FLORA AND FAUNA IMPACT ASSSESSMENT FOR COOKS COVE Detailed Design Stage Development Application For: ROCKDALE COUNCIL July 2010 Final Report Cumberland Ecology PO Box 2474, Carlingford Court 2118
FLORA AND FAUNA IMPACT ASSSESSMENT FOR COOKS COVE
Detailed Design Stage Development Application
For:
ROCKDALE COUNCIL
July 2010
Final Report
Cumberland Ecology PO Box 2474, Carlingford Court 2118
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Report No. 5006RP13
The preparation of this report has been in accordance with the brief provided by the Client and has
relied upon the data and results collected at or under the times and conditions specified in the report.
All findings, conclusions or recommendations contained within the report are based only on the
aforementioned circumstances. The report has been prepared for use by the Client and no
responsibility for its use by other parties is accepted by Cumberland Ecology.
Approved by: David Robertson
Position: Project Director
Signed:
Date: 28 June, 2010
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Table Of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose 1.1
1.2 Terminology 1.1
1.3 Background 1.2
1.4 Site Description 1.2
1.5 Proposal 1.3
1.6 Approval of the Stage 1 DA 1.3
1.7 Development Consent and Plans of Management 1.4
2. METHODS
2.1 Literature Review 2.1
2.2 Flora Surveys 2.2
2.2.1 Vegetation mapping 2.2
2.2.2 Pre-Clearance Vegetation Surveys 2.2
2.3 Fauna Surveys 2.3
2.3.1 Birds 2.3
2.3.2 Bats 2.4
2.3.3 Other Mammals 2.4
2.3.4 Amphibians 2.5
2.3.5 Fish 2.7
3. RESULTS
3.1 Literature Review 3.1
3.2 Vegetation Surveys and Mapping 3.1
3.2.2 Closed to Open Saltmarsh 3.1
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Table Of Contents
3.2.3 Closed to Open Reedland 3.4
3.2.4 Mangroves 3.5
3.2.5 Disturbed/ Artificial Woodland 3.5
3.2.6 Exotic Grassland 3.7
3.2.7 Conservation Significance 3.7
3.2.8 Threatened Flora 3.8
3.3 Fauna 3.8
3.3.1 Fauna Recorded on the Subject Site 3.8
3.3.2 Potential Fauna Habitat 3.10
3.3.3 Threatened and Significant Species 3.12
4. IMPACT ASSESSMENT
4.1 Impacts on Endangered Ecological Communities 4.1
4.1.1 Saltmarsh and reedland communities 4.1
4.2 Impacts on Other Vegetation 4.3
4.2.1 Mangroves 4.3
4.2.2 Artificial Woodland 4.4
4.3 Impacts on Threatened Fauna 4.4
4.3.1 Migratory Waders 4.4
4.3.2 Green and Golden Bell Frog 4.6
4.3.3 Woodland and Golf Course Habitat 4.7
4.4 Other Impacts 4.8
4.4.1 Spring Street Wetland 4.8
4.4.2 Nutrients and Run-off 4.8
4.4.3 Cooks River and Muddy Creek 4.9
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Table Of Contents
5. MITIGATION MEASURES
5.1 Mitigation Measures 5.1
5.1.1 Endangered Ecological Communities 5.1
5.1.2 Spring Street Wetland 5.3
5.1.3 Long-term Monitoring and Management of the Wetlands 5.3
5.1.4 Cooks River and New Riparian Zone 5.4
5.1.5 Muddy Creek 5.4
5.1.6 Other Vegetation 5.4
5.1.7 Threatened Fauna 5.7
5.1.8 Minimising Impacts on Local Community Groups 5.8
5.2 Variations in areas of compensatory habitat from the previous Flora
and Fauna Impact Assessment
5.8
5.3 Assessments of Significance 5.9
6. CONCLUSION
List of Figures
1.1 THE SUBJECT SITE 1.5
3.1 VEGETATION ON THE SUBJECT SITE 3.3
4.1 WETLAND VEGETATION TO BE IMPACTED BY THE DEVELOPMENT 4.2
5.1 NEW WETLAND AREAS ON THE SITE 5.6
5.2 NO CONSTRUCTION ZONE AROUND LANDING LIGHTS WETLAND 5.10
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List of Photographs
3.1 SALTMARSH AT LANDING LIGHTS WETLAND 3.4
3.2 PLANTED NATIVE VEGETATION COMMUNITY AT SPRING STREET
WETLAND 3.7
Table Of Appendices
A. THREATENED FLORA AND FAUNA AND LIKELIHOOD OF
OCCURRENCE ON THE SUBJECT SITE
B. FAUNA LISTS
C. FLORA IDENTIFIED ON THE SUBJECT SITE
D. ASSESSMENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE
E. ASSUMED CONCURRENCE CONDITIONS OF CONSENT
List of Tables
5.1 CHANGES MADE TO COMPENSATORY HABITAT AREAS 5.9
A.1 THREATENED PLANTS AND THEIR LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE
ON THE SUBJECT SITE A.2
A.2 THREATENED FAUNA IN ROCKDALE LGA AND LIKELIHOOD OF
OCCURRENCE ON SUBJECT SITE A.4
B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS
FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY B.2
C.1 FLORA IDENTIFIED ON THE SUBJECT SITE 6.1
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Executive Summary
INTRODUCTION
The Cooks Cove site is located in the suburb of Arncliffe in the Local Government Area of
Rockdale City Council. The proposed development is to take place within land that has
been rezoned as part of an approved Sydney Regional Environmental Plan 33 (SREP 33).
The developer is proposing to relocate parts of Kogarah golf course immediately south of
its current location and to reconfigure the site. The site for the proposed golf course
consists of a number of man-made/heavily altered wetland areas. The wetland towards
the southern end of the site known as ‘Landing Lights’ wetland forms a saltmarsh complex,
which is categorised under the TSC Act as an Endangered Ecological Community. This
wetland provides important habitat for migratory waders, including, on occasion, species
such as the Sanderling, Latham’s Snipe and the Terek Sandpiper.
To the west of the Landing Lights wetland a complex of freshwater reeds occurs. This
community is a variation of Sydney Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains, which is
also an endangered ecological community (EEC).
Spring Street wetland is a mangrove wetland that has become heavily degraded, suffering
from leachate infiltration and rubbish dumping, as well as sedimentation which has led to
the northern end of the wetland becoming anaerobic. This wetland is not considered to
provide habitat for any threatened species.
To the east of these wetlands isolated complexes of reedland/exotic species occur, which
remain largely dry throughout the year, becoming wetter after periods of heavy or
prolonged rain. These areas are dominated by Phragmites in the damper central areas
and by exotics elsewhere. Whilst they are considered to be a variation of the Sydney
Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains EEC, because of the high influence of exotic
species these areas are not considered to be of high ecological value. Due to their
predominant dryness, they do not provide primary habitat for wetland-dependent fauna
species.
The Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea), which is listed as Endangered under the
Threatened Species Conservation Act (TSC Act, 1994) and Vulnerable under the
Environment Protection and Biological Conservation Act ( EPBC Act, 1999), is known to
utilise parts of the current golf course.
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PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to provide an update to the original Flora and Fauna Impact
Assessment that was prepared for the Stage 1 Development Application for the Cooks
Cove site. The Stage 1 Development Application (DA) and associated management plans
(including the Wetlands Environmental Management Plan and a Plan of Management for
the Green and Golden Bell Frog) were approved in December 2006 with conditions of
consent attached.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature review and database search for threatened species that have
been recorded within the study area was conducted (in 2005 and updated in 2010) as well
as a series of comprehensive field surveys for threatened flora and fauna species.
Surveys were conducted by Cumberland Ecology in 2005, with additional survey work
being carried out in wetland areas in 2007. Surveys included targeted searches for
threatened flora and fauna and vegetation mapping. Additional amphibian surveys were
also conducted in 2009. Numerous previous surveys have also been conducted on the
site and the information from these was also utilised to assess potential fauna habitat and
use of the site by fauna over a number of years.
RESULTS
Vegetation Surveys and Mapping
Five plant communities were recorded on the subject site:
Closed to Open Saltmarsh;
Closed to Open Reedland;
Mangroves;
Disturbed/artificial woodland; and
Exotic Grassland.
These are described in the main body of the report.
Conservation Significance
The saltmarsh community identified at a part of the site called “Landing Lights wetlands”
conforms to the Final Determination for the endangered ecological community (EEC)
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“Coastal saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast Sydney Basin & South East Corner
Bioregions” (NSW Scientific Committee 2004a).
The reedland to the west of the Landing Lights forms a variation of the EEC “Freshwater
Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains in the NSW North Coast Sydney Basin & South East
Corner Bioregions” EEC (NSW Scientific Committee 2004b). Patches of reedland to the
north-east of Landing Lights would also conform to this EEC, although it is noted that a
high proportion of exotic species occur in these areas and that they are in poor condition
No threatened plant species listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995
or Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Protection Act 1999 were recorded on the
subject site. Nor was any habitat on the subject site deemed suitable to support
threatened flora species.
Threatened and Significant Fauna
Threatened species that exist on the site or have the potential to use the site include:
The Green and Golden Bell Frog (found on the Kogarah Golf Course);
The Eastern Bent-wing Bat (may have been detected during bat surveys,
however, there is minimal suitable habitat in the area for this species and it is
more likely to have been a more common species such as the Southern Forest
Bat);
Grey-headed Flying-fox (not detected, but it is possible that it forages occasionally
on the subject site);
Glossy Black-cockatoo, Swift Parrot, Superb Fruit-dove and Regent Honeyeater
(recorded in the locality although have not been detected on the subject site.
There is no known breeding habitat. The vegetation within the golf course and the
wetlands provides potential secondary foraging habitat for these species);
The Black-faced Monarch has been recorded within 2km of the subject site but not
on the site itself; and
Wading birds: a number of wading birds (many of which are listed as migratory)
have been detected in the study area either by Cumberland Ecology or previous
studies. These include the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt, Latham’s
Snipe, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Terek Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Common
Sandpiper, Great Knot, Sanderling, Curlew Sandpiper, Lesser Sand Plover,
Greater Sand Plover; and Black-tailed Godwit. Potential habitat occurs on site for
a number of other threatened wetland birds.
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Impacts and Ameliorative Measures
Development of the golf course is not likely to cause a significant impact on either of the
Marsh Street or Eve Street wetlands, which lie outside of the subject site. Spring Street
wetland will be impacted upon, with the temporary removal of artificial woodland along its
eastern edge (to accommodate for the driving range) and the removal of individual
mangroves where required, in order to insert a cut-off wall to seal off the adjacent landfill
site. However, the ecological value of this wetland is low - it is polluted, overgrown and
receives limited tidal flushing from the canal at present. The ameliorative measures that
will be put in place to rehabilitate this wetland (including increasing tidal flushing and
sealing off the adjacent landfill site so that leachate does not seep into the water-course)
will greatly improve the ecological value of this wetland for aquatic fauna. Some artificial
woodland is also being removed from the northern to accommodate the driving range and
south-western ends of the wetland to make way for the 16th hole. These areas do not offer
any significant habitat for fauna and their removal is unlikely to impact on the wetland
itself. Woodland habitat is being planted throughout the golf course and along the Cooks
River.
There will be an impact on the Landing Lights wetland, with the removal of some
saltmarsh and reedland along the southern and western sides. Certainly in the short-term
this will be significant and will reduce the amount of habitat available to wading birds,
particularly until the newly created areas have become established. Construction around
the wetland will be timed so that it does not coincide with the season for migratory waders
in order to minimise disturbance. With the creation of new areas of saltmarsh, in the future
the site will offer a larger area of EEC habitat available to waders. Currently the saltmarsh
is open to the public and not protected in any way. Incorporating these habitats into the
golf course will provide an enhanced level of protection from disturbance, dumping and
trampling.
There will be an impact on the foraging habitat of the Green and Golden Bell Frog during
the construction phase of the development, although now that further mitigation measures
have been implemented, this is unlikely to be significant. Their current breeding ponds will
not be affected. A plan for the management of GGBFs during construction was submitted
to DECCW in August 2008 (and updated in June 2010) and their comments have been
incorporated into the plan where appropriate. The plan includes measures to reduce
impacts on the frogs’ foraging habitat by developing the golf course land in a series of
stages to allow continued access to foraging habitat throughout the construction period,
and by carrying out pre-clearance surveys in each area prior to construction. The new golf
course will provide large areas of new breeding habitat both north and south of the
SWSOOS, as well as providing additional freshwater foraging ponds and shelter sites.
Vegetated corridors throughout the site will improve connectivity between breeding and
foraging areas. Thus the habitat available to this population of Green and Golden Bell
Frogs will be dramatically enhanced and exist over a much wider area. This should allow
the population to expand into these areas in the future.
Assessments of Significance have been undertaken for the relevant threatened species
and communities.
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The ecological value of the Cooks River will be improved, with mangroves and a riparian
habitat corridor being planted along the river bank. Water quality entering the Cooks River
and Muddy Creek will be improved over time through the ameliorative measures put in
place to minimise and treat run-off from the site.
Changes to Impacts/Ameliorative Measures since submission of the previous DA
Since the approval of the previous development application, the assessment of impacts to
threatened species and communities has not altered. Changes that have been made
between submission of the previous flora and fauna impact assessment and this one have
been necessitated by the detailed design and in response to DECCW’s comments. These
are:
The removal of artificial woodland along the eastern side of Spring Street wetland
in order to insert a retaining wall that prevents leachate from entering wetland
areas. This will be re-planted with woodland species once the site remediation
measures have been completed;
The removal of artificial woodland from the northern end of Spring Street wetland
(to accommodate for the Driving Range);
The removal of an additional 90m2 of mangroves, based on canopy cover
(corresponds to mangrove removal for the Open Space DA. An additional 415m2
will be removed on SACL land under a separate DA Application. 9,055m2 of
existing mangroves will be retained on the site).
An adjustment to the public cycle path route, which involves some additional
construction works to the banks of the Cooks River; and
Areas of compensatory habitat have been modified to take into account
engineering requirements, flood modelling etc. and to maximise the amount of
compensatory habitat that is provided. This has resulted in an increase in all
compensatory habitat areas, as follows:
Table 1 Changes made to compensatory habitat areas
Habitat Type Compensatory
Habitat Stage 1
Approved DA (m2)
Compensatory
Habitat Proposed
DA (m2)
Change (m2)
Saltmarsh 13,210 13,210 0
Reedland 5,533 5,883 +350
GGBF Breeding Ponds 5,821 6,367 +546
Primary Foraging Ponds
(freshwater)
6,480 7,516 +1,036
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Table 1 Changes made to compensatory habitat areas
Habitat Type Compensatory
Habitat Stage 1
Approved DA (m2)
Compensatory
Habitat Proposed
DA (m2)
Change (m2)
Secondary Foraging Ponds
(brackish or saline)
3,341 6,956 +3,615
Mangroves 2,640 2,754 +114
Total 37,025 42,686 +5,661
CONCLUSION
Currently the Cooks Cove site consists of a number of man-made/heavily altered wetland
areas that have been constructed, or in the case of the Landing Lights wetland,
incidentally formed next to a waste dumping site. None of these areas are actively
managed at present.
In the short-term, significant impacts have been predicted on some TSC and EPBC listed
species and endangered ecological communities. However, the creation of new saltmarsh
and reedland areas and the creation of a covenant that will conserve Landing Lights
wetland in-perpetuity will conserve and enhance habitat for threatened species and
communities in the long-term.
It is recommended that a formal agreement is signed by the Golf Club and developer to
ensure that they are fully aware of their long-term ecological responsibilities on the site.
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Chapter 11.
Introduction
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this report is to provide an update to the original Flora and Fauna Impact
Assessment that was prepared for the Stage 1 Development Application for the Cooks
Cove site (CE 2006). The development principles and concepts remain unchanged,
however detailed designs for various aspects of the development have now been
produced, which allow further investigation of the ecological impacts to be made.
The objectives of this report are:
To describe vegetation communities and fauna habitats on site;
To summarise the previous flora and fauna impact assessment findings and
provide further information that has been gathered during subsequent detailed
survey work;
To assess the likelihood of whether threatened flora and fauna would be impacted
by the development; and
To formally assess the impacts of the proposed development on threatened flora,
fauna and ecological communities in terms of Section 5A of the EP&A Act (the
seven part test).
1.2 Terminology
This report uses the following terminology:
Subject site means the area of Cooks Cove within which the development
application (DA) physical works are proposed (i.e. the affected areas);
Study area is the subject site (directly affected areas) and any additional areas
that are likely to be affected by the proposal, either directly or indirectly. This
includes Kogarah Golf Course, Eve Street wetland, Marsh Street wetland, Spring
Street wetland, Landing Lights wetland and adjoining areas of the Cooks River
and Muddy Creek.
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Locality is the area within a 5km radius of the subject site;
Subject species means those threatened species, populations and ecological
communities that are listed in either the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity
Act 1999 (EPBC), the NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994 or the Threatened
Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) and are known to occur, or considered
likely to occur in the study area.
GGBF means Green and Golden Bell Frog
1.3 Background
The Cooks Cove site is located in the suburb of Arncliffe in the Local Government Area of
Rockdale City Council. The proposed development is to take place within land that has
been rezoned as part of an approved Sydney Regional Environmental Plan 33 (SREP 33).
SREP33 delineates the development and conservation areas across the site and also
requires the preparation of a suite of environmental management plans. The
environmental management plans include plans for the management for the wetlands
(Wetlands Environmental Management Plan - WEMP) and a separate plan of
management for the Green and Golden Bell Frog (Green and Golden Bell Frog
Management Plan – GGBFMP) which have been prepared. SREP33 is supplemented by
the Cooks Cove Masterplan which provides design criteria and detailed provisions relating
to both the development zone and the environmental areas.
The Stage 1 Development Application (DA) and associated management plans were
approved on 6th December 2006 with conditions attached. This Flora and Fauna Impact
Assessment has been prepared for the Detailed Design Stage DA.
1.4 Site Description
The subject site is located to the west of Cooks River and Sydney Airport, and is
approximately 100 hectares (ha) in size. It is bounded by Cooks River and Muddy Creek
to the east, Marsh Street to the north, West Botany Street to the west and Bestic Street to
the south.
The Kogarah Golf Course is located within the northern portion of the subject site. The
subject site also contains the South Western Sydney Sewerage Ocean Outflow System
(SWSOOS). The site for the proposed golf course (which mostly lies to the south of its
current location) consists of constructed wetlands, filled land and recreational space.
Figure 1.1 shows a diagram of the subject site and the main features within it.
The Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea), which is listed as Endangered under the
Threatened Species Conservation Act (TSC Act, 1994) and Vulnerable under the
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Environment Protection and Biological Conservation Act ( EPBC Act, 1999), is known to
utilise parts of the golf course.
The southern section of the site consists of playing fields and several wetlands of varying
quality and size. The wetland towards the southern end of the site known as ‘Landing
Lights’ wetland forms a saltmarsh complex, which is categorised under the TSC Act as an
Endangered Ecological Community. This wetland provides important habitat for migratory
waders, including, on occasion, species such as the Sanderling, Latham’s Snipe and the
Terek Sandpiper.
To the west of the Landing Lights wetland a complex of freshwater reeds occurs. This
community is a variation of Sydney Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains, which is
also an endangered ecological community (EEC).
Spring Street wetland is a mangrove wetland that has become heavily degraded, suffering
from leachate infiltration and rubbish dumping, as well as sedimentation which has led to
the northern end of the wetland becoming anaerobic. This wetland is not considered to
provide habitat for any threatened species.
To the east of these wetlands isolated complexes of reedland/exotic species occur, which
remain largely dry throughout the year, becoming wetter after periods of heavy or
prolonged rain. These areas are dominated by Phragmites in the damper central areas
and by exotics elsewhere. Whilst they are considered to be a variation of the Sydney
Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains EEC, because of the high influence of exotic
species these areas are not considered to be of high ecological value. Due to their
predominant dryness, they do not provide primary habitat for wetland-dependent fauna
species.
1.5 Proposal
Bank of Scotland International (BOSI) is proposing to create an advanced technology
precinct in an area of land located immediately to the west of the Cooks River and Sydney
Airport, at the current location of Kogarah Golf Course. This includes relocation of the golf
course and two sports grounds, as well as environmental rehabilitation works.
Stage 1 of the Development Application, which has been approved, provided concept
details for the trade and technology zone, the new golf course, the open space, for
remediation work, and for works along the Cooks River.
The detailed design DA relates to the Open Space aspects of the development only, i.e
everything except works for the Trade and Technology Zone, which will be the subject of a
separate DA.
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1.6 Approval of the Stage 1 DA
In December 2006, the Stage 1 Development Application (which included a Wetlands
Environmental Management Plan, a Green and Golden Bell Frog Management Plan, a
Soil and Water Management Plan and an Open Space Plan of Management) was
approved with Conditions of Consent attached.
The management plans submitted with the development application outlined how the site
would be managed both during construction activities and in the longer term, determining
broad concepts and management regimes for different environmental aspects of the
development, including environmental targets and performance indicators that the
development was committed to achieving.
The detailed designs for the development, which are being submitted as part of this DA,
have been drawn up to correspond to the provisions within those plans. The designs
outline how the concepts in the management plans will be achieved.
1.7 Development Consent and Plans of Management
In circumstances where detailed consideration of the impacts of future development on
threatened flora and fauna and ecological communities has already occurred, such as
through the preparation of an environmental planning instrument, the Director General of
the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) has the power
under the TSC Act to waive the need for preparation of a SIS, provided that the
Department is satisfied that sufficient conservation outcomes and safeguards have been
provided. This process is known as the issue of “Assumed Concurrence”.
In the case of Cooks Cove, flora and fauna investigations were conducted to support the
gazettal of SREP 33 and the adoption of the Cook Cove Master Plan. Consequently SREP
33 contains provisions to ensure significant conservation outcomes will occur that will
protect wetland flora and fauna and the habitats of threatened species. The SREP 33
requires the preparation of a Wetlands Environmental Management Plan and a Green and
Golden Bell Frog Management Plan to the satisfaction of DECC (Now DECCW). These
were submitted as part of the Stage 1 Development Application. Following a number of
meetings and updates to the plans, DECCW provided Assumed Concurrence for the
development, providing approval for the management plans with two Assumed
Concurrence conditions of consent attached (refer to Appendix E for details). These
included that:
that the wetlands on site are protected in the long-term, either under a Planning
Agreement, 88B Instrument or Deed of Agreement; and
that more detailed surveys were undertaken to inform re-vegetation works, that re-
vegetation commences at the earliest possible stage of development, and that
rehabilitation works are undertaken by a specialist wetland ecologist.
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Fig
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1.1
Figure 1.1 Cooks Cove Project Area
Coordinate System: MGA Zone 56 (GDA 94)
Gri
d N
ort
h
100 0 100 200 300 400 m
Golf Course Boundary
Cooks Cove Project Area
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Chapter 22.
Methods
2.1 Literature Review
A comprehensive literature review and database search for threatened species that have
been recorded within the study area were conducted for the original flora and fauna impact
assessment in 2005. The information that was reviewed included:
Rockdale City Council commissioned reports (Clouston 2000, Biosphere
Environmental Consultants 2000, Land Systems Pty Ltd 1989),
Consultancy reports including reports on Cooks Cove specifically and the greater
area of Rockdale (Hassell 2001a). (Hassell 2001b, Hassell 2001c, Hill PDA 2001,
Benson et al. 1999, ERM 2001)
NSW National Parks & Wildlife Services database – all threatened flora and fauna records (including ROTAP records) within 5km radius of the subject site;
Cumberland Bird Observers Club – targeting bird searches in the wetlands and
also within a 2km radius of Cooks Cove; and
BioNet search tool – targeting birds recorded in the Kogarah Council area.
This was supplemented by field surveys carried out by Cumberland Ecology (CE 2006),
ERM (ERM 2003) and by several other studies of the area.
In June 2010, updated database searches of both Bionet and the EPBC Protected Matters
search tool were carried out to ascertain whether there had been any new records of
threatened species that were relevant to the study area since the 2005 literature review
had been undertaken.
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2.2 Flora Surveys
2.2.1 Vegetation mapping
In 2005, vegetation surveys were conducted by Cumberland Ecology (CE 2006) to identify
the vegetation communities on the subject site and to verify and update existing mapping
by Biosphere (Biosphere Environmental Consultants 2000), Biosis (Biosis Research 2001)
and ERM (2003; unpublished data). The site was traversed by a botanist and an ecologist,
with special emphasis on the wetland communities. Habitat assessments were also
conducted to assess the likelihood of threatened flora species occurring.
i. Targeted Threatened Species
Seven threatened species were targeted during the flora survey:
o Acacia pubescens (Downy Wattle)
o Acacia terminalis ssp terminalis (Sunshine Wattle)
o Caladenia tessellata (Tessellated Spider Orchid)
o Melaleuca deanei (Deane’s Paperbark)
o Syzygium paniculatum (Magenta Cherry)
o Tetratheca juncea (Black-eyed Susan)
o Thesium australe (Austral Toadflax)
(Source: EPBC Protected Matters Report & DECC Bionet Search – Rockdale)
The threatened plant Wilsonia backhousei was also searched for in the saltmarsh areas.
2.2.2 Pre-Clearance Vegetation Surveys
Pre-clearance vegetation surveys were conducted in all saltmarsh and reedland areas in
the mid-late summer of 2007 in accordance with the conditions of consent for the
development as part of the Assumed Concurrence. This included conducting surveys in
all saltmarsh and reedland areas that are required to be cleared, in order to establish
precisely the species of native vascular plants and vertebrate fauna that make use of
these areas. These are described below, along with other survey work undertaken on the
site.
The pre-clearance surveys were restricted to the areas of saltmarsh and reedland that are
to be cleared for the development, in line with the relevant Assumed Concurrence
conditions of consent. The surveys are intended to provide additional information
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specifically on species composition and utilisation of the areas of saltmarsh and reedland
that are to be cleared for the development.
2.3 Fauna Surveys
2.3.1 Birds
Bird surveys were undertaken by ornithologist Tony Saunders of Merops Services together
with Cumberland Ecology staff across the subject site in early March 2005. Cumberland
Ecology staff conducted a further 4 bird surveys at Eve Street, Spring Street and Landing
Lights wetlands in the following week targeting waders/shorebirds.
Due to the time of year that the surveys were carried out they did not coincide with a high
likelihood of encountering waders as some migratory species may have already have left
the area by March. However, extensive database records already exist for birds that
utilise the wetlands in the area and these records have been collected over a number of
years by Cumberland Bird Observers Club. Therefore the aim of the Cumberland Ecology
surveys was to supplement the existing database records.
Field surveys were conducted at varying times to capture the variation caused by the tidal
nature of the wetlands. Active diurnal searches were undertaken at all sites, concentrating
on potentially suitable habitat for any of the target threatened or rare bird species. Field
personnel undertook meandering transects observing the following areas associated with
water bodies:
Surrounding areas of land, particularly areas of saltmarsh;
Water margin and shallow water areas;
Emergent vegetation, and adjoining reed swamps; and
Open water bodies and tidal channels.
All birds seen or heard were recorded. Behavioural information such as roosting,
breeding, feeding and flight behaviour was recorded. Temperatures ranged between 16.8-
29.6oC and on two survey days it rained lightly.
Bird Data recorded during previous monitoring surveys carried out by Biosphere
(Biosphere Environmental Consultants 2000), Biosis (Biosis Research 2001) and ERM
(2003; unpublished data) were also noted.
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i. Additional survey work in 2007
As part of the pre-clearance survey work required by the conditions of consent (refer to
2.2.2 above) further bird surveys were conducted in January and February 2007 in all
saltmarsh and reedland areas to be cleared.
Meandering transects around the wetlands and through the areas to be cleared were
conducted by an ornithologist. Surveys were undertaken at dawn for 2 hours, one day per
week over three weeks (31st January, 6th February and 13th February 2007). These
surveys were repeated at dusk on the same days for between 1.5 and 2 hours per survey.
All bird species detected by sight or call were recorded for each area as a measure of
abundance. Only those species observed in or using the air space over the wetlands for
foraging were recorded.
2.3.2 Bats
Surveys were conducted for threatened microchiropteran bats using Anabat II ZCAIM bat
detector units between the 15th to the 31st of March 2005. The temperatures for the four
nights ranged from a maximum of 29.6ºC to 14.8ºC. The weather was mostly clear with
little wind although there was light rain on one night. Hand-held bat detection was
conducted at night for approximately an hour before dusk and several hours after. This
type of sampling targets bats that may be roosting on the site or nearby and emerge at or
near dusk, or individuals utilising the water bodies for early foraging. Walking transects
were conducted through, or adjacent to, potential habitat at each site
Surveys were conduced at the following locations in the study area:
Eve Street wetland;
Marsh Street;
Spring Street wetland;
Landing Lights wetland; and
Kogarah Golf Course.
Bat calls were identified by Greg Ford, a recognised bat specialist.
2.3.3 Other Mammals
As part of the pre-clearance survey work required by the conditions of consent (refer to
2.2.2 above) surveys for ground-dwelling mammals were conducted in February 2007 in
all saltmarsh and reedland areas to be cleared. Saltmarsh and reedland areas do not
provide ideal habitat for land-dwelling mammals, however mammal surveys were
conducted by ecologists in the areas of the site to be cleared using hair-tube traps to
provide additional information for fauna species lists.
2.5
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Three hair-tube transects, each 100m long, were laid in the areas to be cleared using
Faunatech funnel hair tubes. Hair tubes were laid approximately 10m apart where
possible and placed in areas where small mammals were most likely to frequent (i.e. along
potential runways in vegetation, or where cover was densest). Bait-types were alternated
between standard bait mix (oat, honey and peanut butter) and sardines. Traps were laid
on the 21st February 2007 and left out for seven days. Hair tube analysis was conducted
by Georgeanna Story of ‘Scats About’.
2.3.4 Amphibians
GGBF surveys were carried out by Cumberland Ecology staff on the 15th, 16th, 30th and
31st of March 2005 across the subject site. A total of 46 hours of survey effort was
undertaken surveying for the GGBFs, with 12 hours of survey effort undertaken during
each of the four separate survey periods. Surveys were carried out after rainfall where
possible (30th and 31st March) and conducted in accordance with the Draft Recovery
Plan’s Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines.
The Surveys comprised two minutes of call playback followed by two to three minutes
quiet listening. The AMG coordinates of any frogs caught were recorded with a GPS. The
sex of frogs was noted if individuals were caught. Waterbodies were inspected for
tadpoles and Mosquito Fish (Gambusia holbrooki) using a visual assessment in ponds
with shallow clear water. Visual encounter surveys using spotlighting targeted foraging
individuals.
Night time surveys of waterbodies and emergent vegetation were completed using
spotlights to target foraging individuals. These were conducted for a minimum of 2 hours
per 200m of water as per the Draft Threatened Species Survey and Assessment
Guidelines (DEC (NSW) 2004). Terrestrial areas within 10 metres of the edge of
waterbodies were also surveyed for dispersing and foraging frogs. This survey was
undertaken by Cumberland Ecology staff and by Dr Arthur White. Dr White is a
recognised amphibian expert who is currently managing the RTA GGBF breeding ponds at
the southern end of the Kogarah Golf Course. The surveys carried out by Cumberland
Ecology in 2005 augment data gathered during the 2003 breeding season by ERM
(unpublished report).
i. Additional survey work in 2007
As part of the pre-clearance survey work required by the conditions of consent (refer to
2.2.2 above) further amphibian and reptile surveys were conducted in February 2007 in all
saltmarsh and reedland areas to be cleared, as well as the surrounding grassland and
woodland areas.
Herpetological surveys were largely weather dependent, with frog survey conditions
requiring rain or recent rainfall and reptile surveys requiring warm and sunny conditions.
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Surveys were carried out by Cumberland Ecology in conjunction with herpetologist, Dr.
Arthur White, who has conducted numerous surveys of the site over a number of years.
The scarcity of rain during the summer greatly determined when the frog surveys could be
conducted. Initial frog surveys took place on the nights of the 1st and 2nd of February
2007. These nights were chosen as this was when the first light rain fell in almost five
weeks. Light showers commenced on the afternoon of the 11th of February and these led
to heavier thunderstorms on the 12th of February, with a total of almost 60mm of rain
falling in these two days. The rain began clearing on the 13th of February and by the next
day it was again fine and sunny. Further frog surveys were carried out over three nights of
the 12th, 13th and 14th of February.
Reptile surveys were carried out on sunny, warm mornings on the 8th, 15th and 19th of
February 2007.
Amphibian surveys consisted of walked transects around the edges of each of the
waterbodies and connecting waterways in the survey site and included the wetlands, open
drains and ephemeral ponds. At each site all calling frogs were noted, and the position
and number of calling frogs at each site was recorded on a site sheet. Non-calling frogs
were detected using headlamps. These were caught, identified and immediately released.
A tadpole survey was conducted in the wetland areas on the 19th of February 2007.
Tadpoles that were large enough to be identified were recorded and released. No attempt
was made to quantify the number of tadpoles in each pond.
Reptile surveys concentrated on the areas that contained the most ground shelter cover in
the form of rocks, concrete or brick structures, logs, fallen timber and refuse piles. This
included the boundaries of Spring Creek Canal, Landing Lights Wetland and other bushy
areas around the site. These areas were surveyed from 8.30-9 am until 11am - 12 noon
when it became too hot for reptiles to continue to bask. The site was traversed on foot,
ground cover materials such as timber, large rocks and refuse were overturned and
sheltering reptiles were caught, identified and released. Reptiles that were already active
and moving about were often identified without the need to catch them. Smaller lizards
needed to be caught to ensure correct identification. All captured reptiles were released at
the site of capture. The identification of reptiles is based on Cogger (2000).
ii. Additional survey work 2009
A further eight surveys were conducted, using the same methods as described above, in
the 2008/2009 breeding season. Surveys were conducted between the beginning of
January and mid February and comprised 50.5 hours of survey effort, including pond
dipping for tadpoles and auditory, call playback and spotlight searches at night. Surveys
concentrated on the golf course, SWSOOS, underpass, Marsh Street and the area to the
south of this, to gather further information on GGBF use of the golf course and dispersal
from the RTA ponds south of the SWSOOS.
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2.3.5 Fish
The aquatic habitats in the canal and the wetlands were surveyed in 2004 to determine
whether the wetlands provide nursery habitat for juvenile fish. A seine net was used in
areas of sufficient water depth (e.g. the canal adjacent to the Landing Light wetland) to
sample the biota as a seine net is considered to be the best method of sampling a range
of fish. Two replicate hauls were used at each sampling point on two occasions at high
tide. In areas where water depth and access were limited (e.g. Spring Street, Landing
Lights and Marsh Street wetlands) a combination of fish traps (box traps) and scoop nets
were used, although it is acknowledged that these methods only have the potential to
sample a certain section of the fish population.
All specimens caught were identified where possible to species and the total number
recorded. Large specimens were weighed and measured and then released alive.
Smaller specimens were euthanased and preserved for processing in the laboratory. Very
large samples were sub-sampled.
3.1
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Chapter 33.
Results
3.1 Literature Review
The results from the literature review and database study can be found in Appendix A.
Seven threatened plants (refer to section 2.2.1) and a number of threatened fauna have
been previously recorded in the locality (either within 5 km or within Rockdale LGA).
Threatened fauna that occur, or are likely to occur on site, include the Green and Golden
Bell Frog (Litoria aurea), Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), Southern
Myotis (Myotis macropus) and several migratory waders (refer to Appendix A).
3.2 Vegetation Surveys and Mapping
Five distinct plant communities were recorded on the subject site. A map showing the
location of the different plant communities can be found in 4.1 below. A full list of plant
species identified on site in previous surveys and the detailed wetland surveys carried out
in 2007 can be found in Appendix C. The five plant communities are described below:
a. Closed to Open Saltmarsh;
b. Closed to Open Reedland;
c. Mangroves;
d. Disturbed/artificial woodland; and
e. Exotic Grassland.
3.2.2 Closed to Open Saltmarsh
Sarcocornia quinqueflora – Suaeda australis +/- Atriplex prostrata – Juncus acutus
Distribution
This vegetation type occurs in relatively low-lying sites subject to tidal inundation. Where
this community adjoins areas of reedland, a transitional community occurs.
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Structure and floristics
This vegetation type typically consists of a low ground layer composed primarily of
chenopods, with occasional emergent reed, rush and sedge species, to 0.2-0.5m high,
with a range of smaller rush, sedge and herb species in more open and/or disturbed
areas.
Common chenopod species are Samphire Sarcocornia quinqueflora and Austral Seablite
Suaeda australis, with species such as Orache *Atriplex prostrata, Sharp Rush *Juncus
acutus and Prickly Couch Zoysia macrantha occurring on slightly higher ground (*denotes
exotic/introduced species). In general, the larger patches of saltmarsh feature more
structural (if not floristic) diversity, and are less susceptible to disturbance (from tracks,
scalds or placement of fill) and weed invasion. Sharp Rush Juncus acutus occurs in all
saltmarsh patches inspected, while exotic shrub, grass and herb species are common
where fill has been placed around saltmarsh. In less disturbed sites, occasional native
reed, sedge and herb species include Native Reed Phragmites australis, Bare Twig Rush
Baumea juncea, Knobby Club Rush Ficinia nodosa (syn. Isolepis nodosa) and Warrigal
Cabbage Tetragonia tetragonoides.
I:\.
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Fig
ure
1.3
Figure 1.3 Vegetation Communities
Coordinate System: MGA Zone 56 (GDA 94)
Gri
d N
ort
h
Vegetation Communities
Mangrove
Saltmarsh
Native Planting
Exotic
Reed Bed
Melaleuca seiberi
Exotic Grasses and sedge mosaic
Golf Course Boundary
Cooks Cove Project Area
100 0 100 200 300 400 m
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Photograph 3.1 Saltmarsh at Landing Lights wetland
3.2.3 Closed to Open Reedland
Phragmites australis +/- Juncus spp
Distribution
This vegetation type occurs in low-lying swampy areas and as a narrow fringing band
around areas of open water or adjacent to areas of saltmarsh. Where this vegetation type
adjoins areas of saltmarsh, a transitional community occurs. In drier, more disturbed
areas, this vegetation type occurs as a complex of reedland and exotic vegetation.
Structure and floristics
This vegetation type typically consists of a dense layer of emergent reed species, to 0.5-
2m high, often with a patchy distribution of smaller rush, sedge and herb species in more
open and/ or disturbed areas. On hummocks and areas of higher ground are occasional
patches of shrub and tree species. Exotic species are also common, especially along the
edges of reedland areas where fill has been placed and particularly in the reedland areas
north-east of Landing Lights wetland, which contain high proportions of exotic species.
Native Reed Phragmites australis characterises this community, and is typically present in
dense stands in central, damper areas. Other occasional native sedge species are Bare
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Twig Rush Baumea juncea and Sea Rush Juncus kraussii, with herb and grass species
including Scurvy Weed Commelina cyanea and Prickly Couch Zoysia macrantha. Sharp
Rush Juncus acutus is also common in some locations.
Typical exotic shrub and groundcover species occurring on higher ground and particularly
within the reedland patches north-east of Landing Lights wetland include Kurnell Curse
Hydrocotyle bonariensis, Golden Wreath Wattle Acacia saligna, Crested Wattle
Paraserianthes lophantha, Black Berry Nightshade Solanum nigrum, Paddys Lucerne Sida
rhombifolia, Castor Oil Plant Ricinus communis, Kikuyu Pennisetum clandestinum,
Asparagus Fern Protosparagus aethiopicus, Fleabanes Conyza spp., and Plantain
Plantago lanceolata.
3.2.4 Mangroves
Avicennia marina +/- Phragmites australis – Juncus spp.
Distribution
This vegetation type occurs in Spring Street wetland and in low-lying sites along the
fringes of reedland and saltmarsh, generally in the southern part of Landing Lights
wetland. Scattered mangroves also occur along the banks of Spring Street canal.
Structure and floristics
This vegetation type typically consists of a continuous canopy layer of mangroves to 4-8m
tall, with patches of reed, rush, saltmarsh and sedge species to 0.5-2m high along its
edges. A range of smaller sedge and herb species occurs in more open and/ or disturbed
areas, often mixed with a range of exotic species.
Grey Mangrove Avicennia marina is dominant throughout: Groundcover species include
rush, reed, herb and sedge species such as Native Reed Phragmites australis, Bare Twig
Rush Baumea juncea, Samphire Sarcocornia quinqueflora, Austral Seablite Suaeda
australis, Prickly Couch Zoysia macrantha and Warrigal Cabbage Tetragonia
tetragonoides.
Typical introduced shrub and groundcover species include Black Berry Nightshade
Solanum nigrum, Paddys Lucerne Sida rhombifolia, Castor Oil Plant Ricinus communis,
Kikuyu Pennisetum clandestinum, Asparagus Fern Protosparagus aethiopicus, Fleabanes
Conyza spp., Plantain Plantago lanceolata and African Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum.
3.2.5 Disturbed/ Artificial Woodland
Distribution
This vegetation type occurs on the higher banks surrounding Spring Street wetland and as
a stand along the northern side of Spring Street canal.
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28 JUNE 2010
Structure and floristics
The vegetation in this area consists of a range of introduced native species comprising
upper canopy, mid-canopy, shrub layer and groundcover layer species; these were
planted more than 15 years ago, although there appears to have been some natural
recruitment of a number of tree and shrub species from naturally-occurring species in
adjacent sites. Trees are generally semi-mature or juvenile forms, to a maximum height of
10-12m, with an upper canopy projected foliage cover of up to 25%. The mid-canopy
layer and shrub strata are largely patchy, to 3m tall. The groundcover layer consists of a
mixture of both native and exotic species (the latter more common on more open sites
where disturbance is ongoing), to 0.2-1m high.
Upper species are Tallowwood Eucalyptus micocrorys, Swamp Oak Casuarina glauca,
River Oak Casuarina cunninghamiana, Bangalay Eucalyptus botryoides, Swamp
Mahogany Eucalyptus robusta, Mugga Ironbark Eucalyptus sideroxylon and Sydney Blue
Gum Eucalyptus saligna.
Typical mid-canopy species are Coast Myall Acacia binervia, Cootamundra Wattle Acacia
baileyana, Western Australian Willow Myrtle Agonis flexuosa, Bracelet Honey-myrtle
Melaleuca armillaris, Prickly-leaved Paperbark Melaleuca styphelioides and Broad-leaved
Paperbark Melaleuca quinquenervia.
Typical groundcover species include Mat Rush Lomandra longifolia, with a range of
introduced species such as Paddys Lucerne Sida rhombifolia, Cobblers Pegs Bidens
pilosa, Panic Veldt Grass Ehrharta erecta, Morning Glory Ipomoea indica and Moth Vine
Araujia sericiflora.
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Photograph 3.2 Planted native vegetation community at Spring Street
wetland
3.2.6 Exotic Grassland
The remainder of the subject site consists of various disturbed/man-made landscapes.
Much of the area has been cleared of native vegetation and re-established with exotic
grassland or allowed to remain bare or colonised by weeds. Pennisetum clandestinum
(Kikuyu) and Cynodon dactylon (Couch Grass) are the main ground covers south of the
SWSOOS, with areas of fill, imported soil and other material being colonised by a range of
exotic shrub species. Parts of the site have been planted out with a limited range of native
tree and shrub species.
3.2.7 Conservation Significance
The saltmarsh community identified at Landing Lights wetlands conforms to the Final
Determination for the endangered ecological community (EEC) “Coastal saltmarsh in the
NSW North Coast Sydney Basin & South East Corner Bioregions” (NSW Scientific
Committee 2004a).
The reedland to the west of the Landing Lights forms a variation of the EEC “Freshwater
Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains in the NSW North Coast Sydney Basin & South East
Corner Bioregions” EEC (NSW Scientific Committee 2004b). Patches of reedland to the
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north-east of Landing Lights would also conform to this EEC, although it is noted that a
high proportion of exotic species occur in these areas and that they are in poor condition.
3.2.8 Threatened Flora
Despite targeted searches for threatened flora known to occur in the locality, no
threatened plant species listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or
Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Protection Act 1999 were recorded on the subject
site. Nor was any habitat on the subject site deemed suitable to support threatened flora
species.
3.3 Fauna
3.3.1 Fauna Recorded on the Subject Site
i. The Golf Course
The Common Eastern Froglet (Crinia signifera), Striped Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes
peronii), Peron’s Tree Frog (Litoria peronii) and the threatened Green and Golden Bell
Frog have been detected on the Kogarah Golf Course (CE 2005a, CE 2009). The
predatory Mosquito Fish has also been observed in the ponds. Predation by this species
is listed as a Key Threatening Process under the TSC Act. It is known to predate upon the
eggs and tadpoles of the Green and Golden Bell Frog (NSW Scientific Committee 2004c).
The GGBF population has been subject to ongoing monitoring and management by Dr.
Arthur White since the construction of the M5 motorway, which involved building two
GGBF breeding ponds adjacent to the golf course. Recent records suggest that the
population now centres around the artificial RTA ponds, which are used for breeding,
whilst foraging occurs across parts of the golf course and in the Marsh Street wetland (A.
White pers comm.) which lies just south of the SWSOOS outside of the development
zone.
Green and Golden Bell Frogs are generally restricted to the ditches and ponds in the
southern and south-western portion of the golf course. In the 2009 survey, an amplexing
pair were detected in a pond close to the RTA ponds.
The shorebirds recorded on the golf course include the Little Pied Cormorant
(Phalacrocorax melanoleucos) and the Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris).
Water birds included the Wood Duck (Chenonetta jubata), Pacific Black Duck (Anas
superciliosa) and Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa) and woodland birds included
thornbills (Acanthiza spp.), honeyeaters (various genera) and wattlebirds (Anthochaera
spp.) (CE 2006). All birds recorded were common species; amongst them were several
3.9
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common exotic species such as the Common Myna (Acroridotheres tristis), Common
Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) and Spotted Turtle Dove (Streptopelia chinensis).
Very few bat calls were recorded on the subject site (CE 2006). Partial calls were identified
as either the Southern Forest Bat (Vespadelus regulus) or Eastern Bent-wing Bat
(Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis) on the golf course. There are no DECCW records of
the latter species on the subject site (DEC (NSW) 2005a) and no available roosting sites.
ii. South of the SWSOOS
Only one species of frog was detected south of the SWSOOS in the Cumberland Ecology
(2005) surveys; the Striped Marsh Frog, which was detected in the reedland east of the
Landing Lights wetland and in the detention basins under the M5 adjacent to Eve Street
wetland.
During pre-clearance surveys carried out by Dr. Arthur White and Cumberland Ecology in
2007 (CE 2008) the Striped Marsh Frog and several other common frog species were
detected in reedland and grassy areas adjacent to Landing Lights wetland. Again, no
GGBFs were detected on the subject site south of the SWSOOS during these surveys.
Earlier surveys have indicated that while this species was previously known from the
Spring Street and near Eve Street wetlands, in more recent years it seldom occurs there
(Biosphere Environmental Consultants 2000, Biosis Research 2001). One previous GGBF
record exists for the mangrove wetland at Spring Street, which was recorded in 2001
(Biosis Research 2001).
In the 2009 surveys, one GGBF was recorded outside of the subject site south of the
SWSOOS in reedland occurring between Marsh Street and Eve Street wetlands.
It is likely that the GGBF rarely utilises the area south of the SWSOOS on the subject site,
with foraging largely confined to areas in and around Marsh Street wetland which occurs
outside of the development zone boundary.
Other than at Landing Lights wetland, the birds recorded south of the SWSOOS were
similar to what would be expected from disturbed vegetation in an urban area, including
the Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina), Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides) and
Magpie Lark (Grallina cyanoleuca). Several exotic species were also detected including
the Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), Common Starling and the Common
Myna (CE 2005, 2007). The bushland patches south of Eve Street and around Spring
Street Wetlands contained a few common bushland birds such as Silvereye (Zosterops
lateralis), finches (various genera), thornbills and wattlebirds (see Appendix B).
Migratory waders were present at Landing Lights Wetland. Species included Black-
winged Stilts (Himantopus himantopus) and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers (Calidris acuminata)
which were foraging on the mudflats in the centre of the wetland. A Latham’s Snipe
Gallinago hardwickii was also seen in the reedland adjacent to Landing Lights wetland
during the 2007 survey. The more abundant species detected in this area included
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Chestnut Teal Anas castanea, Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus and Clamorous Reed-
Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus.
Very few bat species were recorded south of the SWSOOS. Gould’s Wattled Bat
(Chalinolobus gouldii) was the only bat species that was recorded as being definitely
present on the subject site. Partial calls were identified as possibly either the Southern
Forest Bat (Vespadelus. regulus) or Eastern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus schreibersii
oceanensis). There are no DECC records of the latter species on the subject site (DEC
(NSW) 2005a).
Six species of fish were caught within the seine netting and box trapping in the canal that
leads off the Cooks River in the 2005 surveys (CE 2005). These were the Common
Toadfish (Tetractenos hamiltoni), Sand Mullet (Myxus elongates), Port Jackson Perchlet
(Ambassis jacksoniensis), Mosquito Fish (Gambusia holbrooki), Southern Blue Eye
(Pseudomugil signifier), and Flat Tail Mullet (Liza argentea). The Port Jackson Perchlet
and the Mosquito Fish were the most abundant. Both species of mullet were represented
by juveniles.
Only Mosquito Fish were caught in the traps in Landing Lights wetland. Mosquito Fish,
Southern Blue Eye, Flat Tail Mullet and Port Jackson Perchlet were caught in the Spring
Street Wetland. Crabs were seen in the canal and caught in box traps in the Landing
Lights and Spring Street Wetlands.
3.3.2 Potential Fauna Habitat
i. Kogarah Golf Course
a. Aquatic habitats
The ponds on the golf course are permanent water bodies that have been artificially
created as part of the golf course design. The water quality of many of these ponds is
relatively low due to nutrient run-off from the golf course greens and little flushing. Salinity
ranges from freshwater to brackish. These ponds support fringing vegetation such as
Cumbungi (Typha spp.), sedges and Phragmites australis. This makes them suitable
habitat for several frog species. The presence of Mosquito Fish and Striped Marsh Frogs
may impinge on the value of the golf course ponds as breeding habitat for the GGBF.
The ponds also provide suitable habitat for common water fowl.
b. Terrestrial and arboreal habitats
The birds found on the golf course were generally typical urban, coastal birds with a few
bushland birds utilising the strips of Melaleuca sp and Acacia trees between the fairways.
The patchy woodland and small ponds on the golf course provide some foraging habitat
for bats, however this is unlikely to represent substantial habitat in the locality. It is
3.11
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possible that some of the flowering trees such as the Melaleucas could provide some
foraging habitat for flying foxes and the tree canopy and water surfaces could provide
some foraging habitat for microchiropteran bats. There were no flying fox camps observed
on site and the trees were too young to contain hollows that could constitute roosting
habitat for hollow-dwelling microbat species.
The golf course and small patchy woodland areas provide little if any suitable habitat for
native ground-dwelling or arboreal mammals. Exotic species such as rats, foxes and
rabbits may occupy some habitat on and surrounding the golf course.
ii. South of the SWSOOS
a. Aquatic habitats
In general the habitat for frogs south of the SWSOOS is limited. The wetlands on the
subject site (Spring Street and Landing Lights) are saline in nature. Spring Street wetland
is predominantly a mangrove wetland, whilst Landing Lights wetland largely consists of
saltmarsh with some reedland occurring around the outskirts of saltmarsh areas. Outside
of the subject site, another saline wetland known as Eve Street occurs, as well as Marsh
Street wetland, which is the only freshwater wetland south of the SWSOOS. This wetland
lies adjacent to the southern side of the SWSOOS and provides suitable habitat for
GGBFs. Repeated surveys of the site have only found one GGBF record on the subject
site south of the SWSOOS, which was recorded in 2001, near Spring Street wetland.
Coastal wetlands can provide habitat for a number of seabirds, water fowl and wading
birds. Landing Lights wetland offers foraging habitat for some species of migratory
waders. The gentle slope of the edges and the general shallowness of the water allow the
birds to walk and feed in the sediment. It is unlikely, however, that Landing Lights offers
any substantial breeding or roosting habitat for wading birds particularly as it is located in
an urban area that is frequented by dogs, cats and probably foxes.
Spring Street wetland may once also have offered some habitat for wading birds yet the
significant encroachment of mangroves in the wetland has dramatically altered its habitat
characteristics. The Spring Street wetland may be used by the occasional coot or heron
but in general it has low habitat value.
There is very limited habitat for Grey-headed Flying-foxes or microchiropteran bats south
of the SWSOOS. The wetlands may provide some foraging habitat for fishing species and
the patches of forest may provide some foraging habitat for insectivorous species.
Flowering plants occur such as banksias and Swamp Mahogany that would produce food
for the Grey-headed Flying-fox, however there are no Grey-headed Flying-fox camps on
the subject site, nor tree hollows or caves that would provide essential roosting habitat for
microchiropteran bat species. There are, however, structures such as the M5 and the
sports stadiums that may offer some habitat for bats that shelter in buildings and bridges.
Overall, although there may be some minor habitat features for bats, it is of low value and
would not support populations of these species.
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The presence of juvenile fish in the Spring Street wetland indicates that it may act as a
nursery to some estuarine fish. Spring Street wetland vegetation is now dominated by
mangroves and receives tidal flushing through pipes leading into the canal. Its role as a
fish nursery is likely to be minor considering the poor quality of the water, the restricted
tidal influx and the low abundance of fish using the canal.
3.3.3 Threatened and Significant Species
i. Amphibians
The Green and Golden Bell Frog was found on the Kogarah Golf Course and is listed
under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 as endangered and vulnerable
under the Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Protection Act 1999.
ii. Mammals
The Eastern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis) that is listed under the
Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 as vulnerable may have been detected during
bat surveys, however, there is minimal suitable habitat in the area for this species and it is
more likely to have been a more common species such as the Southern Forest Bat
(Vespadelus regulus). Although not detected, it is possible that the Grey-headed Flying-
fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) and Southern Myotis (Myotis macropus) forage occasionally
on the subject site.
iii. Birds
a. Woodland birds
Glossy Black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) and Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor)
have been recorded in the locality although have not been detected on the subject site.
There is no known breeding habitat for the Glossy Black-cockatoo or the Swift Parrot on
the site because there are no known hollows. The vegetation within the golf course and
the wetlands provides potential foraging habitat for these species.
Potential habitat for the Glossy Black-cockatoo includes the planted Swamp Oak
(Casuarina glauca) surrounding the wetlands. However, the primary food-source for this
species is the seeds of Forest Oak (Allocasuarina torulosa), Drooping She-oak (A.
verticillata) and Black She-oak (A. littoralis) in drier forest types on low nutrient soils. The
Swamp Oaks surrounding the wetlands are not likely to provide significant foraging habitat
for this species. While the proposal includes removal of some of these trees, more
individuals will be planted as part of the proposed rehabilitation and landscaping.
The Swift Parrot breeds only in Tasmania. Potential foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot
includes insects and nectar associated with tree and shrub plantings within the golf
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course. While some of this vegetation will be removed, trees and shrubs will be planted
within the new golf course. Consequently, there is not likely to be an overall loss of
foraging habitat for this species.
The Superb Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus superbus) and Regent Honeyeater (Xanthomyza
phrygia) have been recorded in the locality although have not been detected on the
subject site and the site is not likely to represent significant habitat for these species. No
breeding habitat for these species is present on the site. Potential foraging habitat
includes tree and shrub planting within the golf course and mangroves near the wetlands.
The Black-faced Monarch (Monarcha melanopis) is a summer breeding migrant to coastal
New South Wales. It has been recorded within 2km of the subject site.
b. Wading birds
During bird surveys of the subject site by Cumberland Ecology in 2005 one migratory
wader listed in the CAMBA agreement and the EPBC Act; the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, was
detected in Landing Lights Wetland. This species has also been recorded in the
Cumberland Bird Observers database and other survey work carried out across the site. A
Latham’s Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii) was recorded in the reedland adjacent to Landing
Lights wetland in 2007 surveys (CE 2008).
The Cumberland Bird Observers database is the most reliable source of recent and
accurate information on birds found in the locality as they have study sites at Kogarah,
Rockdale and Towra Point, and also gather data from other sources. Only the Great Egret
(Ardea alba) has been recorded within a 2 km radius of the subject site according to data
collected in 2005.
Extensive data exists on the birds of the Kogarah area, mainly due to the presence of
large wetlands nearby, particularly at Towra Point and Rockdale, which are actively
managed and protected conservation areas, studied by interest and research groups.
Towra Point is an important breeding area for a high diversity of bird species and is of
particular importance to migratory waders. For this reason there are a large number of
birds of conservation significance in the locality.
Records from previous studies that included the subject site also indicate that listed
migratory waders have utilised Spring Street, Landing Lights and Eve Street wetlands in
the past. However these habitats have become less suitable or unsuitable due to weed
invasion, the encroachment of mangroves (in the case of Spring Street wetland), planted
vegetation at the perimeters and the presence of M5 motorway (in the case of Eve Street
wetland).
The following EPBC listed migratory waders have been recorded on the subject site during
past studies, but may no longer occur due to the lack of recent records (Cumberland Bird
Observers Club Database, 2005):
Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus);
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Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus);
Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres);
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos);
Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris);
Sanderling (Calidris alba);
Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea);
Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongulus);
Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii); and
Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa).
The following wading birds listed by the TSC Act but not the EPBC Act were recorded on
the subject site in 1999 (Biosphere Environmental Consultants 2000) but have not been
recorded since:
Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus);
Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris); and
Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fulingosis).
Potential habitat may occur for these wading birds in Landing Lights wetlands.
No species listed under the Fisheries Management Act were detected.
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Chapter 44.
Impact Assessment
4.1 Impacts on Endangered Ecological Communities
4.1.1 Saltmarsh and reedland communities
The saltmarsh and reedland communities around Landing Lights wetland form a mosaic of
habitats, with saltmarsh occurring in the central hyper-saline areas of the wetland and a
complex of saltmarsh, reedland and exotic species occurring on the outer edges that are
fed by both fresh and saline water. These have been categorised into 4 main habitat
types, which are saltmarsh, reedland, saltmarsh/reedland complex, and reedland/exotic
complex where a high proportion of exotics occur (refer to vegetation descriptions in
previous chapter).
The Saltmarsh and Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains EECs in and surrounding
Landing Lights Wetland will be impacted by the proposal, with the removal of the southern
and western edges of the wetland, which will become part of the golf course under the
proposed development. The southern section of Landing Lights wetland is currently being
encroached by mangroves, which would otherwise have required selective removal under
a saltmarsh management plan to prevent the mangroves from becoming dominant. The
reedland to the west of Landing Lights wetland is considered to be of high conservation
significance, despite the large number of exotics occurring on higher patches of ground.
This area also provides habitat for migratory waders during the summer months. The
central area of the wetland, which is the main foraging area for waders, will not be affected
by the development and will be extended to the east where compensatory saltmarsh
habitat is being planted.
There will be an impact on saltmarsh and reedland communities during the construction
and re-planting period. However, currently the wetlands are unmanaged and suffer from
weed invasion, rubbish dumping and unrestricted access. The re-planting of wetland
areas across the site and their long-term management and protection will mitigate these
impacts in the long term. Additional environmental mitigation measures are also being
undertaken, such as site remediation and the improvement of water quality. These are
discussed in the following chapter.
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4.1
Figure 4.1. Golf Course Existing Water Bodies Plan
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The reedland/exotic complexes to the east of Landing Lights wetland will be removed.
These are not considered to be of high conservation value in their current form because of
their predominant dryness and the extensive exotic and woody species that occur in all but
the slightly damper areas. These patches of reedland and exotics have been found to be
utilised by common wetland and bushland birds and other common fauna species. A
mosaic of habitats is being created across the site including reedland, saltmarsh,
grassland, shrubland and woodland, which will provide an array of habitat for common
fauna. As noted above, extensive environmental improvements are taking place across
the site. As well as compensatory habitat, reeds and sedges will be planted throughout
the site in swales and golf course ponds.
The approved Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment that was submitted as part of the
concept plan in 2006 noted that 266m2 of saltmarsh, 2,171m2 of saltmarsh/reedland
complex and 14,476m2 of reedland/exotic complex would be removed as part of the
development, totalling 16,913m2 of total wetland habitat. This was to be replaced by
18,743m2 of managed saltmarsh and reedland habitats. The total area of compensatory
saltmarsh and reedland habitat now being created on site has increased to 19,093m2, of
which 13,210m2 will be saltmarsh and 5,883m2 will be reedland. Table 6.1 in the following
chapter shows the new size of compensatory habitat areas compared to the original ones
submitted in the previous flora and fauna impact assessment for comparison.
Detailed survey work has been carried out on the hydrology of Landing Lights wetland and
modelling undertaken to ensure that the hydrological patterns that occur within the wetland
will be similar before and after the development.
The Saltmarsh EEC at Eve Street Wetland lies outside of the development proposal and
will not be affected by the proposed development. The ‘rough’ areas of grass surrounding
the fairways on the new golf course will lie adjacent to the fringing vegetation around Eve
Street Wetland and will be planted with the same native species that already occur around
the wetland. Strict guidelines on the use of fertilisers and herbicides across the golf
course will ensure that nutrient run-off from the golf course is kept to a minimum.
4.2 Impacts on Other Vegetation
4.2.1 Mangroves
Mangroves are being removed along the southern section of Landing Lights wetland as
noted above and continued mangrove removal will form part of the ongoing management
plan for Landing Lights wetland. As noted in the previous Flora and Fauna Impact
Assessment, 2,258m2 of mangroves (measured by canopy cover) will be removed from
the southern end of Landing Lights wetland.
Patches of mangroves are also being removed in other parts of the site (they have
naturally grown around existing golf course ponds and other ditches), including an
additional 505m2 on and adjacent to SACL land, of which 90m2 (based on canopy cover)
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forms part of this DA Application (the remaining 415m2 to be removed will be subject to a
separate application).
New areas for mangrove colonisation are being built along the Cooks River as part of the
riparian corridor that is being created. This includes setting aside an area of 2,754m2
(previously 2,640m2) for mangrove colonisation, which represents an estimated canopy
cover of 3,672m2 (based on the assumption that canopy width would cover approximately
1/3 more ground space than the actual area of land that has been set aside for
colonisation). Some pruning of mangroves will be required in Spring Street wetland. A
licence will be applied for at the appropriate time for this action.
The installation of a cut-off wall adjacent to Spring Street wetland to prevent contamination
from entering the wetland (see below) is likely to necessitate the removal of individual
mangroves. Again, a licence will be applied for at the appropriate time.
4.2.2 Artificial Woodland
Detailed land contamination tests have found that extensive contamination occurs
throughout the southern portion of the site. As part of the development, prior to
construction, extensive remediation works will be carried out across the site. This includes
capping the central portion of the site and running a retaining wall along the eastern side
of Spring Street wetland in order to contain leachate which is currently entering the
waterways through the groundwater. Contamination extends right up to the boundary of
the wetland. Therefore, a strip of artificial woodland approximately 100m long by 12m wide
needs to be removed in order to drop the retaining wall in and contain the contamination.
After the work has been carried out (which is estimated to take a couple of months)
woodland will be re-planted in this area. Therefore there are not considered to be any
long term impacts on the artificial woodland resulting from this. During construction, best
practice measures to prevent siltation and run-off will be employed.
Some artificial woodland is also being removed from the northern (to accommodate for the
Driving Range) and south-western ends (to accommodate for the 16th hole) of the wetland
as well as planted trees adjacent to this at the entrance of the current driving range.
These areas do not offer any significant habitat for fauna and their removal is unlikely to
impact on the wetland or any threatened fauna species. Woodland habitat is being planted
throughout the golf course and along the Cooks River.
Small, isolated patches of planted and regenerating trees will also be removed under this
DA. These are not considered to have any significant value for flora and fauna and would
only serve as occasional foraging habitat for urban-adapted birds and reptiles. Extensive
areas of woodland are being planted across the golf course and Open Space land and the
removal of any current plantings is not likely to cause any impact on threatened or native
flora and fauna.
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4.3 Impacts on Threatened Fauna
4.3.1 Migratory Waders
Migratory waders are likely to be impacted by the proposal, due to the modification of
Landing Lights wetland. This wetland currently provides foraging areas for migratory
waders, and limited breeding habitat for non-migratory species, but is subject to urban run-
off and disturbance from dogs and does not offer any primary roosting/nesting habitat.
The main foraging areas around the mud flats will not be affected by the development.
The removal of mangroves and establishment of low ground cover (i.e. golf course and
‘rough’ areas) is likely to increase the use of saltmarsh by wading birds in the longer term.
To minimise impacts to waders, construction in the vicinity of Landing Lights wetland will
only occur outside of the main migratory wader season (i.e. from April to mid August).
It is not envisaged that use of the fairway by golfers would increase disturbance levels at
the wetland, which is currently impacted by constant intermittent noise from overhead
aircraft and members of the public walking their dogs. The fairway and surrounding rough
areas will form a vegetated buffer around the wetland.
i. SACL submission
A submission from SACL (Sydney Airport Corporation Limited) in response to the Stage 1
Development Application noted that the following measures should be taken on the site to
discourage birds from inhabiting it:
The entire development area should only be planted with non-bird attracting plant
species;
Bird habitats should be actively discouraged and all ponds and detention basins
netted;
All rubbish bin receptacles should be designed to discourage vermin and birds.
The first two points are directly opposed to DECCW’s conditions of consent and the intent
of SREP 33 to ensure the long term management of the environmental values of the site.
Neither the wetlands on site nor the current golf course ponds are netted at present.
Moving the golf course slightly south of its current location is unlikely to have any effect
either way on the types and numbers of birds that forage across it, as all are common
species (such as Australian Ibis, Indian Myna) and forage widely across urban areas.
The creation of new saltmarsh and reedland areas on the site may cause a slight change
in the composition or number of wetland birds on site but this is unlikely to alter any
current threats of bird strike to planes. The site does not function as breeding habitat for
wetland birds at present and it is unlikely to do so in the future whilst nearby areas such as
Towra Point offer extensive protected breeding grounds. Therefore bird traffic is not likely
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to change significantly from the current situation. Netting of the wetlands would have a
significant impact on the birds that currently use it as foraging habitat.
Rubbish receptacles on site are being designed to discourage vermin and birds.
4.3.2 Green and Golden Bell Frog
The RTA ponds which are used by the Green and Golden Bell Frog for breeding lie
outside the development zone and will not be directly affected by the development. Some
indirect impacts will occur during construction when a part of the golf course will be fenced
off for construction purposes. The Section below describes the management of GGBFs
during construction in more detail. No long-term impact is expected to occur on GGBFs
and the population is expected to expand into the additional breeding and foraging areas
that will be created for the frogs as part of the environmental outcomes of the development
(refer to section 5.17 ii).
i. Construction activities
With regard to GGBF management during actual construction, the approved GGBF Plan of
Management notes (in Section 6.1.1) that it provides general plans for the management of
GGBFs but that a detailed management protocol and contingency plan (referred to here as
the GGBF Construction Plan) will be produced at the detailed design phase of the project
to deal with the detailed management of GGBFs prior to and during construction.
The GGBF Construction Plan adheres to the same general principles that are outlined in
the approved GGBF Management Plan with regard to construction, including the erection
of frog exclusion fencing, conducting pre-construction clearance surveys and ongoing
surveys during construction. Some details have been altered to reflect updated staging
plans, incorporate stage 1 conditions of consent or as a result of ongoing discussions with
DECCW. These do not alter any assessment of impacts on GGBFs and the objectives of
the approved Stage 1 GGBF Management Plan remain unchanged. The broad changes
are noted below. Specific information concerning updated staging plans and timings for
frog clearance are outlined in the GGBF Construction Plan:
The approved GGBF Management Plan stated that tadpoles and spawn from
Taronga Zoo (the zoo holds some captive frogs from the Arncliffe population)
and/or the RTA ponds would be transferred to the new breeding ponds on the
south of the site to ‘seed’ the ponds and that a captive breeding programme would
also take place as a contingency plan. However, discussions with DECCW
indicated that the transfer of spawn or tadpoles from the north of the site to the
south, or from a captive population would not be a desired option as it may have
unknown genetic consequences and the Dept. would prefer a “hands off”
approach. Following DECCW’s comments, construction staging was altered to
minimise impacts on GGBFs by using an approach that disturbed the frogs as little
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as possible. This made the need to create a contingency captive population
redundant. Therefore this has been omitted from the Stage 2 plans. Seeding of
the new ponds may be revisited with DECCW at a later date, depending on the
results of ongoing monitoring.
Similarly, the Stage 1 GGBF Plan of Management stated that the RTA ponds
would be fenced in during construction and that any GGBFs found foraging on the
golf course during pre-clearance surveys would be transferred back to the fenced
RTA ponds. Following discussions with DECCW, the staging of construction was
updated to incorporate the following mitigation measures to negate the need to
fence the RTA ponds themselves:
each construction area on the golf course would be fenced in rather than the
RTA frog ponds, so that GGBFs had access to golf course foraging areas at
all times. Any GGBFs found during pre-clearance surveys will now be placed
outside the fenced construction area in similar habitat within the DA
boundaries
a small area adjacent to the RTA ponds has been brought forward to Stage 1
construction, so that when Stage 2 takes place, this area will have already
been completed, allowing GGBF’s to have a wider access route to the rest of
the golf course from the RTA ponds.
The Stage 2 DA does not include construction of the Trade and Technology Zone,
therefore a maximum of one third of the current golf course will be fenced off to
GGBFs during construction (between April 2012 and October 2012, with pre-
clearance frog surveys starting beginning of March) providing them with access to
the rest of the site for foraging during this time.
The measures outlined above are considered to greatly reduce the potential impacts on
GGBFs during construction.
4.3.3 Woodland and Golf Course Habitat
A small area of foraging habitat for threatened bat species; Eastern Bent-wing Bat, Grey-
headed Flying-fox and Southern Myotis, will be removed by the Proposal. Foraging
habitat for these bats does, however, occur throughout the locality, as they are highly
mobile and opportunistic feeders. Foraging habitat will remain on the subject site and
additional areas of habitat will be created through mitigation measures.
Roosting/maternity habitat is not present on the subject site and these species are not
likely to depend on the subject site for anything other than occasional foraging habitat.
No other threatened species associated with woodland/golf course habitats have been
located on the subject site and any marginal potential habitat that may occur for woodland
birds such as the Glossy Black-cockatoo will be replanted throughout the new golf course
and the new riparian woodland.
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4.4 Other Impacts
4.4.1 Spring Street Wetland
As noted in Section 5.2.2, extensive contamination issues on site require the placement of
a cut-off wall adjacent to Spring Street wetland to stop leachate in the groundwater from
entering into waterways. Contaminants occur right up to the edge of the wetland and
therefore, in order to carry out this process, the artificial woodland that has been planted
on the eastern side will need to be removed and some excavation required in order to get
the right machinery in place to drop in the cut-off wall.
No excavation will be carried out within the tidal extent of the wetland and the appropriate
measures will be employed to prevent siltation and run-off into the wetland during
construction activities.
Submerged groundwater-flows from the central section of the site generally run to the
south and east and therefore the placement of the cut-off wall will have minimum impact
on groundwater-flows into the wetland, particularly as groundwater tends to flow into
Spring Street wetland from the north currently. After construction activities, a bio-retention
swale will be constructed around the wetland (as with all significant water bodies) at the
top of the slope to strip nutrients and chemicals from run-off before it enters wetland areas.
This forms part of the pollution mitigation process across the site to improve the quality of
water entering the waterways.
The construction process is likely to take a couple of months, after which the area will be
re-planted with woodland species. Other than the temporary removal of habitat for
common terrestrial fauna adjacent to the wetland, the impacts on the wetland itself and
aquatic fauna within it are likely to be negligible. Freshwater inputs into the wetland are
likely to increase marginally due to the swale draining into them, which will help to
maintain aerobic activity in the wetland (the northern section is currently anaerobic).
However, essentially Spring Street is a saline wetland and any marginal changes to
groundwater inputs will be negligible, particularly with the measures proposed to increase
tidal flushing into the wetland.
4.4.2 Nutrients and Run-off
The use of fertiliser and herbicide on the golf course will be restricted and used only in
accordance with guidelines drawn up in the golf course maintenance manual (Appendix E
of the Wetland Environmental Management Plan). These include limiting fertiliser use
around wetlands and only using organic fertiliser products within 15m of wetland areas.
No herbicides will be used within 5m of all wetland areas. Additional measures to reduce
run-off across the site will mean that the current pollutant loads entering wetland areas will
be substantially reduced.
The risk of tidal flows inundating the wetlands will remain the same as it currently stands
(a 1 in 200 hundred year risk according to Rockdale City Council Flood Planning Levels).
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Tidal flows into and out of wetlands will not be altered with the exception of Spring Street
wetland which will benefit from increased tidal flushing as discussed in the previous
section.
4.4.3 Cooks River and Muddy Creek
i. Foreshore Cycle Path Link
A new bridge is required for the Bay-to-Bay cycle path along the Cooks River foreshore at
the location of the SWSOOS and M5 tunnel. This connection will require the use of RTA
and SACL land. This DA does not include for any works on SACL land. This DA does
include the approach paths on RTA/foreshore land and up to the boundary with SACL
land.
There are two options for the SWSOOS crossing. These are nominated as Bridge 13 and
Bridge 14.
Bridge 14 would be fully located within SACL land, and therefore fully subject to a
separate application and approval. Impacts are likely to be minimal for Bridge 14 and
involve the removal of exotic grass and some mangroves.
Bridge 13 would require the reconstruction of the existing sea wall structure to create an
improved footing/embankment at the foreshore. The works associated with this option are
primarily located in SACL land, and do not form part of this proposal. However a portion of
the embankment would involve works below the high water line, in the Cooks River, and
therefore subject to approval by the Department of Lands. As such, this portion of work is
included in this Open Space DA, as it is a critical component of the project in terms of
completing the overall bridge to bridge cycle path.
The proposed works within the river are expected to include the laying of a new rock and
rip rap embankment. Options would include excavation and replacement, cement
stabilisation, and placement of paralink over the silt. Further design and investigations
(including embankment stability assessment as required) would be undertaken at the
detailed design stage.
Potential impacts include sedimentation and erosion and exposure of acid sulphate soils.
Specific control measures during construction will be undertaken in accordance with an
erosion and sediment control plan. Issues such as acid sulphate soils are well
documented for the site and all works will be undertaken in accordance with an acid
sulphate soils management plan.
In terms of vegetation removal, the area of construction primarily consists of exotic grass
and occasional mangroves and is not considered to be of ecological significance,
particularly as other parts of the Cooks River will be designed to encourage mangrove
colonisation and provide potential nursery habitat for fish.
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Therefore the main potential impacts are likely to be to aquatic ecology during the
construction phase. However, as long as sediment and erosion control and acid sulphate
soils plans are adhered to, impacts to aquatic ecology are likely to be minimal.
The ecological significance of the Cooks River will be improved due to the construction of
inlets along its banks to allow mangroves to colonise. There will also be a planted riparian
corridor running along the bank of the Cooks River behind the mangrove plantings, which
will include native species such as Swamp Oak and Swamp Mahogany. This will vary
between 15m-22m in width. Mangroves have naturally established along the banks of
Muddy Creek and these will be retained under the proposed development. Therefore it is
not envisaged that there will be a detrimental ecological impact on either of these water
bodies. The quality of water draining into the Cooks River will improve due to the
extensive remediation that is taking place across the site.
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Chapter 55.
Mitigation Measures
5.1 Mitigation Measures
The approved Wetland Environmental Management Plan (CE 2006b) and Green and
Golden Bell Frog Management Plan (CE 2006c) outline measures that will be taken to
improve all wetland areas within Cooks Cove and habitat for the Green and Golden Bell
Frog. For full details of management issues and long-term plans for monitoring and
management of the site, please refer to the approved plans. The mitigation measures
outlined in these plans are summarised below.
5.1.1 Endangered Ecological Communities
As noted in the previous section, some areas of Saltmarsh and Freshwater wetland EECs
will be removed as part of the development. The saltmarsh and saltmarsh/reedland
complex to be removed largely occurs along the southern end of the wetland, which is
being encroached by mangroves and on higher ground by exotic species such as Ipomoea
indica (Morning Glory). Reedland largely occurs to the west of Landing Lights between
the central saline area and the adjacent market gardens. Patches of reedland/exotic
species also occur to the east. The central, hyper-saline saltmarsh habitat that forms the
main migratory wader foraging area is being preserved and extended to the east. Even in
this central area, upper saltmarsh is dominated by the exotic Juncus acutus (Spiny Rush)
which will be removed as part of an on-going weed removal and restoration programme.
Landing Lights wetland is also being conserved in-perpetuity under a positive covenant.
i. Minimising Impacts on EECs
Prior to works around wetland areas, suitable construction fencing will be erected to
ensure that areas of wetland to be preserved are not encroached upon by construction
activities. Standard measures will also be implemented to protect waterways from siltation
and run-off, as outlined in the Soil and Water Management Plan.
Detailed hydrological studies have been carried out at Landing Lights wetland to model the
way in which the wetland currently functions to ensure that a similar hydrological system
can be replicated within the new development. Additionally, detailed mapping of the
saltmarsh habitat has taken place and the information from the survey and modelling has
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been used to design the new areas of saltmarsh habitat that are being created. Based on
this information, a trial saltmarsh area was created in September 2008 on the current golf
course to pilot the design of new saltmarsh areas and to test different management and
planting regimes. This has now been running for almost 2 years (with no maintenance for
the past 18 months) and has been approved as being successful by the saltmarsh expert,
Geoff Sainty, who will also supervise and advise on all reconstruction works on site.
Further research will also be carried out on the trial to determine the exact preferential tidal
levels for the different saltmarsh species. This information will provide further detail to
inform the construction and planting of new saltmarsh areas across the site.
The trial saltmarsh area and the monitoring of it, was created in consultation with the Dept.
of Primary Industries (Fisheries) and is currently (as at June 2010) waiting final approval
from the Dept.
ii. Ameliorative Measures
16,913m2 of saltmarsh, reedland and reedland/exotic complexes are being removed by
the development, which will be replaced by 19,093m2 of compensatory saltmarsh and
reedland habitat. Seeds from wetland plants have been collected from the site and are
being propagated in a nursery ready to re-plant in the areas of compensatory habitat.
The existing wetland areas and the newly created ones will be subject to an ongoing
monitoring, weed removal and management programme. The monitoring programme has
been drawn-up in consultation with an independent wetland specialist and the Department
of Primary Industries (Fisheries). Baseline wetland surveys began in 2008 and will
continue in 2010 prior to construction taking place The monitoring plan includes Key
Performance Indicators that need to be achieved (such as a minimum cover of native
species and maximum cover of exotic species).
Some of the management issues that are currently impacting Landing Lights wetland
include encroachment by mangroves and weeds, rubbish dumping (including asbestos at
the southern end of the site) and unlimited access by members of the public and dogs.
Ameliorative measures that will take place to improve the wetland are summarised below:
Removal of mobile rubbish from the wetland;
Improving the quality of water entering wetland areas through site remediation and
pollution control activities;
On-going removal of mangroves under a management licence;
Limiting public access to the area and banning dogs from the golf course;
Implementing a weed control programme;
Erecting a low fence around the wetland and declaring it an out-of-play area to
deter golfers from entering it;
5.3
FINAL REPORT
28 JUNE 2010
Erecting environmental interpretation boards explaining the importance of the
wetland area;
Creating additional saltmarsh to the east of the Landing Lights wetland and in
other areas around the subject site; and
Implementing monitoring and maintenance of the wetland to ensure that the
integrity of the saltmarsh is maintained.
5.1.2 Spring Street Wetland
Spring Street wetland is a mangrove wetland surrounded by artificial/planted woodland. In
its current form it is polluted and has become anaerobic at its northern end. As such it is
of little value in terms of conservation significance or as habitat for aquatic fauna. The
vegetation communities and habitat value of the wetland have been discussed in previous
sections of this report. Ameliorative measures for the site include rehabilitating this
wetland by implementing actions to stop pollution. In summary, the ameliorative measures
for Spring Street wetland include:
The wetland and surrounding area will be cleared of mobile rubbish;
A cut-off wall will be inserted along the eastern edge of the wetland to prevent
leachate from the adjacent landfill site from entering the waterways;
Woodland will be re-planted along the areas that are required to be cleared for
insertion of the cut-off wall;
A bio-retention swale will be constructed around the wetland at the top of the
slope to strip excess nutrients from run-off before it enters the wetland;
The concrete pipes feeding the wetland will be cleaned out to increase tidal
flushing between the Cooks River and Spring Street wetland. This will aerate the
wetland and improve the ability of the wetland to act as a nursery for juvenile fish;
and
The wetland will be subject to monitoring and management.
5.1.3 Long-term Monitoring and Management of the Wetlands
The rough areas around the wetlands and within the golf course will be managed by
Kogarah Golf Club personnel on an on-going basis in accordance with the stipulations
outlined in the maintenance manual. This includes provisions that stipulate the avoidance
of herbicide/fertiliser near wetlands areas, mowing regulations, weed control and regular
water quality testing.
5.4
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28 JUNE 2010
Management of wetland areas will be conducted by bush regeneration consultants for the
first three years during the initial intensive monitoring and habitat establishment phase. In
the longer-term, the golf club will be obliged to employ a suitably qualified and licensed
member of staff to oversee the management of wetland areas on an ongoing basis.
5.1.4 Cooks River and New Riparian Zone
Currently, exotic grassland adjoins the western bank of the Cooks River in the majority of
places within the site, with the bank itself consisting of a rock wall. This will be replaced by
a riparian corridor, varying in width from 15-22m and the creation of mangrove inlets along
parts of the river bank to provide additional fish nursery habitat and increase habitat
diversity for a range of aquatic invertebrates. The native-woodland and shrubland planting
along the corridor will provide additional fauna habitat for common species that are known
to utilise the site and potentially for threatened, wide ranging bat species such as the
Grey-headed Flying-fox as well as insectivorous species. The riparian corridor will also
function as a pedestrian walk-way/cycle-way to allow members of the public to enjoy the
recreational space.
5.1.5 Muddy Creek
Mangroves have naturally established along the banks of Muddy Creek and these will be
retained under the proposed development. The quality of water draining into the Cooks
River will improve over time due to the pollution control and water filtering mechanisms
that will be constructed as part of the development.
5.1.6 Other Vegetation
The habitat corridors running throughout the golf course will be planted with local native
vegetation. This will include incorporating species characteristic of Swamp Oak Forest,
Dune Forest and native shrub and heath species across the new golf course. The design
of the new golf course has incorporated ecological requirements wherever possible and
out-of-play areas have been designed in conjunction with ecologists. This includes
incorporating ecological principles within the design such as:
Maximising the structural diversity of vegetation so it is suitable for a range of
fauna species;
Incorporating flowering trees and shrubs that provide food for species such as the
Grey-headed Flying-fox;
Planting lower-growing species in proximity to Landing Lights wetland to improve
habitat conditions for migratory waders;
Incorporating central, shallow pooled areas within the new saltmarsh zones, to
increase foraging habitat for wading birds;
5.5
FINAL REPORT
28 JUNE 2010
Constructing vegetated swales across the site to improve water quality entering
wetlands and damp vegetated corridors to provide additional movement corridors
for GGBFs; and
Creating GGBF breeding and foraging ponds.
The Open Space Plan of Management provides detailed landscape plans for the entire
site. Figure 5.1 below shows where the newly created wetland areas and GGBF breeding
ponds will be located on the site.
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5.1
Figure 5.1. Golf Course Proposed Bodies Water Plan
Gri
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5.7
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28 JUNE 2010
5.1.7 Threatened Fauna
i. Migratory Waders
a. Minimising impacts on migratory waders
Works in the vicinity of Landing Lights wetland will only be carried out during the winter
months when migratory waders are not present at the site. A no-construction zone will be
implemented around Landing Lights at other times, with light construction only allowed in
the area immediately surrounding the no-construction zone (refer to 5.2).
b. Ameliorative measures
Section 5.1.1 outlines the mitigation measures that will be implemented for saltmarsh and
freshwater wetland EECs on site. The newly created areas of saltmarsh and reedland will
provide new habitat areas for migratory waders.
ii. Green and Golden Bell Frogs
a. Minimising impacts on GGBFs
A large area of 6,367m2 has been set aside for GGBF breeding habitat on site, including
breeding ponds both north and south of the SWSOOS, various foraging ponds, shelter
habitat and movement corridors. It is expected that the GGBF will thrive in these
conditions, and expand into these new areas, particularly as the breeding ponds will be
managed specifically for the GGBF and herbicide and fertiliser application will be
minimised near pond areas.
A plan for the management of GGBFs during construction (CE 2008) was prepared and
submitted to DECCW for comments in August 2008. The plan has been updated to reflect
current construction staging and timings. The aims of the plan are to minimise impacts to
the frogs during the construction process by carrying out construction in a series of stages
to allow GGBFs constant access to breeding, foraging and shelter habitat. Construction
areas are to be fenced and pre-clearance surveys carried out to ensure that all frogs have
been removed from construction areas before work begins. Cumberland Ecology has
received comments from DECCW and incorporated them into the plan where feasible.
b. Ameliorative measures
Newly created golf course ponds will be planted with reeds and emergent vegetation to
make them attractive to wildlife. 6,367m2 of new breeding ponds will be created as habitat
for the GGBF. These ponds have been designed in line with specific guidelines provided
by herpetologist Dr. Arthur White. Emergent and fringing vegetation will also be planted in
5.8
FINAL REPORT
28 JUNE 2010
other ponds around the golf course to provide extensive foraging habitat for the frogs.
Additionally, the creation of vegetated swales across the site and damp habitat corridors
will provide movement corridors for frogs and other wildlife. A maintenance manual has
been drawn up that outlines environmental management practices for the golf course.
This includes standards for minimising herbicide and fertiliser use close to pond areas
(refer to the Golf Course Maintenance Manual prepared by Golf by Design). Long term
monitoring of the GGBF on site, and management of GGBF ponds, will ensure that Key
Threatening Processes such as the presence of Mosquito Fish, will be eliminated. The
GGBF Management Plan (CE 2006c) provides further details on the long-term monitoring
and management of GGBFs on the site.
5.1.8 Minimising Impacts on Local Community Groups
It is recognised that Landing Lights wetland is an important bird watching area for
members of the public and the public will be allowed to continue to visit the wetland by
arrangement with the golf club. Cumberland Bird Observers Club have been monitoring
and recording bird activity in the area for some time and it is important to allow them
access to continue to do so, whilst ensuring that safety considerations are paramount. To
this end, a bird hide is being constructed at the northern end of Landing Lights wetland to
allow bird watchers to safely observe the birds.
5.2 Variations in areas of compensatory habitat from the previous Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment
Since the approval of the previous development application, the impacts to threatened
species and communities have not altered, other than mitigation measures introduced to
further minimise impacts to GGBFs during construction (refer to Section 4.3.2.i). Changes
that have been made between submission of the previous flora and fauna impact
assessment and this one have been necessitated by detailed design investigations and as
a result of feedback from DECCW. These are:
The removal of artificial woodland along the northern section to accommodate the
Driving Range and eastern side of Spring Street wetland and in order to insert a
retaining wall that prevents leachate from entering wetland areas and waterways
This will be re-planted with woodland species once the site remediation measures
have been completed;
The removal of an additional 90m2 of mangroves, based on canopy cover
(corresponds to mangrove removal for the Open Space DA. An additional 415m2
will be removed on SACL land under a separate DA Application. 9,055m2 of
existing mangroves will be retained on the site).
An adjustment to the public cycle path route, which involves some additional
construction works to the banks of the Cooks River;
5.9
FINAL REPORT
28 JUNE 2010
Areas of compensatory habitat have been modified to take into account
engineering requirements, flood modelling etc. and to maximise the amount of
compensatory habitat that is provided. This has resulted in an increase to all
compensatory habitat areas, as follows:
Table 5.1 Changes made to compensatory habitat areas
Habitat Type Compensatory
Habitat Stage 1
Approved DA (m2)
Compensatory
Habitat Proposed
DA (m2)
Change (m2)
Saltmarsh 13,210 13,210 0
Reedland 5,533 5,883 +350
GGBF Breeding Ponds 5,821 6,367 +546
Primary Foraging Ponds
(freshwater)
6,480 7,516 +1,036
Secondary Foraging Ponds
(brackish or saline)
3,341 6,956 +3,615
Mangroves 2,640 2,754 +114
Total 37,025 42,686 +5,661
5.3 Assessments of Significance
Assessments of Significance have been carried out for Saltmarsh and Freshwater Wetland
EECs and a range of threatened fauna species (refer to Appendix D). The Assessments
of Significance conclude that in the short-term, significant impacts have been predicted on
some TSC and EPBC listed species and endangered ecological communities. However,
the ameliorative measures and long term monitoring and management that will be carried
out across the site will conserve and enhance habitat for such species and communities in
the long-term.
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5.2
Figure 5.2. Works during the migratory wader season
Coordinate System: MGA Zone 56 (GDA 94)
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No Works
Light working only
25 0 25 50 75 100 m
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5.2
Figure 5.2. Works during the migratory wader season
Coordinate System: MGA Zone 56 (GDA 94)
Gri
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No Works
Light working only
25 0 25 50 75 100 m
6.1
FINAL REPORT
28 JUNE 2010
Chapter 66.
Conclusion
Currently the Cooks Cove site consists of a number of man-made/heavily altered wetland
areas that have been constructed, or in the case of the Landing Lights wetland,
incidentally formed next to a waste dumping site. None of these areas are actively
managed at present.
Development of the golf course is not likely to cause a significant impact on either of the
Marsh Street or Eve Street wetlands, which lie outside of the subject site. Spring Street
wetland will be impacted upon, with the temporary removal of artificial woodland along its
eastern edge and the removal of individual mangroves where required. However, the
ecological value of this wetland is low - it is polluted, overgrown and receives limited tidal
flushing from the canal at present. The ameliorative measures that will be put in place to
rehabilitate this wetland (including increasing tidal flushing and sealing off the adjacent
landfill site so that leachate does not seep into the water-course) will greatly improve the
ecological value of this wetland for aquatic fauna. Some artificial woodland is also being
removed from the northern and south-western ends of the wetland. These areas do not
offer any significant habitat for fauna and their removal is unlikely to impact on the wetland
itself. Woodland habitat is being planted throughout the golf course and along the Cooks
River.
There will be an impact on the Landing Lights wetland, with the removal of some
saltmarsh and reedland along the southern and western sides. Certainly in the short-term
this will be significant and will reduce the amount of habitat available to wading birds,
particularly until the newly created areas have grown in. Construction around the wetland
will be timed so that it does not coincide with the season for migratory waders in order to
minimise disturbance. With the creation of new areas of saltmarsh, in the future the site
will offer a larger area of habitat available to waders. Currently the saltmarsh is open to
the public and not protected in any way. Incorporating these habitats into the golf course
will provide an enhanced level of protection from disturbance, dumping and trampling.
There will be an impact on the foraging habitat of the Green and Golden Bell Frog during
the construction phase of the development, although their current breeding ponds will not
be affected. A plan for the management of GGBFs during construction has been
prepared. This includes measures to reduce impacts on the frogs’ foraging habitat by
developing the golf course land in a series of stages to allow continued access to foraging
habitat throughout the construction period, and by carrying out pre-clearance surveys in
each area prior to construction. Additionally, this Stage 2 DA does not include
construction of the Trade and Technology Zone and therefore the frogs will have access to
6.2
FINAL REPORT
28 JUNE 2010
the majority of the golf course at all times. The new golf course will provide large areas of
new breeding habitat both north and south of the SWSOOS, as well as providing
additional freshwater foraging ponds and shelter sites. Vegetated corridors throughout the
site will improve connectivity between breeding and foraging areas. Thus the habitat
available to this population of Green and Golden Bell Frogs will be dramatically enhanced
and exist over a much wider area. This should allow the population to expand into these
areas in the future.
The ecological value of the Cooks River will be improved, with mangroves and a riparian
habitat corridor being planted along the river bank. Water quality entering the Cooks River
and Muddy Creek will be improved through preventing leachate from seeping into the
waterways and other ameliorative measures put in place to minimise and treat run-off from
the site.
In the short-term, significant impacts have been predicted on TSC and EPBC listed
species and endangered ecological communities (as demonstrated in Appendix D).
However, the long term monitoring of GGBFs, the on-going management of GGBF
breeding ponds and EEC wetlands, the creation of new saltmarsh and reedland areas and
the creation of a covenant that will conserve Landing Lights wetland in-perpetuity, will
conserve and enhance habitat for threatened species and communities in the long-term.
It is recommended that a formal agreement is signed by the Golf Club and developer to
ensure that they are fully aware of their long-term ecological responsibilities.
FINAL REPORT
28 JUNE 2010
References
Benson, D., Ondinea, D., and Bear, V. (1999) Missing Jigsaw Pieces: The Bushplants
of the Cooks Cove Valley. Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney.
Biosis Research (2001) Natural and Cultural Heritage Issues and Constraints for the
Cooks Cove Master Plan Prepared for Hassel Pty. Ltd. Biosis Research, Sydney.
Biosphere Environmental Consultants (2000) Rockdale Flora and Fauna Study
Biosphere Environmental Consultants, Sydney.
CE (2006a) Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment. Prepared for Boyd Cook Cove.
Cumberland Ecology.
CE (2006b) Wetlands Environmental Management Plan. Prepared for Boyd Cook
Cove. Cumberland Ecology.
CE (2006c) Green and Golden Bell Frog Management Plan Prepared for Boyd Cook
Cove. Cumberland Ecology.
CE (2008) Pre-clearance Survey Report. Prepared for Boyd Cook Cove. Cumberland
Ecology.
CE (2009) Green and Golden Bell Frog Monitoring Programme Prepared for Boyd
Cook Cove. Cumberland Ecology.
Clouston (2000) Rockdale Wetlands and Recreation Corridor Management Strategy:
Review of Draft Rockdale Wetlands and Recreation Corridor, Plan of Management
1989 Prepared for Rockdale City Council. Clouston, Sydney.
DEC (NSW) (2004) Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment: Guidelines for
Development and Activities. Working Draft. Department of Environment and
Conservation (NSW), Sydney.
DEC (NSW) (2005a) Atlas of NSW Wildlife
http://wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wildlifeatlas/watlas.jsp
DEC (NSW) (2005b) Draft Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea (Lesson 1829)
Recovery Plan Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), Hurstville.
ERM (2001) Cooks Cove: Eight Part Tests Prepared for Sydney Harbour Foreshore .
ERM.
Hassell (2001a) Cooks Cove Master Plan: Volume 4 - Appendices Prepared for
Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. Hassell, Sydney.
6.4
FINAL REPORT
28 JUNE 2010
Hassell (2001b) Cooks Cove Master Plan: Volume 2 - Background Report Prepared for
Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. Hassell, Sydney.
Hassell (2001c) Cooks Cove Master Plan: Volume 3 - Traffic Management Plan
Prepared for Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. Hassell, Sydney.
Hill PDA (2001) Cooks Cover Master Plan "Airport City - Gateway Enterprise Zone'
Prepared for Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. Hill PDA, Sydney.
Land Systems Pty Ltd (1989) Rockdale Wetlands and Recreational Corridor: Draft
Plan of Management Prepared for Rockdale Municipal Council and the Department of
Planning . Land Systems Pty Ltd, Woollahra, Sydney.
Lissimore, D., Lemon, M., Lank, D. B., Butler, R. W., and Ydenberg, R. C. (1999) Large
and consistent body mass differences of migrant calidris sandpipers at adjacent
stopover sites: phenomenon and possible explanations Wader Study Group Bulletin
88: 55-58.
NSW Scientific Committee (2004a) Coastal saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast, Sydney
Basin and South East Corner bioregions - endangered ecological community listing
Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstvile.
NSW Scientific Committee (2004b) Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains of the
NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions - endangered
ecological community listing Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW),
Hurstville.
NSW Scientific Committee (2004c) Predation by the plague minnow (Gambusia
holbrooki) - key threatening process declaration Department of Environment &
Conservation (NSW), Hurstville.
Pyke, G. H. and White, A. W. (1999) Dynamics of co-occurring frog species in three
ponds utilised by the endangered green and golden bell frog Litoria aurea Australian
Zoologist 31: 12-31.
6.1
FINAL REPORT
28 JUNE 2010
Appendix A
A.
Threatened Flora and Fauna and Likelihood of Occurrence on the Subject Site
Table A.1 THREATENED PLANTS AND THEIR LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE ON THE SUBJECT SITE
Scientific Name Common Name EPBC Act Legal Status
TSC Act Legal Status
Count (Rockdale LGA)
Habitat Requirements Likelihood of occurrence
Acacia pubescens Downy Wattle V V 1 Occurs on alluviums, shales and at the intergrade between shales and sandstones. Occur in open woodland and forest, including Cooks River/Castlereagh Ironbark Forest, Shale/Gravel Transition Forest and Cumberland Plain Woodland.
No suitable habitat within the subject land. Not recorded during flora survey.
Acacia terminalis subsp. terminalis
Sunshine Wattle E E1 1 Coastal scrub and dry sclerophyll woodland on sandy soils . Habitat is generally sparse and scattered. Very limited distribution between Botany Bay to the northern foreshore of Port Jackson.
No suitable habitat within the subject land. Not recorded during flora survey.
Caladenia tessellata Thick-lipped Spider Orchid
V E Generally found in grassy sclerophyll woodland on clay loam or sandy soils, though the population near Braidwood is in low woodland with stony soil.
No suitable habitat within the subject land. Not recorded during flora survey.
Melaleuca deanei Deane's Paperbark
V V 1 The species grows in heath on sandstone. Occurs in two distinct areas, in the Ku-ring-gai/Berowra and Holsworthy/Wedderburn areas respectively. There are also more isolated occurrences at Springwood (in the Blue Mountains), Wollemi National Park, Yalwal (
No suitable habitat within the subject land. Not recorded during flora survey.
Syzygium paniculatum
Magenta Lilly Pilly
V V 1 On the south coast the Magenta Lilly Pilly occurs on grey soils over sandstone, restricted mainly to remnant stands of littoral (coastal) rainforest.
No suitable habitat within the subject land. Not recorded during flora survey.
Tetratheca juncea Black-eyed Susan
V V 2 Low open forest/woodland with a mixed shrub understorey
No suitable habitat within the subject land. Not recorded during flora survey.
Thesium australe Austral Toadflax V V Occurs in grassland or grassy woodland. Often found in damp sites in association with Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis).A root parasite that takes water and some nutrient from other plants, especially Kangaroo Grass.
No suitable habitat within the subject land. Not recorded during flora survey.
Note: 1. None of the above threatened species were identified during the flora survey on the subject site
FINAL REPORT
28 JUNE 2010
Table A.2 THREATENED FAUNA IN ROCKDALE LGA AND LIKELIHOOD OF
OCCURRENCE ON SUBJECT SITE
Scientific Name Common Name Status Habitat requirements
Likelihood
of
Occurrence
Litoria aurea
Green and Golden
Bell Frog
Endangered
TSC Act;
Vulnerable
EPBC Act
Freshwater marshes, dams
or streams with Typha
(bullrushes) or Eliocharis
(spikerushes)
Occurs on
site
Crinia tinnula Wallum Froglet
Vulnerable
TSC Act
Acid paperbark swamps
and sedge swamps of the
coastal ‘wallum’ country Low
Heleioporus
australiacus
Giant Burrowing
Frog
Vulnerable
TSC and
EPBC Acts
Heath, woodland and open
forest with sandy soils Low
Charadrius
leschenaultii
Greater Sand
Plover
Vulnerable
TSC Act
Sheltered sandy or muddy
beaches or estuaries with
large intertidal mudflats or
sandbanks Possible
Charadrius
mongolus
Lesser Sand
Plover
Vulnerable
TSC Act
Beaches of sheltered bays,
harbours and estuaries with
large intertidal sand/mudflats Possible
Calidris
tenuirostris Great Knot
Vulnerable
TSC Act
Intertidal mudflats or
sandflats Possible
Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper
Vulnerable
TSC Act
Coastal mudflats, lagoons,
creeks. Favours
mud/sandbanks located near
mangroves Possible
Limicola
falcinellus
Broad-billed
sandpiper
Vulnerable
TSC Act
Estuarine sandflats and
mudflats, harbours, lagoons,
saltmarshes Low
Limosa limosa
Black-tailed
Godwit
Vulnerable
TSC Act
Sheltered bays, estuaries and
lagoons with large intertidal
mudflats Low
Rostratula
australis
Australian Painted
Snipe
Endangered
TSC Act;
Vulnerable
EPBC Act
Prefers fringes of swamps,
dams and nearby marshy
areas where there is a cover
of grasses, lignum, low scrub
or open timber Low
Botaurus
poiciloptilus
Australasian
Bittern
Vulnerable
TSC Act
Permanent freshwater
wetlands with tall, dense Possible
A.5
FINAL REPORT
28 JUNE 2010
Table A.2 THREATENED FAUNA IN ROCKDALE LGA AND LIKELIHOOD OF
OCCURRENCE ON SUBJECT SITE
Scientific Name Common Name Status Habitat requirements
Likelihood
of
Occurrence
vegetation, particularly
bulrushes and spikerushes
Haematopus
fuliginosus
Sooty
Oystercatcher
Vulnerable
TSC Act
Rocky headlands, rocky
shelves, exposed reefs with
rock pools, beaches and
muddy estuaries Low
Haematopus
longirostris
Pied
Oystercatcher
Vulnerable
TSC Act
Intertidal flats of inlets and
bays, open beaches and
sandbanks Low
Sterna albifrons Little Tern
Endangered
TSC Act
Coastal, prefers sheltered
environments; nests in
colonies in low dunes Low
Calidris alba Sanderling
Vulnerable
TSC Act
Coastal, near reefs and
inlets, along tidal mudflats Low
Lathamus
discolor Swift Parrot
Endangered
TSC Act
and EPBC
Act
Areas where eucalypts are
flowering profusely or where
there are abundant lerp.
Favoured feed trees include
winter flowering species Low
Neophema
chrysogaster
Orange-bellied
Parrot
Endangered
TSC Act;
Critically
Endangered
EPBC Act
Generally found south of
NSW in saltmarshes
dominated by Beaded
Glasswort, Southern
Seaheath and Shrubby
Glasswort. Breeds in
Tasmania. Low
Xanthomyza
phrygia
Regent
Honeyeater
Endangered
TSC and
EPBC Acts
Dry open forest and
woodland, particularly Box-
Ironbark woodland, and
riparian forests of River
Sheoak Low
Pteropus
poliocephalus
Grey-headed
Flying-fox
Vulnerable
TSC and
EPBC Acts
Feed on nectar and pollen of
native trees and also fruit Possible
Chalinolobus
dwyeri
Large-eared Pied
Bat
Vulnerable
TSC and
EPBC Acts
Roosts in caves and crevices
in cliffs frequenting low to
mid-elevation dry open forest
and woodland close to these
features Low
Myotis adversus Southern Myotis Vulnerable Roost in groups of 10 - 15 Low
A.6
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Table A.2 THREATENED FAUNA IN ROCKDALE LGA AND LIKELIHOOD OF
OCCURRENCE ON SUBJECT SITE
Scientific Name Common Name Status Habitat requirements
Likelihood
of
Occurrence
TSC Act close to water in caves,
hollow-bearing trees, dense
foliage
Scoteanax
rueppellii
Greater Broad-
nosed Bat
Vulnerable
TSC Act
Range of habitats, roosts in
hollows and buildings,
forages along creek and river
corridors Possible
Hoplocephalus
bungaroides
Broad-headed
Snake
Endangered
TSC Act;
Vulnerable
EPBC Act
Shelters in rock crevices and
under flat sandstone rocks on
exposed cliff edges Low
B.1
FINAL REPORT
28 JUNE 2010
Appendix B
B.
Fauna Lists
FINAL REPORT
28 JUNE 2010
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
BIRDS
Chestnut Teal Anas castanea P(NPW) LLW KGC,EvW,LLW
EvW,
2km
EvW, LLW,
SpW, KGC RCC
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
Grey Teal Anas gracilis P(NPW) LLW EW
EvW,
2km
EvW, LLW,
SpW, KGC RCC
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos I KGC RCC
Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa P(NPW) LLW KGC
EvW,
2km
EvW, LLW,
SpW, KGC RCC
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata P (NPW) KGC
Pink-eared Duck
Malacorhynchus
membranaceus P(NPW) RCC
Great Egret Ardea alba
P(NPW), CA, JA,
LOM (EPBC)
EvW,
2km EvW, LLW
Cattle Egret Ardea ibis
P(NPW), M, LOM
(EPBC) CA, JA RCC
White-faced Heron
Ardea
novaehollandiae P(NPW)
KGC, LLW,
EW, SpW EvW RCC LLW
Intermediate Egret Ardea novahollandiae P(NPW)
EvW,
2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW
White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica P(NPW) RCC
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus V(TSC) EvW, MS
Striated Heron Butorides striatus P(NPW) LLW
EvW,
2km RCC
White-faced Heron
Egretta
novaehollandiae P(NPW) KGC
EvW,
2km EvW, SpW SpW
Nankeen Night Heron
Nycticorax
caledonicus P(NPW)
EvW,
2km
Yellow-billed
Spoonbill Platalea flavipes P(NPW) RCC LLW
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia P(NPW)
EvW,
2km EvW, LLW RCC EvW, LLW
Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca P(NPW) LLW, SpW SpW, LLW
EvW,
2km RCC
Straw necked Ibis
Threskiornis
spinicollis P(NPW)
EvW,
2km
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos P(NPW), CA, JA EvW, LLW
5km,
RCC
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
P(NPW), CA, JA, M
(EPBC), L (EPBC) EvW, LLW RCC
Sharp-tailed
Sandpiper Calidris acuminata
P(NPW), M (EPBC),
CA LLW LLW
EvW,
2km
EvW, SpW,
MSW, KGC RCC EvW, LLW
Sanderling Calidris alba V (TSC), M (EPBC), EvW, LLW EvW,MS,LLW
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
CA, JA
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
P(NPW), M (EPBC),
CA, JA EvW, LLW RCC
Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollois
P(NPW), M (EPBC),
CA, JA RCC
Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris
V (TSC), M(EPBC),
CA, JA EvW, LLW RCC EvW,MS
Greater Sand Plover
Charadrius
leschenaultii V (TSC), M (EPBC)
5km,
RCC EvW, MS
Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongulus
V (TSC), M (EPBC), L
(EPBC)
EvW, SpW,
LLW EvW,MS
Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus P(NPW) RCC
Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops P(NPW) LLW
EvW,
2km RCC
Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys conctus P(NPW) EvW RCC EvW, LLW
Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus
philippensis LLW
Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis LLW
Lewin’s Rail Rallus pectoralis LLW
Sooty Oystercatcher
Haematopus
fulingosis V(TSC) EvW, MS
Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus V(TSC) EvW, MS
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
longirostris
Wandering Tattler Heteroscelus incanus P(NPW), CA, JA RCC
Black-winged Stilt
Himantopus
himantopus P(NPW), M(EPBC) LLW EvW, LLW
EvW,
2km
EvW, SpW,
LLW RCC
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
Silver Gull
Larus
novaehollandiae P(NPW) LLW
EvW,
2km RCC
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
Pacific Gull Larus pacificus P(NPW) RCC
Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan P(NPW) RCC
Broad-billed
Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus
V (TSC), M (EPBC),
CA, JA LLW,EvW,MS
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica P(NPW), CA, JA RCC
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
V (TSC), M (EPBC),
CA, JA 5km EvW,MS,LLW
Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii M (EPBC), CA, JA LLW
Australian Painted
Snipe Rostratula australis
E (TSC); V (EPBC); M
(EPBC) RCC
Little Tern Sterna albifrons
E (TSC), M, L
(EPBC), CA, JA 5km EvW, MS
Crested Tern Sterna bergii P(NPW) RCC
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
White Ibis
Threskiornis
aethiopica P(NPW)
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia P(NPW), M (EPBC) LLW EvW, LLW
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis P(NPW), M (EPBC) RCC
Banded Lapwing Vanella tricolor P(NPW) RCC LLW
Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles P(NPW)
EvW,
2km RCC
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus
V (TSC), M (EPBC),
CA, JA EvW
5km,
RCC EvW, LLW,MS
Darter
Anhinga
melanogaster P(NPW) RCC
Australian Pelican
Pelicanus
conspicullatus P(NPW) RCC EvW
Little Pied Cormorant
Phalacrocorax
melanoleucos P(NPW) KGC
EvW,
2km RCC
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
Little Black Cormorant
Phalacrocorax
sulcirostris P(NPW) KGC RCC
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo P(NPW) RCC
Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius P(NPW) RCC
Australasian Grebe
Tachybaptus
novaehollandiae P(NPW)
EvW,
2km RCC
Eurasian Coot Fulica atra P(NPW) RCC
Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa P(NPW) KGC EvW, RCC EvW, LLW, SpW
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
2km SpW
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio P(NPW)
EvW,
2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW
Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides P(NPW) RCC
European Pigeon Columba livia I LLW
EvW,
2km RCC EvW
Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida P(NPW) RCC
Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes P(NPW) KGC, EW KGC
EvW,
2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW
Superb Fruit Dove Ptilinopus superbus V (TSC) 5km
Spotted Turtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis I
KGC, LLW,
EW, SpW
KGC, EvW,
SpW
EvW,
2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW
Collared
Sparrowhawk
Accipiter
cirrhocephalus
EW, LLW,
SpW
Brown Goshwak Accipiter fasciatus P(NPW)
EvW,
2km RCC EvW
Grey Goshawk
Accipter
novaehollandiae P(NPW) RCC
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus notatus P(NPW) KGC
EvW,
2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW
Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides P(NPW) RCC EvW
Australian Hobby Falco longipennis P(NPW) RCC
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
Whistling Kite Haliastus sphenurus P(NPW) RCC
Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea P(NPW) RCC
Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae P(NPW) SpW LLW
EvW,
2km RCC
Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus P(NPW) RCC
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Cacomantis
flabelliformis P(NPW)
EvW,
2km RCC
Horsfield's Bronze-
Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis P(NPW)
EvW,
2km
Pacific Koel Eudynamis orientalis P(NPW) RCC
Common Koel
Eudynamis
scolopacea
EvW,
2km
Channel-billed
Cuckoo
Scythrops
novaehollandiae P(NPW) RCC
Yellow-rumped
Thornbill
Acanthiza
chrysorrhoa P(NPW) KGC, LLW SpW
EvW,
2km RCC
Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana P(NPW)
KGC, LLW,
EW, SpW KGC, SpW
EvW,
2km
Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla P(NPW) RCC
Eastern Spinebill
Acanthorhynchus
tenuirostris P(NPW) RCC
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis I
KGC, LLW,
EW, SpW
KGC, EvW,
SpW
EvW,
2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW
Australian Reed-
Warbler
Acrocephalus
australis P(NPW) RCC
Clamorous Reed
Warbler
Acrocephalus
stentoreus P(NPW) KGC, LLW
EvW,
2km SpW SpW
Red Wattlebird
Anthochaera
carunculata P(NPW)
KGC, LLW,
EW, SpW KGC, SpW
EvW,
2km RCC
Little Wattlebird
Anthochaera
chrysoptera P(NPW) KGC
EvW,
2km RCC
Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus P(NPW) KGC
EvW,
2km
European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis I
EvW,
2km
Golden-headed
Cisticola Cisticola exilis P(NPW) KGC, LLW LLW
EvW,
2km RCC LLW, SpW SpW
Black-faced Cuckoo-
shrike
Coracina
novaehollandiae P(NPW)
KGC, LLW,
EW, SpW
KGC, SpW,
LLW
EvW,
2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW
Australian Raven Corvus coronoides P(NPW)
KGC, EW,
SpW LLW
EvW,
2km RCC
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
Grey Butcherbird Cracticuc torquatus P(NPW) EW, SpW RCC
Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis P(NPW) RCC
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
Eastern Shrike-tit Falcunculus frontatus P(NPW) RCC
Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca P(NPW) LLW KGC, LLW
EvW,
2km RCC
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen P(NPW)
KGC, LLW,
EW, SpW KGC
EvW,
2km RCC
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
Fairy Martin Hirundo ariel P(NPW)
EvW,
2km RCC
Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena P(NPW) KGC, LLW KGC,EW
EvW,
2km RCC
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
Tree Martin Hirundo nigricans P(NPW)
EvW,
2km
Yellow-faced
Honeyeater
Lichenostomus
chrysops P(NPW) RCC
White-plumed
Honeyeater
Lichenostomus
penicillatus P(NPW) KGC, SpW
EvW,
2km RCC
Nutmeg Mannikin Lonchura punctulata I LLW KGC RCC
Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus P(NPW)
KGC, LLW,
EW
KGC, EvW,
LLW, SpW
EvW,
2km RCC
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
Noisy Miner
Manorina
melanocephala P(NPW) KGC
EvW,
2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW
Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus P(NPW) LLW LLW
EvW,
2km RCC LLW
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
Lewin's Honeyeater Melinphaga lewinii P(NPW) RCC
Black-faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis
P(NPW), M (EPBC),
LOM (EPBC) EvW RCC
Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquuieta P(NPW) RCC LLW
Red-browed Finch Neochmia temporalis P(NPW)
KGC, LLW,
EW SpW
EvW,
2km RCC LLW
Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus P(NPW) SpW RCC
Golden Whistler
Pachycephala
pectoralis P(NPW) RCC
Rufous Whistler
Pachycephala
rufiventris P(NPW) EvW
Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus P(NPW) SpW
EvW,
2km RCC
House Sparrow Passer domesticus I KGC, EW
EvW,
2km RCC EvW, SpW
Noisy Friarbird Philemon corniculatus P(NPW) RCC
White-cheeked
Honeyeater Phylidonyris nigra P(NPW) RCC
New Holland
Honeyeater
Phylidonyris
novaehollandiae P(NPW)
KGC, LLW,
EW, SpW KGC,EW
EvW,
2km RCC
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
Red-whiskered Bulbul Pynonotus jocosus I
KGC, LLW,
EW, SpW EW
EvW,
2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa P(NPW)
EvW,
2km RCC
Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys P(NPW)
KGC, LLW,
EW KGC
EvW,
2km RCC
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
White-browed
Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis P(NPW)
EvW,
2km RCC
Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vieilloti P(NPW) RCC
Figbird Sphecotheres viridis P(NPW) SpW KGC
Pied Currawong Strepera graculina P(NPW) SpW
EvW, LLW,
SpW
EvW,
2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW
Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris I
KGC, LLW,
EW KGC,EvW,LLW
EvW,
2km RCC EvW, SpW SpW
Double-barred Finch
Taeniopygia
bichenovii P(NPW)
EvW,
2km
Common Blackbird Turdus merula I EW
EvW,
2km RCC
Regent Honeyeater Xanthmyza phrygia
E (TSC),E (EPBC), M
(EPBC) 5km
Silvereye Zosterops lateralis P(NPW)
KGC, LLW,
EW, SpW
KGC, EvW,
SpW
EvW,
2km RCC
EvW, LLW,
SpW SpW
Sulphur-crested
Cockatoo Cacatua galerita P(NPW) EW
EvW,
2km RCC
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
Galah Cacatua rosiecapilla P(NPW) RCC SpW SpW
Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea P(NPW)
EvW,
2km RCC
Long-billed Corella Cacatua tenuirostris P(NPW) RCC
Yellow-tailed Black-
Cockatoo
Calyptorhynchus
funereus P(NPW) RCC
Glossy Black-
Cockatoo
Calyptorhynchus
lathami V (TSC) 5km
Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor E (TSC & EPBC) RCC
Orange-bellied Parrot
Neophema
chrysogaster E (TSC); CE(EPBC) RCC
Blue Bonnet
Northiella
haematogaster P(NPW)
EvW,
2km
Eastern Rosella
Platycercus adscitus
eximius P(NPW) RCC
Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans P(NPW) RCC
Red-rumped Parrot
Psephotus
haematonotus P(NPW) LLW KGC
EvW,
2km
Rainbow Lorikeet
Trichoglossus
haematodus P(NPW) KGC KGC
EvW,
2km RCC
Southern Boobook Ninox boobook P(NPW) RCC
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
Masked Owl Tyto novaehollaniae V (TSC) 5km
MAMMALS
Gould's Wattle Bat Chalinolobus P(NPW) Z2 RCC SpW
Large-eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri V(TSC); V(EPBC) RCC
Eastern Bent Wing
Miniopteris
schreibersii V(TSC) Z1, Z2
Southern Myotis Myotis macropus V(TSC)
5km,
RCC
White-striped Freetail-
bat Nyctinnomus australis P(NPW) RCC
Lesser Long-eared
Bat Nyctinnomus geoffroyi P(NPW) RCC
Grey-headed Flying-
fox
Pteropus
poliocephalus V(TSC), V(EPBC) EvW, SpW
5km,
RCC
LLW,SpW,
EvW
Southern Forest Bat Vespadelus regulus P(NPW) Z1, Z2
Australian Fur seal
Arctocephalus pussilis
doriferous V(TSC), L (EPBC)
5km,
RCC
Dingo, Domestic Dog Canis lupus I EW RCC
Cat Felis catus I RCC EvW, SpW
Leopard Seal Hydrrga leptonyx P(NPW)
Unidentified Seal Seal sp. P(NPW) RCC
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
Fox Vulpes vulpes I RCC EvW, SpW
Common Brushtail
Possum Trichosurus vulpecula P (NPW) RCC
House Mouse Mus musculus I LLW RCC EvW, SpW
Black Rat Rattus rattus I RCC EvW, SpW
Dugong Dugong dugon E(TSC) 5km
Southern Right Whale Eubalaena australis
V (TSC), E(EPBC), M
(EPBC) 5km
REPTILES
Eastern Water Dragon
Physignathus
lesueurii P(NPW) RCC LLW
Eastern Stone Gecko Diplodactylus vittatus P(NPW) RCC
Broad-tailed Gecko Phyllurus platurus P(NPW) RCC
Thick-tailed Gecko
Underwoodisaurus
milii P(NPW) RCC
Lace Monitor Varanus varius P(NPW) RCC
Snake-eyed Skink
Cryptoblepharus
virgata P(NPW)
EvW, SpW,
LLW
Cream-striped
Shinning-skink
Cryptoblepharus
virgatus P(NPW) RCC
Robust Ctenotus Ctenotus robustus P(NPW) RCC
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
Eastern Water Skink Eulamprus quoyii P(NPW) RCC
EvW, SpW,
LLW
KGC, LLW, EW,
SpW
Delicate Skink Lampropholis delicata P(NPW) KGC, SSW
Garden Skink
Lampropholis
guichenoti P(NPW) RCC
EvW, SpW,
LLW EW
Southern Scaly-foot Pygopus lepidopodus P(NPW) RCC
Eastern Blue-tongue
Lizard Tiliqua scinoides P(NPW) RCC EvW
Yellow-faced Whip
Snake
Demansia
psammophila P(NPW) RCC EvW, LLW
Broad-headed Snake
Hoplocephalus
bungaroides E(TSC), V(EPBC) RCC
Proximus Blind Snake
Ramphotyphlops
proximus P(NPW) RCC
Eastern Bandy-bandy Vermicella annulata P(NPW) RCC
Eastern Snake-
necked Turtle Chelodina longicollis P(NPW) RCC
AMPHIBIANS
Common Eastern
Froglet Crinia signifera P(NPW) KGC, Z2 RCC
EvW, SpW,
LLW KGC, LLW, EW
Wallum Froglet Crinia tinnula V(TSC) RCC
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
Giant Burrowing Frog
Heleioporus
australiacus V(TSC); V(EPBC) RCC
Pobblebonk
Limnodynastes
dumerilii P(NPW) RCC
Striped Marsh Frog
Limnodynastes
peronii P(NPW)
KGC, EvW'*,
Z2 RCC
EvW, SpW,
LLW
KGC, LLW, EW,
SpW
Green and Golden
Bell Frog Litoria aurea E(TSC), V(EPBC) KGC
MS, KGC,
SpWa
5km,
RCC EvW
Green Tree Frog Litoria caerulea P(NPW) RCC
Bleating Tree Frog Litoria dentata P(NPW) RCC EvW
Eastern Dwarf Tree
Frog
Litoria fallax
P(NPW) Ew, LLW
Peron’s Tree Frog Litoria peronii P(NPW) EW, LLW, SpW
FISH
Port Jackson Perchlet
Ambassis
jacksoniensis C, SpW
Mosquito Fish Gambusia holbrooki C3 (FMA)
C, LLW, EvW,
SpW
Flat Tail Mullet Liza argentia C,SpW
Sand Mullet Myxus elongates C
Southern Blue Eye Pseudomugil signifier C, SpW
Table B.1 FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED DURING VARIOUS STUDIES AND RECORDS FROM THE DEC ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE IN THE LOCALITY
Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status CE 2007 CE 2005 CBOC BR 2001 DECC
BEC 1999-
2000 RWPS
Common toadfish Tetractenos hamiltoni C
Crab Carncridae sp. LLW, SpW
C.1
FINAL REPORT
28 JUNE 2010
Appendix C
C.
Flora Identified on the Subject Site
6.1
FINAL REPORT
28 JUNE 2010
Table C.1 FLORA IDENTIFIED ON THE SUBJECT SITE
Familly Scientific Name Common Name
Aizoaceae Tetragonia tetragonoides Warrigal Cabbage
Anacardiaceae *Rhodosphaera rhodanthema Deep Yellowwood
Apiaceae Centella asiatica Swamp Pennywort
*Foeniculum vulgare Fennel
*Hydrocotyle bonariensis Kurnell Curse
Asclepiadaceae
*Araujia sericiflora Moth Vine
*Gomphocarpus fruticosus Eastern Cottonbush
Arecaceae *Phoenix canariensis Canary Island Date Palm
Asparagaceae *Asparagus officinalis Asparagus
*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Veil Creeper
*Protosparagus aethiopicus Asparagus Fern
Asteraceae *Ambrosia artemisiifolia Annual Ragweed
*Aster subulatus Bushy Starwort
*Bidens pilosa Cobblers Pegs
*Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle
*Conyza bonariensis Flax-leaved Fleabane
*Conyza canadensis subsp.
canadensis Canadian Fleabane
*Hypochaeris radicata Cats Ears
*Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed
*Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle
*Tagetes minuta Stinking Roger
*Taraxacum officinale Dandelion
Avicenniaceae Avicennia marina Grey Mangrove
Basellaceae *Anredera cordifolia Madeira Vine
Brassicaceae *Brassica tournefortii Mediterranean Turnip
*Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s Purse
*Raphanus raphanistrum Wild Radish
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia gracilis Native Bluebell
Caprifoliaceae *Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle
Caryophyllaceae *Cerastium glomeratum Mouse-ear Chickweed
*Stellaria media Common Chickweed
Casuarinaceae Allocasuaria littoralis Black She-oak
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Table C.1 FLORA IDENTIFIED ON THE SUBJECT SITE
Familly Scientific Name Common Name
Aizoaceae Tetragonia tetragonoides Warrigal Cabbage
Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak
Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak
Chenopodiaceae *Atriplex prostrata Orache
*Chenopodium album Fat Hen
Sarcocornia quinqueflora Samphire
Suaeda australis Austral Seablite
Commelinaceae Commelina cyanea Scurvy Weed
*Tradescantia fluminense Wandering Jew
Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed
*Ipomoea cairica Mile-a-minute
*Ipomoea indica Morning Glory
*Ipomoea purpurea Morning Glory
Cyperaceae Baumea juncea -
*Cyperus eragrostis Umbrella Sedge
Ficinia nodosa Knobby Club Rush
Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum Bracken Fern
Euphorbiaceae *Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge
*Ricinus communis Castor Oil Plant
Fabaceae subf. Caesalpinioideae *Senna pendula var. glabrate Winter Senna
Fabaceae subf. Faboideae *Erythrina crista-galli Cockspur Coral Tree
*Erythrina sykesii Coral Tree
*Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic
*Trifolium pratense Red Clover
*Trifolium repens White Clover
Viminaria juncea Golden Spray
Fabaceae subf. Mimosoideae Acacia baileyana Cootamundra Wattle
Acacia binervia Coast Myall
Acacia floribunda
Acacia longifolia subsp. Longifolia Sydney Golden Wattle
Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae Sydney Coastal Wattle
*Acacia saligna Golden Wreath Wattle
*Paraserianthes lophantha Crested Wattle
Juncaceae *Juncus acutus Sharp Rush
Juncus kraussii Sea Rush
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Table C.1 FLORA IDENTIFIED ON THE SUBJECT SITE
Familly Scientific Name Common Name
Aizoaceae Tetragonia tetragonoides Warrigal Cabbage
Juncus usitatus Common Rush
Lauraceae Cassytha pubescens Devil’s Twine
*Cinnamomum camphor Camphor Laurel
Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia Mat Rush
Malvaceae *Malva neglecta Dwarf Mallow
*Modiola caroliniana Red-flowered Mallow
*Lagunaria patersonia Norfolk Island Hibiscus
*Sida rhombifolia Paddys Lucerne
Meliaceae Melia azedarach var. australasica White Cedar
Moraceae *Ficus macrophylla Moreton Bay Fig
Ficus rubiginosa Port Jackson Fig
*Morus alba Mulberry
Myrtaceae Agonis flexuosa Western Australian Willow Myrtle
Austromyrtus dulcis Midgen Berry
Callistemon citrinus Lemon-scented Bottlebrush
Callistemon cvs Bottlebrush
*Corymbia citriodora Lemon-scented Gum
Eucalyptus botryoides Bangalay
Eucalyptus micocrorys Tallowwood
Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany
Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum
Eucalyptus sideroxylon Mugga Ironbark
Melaleuca armillaris Bracelet Honey-myrtle
Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark
Melaleuca linariifolia Snow-in-Summer
Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved Paperbark
Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly-leaved Paperbark
Oleaceae *Olea europaea subsp. africana African Olive
Oxalidaceae *Oxalis corniculata Creeping Oxalis
*Oxalis purpurea Pink Oxalis
Pinaceae *Pinus radiata Monterey Pine
Plantaginaceae Plantago hispida -
*Plantago lanceolata Plantain
Poaceae *Arundo donax Giant Reed
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Table C.1 FLORA IDENTIFIED ON THE SUBJECT SITE
Familly Scientific Name Common Name
Aizoaceae Tetragonia tetragonoides Warrigal Cabbage
*Avena fatua Wild Oats
*Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass
*Chloris gayana Rhodes Grass
Cynodon dactylon Common Couch
*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass
*Eragrostis curvula African Love Grass
*Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum
*Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu
Phragmites australis Native Reed
*Setaria pumila Pale Pigeon Grass
*Sporobolus indicus var. capensis Slender Rats-tail Grass
Sporobolus virginicus Sand Couch
*Stenotaphrum secundatum Buffalo Grass
Zoysia macrantha Prickly Couch
Polygonaceae *Rumex crispus Curled Dock
Portulaceae *Portulaca oleracea Purslane
Primulaceae *Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel
Ranunculaceae *Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup
Rosaceae (s. str.) *Rubus fruticosus sp. agg. Blackberry
Sapindaceae Dodonaea triquetra Hop Bush
Solanaceae *Cestrum parqui Green Cestrum
*Lycium ferocissimum African Boxthorn
*Solanum nigrum Black Berry Nightshade
*Solanum pseudocapsicum Madeira Winter Cherry
Typhaceae Typha orientalis Cumbungi
Verbenaceae *Lantana camara Lantana
*Verbena bonariensis Veined Verbena
*Verbena Rigida Purple Top
Notes: * = Exotic Species
6.5
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Appendix D
D.
Assessments of Significance
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The following assessment of significance has been prepared collectively for threatened
species and endangered ecological communities that occur or have suitable habitat and
have the potential to be impacted by the proposal on the subject site.
a) In the case of a threatened species, whether the action proposed is likely to
have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species such that a viable
local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction,
Green and Golden Bell Frog
The Green and Golden Bell Frog (GGBF) has been recorded on the existing Kogarah Golf
Course and within the RTA breeding ponds. This local viable population could be
potentially threatened by removal or modification of habitat on the subject site. However,
the mitigation measures that will be implemented during construction (as outlined in the
GGBF Construction Plan) will significantly reduce impacts to GGBFs during construction.
Extensive mitigation measures have been developed specifically to protect the local
population of GGBFs in the long-term and enhance habitat on parts on the subject site.
Recent surveys and database records indicate that south of the SWSOOS the subject site
has not contained suitable habitat for GGBFs for some time although they may move
through the area occasionally. The development of the new golf course will create a
substantial area of GGBF habitat through the creation of additional GGBF breeding ponds
and the construction of other ponds within the golf course that will provide foraging habitat
(refer to the GGBF Management Plan for details).
Therefore, the proposal is not expected to have an adverse effect on the life-cycle of the
Green and Golden Bell Frog such that the viable local population would be placed at risk
of extinction.
Flying Mammals
Grey-headed Flying Fox, Southern Myotis, Eastern Bentwing Bat, Greater Broad-
nosed Bat.
Only the Grey-headed Flying-fox has been recorded on the subject site in recent years.
One potential recording of an Eastern Bentwing Bat was detected during survey by
Cumberland Ecology in 2005. The Grey-headed Flying-fox has been recorded during a
number of surveys since 1999 (Biosis Research 2001, Biosphere Environmental
Consultants 2000, DEC (NSW) 2005a).
Although the Southern Myotis and Greater Broad-nosed Bat have not been recorded, they
are known from the locality and have the potential to use the study area for foraging.
There are no tree hollows, caves, mines or tunnels on the site and so the Southern Myotis,
Eastern Bentwing Bat, and Greater Broad-nosed Bat would not roost on the subject site.
There are no known roosting sites or ‘camps’ for the Grey-headed Flying Fox on the site,
however there is potential for this species to camp within dense vegetation on the site.
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Foraging habitat is present on the site for all species, including Melaleuca stands,
mangroves, open water, swamps and grasslands.
It is likely that the study area would form a relatively small proportion of the total foraging
habitat for these mammals. They may also benefit from the proposed vegetation corridors
that will be planted as part of the new development. The proposal is not likely to disrupt
the life cycle of a viable local population of these species such that they would be placed
at risk of extinction.
Wetland Birds
Great Egret (Ardea alba), Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata), Broad-
billed Sandpiper (Limicola falcinellus), Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus), Ruddy
Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), Great
Knot (Calidris tenuirostris), Sanderling (Calidris alba), Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris
ferruginea), Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongulus), Greater Sand Plover
(Charadrius leschenaultii), Black-winged (Himantopus himantopus); Black-tailed
Godwit (Limosa limosa), Little Tern (Sterna albifrons), Australasian Bittern
(Botaurus poiciloptilus), Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris) and Sooty
Oystercatcher (Haematopus fulingosis)
During bird surveys of the subject site by Cumberland Ecology in 2005 only one migratory
wader listed in the CAMBA agreement and under the EPBC Act; the Sharp-tailed
Sandpiper, was detected in the Landing Lights wetland. The Latham’s Sbipe was detected
in the 2007 surveys.
The Cumberland Bird Observers database is the most reliable source of recent and
accurate information on birds found in the locality as they have study sites at Kogarah,
Rockdale and Towra Point, and also gather data from other sources. Only the Great Egret
has been recorded within a 2 km radius of the subject site from data collected in 2005.
Extensive data exists on the birds of the Kogarah area, mainly due to the presence of
large wetlands nearby, particularly at Towra Point and Rockdale, which are actively
managed and protected conservation areas, studied by interest and research groups.
Towra Point is an important breeding area for a high diversity of bird species and is of
particular importance to migratory waders. For this reason there are a large number of
birds of conservation significance in the locality as shown in Appendix B.
Records from previous studies which included the subject site also indicate that listed
migratory waders have utilised Spring Street, Landing Lights and Eve Street wetlands.
However these habitats have become less suitable or unsuitable due to weed invasion,
the encroachment of mangroves (in the case of Spring Street wetland), planted vegetation
at the perimeters and the presence of M5 motorway (in the case of Eve Street wetland).
Landing Lights wetland offers the most suitable foraging habitat on the subject site for
some species of migratory waders. The gentle slope of the edges and the general
shallowness of the water allow the birds to walk and feed in the sediment.
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The main foraging areas around the mud flats will not be affected by the development.
The removal of mangroves and establishment of low ground cover (i.e. golf course and
‘rough’ areas) is likely to increase the use of saltmarsh by wading birds in the longer term.
The majority of the listed migratory waders breed in the northern hemisphere. The Little
Tern breeds mainly in northern Australia, but breeding does occur in the south, and a
known breeding colony has been established at Botany Bay. Breeding occurs in spring
and summer. This species makes small sand-scrape nests in dunes and above the high
tide mark on beaches. The Great Egret breeds in south-eastern Australia (October to
December). Nests are a platform of sticks in a tree over water. The Sooty Oystercatcher
breeds in spring and summer, almost exclusively on offshore islands, and occasionally on
isolated promontories. The Pied Oystercatcher will nest occasionally in saltmarsh or
grassy areas. Breeding occurs between August and January. The Australasian Bittern
breeds from October to January, using nests built in secluded places in densely-vegetated
wetlands on a platform of reeds. The Black-winged Stilt breeds from August to December.
Nests are made in depressions in mud at the waters edge, on an island or in swamp in
damp vegetation.
The Pied Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt, Great Egret and the Australasian Bittern may
have breeding habitat present in the reedlands, saltmarsh and mangroves. These areas
will be impacted to some extent by the proposal, however additional areas of saltmarsh
and reedland are being established under the proposal.
In summary, the proposal is not likely to disrupt the life cycle of a viable local population of
these species such that they would be placed at risk of extinction because:
local populations of these species are likely to be centred on the Towra Point
wetland;
no known breeding habitats are likely to be removed; and
an increase in foraging and potential breeding habitat will be created.
There may be some short term impact on breeding, but in the long-term, breeding habitat
will be extended in the subject site.
Hollow-dependant Forest/Woodland Birds
Glossy Black-cockatoo and Swift Parrot
These species have not been detected on the site. There is no known breeding habitat for
the Glossy Black-cockatoo or the Swift Parrot on the site because there are no known
hollows. The vegetation within the golf course and the wetlands provides potential
foraging habitat for these species.
Potential habitat for the Glossy Black-cockatoo includes Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca)
surrounding the wetlands. However, the primary food-source for this species is the seeds
of Allocasuarina torulosa, A. verticillata and A. littoralis in drier forests types on low nutrient
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soils. The Swamp Oaks surrounding the wetlands are not likely to provide significant
foraging habitat for this species. While the proposal includes removal of some of these
trees, more individuals will be planted as part of the proposed rehabilitation and
landscaping.
The Swift Parrot breeds only in Tasmania. Potential foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot
includes insects and nectar associated with tree and shrub plantings within the golf
course. While some of this vegetation will be removed, trees and shrubs will be planted
within the new golf course. Consequently, there is not likely to be an overall loss of
foraging habitat for this species.
Therefore the proposal is not likely to disrupt the life cycle of a viable local population of
these species such that they would be placed at risk of extinction because:
no known breeding habitat is likely to be removed; and
potential foraging habitat will be created through rehabilitation of the
foreshore and wetlands edges and planting of trees and shrubs in the
golf course.
Other Forest/Woodland Birds
Black-faced Monarch (Monarcha melanopsis), Superb Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus
superbus) and Regent Honeyeater (Xanthomyza phrygia)
The Black-faced Monarch has been detected within 2km of the subject, but the other
species have not been detected on or near the site. The site is not likely to represent
significant habitat for these species. Potential foraging habitat includes tree and shrub
planting within the golf course and mangroves near the wetlands. While some of this
vegetation will be removed, trees and shrubs will be planted within the new golf course.
Consequently, there is not likely to be an overall loss of foraging habitat for this species.
The Black-faced Monarch is a summer breeding migrant to coastal southeastern NSW. It
builds a nest in the fork of branches. The Supurb Fruit-dove breeds in rainforests. The
Regent Honeyeater breeds in Box-Ironbark and other temperate woodlands and riparian
gully forest dominated by River She-oak. There are two known breeding areas in NSW,
neither of which are in Sydney. There is a possibility that the Black-faced Monarch may
breed at the subject site, however it has not been detected on the site during repeated
surveys.
The proposal is not likely to disrupt the life cycle of a viable local population of these
species such that they would be placed at risk of extinction because:
no local viable populations of these species are present on the site;
no known breeding habitat is likely to be removed; and
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potential foraging habitat will be created through rehabilitation of the foreshore and
wetlands edges and planting of trees and shrubs in the golf course.
b) In the case of an endangered population, whether the action proposed is
likely to have an adverse effect on the life cycle of the species that
constitutes the endangered population such that a viable local population of
the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction,
No endangered populations of flora or fauna are recorded for the site or environs and no
risk to the viability of any such populations is likely.
c) In the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered
ecological community, whether the action proposed:
(i) is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological
community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of
extinction, or
(ii) is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the
ecological community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at
risk of extinction.
Coastal Saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast Sydney Basin & South East Corner Bioregions
(i) Part of the saltmarsh community at Landing Lights wetland will be removed in the
southern and western sections, however the southern section currently suffers from
mangrove encroachment. New saltmarsh will be established on the eastern side of
Landing Lights wetland and across other parts of the site, and the pristine central area will
not be disturbed. Overall, therefore, this community should benefit from the proposal and
thus the proposal will not place the community at risk of extinction within the locality.
(ii) The saltmarsh community at Landing Lights wetland is currently being degraded by the
encroachment of mangroves. This area will be removed as part of the proposal, and
mangroves are to be managed in other areas to prevent encroachment. Additionally,
some saltmarsh will be established on the eastern side in areas currently grassed. The
saltmarsh will be managed on an ongoing basis to protect the integrity of the saltmarsh
community in the long term. The stormwater management plan will also minimise impacts
on vegetation from runoff and sedimentation. These processes will act to improve the
species composition so that the occurrence of the community on the subject land better
represents this community as it would have occurred prior to disturbance.
Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains in the NSW North Coast Sydney Basin &
South East Corner Bioregions
(i) The proposed new golf course layout would entail removing the majority of these
reedlands totalling 14,476 m2. Where possible, however, the reedland community is being
retained within the golf course and some additional planting of reed beds is also planned
for this area.
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(ii) The reeds have managed to grow in highly disturbed conditions and would not be
remnants of the original communities. Rather, the reeds have grown on land-fill and waste
deposits where altered water flows and drainage patterns have led to an ephemeral
retention of fresh water in these areas. During construction of the golf course, the
reedbeds that would be retained would be weeded and exotic vegetation removed, to
increase the ecological value of the remaining reedland community. 19,093m2 of
compensatory wetland habitat will be established on site, of which 5,883m2 will be
reedland. The proposed development and future management of this community is not
considered likely to adversely modify the composition of this community such that its local
occurrence would be placed at risk of extinction.
d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological
community:
(i) the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result
of the action proposed, and
(ii) whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated
from other areas of habitat as a result of the proposed action, and
(iii) the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or
isolated to the long-term survival of the species, population or ecological
community in the locality.
Green and Golden Bell Frog
(i) The RTA ponds which are used by the GGBF for breeding will remain in place in the
new development and the golf course will be managed according to a GGBF protocol
agreed between professional ecologists and Kogarah Golf Club. The GGBFMP outlines
proposals to maintain current breeding habitat for the frogs and to create additional
breeding, foraging and shelter areas. No net loss of habitat for this species will occur.
Some foraging habitat will be removed during construction of the golf course. However,
this equates to approximately one third of the foraging habitat available to the frogs on the
golf course. It will be closed for a number of months during construction and then re-
opened again. It is not considered to be an extensive area of foraging habitat and the rest
of the golf course will remain open to the frogs to forage across at all times.
Breeding ponds totalling 6,367m2 will be created (the RTA ponds currently provide 420m2)
and these will be designed specifically as breeding habitat for GGBFs. A further 7,516m2
of freshwater ponds will be constructed on the golf course and planted with reeds, sedges
and fringing vegetation to provide primary foraging habitat for GGBFs. Vegetated
corridors will be created across the golf course to encourage dispersal between sites. The
provision of additional foraging ponds throughout the golf course will also help to facilitate
dispersal throughout the site.
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(ii) The existing or potential habitat for this species will be consolidated and expanded by
the creation of vegetated corridors between the wetlands, vegetated buffers surrounding
the waterbodies and additional habitat between the fairways of the new golf course. It is
likely that the expansion of this habitat will result in an expansion of the local population.
Due to the consolidation and expansion of the existing or potential habitat, the proposal is
unlikely to fragment the population.
(iii) Foraging habitat to be temporarily removed on the subject site is likely to constitute
important habitat for the GGBF, however, sufficient foraging habitat occurs throughout the
rest of the golf course to provide ample continued foraging opportunities for the frogs.
Stage 1 of the construction plan includes building an additional breeding pond adjacent to
the RTA ponds which will provide significant additional breeding and shelter habitat for the
species as well as the new breeding ponds located south of the SWSOOS. Therefore the
local population is expected to remain viable on the subject site in the long-term and is
likely to expand into at least some of the new breeding ponds..
Flying Mammals
Grey-headed Flying Fox, Southern Myotis, Eastern Bentwing Bat, Greater Broad-
nosed Bat.
No roosting habitat for these species occurs, however, potential foraging habitat will be
removed by the clearance of some areas of woodland and small areas of wetlands.
However most of the potential habitat on the site would be retained. The proposed
rehabilitation of the wetland edges and planting of trees and shrubs within the golf course
and around the foreshore will provide potential additional foraging habitat on the site. This
would actually increase the amount of potential habitat for these species on the site. This
habitat is not likely to be of significance to these species as they are highly mobile and
forage widely, and therefore no area of habitat will be isolated or fragmented by the
proposal.
Wetland Birds
Great Egret (Ardea alba), Black-faced Monarch (Monarcha melanopsis), Sharp-
tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata), Broad-billed Sandpiper (Limicola
falcinellus), Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus), Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria
interpres), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), Great Knot (Calidris
tenuirostris), Sanderling (Calidris alba), Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea),
Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongulus), Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius
leschenaultii), Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa), Little Tern (Sterna albifrons),
Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus), Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus
longirostris) and Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fulingosis)
Potential habitat for these species will removed; 266 m2 of saltmarsh and 2,171 m2 of
saltmarsh/reedland complex around the edges of the Landing Lights wetland will become
part of the golf course under the proposed development. No known breeding habitat is
provided on the subject site and the available habitat within the site is small relative to that
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provided within the locality (eg Towra Point Nature Reserve). Therefore, it is not likely that
the wetlands on the subject site constitute important habitat for these birds.
The majority of the potential habitat for these species will be retained and integrated within
wetlands in the golf course, although the boundaries of the Landing Lights wetland would
be modified to accommodate the golf course, other areas are being re-planted to
compensate for this.
The existing or potential habitat for all species will be consolidated and expanded by the
creation of vegetated corridors between the wetlands, vegetated buffers surrounding the
waterbodies on and adjacent to the subject site, and additional habitat between the
fairways of the new golf course. Therefore no area of potential habitat will become
isolated or fragmented by the proposal.
Woodland Birds
Glossy Black-cockatoo, Swift Parrot, Superb Fruit-dove and Regent Honeyeater
Small areas of potential foraging habitat for these species will be removed surrounding
Spring Street wetland and the planted trees around the current golf course, however, this
is unlikely to constitute important habitat for these species.
The existing or potential habitat for all species will be consolidated and expanded by the
creation of vegetated corridors between the wetlands, vegetated buffers surrounding the
waterbodies on and adjacent to the subject site, and additional habitat between the
fairways of the new golf course. Therefore no area of potential habitat will become
isolated or fragmented by the proposal.
The proposed planting of trees and shrubs within the golf course and rehabilitation of the
foreshore will provide potential foraging habitat for these species on the site. This will
actually increase the amount of potential habitat for these species on the site.
Ecological Communities
Saltmarsh
(i) A small portion of saltmarsh will be removed as part of this proposal. It is planned that
a large area (similar in size to what is to be retained) of saltmarsh will be established. As
such, a large net gain of saltmarsh is envisaged.
(ii) The bridge crossing will fragment an area of the community, however, the sections
either side of the crossing will remain in close proximity and so this is not likely to have an
effect on the community. No other sections of this community will be fragmented or
become isolated as a result of the proposal. In addition, by creating a large area of
additional saltmarsh, the overall size of fragments will be enhanced.
(iii) The area of saltmarsh to be removed is currently degraded by the encroachment of
mangroves. Pristine areas of saltmarsh are being retained, and additional areas
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established. As such, the long-term survival of this community in the locality will be
enhanced.
Freshwater wetlands
(i) The proposed new golf course layout would entail removing the majority of the
reedlands which form part of the freshwater wetland community, however this community
is currently infested with a high percentage of weeds. A small portion will be retained, and
additional habitat created as part of the proposal.
(ii) These communities are currently concentrated around the wetlands. The communities
will be incorporated into a continuous habitat corridor from the Marsh Street wetland into
the proposed golf course. It is, therefore, unlikely that an area of known habitat is likely to
become isolated as a result of the proposal. Rehabilitation as part of the development
would increase the connectivity for this community.
(iii) The reedland community (much of which is to be removed) is currently infested by
Phragmites australis and other weeds. Little remains of the original native diversity.
Reedbeds to be retained would be weeded and exotic vegetation removed, to increase the
ecological value of the remaining habitat. As part of the proposal, additional areas will be
created. These will be planted with a greater structural and floristic diversity, which will
increase the conservation value of the community.
e) Whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical
habitat (either directly or indirectly).
No critical habitat for this species has currently been identified by the Director-General of
the National Parks & Wildlife Service.
f) Whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of
a recovery plan or threat abatement plan,
A Green and Golden Bell Frog Recovery Plan has been drafted by DECCW (DEC (NSW)
2005b). Whilst foraging habitat for this species will be removed temporarily during
construction, the addition of breeding habitat and management initiatives on the new site
are consistent with the objectives of the Recovery Plan, which include increasing GGBF
habitat at key populations; implementing monitoring programmes and carrying out habitat
management.
There are no such plans that are applicable to the other species or communities.
g) Whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a key threatening
process or is likely to result in the operation of, or increase the impact of, a
key threatening process.
The clearing of native vegetation is listed as a key threatening process under the TSC Act.
However, the clearance of the degraded habitat on the site would not result in significant
habitat loss and would not significantly affect any threatened species populations or
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communities. This is because important habitat for communities and species would be
retained and additional habitat would be created on the site.
Predation by the European Fox (Vulpes vulpes) is another key threatening process which
could be exacerbated by the development. This species (and the domestic cat) are
promoted by fragmentation and modification of native bushland and are probably already
present on the site. The proposal would consolidate and improve habitats within the study
area for native species and is unlikely to promote further spread of these species.
The proposal is unlikely to exacerbate these key threatening processes on threatened
species.
Amphibians
Green and Golden Bell Frog
Key Threatening Processes listed for the Green and Golden Bell Frog are:
Habitat loss, modification and disturbance;
Fragmentation and isolation of habitat;
Predation by the introduced Plague Minnow or Mosquito Fish (Gambusia
holbrooki);
Reduction in the quality of water bodies through pollution;
Amphibian chytridiomycosis (a fungal disease).
The Management Plan for Green and Golden Bell Frogs on Cooks Cove deals with these
issues in detail. Whilst loss of foraging habitat will be a temporary measure, the creation
of breeding ponds and additional habitat for the frogs across the site will improve and
extend available habitat for GGBFs in the future. Monitoring and habitat management will
also minimise other potential key threatening processes.
Conclusion
The assessments of significance indicate that there would be a significant impact on some
threatened species (migratory waders and Green and Golden Bell Frogs) and EEC
communities in the short-term but that in the long term, these species and communities
will benefit from the development and the long-term environmental management of the
site.
FINAL REPORT
28 JUNE 2010
Appendix E
E.
Assumed Concurrence Conditions of Consent