tugun hill conservation area plan of management · 2019. 6. 23. · others include the currumbin...

Tugun Hill Conservation Area –Plan of Management

Acknowledgments:

This draft plan of management was prepared by Brett Leis and Matt Newman, Conservation Management Planners for the Natural Areas Management Unit of Gold Coast City Council. The input of Jason Searle, Liz Caddick, Graeme McGregor, Tim Robson, Phil Watts and Steve Towner is appreciated.


ForwardGold Coast City Council recognises that community consultation is vital to the functions of conservation management in terms of policy development and service delivery. Inclusion of the community improves the quality of management decisions through information exchange and a shared understanding of issues, and is also an effective means of fostering community stewardship.

The general procedure for exhibition and adoption of a plan of management is as follows: The draft plan is placed on public exhibition for at least 30 days and any person may comment on it; Submissions received on the plan are referred to Gold Coast City Council; After considering all the submissions the plan is amended, if necessary, by the Natural Areas Planning Unit; The amended plan is adopted by Council.

An Issues Paper was initially released and all comments were considered during the drafting of the plan. A Draft Plan of Management was placed on public display for a 5 week period from 19th May to the 23rd June, 2006. The plan has been amended to reflect the comments received from public submissions on the Draft Plan of Management.


SUMMARYThis plan of management provides the strategic framework that governs the development and delivery of all management programs and day-to-day issues affecting Tugun Hill Conservation Area.

Tugun Hill Conservation Area is one of a series of ridges and hills that are a prominent feature of the landscape of the southern Gold Coast. Tugun Hill contributes to the green back drop of the southern Gold Coast and is a major natural feature for visitors entering the city. The reserve reaches an elevation of near 50 metres above sea level and forms the upper catchment of Flat Rock Creek.

Tugun Hill Conservation Area forms part of the Currumbin to Cobaki wetlands habitat corridor, an area which is considered to be of national significance for nature conservation because of its high diversity of flora and fauna. The planning area contributes to preserving the native biodiversity of this area – it protects important vegetation associations and plant species and provides habitat for a range of resident and migratory fauna, and is important for local transient species utilising habitats on both sides of the border.

The conservation area protects one of the last remaining populations of the Endangered Blackbutt, a vegetation type which has been reduced by land clearing and is otherwise poorly represented in protected areas. The high integrity of this community provides habitat for arboreal fauna such as koalas, possums and gliders, while the understorey has a diverse range of ground dwelling mammals including common planigale, northern brown bandicoot, yellow-footed antechinus, grassland melomys and swamp wallaby. The planning area also protects six species of plants listed under state threatened species legislation.

The viability of these communities is threatened by further isolation from habitat clearing and issues associated with urban encroachment such as the introduction of weeds, predation by domestic animals, and inappropriate uses, such as the riding of trail bikes.

Maintaining or enhancing the key natural values of Tugun Hill Conservation Area will be the focus of this plan of management. The planning area will be managed to conserve the natural landscape integrity and scenic, natural and cultural heritage values, while providing opportunities for low-key, sustainable nature-based public use. A short walking circuit is proposed which will highlight the key natural features of the reserve. A weed management and restoration strategy will be implemented to enhance the ecological values of the reserve.


TABLE OF CONTENTS TUGUN HILL CONSERVATION AREA PLAN OF MANAGEMENT

SUMMARY

Chapter 1 - Introduction ................................................................................ 7

1.1 Location and Planning Area ..................................................................... 7

1.2 Regional Context.................................................................................. 7

1.3 Significance of the Conservation Area ........................................................ 8

1.4 Key Threatening Processes ..................................................................... 10

Chapter 2 – Management Purposes and Principles ................................................. 11

2.1 Legislative and Policy Framework ............................................................ 11

2.2 Management Directions......................................................................... 12

2.3 Specific Objectives for Tugun Hill Conservation Area ..................................... 12

Chapter 3 – Management Strategies for Tugun Hill Conservation Area ......................... 14

3.1 Managing the Natural Environment ........................................................... 14

3.1.1 Geology, Landform, Hydrology and Soils ............................................... 14

3.1.2 Native Plants ................................................................................ 15

3.1.3 Native Animals .............................................................................. 17

3.2 Managing for Protection ........................................................................ 21

3.2.1 Pest Plants................................................................................... 21

3.2.2 Pest Animals................................................................................. 22

3.2.3 Fire Management ........................................................................... 24

3.2.4 Habitat Fragmentation and Isolation .................................................... 27

3.3 Managing Cultural Heritage .................................................................... 29

3.4 Managing Recreation ............................................................................ 31

3.5 Community Involvement, Interpretation and Education .................................. 33

3.5 Managing Access ................................................................................. 35

3.6 Managing Landscape and Scenic Amenity.................................................... 36

3.7 Research and Monitoring ....................................................................... 37

Chapter 4 - Plan Implementation..................................................................... 39

Chapter 5 – Summary of Management Strategies .................................................. 40

Chapter 7 – References................................................................................. 50

Chapter 8 – Conservation Area Maps ................................................................. 51

Chapter 9 - Appendices ................................................................................ 51


Abbreviations used in this Management Plan

CAMBA: China and Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

EPBC: Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

GCCC: Gold Coast City Council

JAMBA: Japan and Australia Migratory Bird Agreement

NCA: QLD Nature Conservation Act 1992

OSPL: Open Space Preservation Levy

QPWS: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service

TSC: NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.


Chapter 1 - Introduction 1.1 Location and Planning Area Tugun Hill Conservation Area (referred to as “Tugun Hill” in this plan) is located in the southern Gold Coast adjacent to the M1 Motorway and the proposed route of the Tugun Bypass. The planning area covers 14.5 hectares of land acquired with the Open Space Preservation Levy and a further 1.4 hectares of adjoining reserved land to the south, which Council holds as trustee on behalf of the Government of Queensland. This plan also makes recommendations on the management of the series of adjoining reserved land which form the Currumbin Point to Cobaki Wetlands habitat corridor and contribute to the overall ecological value of the region.

The conservation area is one of a series of ridges and hills that are a prominent feature of the landscape of the southern Gold Coast. Tugun Hill contributes to the green backdrop of the area, and retains valuable wildlife habitat in an otherwise highly urbanised landscape. The hill reaches an elevation of near 50 metres above sea level and forms the upper catchment of Flat Rock Creek.

The site is characterised by a central hill with two prominent gully lines. The land predominantly supports a mix of remnant and regrowth Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis)open forest with other areas supporting a matrix of regenerating vegetation types including gully vine forest and regrowth woodland dominated by Blackwood (Acaciamelanoxylon) and Soapbush (Alphitonia excelsa).

1.2 Regional ContextThe Conservation Area is one of a number of mostly small forested reserves in this region. Others include the Currumbin Hill Conservation Park, sections of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, the mangrove-lined reserves along Currumbin Creek and the Cobaki Wetlands reserves in New South Wales. The planning area also links to a narrow wildlife corridor extending west to Nicolls Scrub National Park in the Currumbin Valley. Each reserve is isolated to some degree from other remnant vegetation by features such as roads, urban development or cleared land.

The M1 Motorway, which has a barrier fence along its length, physically separates Tugun Hill from the Currumbin reserves. To the south of Tugun Hill, vegetation on the Department of Main Roads Reserve provides a vegetated link to the larger habitat systems of the Cobaki area in New South Wales via remnant vegetation on other freehold lands. The development of the Tugun Bypass would threaten this linkage by removing most remnant vegetation on the road reserve. Tugun Hill is directly bordered by residential and multi occupancy development to the east and south.


BypassBypassBypassBypassBypassBypassBypassBypassBypass

ProposedPro po sedPro po sedPropose dPropose dPro po sedPro po sedPro po sedPropose d

TugunTugunTugunTugunTugunTugunTugunTugunTugun

Pacific Motorway (M1)


Pacific Motorway (M1)Pacific Motorway (M1)




MURRAYMURRAYMURRAYMURRAYMURRAYMURRAYMURRAYMURRAYMURRAY

STREETSTREETSTREETSTREETSTREETSTREETSTREETSTREETSTREET

TAPE

RELL

DR

TAPE

RELL

DR

TAPE

RELL

DR

TAPE

RELL

DR

TAPE

RELL

DR

TAPE

RELL

DR

TAPE

RELL

DR

TAPE

RELL

DR

TAPE

RELL

DR

MIRREEN MIRREEN MIRREEN MIRREEN MIRREEN MIRREEN MIRREEN MIRREEN MIRREEN

CLANC

YC

RT

CLANC

YC

RT

CLANC

YC

RT

CLANC

YC

RT

CLANC

YC

RT

CLANC

YC

RT

CLANC

YC

RT

CLANC

YC

RT

CLANC

YC

RT

ALINJARRADR

ALINJARRADR

ALINJARRADR

ALINJARRADR

ALINJARRADR

ALINJARRADR

ALINJARRADR

ALINJARRADR

ALINJARRADR

Tugun Hill Conservation Area55

40

20

30

MURRAYMURRAYMURRAYMURRAYMURRAYMURRAYMURRAYMURRAYMURRAYSTREETSTREETSTREETSTREETSTREETSTREETSTREETSTREETSTREET20

30

Property Boundary

Contours

Management Boundary

Street/ Road MUDGEERABAMUDGEERABAMUDGEERABAMUDGEERABAMUDGEERABAMUDGEERABAMUDGEERABAMUDGEERABAMUDGEERABA

SURFERS PARADISESURFERS PARADISESURFERS PARADISESURFERS PARADISESURFERS PARADISESURFERS PARADISESURFERS PARADISESURFERS PARADISESURFERS PARADISE

COOMERACOOMERACOOMERACOOMERACOOMERACOOMERACOOMERACOOMERACOOMERA

ORMEAUORMEAUORMEAUORMEAUORMEAUORMEAUORMEAUORMEAUORMEAU

SPRINGBROOKSPRINGBROOKSPRINGBROOKSPRINGBROOKSPRINGBROOKSPRINGBROOKSPRINGBROOKSPRINGBROOKSPRINGBROOK

Figure1: Location of Tugun Hill Conservation Area

NORTH250m


1.3 Significance of the Conservation Area The Tugun to Cobaki area is considered to be of national significance for nature conservation. It supports a high diversity of terrestrial flora and fauna of conservation significance. Tugun Hill Conservation Area contributes to preserving the native biodiversity of this area – it conserves important vegetation associations and plant species and provides habitat for a range of resident and migratory fauna, and is an important linkage in the Currumbin Point to Cobaki lakes reserves.

The planning area also offers a natural setting, in an otherwise highly urbanised environment, for locals to undertake passive nature based recreation pursuits. Tugun Hill contributes to the green back drop of the southern Gold Coast and is a major natural feature for visitors entering the city.

Some of the significant natural values of Tugun Hill Conservation Area include:

The hilltop is dominated by ‘Eucalyptus pilularis (blackbutt) tall woodland to open forest on metasediments’, a vegetation community classified as Endangered under the Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999. This is one of the last remaining patches of this vegetation type on the Gold Coast.

Protects at least six species of threatened plants that are listed under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992. This includes the Vulnerable velvet laurel (Endiandra hayseii), and Rare black walnut (Endiandra globosa), long-leafed tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis newmanii), rosy hyacinth orchid (Dipodium pulchellum), smooth scrub turpentine (Rhodamnia maideniana) and white lace flower (Arcidendron hendersonii).

Provides both regionally and locally significant fauna habitats and an important link between the habitats of the Currumbin Sanctuary/Currumbin Conservation Park and the Cobaki Wetlands in Tweed Shire to the south, and to the large tracts of bushland in the Currumbin Valley to the west. These links are important for the more mobile avifauna that travel between inland and coastal habitats.

Supports fauna species that are listed under NSW, QLD and/or commonwealth threatened species legislation including the Vulnerable koala, common planigale, grey-headed flying fox, little bent–wing bat and rose-crowned fruit dove, and Rare Lewin’s rail. It also protects species which are significant at a regional and local level including the northern brown bandicoot, yellow-footed antechinus, grassland melomys and swamp wallaby.

Supports good populations of forest dependant, nomadic and migratory birds, being further significant due to the ongoing diminishment of similar habitats across the lowland areas of the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales. A number of birds are listed under various international agreements, including JAMBA and CAMBA.


1.4 Key Threatening Processes In light of the landscape context, history of the site and surrounds and the current ecological condition of the conservation area, a number of key threatening processes can be identified. These include:

1. The further isolation of the reserve from other habitat by clearing of vegetation, the construction of roads, fences and residential development.

2. The fire regime; the character of some fire adapted or tolerant vegetation types can be lost altogether if fire is excluded for an extended period (Watson, P., 2001, SEQ FABC). Conversely, while fire is a catalyst for regeneration for some flora species at Tugun Hill, fires occurring at too frequent intervals can prevent plants reaching a stage of maturity at which they can reproduce, leading to their eventual loss from the vegetation community. Frequent fires may also wipe out populations of fauna and change habitat conditions, making them unsuitable for fauna.

3. The impacts of pest animals on native fauna and the impacts of pest plants on flora and on fauna habitat.

4. The destruction of flora, vegetation community structure and soil profiles by human activities.

5. The disruption or changes to plant communities and fauna habitat caused by human induced edge effects.

The most pressing issue in managing Tugun Hill over the short, medium and long terms will be the potential loss of flora and fauna species as a result of the effects of the above threatening processes. It needs to be recognised that while management of the site may result in improvements in habitat, the small size and ongoing isolation of the reserve from other remnants may still lead to the unpreventable local extinction of species currently present at Tugun Hill Conservation Area.


Chapter 2 – Management Purposes and Principles2.1 Legislative and Policy Framework The OSPL Acquisition Program contributes to achieving the core objectives of the GoldCoast City Nature Conservation Strategy (GCCC, 1998) by securing the protection of areas of high conservation value in public ownership where other strategies are unable to achieve the required level of protection. One of the major aims of the Acquisition Program is to consolidate and expand the City’s existing protected area network and assist Council in fulfilling the intent of the ‘Conservation Strategy Plan’ contained within the Nature Conservation Strategy (NCS).

Tugun Hill was purchased under the OSPL Acquisition Program on the 23rd June 2000 for the principle purpose of nature conservation. The direction for management of Tugun Hill Conservation Area reflects the over-arching principle established in the document “Management Guidelines for sites acquired with the Open Space Preservation Levy (Phase 1 & 2 Acquisition Programs)”. The principle states:

Sites acquired with funds derived from the Open Space Preservation Levy, (as part of the Open Space Preservation Levy Acquisition Program – Phases 1 and 2), have been acquired primarily for nature conservation and must be managed to preserve the ecological values that Council bought each site to protect and used in such a way so not to have a negative impact upon those values.

The Guidelines, adopted by Council in December 2004, describe the actions required for the short-term management of the sites and recommendations for longer-term management. Many of the actions or strategies initiated as an ‘Immediate Action’ via the Guidelines are recommended to continue as actions contained in a plan of management.

Other legislation, international agreements and charters may also apply to management of the area. In particular, all actions recommended in and implemented through this management plan will take into consideration any likely impacts upon species or ecological communities of significance listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 and the NatureConservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994.

Council also has obligations to protect the habitats of migratory birds under agreements such as the Japan-Australia and China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreements (JAMBA and CAMBA).

The eradication, control or containment of declared weeds and introduced animals on Council land is governed by the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002. Control of pest animals is also in accordance with the Queensland’s Pest Animal Strategy 2002-2006.

Protection of Aboriginal culture heritage values is in accordance with the QLD Cultural Heritage Act 2003.

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Services Act 1990 requires Council, as a landowner, to remove or reduce the risk of fire occurring on their land and to take all necessary steps to ensure that fire does not impact on neighbouring properties.

The most pressing fire management issues at Tugun Hill have been dealt with as an immediate action. Strategies and actions for managing the effects of fire on the environment are included within this plan of management.


2.2 Management Directions A plan of management provides the framework for management of the area by stating the philosophy on which decisions should be based and by setting out objectives and actions for management. Each plan of management will establish a limited range of uses of the site that are agreed by Council and supported by the community as being consistent with maintaining the site’s ecological, other environmental and visual values.

Management decisions for the conservation areas purchased under the OSPL are based on four core principles:

1. Conservation areas acquired through the OSPL Acquisition Program will be primarily managed to preserve the full range of significant natural values that they possess. This is the over-riding principle that will be applied when considering all land use proposals and options for management.

2. Protection of natural values provides the basis for ecologically sustainable managed use of the Conservation Areas by the community.

3. Protection of the natural values of the conservation areas can also provide benefits to the community by preserving ecosystem services, scenic amenity and enhancing catchment and cultural heritage values.

4. The long-term protection of the natural values of the conservation areas will be achieved more readily if the community understands and supports Council’s goals for management.

2.3 Specific Objectives for Tugun Hill Conservation AreaThe planning area will be managed to conserve the natural landscape integrity and scenic, natural and cultural heritage values, while providing opportunities for low-key, sustainable nature-based public use. Strategies and programs to protect, and where necessary restore, the natural and cultural values of the planning area will aim to:

Manage the Currumbin to Cobaki wetlands reserves as an interrelated reserve system; Enhance the natural environment and control introduced plant species with consideration of habitat utilisation by native animal species; Control, and where possible eradicate, introduced animal species particularly predatory species which threaten ground-dwelling native fauna; Restore and maintain viable habitat links contributing to the ecological richness of the area;Protect and monitor threatened and biogeographically significant species and communities; Protect and enhance the landscape and scenic values of Tugun Hill; Protect cultural heritage values; Protect water catchment values of Flat Rock Creek; Encourage and facilitate research and monitoring to improve knowledge of natural and cultural values of the area; Implement fire management actions for the protection of life and property; Implement fire regimes designed to maintain the diversity of vegetation communities; Engender greater public awareness and appreciation for the values and management of the planning area; Manage visitor use in an ecologically sustainable manner; and


Maintain a good working relationship with neighbours, authorities, Government departments and other agencies to enhance the protection and viability of the planning area.


Chapter 3 – Management Strategies for Tugun Hill Conservation Area 3.1 Managing the Natural Environment

3.1.1 Geology, Landform, Hydrology and Soils Tugun Hill Conservation Area is situated on the first of a series of low coastal hills which rise from the sandy coastal plain of Currumbin Point. The topography of the site is characterised by a prominent hill and associated hill-slopes and gully lines.

Overall the landform can be described as gentle to moderately steep low hill-slopes of meta-sedimentary geology, supporting tall moist eucalypt open forest. The majority of the planning area is less than fifty metres above sea level and protects the headwaters of Flat Rock Creek.

The underlying geology of this area is classified as the Neranleigh-Fernvale meta-sediments, which are deformed, lightly to heavily folded rocks derived from ancient marine sediments. This is the predominant geological unit throughout the central area of Gold Coast City and also encompasses extensive areas to the north-west of the conservation area.

The composition of the underlying rock varies with location, and may incorporate arenite, mudstone, shale, chert, jasper or basic metavolcanics. The soils are similarly variable, and may comprise yellow, red, brown or grey kurosols or red ferrosols.

The vegetated slopes of the conservation area protect the hillsides from erosion and provide catchment protection for the upper parts of Flat Rock Creek.

Desired Outcomes

Geological and soil landscapes are protected from human disturbance.

Catchment values, water quality and the health of waterways are maintained or improved.

Management Strategies

S1.1 Ensure conservation area facilities, visitor use and management actions do not adversely impact on water quality or soil landscapes.

S1.2 Locate new infrastructure and facilities outlined in this plan on previously disturbed sites wherever possible.

S1.3 Develop a staged restoration plan for Flat Rock Creek drainage line between the conservation area’s north-eastern boundary and the Motorway; the species composition should reflect the predicted original vegetation type – Regional Ecosystem 12.3.11 (GCCC Vegetation Type 6).

S1.4 Avoid further interference to the natural drainage patterns to restrict erosion of soils within and adjacent to the reserve.


3.1.2 Native Plants Tugun Hill retains a diverse and significant collection of flora species and vegetation communities. A total of 159 species of vascular plants from 127 genera and 61 families have been recorded within Tugun Hill. Six of these species are listed as threatened under Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Approximately one-third of Tugun Hill supports mature Moist Open Forest with a canopy dominated by Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis). This community is generally of high ecological condition and representative of the late successional growth (or ‘old growth’) phase of this forest type, providing core habitat for arboreal fauna. Despite being previously widespread along the coastal lowlands of the Gold Coast mainland, this vegetation type is now relatively scarce as a result of extensive urban development, and is also poorly represented in protected areas throughout the region. This is reflected by its classification as Endangered under the provisions of the QLD Vegetation Management Act 1999 (Regulation 2000). One species of plant listed under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 has also been identified in this area:

Rosy Hyacinth-orchid (Dipodium pulchella) (Rare)

A small pocket of sub-tropical rainforest occurs in a moist drainage area on the south-western facing slope. This community is generally of high ecological condition, supporting a relatively diverse array of native rainforest flora in a small area. Five species listed under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 have been identified in this community. These are:

Velvet laurel (Endiandra hayseii) (Vulnerable)Long-leafed tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis newmanii) (Rare)Smooth scrub turpentine (Rhodamnia maideniana) (Rare)Black walnut (Endiandra globosa) (Rare)White lace flower (Arcidendron hendersonii) (Rare)

The small size and conservation significance of the subtropical rainforest makes it vulnerable to impacts. For this reason, visitor activities will be restricted from this area.

Closed forest occurs along gully lines, which is characteristically wetter than the surrounding Blackbutt Moist Open Forest and supports a wider variety of rainforest plant species. Tallowwood (Eucalyptus microcorys) and Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis)woodland communities, which vary slightly in composition to the adjoining Blackbutt Moist Open Forest, are also present on the north-western hill-slopes. In addition, several small grassland patches occur in previously cleared areas.

Around one-third of the property supports areas of regrowth Blackbutt Open Forest and Acacia Woodland, which appears to represent early successional regrowth on land previously cleared.

The major potential threats to the native vegetation communities within Tugun Hill include uncontrolled access (both vehicle and pedestrian trampling), inappropriate fire regimes and woody weed infestation.

Council has undertaken preliminary restoration within Tugun Hill, including revegetation activities and ongoing weed control. Strategic direction for these activities will be guided by the Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration Plan. This plan provides the practical guidelines for long-term native vegetation restoration by aiming to allow favourable conditions for the natural regeneration of native plant species. The potential of natural regeneration is considered to be relatively high once appropriate, effective and ongoing


weed control measures are implemented. Indeed, there is ample evidence of native regeneration occurring throughout the conservation area and by effective promotion of this process, further planting for regeneration purposes would not be necessary.

Buffer planting will be undertaken along the western edge of the reserve to limit any impacts associated with adjacent construction of the Tugun Bypass.

Desired Outcomes

The full range of native plant species found in the conservation area are protected.

Vegetation structural diversity and habitat values are conserved, and are restored where subject to past disturbance.

Significant and protected plant species and communities are protected.

Knowledge of significant flora and vegetation communities is increased.

Habitat connectivity is maintained and/or enhanced.


S2.1 Implement the Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration Plan as a matter of priority.

S2.2 Manage the sub-tropical rainforest community for protection purposes by restricting visitor access to this area, avoiding burning and removing weeds.

S2.3 Manage the blackbutt moist open forest for protection purposes by allowing only walking access to this area along designated, existing trails (see Section 3.4 Managing Recreation).

S2.4 Prioritise the restoration of the Blackbutt moist open forest by promoting favourable recruitment conditions and utilising the zoning approach as outlined in the Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration Plan.

S2.5 Develop a systematic monitoring program to assess the regeneration of native plant species within key vegetation types in association with the Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration Plan. Monitoring results will be used to refine, as necessary, restoration practices.

S2.6 Establish monitoring regimes for key plant species regarded as threatened or significant to measure the success of management practices in maintaining or improving the conservation status of these species and to record ongoing change.

S2.7 Develop and implement a buffer planting plan for the western edge of the Conservation Area in partnership with the Department of Main Roads.

S2.8 Implement infill revegetation along the edge of the rock lined drainage channel: consider planting within the channel where appropriate to enhance sediment control, habitat establishment and improve the aesthetic quality of the area.

S2.9 Only use those species recorded within Tugun Hill Conservation Area for revegetation projects.

S2.10 Manage threatened species populations in accordance with the declared management intent of the listing under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994.


S2.11 Develop a program of seed collection from other local provenance populations of threatened plant species to propagate and plant at Tugun Hill to increase the size and genetic diversity of the local populations.

S2.12 Consider the translocation of threatened and significant plant species which are likely to be removed during the Tugun Bypass construction in conjunction with the Department of Main Roads.

S2.13 Ensure that management operations, such as slashing, fire, weed control and road and walking trail maintenance, do not impact upon significant plant species and communities.

S2.14 Develop walking trails as outlined in this plan of management with the aim of reducing impacts on native plant communities by utilising existing trails.

S2.15 Undertake fire management in a manner that enhances and protects species diversity in vegetation communities and encourages recruitment of significant species as identified in Section 5.2.3 Fire Management.

S2.16 Encourage surveys and research on significant plant and vegetation communities to improve knowledge of their management requirements and recruitment capabilities.

S2.17 Promote public understanding and appreciation of the native plants and vegetation communities of the conservation area within the context of the Interpretation Plan (Section 5.8 Community Involvement, Interpretation and Education)). The plan will include strategies for interpreting:

The values and significance of the blackbutt vegetation and rare and significant plant species; The strategies adopted by GCCC to reduce threatening processes on the native vegetation of the conservation area; The role of visitors in protecting native plants through the adoption of minimal impact recreation protocols.

S2.18 Promote the planting of local native garden species by neighbours directly bordering the conservation area.

3.1.3 Native Animals Despite its small overall size, Tugun Hill contains a relatively diverse assemblage of native fauna, including a number of threatened, migratory and locally significant species, as well as species with quite specific habitat requirements. At least 14 mammals, 70 birds, 6 reptile and 4 amphibian species are known to occur within the planning area. Survey work has been limited in Tugun Hill and it is likely that additional species would be recorded with further survey effort.

Although relatively small in total area, the bushland mosaic present within the conservation area provides a viable and valuable habitat for a wide variety of native fauna species and key linkages to larger habitat systems. The site is an important ‘habitat island’ for mobile fauna, particularly locally transient bird and bat species, forming a vital link in a wildlife corridor for these animals extending from the coastal Currumbin Bird Sanctuary/ Currumbin Hill Conservation Parks in the north to the Cobaki Wetlands in the Tweed shire to the south.

Native ground dwelling and arboreal mammals are well represented. The mature blackbutt moist open forest provides habitat for a range of arboreal fauna, including the koala, sugar glider and common brushtail possum. The understorey layers protect a range of ground-dwelling species including the grassland melomys, common planigale, swamp wallaby, yellow-footed antechinus and northern brown bandicoot.


Migratory, nomadic and resident bird species are well represented at Tugun Hill. The variety of vegetation communities and good connectivity to other areas provides habitat for a large range of both forest dependant and ground-dwelling bird species. Honeyeaters, parrots, raptors, insectivores and seedeaters are common. Fauna studies conducted as part of the Tugun Bypass proposal suggest that waterbirds move towards Cobaki from Currumbin at dawn and return at dusk, highlighting the important linkage between feeding and roosting sites.

The integral areas of coastal lowland habitat, such as the Blackbutt and closed forest vegetation of the conservation area, are important for seasonal altitudinal migration of a number of bird species. These species are of particular conservation concern as their coastal habitats have diminished at a rapid rate.

A number of species protected within the planning area are listed under threatened species legislation including the QLD Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation (NCWR), NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act (TSC) and Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC). These include:

Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): NCWR (Vulnerable)

Lewin’s Rail (Rallus pectoralis): NCWR (Rare)

Common Planigale (Planigale maculata): TSC (Vulnerable)

Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus): EPBC (Vulnerable), TSC (Vulnerable)

Little Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus australis): TSC (Vulnerable)

Rose-Crowned Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus regina): TSC (Vulnerable)

Some species listed under the NSW Threatened Species Act 1995 are not covered by the relevant Qld legislation but warrant consideration due to the close proximity of the planning area to NSW, and the current and predicted disturbance to habitat used by these species in NSW, immediately south of the planning area.

The fauna populations in the planning area face an uncertain future. In summary, the quantity and quality of habitat available is limited, degraded in many areas and very susceptible to further degradation and isolation. It is the aim of management to restore, maintain and expand core habitat and limit the fragmentation of corridors to the greatest possible extent.

While surveys within Tugun Hill have identified the use of weeded areas by some ground-dwelling native fauna, these species, including northern brown bandicoot, grassland melomys and swamp wallaby have broad food and habitat requirements, and appear to seek refuge in the more denser and integral areas of native bushland, while foraging across the broader area of the site. The common planigale has specific habitat requirements and a relatively small home range, and is restricted to the blackbutt open forest and sub-tropical rainforest, where the understorey and leaf litter layers are well developed. It is considered that the benefits of removing weed species in order to encourage the regeneration of native species far outweighs any perceived benefits of weed species as substitute habitat. However, restoration programs will avoid large-scale disturbance to restrict possible displacement of fauna species utilising weeded areas.

Desired Outcomes

There is continued protection and increased viability for all native animal communities in the conservation area.

No population decline or habitat loss for threatened fauna known to occur in the conservation area.


The diversity of native animals in the conservation area is conserved.

The habitat and populations of all threatened fauna species and significant species are protected and maintained.

Increased knowledge of the ecology and distribution of fauna species.


S3.1 Protect and enhance the conservation status of native animal populations in the conservation area by:

Controlling pest animals (Section 3.2.2 Pest Animals) Prohibiting domestic animals from entering the conservation area (Section 3.2.2 Pest Animals) Maintaining and enhancing critical habitat corridors (3.2.4 Habitat Isolation & Fragmentation) Implementing appropriate fire regimes and maintaining mature vegetation and critical habitat components such as tree hollows and fallen wood debris (Section 3.2.3 Fire Management) Restoring critical habitat (Section 3.1.1 Native Plants)

S3.2 Develop a fauna survey program to identify the presence, abundance and distribution of fauna at Tugun Hill. Some emphasis must be placed on:

Determining the population status of fauna populations Identifying any changes as a result of future development Confirming the use of weedy areas for habitat and this information fed into implementing the Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration Plan.

S3.3 Incorporate wildlife records for the planning area into GCCC’s Nature Conservation Strategy Database. In particular, establish a database for rare and threatened, and locally significant species.

S3.4 Continue to support local community ornithological groups undertaking bird surveys within the conservation area.

S3.5 Prepare and implement local recovery plans for threatened and significant fauna species of the conservation area, including swamp wallaby, common planigale, Lewin’s rail, koala, rose crowned fruit dove, grey headed flying fox and little bent-wing bat.

S3.6 Enhance buffering, ecological viability and faunal habitat by increasing the extent of native vegetation across the reserve as part of the Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration Plan (Section 3.1.2 Native Plants).

S3.7 Avoid rapid, broad acre control of pest plants to ensure that there are no abrupt changes in the availability of fauna habitat across the conservation area.

S3.8 Consider the placement of habitat structures, such as logs and hollows, in areas receiving weed treatment.

S3.9 Collaborate with the Department of Main Roads, QPWS, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and other adjacent land managers concerning the planning and management of lands adjacent to the conservation area in order to ensure the long-term viability of all native animal species found in the conservation area, especially those with large home ranges that are dependent on the existence of suitable habitat(s) outside the conservation area. In particular promote an integrated approach across all land tenures aimed at the retention or creation of:

Suitable habitats, notably for those species with large home ranges; and


Regional-scale wildlife corridors.

S3.10 Promote responsible pet ownership in the neighbourhood, focusing on controlling domestic animals and alternative dog exercise areas. This should be implemented through Ranger patrols, reserve signage, the distribution of resident information packages and field days (Section 3.7 Community Involvement, Interpretation and Education).

S3.11 Promote public understanding and appreciation of native animals to increase awareness of local fauna conservation issues as part of the Interpretation Plan (Section 3.7 Community Involvement, Interpretation and Education).

S3.12 Dog walking will not be permitted within the conservation area to protect native fauna populations.


3.2 Managing for Protection

3.2.1 Pest Plants Environmental weeds are an ever-present threat to the conservation values of the planning area. Weeds can out compete native plants, which can change vegetation communities, prevent regeneration and reduce habitat values.

Of the 159 flora species recorded for the Conservation Area, 38 species (approximately 24%) are exotic or not native to the Gold Coast City. Although this represents a moderately high percentage by species occurrence, many of the exotic species present occur in low numbers, or where occurring in higher abundances are generally restricted to grassland and shrubby wattle regrowth areas.

The Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration Plan provides for the short and long-term restoration of native plant communities by a systematic pest plant control program. The plan proposes an ongoing, integrated program of regeneration and weed control. The program is based on the demarcation of discrete work zones which progressively undergo primary regeneration work until stabilised before commencing work in the next zone. Controlling pest plants at Tugun Hill presents good opportunities for restoring native plant communities and fauna habitat.

The integrity of the mature blackbutt open forest is at serious threat from invasion of surrounding weeds. The initial major focus of weed control will be on preventing invasion of this area and allowing favourable conditions for the regeneration and expansion of this community.

The major weed species of most conservation concern within Tugun Hill include molasses grass and lantana. These weeds seriously limit the ability for native communities to expand. It is unlikely that the regeneration of native species, particularly sclerophyll species, will occur while molasses grass and lantana are dominating some areas.

Council also has obligations under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 to eradicate, control and contain declared pest plants on land it manages. Five declared species have been recorded within Tugun Hill, including Bitou Bush, Groundsel Bush, Annual Ragweed, Crofton Weed and Mistflower. Each of these species occurs in low numbers and will be controlled through appropriate techniques.

The east and south of the planning area is bordered by residential development. Typically, the impacts of surrounding land-uses adds to the management requirements of bushland areas and can jeopardise the success of conservation focused land management activities. Pest plants will be an ongoing problem due to the ease with which weed propagules can enter the land: the dumping of domestic garden waste, the inappropriate discharge of stormwater into the reserve, and existing sources of seeds associated with and other plant propagules on the site are the main sources. There are a number of weed species already known to occur within the conservation area as a result of escaping from local gardens.

Desired Outcomes

To ensure the adverse impacts of pest plants on native flora and fauna, Aboriginal and historic sites, and landscapes in the conservation area are prevented or minimised.

To control and where possible eradicate weeds using methods that minimise disturbance and maximises benefits to natural systems and conservation area values.

That no new pest plant becomes established in the conservation area


To meet the obligations of weed control under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.


S4.1 Implement the Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration Plan for the control of pest plants as part of an integrated ecological restoration program (see also Section 5.1.2 Native Plants).

S4.2 The Natural Areas Management Unit will manage all weed control programs, including management of scheduled species, to ensure an integrated and controlled program of pest plant control is undertaken.

S4.3 Avoid rapid, broad acre control of pest plants to ensure that there are no abrupt changes in the availability of fauna habitat across the conservation area (Section 3.1.3 Native Animals).

S4.4 Maintain a database of all known weed species and populations. This will include abundance and distribution information, treatment histories for all species and mapping of weed distribution.

S4.5 As a priority, maintain the integrity and prevent the spread of all pest plants within the sub-tropical rainforest patch.

S4.6 As a priority, restrict the invasion of pest plants into the mature Blackbutt open forest by removing weeds, particularly molasses grass and lantana, and allow favourable conditions for natural regeneration. Con

S4.7 Establish an evaluation program to determine the effectiveness of weed control efforts, particularly in relation to conservation outcomes.

S4.8 Prepare a recommended planting list of locally occurring plant species to be used in revegetation projects.

S4.9 Develop and distribute appropriate pest plant information to residents of the local area, seeking their cooperation in reducing the presence of these species in local gardens and reducing dumping of garden waste in the reserve. Consider a free plants replacement program to encourage replacement of undesirable species.

S4.10 Discourage and police the dumping of garden waste within the conservation area as part of a regular patrol program.

S4.11 Remove, as a priority, any newly established weed outbreaks within the conservation area.

S4.12 Where possible use plant species of local provenance for revegetation work.

S4.13 Promote weed control strategies and efforts undertaken.

3.2.2 Pest Animals Introduced animals are those species not native to the planning area. They have an unacceptable impact on the area by predation, displacement or competition with native animals. Preliminary pest animal surveying has identified the fox, brown hare, black rat and house mouse as being present in the planning area. Domestic dogs have historically been walked and it is also likely that domestic cats commonly enter the conservation area.


Small fauna populations in remnant ecosystems such as Tugun Hill may be particularly vulnerable to predation by or competition from pest animals. This is because remnants frequently support lower numbers of fauna, and these populations are less resilient to chance events and external pressures in the same way that populations that are naturally isolated, such as those on islands, are prone to extinction.

Foxes, domestic dogs and cats contribute the major potential threat to the native fauna of the conservation area, endangering ground-nesting or dwelling birds, such as Lewin’s rail, and small to medium-sized mammals, including swamp wallaby, koala and common planigale.

Foxes are likely to be present in low to medium densities throughout the conservation area and adjoining properties, including neighbouring urban areas. Foxes readily survive and prosper in urban areas, and bushland areas such as Tugun Hill provide ideal shelters.

Research into the ecological effects of feral and domestic animals on the native plants and animals, and monitoring of population sizes are essential to establish the criteria for non-native animal management. Thorough wildlife surveys are required to determine the distribution and abundance of foxes (and other identified pest animals) within the planning area. Surveys could also be conducted with the co-operation of enthusiastic local residents, neighbours and walkers, collecting data on pest animal sightings, tracks and scats. This information, combined with any gathered by Council, may provide an insight into the extent of pest animal populations.

Built-up areas represent a special set of problems in the management of pest animals. Urban density may restrict the use of broad scale pest-management approaches routinely employed in rural areas due to proven or perceived hazards to people, animals that are not being targeted or the environment. Generally, control of foxes will be restricted to the use of traps (such as Soft-Catch® traps and cage traps) due to the restriction on poisoning and shooting. Pest control methods currently under development that may be useful in built-up areas include the use of immuno-contraception, which may offer longer-term solutions to fox problems throughout the area.

It is also important to address the human dimension of pest animal problems, as there may be conflicting opinions in the local community regarding pest animal control. Successful pest management projects in Queensland’s urban areas have been run in an open manner that stressed community awareness and encouraged public enquiry. For example, work in Noosa National Park that used a community consultation and involvement program led to reduced predation by foxes on a variety of vulnerable fauna and has resulted in increased numbers of swamp wallaby.

A variety of native animals within Tugun Hill such as possums, gliders, koalas, wallabies, lizards, small mammals and many birds, maybe also be at risk from domestic animals. If unchecked, domestic dogs and cats harass and even kill native wildlife. Even though their human owners carefully meet their pet's requirements for food and shelter, dogs and cats have an instinctive hunting and chasing behaviour. Domestic pets also occur in high numbers in urban areas, where native animal numbers are fewer. So even though each individual animal may only kill or injure a small number of native animals, it has a bigger effect on the already reduced population.

To protect the significant fauna populations within Tugun Hill, domestic animals will be prohibited. An education program will be developed focusing on the relationship between domestic animals and conservation, and alternative areas for dog exercise.

Desired Outcomes


The adverse impacts of introduced animals on native flora and fauna are prevented or minimised.

No new introduced animal becomes established in the conservation area

The obligations for introduced animal control under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002 are met.


S5.1 Develop a database of all known introduced animal species and populations. This will include mapped abundance and distribution information, and control histories for all species.

S5.2 Develop a fox monitoring program to identify fox distribution and abundance, and the criteria for a fox control program.

S5.3 Develop a wildlife survey sheet for distribution to neighbours and other interested members of the public to assist in the gathering of information on pest animal distribution, impacts and abundance.

S5.4 Investigate options for a fox control program utilising techniques with consideration of legislative and restrictive impacts upon non-target (ie. domestic and native) animals.

S5.5 Evaluate the environmental and social acceptability of all introduced animal control methods before they are adopted.

S5.6 Promote proposed introduced animal control strategies to build community support for such programs.

S5.7 Domestic animals will be prohibited from Tugun Hill Conservation Area.

S5.8 Include Tugun Hill Conservation Area in the Ranger Patrol Program to educate and police dog walkers.

S5.9 Promote community awareness and understanding of the potential and actual impacts of domestic animals on the values of the conservation area, and encourage responsible pet ownership within the neighbourhood, through the Interpretation Plan. Include information of the ‘no domestic animals’ policy and advice on nearby locations suitable for dog walking.

3.2.3 Fire Management An Interim Fire Management Plan was developed for the Conservation Area in 2002 and immediate actions have been implemented. A full Fire Management Plan will be developed for the planning area in consultation with neighbouring landholders, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and the local brigade. Fire management must aim to achieve both long-term conservation of native plant and animal communities and ongoing protection of life and property within and adjacent to the area.

Property ProtectionA protection zone and emergency access road has been developed to reduce the threat posed by fires in the conservation area to adjoining and nearby residences. Between the access road and property boundaries, vegetation will be maintained at specified heights and densities to reduce the fire hazard to adjoining properties.


Fire management responsibilities are shared by all landholders: the opportunity exists for Council and the Fire and Rescue Services to work with landholders to reduce the hazard posed by vegetation on their own lands in the event of fire.

By establishing the protection zone and working with landholders to better manage their property, the need to conduct regular fuel reduction activities across the reserve is greatly reduced and therefore fire management for ecological purposes is possible.

Fire and ecological managementPopulations of flora and fauna within small isolated bushland remnants are at risk of local extinction following catastrophic disturbances, such as a large wildfire or an inappropriate fire regime. In larger less isolated populations recovery by recolonisation would be expected, however Tugun Hill’s flora and fauna remains fragile. It is therefore important that appropriate fire regimes are maintained.

Fire is widely accepted as an integral component of the development of Australia’s ecosystems. At Tugun Hill, the frequency and nature of fire has changed but its role in the ecosystem is still important.

Protecting rainforest in the planning area from fire is critical to its regeneration. By contrast, the eucalypt dominated blackbutt forest is adapted to fire of a seasonal nature and, over time, some species of flora and fauna may be lost if fire is suppressed, occurs too often or is otherwise inappropriate. Recommended fire intervals for mature blackbutt open forest in SEQ is between 7 and 25 years (Watson, 2001). Planned fire should not be implemented for ecological purposes below the lower limit, while communities approaching the upper limit should be considered for burning. Burning should aim at varying the interfire interval within the upper and lower parameters, with an emphasis on the longer end of the spectrum. The last fire occurred in the planning area in 1997, however a more accurate fire history is needed to understand the current condition of the vegetation and in proposing future fire regimes.

Planning for the role of fire in maintaining ecosystem functions, species and biodiversity is complicated by a number of factors at Tugun Hill.

1. The ecosystem has changed substantially: burning of some areas or too large an area may impact critically on certain species of flora or fauna.

2. The local fire history is not known: the use of fire for broad control of species such as molasses grass may impact on flora already on the brink of local extinction.

3. Control of intervals between planned burns is not easy due to arson and unintentional fires.

4. Proximity to houses, major roads and the airport flight path must be taken into account and may restrict burning.

5. Pest plants such as molasses grass and lantana add substantial fuel loads to the degraded sections of the reserve.

Joseph (2005) suggests that the short-term restoration of sclerophyll forest within the conservation area should be focussed on an ongoing program of weed control, rather than the immediate use of fire, especially in controlling suppressive exotic grass species. However, the long-term management of the vegetation communities will require the use of fire for restoration purposes and a detailed program will be required as part of the Fire Management Plan. Any burns planned for Tugun Hill will be implemented on a mosaic scale, with only small patches to be burned in any one year. It is recommended that trial burning plots be implemented to monitor the regeneration potential of the sclerophyll forest.

Desired Outcomes


Fire is managed to protect human life and property within and adjacent to the conservation area, including aboriginal heritage and management structures.

Fire is managed to maintain and enhance viability of all native plant and animal species and communities in the conservation area through the application of bushfire management that takes into account the necessary temporal, spatial and seasonal variability required to maintain diversity in different ecological communities.

Fire is excluded from ecological communities that are not tolerant of fire.

Fire management is undertaken in cooperation with neighbours and other relevant organisations.

Unplanned fires are prevented from entering the conservation area.


S6.1 Review the current Interim Fire Management Plan with the aim of producing a full Fire Management Plan for the conservation area by 2008 that provides for the protection of life, property and the conservation area’s natural and cultural values.

S6.2 Until a Fire Management Plan is prepared, fire management should be carried out in accordance with the Interim Fire Management Plan and GCCC Management Guidelines for sites acquired with funds from the Open Space Preservation Levy (December 2004).

S6.3 Develop and maintain a mapping database which establishes mapping layers for effective fire planning, including:

Basic topographic attributes Vegetation communities, including information on age classes; Rare, endangered and significant plant species and communities; The habitats of rare and threatened native animal species; Fire histories, including ignition sources and fire path information; Fuel attributes; Management trails and fire breaks; Water points; and Infrastructure and assets.

S6.4 Establish a maintenance regime for the Asset Protection Zone, ensuring fuel loads are managed at a sustainable level.

S6.5 Ensure any burns planned at Tugun Hill are implemented on a mosaic scale: only small patches are to be burned in any one year, reflecting the limited availability of fauna habitat and population size of some flora species.

S6.6 Maintain close cooperation with other agencies, neighbours and the local Rural Fire Service for the management of fire within and adjoining the conservation area.

S6.7 Aim to protect hollow trees and logs from fire during prescribed burning operations.

S6.8 Liaise with the Department of Main Roads to reduce fuel loads on the M1 embankment north of Tugun Hill with the aim of reducing potential ignition points.

S6.9 Protect rainforest vegetation on the south-west side of the hill and along the creekline in the north-east from fire.

S6.10 Investigate options for long term fire management within sclerophyll forest as part of the Fire Management Plan and in conjunction with the Tugun Hill Conservation Area


Restoration Plan. Recommended intervals for mature blackbutt open forest in SEQ is between 7 and 25 years (Watson, 2001).

S6.11 Develop a fire and fuel monitoring program utilising techniques described within the Southeast Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium Monitoring Manual.

S6.12 The Natural Area’s Management Unit will be responsible for coordinating and implementing the prescribed burning program within the conservation area.

S6.13 Any prescribed burning operations within the mature Blackbutt forest should aim to avoid the flowering period of the Rare rosy hyacinth orchid (Dipodium pulchellum) between December and May, with any burning preferable post flowering.

S6.14 Monitor bush regeneration and assess the need for fire as a regeneration tool as part of the Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration Plan. Consider preparing trial burning sites and monitor the regenerative potential.

S6.15 Undertake further research into the ecological effects of fire on flora and fauna within the conservation area, in particular determining specific fire regime requirements for vegetation communities and individual plant and animal species. Emphasis will initially be given to the management of the Blackbutt moist open forest.

S6.16 Maintain management trails identified in Section 5.7 Managing Access for fire management purposes.

S6.17 Keep the public, particularly neighbours, informed of fire management activities and restrict public access during prescribed burning where required.

S6.18 Undertake joint community education programs with the QFRS to encourage and support appropriate fire management and property protection on neighbouring properties as part of the ‘Bushfire Prepared Communities’ program.

S6.19 Provide advice to other Council departments assessing proposed developments adjacent to the planning area to ensure that all necessary bushfire hazard reduction measures are incorporated into new developments.

S6.20 Open fires will be prohibited in Tugun Hill Conservation Area.

3.2.4 Habitat Fragmentation and Isolation The importance of wildlife corridors has been emphasised in several studies, suggesting that habitat patches may not be able to maintain species populations in isolation but that they may survive indefinitely with some exchange of individuals and genetic material. It is in this context that corridors have become a significant factor in conservation management systems, in an attempt to reduce the isolation of spatially separated populations and to potentially increase the total area of habitat available.

Currently, the conservation area retains links to the major habitat system of the Cobaki wetlands in the south which, to a large extent, accounts in the good species diversity within the planning area. It also forms part of a linkage stretching into the Currumbin Valley to the west and higher altitudinal areas. Studies in the area suggest that fauna groups including ground dwelling mammals, birds and bats would utilise this fauna corridor. These wildlife corridors are recognised as key linkages in council’s Nature Conservation Strategy.

Fragmentation acts to isolate subpopulations and may, in small isolated populations such as Tugun Hill, result in local extinction through the deleterious effects of inbreeding and loss of genetic variation. Roads may act as a barrier through increasing road mortality or


road avoidance. Loss of connectivity may be most significant for small mammals, amphibians, reptiles and passerine birds.

Increasing distances between remnants can also lead to declines in breeding opportunities for plants that rely on bird and insect pollination. As well, fruitivorous species, including birds and flying foxes, may be restricted in seed dispersal from remnant areas. These changes may impact on native vegetation communities including the populations of rare flora at Tugun Hill.

The planning area would suffer increased isolation as a result of the Tugun Bypass proposal, with major roads on two sides and urban development on two sides. As part of the proposal a fauna exclusion fence is to be erected on the western edge of the planning area to restrict fauna movement across the bypass, in an effort to limit road mortality. Fauna would need to utilize the thin strip of dry open forest on the western slopes of Tugun Heights to move south, but may be limited in their ability to access habitats such as Hidden Valley. The road may also act as a deterrent to the passage of birds overhead between the Cobaki area and the habitats and resources of the Currumbin area.

Council will continue to liaise with the Department of Main Roads to determine possible mitigation structures in an effort to maintain habitat connectivity between the planning area and Hidden Valley.

It is recommended that a management/recovery program be established in order to monitor the effects of further development in the area and ensure the continued long-term survival of fauna populations. This will be done in conjunction with the Department of Main Roads who will manage the Tugun Bypass biodiversity monitoring program.

Desired Outcomes

Wildlife corridors are maintained and/or enhanced.

Future developments do not impact upon the ecological values of the planning area.


S7.1 NAMU is to be a key stakeholder in the strategic planning of areas affecting the management of Tugun Hill Conservation Area.

S7.2 Continue liaising with the Department of Main Roads in relation to management of existing vegetation and establishing new vegetation along the proposed Tugun Bypass route with the aim of preventing the loss of all terrestrial links between Tugun Hill and areas south of the road corridor.

S7.3 Liaise with the Department of Main Roads in relation to the proposed Hidden Valley fauna mitigation structures 600m south of the reserve ensuring the structure and vegetation linkage to the reserve is viable.

S7.4 Liaise with appropriate land managers in developing region wide strategies in the co-ordinated management of the Currumbin to Cobaki lakes reserves as an interrelated reserve system.

S7.5 Establish a fauna monitoring program, in conjunction with the Department of Main Roads, as part of the Tugun Bypass Biodiversity Monitoring Program to identify impacts and mitigation measures required as a result of the Tugun Bypass development.

S7.6 Support the acquisition or protection of lands within the identified corridors to improve the representation and connectivity of vegetation communities.


S7.7 Support strategic revegetation activities which improve the connectivity of habitats within the identified corridors and along creek lines.

3.3 Managing Cultural Heritage There has been no formal cultural heritage study conducted in Tugun Hill. However, it is known that the area was once well used by Aboriginal people and still remains important today.

Aboriginal occupation of the area is known to extend back for thousands of years. An Aboriginal camp-midden complex located to the south of the Conservation Area provides evidence of a great deal of Aboriginal activity and has been scientifically dated at 6,000 years.

The journals of Joseph Banks on Wednesday the 16th May, 1770 describes “many fires” in the area when the Endeavour, under the command of Captain James Cook, was abreast of the coast and north of Point Danger. The fires were an indication of many Aboriginal camps.

Aboriginal communities have an association and connection to the land. The land and water biodiversity values within a landscape are central to Aboriginal spirituality and contribute to Aboriginal identity. Aboriginal communities associate natural resources with the use and enjoyment of foods and medicines, caring for the land, passing on cultural knowledge and strengthening social bonds. Aboriginal heritage and nature are inseparable from each other and need to be managed in an integrated manner across the landscape.

Under the provisions of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 Council is strongly bound to assess and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage values, particularly where any construction or disturbance is planned.

Following European occupation, the Conservation Area has had a mixed use and was once owned by a family of orchardists, as evidenced by mango trees on the banks of Flat Rock Creek. Future landholdings saw the area grazed as part of a local dairy farm run by the Hayter family. The two decades prior to acquisition saw no specific use of the property and was part of the landholdings of the Neumann group of companies.

Desired Outcomes

Aboriginal sites, places and landscapes of significance are conserved and protected from damage.

There is cooperative and integrated management of Aboriginal places and relics with the Aboriginal community and the relevant agencies.

There is increased visitor understanding of the important Aboriginal cultural heritage values of the conservation area.


S8.1 Consult Aboriginal people who have a traditional association with the land, and relevant State and Commonwealth Aboriginal heritage authorities, in decisions regarding the management of Aboriginal cultural heritage, including identification of sites, and actions to protect objects, sites and landscapes features.

S8.2 Undertake an Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment of the conservation area in partnership with the local Aboriginal community.


S8.3 Facilitate the interpretation of Aboriginal cultural values and incorporate within the Interpretation Plan for the conservation area in agreement from local Aboriginal community.

S8.4 Support Aboriginal community proposals to undertake interpretation of Aboriginal cultural values of the conservation area.

S8.5 Undertake cultural heritage assessments prior to any new works and developments likely to impact on Aboriginal heritage values in accordance with the requirements of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003.

S8.6 Assess the significance and encourage further research into the European history of the planning area.


3.4 Managing Recreation Tugun Hill offers a recreation setting that is distinct from other nearby parks. The main recreation values are in opportunities for walking, nature observation and interpretation. The site constraints - threatened conservation values, size of the area, the steep topography and issues of noise pollution - reduce its potential for becoming a major recreation hub.

Tugun Hill is valued highly by many local area residents for its wildlife, visual amenity and natural values. Protection of these values and features can be best achieved if locals and other visitors to the area are aware of the overall and specific significance of Tugun Hill. Protection will also be aided through communication and understanding of the issues which impact upon conservation and management.

Passive recreation in the reserve will be encouraged. However recreational usage and conservation of ecological values need to be considered in the same context. Overtime, this type of use can negatively influence the values of the reserve by slowly degrading habitats through trampling, littering, disturbance and erosion. Because of the fragile nature of the planning area proposed activities will be restricted to low impact nature based activities such as bushwalking, picnicking and nature appreciation.

Future management will focus on providing a low key, well-developed and maintained interpretive walking trail. The Tugun Hill Habitat Walk and Gully Circuit Walk will utilise existing trails and highlight the features of the reserve. Some minor infrastructure, including a seat at the high point of the walking trail and entry point containing picnic table, landscaping and interpretive panels at the entrance to the reserve will be installed. Links to and from other recreation areas will be developed and promoted in association with conservation initiatives.

Desired Outcomes

A range of appropriate recreation opportunities and low-key visitor facilities that encourage appreciation of the natural and cultural values are provided in Tugun Hill Conservation Area.

Facilities are designed and managed to provide a satisfying and safe visitor experience while minimising environmental and social impacts.

Visitor use is compatible with the overarching management principle for Conservation Areas, ie. Sites have been acquired primarily for nature conservation and must be managed to preserve the ecological values that Council bought the site to protect and used in such a way so not to have a negative impact on those values.


S9.1 Develop the new Tugun Hill Habitat Walk and Gully Circuit designated in Figure 2, including new sections of trail, steps and boardwalk. The boardwalk is to be along the flats of the Flat Rock Creek gully. Steps are to be built on new sections of trail leading into the gully to protect soils where the trail gradient is steep. The track will be built to Australian Standards Class 2/3 according to the section.

S9.2 Develop an entry point to the Conservation Area beyond the gate at the Murray Street cul de sac, including agreed Conservation Area naming signage, an information shelter containing park information and interpretive materials, landscaping utilising endemic species and a picnic table. Ensure that disabled access is incorporated into the design.


S9.3 Install a bench seat, which is consistent with the natural areas theme, at the top of Tugun Hill as part of the walking trail circuit in a position which captures the views towards the ocean.

S9.4 Utilise the developed Council natural areas “signature” appearance for the conservation area that is reflected in shared design or construction elements across all forms of visitor infrastructure including: walking trails; boardwalks; stairs; bollards; fences; information shelters; tables; seats and signs (Section 3.6 Managing Landscape and Scenic Amenity).

S9.5 Implement the track closures designated in Figure 2. Investigate opportunities for restoring closed tracks.

S9.6 Design and implement a visitor impact assessment program to monitor the impact of visitors on the natural condition of the conservation area. This may include temporary or permanent closure of sites or trails.

S9.7 Create a defined path linking the entrance to the ‘Gully Circuit’ to Toolona Park.

S9.8 Investigate opportunities for developing signage throughout the Tugun area advising of a walking link to Tugun Hill Conservation Area: options include links to the ocean forseshore, Len Wort Park, Alex Griffiths Park, Littleford Family Park, Hillcrest Avenue road reserve through to Tooloona Park.

S9.9 Tugun Hill Conservation Area will be managed as a dog free area for the benefit of native fauna: Tooloona Park is available for on-leash dog exercise and Atkin Park (500 metres from Tooloona Park) is an off-leash, supervised dog exercise area.

S9. Trail bikes and horse riding will not be permitted within the planning area. Bicycles will be restricted to the formed fire protection zone trail and prohibited from internal walking trails.


3.5 Community Involvement, Interpretation and EducationProviding information and environmental education can help orientate visitors, enhance their visit, foster an understanding and appreciation of the reserve’s features and values, encourage appropriate public use, reduce potential management problems and contribute to a broader understanding of natural environments and management objectives.

No interpretation infrastructure currently exists at Tugun Hill. The current signage is inconsistent with the natural areas theme, intrusive and ad hoc. As part of the Interpretation Plan, a signage system will be designed to provide for directional and interpretational needs of visitors, and to ensure that proposed interpretative facilities enhance the management of the conservation area. Existing signs will be removed and replaced with OSPL signature appearance signage and infrastructure.

Tugun Hill offers opportunities to develop themes relating to the area’s significant flora and fauna, in particular the endangered blackbutt moist open forest, rare plant species, habitat links and diverse fauna assemblage. Opportunities also exist for educating visitors on council’s nature conservation initiatives as part of the Nature Conservation Strategy and promoting the OSPL program.

Encouraging community and neighbour interest in the values of the conservation area and raising community awareness of the management issues will be a critical factor in the success of land management activities. Bushcare groups and volunteers make an important contribution to the management of natural areas. These groups give valuable assistance by being involved in important management projects that may require ongoing volunteer support and act as stewards for Tugun Hill.

The opportunity exists for the formation of community partnerships at Tugun Hill which will provide neighbours and locals with an interest in the conservation of the area’s natural values to assist in monitoring, research, conservation and revegetation activities, and aid in the management of the conservation area.

Desired Outcomes

To engender appreciation, enjoyment and understanding of the conservation area’s values and support for their ongoing protection.

To encourage community and visitor involvement in the conservation and management of the conservation area.

Partnerships with organisations and statutory bodies that assist with the management of the conservation area are supported.


S10.1 Develop a reserve Interpretation Plan, including directional, interpretational and risk management signs, a visitor display shelter at the Murray Street entry and self-guided interpretation signage along the Tugun Hill Habitat Walk and Gully Circuit. Interpretive themes could include the conservation status of the Blackbutt forest, fauna, threatened species, habitat links and cultural heritage.

S10.2 Remove all existing signage and replace with signage proposed within the Interpretation Plan.

S10.3 Ensure signage within the conservation area is low-key, unobtrusive and causes minimal visual impact.


S10.4 Signs and interpretive displays used within the conservation area will be consistent with the ‘signature’ signage system developed for the City’s natural areas, enhancing the identity of this as an OSPL site and reinforcing the City’s corporate identity.

S10.5 Monitor and maintain all interpretive facilities and signage to a high standard.

S10.6 Develop a neighbour information pamphlet highlighting access opportunities, the sites of conservation significance and access restrictions applying to these areas, issues related to pest plants and animals and fire management recommendations for properties adjoining the reserve.

S10.7 Produce a visitor information brochure which promotes the planning areas natural values and visitor opportunities, and also promotes GCCCs Nature Conservation Strategy and OSPL acquisition program. Also include visitor information on the GCCC website.

S10.8 Include the planning area in the Ranger Walks and Talks program by conducting day and night time guided tours of the reserve to communicate the area’s values and management issues: reserve neighbours and regular visitors to the area should be encouraged to become involved.

S10.9 Regularly review and update interpretive material for visitors.

S10.10 Encourage and facilitate the involvement of the local community, volunteers and neighbours in reserve management programs, and support the formation of a local bushcare group.


3.5 Managing Access The history of the planning area has meant that there are a number of trails which provide no management benefit, have negative environmental impacts and are expensive to maintain. Council will undertake restoration and rehabilitation work on trails not considered necessary for management or recreation purposes.

Trail bike riding is one of the biggest threats to the conservation area. The ongoing use by unauthorised trail bike riding has impacted on the soil, vegetation and habitat values of the area. It is likely that further degradation would occur based on the rider’s preference for developing new trails. This type of activity is incompatible with conserving and improving the area’s natural values and is an unwelcome disturbance to adjacent neighbours. Trail bike riding will not be permitted within the conservation area.

There are currently no effective barriers to trail bikes or other vehicles entering and leaving the conservation area. Boundary fencing will be installed in the western and northern sections of the reserve. Construction of the Tugun Bypass will significantly reduce use of the area by trail bikes, and access will need to be managed predominantly in the north-eastern corner. The planning area is part of the Ranger Patrol program.

Other threats include the damage to native plants caused by human visitors. Of particular concern is the vulnerability of the rainforest, especially the understorey, to damage by trampling and trail bike riding, which has implications for fauna habitat and the survival of the rare species of plants. A short walking circuit is proposed and will include some low-key interpretation signage to highlight the values of the area and promote responsible activity, including walking only on designated trails.

Desired Outcomes

The vehicular track network is rationalised for essential management purposes only.

Sensitive areas are protected from inappropriate access.


S11.1 Repair existing fencing and install a perimeter access structure (bollards or fence as determined) and access gates along the northern and western boundaries to reduce access to the area by unauthorised vehicles. This is to be done in consultation with the Department of Main Roads.

S11.2 Include the planning area as part of the Ranger Patrol Program to enforce access regulations.

S11.3 Install bollard structures where required at the entrance to walking trails to restrict vehicular access.

S11.4 Retain only the management trails on the western and northern perimeters, and the I-zone trail for management and emergency vehicle access. Maintain the central north-south trail as a multi-use walking trail, with either side of this trail will be an additional 1000mm to allow for the movement of vehicles during fire management operations.

S11.5 Rehabilitate trails that are not required for either management, emergency or recreation purposes

S11.6 Public vehicle access will not be permitted within Tugun Hill Conservation Area.


3.6 Managing Landscape and Scenic Amenity Tugun Hill Conservation Area is an island of natural landscape in the highly urbanised southern Gold Coast. The series of ridgelines provides a green backdrop to the coastal lowlands of the border area and is visually prominent from many locations, including the M1 motorway and proposed Tugun Bypass. These natural landscape features offer an aesthetic natural backdrop for visitors entering the city.

Tugun Hill offers good views towards the Pacific Ocean from highpoints in the centre of the conservation area. Walking within the reserve is a pleasant escape from the urbanised environment with surrounding vegetation screening any visual intrusion of adjacent residential development.

Desired Outcomes

Landscape and scenic features are maintained and protected.

Infrastructure complements and does not detract from the natural landscape.


S12.1 Ensure visitor facilities and management infrastructure is located and designed so as to minimise their visual impact.

S12.2 Utilise the developed Council natural areas “signature” appearance for the conservation area that is reflected in shared design or construction elements across all forms of visitor infrastructure including: walking trails; boardwalks, stairs; bollards; fences; information shelters; seats and signs.

S12.3 Remove unsightly rubbish and old infrastructure, including internal fence lines, wire and debris associated with previous landuse.

S12.4 Undertake a landscape plan for the Murray Street entry point and trailhead.


3.7 Research and Monitoring The purpose of undertaking scientific research and monitoring is to provide Council with a comprehensive understanding of the natural components, as well as ecological processes of the area. This enables for focussed, efficient and effective management strategies. It also provides a better understanding of the ecological requirements of rare and threatened species.

There will be continuing need to monitor the impact of visitor use of the area over time. While usage may be low to begin with, population growth in the area has the potential to place a significant amount of pressure on the conservation area.

The objective of this plan is to achieve sustainable management of the range of values associated with the conservation area and, in particular, to preserve the ecological values that Council purchased the site to protect. Monitoring and evaluation will allow identification of developing management issues and changes in existing management practices necessary to ensure protection of the ecological values of the site.

Monitoring and research may also identify further natural and cultural resource information or management issues that may require amendments to proposed management strategies.

Desired Outcomes

Research contributes to the effective and strategic management of Tugun Hill Conservation Area

Monitoring provides information on the trend in condition of the conservation area’s values.

Research and monitoring are used to assess the success and appropriateness of management actions.


S13.1 Undertake monitoring programs as required by this plan of management, including: Restoration and regeneration; Recreational impacts; Pest plants and animals; Fire and fuel monitoring.


S13.3 Develop and maintain a database for storing and managing information regarding research, survey and monitoring programs. Ensure that collected data can be analysed statistically.

S13.4 Support research in the conservation area which aims to: Increase knowledge of conservation area values and conservation significance; Understand the nature and rate of any change in these values; Improve knowledge about visitor satisfaction, use, characteristics and impacts; and Improve management practices for the natural and cultural resources.

S13.5 Adapt management practices to take into account threats, changes and opportunities identified in monitoring surveys/research studies.


S13.6 Prepare and update a prospectus of priority research projects to be distributed to research organisations and/or tertiary institutions as a guide to preferred research projects within the conservation area. Priority topics include:

The most appropriate fire regimes for particular vegetation communities and individual plant and animal species. The role of wildlife corridors in the area. Fauna mitigation measures to aid in Tugun Bypass construction. The impact of the Tugun Bypass development on the ecology of the conservation area.The impact of introduced animals on the ecology of the conservation area. Monitoring of significant species and communities Monitoring of vegetation change and succession Cultural heritage research Threatened species research and further understanding of management requirements.

S13.7 Maintain a register of research and surveys undertaken in the planning area.


Chapter 4 - Plan Implementation This plan of management provides the strategic framework that governs the development and delivery of all management programs and actions affecting Tugun Hill Conservation Area.

The effective maintenance and management of Tugun Hill Conservation Area depends on a regular and reliable input of resources. In addition it will be necessary to fund new capital works programs. As these projects are developed in more detail and the exact resources required are identified, these projects can be resourced accordingly.

The Natural Areas Management Unit (NAMU) of Gold Coast City Council will undertake day-to-day management of the conservation area and will coordinate the implementation of this plan of management. On occasions NAMU will utilise other Council staff and contractors for the implementation of actions. It is important that all staff understand their responsibility in regards to working within sensitive natural areas.

The orderly implementation of this plan will be undertaken within the annual works program of NAMU. Chapter 5 has assigned priorities to each separate management strategy. These priorities will be reviewed during the development of these programs and will be subject to conservation area priorities, the availability of funding and staff, and regional priorities.

For effective delivery of this plan of management it will be important that consultation between NAMU, councillors and relevant council staff is undertaken to ensure consistency with management objectives.

A review of this plan of management will be undertaken by NAMU within 10 years from the date of approval.


Chapter 5 – Summary of Management StrategiesPriority assigned to proposed activities: High priority activities are those imperative to achievement of the objectives and desired outcomes. They must be undertaken in the near future to avoid significant deterioration in natural, cultural or management resources. Medium priority activities are those that are necessary to achieve the objectives and desired outcomes but are not urgent. Low priority activities are desirable to achieve management objectives and desired outcomes but can wait until resources become available.

REF MANAGEMENT STRATEGY PRIORITY DURATION MANAGING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Geology, hydrology and catchment management S1.1 Ensure conservation area facilities, visitor use and

management actions do not adversely impact on water quality or soil landscapes.

High Ongoing

S1.2 Locate new infrastructure and facilities outlined in this plan on previously disturbed sites wherever possible.

High As required

S1.3 Develop a staged rehabilitation plan for Flat Rock Creek drainage line between the conservation area’s north-eastern boundary and the Motorway; the species composition should reflect the predicted original vegetation type – Regional Ecosystem 12.3.11 (GCCC Vegetation Type 6).

Medium Long term

S1.4 Avoid further interference to the natural drainage patterns within and adjacent to the reserve.

High Ongoing

Native Plants S2.1 Implement the Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration

Plan as a matter of priority. High Immediate

S2.2 Manage the sub-tropical rainforest community for protection purposes by restricting visitor access to this area, avoiding burning and removing weeds.

High Immediate

S2.3 Manage the Blackbutt moist open forest for protection purposes by allowing only walking access to this area along designated, existing trails (See Section 3.4 Managing Recreation)

High Immediate

S2.4 Prioritise the restoration of the Blackbutt moist open forest by promoting favourable recruitment conditions and utilising the zoning approach as outlined in the Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration Plan.

High Immediate

S2.5 Develop a systematic monitoring program to assess the regeneration of native plant species within key vegetation types in association with the Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration Plan. Monitoring results will be used to refine, as necessary, restoration practices.

Medium Ongoing

S2.6 Establish monitoring regimes for key plant species regarded as threatened or significant to measure the success of management practices in maintaining or improving the conservation status of these species and to record ongoing change.

Medium Ongoing

S2.7 Develop and implement a buffer planting plan for the western edge of the Conservation Area in partnership with Department of Main Roads.

Medium Within 2 years

S2.8 Implement infill revegetation along the edge of the rock lined drainage channel: consider planting within the channel where appropriate to enhance sediment control, habitat establishment and improve the aesthetic quality of the area.

Low Within 3 years

S2.9 Only use those species recorded within Tugun Hill High Ongoing


REF MANAGEMENT STRATEGY PRIORITY DURATION Conservation Area for revegetation projects.

S2.10 Manage threatened species populations in accordance with the declared management intent of the listing under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994.

High Ongoing

S2.11 Develop a program of seed collection from other local provenance populations of threatened plant species to increase the size and genetic diversity of the local populations.

Low Medium term

S2.12 Consider the translocation of threatened and significant plant species which are likely to be removed during the Tugun Bypass construction in conjunction with the Department of Main Roads.

Medium As required

S2.13 Ensure that management operations, such as slashing, fire, weed control and road and walking trail maintenance, do not impact upon significant plant species and communities.

High Immediate

S2.14 Develop walking trails as outlined in this plan of management with the aim of reducing impacts on native plant communities by utilising existing trails.

High Immediate

S2.15 Undertake fire management in a manner that enhances and protects species diversity in vegetation communities and encourages recruitment of significant species as identified in Section 5.2.3 Fire Management.

High Ongoing

S2.16 Encourage surveys and research on significant plant and vegetation communities to improve knowledge of their management requirements and recruitment capabilities.

Medium Ongoing

S2.17 Promote public understanding and appreciation of the native plants and vegetation communities of the conservation area within the context of the Interpretation Plan (Chapter 5.8 Community Involvement, Interpretation and Education). The plan will include strategies for interpreting:

The values and significance of the Blackbutt vegetation and rare and significant plant species; The strategies adopted by GCCC to reduce threatening processes on the native vegetation of the conservation area; The role of visitors in protecting native plants through the adoption of minimal impact recreation protocols.

Medium Ongoing

S2.18 Promote the planting of local native garden species by neighbours directly bordering the conservation area.

Medium Ongoing

Native animals S3.1 Protect and enhance the conservation status of native

animal populations in the conservation area by: Controlling pest animals (Section 3.2.2 Pest Animals) Prohibiting domestic animals from entering the conservation area (Section 3.2.2 Pest Animals) Maintaining and enhancing critical habitat corridors (3.2.4 Habitat Isolation & Fragmentation) Implementing appropriate fire regimes and maintaining mature vegetation and critical habitat components such as tree hollows and fallen wood debris (Section 3.2.3 Fire Management) Restoring critical habitat (Section 3.1.1 Native Plants)

High Ongoing

S3.2 Develop a fauna survey program to identify the presence, abundance and distribution of fauna at Tugun Hill. Some emphasis must be placed on:

Determining the population status of fauna populations Identifying any changes as a result of future

High Immediate


REF MANAGEMENT STRATEGY PRIORITY DURATION development Confirming the use of weedy areas for habitat and this information fed into implementing the Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration Plan.

S3.3 Incorporate wildlife records for the planning area into GCCCs Nature Conservation Strategy Database. In particular, establish a database for rare and threatened, and locally significant species.

High Ongoing

S3.4 Continue to support local community ornithological groups undertaking bird surveys within the conservation area.

Low Ongoing

S3.5 Prepare and implement local recovery plans for threatened and significant fauna species of the conservation area, including swamp wallaby, common planigale, Lewin’s rail, koala, rose crowned fruit dove, grey headed flying fox and little bent-wing bat.

High Within 2 years

S3.6 Enhance buffering, ecological viability and faunal habitat by increasing the extent of native vegetation across the reserve as part of the Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration Plan (Section 3.1.2 Native Plants).

High Long term

S3.7 Avoid rapid, broad acre control of pest plants to ensure that there are no abrupt changes in the availability of fauna habitat across the conservation area.

High Ongoing

S3.8 Consider the placement of habitat structures, such as logs and hollows, in areas receiving weed treatment.

Medium As required

S3.9 Collaborate with the Department of Main Roads, QPWS, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and other adjacent land managers concerning the planning and management of lands adjoining the conservation area in order to ensure the long-term viability of all native animal species found in the conservation area, especially those with large home ranges that are dependent on the existence of suitable habitat(s) outside the conservation area. In particular promote an integrated approach across all land tenures aimed at the retention or creation of:

Suitable habitats, notably for those species with large home ranges; and Regional-scale wildlife corridors.

High Immediate/ ongoing

S3.10 Promote responsible pet ownership in the neighbourhood, focusing on controlling domestic animals and alternative dog exercise areas. This should be implemented through Ranger patrols, reserve signage, the distribution of resident information packages and field days (Section 3.7 Community Involvement, Interpretation and Education).

High Ongoing

S3.11 Promote public understanding and appreciation of native animals to increase awareness of local fauna conservation issues as part of the Interpretation Plan (Section 3.7 Community Involvement, Interpretation and Education).

Medium Ongoing

S3.12 Dog walking will not be permitted within the conservation area to protect native fauna populations.

High Immediate

MANAGING FOR PROTECTION Pest plantsS4.1 Implement the Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration

Plan for the control of pest plants as part of an integrated ecological restoration program (see also Section 5.1.2 Native Plants).

High Immediate

S4.2 The Natural Areas Management Unit will manage all weed control programs, including management of scheduled species, to ensure an integrated and controlled program of introduced plant control is undertaken.

High Immediate

S4.3 Avoid rapid, broad acre control of pest plants to ensure that there are no abrupt changes in the availability of fauna habitat across the conservation area (Section 3.1.3

High Ongoing


REF MANAGEMENT STRATEGY PRIORITY DURATION Native Animals).

S4.4 Maintain a database of all known weed species and populations. This will include abundance and distribution information, treatment histories for all species and mapping of weed distribution.

Medium Ongoing

S4.5 As a priority, maintain the integrity and prevent the spread of all pest plants within the sub-tropical rainforest patch.

High Immediate

S4.6 As a priority, restrict the invasion of pest plants into the mature Blackbutt open forest by removing weeds, particularly molasses grass and lantana, and allow favourable conditions for natural regeneration.

High Immediate

S4.7 Establish an evaluation program to determine the effectiveness of weed control efforts, particularly in relation to conservation outcomes.

Medium Ongoing

S4.8 Prepare a recommended planting list of locally occurring plant species to be used in revegetation projects.

Medium Within 12 months

S4.9 Develop and distribute appropriate pest plant information to residents of the local area, seeking their cooperation in reducing the presence of these species in local gardens and reducing dumping of garden waste in the reserve. Consider a free plants replacement program to encourage replacement of undesirable species.

High Ongoing

S4.10 Discourage and police the dumping of garden waste within the conservation area as part of a regular patrol program.

High Ongoing

S4.11 Remove, as a priority, any newly established weed outbreaks within the conservation area.

High Ongoing

S4.12 Where possible use plant species of local provenance for revegetation work.

High Ongoing

S4.13 Promote weed control strategies and efforts undertaken. Low As required Pest animals S5.1 Develop a database of all known introduced animal species

and populations. This will include mapped abundance and distribution information, and control histories for all species.

Medium Ongoing

S5.2 Develop a fox monitoring program to identify fox distribution and abundance, and the criteria for a fox control program.

High Within 12 months/ Ongoing

S5.3 Develop a wildlife survey sheet for distribution to neighbours and other interested members of the public to assist in the gathering of information on pest animal distribution, impacts and abundance.

Low Within 12 months

S5.4 Investigate options for a fox control program utilising techniques with consideration of legislative and restrictive impacts upon non-target (ie. domestic and native) animals.

High Within 2 years/ Ongoing

S5.5 Evaluate the environmental and social acceptability of all introduced animal control methods before they are adopted.

High As required

S5.6 Promote proposed introduced animal control strategies to build community support for such programs.

Medium As required

S5.7 Domestic animals will be prohibited from Tugun Hill Conservation Area.

High Immediate

S5.8 Include Tugun Hill Conservation Area in the Ranger Patrol Program to educate and police dog walkers.

High Immediate

S5.9 Promote community awareness and understanding of the potential and actual impacts of domestic animals on the values of the conservation area, and encourage responsible pet ownership within the neighbourhood, through the Interpretation Plan. Include information of the ‘no domestic animals’ policy and advice on nearby locations suitable for dog walking.

High Ongoing


REF MANAGEMENT STRATEGY PRIORITY DURATION Fire management S6.1 Review the current Interim Fire Management Plan with the

aim of producing a full Fire Management Plan for the conservation area by 2008 that provides for the protection of life, property and the conservation area’s natural and cultural values.

High Within 2 years

S6.2 Until a Fire Management Plan is prepared, fire management should be carried out in accordance with the Interim Fire Management Plan and GCCC Management Guidelines for sites acquired with funds from the Open Space Preservation Levy (December 2004).

High Immediate

S6.3 Develop and maintain a mapping database which establishes mapping layers for effective fire planning, including:

Basic topographic attributes Vegetation communities, including information on age classes; Rare, endangered and significant plant species and communities; The habitats of rare and threatened native animal species; Fire histories, including ignition sources and fire path information; Fuel attributes; Management trails and fire breaks; and Water points; Infrastructure and assets.

High Within 12 months

S6.4 Establish a maintenance regime for the Asset Protection Zone, ensuring fuel loads are managed at a sustainable level.

High Ongoing

S6.5 Ensure any burns planned at Tugun Hill are implemented on a mosaic scale: only small patches are to be burned in any one year, reflecting the limited availability of fauna habitat and population size of some flora species.

High Ongoing

S6.6 Maintain close cooperation with other agencies, neighbours and the local Rural Fire Service for the management of fire within and adjoining the conservation area.

High Ongoing

S6.7 Aim to protect hollow trees and logs from fire during prescribed burning operations.

Medium As required

S6.8 Liaise with the Department of Main Roads to reduce fuel loads on the M1 embankment north of Tugun Hill with the aim of reducing potential ignition points.

Medium As required

S6.9 Protect rainforest vegetation on the south-west side of the hill and along the creekline in the north-east from fire.

High Ongoing

S6.10 Investigate options for long-term fire management within sclerophyll forest as part of the Fire Management Plan and in conjunction with the Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration Plan. Recommended intervals for mature blackbutt open forest in SEQ is between 7 and 25 years (Watson, 2001).

Medium Within 12 months/ Ongoing

6.11 Develop a fire and fuel monitoring program utilising techniques described within the Southeast Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium Monitoring Manual.

High Immediate

6.12 The Natural Area’s Management Unit will be responsible for coordinating and implementing the prescribed burning program within the conservation area.


6.13 Any prescribed burning operations within the mature Blackbutt forest should avoid the flowering period of the Rare rosy hyacinth orchid (Dipodium pulchellum) between December and May, with any burning preferable post flowering.

High As required

6.14 Monitor bush regeneration and assess the need for fire as a Medium Ongoing


REF MANAGEMENT STRATEGY PRIORITY DURATION regeneration tool as part of the Tugun Hill Conservation Area Restoration Plan. Consider preparing trial burning sites and monitor the regenerative potential.

6.15 Undertake research into the ecological effects of fire on flora and fauna within the conservation area, in particular determining specific fire regime requirements for vegetation communities and individual plant and animal species. Emphasis will initially be given to the management of the Blackbutt moist open forest.

Medium Ongoing

6.16 Maintain perimeter management trails identified in Section 5.7 Managing Access for fire management purposes.

High Immediate

6.17 Keep the public, particularly neighbours, informed of fire management activities and restrict public access during prescribed burning where required.

High As required

6.18 Undertake joint community education programs with the QFRS to encourage and support appropriate fire management and property protection on neighbouring properties as part of the ‘Bushfire Prepared Communities’ program.

High Ongoing

6.19 Provide advice to other Council departments assessing proposed developments adjacent to the planning area to ensure that all necessary bushfire hazard reduction measures are incorporated into new developments.

High As required

S6.20 Open fires will be prohibited in Tugun Hill Conservation Area.

High Immediate

Habitat fragmentation and isolation S7.1 NAMU is to be a key stakeholder in the strategic planning

of areas affecting the management of Tugun Hill Conservation Area.

High Ongoing

S7.2 Continue liaising with the Department of Main Roads in relation to management of existing vegetation and establishing new vegetation along the proposed Tugun Bypass route with the aim of preventing the loss of all terrestrial links between Tugun Hill and areas south of the road corridor.

High Immediate

S7.3 Liaise with the Department of Main Roads in relation to the proposed Hidden Valley fauna mitigation structures 600m south of the reserve ensuring the structure and vegetation linkage to the reserve is viable.

High Immediate

S7.4 Liaise with appropriate land managers in developing region wide strategies in the co-ordinated management of the Currumbin to Cobaki lakes reserves as an interrelated reserve system.

High Ongoing


High Immediate/ Ongoing

S7.6 Support the acquisition or protection of lands within the identified corridors to improve the representation and connectivity of vegetation communities.

Medium Ongoing

S7.7 Support strategic revegetation activities which improve the connectivity of habitats within the identified corridors and along creek lines.

Medium Ongoing

MANAGING CULTURAL HERITAGE Aboriginal cultural heritage S8.1 Consult Aboriginal people who have a traditional

association with the land and relevant State and Commonwealth Aboriginal heritage authorities, in decisions regarding the management of Aboriginal cultural heritage, including identification of sites, and actions to protect objects, sites and landscapes features.

High Ongoing


REF MANAGEMENT STRATEGY PRIORITY DURATION S8.2 Undertake an Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment of

the conservation area in partnership with the local Aboriginal community.


S8.3 Facilitate the interpretation of Aboriginal cultural values and incorporate within the Interpretation Plan for the conservation area in agreement from local Aboriginal community.

Medium Ongoing

S8.4 Support Aboriginal community proposals to undertake interpretation of Aboriginal cultural values of the conservation area.

Medium As required

S8.5 Undertake cultural heritage assessments prior to any new works and developments likely to impact on Aboriginal heritage values in accordance with the requirements of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003.

High As required

S8.6 Assess the significance and encourage further research into the history of the planning area.

Low Medium term

MANAGING RECREATION S9.1 Develop the new Tugun Hill Habitat Walk and Gully Circuit

designated in Figure 2, including new sections of trail, steps and boardwalk. The boardwalk is to be along the flats of the Flat Rock Creek gully. Steps are to be built on new sections of trail leading into the gully to protect soils where the trail gradient is steep. The track will be built to Australian Standards Class 2/3 according to the section.

High Within 2 years

S9.2 Develop an entry point to the Conservation Area beyond the gate at the Murray Street cul de sac, including agreed Conservation Area naming signage, an information shelter containing park information and interpretive materials, landscaping utilising endemic species and a picnic table. Ensure that disabled access is incorporated into the design.

Low Within 2 years

S9.3 Install a bench seat, which is consistent with the natural areas theme, at the top of Tugun Hill as part of the walking trail circuit in a position which captures the views towards the ocean.

Low Within 2 years

S9.4 Utilise the developed Council natural areas “signature” appearance for the conservation area that is reflected in shared design or construction elements across all forms of visitor infrastructure including: walking trails; boardwalks, stairs; bollards; fences; information shelters; seats and signs (Section 3.6 Managing Landscape and Scenic Amenity).

Medium Ongoing

S9.5 Implement the track closures designated in section 3.5. Investigate opportunities for rehabilitating closed tracks.

High Immediate

S9.6 Design and implement a visitor impact assessment program to monitor the impact of visitors on the natural condition of the conservation area. This may include temporary or permanent closure of sites or trails.

Low Within 3 years

S9.7 Create a defined path linking the entrance to the ‘Gully Circuit’ to Toolona Park.

Low Medium term

S9.8 Investigate opportunities for developing signage throughout the Tugun area advising of a walking link to Tugun Hill Conservation Area: options include links to the ocean forseshore, Len Wort Park, Alex Griffiths Park, Littleford Family Park, Hillcrest Avenue road reserve through to Tooloona Park.

Low Medium term

S9.9 Tugun Hill Conservation Area will be managed as a dog free area for the benefit of native fauna: Tooloona Park is available for on-leash dog exercise and Atkin Park (500 metres from Tooloona Park) is an off-leash, supervised dog exercise area.

High Immediate

S9.10 Trail bikes and horse riding will not be permitted within the planning area. Bicycles will be restricted to the formed

High Immediate


REF MANAGEMENT STRATEGY PRIORITY DURATION fire protection zone trail and prohibited from internal walking trails.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATION S10.1 Develop a reserve Interpretation Plan, including

directional, interpretational and risk management signs, a visitor display shelter at the Murray Street entry and self-guided interpretation signage along the Tugun Hill Habitat Walk and Gully Circuit. Interpretive themes could include the conservation status of the Blackbutt forest, fauna, threatened species, habitat links and cultural heritage.

High Within 2 years

S10.2 Remove all existing signage and replace with signage proposed within the Interpretation Plan.

High Short term

S10.3 Ensure signage within the conservation area is low-key, unobtrusive and causes minimal visual impact.

High Ongoing

S10.4 Signs and interpretive displays used within the conservation area will be consistent with the ‘signature’ signage system developed for the City’s natural areas, enhancing the identity of this as an OSPL site and reinforcing the City’s corporate identity.

High As required

S10.5 Monitor and maintain all interpretive facilities and signage to a high standard.

High Ongoing

S10.6 Develop a neighbour information pamphlet highlighting access opportunities, the sites of conservation significance and access restrictions applying to these areas, issues related to pest plants and animals and fire management recommendations for properties adjoining the reserve.


S10.7 Produce a visitor information brochure which promotes the planning areas natural values and visitor opportunities, and also promotes GCCCs Nature Conservation Strategy and OSPL acquisition program. Also include visitor information on the GCCC website.


S10.8 Include the planning area in the Ranger Walks and Talks program by conducting day and night time guided tours of the reserve to communicate the area’s values and management issues: reserve neighbours and regular visitors to the area should be encouraged to become involved.

Low Ongoing

S10.9 Regularly review and update interpretive material for visitors.

Medium Annually

S10.10 Encourage and facilitate the involvement of the local community, volunteers and neighbours in reserve management programs, and support the formation of a local bushcare group.

Medium As required

MANAGING VEHICLE ACCESS S11.1 Repair existing fencing and install a perimeter access

structure (bollards or fence as determined) and access gates along the northern and western boundaries to reduce access to the area by unauthorised vehicles. This is to be done in consultation with the Department of Main Roads.

High Immediate

S11.2 Include the planning area as part of the Ranger Patrol Program to enforce access regulations.

High Ongoing

S11.3 Install bollard structures where required at the entrance to walking trails to restrict vehicular access.

Medium Immediate

S11.4 Retain only the management trails on the western and northern perimeters, and the I-zone trail for management and emergency vehicle access. Maintain the central north-south trail as a multi-use walking trail, with either side of this trail will be an additional 1000mm to allow for the movement of vehicles during fire management operations.

High Immediate

S11.5 Rehabilitate trails that are not required for either management, emergency or recreation purposes.

Medium Long term

S11.6 Public vehicle access will not be permitted within Tugun Hill Conservation Area.

High Immediate


REF MANAGEMENT STRATEGY PRIORITY DURATION MANAGING LANDSCAPE AND SCENIC AMENITY S12.1 Ensure visitor facilities and management infrastructure is

located and designed so as to minimise their visual impact. High Ongoing

S12.2 Utilise the developed Council natural areas “signature” appearance for the conservation area that is reflected in shared design or construction elements across all forms of visitor infrastructure including: walking trails; boardwalks, stairs; bollards; fences; information shelters; seats and signs.

High As required

S12.3 Remove unsightly rubbish and old infrastructure, including internal fence lines, wire and debris associated with previous landuse.

Medium Immediate

S12.4 Undertake a landscape plan for the Murray Street entry point and trailhead.


RESEARCH AND MONITORING S13.1 Undertake monitoring programs as required by this plan of

management, including: Restoration and regeneration; Recreational impacts; Pest plants and animals; Fire and Fuel monitoring.

High As required


High Immediate/ Ongoing

S13.3 Develop and maintain a database for storing and managing information regarding research, survey and monitoring programs. Ensure that collected data can be analysed statistically.

Medium Ongoing

S13.4 Support research in the conservation area which aims to: Increase knowledge of conservation area values and conservation significance; Understand the nature and rate of any change in these values; Improve knowledge about visitor satisfaction, use, characteristics and impacts; and Improve management practices for the natural and cultural resources.

Medium Ongoing

S13.5 Adapt management practices to take into account threats, changes and opportunities identified in monitoring surveys/research studies.

High As required

S13.6 Prepare and update a prospectus of priority research projects to be distributed to research organisations and/or tertiary institutions as a guide to preferred research projects within the conservation area. Priority topics include:

The most appropriate fire regimes for particular vegetation communities and individual plant and animal species. The role of wildlife corridors in the area. Fauna mitigation measures to aid in Tugun Bypass construction. The impact of the Tugun Bypass development on the ecology of the conservation area. The impact of introduced animals on the ecology of the conservation area. Monitoring of significant species and communities Monitoring of vegetation change and succession Cultural heritage research Threatened species research and further understanding of management requirements.



REF MANAGEMENT STRATEGY PRIORITY DURATION S13.7 Maintain a register of research and surveys undertaken in

the planning area.Medium Ongoing

NAMING OF THE CONSERVATION AREA S14.1 No further signage and communication materials are to be

produced until the name of the area is agreed at adoption of this plan of management.

High Immediate

S14.2 If no suitable alternative is found, the name ‘Tugun Hill Conservation Area’ will be formalised as the accepted name.

High Immediate

Tugun Hill Conservation Area – Draft Plan of Management

Chapter 6 – References Cogger, H.G., 2000. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. AH & AW Reed, Sydney.

Department of Main Roads, 2004a. Tugun Bypass Stewart Road to Kennedy Drive Technical Papers. Produced by Parsons Brinkerhoff.

Department of Main Roads, 2004b. Tugun Bypass Stewart Road to Kennedy Drive Species Impact Statement. Produced by Parsons Brinkerhoff.

Department of Main Roads, 2004c. Tugun Bypass Stewart Road to Kennedy Drive Flora and Fauna Assessment. Produced by Parsons Brinkerhoff.

GCCC, 2004. Pest Animal Monitoring Report for GCCC Conservation Areas for 2003/2004. GCCC internal report.

GCCC, 2001a. Preliminary Flora Survey – Tugun Hill Conservation Area. Gold Coast City Council internal report.

GCCC, 2001b. Preliminary Fauna Survey – Tugun Hill Conservation Area. Gold Coast City Council internal report.

Joseph, R., 2006. Draft Restoration Plan for Tugun Hill Conservation Area. GCCC internal report.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, 2002. Interim Fire Management Plan for Tugun Hill Conservation Area. QFRS/GCCC internal report.

Strahan, R. 2002. The Complete Book of Australian Mammals. 2nd Edition. Harper Collins Publishers, Sydney.

Watson, P., 2001. The role and use of fire for biodiversity conservation in Southeast Queensland: Fire management guidelines derived from ecological research. SEQ Fire and Biodiversity Consortium, Griffith University Gold Coast.


Chapter 7 – Conservation Area Maps

Figure 2: Recreation Map

Minor entrance: Information sign and reserve map

Multi-use central trail. Primarily walking trail. Either side of this trail will be an additional 1000mm to allow forthe movement of vehicles during fire management operations.

Murray Street Entrance. To include information shelter, bench seat, minorlandscaping and main track entrance.

Tugun Hill Habitat Walk. Class 2/3 track with interpretation signage.

Bench seat to be installed in a position which captures the views towards the Pacific Ocean.

Gully Circuit. Class 2/3Incorporating boardwalk along the gully floor and interpretation signage

Track to be closed and used as fire chip line when required

Fire Protection Zone

Access trail

Track closures

Stairs may be required for steeper slopes


CurrumbinReserves

Tugun Hill CA

Curr

umbi

nCr

eek

Cobaki Wetlands

Nicolls Scrub

National Park

Hidden Valley

65

NORTH1000mKeyWildlife Corridor

Remnant Vegetation

Figure 3: Satellite imagery highlighting fauna corridors extending from CurrumbinPoint south to the Cobaki Wetlands and west to Nicolls Scrub National Park.


Tallowwood/ Brushbox Woodland

Subtropical Rainforest

Eucalypt Tall Open Forest

Acacia Woodland

Closed Forest along gully lines

Figure 4: Vegetation of Tugun Hill Conservation Area

Regrowth Blackbutt Open Forest

Grassland

Mature Blackbutt Open Forest


Chapter 9 – Appendices Appendix 1: Flora species of Tugun Hill Conservation Area

TREES & SHRUBS: ArecaceaeArchontophoenix cunninghamiana Bangalow Palm CelastraceaeDenhamia celastroides Denhamia Hedraianthera porphyropetala Hedraianthera Dracaenaceae Cordyline congesta Palm Lily Cordyline rubra ElaeocarpaceaeElaeocarpus grandis Blue Quandong E. reticulatus Blueberry Ash Sloanea australis subsp. australis Maiden's Blush Euphorbiaceae Breynia oblongifolia var. oblongifolia Breynia Glochidion ferdinandi var. ferdinandi Cheese Tree Macaranga tanarius Macaranga Mallotus philippensis Red Kamala Eupomatiaceae Eupomatia laurina Bolwara FabaceaeAcacia concurrens Acacia disparrima Hickory Wattle Acacia leiocalyx var. leiocalyxAcacia longissima Long-leaved Wattle Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood Daviesia arborea Tree Daviesia Hovea acutifolia Pointed-leaved Hovea Pultenaea retusa Pultenaea villosa Hairy Bush Pea Swainsona galegifolia Smooth Darling Pea LauraceaeBeilschmiedia elliptica Grey Walnut Cryptocarya microneura Murrogun Cryptocarya triplinervis var. triplinervis Three-veined Laurel Endiandra globosa Black Walnut E. hayseii Velvet Laurel MonimiaceaeWilkiea huegeliana Veiny Wilkea MoraceaeFicus coronata Creek Sandpaper Fig Ficus watkinsiana Strangler Fig MyrsinaceaeRapanea variabilis Muttonwood MyrtaceaeCorymbia citriodora Spotted Gum C. intermedia Pink Bloodwood Eucalyptus grandis Flooded Gum E. pilularis Blackbutt E. propinqua Small-fruited Grey Gum E. siderophloia Grey Ironbark E. tereticornis Forest Red Gum Lophostemon confertus Brush Box Pilidiostigma glabrum Plum Myrtle Rhodamnia rubescens Scrub Turpentine Syzygium francisii Giant Water Gum Syzygium oleosum Blue Cherry Oleaceae


Notelaea longifolia Long-leaved Mock Olive Olea paniculata Native Olive PittosporaceaeCitriobatus pauciflorus Orange Thorn Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum ProteaceaeBanksia integrifolia Coast Banksia RhamnaceaeAlphitonia excelsa Red Ash RubiaceaeCanthium coprosmoides Coast Canthium RutaceaeFlindersia australis Teak Flindersia schottiana Cudgerie Melicope elleryana Pink Doughwood Zieria smithii Sandfly Zieria Sapindaceae Cupaniopsis anacardioides Tuckeroo Cupaniopsis newmanii Long-leaved Tuckeroo Cupaniopsis parvifolia Small-leaved Tuckeroo Diploglottis australis Native Tamarind Dodonaea triquetra Hop Bush Guioa semiglauca Wild Quince Harpullia pendula Tulipwood Jagera pseudorhus forma pseudorhus Foambark Tree Sarcopteryx stipata Corduroy Tree Sapotaceae Pouteria laurifolia Blush Coondoo ThymelaeaceaeWikstroemia indica Wikstroemia XanthorrhoeaceaeXanthorrhoea macronema Bottle-brush Grass Tree

VINES & SCRAMBLERS: ApocynaceaeParsonsia straminea Monkey Rope DilleniaceaeHibbertia dentata Toothed Snake Vine


DioscoreaceaeDioscorea transversa Native Yam Euphorbiaceae Tragia novae-hollandiae Stinging Vine FabaceaeAustrosteenisia blackii var. blackii Blood Vine Desmodium brachypodum Large Tick-trefoil D. gunnii D. rhytidophyllum Rusty Tick-trefoil Glycine clandestina Glycine Pea Hardenbergia violacea Native Sarsparilla Flagellariaceae Flagellaria indica Whip Vine MenispermiaceaeStephania japonica var. discolor Snake Vine Echinostephia aculeata Prickly Snake Vine Moraceae Trophis scandens subsp. Scandens Burny Vine RosaceaeRubus hillii Molucca Bramble SmilacaceaeEustrephus latifolius Wombat Berry Smilax australis Austral Sarsparilla UvulariaceaeTripladenia cunninghamii Kreysigia VitaceaeCissus opaca Small-leaved Water Vine Tetrastigma nitens Three-leaved Water Vine

HERBS & GROUNDCOVERS: AcanthaceaePseuderanthemum variabile Pastel Flower AraceaeGymnostachys anceps Settler's Flax AsteraceaeVernonia cinerea var. cinerea Vernonia CampanulaceaeLobelia purpurascens White Root CommelinaceaeAneilema acuminatum Commelina diffusa CyperaceaeEleocharis equisetina PoaceaeAristida queenslandica a wiregrass Cymbopogon refractus Barbwire Grass Digitaria parviflora Small-flowered Finger GrassImperata cylindrica Blady Grass Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass Oplismenus aemulus Basket GrassOplismenus hirtellus subsp. imbecillisPanicum effusum Native Panic Paspalidium aversum Phragmites australis Common Reed PhormiaceaeDianella caerulea var. assera Blue Flax-lilly ViolaceaeHybanthus stellarioides Spade Flower Viola hederacea subsp. Hederacea Native Violet Xanthorrhoeaceae Lomandra filiformis subsp. filiformis Matrush L. longifolia Long-leaved Mastrush ZingiberaceaeAlpinia caerulea Native Ginger


FERNS:AdiantaceaeAdiantum hispidulum var. hypoglaucumAspleniaceae Asplenium australasicum Bird's Nest Fern BlechnaceaeBlechnum cartilagineum Gristle Fern B. indicum Binung Doodia aspera Prickly Rasp Fern D. media Common Rasp Fern CyatheaceaeCyathea cooperi Scaly Treefern DennstaedtiaceaePteridium esculentum Bracken DicksoniaceaeCalochlaena dubia Common Ground Fern ThelypteridaceaeChristella dentata Binung

ORCHIDS:OrchidaceaeDipodium pulchellum Rosy Hyacinth Orchid


APPENDIX 2: Fauna species of Tugun Hill Conservation Area

Mammals: (10 spp., + 4 exotic spp.)

Family and Scientific Name Common Name Tacchyglossidae

Tacchyglossus aculeatus Long-beaked Echidna

Dasyuridae Planigale maculate Common Planigale

Peramelidae Isoodon macrourus Northern Brown Bandicoot

Petauridae Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider

Phalangeridae Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum

Macropodidae Wallabia bicolor bicolor Swamp Wallaby

Muridae Rattus rattus Black Rat

Melomys burtoni Grassland Melomys

Mus musculus House Mouse

Pteropodidae Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox

Molossidae Tadarida australis White-striped Mastiff-bat

Vespertilionidae Miniopterus australis Little Bent-Wing Bat

Leporidae Lepus capensis Brown Hare

Canidae Vulpes vulpes Fox

Birds: (95 spp., + 2 exotic spp.)

Family and Scientific Name Common Name Megapodidae

Alectura lathami Australian Brush-turkey

Phasianidae Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail

Anseratidae Anseranas semipalmataO Magpie GooseO

Anatidae Anas superciliosaO Pacific Black DuckO

Chenonetta jubataO Australian Wood DuckO

Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax carbo Great CormorantO

Phalacrocorax sulcirostrisO Little Black CormorantO

Phalacrocorax melanoleucosO Pied CormorantO

Pelecanidae Pelecanus conspicillatusO Australian PelicanO

Ardeidae Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron

Egretta garzetta Little Egret

Threskiornithidae Threskiornis moluccaO Australian White IbisO

Threskiornis spinicollisO Straw-necked IbisO

Accipitridae Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk


Aviceda subcristata Pacific Baza

Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite

Charadriidae Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing

Laridae Larus novaehollandiaeO Silver GullO

Sterna bergiiO Crested TernO

ColumbidaeStreptopelia chinensis Spotted Turtle-Dove

Macropygia amboinensis Brown Fruit-Dove

Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon

Geophilia striata Peaceful Dove

Geophilia humeralis Bar-shouldered Dove

Podargidae Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth

Cacatuidae Cacatua galerita Sulpur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua pastinator Little Corella Cacatua roseicapilla GalahCalyptorhynchus funereus Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo

Psittacidae Alisterus scapularis Australian King Parrot Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella

Platycerus adscitus Pale-headed Rosella

Cuculidae Cacomantis flabelliformis Fan-tailed Cuckoo Eudynamys scolopacea Common Koel

Centropodidae Centropus phasianus Pheasant Coucal

Apodidae Hirundapus caudacutusO White-throated NeedletailO

Halcyonidae Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra Todiramphus macleayii Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher

Meropidae Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater

Coraciidae Eurystomus orientalis Dollarbird

Maluridae Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren Malurus lambertii Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus Red-backed Fairy-wren

Pardalotidae Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill Gerygone olivacea White-throated Gerygone Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren

Meliphagidae Anthochaera chrysoptera Brush Wattlebird Plectorhyncha lanceolata Striped Honeyeater Philemon citreogularis Little Friarbird Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner Entomyzon cyanotis Blue-faced Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's Honeyeater Lichenostomas chrysops Yellow-faced Honeyeater Melithreptus ablogularis White-throated Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill


Myzomela sanguinolenta Scarlet Honeyeater Petroicidae

Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin Cinclosomatidae

Psophodes olivaceus Eastern Whipbird

Pachycephalidae Colluricincla megarhyncha Little Shrike-thrush Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler

Dicruridae Dicrurus bracteatus Spangled Drongo Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark Myiagra rubecula Leaden Flycatcher Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail

Campephagidae Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina tenuirostris Cicadabird Lalage leucomela Varied Triller

Oriolidae Oriolus sagittatus Olive-backed Oriole

Sphecotheres viridis Figbird

Artamidae Artamus cyanopterus White-breasted Woodswallow Cracticus nigrogularus Pied Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie Strepera graculina Pied Currawong

Corvidae Corvus orru Torresian Crow

Passeridae Taeniopygia bichenovii Double-barred Finch

Neochmia temporalis Red-browed Firetail

Lonchura castaneothorax Chestnut-breasted Mannikin

Dicaeidea Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird

Hirundinidae Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow Cecropis nigricans Tree Martin

Sylviidae Megalurus timoriensis Tawny Grassbird

Cisticola exilis Golden-headed Cisticola

Zosteropidae Zosterops lateralis Silvereye

Sturnidea Acridotheres tristis Common Mynah

Reptiles: (6 spp., + 1 exotic sp.)

Family and Scientific Name Common Name Elapidae

Hemiaspis signata Marsh Snake Geckonidae

Hemidactylus frenatus Asian House Gecko Scincidae

Cryptoblepharus virgatus Wall Skink Lampropholis delicata Eastern Grass Skink Eulamprus martinii Martins Skink Saiphos equalis Three-toed Skink

VaranidaeVaranus varius Lace Monitor


Amphibians: (2 spp., + 1 exotic sp.)

Family and Scientific Name Common Name Bufonidae

Bufo marinus Cane Toad Myobatrachidae

Crinia parinsignifera Common Eastern Froglet Crinia signifera Clicking Froglet


Appendix 3: Weed species of Tugun Hill Conservation Area

TREES & SHRUBS: Tugun Hill Anarcardiaceae Mangifera indica Mango Schinus terebinthifolius Broad-leaved Pepper Tecoma stans Yellow Bells ARALIACEAE Schefflera actinophylla Umbrella Tree ARECACEAE Archontophoenix alexandrae Alexandra Palm Syagrus romanzoffianum Cocos Palm ASTERACEAEBaccharis halimifolia Groundsel Bush Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata Bitou Bush EUPHORBIACEAERicinus communis Castor Oil Plant FABACEAESenna pendula var. glabrata Winter Senna LAURACEAECinammomum camphora Camphor Laurel MyrsinaceaeArdisia crenata Ardisia OCHNACEAEOchna serrulata Ochna, Mickey Mouse Bush Pinaceae Pinus elliottii Slash Pine RUTACEAECitrus limon Bush Lemon Murraya paniculata Orange Jessamine SOLANACEAESolanum mauritianum Wild Tobacco TiliaceaeTriumfetta rhomboidea Chinese Burr

VINES & SCRAMBLERS: AraceaeMonstera deliciosa Fruit Salad Plant Asparagaceae Asparagus scandens (syn. Myrsiphyllum scandens) Scrambling Asparagus Convolvulaceae Ipomoea cairica Coastal Morning Glory FABACEAEDesmodium uncinatum Silver-leaf Desmodium PASSIFLORACEAEPassiflora suberosa Corky Passionfruit P. subpeltata White Passionflower SOLANACEAESolanum seaforthianum Climbing Nightshade VERBENACEAE Lantana camara Lantana (pink & red)

HERBS & GROUNDCOVERS: Asparagaceae Asparagus aethiopicus Ground Asparagus ASCLEPIDIACEAEGomphocarpus physocarpus Balloon Cotton Bush AsteraceaeAgeratum houstonianum Blue Billy Goat Weed Ageratina riparia Mistflower A. adenophora Crofton Weed Ambrosia artemisiifolia Annual Ragweed Widelia trilobata Singapore Daisy


PoaceaeAndropogon virginicus Whisky GrassCortaderia selloana Pampas Grass Melinus minutiflora Molasses Grass Paspalum wettsteinii Broad-leaf Paspalum Setaria spp. Setaria

tugun hill conservation area plan of management · 2019. 6. 23. · others include the currumbin...

Documents