Toodyay Road Passing Lanes
Table 1 Flora Species of Conservation Significance known from the general area of the proposed roadworks on Toodyay Road
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- Bu səhifədəki naviqasiya:
- Toodyay Road Passing Lanes
- 2.3.5 Introduced Species
- 2.3.6 Dieback and other Disease Risks
- 2.3.7 Fauna
- Carnaby’s Cockatoo ( Calyptorhynchus latirostris )
- Baudin’s Cockatoo ( Calyptorhynchus baudinii ).
- Chuditch ( Dasyurus geoffroii ).
- Carpet Snake ( Morelia spilota imbricata )
- Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus )
- Brush-tailed Phascogale ( Phascogale tapoatafa ).
- Crested Shrike-tit ( Falcunculus frontatus )
- Brush Wallaby ( Macropus irma ).
- Southern Brown Bandicoot or Quenda ( Isoodon obesulus fusciventer )
- Western False Pipistrelle ( Falsistrellus mckenziei ).
- 2.3.8 Conservation Reserves
- 2.3.9 Greenways
- 2.4.2 Native Title Issues
Table 1 Flora Species of Conservation Significance known from the general area of the proposed roadworks on Toodyay Road. Taxon Conservation Code Known Locality(ies) Preferred Habitat Acacia oncinophylla subsp. oncinophylla Priority 3 John Forrest NP, Mogumber, Mundaring, Serpentine In granitic soils, occasionally on laterite Adenanthos cygnorum subsp. Chamaephyton Priority 3 Chidlow, east of Sawyers Valley, Mundaring In grey-brown sand or lateritic gravel Anthocercis gracilis Declared Rare Mundaring Weir, Dandalup, John Forrest NP On sandy or loamy soils, around granite outcrops Aotus cordifolia Priority 3 Red Hill, Helena Valley, Gidgegannup, Jarrahdale In peaty soils, swampy areas Calothamnus rupestris Priority 4 Red Hill, Gosnells, Boyagin Rock Skeletal gravel soils, granite outcrops & rocks, hillsides Cyanicula ixioides ssp. ixioides Priority 4 Beechina, Wooroloo, Toodyay, Gingin
Priority 4 John Forrest NP, Walyunga, Darlington Loam & sandy loam over granite, granite outcrops Diplolaena andrewsii Priority 2 Swan View, Wooroloo Brook, John Forrest NP
Priority 1 Gidgegannup, Bindoon, Julimar
Declared Rare Gidgegannup Red-brown sand with laterite & gravel, sand over granite, ridgetop plateau & assoc. breakaways
Priority 3 Gosnells to Gidgegannup, Crossman, Wandering
Priority 4 John Forrest NP, Bindoon, Wongamine
Priority 2 Red Hill, Lesmurdie NP, Helena Valley Gravelly or sandy loam amongst granite outcrops Tetratheca pilifera Priority 3 Two Rocks Chidlow, John Forrest NP Gravelly loam-clay soils, among granite rocks Thelymitra manginiorum ms Declared Rare Gidgegannup
Priority 1 Red Hill, Darling Range.
Priority 3 John Forrest NP, Brookton Hwy, Mt Lesuer
Priority 2 Wooroloo, Toodyay Gravelly loam or sand, low-lying damp areas, swamps 9 61/16642/53945 Toodyay Road Passing Lanes Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment - Update
None of the Declared Rare or Priority species which were listed in 2002 were found within the areas of road reserve that will be impacted by construction of Passing Lanes 1 to 4 or the Truck Bay (GHD, 2002). Apart from at Passing lane 1, much of the road reserve area has been previously cleared of its original native vegetation and is now vegetated with opportunistic native species, species used in rehabilitation and/or introduced species. Habitat likely to support significant species listed in 2002 was thoroughly checked for the presence of any individuals in these genera. Appendix D gives flora species recorded during GHD’s site visit in 2002. The search included areas in the road reserve likely to be impacted by the proposed passing lanes, and their immediate surrounds. A detailed field search for newly listed Declared Rare or Priority species was not undertaken in 2005. 2.3.5 Introduced Species The majority of the road reserve impacted by the proposed works contains a significant amount of introduced annual and perennial pasture species, due to past agricultural practices. Some of these species are particularly invasive. ATA Environmental conducted a weed survey of Passing Lane 1, and found a total of 28 weed species within the survey area (2004). One of the weeds identified was Paterson’s Curse (Echium plantagineum), which is classified with a P1 category throughout the state (Department of Agriculture, 2005). P1 prohibits the movement of the plant and its seeds throughout the state. Four other weeds identified are weeds of high environmental significance as defined in the Environmental Weed Strategy for Western Australia (CALM, 1999). These are the Victorian Tea Tree (Leptospermum laevigatum), African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula), Watsonia (Watsonia meriana) and Freesia (Freesia sp). Weeds with a high rating:
Are widely distributed or have a potentially wide distribution; and
Their presence results in environmental impacts including changing the structure composition and function of ecosystems. Passing Lane 2 has a high level of weed invasion as it has been previously cleared and replanted with tree species. The understorey layer is predominantly pasture and weed species. No Declared plants were recorded in the area of Passing Lane 2 but environmental weeds such as African Lovegrass are present. Passing Lane 4 also has weed species in some sections, with African Lovegrass present within the roadside table drain. No Declared plants or other significant environmental weeds were observed. Some of the area to be impacted is a gravely- clay cut embankment, which has been rehabilitated with a range of native species and which does not support any herbaceous weed species. However, two non-native species have become naturalised in a limited area: Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. rosea, a South Australian species which appears to have been accidentally introduced in the 10 61/16642/53945 Toodyay Road Passing Lanes Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment - Update
drain area, and Hakea laurina, from the south coast of WA, which was possibly included in the seed mix or tubestock used on the embankment. 2.3.6 Dieback and other Disease Risks Dieback disease (caused by the fungal pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi) may be present along parts of the road alignment. Glevan Consulting undertook a dieback assessment of Passing Lane 1 and the Truck Bay (2004). No visual evidence of dieback was recorded. One soil and tissue sample was taken to assist in the assessment process, and returned a negative result. Despite this result, the majority of vegetation on the verges of Toodyay Road in this area is at risk of being infected with dieback. The vegetation on Passing Lane 2 is almost entirely planted trees, some of which have a low susceptibility to the disease. There is no evidence of dieback presence but the area must be considered as uninterpretable, due to long-term disturbance. One section of revegetation within the area of Passing Lane 4 has a number of young, planted and seeded, individuals of Banksia grandis, which are particularly susceptible to the disease. Some individuals of Banksia grandis were recorded as dead or dying during the recent site visit on 7 th July 2005 but it is believed that the deaths are more likely as a result of drought and plant competition on the rehabilitated embankment. A number of other potentially susceptible plant species in the revegetation area are healthy. Despite this, it is still possible that dieback is present along sections of Passing Lane 4 as the area has been significantly altered and some sections are uninterpretable. A short visit to the Lilydale Road pit was undertaken by GHD in 2005, in order to consider the risk of dieback spread from gravels in the pit area. Again, most of the area of the pit is uninterpretable due to extensive disturbance and the lack of indicator native plant species. The area above the pit still retains some native vegetation although much of the understorey species have been removed by grazing. Any soil from the pit area would be considered uninterpretable for Phytophthora infestation, due to the disturbance and lack of hygiene controls for earthmoving over many years. 2.3.7 Fauna The fauna in the area near the western end of Toodyay Road was reviewed in Dell (1983), and considerable work has been carried out in the John Forrest National Park including a trapping survey in 1990/91 (CALM 1991). Trapping surveys have not extended as far north as Passing Lanes 2 and 4 but the habitat along Toodyay Road is similar. CALM’s rare fauna database was searched by GHD in 2005, the rare species listed for the general area are given in Appendix A. The conservation status of fauna species is assessed under State and Commonwealth Acts; in particular the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950; Wildlife
to species with a formal gazetted conservation status, CALM also maintains a Priority 11 61/16642/53945 Toodyay Road Passing Lanes Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment - Update
list of species that are restricted, vulnerable or too poorly known to be considered for gazetting These species have no formal protection, but their presence would normally be considered. The taxon needs further survey and evaluation of conservation status before consideration can be given to declaration as threatened fauna. These may be trigger species in the Federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999. From this specific information and other general information, the following species with a classified conservation status may be present: Schedule 1 (Fauna which is Rare or likely to become Extinct) Carnaby’s Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris). This species breeds primarily in the northern and eastern parts of its range and tends to move south and to the coastal belt when not breeding, where it feeds on native shrubs and trees (particularly proteaceous species) as well as pine trees. It is threatened primarily by loss of tree hollows for breeding, particularly in the wheatbelt area. This species is present as a regular seasonal visitor, but there is only a small chance that it might breed in the larger trees (Johnstone and Storr 1998). Recent studies on Carnaby’s Cockatoo have indicated that it is known to breed in limited areas on the Swan Coastal Plain and, potentially, in any trees with suitable hollows. It’s feeding habits have also developed to include a number of garden species (John Dell, pers. comm. 2005). Baudin’s Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus baudinii). This species is primarily a forest dwelling species which feeds on the seeds of marri and other eucalypts. It is not common and has declined due to destruction as a pest in orchards and possibly due to competition for nest hollows, but appears to be secure since much of its forest habitat is still available as native vegetation. This species is a regular seasonal visitor but probably does not breed this far north (Storr, 1991). Chuditch (Dasyurus geoffroii). The Chuditch was once common and widespread on the scarp but has declined greatly. It has increased with fox control but is still scarce and present at low densities because individuals occupy very large areas. It would be a resident species, but at a low density. Species gazetted under the Wildlife Act in Schedule 4, which means "Other specially protected fauna". Carpet Snake (Morelia spilota imbricata). This is widespread in the south-west of Western Australia, but rare or threatened in some areas such as the wheatbelt, and is partly gazetted to protect it from illegal capture and unnecessary killing. This is an attractive python which is usually found under logs or rocks and may even be found around human settlements (Wilson and Knowles 1988). It is often killed around human settlements because it is mistaken for a large venomous snake. It is widespread but scarce regionally, and would most likely be found on the granite or in logs. It is probably a resident species but at a low density. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). The Peregrine Falcon is a very widespread although uncommon species. It is seen occasionally throughout the South-West, but prefers hills, cliffs, river edges and tall trees. This species was previously regarded as 12
61/16642/53945 Toodyay Road Passing Lanes Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment - Update
threatened by egg-shell thinning due to pesticides, illegal hunting as a pest, and capture for falconry and the cage trade (Kennedy 1990, Garnett 1992), but has now been deleted from the latest national Action Plan for Australian Birds (Garnett and Crowley 2000). In Western Australia this species is regarded as uncommon but secure, and it is mainly gazetted to protect it from illegal capture. It would be present as occasional birds hunting other birds from the taller trees, but there is only a low chance that it would breed in the largest trees. In addition to these species that have a formal gazetted conservation status, CALM also maintains a Priority list of species that are restricted, vulnerable or too poorly known to be considered for gazetting. These species have no special protection, but their presence is normally considered. Priority species, which could be expected to occur, are:
a forest and woodland species that is still widespread but has declined greatly. It is widespread in the scarp and forest area regionally. It is probably a resident species at a low density. Crested Shrike-tit (Falcunculus frontatus). This is a Priority 4 species, which is defined as “Taxa in need of monitoring. Taxa which are considered to have been adequately surveyed, or for which sufficient knowledge is available, and which are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could be if present circumstances change. These taxa are usually represented on conservation lands”. This species is scarce regionally, and favours woodlands further east, and particularly Wandoo. It is very scarce along the scarp and probably not resident, but could be found in the Wandoo. Brush Wallaby (Macropus irma). This is a Priority 4 species. This species is widespread in the forest as well as other areas including heath on the coastal plain, woodlands and mallee in the south-east. It has declined in total but has recently increased with fox control. It would be a resident species, but at low densities. Southern Brown Bandicoot or Quenda (Isoodon obesulus fusciventer). This is a Priority 5 species. This species is common regionally but is now largely restricted to dense vegetation in wet areas. It has declined in range and numbers, but still occurs over a large area from north of Perth to Esperance. Its decline is mainly due to habitat loss and predation by foxes, and many populations may now be isolated. It is now found mainly in wetter areas because only these provide the dense vegetation, which it requires for shelter from foxes. It is a prolific breeder and has probably been able to survive because of the high production of juvenile animals. It is still relatively common in the scarp valleys, but is rare in John Forrest National Park and probably does not occur in the area of Passing Lanes 1, 2 and 4 because there is little suitable dense habitat.
primarily a forest bat but it does occur on the coastal plain as well. It is poorly known but probably common and secure in forest areas. It is probably resident throughout the region.
13 61/16642/53945 Toodyay Road Passing Lanes Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment - Update
Two bird species (Rainbow Bee-eater and Fork-tailed Swift) are protected under international treaties. Both are migrants, but both are common and widespread in Australia and require no specific management in Australia. There would be no impact on these species regionally as they disperse widely.
John Forrest National Park in the vicinity of Red Hill is immediately adjacent to the works area associated with Passing Lane 1 and the Truck Bay. This national park may be indirectly impacted by proposed construction works. Direct construction impacts will not occur as all proposed works are within the road reserve, which has mostly re- established native and introduced species, and some remnant native species. Indirect impacts include soil erosion, impacts to a tributary of Strelley Brook, introduction of weeds, and spread of dieback. These aspects will need to be managed. 2.3.9 Greenways The vegetation corridor along Toodyay Road is part of a recommended Greenway linking the lower Jane Brook-Whiteman Park with the Avon Valley National Park (Alan Tingay and Associates, 1998). Greenways have been proposed to provide vegetated corridors linking remnant bushland throughout the metropolitan area. Greenways have no legislative status at present, however it is expected that efforts should be made to consider their importance. Green corridors are not inconsistent with vegetated road reserves and the two can easily be accommodated together. 2.4 Aboriginal Heritage 2.4.1 Archaeological and Ethnographic Sites A search of the Department of Indigenous Affairs database in 2005 indicates that no archaeological or ethnographic sites have been recorded within the project area. However, it is possible that sites do exist within the proposed work areas and detailed field investigation would be required to verify their presence or absence.
A search was conducted by the National Native Title Tribunal in 2005 and the results are presented in Table 2. Table 2: Native Title Claims Covering Toodyay Road. Shire NNTT Claim Number Name of Claim Swan
WC95/86 Ballaruks People Swan WC03/6
Single Noongar Claim (Area 1) 14 61/16642/53945 Toodyay Road Passing Lanes Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment - Update
These claims both cover the entire area of the proposed works. These claims have not yet passed the registration test but the claimants may still need to be consulted with regard to proposed works within the claim area. Native Title is generally extinguished in areas where governments have built roads, schools and undertaken other public works. Therefore, it is likely that Native Title has been extinguished in this area. However, this is a legal issue and as such final confirmation should be sought from a suitably qualified legal practitioner. 2.5 European Heritage A search was conducted for European heritage sites utilising the databases of the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Heritage, the Western Australian Heritage Council, the City of Swan and the Shire of Mundaring. The search indicated only one European heritage site in the vicinity of the proposed roadworks. The Redhill Convict Station is registered on the City of Swan heritage register and is in close proximity to Passing Lane 1. The heritage database record for this site is shown at Appendix C. The Convict Station is located on the northern side of the existing Toodyay Road, adjacent to the John Forrest National Park, between Red Hill and the entrance to the Pioneer Quarry. The Redhill Convict Station has been the subject of an Archaeological and Architectural Report and Conservation Plan (undertaken by Bush et al (1996); and Heritage and Conservation Professionals (1998). The Heritage Council of Western Australia endorsed these documents. The site remains extant only as a ruin. The Conservation Plan indicates that the area adjacent to the northern side of Toodyay Road is regarded as having considerable conservation significance. However, Passing Lane 1 will have no direct impact on this area. Archaeological research indicates that the sites of the former oven and soak are probably located on the southern side of Toodyay Road. However, research was unable to provide exact locations. According to the diagrams included in the Conservation Plan, Passing Lane 1 is likely to directly impact the area where the oven is potentially located. It was recommended in the Conservation Plan that MRWA should commission an archaeological investigation of the oven and well sites prior to construction works. This is probably best done while the roadworks are being carried out in case any evidence of the oven or well becomes apparent. GHD consulted the Heritage Council of Western Australia, and despite endorsement from the council in 1998, the proposed works will require the submission of a Development Referral. The Referral should include a summary of the project, an outline of the potential impacts and any research that has already been undertaken. A representative of the Heritage Council indicated that, as the previous Conservation Plan had been endorsed, the approval to develop would be relatively straightforward. 15
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