Document information 1
Rev 1
Date 1
Details 1
A 1
15/05/2013 1
Draft 1
B 1
07/06/2013 1
Final 1
C 1
19/12/2013 1
Final 1
Author, Reviewer and Approver details 1
Prepared by: 1
Selga Harrington,
Tanya Bangel 1
Date: 19/12/2013 1
Signature: 1
1
Reviewed by: 2
Alex Cockerill 2
Date: 19/12/2013 2
Signature: 2
2
Approved by: 2
Alex Cockerill 2
Date: 19/12/2013 2
Signature: 2
2
Distribution 2
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Parsons Brinckerhoff file 2
©Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia Pty Limited 2013 2
Copyright in the drawings, information and data recorded in this document (the information) is the property of Parsons Brinckerhoff. This document and the information are solely for the use of the authorised recipient and this document may not be used, copied or reproduced in whole or part for any purpose other than that for which it was supplied by Parsons Brinckerhoff. Parsons Brinckerhoff makes no representation, undertakes no duty and accepts no responsibility to any third party who may use or rely upon this document or the information. 2
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian Government or the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are factually correct, the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this publication. 2
Document owner 2
Abbreviations 5
Executive summary 7
(1)Introduction 9
(1)Introduction 9
(2)Methodology 11
(2)Methodology 11
Alex Cockerill 11
BSc (Hons) 11
Project Director – report review, consultation, expert workshop 11
Selga Harrington 11
BSc (Hons) 11
Project Manager – report preparation, consultation, expert workshop 11
Debbie Landenberger 11
BSc (Hons) 11
Botanist – mapping consolidation, report preparation 11
Allan Richardson 11
BEnvSc (Hons) 11
Ecologist – threatened species assessment 11
Tanya Bangel 11
BSc (Hons) 11
Ecologist – desktop review, report preparation 11
Sam Wilkin 11
Dip GIS 11
GIS team lead 11
Rob Suansri 11
BSc 11
GIS specialist 11
Ashley Trinder 11
BSc 11
GIS specialist 11
Emily Mitchell 11
BDevStud, Cert IV SIS 11
GIS specialist 11
Vegetation Survey, Classification and Mapping Lower Hunter and Central Coast Region (LHCCREMS) 11
Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy (2003a) 11
Greater Hunter Native Vegetation Mapping (GHM) 12
Sivertsen et al. (2011) 12
Vegetation of the Cessnock-Kurri region, Cessnock LGA, New South Wales: Survey, Classification and Mapping 12
Bell S and Driscoll C (2007) 12
State Forests Mapping of NSW State Forest 12
NSW State Forests (undated) 12
The Native Vegetation of Yengo and Parr Reserves and Surrounds 12
Department of Environment & Climate Change (2008) 12
Vegetation of the Tomago and Tomaree Sandbeds, Port Stephens, New South Wales. Management of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems. 12
Bell S and Driscoll C (2006b) 12
The Natural Vegetation of the Maitland LGA 12
Hill L (2003) 12
Vegetation Mapping of the Lake Macquarie LGA: Stages 1-3 12
Bell S and Driscoll C (2012) 12
Vegetation of Werakata, National Park, Hunter Valley, New South Wales 12
Bell S (2004) 12
Glenrock State Conservation Area and Awabakal Nature Reserve Vegetation Survey 12
Bell S (2006) 12
Vegetation mapping of Watagans National Park and Jilliby State Conservation Area 12
Bell S and Driscoll C (2006a) 12
Wollemi National Park Vegetation Survey (1998) 12
Bell S (1998) 12
Blue Gum Hills Vegetation 12
(Blue Gum Hills Vegetation' 1997) 12
Vegetation and floristics of Columbey National Park, lower Hunter Valley, New South Wales 12
Bell S (2009) 12
Yengo National Park and Parr State Conservation Area Vegetation Survey for use in fire management 12
Bell S et al. (1993) 12
White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland 12
Critically Endangered 12
Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia 12
Critically Endangered 12
Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia 12
Critically Endangered 12
Subtropical and temperate coastal saltmarsh 13
Nominated 13
Hinterland Sand Flats Forest and Woodland of the Sydney Basin Bioregion 13
Nominated 13
Hunter Valley Remnant Woodlands and Open Forests 13
Nominated 13
Includes species that fit one or more of the following criteria: 14
This includes species that fit one or more of the criteria below: 14
Includes species that fit one or more of the following criteria: 15
This includes species not known to occur within the TEC that fit one or more of the following criteria: 15
EPBC-listed or nominated Threatened Ecological Communities 15
A number of vegetation types are listed or nominated at the Commonwealth level as being threatened. . 15
10 15
Vegetation was scored as 10 (Listed), 7 (Nominated) or 5 (Further investigation required). Rationale for not using a 3 to 1 range was to not over-inflate the importance the EPBC listing in relation to the other criteria. Where overlaps occurred higher sensitivity areas took precedence. 15
Connectivity specifically to nature reserves 15
Direct connectivity of native vegetation to existing nature reserves is considered to be an important factor in determining lands that may be priority areas. 15
7 15
Extent of vegetated area in relation to nature reserves was assessed. Only vegetation patches that were overlapping or adjoining were defined as being connected. These patches were scored as 1 (true) or 0 (false) 15
Threatened flora habitat value 16
The occurrence of threatened flora and related habitat is considered of high importance. 16
7 16
The NSW Atlas of Wildlife Database records and any SEWPAC ERIN datasets were used to identify patches that are known to contain threatened flora under the TSC and EPBC Acts. This was modelled and scored as patches either containing threatened flora or not containing threatened flora. A recognised limitation of this method is the intensity of surveys being skewed towards populated areas. These patches were scored as 1 (true) or 0 (false) 16
Threatened fauna habitat value 16
The occurrence of threatened fauna and related habitat is considered of high importance. 16
7 16
The NSW Atlas of Wildlife Database records and any SEWPAC ERIN datasets were used to identify patches that are known to contain threatened fauna under the TSC and EPBC Acts. This would be modelled and scored as patches either containing threatened fauna or not containing threatened fauna. A recognised limitation of this method is the intensity of surveys being skewed towards populated areas. These patches were scored as 1 (true) or 0 (false) 16
Patch size 16
Patch size is a consideration when considering integrity of native vegetation within each patch. Generally, the greater the patch size, the greater the integrity or condition. Vegetation integrity reflects general biodiversity values of patches. 16
5 16
Patch sizes were categorised as over 500 ha (3), 100–500 ha (2) or <100 ha (1). 16
Habitat Connectivity 16
Habitat connectivity is considered to be important for native flora and fauna and genetic exchange. 16
5 16
The following corridor mapping was used for determining habitat connectivity: 16
Using spatial analysis the area of habitat corridor for each overlapping TEC area was determined. A coverage percentage was calculated and any TEC area that was covered by a percentage 50% or more was scored as 1 (true). All other areas were scored as 0 (false) 16
(2)Threatened Ecological Communities mapping 20
(2)Threatened Ecological Communities mapping 20
Lake Macquarie LGA (Bell S & Driscoll C 2012) 21
4 21
Littoral Rainforest 21
LHCCREMS (Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy 2003b) 21
4 21
Littoral Rainforest 21
GHM (Sivertsen et al. 2011) 21
19 21
Tuckeroo/Yellow Tulipwood/ Red fruited Olive Plum Littoral Rainforest of the lower North Coast 21
GHM (Sivertsen et al. 2011) 21
18 21
Tuckeroo/Lilly Pilly/Coast Banksia Littoral Rainforest 21
Tomago and Tomaree (Bell S & Driscoll C 2006b) 21
14 21
Nerong Littoral Rainforest 21
Glenrock/Awabakal Bell S 2006) 21
8 21
Littoral Rainforest 21
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 22
1b 22
Bow Wow Subtropical Rainforest 22
LHCCREMS (Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy 2003b) 22
1a 22
Coastal Warm Temperate – Subtropical Rainforest 22
Lake Macquarie LGA (Bell S & Driscoll C 2012) 22
1a 22
Coastal Warm Temperate – Subtropical Rainforest 22
GHM (Sivertsen et al. 2011 22
16 22
Black Booyong/Giant Stinging Tree/Rosewood/Moreton Bay Fig lowland subtropical rainforest of the lower north coast 22
GHM (Sivertsen et al. 2011) 22
17 22
Black Booyong/Brown Beech/Soft Coachwood/Rosewood Subtropical Rainforest on the escarpment of the lower north Coast 22
Watagans and Jilliby (Bell S & Driscoll C 2006a) 22
1a 22
Coastal Warm Temperate – Subtropical Rainforest 22
Watagans and Jilliby (Bell S & Driscoll C 2006a) 22
1b 22
Red Cedar – Stinging Tree Subtropical Rainforest 22
Wollemi National Park (Bell 1998) 22
RF3 22
Sandstone Gorge Sub-tropical Rainforest 22
LHCCREMS (Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy 2003b) 24
47 24
Mangrove Estuarine Complex 24
GHM (Sivertsen et al. 2011 24
228 24
Mangrove Estuarine Complex 24
Lake Macquarie LGA (Bell S & Driscoll C 2012) 24
47a 24
Saltmarsh 24
Lake Macquarie LGA (Bell S & Driscoll C 2012) 24
47 24
Mangrove Estuarine Complex 24
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 25
35a 25
Kurri Sand Heath Woodland 25
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 25
35b 25
Kurri Sand Dropping Red Gum – Stringybark Forest 25
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 25
35c(i) 25
Kurri Sands Shrub Forest (main variant) 25
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 25
35c(ii) 25
Kurri Sands Shrub Forest 25
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 25
35d 25
Kurri Sands Stringybark Forest 25
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 25
35e 25
Kurri Sands Paperbark Heath 25
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 25
35f(i) 25
Kurri Sand Claypan Scrub (E. parramattensis variant) 25
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 25
35f(ii) 25
Kurri Sand Claypan Scrub (E. fibrosa variant) 25
LHCCREMS LHCCREMS (Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy 2003b) 25
35 25
Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland 25
Werakata National Park Bell S 2004) 25
4 25
Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland 25
Werakata National Park Bell S 2004) 25
5a 25
Kurri Sands Melaleuca Scrub Forest 25
Werakata National Park Bell S 2004) 25
5b 25
Kurri Sands Melaleuca Scrub Forest 25
GHM (Sivertsen et al. 2011) 26
75 26
Narrow leaved Ironbark/ Grey Box/ Spotted Gum shrub/ grass open forest 26
GHM (Sivertsen et al. 2011) 26
67 26
Spotted Gum/ Red Ironbark/ Large-fruited Grey Gum shrub/ grass open forest 26
GHM (Sivertsen et al. 2011Sivertsen et al. 2011) 26
121 26
Grey Box/ Slaty Box shrub/ grass woodland 26
GHM (Sivertsen et al. 2011Sivertsen et al. 2011) 26
156 26
Narrow-leaved Ironbark/ Grey Box grassy woodland 26
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 26
17(i) 26
Lower Hunter Spotted Gum – Red Ironbark Forest (main variant) 26
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 26
17a(ii) 26
Lower Hunter Spotted Gum – Red Ironbark Forest (E. longifolia variant) 26
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 26
17a(iii) 26
Lower Hunter Spotted Gum – Red Ironbark Forest (E, placita variant) 26
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 26
17c 26
Lower Hunter Beyer's Ironbark Low Forest 26
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 26
17i 26
Lower Hunter Grey Box Grassy Forest 26
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 26
17 m 26
Lower Hunter Narrow-leaved Ironbark Forest 26
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 26
18 26
Hunter Narrow-leaf Ironbark – Spotted Gum Forest 26
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 26
18a 26
Hunter Bulloak-Spotted Gum Forest 26
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 26
18b 26
Central Hunter Grey Box Grassy Forest 26
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 26
18c 26
Hunter Spotted Gum – Cypress Forest 26
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 26
18h 26
Hunter Red Ironbark – Spotted Gum Forest 26
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 26
18i 26
Hunter Redgum – Ironbark Forest 26
Cessnock Kurri Kurri (Bell S & Driscoll C 2007) 27
110 27
Red Ironbark – Paperbark Forest 27
GHM (Sivertsen et al. 2011) 27
82 27
Spotted Gum/ Narrow-leaved Ironbark/ Grey Box shrub/grass open forest of the lower Hunter 27
GHM (Sivertsen et al. 2011) 27
83 27
Spotted Gum/ Narrow-leaved Ironbark. Red Ironbark shrub/ grass open forest of the central and lower hunter 27
GHM Sivertsen et al. 2011) 27
85 27
Narrow-leaved Ironbark/ Bull Oak/ grey Box shrub/ grass open forest of the Central Hunter and lower hunter 27
GHM (Sivertsen et al. 2011) 27
86 27
Narrow-leaved Ironbark/ Grey Box/ Spotted gum shrub/ grass open forest of the central and lower hunter 27
GHM Sivertsen et al. 2011) 27
172 27
Narrow-leaved Ironbark/Grey Box grassy Woodland on the Central and Upper Hunter 27
LHCCREMS (Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy 2003b) 27
16 27
Seaham Spotted Gum – Ironbark Forest 27
LHCCREMS (Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy 2003b) 27
17 27
Lower Hunter Spotted Gum – Ironbark Forest 27
LHCCREMS (Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy 2003b) 27
18 27
Central hunter Ironbark – Spotted Gum – Grey Box Forest 27
Werakata National Park Bell S 2004) 27
1 27
Lower-Hunter Spotted Gum – Ironbark Forest 27
Yengo (Department of Environment & Climate Change 2008) 27
20 27
Hunter Range Ironbark Forest 27
Tomago and Tomaree (Bell S & Driscoll C 2006b) 27
1d 27
Spotted Gum-Ironbark-Stringybark Forest 27
Lake Macquarie LGA (Bell S & Driscoll C 2012) 27
17o 27
Hinterland Spotted Gum – Red Ironbark Forest 27
Blue Gum Hills (Blue Gum Hills Vegetation' 1997) 27
BH3 27
Dry Open forest 27
Blue Gum Hills (Blue Gum Hills Vegetation' 1997) 27
BH4 27
Dry Open forest – disturbed 27
Blue Gum Hills (Blue Gum Hills Vegetation' 1997) 27
BH5 27
Dry Open forest – regen 27
Blue Gum Hills (Blue Gum Hills Vegetation' 1997) 27
BH7 27
Dry Open forest – very disturbed 27
Columbey (Bell S 2009) 27
6 27
6 – Seaham Ironbark Forest 27
Columbey (Bell S 2009) 27
7 27
7 – Seaham Spotted Gum-Ironbark Forest 27
Columbey (Bell S 2009) 28
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