioregion

Coolibah - Black Box Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the

Brigalow Belt South Bioregions

0.006 ha

39

Coolibah - River Coobah - Lignum woodland wetland

of frequently flooded floodplains mainly in the Darling Riverine Plains

Bioregion



Lands Bioregion

Coolibah - Black Box Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the

Brigalow Belt South Bioregions

0.361 ha

168

Derived Copperburr shrubland of the NSW northern inland alluvial

floodplains

No No 0.307 ha

* Open water or disturbed

land No No 1.295 ha

Total 2.1 ha



Figure 3-7: Vegetation communities recorded in the study area



PCT 168: Derived Copperburr shrubland of the NSW northern inland alluvial floodplains

This vegetation community is a low open chenopod shrubland / sparse forbland with low shrubs

10-30 cm high dominated by copperburrs such as Sclerolaena eriacantha, Sclerolaena divaricata,

Sclerolaena calcarata, Sclerolaena bicornis var. horrida and Sclerolaena stelligera with other

chenopods such as Osteocarpum dipterocarpum, Salsola tragus subsp. tragus and low

saltbushes such as Atriplex holocarpa, Atriplex limbata, Atriplex muelleri and Atriplex

semibaccata.

Scattered tall shrubs such as Hakea leucoptera, Eremophila bignoniiflora or Apophyllum

anomalum may be present. Forbs may be common and dominate some areas and include

Portulaca oleracea, Goodenia glauca, Rhodanthe floribunda, Eriochlamys cupularis, Podolepis

longipedata, Alternanthera denticulata, Boerhavia diffusa, Bulbine semibarbata, Calotis hispidula,

Daucus glochidiatus s. lat. and Calandrinia pumila. Grasses include Windmill Grass (Chloris

truncata), Sporobolus actinocladus, Eragrostis spp. and Tripogon loliiformis and Mitchell grass

(Astrebla lappacea, Astrebla pectinata).

Occurs on non-cracking, pale clay soils on slighly elevated rises on floodplains that are

occasionally flooded where scalding is commonplace. Scalding has probably increased due to

grazing and trampling by stock. This PCT has been rarely cropped due to the erodible soils.

Species composition changes with rainfall and the scalded areas are threatened by erosion and

over-grazing.

Plate 3-5: PCT 168 recorded in the subject site



PCT 36: River Red Gum tall to very tall open forest / woodland wetland on rivers on

floodplains mainly in the Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion

Very tall or tall open forest or woodland up to 30 m high lining major watercourses dominated by

River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. camaldulensis) sometimes with Black Box

(Eucalyptus largiflorens) or Coolabah (Eucalyptus coolabah) with southern areas containing

Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora). Shrubs may be absent or if present are sparse including

Cooba (Acacia salicina), River Cooba (Acacia stenophylla) and Lignum (Muehlenbeckia

florulenta).

The ground cover may be dense after rain or flooding and is dominated by native grass species

including Austrostipa ramosissima, Austrostipa verticillata, Austrodanthonia caespitosa, Warrego

Summer Grass (Paspalidium jubiflorum), Umbrella Cane Grass (Leptochloa digitata), Native

Millet (Panicum decompositum) and Couch (Cynodon dactylon). Sedge species include Cyperus

gymnocaulos, Eleocharis pallens and Eleocharis plana. Rushes such as Juncus radula be

present. The fern Nardoo (Marsilea drummondii) is common in poorly drained sites. A range of

forbs include Pratia concolor, Centipeda cunninghamii, Rumex brownii, Haloragis glauca,

Boerhavia dominii, Swainsona galegifolia, Alternanthera denticulata and Goodenia fascicularis.

Occurs on Quaternary alluvial grey cracking clay, loamy clays and sometimes sandy loam soils

in the riparian zone of rivers (banks, levees, benches), ox-bow lakes and depressions on adjacent

floodplains. A widely distributed community with large floristic variation depending on flooding

regimes. Distributed on the floodplains of major rivers and creeks of central-northern western

NSW mainly in the Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion extending into adjoining bioregions. A

substantial proportion of this community has been cleared and/or adjoining vegetation has been

cleared rendering this community susceptible to "edge" effects. Many areas are affected by

trampling by stock and weed invasion by Lippia (Phyla canescens) or African Boxthorn (Lycium

ferrosimum). Changed flooding regimes due to irrigation draw off is leading to a lack of

regeneration of River Red Gum in some locations.

Plate 3-6: PCT 36 recorded in the study area



PCT 37: Black Box woodland wetland on NSW central and northern floodplains including

the Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion and Brigalow Belt South Bioregion

Open forest to open woodland dominated by Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens) often with Poplar

Box (Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil), Coolabah (Eucalyptus coolabah) or Belah (Casuarina

cristata). The shrub layer may be sparse or dense depending on grazing regimes or other

disturbance events.

It may include River Cooba (Acacia stenophylla), Lignum (Muehlenbeckia florulenta), Old Man

Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia), Thorny Saltbush (Rhagodia spinescens), Cooba (Acacia

salicina), Wilga (Geijera parviflora), Budda (Eremophila mitchellii), Wild Orange (Capparis

mitchellii), Spotted Fuchsia (Eremophila maculata) and Eurah (Eremophila bignoniiflora).

The ground cover is usually sparse but may be dense after flooding or rain and includes low

shrubs such as Black Roly Poly (Sclerolaena muricata var. muricata), Cotton Bush (Maireana

aphylla) and saltbushes such as Atriplex spinibractea and Atriplex semibaccata. Grass species

include Enteropogon acicularis, Austrodanthonia setacea, Walwhalleya subxerophilum,

Paspalidium jubiflorum, Lachnagrostis filiformis, Panicum decompositum and Leptochloa digitata.

Forbs include Solanum esuriale, Oxalis chnoodes, Sida corruga, Goodenia fascicularis, Calotis

scabiosifolia var. scabiosifolia and Einadia nutans subsp. nutans. Nardoo (Marsilea drummondii)

is common after flooding and sedges such as Eleocharis pallens and Cyperus concinnus grow in

depressions.

Occurs on grey and brown alluvial clays and red and brown loams on floodplains near

watercourses, ox-bow lakes, and drainage depressions. Distributed across the north-western

plains of NSW mainly in the Darling Riverine Plain Bioregion. A threatened community because

it has mostly been cleared and heavily grazed.

Plate 3-7: PCT 37 recorded within the study area



PCT 39: Coolabah - River Coobah - Lignum woodland wetland of frequently flooded

floodplains mainly in the Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion

Coolabah Box open forest and woodland dominated by Coolabah (Eucalyptus coolabah subsp.

coolabah) often with River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. camaldulensis) with

understorey thickets of Lignum (Muehlenbeckia florulenta), River Cooba (Acacia stenophylla) or

Cooba (Acacia salicina). Melalueca triostachya occurs on river banks in some areas. The ground

cover contains tall tussock grasses such as Leptochloa digitata and Paspalidium jubiflorum,

sedges such as Cyperus concinnus and Cyperus victoriensis and rushes (Juncus spp.). Coolabah

occurs on areas slightly less flooded than River Red Gum. It also may adjoin Black Box

communities that tend to occupy slightly higher ground. Lippia (Phyla canescens) and African

Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) are problem weeds in places.

Occurs on alluvial silty clay soils with neutral pH on floodplains of the major rivers mainly in the

Darling Riverine Plain Bioregion but with outliers in other bioregions. This community is frequently

flooded and may be subject to occasional prolonged inundation. Grades into a less frequently

flooded Coolabah Open Woodland (ID40) that occurs distant from the channelised section of the

floodplain. It has been extensively cleared in central northern NSW but stands remain in the

Western Division in the Darling River system although clearing is extending into this region.

Endangered due to the rate of its decline and long term impacts from changed flooding regimes

affecting its condition.

Plate 3-8: PCT 39 recorded within the study area



3.4.5 Threatened terrestrial ecological communities

An ecological community is listed as threatened if there is a significant decline in its distribution

or ecological function. This could include a change in community structure or composition,

disruption of ecological processes, invasion by exotic species, or habitat degradation or

fragmentation (OEH 2016).

PCT 37 and PCT 39 are associated with the following endangered ecological community listings:

Coolibah-Black Box Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar

Peneplain, and Mulga Lands Bioregion – Endangered, NSW BC Act.

Coolibah - Black Box Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt South

Bioregions – Endangered, Commonwealth EPBC Act.

The viable local population of the Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands EEC has been mapped in

Figure 3-8. The viable local population has been defined as the vegetation communities which

have been mapped to be consistent with the Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands EEC and which

extend into habitat adjoining and contiguous with the subject site and which are not separated

from an adjacent patch by a distance greater than 75 m and is within 10 km of the study area.

For this report, no delineation has been made between areas that meet the NSW listing criteria

but do not meet the Commonwealth listing criteria. Management of the entire viable local

population will ensure that no significant impact occurs to areas that qualify for protection under

the EPBC Act.

The Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands of the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt South

Bioregions ecological community (hereafter, Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands) is associated with

the floodplains and drainage areas of the Darling Riverine Plains and the Brigalow Belt South

bioregions. This ecological community represents occurrences of one type of eucalypt woodland

where Eucalyptus coolabah subsp. coolabah (Coolibah, Coolabah) and/or Eucalyptus largiflorens

(Black Box) are the dominant canopy species and where the understorey tends to be grassy

(DoE, 2011).

The Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands are found on the grey, self-mulching clays of periodically

waterlogged floodplains, swamp margins, ephemeral wetlands, and stream levees (OEH, 2011b).

The landscape is flat to low relief where small changes in slope and height can influence the

species composition. Parts of the ecological community associated with drainage depressions, or

areas of lower floodplain remain inundated for longer periods than parts of the ecological

community associated with higher floodplain areas of the distribution (DoE, 2011).



Figure 3-8: Viable local population of threatened ecological communities



3.4.6 Groundwater dependant ecosystems

The study area is mapped by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Atlas of Groundwater Dependant

Ecosystems as having vegetation with a moderate to high potential for reliance on the surface

expression of groundwater (Figure 3-9).

Figure 3-9: Terrestrial GDE’s mapped for the study area

3.4.7 Impact to terrestrial ecological communities

The proposal will clear 0.37ha of the approximately 2000ha Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands

EEC patch. Assessment of significance of this impact (section 5.1.2) found loss of 0.2% of the

viable local extent of this EEC would not constitute a significant impact.

This proposal will involve minor clearing of minor native vegetation (0.8ha) which is predicted to

have a high to moderate potential for groundwater interaction. The depth of soil disturbance is not

expected to be deep enough to interfere with groundwater sources.



Flora

3.5.1 Predicted flora

A review of habitat requirements and database search records for each listed species, populations

and ecological communities predicted to occur in the study area concluded five threatened plants

have potential to be impacted by the proposal (Table 3-7).

3.5.2 Recorded flora

Field survey recorded 14 flora species in the study area (Appendix A). Of these, there were:

13 native flora species.

No threatened flora species.

One exotic flora species.

3.5.3 Impact to flora

The proposal will involve the removal of up to six hollow bearing trees. Native flora in the mid and

lower strata will be locally disturbed during bridge construction and removal of the old bridge.

Impact to threatened flora species

No threatened flora species were identified within the study area. Those species with potential to

occur in the study area will not have their available habitat disturbed to the extent that a viable

local population is likely to become locally extinct.

Impact on weed burden

The proposal will disturb the banks of the Namoi River around the existing bridge, a population of

Noogoora Burr (Xanthium occidentale) was recorded around the western bank at the Goangra

Bridge. Council should exterminate this priority weed from the study area prior to the

commencement of work, and should monitor the work site after completion of work to ensure that

weed populations are managed until native understory becomes established.



Table 3-7: Threatened flora species with potential to be impacted by the proposal

Species Status Occurrence

Type Scientific Name Common Name NSW Commonwealth NSW Commonwealth Likelihood

Herbs and forbs

Desmodium campylocaulon

Creeping Tick-trefoil Endangered Known

Potential - Creeping Tick-Trefoil is confined to clay soils, usually with Astrebla and Iseilema species. In NSW Desmodium campylocaulon grows on cracking black soils in the Narrabri, Moree and Walgett local government areas

Herbs and forbs

Lepidium monoplocoides

Winged Peppercress

Endangered Endangered Known

Potential - Occurs on seasonally moist to waterlogged sites, on heavy fertile soils, with a mean annual rainfall of around 300-500 mm. Predominant vegetation is usually an open woodland dominated by Allocasuarina luehmannii (Bulloak) and/or eucalypts, particularly Eucalyptus largiflorens (Black Box) or Eucalyptus populnea (Poplar Box). The field layer of the surrounding woodland is dominated by tussock grasses

Herbs and forbs

Phyllanthus maderaspatensis

Endangered Known

Likely - Grows in floodplain areas on heavy soils and may rely on appropriate and intermittent rainfall and flooding events for its survival. The species is described as being a summer-growing annual and is thus dependent on seasonal conditions.Often associated with open grasslands and eucalypt woodlands in or near creek beds, and grassy flats and levees near watercourses

Herbs and forbs

Swainsona murrayana

Slender Darling Pea Vulnerable Vulnerable Known Species or species

habitat likely to occur within area

Likely - The species has been collected from clay-based soils, ranging from grey, red and brown cracking clays to red-brown earths and loams. Grows in a variety of vegetation types including bladder saltbush, black box and grassland communities on level plains, floodplains and depressions and is often found with Maireana species

Shrubs Sida rohlenae Shrub Sida Endangered Known

Potential - Shrub Sida grows on flood-out areas, creek banks and at the base of rocky hills. NSW specimens have been found along roadsides in hard red loam to sandy-loam soils. The species can become locally abundant and is often more common in disturbed sites



Plate 3-9: Example of typical ground cover at vegetation plot one

Plate 3-10: Example of typical ground cover at vegetation plot two



Fauna

3.6.1 Threatened fauna habitats

Terrestrial fauna habitat features were recorded throughout the survey. Specific habitat features

were recorded within the vegetation survey plot. The fauna habitats present are described in

the following sections.

Hollow bearing trees

Large hollow bearing trees within the subject site provide breeding habitat for parrots and owls.

Smaller hollows provide breeding and roosting habitat for a myriad of hollow dependent

threatened species. The hollow bearing trees are located within the riparian corridor of the

Namoi River and are mapped in Figure 3-10 and shown in Plate 3-11.

Plate 3-11: Example of Habitat Tree Class 3 within the study area

Microbat roosting habitat

The cracks and crevices in the tree structures at each site are likely to provide roosting habitat

for several species of microbat including threatened species.

Koala habitat

Walgett LGA is identified under Schedule 1 — Local Government Areas of State Environmental

Planning Policy No 44 (SEPP 44) — Koala Habitat Protection. The riparian corridor consists of

primary feed tree species – River Red Gum (E. camaldulensis), under Schedule 2 of the SEPP.

The study area is considered potential Koala habitat as the trees of the types listed in Schedule

2 constitute at least 15% of the total number of trees in the upper strata of the tree component.

However, the subject site is not considered to be core Koala habitat as a resident population of

Koalas has not been identified within the subject site during the field survey.



Figure 3-10: Habitat trees recorded near the subject site



3.6.2 Predicted threatened fauna

An assessment of likelihood of occurrence for listed species, populations, communities and

migratory species identified from database searches was compiled (Appendix B). Five terms

of likelihood for occurrence (based on database results or other records, presence or absence

of suitable habitat, features of the study area, results of the field survey and professional

judgement) were used to determine the likelihood of occurrence:

“Yes” = 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 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.

A review of habitat requirements and database search records for each listed species,

populations and ecological communities predicted to occur in the study area concluded:

One threatened amphibian;

One threatened mammal;

Two threatened reptiles;

Two threatened marsupials;

Three threatened fish;

Five threatened bats, and;

32 threatened birds have potential to be impacted by the proposal (Table 3-8).

3.6.3 Recorded fauna

No threatened species were recorded during the survey. Several common species were

recorded which utilise similar habitat niches as several of the listed threatened species predicted

for the subject site. These results were used to inform the consultant that these habitat niches

exist within the subject site and may be utilised by undetected or cryptic threatened fauna

species. No aquatic fauna species were recorded.

Native fauna

Several native fauna species were recorded at the subject site including:

Fairy Martin (Petrochelidon ariel).

Peaceful Dove (Geopelia placida).

Masked Woodswallow (Artamus personatus).

3.6.4 Impact to fauna

The proposal will involve the removal of up to six hollow bearing trees which provide potential

habitat for several threatened fauna species. However, this habitat is contiguous with a large

extent of homogenous habitat and is unlikely to result in vegetation removal to the extent that a

viable local population of a threatened fauna species is likely to become locally extinct.



Table 3-8: Threatened fauna species with potential to be impacted by the proposal


Type Scientific Name Common Name NSW Commonwealth NSW Commonwealth Likelihood

Am

ph

ibia

ns

Crinia sloanei Sloane's Froglet Vulnerable Known Potential - The study area contains periodically inundated areas in grassland, woodland and disturbed habitats and is within this species known distribution

Bats

Chalinolobus picatus Little Pied Bat Vulnerable Known

Potential - Occurs in dry open forest, open woodland, mulga woodlands, chenopod shrublands, cypress pine forest and mallee and Bimbil box woodlands. Roosts in caves, rock outcrops, mine shafts, tunnels, tree hollows and buildings

Bats

Mormopterus lumsdenae

Northern Free-tailed Bat

Vulnerable Known Potential - A range of vegetation types in northern Australia, from rainforests to open forests and woodlands, and are often recorded along watercourses

Bats

Nyctophilus corbeni Corben's Long-

eared Bat Vulnerable Vulnerable Predicted

Species or species habitat may occur

within area

Potential - The study area contains suitable woodland habitat, including hollow bearing trees. Roosts in tree hollows, crevices, and under loose bark

Bats

Saccolaimus flaviventris

Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat

Vulnerable Known

Likely - Roosts singly or in groups of up to six, in tree hollows and buildings; in treeless areas they are known to utilise mammal burrows. When foraging for insects, flies high and fast over the forest canopy, but lower in more open country. Forages in most habitats across its very wide range, with and without trees; appears to defend an aerial territory

Bats

Vespadelus baverstocki

Inland Forest Bat Vulnerable Known

Potential - Roosts in tree hollows and abandoned buildings. Known to roost in very small hollows in stunted trees only a few metres high. The habitat requirements of this species are poorly known but it has been recorded from a variety of woodland formations, including Mallee, Mulga and River Red Gum. Most records are from drier woodland habitats with riparian areas inhabited by the Little Forest Bat.

Birds

Ardea alba Great Egret Migratory Species or species

habitat likely to occur within area

Potential - Prefers shallow waters and marshes; no records in the vicinity of the study area

Birds

Ardea ibis Cattle Egret Migratory Known Species or species habitat may occur

within area

Potential - The Cattle Egret is found in grasslands, woodlands and wetlands, and is not common in arid areas; no records exist in the vicinity of the study area




Type Scientific Name Common Name NSW Commonwealth NSW Commonwealth Likelihood B

irds

Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard Endangered Known

Potential - Mainly inhabits tussock and hummock grasslands, though prefers tussock grasses to hummock grasses; also occurs in low shrublands and low open grassy woodlands; occasionally seen in pastoral and cropping country, golf courses and near dams; no records in the vicinity of the study area

Birds

Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew Endangered Known

Potential - Inhabits open forests and woodlands with a sparse grassy groundlayer and fallen timber. Largely nocturnal, being especially active on moonlit nights; no records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Birds

Calyptorhynchus banksii samueli

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo (inland

subspecies) Vulnerable Known

Likely - Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos are found in a wide variety of habitats. Prefer Eucalyptus forest and woodlands, particularly river red gum and coolabah lined water courses. In the arid zone usually occur mainly near eucalypts along larger watercourses and associated Acacia and Casuarina woodlands nearby. Also utilise grasslands, scrublands, wetlands and vegetation on floodplains

Birds

Chthonicola sagittata Speckled Warbler Vulnerable Known

Potential - The Speckled Warbler lives in a wide range of Eucalyptus dominated communities that have a grassy understorey, often on rocky ridges or in gullies. Typical habitat would include scattered native tussock grasses, a sparse shrub layer, some eucalypt regrowth and an open canopy. No records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Birds

Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier Vulnerable Known

Potential - Occurs in grassy open woodland including Acacia and mallee remnants, inland riparian woodland, grassland and shrub steppe. It is found most commonly in native grassland, but also occurs in agricultural land, foraging over open habitats including edges of inland wetlands; no records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Birds

Climacteris picumnus victoriae

Brown Treecreeper (eastern subspecies)

Vulnerable Known

Potential - found in mallee and River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) forest bordering wetlands with an open understorey of acacias, saltbush, lignum, cumbungi and grasses; usually not found in woodlands with a dense shrub layer; fallen timber is an important habitat component for foraging; also recorded, though less commonly, in similar woodland habitats on the coastal ranges and plains; no records exist in the vicinity of the study area





irds

Daphoenositta chrysoptera

Varied Sittella Vulnerable Known

Potential - Inhabits eucalypt forests and woodlands, especially those containing rough-barked species and mature smooth-barked gums with dead branches, mallee and Acacia woodland. Feeds on arthropods gleaned from crevices in rough or decorticating bark, dead branches, standing dead trees and small branches and twigs in the tree canopy

Birds

Epthianura albifrons White-fronted Chat Vulnerable Known Potential - usually found foraging on bare or grassy ground in wetland areas, singly or in pairs; no records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Birds

Erythrotriorchis radiatus

Red Goshawk Critically

Endangered Vulnerable Known

Potential - Red Goshawks inhabit open woodland and forest, preferring a mosaic of vegetation types, a large population of birds as a source of food, and permanent water, and are often found in riparian habitats along or near watercourses or wetlands

Birds

Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon Endangered Known

Potential - Usually restricted to shrubland, grassland and wooded watercourses of arid and semi-arid regions, although it is occasionally found in open woodlands near the coast; no records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Birds

Falco subniger Black Falcon Vulnerable Known

Potential - The Black Falcon is widely, but sparsely, distributed in New South Wales, mostly occurring in inland regions; no records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Birds

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe Migratory Known Species or species habitat may occur

within area

Potential - Latham's Snipe occurs in permanent and ephemeral wetlands up to 2000 m above sea-level. They usually inhabit open, freshwater wetlands with low, dense vegetation

Birds

Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole Migratory Known

Potential - the Oriental Pratincole usually inhabits open plains, floodplains or short grassland (including farmland or airstrips), often with extensive bare areas. They often occur near terrestrial wetlands, such as billabongs, lakes or creeks, and artificial wetlands such as reservoirs, saltworks and sewage farms, especially around the margins. No records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Birds

Glossopsitta pusilla Little Lorikeet Vulnerable Known

Potential - Forages primarily in the canopy of open Eucalyptus forest and woodland, yet also finds food in Angophora, Melaleuca and other tree species. Riparian habitats are particularly used, due to higher soil fertility and hence greater productivity





irds

Hamirostra melanosternon

Black-breasted Buzzard

Vulnerable Known

Potential - Lives in a range of inland habitats, especially along timbered watercourses which is the preferred breeding habitat. Also hunts over grasslands and sparsely timbered woodlands

Birds

Hieraaetus morphnoides

Little Eagle Vulnerable Known Potential - Occupies open eucalypt forest, woodland or open woodland. Sheoak or Acacia woodlands and riparian woodlands of interior NSW are also used

Bir

ds Lophochroa

leadbeateri Major Mitchell's

Cockatoo Vulnerable Known

Potential - Inhabits a wide range of treed and treeless inland habitats, always within easy reach of water

Birds

Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite Vulnerable Known Potential - Found in a variety of timbered habitats including dry woodlands and open forests. Shows a particular preference for timbered watercourses

Birds

Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater Migratory Known Species or species habitat may occur

within area

Potential - The Rainbow Bee-eater occurs mainly in open forests and woodlands, shrublands, and in various cleared or semi-cleared habitats, including farmland and areas of human habitation

Birds

Neophema pulchella Turquoise Parrot Vulnerable Known Potential - Lives on the edges of eucalypt woodland adjoining clearings, timbered ridges and creeks in farmland

Birds

Ninox connivens Barking Owl Vulnerable Known

Likely - Inhabits woodland and open forest, including fragmented remnants and partly cleared farmland. It is flexible in its habitat use, and hunting can extend in to closed forest and more open areas

Birds

Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck Vulnerable Known Potential - The Blue-billed Duck prefers deep water in large permanent wetlands and swamps with dense aquatic vegetation

Birds

Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin Vulnerable Known

Potential - The Scarlet Robin lives in dry eucalypt forests and woodlands. The understorey is usually open and grassy with few scattered shrubs. This species lives in both mature and regrowth vegetation. It occasionally occurs in mallee or wet forest communities, or in wetlands and tea-tree swamps

Birds

Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis Migratory Known

Potential - The Glossy Ibis' preferred habitat for foraging and breeding are fresh water marshes at the edges of lakes and rivers, lagoons, flood-plains, wet meadows, swamps, reservoirs, sewage ponds, rice-fields and cultivated areas under irrigation





irds

Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot Vulnerable Vulnerable Known Potential - Inhabits Box-Gum, Box-Cypress-pine and Boree Woodlands and River Red Gum Forest. No records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Birds

Rostratula australis Australian Painted

Snipe Endangered Endangered Known


within area

Potential - Prefers fringes of swamps, dams and nearby marshy areas where there is a cover of grasses, lignum, low scrub or open timber

Birds

Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail Vulnerable Known

Potential - Found in grassy eucalypt woodlands, including Box-Gum Woodlands and Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora) woodlands. Also occurs in open forest, mallee, Natural Temperate Grassland, and in secondary grassland derived from other communities. Often found in riparian areas (rivers and creeks), and sometimes in lightly wooded farmland

Birds

Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper Migratory Known

Potential - The Wood Sandpiper uses well-vegetated, shallow, freshwater wetlands, such as swamps, billabongs, lakes, pools and waterholes. They are typically associated with emergent, aquatic plants or grass, and dominated by taller fringing vegetation, such as dense stands of rushes or reeds, shrubs, or dead or live trees, especially Melaleuca and River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and often with fallen timber

Birds

Tyto longimembris Eastern Grass Owl Vulnerable Known

Potential - Eastern Grass Owls are found in areas of tall grass, including grass tussocks, in swampy areas, grassy plains, swampy heath, and in cane grass or sedges on flood plains

Birds

Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl Vulnerable Known Potential - Lives in dry eucalypt forests and woodlands from sea level to 1100 m. A forest owl, but often hunts along the edges of forests, including roadsides

Fis

h

Ambassis agassizii Western Olive

Perchlet Endangered Population

Predicted

Potential - The western population of the Olive Perchlet was once widespread throughout the Murray-Darling system of South Australia, Victoria, western New South Wales and southern Queensland. This population has suffered a serious decline and is now found only at a few sites in the Darling River drainage

Fis

h

Bidyanus bidyanus Silver Perch Vulnerable Predicted

Potential - They have now declined to low numbers or disappeared from most of their former range. Only one remaining secure and self-sustaining population occurs in NSW in the central Murray River downstream of Yarrawonga weir, as well as several anabranches and tributaries




Type Scientific Name Common Name NSW Commonwealth NSW Commonwealth Likelihood F

ish

Maccullochella peelii Murray Cod Vulnerable Species or species habitat may occur

within area

Potential - Murray Cod are frequently found in the main channels of rivers and larger tributaries. The species is, therefore, considered a main-channel specialist. Murray Cod tend to occur in floodplain channels and anabranches when they are inundated

Ma

mm

als

Rattus villosissimus Long-haired Rat Vulnerable Known

Potential - Eats roots, stems and leaves of grasses and herbs, especially the more succulent species. Seeds, flowers and insects (e.g. locust) which become available in better seasons stimulate reproduction. Sustained in mesic, densely vegetated sites. During plagues can be found in virtually all inland habitats

Ma

rsupia

ls

Phascolarctos cinereus

Koala Vulnerable Vulnerable Known Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Likely - Inhabit eucalypt woodlands and forests. Feed on the foliage of more than 70 eucalypt species and 30 non-eucalypt species, but in any one area will select preferred browse species. Inactive for most of the day, feeding and moving mostly at night. Spend most of their time in trees, but will descend and traverse open ground to move between trees. Home range size varies with quality of habitat, ranging from less than two ha to several hundred hectares in size

Ma

rsupia

ls

Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart Vulnerable Known

Potential - Native dry grasslands and low dry shrublands, often along drainage lines where food and shelter resources tend to be better. They shelter in cracks in the soil, in grass tussocks or under rocks and logs

Reptile

s

Anomalopus mackayi Five-clawed Worm-

skink Endangered Vulnerable Known


within area

Potential - Close to or on the lower slopes of slight rises in grassy White Box woodland on moist black soils, and River Red Gum-Coolibah-Bimble Box woodland on deep cracking loose clay soils. May also occur in grassland areas and open paddocks with scattered trees. Live in permanent deep tunnel-like burrows and deep soil cracks, coming close to the surface under fallen timber and litter, especially partially buried logs

Reptile

s

Hoplocephalus bitorquatus

Pale-headed Snake Vulnerable Known

Potential - The Pale-headed Snake is a highly cryptic species that can spend weeks at a time hidden in tree hollows. Found mainly in dry eucalypt forests and woodlands, cypress forest and occasionally in rainforest or moist eucalypt forest. In drier environments, it appears to favour habitats close to riparian areas



Figure 3-11: Threatened species within 10km of the study area



Key threatening processes

The OEH, DoEE and DPI Fisheries list of KTPs was reviewed and 17 KTPs are active within

the study area. Eight of these will be exacerbated by the proposal:

Alteration to the natural flow regimes

of rivers and streams and their

floodplains and wetlands.

Anthropogenic climate change.

Bushrock removal.

Clearing of native vegetation.

Loss of hollow-bearing trees.

Removal of dead wood and dead

trees.

The degradation of native riparian

vegetation along New South Wales

water courses.

The removal of large woody debris

from NSW rivers and streams.

A summary of the proposed impacts relating to the relevant key threatening processes is given

in Table 3-9.

Table 3-9: Review of proposed impacts to key threatening processes

Key Threatening Process TSC Act

FM Act

EPBC Act

KTP present in study

area? Exacerbated?

Aggressive exclusion of birds by noisy miners (Manorina melanocephala)

No No

Alteration of habitat following subsidence due to longwall mining

No No

Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and streams and their floodplains and wetlands

Yes Yes

Anthropogenic climate change Yes Negligible

Bushrock removal No Yes

Clearing of native vegetation Yes Yes

Competition and grazing by the feral European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Yes No

Competition and habitat degradation by feral goats (Capra hircus)

No No

Competition from feral honey bees (Apis mellifera) Yes No

Death or injury to marine species following capture in shark control programs on ocean beaches

No No

Entanglement in or ingestion of anthropogenic debris in marine and estuarine environments

No No

Forest Eucalypt dieback associated with over-abundant psyllids and bell miners

No No

Herbivory and environmental degradation caused by feral deer

No No

High frequency fire resulting in the disruption of life cycle processes in plants and animals and loss of

vegetation structure and composition

No No

Hook and line fishing in areas important for the survival of threatened fish species

Yes No

Importation of red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta)

No No




FM Act

EPBC Act


area? Exacerbated?

Incidental catch (bycatch) of Sea Turtle during coastal otter-trawling operations within Australian

waters north of 28 degrees South

No No

Incidental catch (or bycatch) of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations

No No

Infection by psittacine circoviral (beak and feather) disease affecting endangered psittacine species and

populations

Yes No

Infection of frogs by amphibian chytrid causing the disease chytridiomycosis

No No

Infection of native plants by Phytophthora cinnamomi No No

Introduction and Establishment of Exotic Rust Fungi of the order Pucciniales pathogenic on plants of the

family Myrtaceae

No No

Introduction of non-indigenous fish and marine vegetation to the coastal waters of New South Wales

No No

Introduction of the large earth bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)

No No

Invasion and establishment of exotic vines and scramblers

No No

Invasion and establishment of Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius)

No No

Invasion and establishment of the cane toad (Bufo marinus)

No No

Invasion of native plant communities by African Olive Olea europaea L. subsp. cuspidata

No No

Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses

Yes No

Invasion of native plant communities by Chrysanthemoides monilifera (bitou bush and

boneseed)

No No

Invasion of northern Australia by Gamba Grass and other introduced grasses

No No

Invasion of the yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes (Fr. Smith)) into NSW

No No

Invasion, establishment and spread of Lantana camara

No No

Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat by invasion of escaped garden plants,

including aquatic plants

No No

Loss of hollow-bearing trees Yes Yes

Loss or degradation (or both) of sites used for hill-topping by butterflies

No No

Novel biota and their impact on biodiversity No No

Predation and hybridisation of feral dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)

Yes No




FM Act

EPBC Act


area? Exacerbated?

Predation by exotic rats on Australian offshore islands of less than 1000 km2 (100,000 ha)

No No

Predation by the European red fox (Vulpes vulpes) Yes No

Predation by the feral cat (Felis catus) Yes No

Predation by the ship rat (Rattus rattus) on Lord Howe Island

No No

Predation by Gambusia holbrooki Girard, 1859

(plague minnow or mosquito fish) No No

Predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

Yes No

Removal of dead wood and dead trees Yes Yes

The degradation of native riparian vegetation along New South Wales water courses

Yes Yes

The introduction of fish to fresh waters within a river catchment outside their natural range

Yes No

The removal of large woody debris from NSW rivers and streams

Yes Yes

Matters of National Environmental Significance

Under the environmental assessment provisions of the EPBC Act, the Matters of National

Environmental Significance (MNES) and impacts on Commonwealth land are required to be

considered to assist in determining whether the proposal should be referred to the Australian

Government DoEE. No MNES will be impacted by the proposed works (Table 3-10).



Table 3-10: Impacts to Matters of National Environmental Significance

Factor Impact

Any impact on a World Heritage property? NIL

Any impact on a National Heritage place? NIL

Any impact on a wetland of international importance? NIL

Any impact on a listed threatened species or communities? NIL

Any impacts on listed migratory species? NIL

Any impact on a Commonwealth marine area? NIL

Does the proposal involve a nuclear action (including uranium mining)? NIL

Additionally, any impact (direct or indirect) on Commonwealth land? NIL

Any impact on a water resource, in relation to coal seam gas development and large coal mining development?

NIL



Environmental safeguards

The proposal has followed the principles of ‘avoid, minimise, mitigate’ to reduce the impact of

the proposal on local biodiversity values.

Avoid impact

The following avoidance mitigation measures have been implemented in the proposal design:

The potential impact area has been reduced to avoid sensitive areas.

Minimise impact

The following design considerations have been made to minimise the impact of the proposal on

the local environment.

Existing hard stand areas will be utilised for stockpiles.

Mitigate impact

The following mitigation measures in Table 4-1 have been suggested to lower the potential

impact of the proposal.

Table 4-1: Summary of mitigation methods

Impact Environmental safeguards Responsibility Timing

General 1. All personnel would be inducted to be aware any impacts to threatened species have legislative consequences if deliberately or accidentally impacted without development approval under the EP&A Act. Evidence of all personnel receiving an induction would be kept on file (signed induction sheets etc.).

2. A profile for each of the subject species will be shown to personnel during inductions. Pictures of these species would be included in the profile to assist staff in avoiding these species.

3. Any change in design outside the assessed impact footprint within the study area will require further ecological survey.

Proponent Pre-construction,

construction,

operation

Clearing and

prevention of

over-clearing

4. All personnel would be inducted to be aware any stand of native vegetation outside the subject site has legislative consequences if deliberately or accidentally impacted without approval under Part 4 or 5 of the EP&A Act. Evidence of all personnel receiving an induction would be kept on file (signed induction sheets etc).

5. Before starting work, a physical vegetation clearing boundary at the approved clearing limit is to be demarcated and implemented. The delineation of such a boundary may include the use of temporary fencing, flagging tape, or similar.

6. Vegetation would be removed in a manner that avoids damage to surrounding vegetation. Ensure groundcover disturbance is kept to a minimum.

7. Where possible, vegetation to be removed would be mulched on-site and re-used to stabilise disturbed areas.

Contractor Pre-construction




8. Prior to clearing, inspect trees with bird nests or hollows before pushing or felling to ensure the nests are vacant. Inspection would occur immediately before pushing or felling. If a bird is in the nest, clear the trees around it first to see if the animal will disperse. If the bird is a nestling all measures would be taken to collect the bird and remove to a safe location.

9. Trees with nests or hollows are to be “knocked” and watched for movement of fauna for at least 15 minutes, before felling occurs.

10. Parts of trees from tree felling can be placed in areas of native vegetation to be retained. This will provide habitat complexity in the form of fallen timber to increase species diversity.

Soil management

11. Erosion and sediment control issues will be documented within an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) and monitored by Council.

12. The stripping of surface soil and stockpiling activities would not be undertaken during rainfall events.

13. Cut batters would be designed to maintain topsoil and promote vegetative growth.

14. Erosion and sediment controls in line with Landcom’s Managing Urban Stormwater, Soils & Construction Guidelines (The Blue Book. Landcom 2004) are required.

15. Erosion and sedimentation controls are to be checked and maintained on a regular basis. Including clearing of sediment from behind barriers and after heavy rainfall events.

16. Erosion and sediment control measures are not to be removed until the works are complete and areas are stabilised.

Contractor Pre-construction

and construction

Introduction and

spread of weeds

and pathogens

17. If declared noxious weeds are identified during construction they would be managed according to the requirements of the Biosecurity Act 2015.

18. Construction machinery (bulldozers, excavators, trucks, loaders and graders) would be cleaned using a high-pressure washer (or other suitable device) before entering and exiting work sites.

19. All pesticides would be used in accordance with the requirements on the label. Any person carrying out pesticide (including herbicide) application would be trained to do so and have the proper certificate of completion/competency or statement of attainment issued by a registered training organisation.

Contractor Construction

Introduction of

invasive fauna

20. All food scraps and rubbish are to be appropriately disposed of in sealed receptacles to prevent providing forage habitats for foxes, rats, dogs and cats.


Disturbance to

fallen timber, dead

wood and bush

rock

21. Any fallen timber, dead wood and bush rock (if present) encountered on site would be left in situ or relocated to a suitable place nearby. Rock would be removed with suitable machinery so as not to damage the underlying rock or result in excessive soil disturbance.





Watercourses

(Key fish habitat

and Darling River

EEC)

22. A permit issued under Part 7 of the Fisheries Management Act 1994 must be approved for this project and its conditions are to be followed throughout the project.

23. A suitable spill containment kit shall be available on-site at all times; all staff would be made aware of the location of the spill kit and trained in its use. If a spill occurs, the Proponents Environmental Incident Classification and Management Procedure are to be followed and the Proponents Environmental Manager notified as soon as practicable.

24. All chemicals on site must be recorded on a chemical manifest, have up to date Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

25. Any further stockpiles required would be located 50 meters away from the high bank of any rivers or drainage lines.

26. Removal and break-up of the bridge structure may be required in sections using appropriate control measures to manage potential mobilisation of concrete particulates into the Namoi River.

27. Ensure works are consistent with the NSW Groundwater Quality Protection Policy (DLWC, 1998) Guidelines for Groundwater Protection in Australia (ANZECC, 2000).

28. All plant and equipment shall be inspected daily for leakage of fuel, oil or hydraulic fluids. Machinery found to be leaking shall be immediately repaired or replaced.

29. Vehicle wash downs and/or cement truck washouts would be undertaken within a designated bunded area of an impervious surface or undertaken offsite.


Rehabilitation 30. Upon completion of the bridge replacement, banks are to be stabilised and, if necessary, lay down / compound areas are to be rehabilitated.

Contractor Post-operation



Residual impact

Management of ecological items is determined based on their assessed significance as well as

the likely impact of the proposal. Significance of a species, population or community is

determined by appointed NSW and National Scientific Committees. Within the framework of an

impact assessment, impact to listed significant items must be assessed at a state level (under

the FM Act and BC Act), and if also nationally listed, under the EPBC Act.

Direct impacts

Direct impacts are those that directly affect the habitat and individuals. They include, but are not

limited to; death through predation, trampling, poisoning of the animal/plant itself and the

removal of suitable habitat. When applying each factor, consideration must be given to all of the

likely direct impacts of the proposed activity or development.

5.1.1 Aquatic ecological communities

The aquatic ecological community in the natural drainage system of the lowland catchment of

the Darling River is listed as endangered under the NSW FM Act. The subject site is on a

floodplain of the Namoi River. In its natural state, many of the water-bodies in the Lowland

Darling River aquatic ecological community are characterised by variable and unpredictable

patterns of high and low flows. The floodplain is an integral part of this river system. Many fish

species rely on the seasonal flow pattern and inundation of the floodplain for successful

reproduction. The complex river morphology provides a multitude of habitats that play a critical

role in the life cycles of the species making up this ecological community. A detailed 7-Part Test

under the NSW FM Act for the proposed impact to the floodplain of the Lowland Darling River

aquatic ecological community is provided in Table 5-1.

Table 5-1: 7-Part Test for Darling River EEC

7-Part Test Criteria Lowland Darling River aquatic ecological community

In the case of a threatened species, the Proposal is not likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

Not relevant.

In the case of an endangered population, the Proposal is not likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

Not relevant.

In the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered ecological community:

The Proposal is not likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or

The Proposal is not likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

In the case of this EEC the viable local population is not likely to be placed at risk of local extinction due to the extent of proposed clearing (~0.805 ha) or the proposed bridge removal.

The proposed development is not likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction if all environmental safeguards and management measures are adhered to.

In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

The extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the proposal is insignificant when



7-Part Test Criteria Lowland Darling River aquatic ecological community

The extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the Proposal, and

That an area of habitat is not likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat as a result of the Proposal, and

The importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or isolated to the long-term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality.

compared to the potential habitat available in the region for this EEC.

The habitat for this EEC will not become further fragmented due to the proposed development. The impacts are proposed for the fringes of the extant distribution.

All remnant patches of this EEC are important.

That the Proposal is not likely to have an adverse effect on critical habitat (either directly or indirectly).

The development will not impact critical habitat.

That the Proposal is not consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threat abatement plan.

The proposal is not consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threat abatement plan.

That the Proposal constitutes or is part of a key threatening process or is likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process.

The proposed development constitutes or is part of the following key threatening processes:

Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and streams and their floodplains and wetlands.


Removal of dead wood and dead trees.

The degradation of native riparian vegetation along New South Wales water courses.

The removal of large woody debris from NSW rivers and streams.

Conclusion

The proposed development is not likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction if all environmental safeguards and management measures are documented and adhered to.

5.1.2 Vegetation communities

Based upon the extent of the Coolibah-Black Box EEC within the study area and its

demonstrated resilience to historical disturbances associated with rural and agricultural

development within the region; it is unlikely that the proposed development could place the

viable local population at risk of extinction. An assessment of significance under the

Commonwealth EPBC Act for the additional borrow pit is provided in Table 5-2.

Table 5-2: Assessment of significance for Coolibah - Black Box Woodlands EEC

An action is likely to have a significant impact on a critically endangered or endangered ecological community if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:

Coolibah - Black Box Woodlands EEC

Reduce the extent of an ecological community.

The proposed clearing will result in a non-significant reduction in the extent of the ecological community when considering the sensitivity, value, and quality of the environment which is impacted, and the intensity, duration, magnitude and geographic extent of the impacts.

The reduction is about 0.37ha.

Fragment or increase fragmentation of an ecological community, for example by clearing vegetation for roads or transmission lines.

The proposed clearing will not further fragment the viable local population of the EEC. The clearing will create a perforation of the extant distribution and will not result in the creation of habitat islands (Figure 3-8).

Adversely affect habitat critical to the survival of an ecological community.

The proposed development will not significantly affect habitat critical to the survival of the ecological



An action is likely to have a significant impact on a critically endangered or endangered ecological community if there is a real chance or possibility that it will:

Coolibah - Black Box Woodlands EEC

community. Potential habitat exists for this EEC throughout the study area and is under pressure from agricultural activities.

Modify or destroy abiotic (non-living) factors (such as water, nutrients, or soil) necessary for an ecological community’s survival, including reduction of groundwater levels, or substantial alteration of surface water drainage patterns.

The proposal will not involve significant impacts to abiotic factors necessary for the EEC’s survival.

Cause a substantial change in the species composition of an occurrence of an ecological community.

The development will not cause a substantial change in the species composition of the occurrence of this EEC.

Causing a decline or loss of functionally important species, for example through regular burning or flora or fauna harvesting.

The development will not cause a decline in the presence of, or a loss of functionally important species beyond those individuals which have been removed in prior clearing activities. The removal of Coolibah (Eucalyptus coolabah) or Black Box (E. largiflorens)

individuals proposed will not be significant considering the sensitivity, value, and quality of the environment which is impacted, and the intensity, duration, magnitude and geographic extent of the impacts.

Cause a substantial reduction in the quality or integrity of an occurrence of an ecological community.

The development will not cause a substantial reduction in the quality or integrity of an occurrence of an ecological community (total of approximately 0.02% of

the viable local population).

Assisting invasive species, that are harmful to the listed ecological community, to become established.

The development will not assist invasive species to become established, beyond those which are already established in the region.

Causing regular mobilisation of fertilisers, herbicides or other chemicals or pollutants into the ecological community which kill or inhibit the growth of species in the ecological community.

The proposal will not influence the levels of mobilised fertilisers, herbicides or other chemicals or pollutants released into the Namoi River.

Interfere with the recovery of an ecological community.

The development along with all agricultural activities in the region will interfere with the recovery of the EEC. When considered in context of the sensitivity, value, and quality of the environment which is impacted, and the intensity, duration, magnitude and geographic extent of the impacts, this interference is not assessed as being significant.

A detailed 5-Part Test under the NSW BC Act for the Coolibah – Black Box Woodland EEC is provided

in Table 5-3.

Table 5-3: 5-Part Test for impact to Coolibah – Black Box Woodland EEC

5-Part Test Criteria Coolibah - Black Box Woodlands EEC

In the case of a threatened species, whether the proposed development or activity is likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species such that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

Not relevant.

In the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered ecological community, whether the proposed development or activity:

(i) is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or

In the case of this EEC the viable local population is not likely to be placed at risk of local extinction due to the extent of proposed clearing.

The proposed development is not likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.



5-Part Test Criteria Coolibah - Black Box Woodlands EEC

(ii) is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

In relation to the habitat of a threatened species or ecological community:

(i) the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified because of the proposed development or activity, and

(ii) whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of habitat because of the proposed development or activity, and

(iii) the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or isolated to the long-term survival of the species or ecological community in the locality.

The extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the proposal is insignificant when compared to the potential habitat available in the region for this EEC.

The habitat for this EEC will not become further fragmented due to the proposed development. The impacts are proposed for the fringes of the extant distribution.

All remnant patches of this EEC are important.

Whether the proposed development or activity is likely to have an adverse effect on any declared area of outstanding biodiversity value (either directly or indirectly).

The proposed development is not likely to have an affect on any declared area of outstanding biodiversity value; either directly or indirectly.

Whether the proposed development or activity is or is part of a key threatening process or is likely to increase the impact of a key threatening process.

The proposed development constitutes or is part of a key threatening process (clearing of native vegetation).

5.1.3 Threatened species

The proposal will result in the removal of six habitat trees that have the potential to provide

habitat to threatened fauna species, some of which have been previously recorded in the study

area. Construction impacts may cause injury to fauna species which are unable to flee the

development area prior to impact. Species at risk include:

Bats roosting in tree hollows or under bark during the day.

Birds nesting during spring.

Reptiles during any season other than summer.

Small marsupials, particularly nocturnal species.

Commonwealth listed threatened species

The EPBC Act protects nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological

communities and heritage places, which are defined in the EPBC Act as matters of national

environmental significance. The EPBC Act policy Matters of National Environmental

Significance: Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 (DoE 2013) forms the basis of determining if

impact to protected matters is significant. As shown in Table 5-4 the proposal is not considered

likely to significantly impact commonwealth listed species.

Table 5-4: Impact to Commonwealth listed threatened species

Threatened species Important population Likely significant impact?

Bats

Corben's Long-eared Bat No No

Birds

Great Egret No No

Cattle Egret No No



Threatened species Important population Likely significant impact?

Red Goshawk No No

Latham's Snipe No No

Oriental Pratincole No No

Rainbow Bee-eater No No

Glossy Ibis No No

Superb Parrot No No

Australian Painted Snipe No No

Wood Sandpiper No No

Fish

Murray Cod No No

Marsupials

Koala No No

Plants

Winged Peppercress No No

Slender Darling Pea No No

Reptiles

Five-clawed Worm-skink No No

NSW listed threatened species

The impact to species protected under the BC Act that have ‘potential’ to be affected are

assessed in this section. Table 5-5 gives an overview of the results of the assessments

according to the following 5-Part Test as set out in the NSW BC Act:

1. In the case of a threatened species, whether the proposed development or activity

is likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species such that a viable

local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction.

The proposed activity is to remove 0.37 ha of native vegetation associated with the Coolibah –

Black Box Woodland EEC. Habitat trees will be removed as part of the proposed work. However,

the extent of the viable local population of this EEC and the contiguous fauna habitat along the

riparian corridor of the Namoi River mean that, in a local context, the proposal is not likely to

significantly reduce the extent of habitat.

2. In the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered

ecological community, whether the proposed development or activity:

i. is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community

such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or

ii. is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the

ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed

at risk of extinction.

Not relevant to threatened fauna and flora.

3. In relation to the habitat of a threatened species or ecological community:

i. the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified because of



the proposed development or activity, and

The extent to which habitat is likely to be removed is about 0.37 ha of 2000 ha (0.02%).

ii. whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from

other areas of habitat because of the proposed development or activity

The extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the proposal is

insignificant when compared to the potential habitat available in the region for these species.

iii. the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or

isolated to the long-term survival of the species or ecological community

in the locality

No threatened species with potential to be recorded in the study area have a viable local

population recorded in the vicinity of the subject site.

4. Whether the proposed development or activity is likely to have an adverse effect on

any declared area of outstanding biodiversity value (either directly or indirectly)

No declared areas of outstanding biodiversity value have been noted in the vicinity of the study

area.

5. Whether the proposed development or activity is or is part of a key threatening

process or is likely to increase the impact of a key threatening process.

The proposed development will exacerbate the following KTPs:

Alteration to the natural flow regimes

of rivers and streams and their

floodplains and wetlands.

Anthropogenic climate change.

Bushrock removal.


Loss of hollow-bearing trees.

Removal of dead wood and dead

trees.

The degradation of native riparian

vegetation along New South Wales

water courses.

The removal of large woody debris

from NSW rivers and streams.

A summary of the proposed impacts relating to the relevant key threatening processes is given

in Table 3-9.

Table 5-5: Summary of the findings of BC Act 5-Part Tests

Threatened species 5-Part Test Questions Likely significant

impact? Type Scientific name Common name 1 2 3 4 5

Amphibians Crinia sloanei Sloane's Froglet N X N N Y No

Bats Chalinolobus

picatus Little Pied Bat N X N N Y No

Bats Mormopterus

lumsdenae Northern Free-

tailed Bat N X N N Y No

Bats Nyctophilus

corbeni Corben's Long-

eared Bat N X N N Y No

Bats Saccolaimus flaviventris


N X N N Y No

Bats Vespadelus Inland Forest N X N N Y No





baverstocki Bat

Birds Ardeotis australis

Australian Bustard

N X N N Y No

Birds Burhinus grallarius

Bush Stone-curlew

N X N N Y No

Birds Calyptorhynchus banksii samueli

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo

(inland subspecies)

N X N N Y No

Birds Chthonicola

sagittata Speckled Warbler

N X N N Y No

Birds Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier N X N N Y No

Birds

Climacteris picumnus victoriae

Brown Treecreeper

(eastern subspecies)

N X N N Y No

Birds Daphoenositta

chrysoptera Varied Sittella N X N N Y No

Birds Epthianura

albifrons White-fronted

Chat N X N N Y No

Birds Erythrotriorchis

radiatus Red Goshawk N X N N Y No

Birds Falco

hypoleucos Grey Falcon N X N N Y No

Birds Falco subniger Black Falcon N X N N Y No

Birds Glossopsitta

pusilla Little Lorikeet N X N N Y No

Birds Hamirostra

melanosternon Black-breasted

Buzzard N X N N Y No

Birds Hieraaetus

morphnoides Little Eagle N X N N Y No

Birds Lophochroa leadbeateri

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo

N X N N Y No

Birds Lophoictinia

isura Square-tailed

Kite N X N N Y No

Birds Neophema pulchella

Turquoise Parrot

N X N N Y No

Birds Ninox connivens Barking Owl N X N N Y No

Birds Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck N X N N Y No

Birds Petroica boodang

Scarlet Robin N X N N Y No

Birds Polytelis

swainsonii Superb Parrot N X N N Y No

Birds Rostratula australis

Australian Painted Snipe

N X N N Y No

Birds Stagonopleura

guttata Diamond Firetail N X N N Y No

Birds Tyto

longimembris Eastern Grass

Owl N X N N Y No





Birds Tyto

novaehollandiae Masked Owl N X N N Y No

Mammals Rattus

villosissimus Long-haired Rat N X N N Y No

Marsupials Phascolarctos

cinereus Koala N X N N Y No

Marsupials Sminthopsis

macroura Stripe-faced

Dunnart N X N N Y No

Reptiles Anomalopus

mackayi Five-clawed Worm-skink

N X N N Y No

Reptiles Hoplocephalus

bitorquatus Pale-headed

Snake N X N N Y No

Herbs and forbs Desmodium

campylocaulon Creeping Tick-

trefoil N X N N Y No

Herbs and forbs Lepidium

monoplocoides Winged

Peppercress N X N N Y No

Herbs and forbs Phyllanthus

maderaspatensis N X N N Y No

Herbs and forbs Swainsona murrayana

Slender Darling Pea

N X N N Y No

Notes: Y= Yes (negative impact), N= No (no or positive impact), P = Potential, X= not applicable, ?= unknown impact.

Indirect impacts

Indirect impacts occur when project-related activities affect species, populations or ecological

communities in a manner other than direct loss. Indirect impacts can include loss of individuals

through starvation, exposure, predation by domestic and/or feral animals, loss of breeding

opportunities, loss of shade/shelter, deleterious hydrological changes, increased soil salinity,

erosion, inhibition of nitrogen fixation, weed invasion, fertiliser drift, or increased human activity

within or directly adjacent to sensitive habitat areas. As with direct impacts, consideration must

be given, when applying each factor, to all of the likely indirect impacts of the proposed activity

or development. No indirect impacts of the proposal have been assessed as likely to have an

impact on any threatened species, population or community within the study area.

Cumulative impacts

The Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands are a floodplain ecological community situated within the

upper reaches of the Murray-Darling Basin and southern part of the Fitzroy River system and is

limited to the Darling Riverine Plains and Brigalow Belt South bioregions.

The landscape within which the ecological community occurs is subject to a matrix of landuses,

notably for horticulture, grazing and cropping. Some of these landuses are supported by

irrigation that draws water from the rivers and wetlands in the region. The key threats impacting

upon the Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands ecological community are clearing and

fragmentation; changes to water flows and patterns; inappropriate grazing regimes; invasion by

exotic species (especially Lippia (Phyla canescens) and African Boxthorn (Lycium

ferocissimum)); and the low level of protection in reserves.



The main potential threats to the ecological community relate to further land clearing and

fragmentation, further changes to water flows and patterns associated with river regulation

infrastructure and water storage for irrigation, and climate change impacts. The proposal will

contribute to the fragmentation of this ecological community as a minor cumulative impact.

Restoration of the banks at the completion of work will negate this impact.



Conclusion

Environmental safeguards and mitigation measures have been provided to minimise harm to

the environment. If these are implemented then the proposal is unlikely to have a significant

impact to species, populations and communities listed under the EPBC, BC or FM Acts.

Having considered the ecology within the study area, it is apparent that the proposal is:

Unlikely to significantly affect any of the listed threatened species, fauna populations or

communities.

Unlikely to augment or significantly contribute to any of the National or State listed Key

Threatening Processes.

Unlikely to significantly affect any Ramsar wetland or any CAMBA or JAMBA listed

species.

Unlikely to significantly affect local hydrology.

Consistent with ESD principles with regard to fauna, would not significantly adversely

affect the local biodiversity and no issue of inter-generational or value added matters are

relevant in this instance.

The proposed activity should not be considered to constitute a significant impact and, as such,

no Species Impact Statement (SIS) is warranted.

Removal of piers within Namoi River is considered dredging work under the FM Act. Therefore,

Council will be required to obtain a Part 7 Permit from the Department of Primary Industries

(DPI) Fisheries before work beings.



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and genetic studies to unravel fragmentation effects.” In Genetics, Demography and

Viability of Fragmented Populations, by A. Young and G. Clarke, 173-201. Cambridge:

Cambridge University Press.

Lindenmayer, D.B., R.B. Cunningham, and C.F. Donnelly. 1993. “The conservation of arboreal

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MacMahon, J.A., and K.D. Holl. 2001. “Ecological restoration: a key to conservation biology's

future.” In Conservation Biology for the Next Decade, by M.E. Soule and G.H. Orians,

245-264. Washington, D.C.: Island Press.

Mitchell. 2002. Descriptions for NSW (Mitchell) Landscapes. NSW: NSW Government

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Newman, D., and D.A. Tallmon. 2001. “Experimental evidence for beneficial fitness effects of

gene flow in recently isolated populations.” Conservation Biology (15): 1045-1063.

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NSW Office of Water.

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http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/biobanking/140661BBAM.pdf.

OEH. 2017. Biodiversity Assessment Method. Sydney: NSW Government Office of Environment

& Heritage.

—. 2011b. “Coolibah - Black Box Woodland of the northern riverine plains in the Darling Riverine

Plains and Brigalow Belt South bioregions - reject delisting of ecological community.” 28

February. Accessed August 20, 2015.

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—. 2016. Threatened ecological communities. 30 June.

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Appendix A: Field survey results



Flora species list

Plot 1 2

CRS GDA 94 MGA z55 GDA 94 MGA z56

Easting 633805.362 633830.435

Northing 6664280.97 6664199.186

Orientation North North

Plant Community Type 39 36

Vegetation community

Coolibah - River Coobah - Lignum woodland wetland of frequently flooded floodplains mainly in the Darling Riverine

Plains Bioregion

River Red Gum tall to very tall open forest / woodland wetland on rivers on floodplains mainly in the Darling Riverine Plains

Bioregion

Vegetation formation Semi-arid Woodlands (Grassy

sub-formation) Forested Wetlands

Kieth class North-west Floodplain Wetlands Inland Riverine Forests

Habitat features Hollow bearing trees, hollow

logs, riparian Hollow bearing trees, hollow

logs, riparian

Upper stratum % cover

Upper stratum species 1 Coolabah (Eucalyptus coolabah

subsp. coolabah)

River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp.

camaldulensis)

Upper stratum species 2 Black Box (Eucalyptus

largiflorens)

Upper stratum species 3 River Red Gum (Eucalyptus

camaldulensis subsp. camaldulensis)

Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens)

1

Coolabah (Eucalyptus coolabah subsp. coolabah)

1

River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp.

camaldulensis) 1 1

Mid stratum % cover

Mid stratum species 1 Coolabah (Eucalyptus coolabah

subsp. coolabah) River Cooba (Acacia

stenophylla)

Mid stratum species 2 Cooba (Acacia salicina) Western Boobialla (Myoporum

montanum)

Mid stratum species 3

Cooba (Acacia salicina) 0.5

Coolabah (Eucalyptus coolabah subsp. coolabah)

1

River Cooba (Acacia stenophylla)

0.1

Western Boobialla (Myoporum montanum)

0.5

Lower stratum % cover

Lower stratum species 1 Black Rolypoly (Sclerolaena

muricata var. muricata) Lignum (Duma florulenta)

Lower stratum species 2 Climbing Saltbush (Einadia

nutans subsp. nutans) Noogoora burr

(Xanthium occidentale)

Lower stratum species 3 Warrego summer grass (Paspalidium jubiflorum)

Warrego summer grass (Paspalidium jubiflorum)

Black Rolypoly (Sclerolaena muricata var. muricata)

1



Plot 1 2

Climbing Saltbush (Einadia nutans subsp. nutans)

1

Galvanised burr (Sclerolaena birchii)

0.5 1

Goathead Burr (Sclerolaena bicornis)

0.5

Lignum (Duma florulenta) 1 2

Noogoora burr (Xanthium occidentale)

0.5 1

Tangled Copperburr (Sclerolaena divaricata)

0.5

Warrego summer grass (Paspalidium jubiflorum)

1 1

% Rocks 0% 0%

% Litter 30% 30%

% Cryptogram 0% 0%

% Bare earth 60% 30%

Native plant species 10 6

Native overstorey cover (%) 25% 25%

Native midstorey cover (%) 2% 1%

Native ground cover - grass 5% 40%

Native ground cover – shrub (%)

5% 2%

Native ground cover – other (%)

0% 0%

Exotic plant cover (%) 1% 3%

Number of hollow trees 4 5

Canopy Regeneration (%) 100% of canopy species are

regenerating 0% of canopy species are

regenerating

Fallen logs (m) 10m 20m

Associated EEC Commonwealth

Yes No

Associated EEC NSW Yes No

Key:

Score *Braun Banquet (BB) Cover

0 Absent from quadrant

0.1 Represented by a solitary item (<5% cover)

0.5 Represented by a few (<5) items (<5% cover)

1 Represented by >5 items (<5% cover)

2 Represented by many (>5) items (5-25% cover)

3 Represented by many items (25 - 50% cover)

4 Represented by many items (50-75% cover)

5 Represented by many items (75-100% cover)



Appendix B: Habitat assessment table



Full profile

Kingdom Type Scientific Name Common

Name NSW

Status Commonwealth

Status NSW

Occurrence Commonwealth

Occurrence 10km

records Likelihood

Community Endangered ecological community

Brigalow within the Brigalow Belt

South, Nandewar and Darling

Riverine Plains Bioregions

Endangered Ecological Community

Endangered Known

No - The diagnostic dominant flora species; Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla), with pockets of Belah (Casuarina cristata) and Poplar Box (Eucalyptus populnea subsp.

bimbil) were absent from the study area



Belt South, Cobar Peneplain and Mulga Lands

Bioregion

Coolibah-Black Box Woodland


Endangered Known Community

likely to occur within area

Yes - This endangered ecological community was recorded in the study area. Typically these woodlands form

mosaics with grasslands and wetlands, and are characterised by Coolibah (Eucalyptus coolabah) and, in

some areas, Black Box (E. largiflorens). Other tree species may be present including River Cooba (Acacia

stenophylla), Cooba (A. salicina), Belah (Casuarina cristata) and Eurah (Eremophila bignoniiflora).


Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine

Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina and NSW

South Western Slopes bioregions

Weeping Myall

Woodlands


Endangered Known Community may

occur within area

No - The diagnostic dominant flora species were absent from the study area; Weeping Myall (Acacia pendula)


Natural grasslands on basalt and fine-

textured alluvial plains of northern New South Wales

and southern Queensland

Endangered Community may

occur within area

No - The vegetation of the study area was dominated by remnant open woodland, with a grassy / shrub

understorey. These temperate grasslands are typically dominated by tussock grasses in the genera

Austrodanthonia, Austrostipa, Bothriochloa, Chloris, Enteropogon, or Themeda; in the absence of emergant or

remnant woody overstory vegetation

Fauna Amphibians Crinia sloanei Sloane's Froglet

Vulnerable Known Potential - The study area contains periodically inundated

areas in grassland, woodland and disturbed habitats and is within this species known distribution

Fauna Bats Chalinolobus

picatus Little Pied

Bat Vulnerable Known

Potential - Occurs in dry open forest, open woodland, mulga woodlands, chenopod shrublands, cypress pine forest and mallee and Bimbil box woodlands. Roosts in caves, rock outcrops, mine shafts, tunnels, tree hollows

and buildings

Fauna Bats Mormopterus lumsdenae

Northern Free-tailed

Bat Vulnerable Known

Potential - A range of vegetation types in northern Australia, from rainforests to open forests and woodlands,

and are often recorded along watercourses

Fauna Bats Nyctophilus corbeni Corben's

Long-eared Bat

Vulnerable Vulnerable Predicted Species or

species habitat

Potential - The study area contains suitable woodland habitat, including hollow bearing trees. Roosts in tree

hollows, crevices, and under loose bark




Name NSW

Status Commonwealth

Status NSW


Occurrence 10km

records Likelihood

may occur within area

Fauna Bats Saccolaimus flaviventris

Yellow-bellied

Sheathtail-bat

Vulnerable Known 1

Likely - Roosts singly or in groups of up to six, in tree hollows and buildings; in treeless areas they are known to utilise mammal burrows. When foraging for insects, flies high and fast over the forest canopy, but lower in more open country. Forages in most habitats across its very

wide range, with and without trees; appears to defend an aerial territory

Fauna Bats Vespadelus baverstocki

Inland Forest Bat

Vulnerable Known

Potential - Roosts in tree hollows and abandoned buildings. Known to roost in very small hollows in stunted

trees only a few metres high. The habitat requirements of this species are poorly known but it has been recorded from a variety of woodland formations, including Mallee, Mulga and River Red Gum. Most records are from drier woodland habitats with riparian areas inhabited by the

Little Forest Bat.

Fauna Birds Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper

Migratory Known

Species or species habitat


Unlikely - This species prefers open mudflats and has not been recorded in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Anseranas

semipalmata Magpie Goose

Vulnerable Known Unlikely - This species prefers habitat with dense growth of rushes or sedges and has not been recorded in the vicinity

of the study area

Fauna Birds Apus pacificus Fork-tailed

Swift Migratory Known

Species or species habitat likely to occur

within area

Unlikely - This species is almost exclusively aerial, if

present this species would not be significantly impact by the proposal

Fauna Birds Ardea alba Great Egret Migratory


within area

Potential - Prefers shallow waters and marshes; no records in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Ardea ibis Cattle Egret Migratory Known



Potential - The Cattle Egret is found in grasslands,

woodlands and wetlands, and is not common in arid areas; no records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard

Endangered Known

Potential - Mainly inhabits tussock and hummock grasslands, though prefers tussock grasses to hummock

grasses; also occurs in low shrublands and low open grassy woodlands; occasionally seen in pastoral and

cropping country, golf courses and near dams; no records in the vicinity of the study area




Name NSW

Status Commonwealth

Status NSW


Occurrence 10km

records Likelihood

Fauna Birds Artamus

cyanopterus cyanopterus

Dusky Woodswallow

Vulnerable Known

Unlikely - Primarily inhabit dry, open eucalypt forests and woodlands, including mallee associations, with an open or sparse understorey of eucalypt saplings, acacias and other shrubs, and ground-cover of grasses or sedges and fallen woody debris. No records exist in the vicinity of the study

area

Fauna Birds Botaurus

poiciloptilus Australasian

Bittern Endangered Endangered Known



Unlikely - Favours permanent freshwater wetlands with tall, dense vegetation, particularly bullrushes (Typha spp.) and

spikerushes (Eleocharis spp.); no records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-

curlew Endangered Known

Potential - Inhabits open forests and woodlands with a sparse grassy groundlayer and fallen timber. Largely

nocturnal, being especially active on moonlit nights; no records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

Migratory Known



Unlikely - prefers muddy edges of shallow fresh or brackish wetlands, with inundated or emergent sedges,

grass, saltmarsh or other low vegetation. No records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Calidris ferruginea Curlew

Sandpiper Endangered

Critically Endangered



Unlikely - It generally occupies littoral and estuarine habitats, and in New South Wales is mainly found in

intertidal mudflats of sheltered coasts. No records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Calidris melanotos Pectoral

Sandpiper Migratory



Unlikely - the Pectoral Sandpiper prefers shallow fresh to

saline wetlands. No records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Calidris ruficollis Red-necked

Stint Migratory Known

Unlikely - mostly found in coastal areas, including in sheltered inlets, bays, lagoons and estuaries with intertidal

mudflats, often near spits, islets and banks and, sometimes, on protected sandy or coralline shores. No

records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Calyptorhynchus banksii samueli

Red-tailed Black-

Cockatoo (inland

subspecies)

Vulnerable Known

Likely - Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos are found in a wide variety of habitats. Prefer Eucalyptus forest and

woodlands, particularly river red gum and coolabah lined water courses. In the arid zone usually occur mainly near

eucalypts along larger watercourses and associated Acacia and Casuarina woodlands nearby. Also utilise grasslands, scrublands, wetlands and vegetation on

floodplains

Fauna Birds Calyptorhynchus

lathami Glossy Black-

Cockatoo Vulnerable Known

Unlikely - Inhabits open forest and woodlands of the coast and the Great Dividing Range where stands of sheoak

occur. Black Sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis) and Forest Sheoak (A. torulosa) are important foods. Inland

populations feed on a wide range of sheoaks, including Drooping Sheoak, Allocasuaraina diminuta, and A.

gymnathera. Belah is also utilised and may be a critical




Name NSW

Status Commonwealth

Status NSW


Occurrence 10km

records Likelihood

food source for some populations. No records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Certhionyx variegatus

Pied Honeyeater

Vulnerable Known

Unlikely - Inhabits wattle shrub, primarily Mulga (Acacia aneura), mallee, spinifex and eucalypt woodlands, usually when shrubs are flowering; feeds on nectar, predominantly

from various species of emu-bushes (Eremophila spp.); also from mistletoes and various other shrubs (e.g.

Grevillea spp.); also eats saltbush fruit, berries, seed, flowers and insects. No records exist in the vicinity of the

study area

Fauna Birds Chthonicola

sagittata Speckled Warbler

Vulnerable Known

Potential - The Speckled Warbler lives in a wide range of Eucalyptus dominated communities that have a grassy understorey, often on rocky ridges or in gullies. Typical

habitat would include scattered native tussock grasses, a sparse shrub layer, some eucalypt regrowth and an open canopy. No records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier

Vulnerable Known

Potential - Occurs in grassy open woodland including Acacia and mallee remnants, inland riparian woodland,

grassland and shrub steppe. It is found most commonly in native grassland, but also occurs in agricultural land, foraging over open habitats including edges of inland

wetlands; no records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Climacteris

picumnus victoriae

Brown Treecreeper

(eastern subspecies)

Vulnerable Known

Potential - found in mallee and River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) forest bordering wetlands with

an open understorey of acacias, saltbush, lignum, cumbungi and grasses; usually not found in woodlands with a dense shrub layer; fallen timber is an important

habitat component for foraging; also recorded, though less commonly, in similar woodland habitats on the coastal ranges and plains; no records exist in the vicinity of the

study area

Fauna Birds Daphoenositta

chrysoptera Varied Sittella

Vulnerable Known

Potential - Inhabits eucalypt forests and woodlands, especially those containing rough-barked species and

mature smooth-barked gums with dead branches, mallee and Acacia woodland. Feeds on arthropods gleaned from crevices in rough or decorticating bark, dead branches,

standing dead trees and small branches and twigs in the tree canopy

Fauna Birds Ephippiorhynchus

asiaticus Black-necked

Stork Endangered Known

Unlikely - Floodplain wetlands (swamps, billabongs, watercourses and dams) of the major coastal rivers are the

key habitat in NSW for the Black-necked Stork




Name NSW

Status Commonwealth

Status NSW


Occurrence 10km

records Likelihood

Fauna Birds Epthianura albifrons White-fronted

Chat Vulnerable Known

Potential - usually found foraging on bare or grassy ground in wetland areas, singly or in pairs; no records exist in the

vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Erythrotriorchis

radiatus Red

Goshawk Critically


Potential - Red Goshawks inhabit open woodland and forest, preferring a mosaic of vegetation types, a large population of birds as a source of food, and permanent water, and are often found in riparian habitats along or

near watercourses or wetlands

Fauna Birds Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon Endangered Known

Potential - Usually restricted to shrubland, grassland and wooded watercourses of arid and semi-arid regions,

although it is occasionally found in open woodlands near the coast; no records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Falco subniger Black Falcon Vulnerable Known Potential - The Black Falcon is widely, but sparsely,

distributed in New South Wales, mostly occurring in inland regions; no records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Gallinago hardwickii Latham's

Snipe Migratory Known



Potential - Latham's Snipe occurs in permanent and ephemeral wetlands up to 2000 m above sea-level. They usually inhabit open, freshwater wetlands with low, dense

vegetation

Fauna Birds Gelochelidon

nilotica Gull-billed

Tern Migratory Known

Unlikely - Gull-billed Terns are found in freshwater swamps, brackish and salt lakes, beaches and estuarine mudflats, floodwaters, sewage farms, irrigated croplands

and grasslands

Fauna Birds Geophaps scripta

scripta

Squatter Pigeon

(southern)


Vulnerable Predicted

Unlikely - Prefers grassy woodlands and plains, preferring sandy areas and usually close to water; however the study area is outside the known distribution of this species and

no records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Glareola

maldivarum Oriental

Pratincole Migratory Known

Potential - the Oriental Pratincole usually inhabits open plains, floodplains or short grassland (including farmland or

airstrips), often with extensive bare areas. They often occur near terrestrial wetlands, such as billabongs, lakes

or creeks, and artificial wetlands such as reservoirs, saltworks and sewage farms, especially around the

margins. No records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Glossopsitta pusilla Little Lorikeet Vulnerable Known

Potential - Forages primarily in the canopy of open Eucalyptus forest and woodland, yet also finds food in

Angophora, Melaleuca and other tree species. Riparian habitats are particularly used, due to higher soil fertility and

hence greater productivity

Fauna Birds Grantiella picta Painted

Honeyeater Vulnerable Vulnerable Known


within area

Unlikely - Inhabits Boree, Brigalow and Box-Gum Woodlands and Box-Ironbark Forests. A specialist feeder on the fruits of mistletoes growing on woodland eucalypts

and acacias. Prefers mistletoes of the genus Amyema. Suitable foraging habitat was not identified in the study

area




Name NSW

Status Commonwealth

Status NSW


Occurrence 10km

records Likelihood

Fauna Birds Grus rubicunda Brolga Vulnerable Known

Unlikely - Though Brolgas often feed in dry grassland or ploughed paddocks or even desert claypans, they are

dependent on wetlands too, especially shallow swamps, where they will forage with their head entirely submerged

Fauna Birds Haliaeetus leucogaster

White-bellied Sea-Eagle

Vulnerable Migratory Known



Unlikely - extends inland along some of the larger waterways, especially in eastern Australia, however is

primarily distributed along the coastline. No records exist for this species in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Hamirostra

melanosternon

Black-breasted Buzzard

Vulnerable Known

Potential - Lives in a range of inland habitats, especially along timbered watercourses which is the preferred

breeding habitat. Also hunts over grasslands and sparsely timbered woodlands

Fauna Birds Hieraaetus

morphnoides Little Eagle Vulnerable Known

Potential - Occupies open eucalypt forest, woodland or open woodland. Sheoak or Acacia woodlands and riparian

woodlands of interior NSW are also used

Fauna Birds Hirundapus caudacutus

White-throated

Needletail

Migratory Known

Unlikely - In Australia, the White-throated Needletail is almost exclusively aerial, from heights of less than 1 m up

to more than 1000 m above the ground. This species is unlikely to be affected by the proposal

Fauna Birds Hydroprogne

caspia Caspian Tern Migratory Known

Unlikely - the Caspian Tern is mostly found in sheltered coastal embayments (harbours, lagoons, inlets, bays,

estuaries and river deltas) and those with sandy or muddy margins are preferred

Fauna Birds Irediparra gallinacea

Comb-crested Jacana

Vulnerable Known

Unlikely - Inhabit permanent freshwater wetlands, either still or slow-flowing, with a good surface cover of floating vegetation, especially water-lilies, or fringing and aquatic

vegetation

Fauna Birds Limosa limosa Black-tailed

Godwit Vulnerable Migratory Known

Unlikely - Primarily a coastal species. Usually found in sheltered bays, estuaries and lagoons with large intertidal

mudflats and/or sandflats

Fauna Birds Lophochroa leadbeateri

Major Mitchell's Cockatoo

Vulnerable Known Potential - Inhabits a wide range of treed and treeless inland habitats, always within easy reach of water

Fauna Birds Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed

Kite Vulnerable Known

Potential - Found in a variety of timbered habitats including dry woodlands and open forests. Shows a particular

preference for timbered watercourses

Fauna Birds Melanodryas

cucullata cucullata

Hooded Robin (south-eastern form)

Vulnerable Known

Unlikely - Requires structurally diverse habitats featuring mature eucalypts, saplings, some small shrubs and a

ground layer of moderately tall native grasses; no records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Melithreptus gularis

gularis

Black-chinned

Honeyeater (eastern

subspecies)

Vulnerable Known

Unlikely - Occupies mostly upper levels of drier open forests or woodlands dominated by box and ironbark

eucalypts, especially Mugga Ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon), White Box (E. albens), Inland Grey Box (E.




Name NSW

Status Commonwealth

Status NSW


Occurrence 10km

records Likelihood

microcarpa), Yellow Box (E. melliodora), Blakely's Red Gum (E. blakelyi) and Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis)

Fauna Birds Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater

Migratory Known



Potential - The Rainbow Bee-eater occurs mainly in open forests and woodlands, shrublands, and in various cleared or semi-cleared habitats, including farmland and areas of

human habitation

Fauna Birds Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail

Migratory



Unlikely - The yellow wagtail occurs in a variety of damp or wet habitats with low vegetation, from rushy pastures, meadows, hay fields and marshes to damp steppe and

grassy tundra; no records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin

Flycatcher Migratory



Unlikely - Satin Flycatchers inhabit heavily vegetated gullies in eucalypt-dominated forests and taller woodlands,

and on migration, occur in coastal forests, woodlands, mangroves and drier woodlands and open forests

Fauna Birds Neophema pulchella

Turquoise Parrot

Vulnerable Known Potential - Lives on the edges of eucalypt woodland adjoining clearings, timbered ridges and creeks in farmland

Fauna Birds Ninox connivens Barking Owl Vulnerable Known

Likely - Inhabits woodland and open forest, including fragmented remnants and partly cleared farmland. It is flexible in its habitat use, and hunting can extend in to

closed forest and more open areas

Fauna Birds Oxyura australis Blue-billed

Duck Vulnerable Known

Potential - The Blue-billed Duck prefers deep water in large permanent wetlands and swamps with dense aquatic

vegetation

Fauna Birds Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin Vulnerable Known

Potential - The Scarlet Robin lives in dry eucalypt forests and woodlands. The understorey is usually open and grassy with few scattered shrubs. This species lives in both mature and regrowth vegetation. It occasionally

occurs in mallee or wet forest communities, or in wetlands and tea-tree swamps

Fauna Birds Phaps histrionica Flock

Bronzewing Endangered Known

Unlikely - Observed in a variety of vegetation types, including grassy plains, saltbush, spinifex and open mulga.

Its preferred habitat is tussock grassland, particularly Mitchell grassland

Fauna Birds Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis Migratory Known

Potential - The Glossy Ibis' preferred habitat for foraging and breeding are fresh water marshes at the edges of lakes and rivers, lagoons, flood-plains, wet meadows,

swamps, reservoirs, sewage ponds, rice-fields and cultivated areas under irrigation




Name NSW

Status Commonwealth

Status NSW


Occurrence 10km

records Likelihood

Fauna Birds Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot

Vulnerable Vulnerable Known Potential - Inhabits Box-Gum, Box-Cypress-pine and

Boree Woodlands and River Red Gum Forest. No records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Pomatostomus

temporalis temporalis

Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern

subspecies)

Vulnerable Known

Unlikely - Inhabits open Box-Gum Woodlands on the slopes, and Box-Cypress-pine and open Box Woodlands

on alluvial plains. No records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Birds Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe

Endangered Endangered Known



Potential - Prefers fringes of swamps, dams and nearby marshy areas where there is a cover of grasses, lignum,

low scrub or open timber

Fauna Birds Stagonopleura

guttata Diamond Firetail

Vulnerable Known

Potential - Found in grassy eucalypt woodlands, including Box-Gum Woodlands and Snow Gum (Eucalyptus

pauciflora) woodlands. Also occurs in open forest, mallee, Natural Temperate Grassland, and in secondary grassland

derived from other communities. Often found in riparian areas (rivers and creeks), and sometimes in lightly wooded

farmland

Fauna Birds Stictonetta naevosa Freckled

Duck Vulnerable Known

Unlikely - Prefers permanent freshwater swamps and creeks with heavy growth of Cumbungi, Lignum or Tea-

tree

Fauna Birds Tringa glareola Wood

Sandpiper Migratory Known

Potential - The Wood Sandpiper uses well-vegetated, shallow, freshwater wetlands, such as swamps, billabongs, lakes, pools and waterholes. They are typically associated with emergent, aquatic plants or grass, and dominated by taller fringing vegetation, such as dense stands of rushes

or reeds, shrubs, or dead or live trees, especially Melaleuca and River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and often with fallen timber

Fauna Birds Tringa nebularia Common

Greenshank Migratory Known

Unlikely - The Common Greenshank is found in a wide variety of inland wetlands and sheltered coastal habitats of

varying salinity. It occurs in sheltered coastal habitats, typically with large mudflats and saltmarsh, mangroves or

seagrass

Fauna Birds Tringa stagnatilis Marsh

Sandpiper Migratory Known

Unlikely - The Marsh Sandpiper lives in permanent or ephemeral wetlands of varying salinity, including swamps,

lagoons, billabongs, saltpans, saltmarshes, estuaries, pools on inundated floodplains, and intertidal mudflats and

also regularly at sewage farms and saltworks

Fauna Birds Tyto longimembris Eastern

Grass Owl Vulnerable Known

Potential - Eastern Grass Owls are found in areas of tall grass, including grass tussocks, in swampy areas, grassy

plains, swampy heath, and in cane grass or sedges on flood plains




Name NSW

Status Commonwealth

Status NSW


Occurrence 10km

records Likelihood

Fauna Birds Tyto

novaehollandiae Masked Owl Vulnerable Known

Potential - Lives in dry eucalypt forests and woodlands from sea level to 1100 m. A forest owl, but often hunts

along the edges of forests, including roadsides

Fauna Fish Maccullochella

peelii Murray Cod Vulnerable



Potential - Murray Cod are frequently found in the main channels of rivers and larger tributaries. The species is, therefore, considered a main-channel specialist. Murray

Cod tend to occur in floodplain channels and anabranches when they are inundated

Fauna Mammals Rattus villosissimus Long-haired

Rat Vulnerable Known

Potential - Eats roots, stems and leaves of grasses and herbs, especially the more succulent species. Seeds,

flowers and insects (e.g. locust) which become available in better seasons stimulate reproduction. Sustained in

mesic, densely vegetated sites. During plagues can be found in virtually all inland habitats

Fauna Marsupials Antechinomys

laniger Kultarr Endangered Predicted Unlikely - A terrestrial insectivore that inhabits open

country, especially claypans among Acacia woodland

Fauna Marsupials Bettongia lesueur

graii

Boodie- Burrowing Bettong

(mainland)

Extinct Extinct Known No - The Boodie once lived in a range of dry subtropical and tropical habitats, from open Eucalyptus and Acacia

woodlands to arid spinifex grasslands

Fauna Marsupials Bettongia tropica Northern Bettong

Extinct Endangered Known

No - The preferred habitat of the Northern Bettong is medium to tall open eucalypt forest with a grassy

understorey. These habitat types occur as a narrow fragmented strip along the western edge of wet tropical

rainforests

Fauna Marsupials Dasyurus maculatus

Spotted-tailed Quoll

Vulnerable Endangered Known

Unlikely - Recorded across a range of habitat types, including rainforest, open forest, woodland, coastal heath and inland riparian forest, from the sub-alpine zone to the

coastline. Individual animals use hollow-bearing trees, fallen logs, small caves, rock outcrops and rocky-cliff faces

as den sites. No records exist in the vicinity of the study area

Fauna Marsupials Lagorchestes

leporides Eastern

Hare-wallaby Extinct Extinct Known

No - The Eastern Hare-wallaby preferred habitat that consisted of open plains and grasslands. It was a strictly nocturnal animal which led a solitary lifestyle. During the day it sat still in a well-formed 'seat', usually in the shelter

of a saltbush or a tussock. If approached too closely, it would bound off at great speed

Fauna Marsupials Perameles bougainville

fasciata

Western Barred

Bandicoot (mainland)

Extinct Extinct Known

No - The Western Barred Bandicoot formerly inhabited a variety of landscapes and vegetation types. These

included the saltbush covered Nullarbor Plain, sand ridges with woodlands, bluebush plains, desert Acacia,

shrublands and heath. The Western Barred Bandicoot appeared to be omnivorous, eating insects, seeds, roots,




Name NSW

Status Commonwealth

Status NSW


Occurrence 10km

records Likelihood

herbs and small animals. It was also a proficient mouse catcher

Fauna Marsupials Phascolarctos

cinereus Koala Vulnerable Vulnerable Known

Species or species habitat known to occur

within area

1

Likely - Inhabit eucalypt woodlands and forests. Feed on the foliage of more than 70 eucalypt species and 30 non-eucalypt species, but in any one area will select preferred browse species. Inactive for most of the day, feeding and moving mostly at night. Spend most of their time in trees,

but will descend and traverse open ground to move between trees. Home range size varies with quality of

habitat, ranging from less than two ha to several hundred hectares in size

Fauna Marsupials Sminthopsis

macroura Stripe-faced

Dunnart Vulnerable Known

Potential - Native dry grasslands and low dry shrublands, often along drainage lines where food and shelter

resources tend to be better. They shelter in cracks in the soil, in grass tussocks or under rocks and logs

Fauna Reptiles Anomalopus

mackayi Five-clawed Worm-skink




Potential - Close to or on the lower slopes of slight rises in grassy White Box woodland on moist black soils, and River

Red Gum-Coolibah-Bimble Box woodland on deep cracking loose clay soils. May also occur in grassland areas and open paddocks with scattered trees. Live in

permanent deep tunnel-like burrows and deep soil cracks, coming close to the surface under fallen timber and litter,

especially partially buried logs

Fauna Reptiles Aspidites ramsayi Woma Vulnerable Predicted

Unlikely - Terrestrial, inhabiting subtropical to temperate deserts and sandy plains, as well as dunefields and deep

cracking black soil plains in semi-arid areas. Occurs in hummock grasslands, shrublands or woodlands and

shelters in animal burrows, hollow logs or under grass hummocks

Fauna Reptiles Hoplocephalus

bitorquatus Pale-headed

Snake Vulnerable Known

Potential - The Pale-headed Snake is a highly cryptic species that can spend weeks at a time hidden in tree

hollows. Found mainly in dry eucalypt forests and woodlands, cypress forest and occasionally in rainforest or moist eucalypt forest. In drier environments, it appears to

favour habitats close to riparian areas

Fauna Reptiles Oxyuranus

microlepidotus Fierce Snake Extinct Known

No - The Fierce Snake inhabits the black soil plains in the region where Queensland, South Australia and the

Northern Territory borders converge. There is little cover or vegetation in these areas and the snakes utilise the deep

cracks and fissures formed in the dry soil to escape predators and the searing heat




Name NSW

Status Commonwealth

Status NSW


Occurrence 10km

records Likelihood

Flora Grasses Digitaria porrecta Finger Panic

Grass Endangered Known

Unlikely - In NSW, the most frequently recorded associated tree species are Eucalyptus albens and Acacia pendula. Common associated grasses and forbs in NSW

sites include Austrostipa aristiglumis, Enteropogon acicularis, Cyperus bifax, Hibiscus trionum and Neptunia

gracilis

Flora Grasses Homopholis

belsonii Belson's

Panic Endangered Vulnerable Predicted

Unlikely - It occurs on the northwest slopes and plains of NSW, mostly between Wee Waa, Goondiwindi and Glen

Innes

Flora Herbs and

forbs Calotis glandulosa

Mauve Burr-daisy

Vulnerable Vulnerable Known No - Found in montane and subalpine grasslands in the Australian Alps

Flora Herbs and

forbs Desmodium

campylocaulon Creeping

Tick-trefoil Endangered Known

Potential - Creeping Tick-Trefoil is confined to clay soils, usually with Astrebla and Iseilema species. In NSW

Desmodium campylocaulon grows on cracking black soils in the Narrabri, Moree and Walgett local government areas

Flora Herbs and

forbs Haloragis stricta Extinct Known No - Haloragis stricta is presumed to be extinct in NSW. Its

current distribution is restricted to Queensland

Flora Herbs and

forbs Lepidium

hyssopifolium Aromatic

Peppercress Endangered Endangered Known No - in NSW, there is a small population near Bathurst,

one populations at Bungendore, and one near Crookwell

Flora Herbs and

forbs Lepidium

monoplocoides Winged

Peppercress Endangered Endangered Known

Potential - Occurs on seasonally moist to waterlogged sites, on heavy fertile soils, with a mean annual rainfall of

around 300-500 mm. Predominant vegetation is usually an open woodland dominated by Allocasuarina luehmannii

(Bulloak) and/or eucalypts, particularly Eucalyptus largiflorens (Black Box) or Eucalyptus populnea (Poplar

Box). The field layer of the surrounding woodland is dominated by tussock grasses

Flora Herbs and

forbs Lepidium

pseudopapillosum Formbe

Peppercress Endangered Vulnerable Known

Unlikely - Recorded from central and north-western Victoria and the Flinders Ranges of South Australia;

Victorian collections, where the species is considered to be rare, have been made in Buloke/Black Box woodland and

open forest of Grey Box

Flora Herbs and

forbs Phyllanthus

maderaspatensis Endangered Known

Likely - Grows in floodplain areas on heavy soils and may rely on appropriate and intermittent rainfall and flooding

events for its survival. The species is described as being a summer-growing annual and is thus dependent on seasonal conditions.Often associated with open

grasslands and eucalypt woodlands in or near creek beds, and grassy flats and levees near watercourses




Name NSW

Status Commonwealth

Status NSW


Occurrence 10km

records Likelihood

Flora Herbs and

forbs Polygala linariifolia

Native Milkwort

Endangered Predicted

Unlikely - Sandy soils in dry eucalypt forest and woodland with a sparse understorey. The species has been recorded

from the Inverell and Torrington districts growing in dark sandy loam on granite in shrubby forest of Eucalyptus caleyi, Eucalyptus dealbata and Callitris, and in yellow

podsolic soil on granite in layered open forest. In the Pilliga area, this species has been recorded in Fuzzy Box woodland, White Cypress Pine-Bulloak - Ironbark

woodland, Rough-barked Apple riparian forb-grass open forest, and Ironbark - Brown Bloodwood shrubby woodland

Flora Herbs and

forbs Stenopetalum

velutinum Velvet

Thread-petal Extinct Known

No - Stenopetalum velutinum is currently distributed in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, and the

Northern Territory. It is presumed extinct in NSW. It is strongly assiociated with buffel grass cover and sandy

soils

Flora Herbs and

forbs Swainsona murrayana

Slender Darling Pea

Vulnerable Vulnerable Known


within area

Likely - The species has been collected from clay-based soils, ranging from grey, red and brown cracking clays to

red-brown earths and loams. Grows in a variety of vegetation types including bladder saltbush, black box and

grassland communities on level plains, floodplains and depressions and is often found with Maireana species

Flora Herbs and

forbs Swainsona plagiotropis

Red Darling Pea


Unlikely - Associated species include Austrostipa aristiglumis, A. nodosa, A. setacea, Homopholis proluta,

Chloris truncata, Austrodanthonia caespitosa, A. duttoniana, Enteropogon acicularis, Hordeum spp., Lolium

rigidum, Rhodanthe corymbiflora, Calotis scabiosifolia, Microseris lanceolata and Chrysocephalum apiculatum

Flora Herbs and

forbs Swainsona recta

Small Purple-pea

Endangered Endangered Known Unlikely - Grows in association with understorey dominants

that include Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis), poa tussocks (Poa spp.) and spear-grasses (Austrostipa spp)

Flora Sedges Cyperus conicus Endangered Known

Unlikely - Grows in open woodland on sandy soil. In central Australia, the species grows near waterholes and on the banks of streams in sandy soils. In Qld the species usually found on heavy soils. Recorded from Callitris forest

in the Pilliga area, growing in sandy soil with Cyperus gracilis, C. squarrosus and C. fulvus. Interstate habitats

include floodplains, creek beds and banks, swamps, run-on areas and various watercourses, near or in dams and bores, and in vegetation communities such as Melaleuca swamps, open Box woodland and sedgelands. Soils are usually sandy or silty and damp to wet. Often associated

with other sedge species including C. victoriensis, C. difformis, C. iria, C. compressus, C. nervulosus, C.

dactylotes, Fimbristylis and Eleocharis species. Cyperus conicus has been recorded as very rare and occasional, to

common and abundant in populations




Name NSW

Status Commonwealth

Status NSW


Occurrence 10km

records Likelihood

Flora Shrubs Acacia jucunda Yetman Wattle


Unlikely - Mainly restricted to dry eucalypt woodland communities on sandy to sandy-loam soils. In Queensland, the species is found in dry ranges on loams or clay-loams in eucalypt communities. Associated species at the NSW

sites include Acacia polybotrya and Callitris endlicheri

Flora Shrubs Atriplex infrequens A saltbush Vulnerable Vulnerable Predicted

No - Confined to the NSW far western plains. North western records recorded from east of Tibooburra, south

east of Brewarrina and near Wilcannia with isolated collections from the Pooncarie area in the south

Flora Shrubs Commersonia procumbens


Unlikely - Grows in sandy sites, often along roadsides. Recorded in Eucalyptus dealbata and Eucalyptus

sideroxylon communities, Melaleuca uncinata scrub, under mallee eucalypts with a Calytrix tetragona understorey,

and in a recently burnt Ironbark and Callitris area. Also in Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp. nubila, Eucalyptus dealbata, Eucalyptus albens and Callitris glaucophylla woodlands

north of Dubbo. Other associated species include Acacia triptera, Callitris endlicheri, Eucalyptus melliodora,

Allocasuarina diminuta, Philotheca salsolifolia, Xanthorrhoea species, Exocarpos cupressiformis,

Leptospermum parvifolium and Kunzea parvifolia. The species is often found as a pioneer species of disturbed habitats. It has been recorded colonising disturbed areas

such as roadsides, the edges of quarries and gravel stockpiles and a recently cleared easement under power

lines.

Flora Shrubs Philotheca ericifolia Vulnerable Known

Unlikely - Grows chiefly in dry sclerophyll forest and heath on damp sandy flats and gullies. It has been collected from a variety of habitats including heath, open woodland, dry

sandy creek beds, and rocky ridge and cliff tops

Flora Shrubs Sida rohlenae Shrub Sida Endangered Known

Potential - Shrub Sida grows on flood-out areas, creek banks and at the base of rocky hills. NSW specimens have

been found along roadsides in hard red loam to sandy-loam soils. The species can become locally abundant and

is often more common in disturbed sites

Flora Trees Cadellia pentastylis Ooline Vulnerable Vulnerable Known

Unlikely - Forms a closed or open canopy mixing with eucalypt and cypress pine species. There appears to be a

strong correlation between the presence of Ooline and low- to medium-nutrient soils of sandy clay or clayey

consistencies, with a typical soil profile having a sandy loam surface layer, grading from a light clay to a medium clay with depth. The total area occupied by Ooline is only about 1200 hectares, with remaining populations in NSW

still threatened to various degrees by clearing for agriculture and grazing pressures



Appendix C: Database search results



Important bird habitat near the study area



Search results from NSW OEH Threatened Species Database

Scientific name Common name NSW status Commonwealth

status Occurrence

Acacia jucunda Yetman Wattle Endangered Predicted

Anomalopus mackayi Five-clawed Worm-skink Endangered Vulnerable Known

Anseranas semipalmata

Magpie Goose Vulnerable Known

Antechinomys laniger Kultarr Endangered Predicted

Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard Endangered Known

Artamus cyanopterus cyanopterus

Dusky Woodswallow Vulnerable Known

Aspidites ramsayi Woma Vulnerable Predicted

Atriplex infrequens A saltbush Vulnerable Vulnerable Predicted

Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern Endangered Endangered Known

Bothriochloa biloba Lobed Bluegrass Not listed Known

Brigalow within the Brigalow Belt South,

Nandewar and Darling Riverine Plains

Bioregions

Brigalow within the Brigalow Belt South,

Nandewar and Darling Riverine Plains

Bioregions


Endangered Known

Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew Endangered Known

Calyptorhynchus banksii samueli

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo (inland


Calyptorhynchus lathami

Glossy Black-Cockatoo Vulnerable Known

Certhionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeater Vulnerable Known

Chalinolobus picatus Little Pied Bat Vulnerable Known

Chthonicola sagittata Speckled Warbler Vulnerable Known

Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier Vulnerable Known

Coolibah-Black Box Woodland in the

Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain and

Mulga Lands Bioregion



Lands Bioregion


Endangered Known

Cyperus conicus Cyperus conicus Endangered Predicted

Daphoenositta chrysoptera

Varied Sittella Vulnerable Known

Desmodium campylocaulon

Creeping Tick-trefoil Endangered Known

Digitaria porrecta Finger Panic Grass Endangered Known

Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

Black-necked Stork Endangered Known

Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon Endangered Known

Geophaps scripta scripta

Squatter Pigeon (southern)


Vulnerable Predicted

Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater Vulnerable Vulnerable Known

Grus rubicunda Brolga Vulnerable Known




status Occurrence

White-bellied Sea Haliaeetus leucogaster Vulnerable Known

Hamirostra melanosternon

Black-breasted Buzzard Vulnerable Predicted

Hieraaetus morphnoides

Little Eagle Vulnerable Known

Homopholis belsonii Belson's Panic Endangered Vulnerable Predicted

Hoplocephalus bitorquatus

Pale-headed Snake Vulnerable Known

Lepidium monoplocoides

Winged Peppercress Endangered Endangered Predicted

Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit Vulnerable Known

Lophochroa leadbeateri Major Mitchell's Cockatoo Vulnerable Known

Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite Vulnerable Known

Melanodryas cucullata cucullata

Hooded Robin (south-eastern form)

Vulnerable Known

Melithreptus gularis gularis

Black-chinned Honeyeater (eastern


Mormopterus eleryi Bristle-faced free-tailed

bat, Hairy-nosed Freetail Bat


Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains,

Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, Murray-Darling

Depression, Riverina and NSW South Western Slopes

bioregions

Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains,

Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain,

Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina and

NSW South Western Slopes bioregions


Endangered Known

Ninox connivens Barking Owl Vulnerable Known

Nyctophilus corbeni Corben's Long-eared Bat Vulnerable Vulnerable Predicted

Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin Vulnerable Known

Phaps histrionica Flock Bronzewing Endangered Known

Phascolarctos cinereus Koala Vulnerable Vulnerable Known



Endangered Known

Polygala linariifolia Native Milkwort Endangered Predicted

Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot Vulnerable Vulnerable Known

Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis

Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies)

Vulnerable Known

Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe Endangered Endangered Known

Saccolaimus flaviventris


Vulnerable Known

Sida rohlenae Shrub Sida Endangered Known

Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart Vulnerable Known

Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail Vulnerable Known

Swainsona murrayana Slender Darling Pea Vulnerable Vulnerable Known




status Occurrence

Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl Vulnerable Known



Walgett Council Priority Weeds



DoEE Protected matters report



Appendix D: Terms and abbreviations



Terms and abbreviations used in this report

Abbreviation Terminology Description

Assessment of significance

The Assessment of Significance refers to the factors that must be considered by decision makers to assess whether a proposal is likely to have a significant effect on threatened biodiversity. These mechanisms are contained in s5A of the EP&A Act and s94 of the TSC

Act.

BoM Australian Bureau of Meteorology

The Bureau of Meteorology is Australia's national weather, climate and water agency.

BC Act

Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW)

The purpose of this Act is to maintain a healthy, productive and resilient environment for the greatest well-being of the community, now and into the future, consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development.

This Act contains schedules relating to the listing of threatened species, populations and communities in NSW. It also outlines the framework regulating development impact assessments in relation to biodiversity.

Biosecurity Act 2015 (NSW)

The broad objectives for biosecurity in NSW are to manage biosecurity risks from animal and plant pests and diseases, weeds and contaminants by

Preventing their entry into NSW

Quickly finding, containing and eradicating any new entries

Effectively minimising the impacts of those pests, diseases, weeds and contaminants that cannot be eradicated through robust management arrangements.

The Biosecurity Act 2015 provides a statutory framework to help achieve

these objectives.

CAMBA China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

A bilateral migratory bird agreement with China entered into in 1986. It provides an important mechanism for pursuing conservation outcomes for migratory birds, including migratory waterbirds.

Consent authority

In relation to a development application or an application for a complying development certificate, means:

a) The council having the function to determine the application, or

b) If a provision of this Act, the regulations or an environmental planning instrument specifies a Minister, the Planning Assessment Commission, a joint regional planning panel or public authority (other than a council) as having the function to determine the application-that Minister, Commission, panel or authority, as the case may be.

Critical habitat

Critical habitat is defined as an area crucial to the survival of an endangered species, population or ecological community. The declaration of critical habitat provides greater protection and stricter controls over activities in the area.

Cumulative impacts

Impacts, when considered together, lead to a stronger impact than any impact in isolation.

Direct impacts

Directly affect the habitat and individuals. They include, but are not limited to, death through predation, trampling, poisoning of the animal/plant itself and the removal of suitable habitat. When applying each factor, consideration must be given to all of the likely direct impacts of the proposed activity or development.

DoEE

Australian Government Department of Environment and Energy

The Department of the Environment designs and implements the Australian Government’s policies and programmes to protect and conserve the environment, water and heritage and promote climate action.

DP Deposited Plan A plan of land deposited in Land and Property Information (part of the Land Management Authority) and used for legal identification purposes. They most commonly depict a subdivision of a parcel of land.




EEC Endangered Ecological Community

An ecological community identified by relevant legislation likely to become extinct or is in immediate danger of extinction.

Edge effects

A change in species composition, physical conditions or other ecological factors at the boundary between two ecosystems or the ecological changes carried out at the boundaries of ecosystems (including changes in species composition, gradients of moisture, sunlight, soil and air temperature, wind speed and other factors).

Environment The environment includes all aspects of the surroundings of humans, whether affecting any human as an individual or in his or her social groupings.

EPA Environment Protection Authority

Their purpose is to improve environmental performance and waste management for NSW. The EPA works with community, business, industry and government to maintain a balance between protecting the environment, managing competing demands on the environment and supporting sustainable growth.

EP&A Act

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW).

Provides the legislative framework for land use planning and development assessment in NSW.

EPBC Act

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth).

Provides for the protection of the environment, especially matters of national environmental significance, and provides a national assessment and approvals process.

EPI Environmental Planning Instrument

Environmental planning instruments are fundamental documents governing development of land in NSW. They are made under Part 3 of the EP&A Act for the purposes of achieving any of the objects under that Act.

ESD Ecologically sustainable development.

Development which uses, conserves and enhances the resources of the community so ecological processes on which life depends, are maintained and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be increased.

FM Act Fisheries Management Act 1994 (NSW)

The objects of this Act are to conserve, develop and share the fishery resources of the State for the benefit of present and future generations. This Act protects aquatic habitats and species which are not protected under the BC Act.

GDA Geocentric Datum of Australia

The Geocentric Datum of Australia (GDA) is the latest Australian coordinate system, replacing the Australian Geodetic Datum (AGD). The GDA is a part of a global coordinate reference frame and is directly compatible with the Global Navigation Satellite Systems.

GDE Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems

Six types of groundwater dependent ecosystems are conventionally recognised in Australia:

Terrestrial vegetation relies the availability of shallow groundwater.

Wetlands such as paperbark swamp forests and mound springs ecosystems.

River base flow systems where a groundwater discharge provides a base flow component to the river's discharge.

Aquifer and cave ecosystems where life exists independent of sunlight

Terrestrial fauna, both native and introduced, dependant on groundwater as a source of drinking water.

Estuarine and near shore marine systems, such as some coastal mangroves, salt marshes and sea grass beds, which rely on the submarine discharge of groundwater.

GIS Geographic Information System

A geographic information system (GIS) is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyse, manage, and present all types of spatial or geographical data.




GPS Global Positioning System

A hand held device capable of applying location coordinates to digital objects such as photographs and GIS data such as lines or points.

Habitat

The area occupied, or periodically or occasionally occupied, by any threatened species, population or ecological community and includes all the different aspects (both biotic and abiotic) used by species during the different stages of their life cycles.

IBRA

Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia

The Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) is a biogeographic regionalisation of Australia developed by the Australian Government's Department of the Environment. Each region is a land area made up of a group of interacting ecosystems repeated in similar form across the landscape.

Indirect impacts

Occur when project-related activities affect species, populations or ecological communities in a manner other than direct loss. Indirect impacts can include loss of individuals through starvation, exposure, predation by domestic and/or feral animals, loss of breeding opportunities, loss of shade/shelter, deleterious hydrological changes, increased soil salinity, erosion, inhibition of nitrogen fixation, weed invasion, fertiliser drift, or increased human activity within or directly adjacent to sensitive habitat areas. As with direct impacts, consideration must be given, when applying each factor, to all of the likely indirect impacts of the proposed activity or development.

JAMBA Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

A bilateral migratory bird agreement with Japan entered into in 1974. It provides an important mechanism for pursuing conservation outcomes for migratory birds, including migratory waterbirds.

KTP Key Threatening Process

A key threatening process is defined as a process that threatens, or may have the capability to threaten, the survival or evolutionary development of species, populations or ecological communities. A requirement of their listing on the TSC Act is that the process adversely affects two or more threatened species, populations or ecological communities, or may cause species, populations or ecological communities not threatened to become threatened.

LEP Local Environmental Plan

A type of planning instrument made under Part 3 of the EP&A Act.

Life cycle The series or stages of reproduction, growth, development, ageing and death of an organism.

LG Act Local Government Act 1993

The purposes of this Act are as follows:

to provide the legal framework for an effective, efficient, environmentally responsible and open system of local government in New South Wales,

to regulate the relationships between the people and bodies comprising the system of local government in New South Wales,

to encourage and assist the effective participation of local communities in the affairs of local government,

to give councils:

the ability to provide goods, services and facilities, and to carry out activities, appropriate to the current and future needs of local communities and of the wider public

the responsibility for administering some regulatory systems under this Act

a role in the management, improvement and development of the resources of their areas,

to require councils, councillors and council employees to have regard to the principles of ecologically sustainable development in carrying out their responsibilities.

LGA Local Government Area

The relevant LGA is Governed by Council who are the determining authority for this development application.

LLS Local Land Services

A NSW Government Department that delivers services to farmers, landholders and the community across rural and regional New South




Wales. LLS bring together agricultural production advice, biosecurity, natural resource management and emergency management into a single organisation.

Local population

The population occurs in the study area. The assessment of the local population may be extended to include individuals beyond the study area if it can be clearly demonstrated contiguous or interconnecting parts of the population continue beyond the study area.

The local population of a threatened plant species comprises those individuals occurring in the study area or the cluster of individuals extend into habitat adjoining and contiguous with the study area could reasonably be expected to be cross-pollinating with those in the study area.

The local population of resident fauna species comprises those individuals known or likely to occur in the study area, as well as any individuals occurring in adjoining areas (contiguous or otherwise) are known or likely to utilise habitats in the study area.

The local population of migratory or nomadic fauna species comprises those individuals likely to occur in the study area from time to time.

Local population (EEC)

The ecological community present within the study area. However, the local occurrence may include adjacent areas if the ecological community on the study area forms part of a larger contiguous area of the ecological community and the movement of individuals and exchange of genetic material across the boundary of the study area can be clearly demonstrated.

Locality The area within a 50 kilometre radius of the subject site.

MNES Matters of national environmental significance.

Refers to the seven matters of national environmental significance outlined under the EPBC Act.

NOW NSW Office of Water

The NSW Office of Water in the Department of Primary Industries is responsible for the management of the state's surface water and groundwater resources. The Department of Primary Industries is a division within NSW Trade and Investment.

The Office of Water reports to the NSW Government for water policy and the administration of key water management legislation, including the Water Management Act 2000 and Water Act 1912.

NPW Act

National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW)

The objects of this Act are as follows:

The conservation of nature, including, but not limited to, the conservation of:

habitat, ecosystems and ecosystem processes, and

biological diversity at the community, species and genetic levels, and

landforms of significance, including geological features and processes, and

landscapes and natural features of significance including wilderness and wild rivers,

The conservation of objects, places or features (including biological diversity) of cultural value within the landscape, including, but not limited to:

places, objects and features of significance to Aboriginal people, and

places of social value to the people of New South Wales, and

places of historic, architectural or scientific significance,

Fostering public appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of nature and cultural heritage and their conservation,

Providing for the management of land reserved under this Act in accordance with the management principles applicable for each type of reservation.

The objects of this Act are to be achieved by applying the principles of ecologically sustainable development.

OEH Office of Environment and Heritage

The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) is a separate agency within the Planning and Environment cluster. OEH was formed on 4 April 2011 and works to protect and conserve the NSW environment, including




the natural environment, Aboriginal country, culture and heritage and our built heritage, and manages NSW national parks and reserves.

PoEO Act

Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997

The objects of this Act are as follows:

to protect, restore and enhance the quality of the environment in New South Wales, having regard to the need to maintain ecologically sustainable development,

to provide increased opportunities for public involvement and participation in environment protection,

to ensure the community has access to relevant and meaningful information about pollution,

to reduce risks to human health and prevent the degradation of the environment by the use of mechanisms promoting:

pollution prevention and cleaner production,

the reduction to harmless levels of the discharge of substances likely to cause harm to the environment,

the elimination of harmful wastes,

the reduction in the use of materials and the re-use, recovery or recycling of materials,

the making of progressive environmental improvements, including the reduction of pollution at source,

the monitoring and reporting of environmental quality on a regular basis,

to rationalise, simplify and strengthen the regulatory framework for environment protection,

to improve the efficiency of administration of the environment protection legislation,

to assist in the achievement of the objectives of the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001.

RAMSAR

Convention on Wetlands of International Importance

The Ramsar Convention's broad aims are to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and to conserve, through wise use and management, those remaining. This requires international cooperation, policy making, capacity building and technology transfer.

Risk of extinction The likelihood that the local population will become extinct either in the short-term or in the long-term as a result of direct or indirect impacts on the viability of that population.

ROKAMBA Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

A bilateral migratory bird agreement with the Republic of Korea entered into in 2007. It provides an important mechanism for pursuing conservation outcomes for migratory birds, including migratory waterbirds.

RF Act Rural Fires Act 1997

The objects of this Act are to provide:

for the prevention, mitigation and suppression of bush and other fires in local government areas (or parts of areas) and other parts of the State constituted as rural fire districts, and

for the co-ordination of bush firefighting and bush fire prevention throughout the State, and

for the protection of persons from injury or death, and property from damage, arising from fires, and

for the protection of infrastructure and environmental, economic, cultural, agricultural and community assets from damage arising from fires, and

for the protection of the environment by requiring certain activities referred to in paragraphs (a)-(c1) to be carried out having regard to the principles of ecologically sustainable development described in section 6 (2) of the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991.

SEPP 44

State Environmental Planning Policy No.44 – Koala Habitat

This Policy aims to encourage the proper conservation and management of areas of natural vegetation with habitat for koalas to ensure a permanent free-living population over their present range and reverse the current trend of koala population decline:




by requiring the preparation of plans of management before development consent can be granted in relation to areas of core koala habitat, and

by encouraging the identification of areas of core koala habitat, and

by encouraging the inclusion of areas of core koala habitat in environment protection zones.

Significant impact

A ‘significant impact’ is an impact which is important, notable, or of consequence, having regard to its context or intensity.

SIS Species Impact Statement

A document included with an Environmental Impact Statement which details a full description of the action proposed, including its nature, extent, location, timing and layout and, to the fullest extent reasonably practicable, the information referred to in this section.

The requirements as to the contents of an SIS for different categories of protected species are given in section 110 of the TSC Act.

study area

Study area means the subject site and any additional areas which are likely to be affected by the proposal, either directly or indirectly. The study area should extend as far as is necessary to take all potential impacts into account.

Strahler stream order

Strahler stream order and are used to define stream size based on a hierarchy of tributaries.

subject site Encompasses all land which the Development Consent with apply to. This is the area to be impacted by the development and is the focus of this report.

Subject Species

Threatened species known to, or have the potential to utilise habitat within the subject site.

ecological assessment cm high dominated by copperburrs such as sclerolaena eriacantha, sclerolaena...

Documents