recovery plan for · approved recovery plan grevillea beadleana nsw department of environment and...

Approved NSW & National Recovery Plan

Recovery Plan forthe

Grevilleabeadleana

July 2004Department of

Environment andConservation (NSW)

© NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, 2004.

This work is copyright. However, material presented in this plan may be copied for personal use orpublished for educational purposes, providing that any extracts are fully acknowledged. Apart from thisand any other use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without priorwritten permission from the Department of Environment and Conservation.

NSW Department of Environment and Conservation

43 Bridge Street(PO Box 1967)Hurstville NSW 2220Tel: 02 9585 6444www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Requests for information or comments regarding the recovery program for the Grevillea beadleana arebest directed to:

The Grevillea beadleana Recovery CoordinatorThreatened Species Unit, North East BranchNSW Department of Environment and ConservationLocked Bag 914Coffs Harbour NSW 2450Tel 02 6651 5946

Cover illustration: Tina Woolfe

This plan should be cited as follows:

NSW Department of Environment and Conservation (2004), Approved Recovery Plan for the Grevilleabeadleana, NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville.

ISBN 174122 135 8

Approved Recovery Plan Grevillea beadleana

N S W D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n i

Recovery Plan for the Grevilleabeadleana

Foreword

The New South Wales Government established a new environment agency on 24 September 2003, theDepartment of Environment and Conservation, which incorporates the New South Wales NationalParks and Wildlife Service. Responsibility for the preparation of Recovery Plans now rests with thisnew department.

This document constitutes the formal New South Wales State Recovery Plan for the Grevilleabeadleana and considers the conservation requirements of the species across its known range. Itidentifies the actions to be taken to ensure the long-term viability of the species in nature and theparties who will undertake these actions.

The Grevillea beadleana is included as Endangered on the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act1995, and Endangered on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity ConservationAct 1999. Grevillea beadleana is a single-stemmed spreading shrub up to 2.5 m high and 2 m wide.Grevillea beadleana is known from four disjunct localities in northern NSW, including the Binghiregion to the north of Torrington, above the Macleay gorges escarpment near Enmore, the Guy FawkesRiver National Park north of Ebor and the Chambigne Nature Reserve south-west of Grafton.Grevillea beadleana was previously known last century from near Walcha, however, despite searches,it has not been relocated in this area.

The future recovery actions detailed in this Recovery Plan include: (i) surveys; (ii) research; (iii) habitatprotection; (iv) threat abatement and management; and (v) community awareness.

It is intended that this Recovery Plan will be implemented over a five year period. Actions will beundertaken by the New South Wales Department of Environment and Conservation.

TONY FLEMING

Acting Director-General

BOB DEBUS MP

Minister for theEnvironment

N S W D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n i i

Acknowledgments

This Recovery Plan was prepared by Dr Caroline Gross of University of New England and AndrewSteed of New South Wales Department of Environment and Conservation, with assistance frommembers of the Grevillea beadleana Recovery Team. The Recovery Team comprised Dr CarolineGross and Andrew Steed together with Rachel Bailey and Danny Corcoran and Peter Croft of NewSouth Wales Department of Environment and Conservation and private landholders Barry and LeonieMcWhinney. This document has substantially revised the original Recovery Plan prepared by JohnBenson of the Royal Botanic Gardens, and his contribution in preparing that plan is greatlyappreciated. Andrew Leys reviewed and edited the Recovery Plan, providing valuable input.

Research undertaken in the last three years has been supported by the Biodiversity Group,Environment Australia's Endangered Species Program, University of New England and by the formerNew South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (now the NSW Department of Environment andConservation). Data on the ecology and distribution of the species were collected by Dr Caroline Grossand University of New England students J. Streat, J.A. Smith and J. Durbin, working under permitnumber A1712. Additional data w as gathered by P. Gilmour, M. Dwyer, D. Redman, D.Hardman, P. Croft and A. Steed of New South Wales Department of Environment and Conservation.Field assistance provided by P. Lisle, L. Copeland, J. Williams, K. McGregor and F. Quinn of Universityof New England, D. Mackey, D. Corcoran and A. Prior of New South Wales Department ofEnvironment and Conservation, and N. Taws is gratefully acknowledged. J.A. Smith and P. Lislehelped to maintain the glasshouse collection of Grevillea beadleana.

Sarah Caldwell (Mole Creek Nursery) is thanked for providing cultivated specimens of Grevilleabeadleana and for sharing her propagation methods which, along with suggestions from W. SheatherQuinn of University of New England, provided the basis for future research. Anne Blaxland-Fuad,Katrina McKay and Simon Ferrier of New South Wales Department of Environment andConservation are thanked for assisting with the modelling. Neville Fenton, Alex Floyd, Greg Robertsand John Williams are thanked for sharing their knowledge of Grevillea beadleana. David Mackay isthanked for the drawing of Grevillea beadleana on page 4 and Dr Caroline Gross for the use of theUniversity of New England�s laboratory and glasshouses. Tina Woolfe is thanked for providing thecover drawing.

Mr Barry McWhinney, owner of the property Grevillea Downs in the Binghi area north of Torringtonkindly allowed continued access to his property to undertake ecological research and distributionsurveys. Without the support of Mr McWhinney and his family, the knowledge of Grevilleabeadleana would not have advanced.

N S W D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n i i i

Table of Contents

1 Current Conservation Status ................................................................................1

2 Description and Taxonomy...................................................................................12.1 Description...........................................................................................................................................12.2 Taxonomy.............................................................................................................................................12.3 Taxonomic significance .......................................................................................................................1

3 Distribution ......................................................................................................... 33.1 Collection history and geographical distribution .............................................................................43.2 Population size ....................................................................................................................................43.3 Tenure..................................................................................................................................................43.4 Genetic variability...............................................................................................................................63.5 Significant habitat...............................................................................................................................63.6 Critical habitat.....................................................................................................................................6

4 Habitat................................................................................................................. 64.1 Binghi � Torrington State Recreation Area ......................................................................................64.2 Guy Fawkes River National Park - eastern population .................................................................... 74.3 Guy Fawkes River National Park - western population ...................................................................84.4 Chambigne Nature Reserve................................................................................................................84.5 Enmore - Oxley Wild Rivers National Park ......................................................................................94.6 Geographic Information System (GIS) Predictive Modelling..........................................................9

5 Life History.......................................................................................................... 95.1 Flowering and fruiting phenology .....................................................................................................95.2 Breeding system..................................................................................................................................95.3 Floral visitors ......................................................................................................................................95.4 Seed dispersal, predation and dormancy ........................................................................................ 105.5 Germination ...................................................................................................................................... 105.6 Response to fire and regeneration....................................................................................................11

6 Relevant Legislation ........................................................................................... 116.1 Recovery Plan preparation and implementation.............................................................................116.2 State legislation................................................................................................................................. 126.3 Commonwealth legislation............................................................................................................... 13

7 Management Issues ............................................................................................137.1 Threats............................................................................................................................................... 147.2 Biodiversity benefits ......................................................................................................................... 14

8 Previous Actions Undertaken .............................................................................14

9 Species� Ability To Recover .................................................................................15

10 Alternative Management Strategies ...................................................................15

11 Consideration of Social and Economic Consequences........................................1511.1 Consideration of economic costs ..................................................................................................1511.2 Consideration of economic benefits .............................................................................................1511.3 Consideration of social costs ........................................................................................................ 1611.4 Consideration of social benefits ................................................................................................... 1611.5 Consideration of net social and economic benefits to society.................................................... 16

12 Community Involvement ....................................................................................16

13 Recovery team ....................................................................................................16

14 Objectives of the Recovery Plan..........................................................................1714.1 Overall objective ............................................................................................................................17

15 Implementation..................................................................................................19

16 Preparation Details ............................................................................................1916.1 Persons responsible for the plan preparation............................................................................. 19

N S W D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n i v

16.2 Date of last amendment ............................................................................................................... 19

17 Review Date ........................................................................................................19

18 Contacts ..............................................................................................................19

19 References ......................................................................................................... 20

20 List of Abbreviations...........................................................................................21

Appendix 2 Summary of Advice from the NSW Scientific Committee ..................... 24

Tables

Table 1. Land tenure and Local Environment Plan zoning at the known sites of Grevillea beadleana. 6

Table 2. G. beadleana seed germination results (Durbin 1996). ............................................................. 10

Figures

Figure 1. Inflorescence (x1.25), inner surface of tepals showing the anthers (x 5), flower and fruit (x3.75) of Grevillea beadleana. ................................................................................................................. 3

Figure 2. The general locations of G. beadleana populations in north east New South Wales............. 5


N S W D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n P a g e 1

1 Current Conservation Status

Grevillea beadleana McGillivray (Proteaceae)has been listed as Endangered on both the NewSouth Wales (NSW) Threatened SpeciesConservation Act, 1995 (TSC Act) and theCommonwealth Environmental Protection andBiodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 (EPBC Act)because it is likely to become extinct in nature inNSW unless the circumstances and factorsthreatening its survival and evolutionarydevelopment cease to operate. At two locationspopulation sizes have been reduced to such acritical level, and the habitat has been sodrastically altered, that the species is inimmediate danger of extinction. The species isonly known to occur in northern NSW.

2 Description and Taxonomy

2.1 Description

Form and Habitat

Grevillea beadleana is a single-stemmedspreading shrub up to 2.5 m high and 2 m wide.It generally grows in gritty loam among graniteoutcrops in open scrub or woodland at the topsof gorges or undulating terrain, and also alongcreek-lines. These are areas with hot, drysummers and cold, wet or dry winters wherethere is an average rainfall of approximately800�1250 mm per annum (Olde & Marriott1995). Flowers are produced in spring to lateautumn with birds and the introduced honeybeebeing their most frequent visitors.

Leaves

The leaves are spreading, 8�17 cm long, 5�11 cmwide (Makinson 1991), and pinnatisect withsecondary or sometimes tertiary divisions withoblong to triangular ultimate lobes 2�11 cmwide. The upper surface of the leaves is sparselyhaired and carries the midvein as a sunkengroove. The lower surface is white and hairy,with the mid- and lateral veins prominent andthe leaf margins slightly curved backwards (Olde& Marriott 1995). The leaves on the specimencollected near Walcha in 1887 differ moderatelyfrom the material collected from the Guy FawkesRiver National Park (McGillivray 1993) andresemble the material collected recently fromnear Enmore (L. Copeland pers. comm.).

Inflorescence and Flower

The burgundy flowers of Grevillea beadleana areborne on a 35�50 mm flower stem (Figure 1).The short stalk of the flower is up to 20 mm. Theflower stem bears 20�90 flowers which open

progressively from the base of the inflorescenceupwards, with a fully-open inflorescenceresembling a toothbrush. Burgundy pollen ispresented on the far end of the pistil (pollenpresenter). The mature buds and flowersproduce nectar (Smith unpublished data).Accounts of the floral morphology of G.beadleana can be found in McGillivray (1986,1993).

Fruit and Seed

The fruit is about 9�10.5 mm long and 5 mmwide (Figure 1). It is ovoid, narrowing graduallyat the end, dorsally concave and has a densecover of intertwined hairs with conspicuouspurple stripes and blotches over a greenbackground. The fruit can contain twoellipsoidal seeds approximately 9 mm long and 4mm wide, the outer face with tiny wrinkles, andthe inner face channelled around a flat centralportion (Olde & Marriott 1995). The seeds donot bear an obvious food appendage or dispersalmechanism. Fruits soon open, releasing theseeds to the ground.

Similar and Related Species

There are several species closely related toGrevillea beadleana including G. caleyi, G.willisii ssp. willisii, G. acanthifolia ssp.acanthifolia and G. longifolia. These speciesalso belong to the �toothbrush inflorescence�group of Grevillea. G. aspleniifolia is anotherspecies that could be confused with G. beadleanaas it has similar elongated, broadly linear, entireor toothed leaves. G. willisii ssp. willisii isvegetatively the most similar to G. beadleana butthe species should not be confused in the field asthey occur in widely-separated locations(McGillivray 1993). G. beadleana can also beconfused in the vegetative state with Lomatiasilaifolia .

2.2 Taxonomy

McGillivray (1986) published the name Grevilleabeadleana in honour of Prof. Noel C. W. Beadle,the founding Professor of Botany at theUniversity of New England. The holotype islodged at the National Herbarium of NSW(McGillivray 1993).

2.3 Taxonomic significance

Grevillea beadleana is a member of the ancientGondwanan family Proteaceae, which has had apresence in Australia for at least 65 million years(White 1994). The Proteaceae contains about 80genera (1500 species) of which 50 genera (900species) are found in Australia (Harden 1991).Grevillea is mostly restricted to Australia but isalso found in New Guinea, Sulawesi and New



Caledonia (Morely & Toelken 1983). Between250 to 338 species of Grevillea are recognised asendemic to



Figure 1. Inflorescence (x1.25), inner surface of tepals showing the anthers (x 5),flower and fruit (x 3.75) of Grevillea beadleana.

Australia, with 53�68 species in NSW (Morely &Toelken 1983; Makinson 1991; Olde & Marriott1995). G. beadleana is a member of the�toothbrush inflorescence� group of Grevillea.Several species within this group are threatenedwith extinction.

3 Distribution

Grevillea beadleana is known from four disjunctlocalities in northern NSW (Figure 2). Themajority of plants are found in the Binghi regionto the north of Torrington and west of the NewEngland Highway. In this area, there are anumber of separate populations over an area ofabout 30 km2, with an estimated total of about40 000 plants. The next largest population is

located on the tablelands above the Macleaygorges escarpment near Enmore, 25 kms south-east of Armidale, in and adjacent to the OxleyWild Rivers National Park. In Guy Fawkes RiverNational Park, 30 kms north of Ebor, there aretwo populations, separated by about 20 kms andtotalling 700 plants. The other population,consisting of only four plants, is located atChambigne Nature Reserve 30 kms south-westof Grafton on an escarpment in the Orara Rivercatchment. G. beadleana was previously knownlast century from near Walcha, however, despitesearches, it has not been relocated in this area.



3.1 Collection history andgeographical distribution

Grevillea beadleana was first collected in 1887 atWalcha (McGillivray 1993). The specimen fromthis collection has not been viewed in thepreparation of the Recovery Plan, but it isapparently housed in the National Herbarium ofVictoria (McGillivray 1993). The species has notbeen found again in the Walcha district despitesearches for it in the early 1980s (J.B. Williamspers. comm.) and systematic searches morerecently (P. Davies & P. Metcalfe pers. comm.).

In 1981 a Grevillea beadleana specimen wascollected from the Guy Fawkes River NationalPark (N. Fenton pers. comm.). The type materialwas collected in June 1982 and was brought tothe attention of the National Herbarium of NSW.It recognised that the species was allied to thespecimen collected from Walcha and in 1986 itformally described as G. beadleana.

In 1988 a new population was discovered 15 kmsnorth of Torrington and about 40 kms south ofthe Queensland border (Figure 2). The veryextensive occurrence of Grevillea beadleana isreferred to in this document as the Binghipopulation, although it is recognised that geneflow within the greater area may not becontinuous.

In 1994, a small population was discovered 30kms south-west of Grafton on land which hassince become Chambigne Nature Reserve. In1998 another small population was discovered ina recent western addition to the Guy FawkesRiver National Park. In November 1999, apopulation of over 2 000 plants was located nearEnmore south-east of Armidale.

The reasons for Grevillea beadleana�s rarity arelargely unknown. It is likely that the populationswithin Guy Fawkes River National Park andChambigne Nature Reserve were more extensivebut have declined into refugia because of toofrequent fires. Anecdotal information alsosuggests that the species, locally known as the�bottle-brush from the river banks�, wascommon in the Torrington district 40 years agobut declined due to grazing pressures (S.Caldwell pers. comm.).

3.2 Population size

The first population census of the species wasundertaken in 1989 at the eastern populationwithin the Guy Fawkes River National Park (M.Dwyer pers. comm.). The site was traversed andit was estimated that 714 living plants werepresent in an area of about 4.25 hectares. Part ofthis population was surveyed in 1991 with 266

live plants being recorded in an area of threehectares (Benson 1991).

In August 1995, after a very intense fire inOctober 1994, 651 plants were counted,including 84 dead adults and only 62reproductive adults, in an area roughlycorresponding to the 1989 survey (Streat 1997).In March 1996 a further two adult plants haddied and about 20% of the mature plants werecoppicing (Gross unpublished data). At a newsite near the Aberfoyle River, located in March2000, it was estimated that 150 plants werepresent, with approximately 30 seedlings, 50immature and 70 mature plants.

In 1991 the Binghi population was estimated at 4000 plants over 20 hectares in two discretegroups: 5 hectares at �the Knoll� and 15 hectaresat Oaky Creek (Benson 1991). In 1996, based ontransect counts and ground truthing, thepopulation at the same two areas was estimatedat 40 000 plants in 270 hectares and a corridorof plants was found linking the two areas (Streat1997).

At the Chambigne Nature Reserve seven adultplants and two seedlings were found in 1994 (P.Sheringham pers. comm.). Only six of theseplants were found again in both 1995 and in1996. In 2000 nine plants were found (A. Steedpers. comm.) over a larger area than previouslyknown.

A full census has yet to be undertaken atEnmore, however a preliminary assessment inMay 2000 indicated the population to be over 2000, with adults up to 2.5 m high and 4 m wide,with many seedlings present.

3.3 Tenure

The tenure and ownership of the sites of knownpopulations of Grevillea beadleana is shown inTable 1. Four areas are reserved in theconservation reserve system and managed by theDepartment of Environment and Conservation(DEC). The largest occurrence of G. beadleana,at Binghi near Torrington, is present within anumber of different tenures, including theTorrington State Recreation Area managed byDEC and Crown Leasehold land, with twooutlying populations on freehold land.

Populations within National Parks are zoned asExisting National Parks, while those populationson private and leasehold land, State RecreationArea and Nature Reserves are currently zoned asGeneral Rural. It is anticipated that thepopulations in State Recreation Area and NatureReserves will be zoned as Existing National Parkand Nature Reserves in the future.



Figure 2. The general locations of G. beadleana populations in north east New SouthWales.

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Lismore

Casino Ballina

Tenterfield

Grafton

Coffs Harbour

Armidale

Kempsey

Glen Innes#Coutts Crossing

#Ebor

#Torrington

#Moona Plains

# Enmore

# Walcha

NPWS EstateState Forest Estate

Nsw-Qld Border$ Grevillea beadleana 0 10 20 30 40 Kilometres



Table 1. Land tenure and Local Environment Plan zoning at the known sites ofGrevillea beadleana.

Location Tenure Local Govt. LEP zoning

Chambigne NatureReserve

Nature Reserve Nymboida 1(a) - General Rural

Guy Fawkes River NP -east

National Park Nymboida 8(a) - Existing National Parks

Guy Fawkes River NP -west

National Park Guyra To be determined

Torrington SRA State RecreationArea

Tenterfield 1(a) - General Rural

Torrington leasehold Crown Leasehold Tenterfield 1(a) - General Rural

Torrington private land Freehold Tenterfield 1(a) - General Rural

Oxley Wild Rivers NP National Park Dumaresq 8(a) - Existing National Parks

Enmore private land Freehold Dumaresq 1(a) - General Rural

3.4 Genetic variability

Because the loss of genetic diversity within aspecies, especially one that has never beenabundant, can be catastrophic, and can causeinbreeding depression, the level of geneticdiversity within and between the variouspopulations of Grevillea beadleana is beinginvestigated. Preliminary results from starch gelelectrophoresis of young leaf material fromplants cultivated at the University of NewEngland (UNE) showed intra-populationvariation within the Binghi and Guy FawkesRiver National Park populations. TheChambigne Nature Reserve population variedgenetically from the other two but not withinitself (C. Gross unpublished data).

3.5 Significant habitat

All areas of known potential habitat, in theBinghi and Enmore areas, Guy Fawkes RiverNational Park and Chambigne Nature Reserveconstitute significant habitat.

3.6 Critical habitat

All areas of known habitat in the TorringtonState Recreation Area, Oxley Wild Rivers andGuy Fawkes River National Parks andChambigne Nature Reserve areas requireassessment to determine whether they areCritical Habitat within the meaning of the TSCAct.

4 Habitat

4.1 Binghi � Torrington StateRecreation Area

The populations of Grevillea beadleana on theCrown Leasehold land (Figure 2) and within theTorrington State Recreation Area may becontiguous. Further survey work is required inthe region. Binghi is the largest naturallyvegetated region on the north-west slopes of NewSouth Wales (Benson 1991). The main land-usesin the area include tin mining and rough cattlegrazing. The National Parks Association of NSWproposed the area as a National Park in 1976.However, this application was withdrawn inresponse to opposition from local miners andgraziers (Benson 1991). The area was identifiedas wilderness under section 6 of the WildernessAct 1987 but has not been formally declared.

Fires are not frequent in the area of the Binghipopulation. The property owners at GrevilleaDowns suggest that the last fire in the area wasduring the 1982�3 season (McWhinney pers.comm.) although Benson (1991) notes that �...onthe knoll in the Binghi area, approximately halfof the mature adults were killed in a 1988 fire�.Few seedlings are present. Part of this areaburnt in November 2002, however investigationof the response of G. beadleana to this event hasyet to occur.



Many of the plants are estimated to be up to 30years old, although the longevity of Grevilleabeadleana is currently not known. This estimateis based on the time since the last large fire thatburnt most of the area occupied by G. beadleana(1982�3) and the fact that large mature plantsexist in unburnt areas in 1988. Goats have beenseen throughout the area occupied by Grevilleabeadleana (B. McWhinney pers. comm.), andwhile there was no evidence of goat or otherstock grazing upon plants during researchundertaken by Durbin in 1996, it is thought thatthe stunted apical areas and a multi-sidedbranch spreading structure of some plants maybe indicative of goat grazing (C. Gross pers.comm.).

Topography and elevation

The first populations surveyed in this regionwere found alongside Oaky Creek and on a flat,rocky knoll 1 km to the west (Benson 1991).Since this work, plants have been foundthroughout the area at elevations ranging from600 m to 900 m above sea level on undulatingterrain, steep slopes and flat plateaux.

Geology and soils

The parent material is Mole Creek Granite,which extends throughout the Binghi area. Therock is extremely siliceous, containing a greaterthan 75% silica content. The soil formed, is arelatively fine-grained loamy-sand mixture. Thesoil is poor in nutrients and is acidic (Benson1991).

Rainfall

Based on data from several nearby properties,the Binghi area receives approximately 800 mmof rain annually (Bureau of Meteorology inBenson 1991). This site would experience highertemperatures and thus greater evaporation ratesthan the Guy Fawkes River National Parkpopulation (Benson 1991).

Associated vegetation

The vegetation at Binghi is woodland with ashrubby understorey component that is sparseon the rocky outcrops. Common trees includeEucalyptus prava, E. andrewsii, E subtilior,Callitris endlicheri and Angophora floribunda(Clarke et al. 1998).

Common shrub and forb understorey speciesinclude Acacia granitica, Baeckea densifolia,Leptospermum brachyandrum, L. brevipes,Notelaea linearis, Mirbellia speciosa, Persooniaterminalis subsp. terminalis and Phebaliumsquamulosum. Grasses and sedges thatfrequently occur as mid-dense ground coverinclude Schoenus ericetorum, Xanthorrhoeaglauca, Lepyrodia leptocaulis, Lomandra

longifolia, Aristida armata, Cymbopogonobtectus and Eragrostis brownii (Benson 1991).

4.2 Guy Fawkes River National Park -eastern population

Guy Fawkes River National Park was gazetted in1972. Prior to this the land was vacant Crownland with licensed occupancies for grazing insome parts (Reid et al. 1996). The easternpopulation of Grevillea beadleana is locatedwithin an area declared in 1994 as wildernessunder the Wilderness Act 1987. The populationof G. beadleana is located north of Jordan's trail,along the rim of the gorge, and adjacent to theescarpment walking track. The population existsin an area of 4.25 hectares (Dwyer unpublisheddata; Gross et al. unpublished data; Streat 1997)with most of the older plants nestled amongrocks and crevices that afford protection fromfire. Many of the seedlings are growing in theloose scree between and below the rocky ridges.The scree substrate is active and plants areparticularly vulnerable to disturbance fromlandslides.


This population occurs at an elevation between900 m and 1000 m on small rocky ridges andinterstitial scree that form part of a steeplysloping bluff adjoining an undulating plateau.

Geology and soils

The rock outcropping on the bluff is silica-rich(>75%), leucocratic, felsphatic granite and is partof a complex of granitic outcrops mapped as theChaelundi Granite. Compared to anothergranitic rock specimen from Guy Fawkes Crags,8 kms to the north (where Grevillea beadleana isabsent), the rock has a low content offerromagnesium minerals. The soil formed fromthis parent material is a skeletal, highly siliceous,sandy-loam substrate.

Rainfall

The rainfall is estimated to be approximately1000 mm per annum (Bureau of Meteorology inBenson 1991).


The vegetation is sparse among the outcrops andcurrently large trees are dying as a result ofunstable substrate conditions. In the upperstratum Eucalyptus campanulata and the rareE. michaeliana dominate with the occasionalLophostemon confertus. The middle stratum isdominated by a species of Leptospermum,Allocasuarina littoralis and Notelaeamicrocarpa along with Grevillea beadleana.Scattered clumps of grasses, herbs and sedgesmake up the ground stratum with the most



common species being Gonocarpus teucrioides,Lepidosperma laterale, Poa sieberi, Stiparamosissma, Pomax umbellata and a species ofAristida (Benson 1991).

4.3 Guy Fawkes River National Park -western population

The area where Grevillea beadleana occurs waspurchased for inclusion in the Guy Fawkes RiverNational Park in 1997. Prior to this the land wasvacant Crown land with licensed occupancies forgrazing in some parts (Reid et al. 1996). Thearea was identified as wilderness under section 6of the Wilderness Act 1987 but has not beenformally declared.


The area where Grevillea beadleana occurs is ona small rocky cliff in the Aberfoyle River gorge atan elevation of approximately 500 m, with apredominantly southerly aspect. Thesurrounding escarpment rises steeply to over1000 m, and the Aberfoyle gorge is aligned in anorth-east to south-west direction.

Geology and soils

The substrate where the western populationoccurs is reported to be skeletal soils overmetamorphosed Permian sediments (P. Gilmorepers. comm.). These sediments includegreywacke, slate siliceous argillite and pebblymudstone (NSW Department of MineralResources 1969).

Rainfall

The rainfall is estimated to be approximately800 mm per annum (Bureau of Meteorology inBenson 1991).


The associated vegetation in the area where theGrevillea beadleana plants were recordedincludes open forest consisting of Eucalyptuseugenoides, E. tereticornis, Angophorasubvelutina, Allocasuarina littoralis, Hovealanceolata, Jacksonia scoparia, Parsonsiastraminea, Melichrus adpressus, Lomandra sp.,Aristida sp., and Goodenia hederacea ssp.hederacea (P. Gilmour pers. comm.).

4.4 Chambigne Nature Reserve

This site is located within Chambigne NatureReserve south-west of Grafton, in the headwatersof Shannon Creek which forms part of thecatchment of the lower Orara River. Althoughthe land is managed by DEC access to the land isnegotiated through private property. Thepopulation is located on a mesa-like outcrop. Sixof the plants are huddled on the western side of

the site on a rock ledge that probably affordsprotection from fire.

The Nature Reserve requires a thoroughinvestigation for further occurrences of Grevilleabeadleana and for a full floristic inventory.Surveys of the area in 1994 and 1995 revealedthat there were only nine G. beadleana plantspresent over an area of about 2 hectares andlater surveys only located six plants. Asubsequent investigation in early 1998 found thepopulation reduced to three adult plants and oneseedling with the cause of the decline unknown.


The area is an isolated plateau risingapproximately 150�200 m above the adjacentvalleys of Deep Creek to the west and ShannonCreek to the east. Cliffs and very steep slopesbound the area on the west and south, and moremoderate slopes to the east and north. In placeson the southern boundary the cliffs are up to 75m high and are a series of broken ledges withnumerous caves, overhangs and clefts. The topof the plateau is semi-circular, with a long ridgeon the western side extending to the north. Theplateau is relatively flat, with a number of highpoints rising to a maximum of 285 m above sealevel. The area forms the upper catchment of anunnamed tributary of Shannon Creek.

Geology and soils

The geology of the area comprises JurassicKangaroo Creek Sandstone, consisting of quartzsandstone and feldspathic quartz sandstone.This substrate produces a coarse-grained sandysoil, with free drainage. The high quartz contentproduces a soil of low fertility. Although no soilsamples have yet been analysed, descriptionshave been of poor, skeletal �sandy type� soil.

Rainfall

The rainfall is approximately 1200 mm per year.


The vegetation is dry open forest dominated byEucalyptus psammitica and Corymbiagummifera with a dry shrub understorey.Pockets of mesic vegetation may be found insmall areas, such as those with impededdrainage, at the base of cliffs or in fire-free areassuch as cliff benches and clefts. The areacontains populations of two Endangered Species(Grevillea beadleana and Melichrus hirsutus),one undescribed species (Bertya sp. nov.), onerare species (Dodonaea hirsuta) and one poorlyknown species (Eucalyptus psammitica)(Sheringham & Westaway 1995).

Other species recorded at this site include Acaciaconcurrens, A. hispidula, A. venosa,



Allocasuarina littoralis, Brachylomadaphnoides, Chloanthes parviflora, Daviesiawyattiana, Eriachne pallescens, Hibbertiaacuminata, H. vestita, Hovea longifolia,Jacksonia scoparia, Leptospermum trinervium,Melichrus procumbens, Patersonia sericea,Phebalium woombye, Phyllanthus hirtellus,Platysace ericoides, Tetratheca thymifolia,Trachymene incisa, Xanthorrhoea johnsonii(National Parks and Wildlife Service 1995).Further detailed surveys are required.

4.5 Enmore - Oxley Wild RiversNational Park

This site, located on private property and withinthe Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, is 25 kmssouth-east of Armidale, in the catchment of theMacleay River. Access to the land is throughprivate property and is currently beingnegotiated with the landowner. The arearequires a thorough investigation for furtheroccurrences of Grevillea beadleana and for a fullfloristic inventory. The area was identified aswilderness under section 6 of the Wilderness Act1987 but has not been formally declared. Thissection of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park wasincluded on the World Heritage List in 1994, aspart of the Central Eastern Rainforest Reservesof Australia.


The area is on the edge of the New Englandtableland, at an elevation of 950 m above sealevel. The slopes of the escarpment are verysteep, falling away for 450 m to SalisburyWaters.

Geology and soils

A preliminary investigation revealed that theunderlying bedrock is granite, producing a sandyloam substrate (L. Copeland pers. comm.).Geology maps for the area indicate that thegranite type is Blue Knobby Ademellite, a biotiteademellite (Department of Mineral Resources1988).

Rainfall

The estimated rainfall is 750 mm per year.


The vegetation is a layered woodland dominatedby Eucalyptus youmanii and E. bridgesianawith a shrub understorey of Leptospermumbrevipes and Grevillea beadleana. The groundcover consists of a well developed grass layer ofThemeda australis and Aristida spp. Rarespecies recorded at the site include Zieria sp.nov, an undescribed species, Eucalyptusmagnificata and Acacia ingramii (L. Copelandpers. comm.).

4.6 Geographic Information System(GIS) Predictive Modelling

Durbin (1996) developed a predictive model forGrevillea beadleana that showed that the areabetween the Queensland-NSW border and GlenInnes contains the most suitable habitat for thespecies. The model selected current andhistorical sites and highlighted many other areasthroughout the region that may contain suitablehabitat for the species. The Binghi region wasnot included in the model due to inadequate databeing available for this area.

5 Life History

5.1 Flowering and fruiting phenology

Flowering mainly occurs in late spring orsummer, but with good rains it can continue intoearly winter (C. Gross pers. obs.). The basalflowers of the inflorescence are three times morelikely to set seed than the distal flowers (Gross &Smith unpublished data).

5.2 Breeding system

Grevillea beadleana is a self-compatible species.All pollination treatments at Guy Fawkes RiverNational Park in 1995 yielded lower fruit set thanat Binghi which may be the result of a resourcedeficiency (eg. lack of water) at the former site(Gross & Smith unpublished data).

5.3 Floral visitors

Grevillea species are often abundant nectarproducers with biotic pollen vectors beingprominent as a result. A number of potentialbiotic pollinators have been recorded attendingGrevillea beadleana flowers. At Binghi theseinclude Yellow-tufted Honeyeater(Lichenostomus melanops), Spiny-cheekedHoneyeater (Acanthagenys rufogularis), White-naped Honeyeater (Melithriptus lunatus),Brown-headed Honeyeater (Melithriptusbrevirostris) and Fuscous Honeyeater(Lichenostomus fuscous). A small, unidentifiednative mammal was also briefly observed lappingat an inflorescence at this site (Smith pers.comm.). Crimson Rosellas (Platycercus elegans)were observed ripping flowers frominflorescences. At Guy Fawkes River NationalPark Eastern Spinebills (Acanthorhynchustenuirostris) have been the only birds observedat inflorescences of G. beadleana. EuropeanHoneybees (Apis mellifera) and some nativebees have been observed foraging for nectar atboth locations. Honeybees rob nectar fromunopened flowers that may potentially renderthese flowers unattractive to native pollinators.


N S W D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n P a g e 1 0

5.4 Seed dispersal, predation anddormancy

The seeds of Grevillea beadleana are about 9mm long and 4 mm wide and are held in thepods for about four weeks once the pods havedeveloped. Indications are that there is littlepredation of the seed while it is still within thepod. At Guy Fawkes River National Park theseeds on the ground appear to have been eaten

by rodents and a trapping program may beneeded to investigate which species are eatingthe seed and the level of this predation.Significant seed predation levels would affect theamount of time needed for seedbankreplenishment after a fire.

Studies on seed predation of the closely-related,fire-sensitive and endangered shrub Grevilleacaleyi found

Table 2. G. beadleana seed germination results (Durbin 1996).

Temperature 0C PercentageGermination

Sample Size PercentageViability

23 57 23 100

50 48 23 58

100 72 29 88

165 14 28 50

that replenishment of the soil seedbank isseverely retarded by mammal seed predation,with seed loss levels reaching 90% at sites thatwere recently burnt (Auld & Denham 2001).Auld and Denham (2001) also argued that asseed production is lower in younger plants, seedaccumulation in the seedbank would not occurfor 4�6 years after a fire. With further depletionof the seedbank due to seed predation in thepost-fire period, it was estimated that after a fireG. caleyi should be protected from the risk of afuture fire well beyond three times the primaryjuvenile period in the species or local extinctionwill occur (Auld & Denham 2001). Thus a fire-free interval of around 15 years would berequired to allow accumulation of seed in thesoil. It is considered that such findings andimplications are likely to apply to Grevilleabeadleana and thus a fire-free interval of 15years is considered to be an appropriate strategyto minimise the risk of ongoing depletion of thesoil seedbank and the likelihood of localpopulation extinction.

Research into Grevillea caleyi estimated a seedhalf-life of between 6 and 10 years and foundthat seeds exhibited a seasonal pattern of non-dormancy, possibly due to temperature ordarkness explaining why non-dormant seeds donot germinate in the field (Auld & Bradstock2000). It is likely that G. beadleana exhibitssimilar characteristics, although insufficientresearch has been undertaken to determinewhether this is the case.

5.5 Germination

Heat has a positive effect upon the germinationof a variety of species within the Proteaceae(Leigh et al. 1984; Edwards & Whelan 1995;Bradstock et al. 1996). This fire-triggeredgermination is a factor associated with innatedormancy, a characteristic of many Australianplant species (Edwards & Whelan 1995).

Durbin (1996) investigated the effects of heat onG. beadleana seeds collected from the seedbankat Binghi. Four samples of seed were heated for10 minutes at 230C (as a control), 500C, 1000Cand 1650C respectively then transferred to agrowth cabinet and monitored for germinationwhich occurred after about 20 days (Table 2).

Seeds do not need to be exposed to hightemperatures for germination although ratesmay be enhanced by an appropriate heatingevent. At the end of the germinationexperiments ungerminated seeds were tested forviability (tetrazolium and indigocarmine) andmany were shown to be still viable, ranging from100% viability for the 23o control group to 50%for the 165o group (Table 2).

The harvesting of seeds in the seedbank using atrowel and sieving to separate them from the soilmay have inadvertently scarified them, therebyassisting the uptake of water and promotinggermination at abnormal temperatures. Suchscarified seeds may also respond differently tothe heat treatments (e.g. by being killed by veryhot temperatures). The effect of heat ongermination needs to be investigated using seeds



harvested �passively� from bushes, andreplicated using a larger sample size toinvestigate the trends apparent in the data, ie.that 1000C is an optimal temperature to triggergermination and that 1650C may kill seeds.

Seed longevity

Grevillea beadleana seeds were excavated fromthe leaf litter layer and soil beneath the litter to adepth of 4 cm. About 40 seeds per m2 wereencountered in the soil layer, compared withabout 9.5 seeds per m2 in the leaf litter layer.Intact seeds from both the litter and soil layerswere found to be viable using tetrazolium andindigocarmine.

5.6 Response to fire and regeneration

Grevillea beadleana plants are very often killedby fire, although coppicing does occur, butmainly from young plants (Dwyer unpublisheddata; Gross pers. comm.). G. beadleana�sregeneration strategy is very similar to that ofother obligate seeding species such as G. caleyiand G. barklyana. These species must replenishseed numbers before the next fire if populationsare to be maintained, as the mature plant isusually killed by fire (Gill 1975; Auld et al. 1993;Edwards & Whelan 1995; Scott et al. 1995). Inthe closely related endangered shrub Grevilleacaleyi, it was found that plants were killed byfire, which also promoted the breaking of seeddormancy in the soil seedbank (Regan et al.2003). Regan et al. (2003) found that whereseed predation levels remain high, the optimalfire management strategy is longer than whenseed predation levels are reduced by 20�30%.

In 1988 fire burnt 1.5 hectares of the 4.25hectares containing the eastern population inGuy Fawkes River National Park and killed 321plants out of 647 leaving 326 live plants. In1989, 388 seedlings were present in the burntarea and 21 in the unburnt area (Dwyerunpublished data). In the same area in August1995 after a very intense fire nine months earlier,84 dead mature plants, 117 plants greater than 2years old and 450 seedlings were recorded(Streat unpublished data). Thus in six years thepopulation had been reduced from 735 to 567 asa result of two fires occurring in the area withinthose six years.

A survey in March 1996 of about 3.5 hectares ofthe eastern population in Guy Fawkes RiverNational Park revealed two dead adults, 59plants greater than two years old and 389seedlings (Gross unpublished data). Droughtstress appeared to be the cause of some of theplant deaths recorded by Gross et al. (1995). Itwould appear that less than 20% of thepopulation might be capable of flowering and

fruiting in the two to three years after a fire(Gross unpublished data).

In contrast to the fire prescription required atGuy Fawkes River National Park, a fire would bebeneficial in some parts of the Binghi populationwhere seedling recruitment is poor and adultsappear to be senescent. Durbin's (1996) workreported that a seedbank of viable seeds exists inat least one of these senescent demes.

Frequent fires are also likely to lead to anarrowing of the genetic base if only a smallproportion of the population is contributingseeds to the seedbank. This, in combination withthe time required for juvenile plants to reachmaturity and the likely increased seed predationlevels after a fire, indicates that a fire frequencyof around one in 15 years is considered likely tobe optimal to allow the maturation andexpansion of the population while avoidingdominance of senescent age classes.

The population in Chambigne Nature Reserve isso small that it is particularly vulnerable to fireand other stochastic events. It is not known howlarge the seedbank is at this site although thelack of soil on the rock ledge suggests that theseedbank would be limited to a few seeds in therock crevices. It is considered that the risks tothe very few plants at this site are too great toemploy a control burn at this stage. Such acontrol or managed burn would at this stage belikely to kill existing plants, some of which maynot have reached maturity and would alsofurther deplete the existing seedbank. A controlburn may, at some future stage, provide anappropriate management strategy to preventunplanned fire entering the site, but the risk ofburning the site during such a burn is currentlyconsidered unacceptable. Extinction ofgenotypes from this population due to wildfiresand other events has been partially avoided bythe successful propagation of material from fourindividuals at this site (see propagation sectionbelow).

6 Relevant Legislation

6.1 Recovery Plan preparation andimplementation

Recovery Plan preparation

The TSC Act requires that the Director-Generalof NSW Department of Environment andConservation prepare Recovery Plans for allspecies, populations and ecological communitieslisted as Endangered or Vulnerable on the TSCAct schedules. Similarly, the EPBC Act requiresthe Commonwealth Minister for theEnvironment ensure the preparation of a



Recovery Plan for Nationally listed species andcommunities or adopt plans prepared by othersincluding those developed by state agencies.Both Acts include specific requirements for thematters to be addressed by Recovery Plans andthe process for preparing Recovery Plans.

This Recovery Plan has been prepared to satisfythe requirements of the TSC Act, ThreatenedSpecies Conservation Amendment Act 2002 andthe EPBC Act. It is the intention of the Director-General of DEC to forward the final version ofthis Recovery Plan to the CommonwealthMinister for the Environment for adoption, onceit has been approved by the NSW Minister forthe Environment.

Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Elders and othergroups representing indigenous people in theareas where the Grevillea beadleana occurs havenot yet been identified. It is the intention of DECto consider the role and interests of theseindigenous communities in the implementationof the actions identified in this plan.

The Threatened Species ConservationAmendment Act 2002 states that an approvedRecovery Plan must include a summary of advicegiven by the Scientific Committee with respect tothe plan, details of any amendments made to theplan to take account of that advice and astatement of the reasons for any departure fromthat advice. This summary is provided inAppendix 2.

Recovery Plan implementation

The TSC Act requires that a government agencymust not undertake actions inconsistent with aRecovery Plan. The government agencyresponsible for actions in this plan is DEC.Where G. beadleana occurs on private property(eg. Enmore) and on permissive occupancy orleasehold lands (eg. Binghi), the implementationof the recovery plan will largely depend on co-operative management of the species betweenthe title holder and DEC.

In some cases, where further approvals may beneeded under the Native VegetationConservation Act 1997 (NVC Act) or theEnvironmental Planning and Assessment Act1979 (EP&A Act), other public authorities may beinvolved as part of their core legislativeresponsibilities. Public authorities, other thanDEC, with core legislative responsibilitiesrelevant to the protection of Grevillea beadleanaand its habitat are listed in Table 6.

The EPBC Act specifies that a Commonwealthagency must not take any action thatcontravenes a Recovery Plan.

6.2 State legislation

National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 andThreatened Species Conservation Act1995

The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPWAct) is administered by DEC. Under this Act it isan offence to �harm�, �pick� or knowingly �damagethe habitat of� Grevillea beadleana. Certaincircumstances may provide a defence fromprosecution, including where actions areapproved under the EP&A Act or licensed byDEC under the NPW Act or TSC Act.

The NPW Act allows for the reservation of areasas national parks, nature reserves and othercategories of protected area under themanagement of DEC.

Owners of private properties with significanthabitat values for Grevillea beadleana may enterinto Voluntary Conservation Agreements (VCAs)under the NPW Act whereby DEC can provideassistance in the protection and management ofthese values on the property. Properties underVCAs may qualify for rate exemptions.

The TSC Act makes provision for identificationand declaration of Critical Habitat for species,populations and ecological communities listed asEndangered. Once declared, it becomes anoffence to damage Critical Habitat and a SpeciesImpact Statement is mandatory for alldevelopments and activities proposed withinCritical Habitat. Nomination of Critical Habitatfor G. beadleana will only be considered as amanagement option where other, more co-operative, approaches are unavailable.

Environmental Planning and AssessmentAct 1979

When considering any development or activitywithin known or potential habitat of Grevilleabeadleana, local councils and determiningauthorities are encouraged to consider theconservation strategy set out in this plan.

Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997

The purpose of the NVC Act is the conservationand sustainable management of nativevegetation and in particular the protection ofnative vegetation of high conservationsignificance. Under this Act, approval from theDepartment of Infrastructure, Planning andNatural Resources (DIPNR) is a prerequisite forvegetation clearance unless a VegetationManagement Plan has been approved or unlessthe clearance is exempt from the requirements ofthe Act. There remains potential for significantand cumulative clearing to occur under theseexemptions. The Act requires that the Director-



General of NSW Department of Environmentand Conservation be consulted in the matter ofthreatened species and their habitat.Landholders may enter into PropertyAgreements with DIPNR whereby governmentassistance can be provided to protect nativevegetation under the Native Vegetation IncentiveFund. No Regional Vegetation ManagementPlan or Property Agreements relating to thehabitat Grevillea beadleana have yet beenprepared.

Rural Fires Act 1997

Bush Fire Management Committees mustprepare draft Bush Fire Risk Management Plansfor their respective rural fire districts and areobliged to consider threatened speciesconservation. These plans may restrict orprohibit the use of fire and other fire hazardreduction activities in all or specifiedcircumstances or places to which the planapplies. In particular, an adopted Bush Fire RiskManagement Plan may modify or prohibithazard reduction activities in threatened specieshabitat.

Rural Fires and EnvironmentalAssessment Legislation Amendment Act2002

The NSW Rural Fires and EnvironmentalAssessment Legislation Amendment Act 2002amends the Rural Fires Act 1997 and severalenvironmental assessment-related Acts. ThisAct provides for mapping bush fire prone landsand the development of a Bush FireEnvironmental Assessment Code. This code isaimed at streamlining the assessment process forhazard reduction works. To this end, the Codewill include general ameliorative prescriptionsand, in some cases, species specific prescriptions.Threatened species and their habitats are one ofthe items considered in the code.

Forestry and National Park Estate Act1998

The Forestry and National Park Estate Act 1998puts into effect the outcomes of theGovernment�s Regional Forest Agreement. Theagreement outlines licence conditions forthreatened species within State Forests of NSWestate. These include a specific licence conditionthat a standard 20 m exclusion zone is to beapplied around 90% of all Grevillea beadleanaplants. It is recommended that these conditionsalso be included in Regional VegetationManagement Plans being prepared by DIPNRunder the NVC Act.

6.3 Commonwealth legislation

Environment Protection andBiodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The EPBC Act provides a legislative frameworkfor the protection of Endangered and Vulnerablespecies across Australia. An important role ofthe EPBC Act is to facilitate the preparation andimplementation of Recovery Plans for specieslisted under the Act in co-operation with theStates in which populations of listed speciesoccur. The Act also seeks to impose theobligation (arising from the listing) forresponsible agencies (particularlyCommonwealth) to adopt protective measures.This Recovery Plan will be submitted to theCommonwealth for approval under the EPBCAct.

Under the EPBC Act, Critical Habitat may beregistered for any Nationally listed threatenedspecies or ecological community. Whenadopting a Recovery Plan the CommonwealthMinister for the Environment must considerwhether to list habitat identified in the RecoveryPlan as being critical to the survival of thespecies or ecological community. It is an offenceunder the EPBC Act for a person to knowinglytake an action that will significantly damageCritical Habitat (unless the EPBC Act specificallyexempts the action). This offence only applies toCommonwealth areas. However, an action thatis likely to have a significant impact on a listedspecies is still subject to referral and approvalunder the EPBC Act.

As Grevillea beadleana is listed Nationally underthe EPBC Act, any person proposing toundertake actions likely to have a significantimpact on this species should refer the action tothe Commonwealth Minister for theEnvironment for consideration. The Ministerwill then decide whether the action requiresEPBC Act approval. This is in addition to anyState or Local Government approvalrequirement specified for the NSW EP&A Act.

Administrative guidelines are available fromEnvironment Australia to assist proponents indetermining whether their action is likely to havea significant impact. In cases where the actiondoes not require EPBC Act approval, but willresult in the death or injury of a member of thespecies and the member is in, or on, aCommonwealth area, a permit issued by theCommonwealth Minister under the EPBC Actwill be required.

7 Management Issues



7.1 Threats

The threats operating or potentially operating ateach of the five population locations differ intheir type, extent and severity, however, themajor threat that affects or is likely to affect allpopulations is inappropriate fire frequency.Other known and potential threats includegrazing, small population size, seed predationand illegal collection.

Guy Fawkes River National Park

The eastern population is threatened, in order ofimportance, by:

1. too frequent fires;

2. small population size;

3. damage to plants by cattle; and

4. illegal harvesting of plant material forpropagation.

The western population is threatened primarilyby inappropriate fire regimes. However thelocation of the population on a cliff line abovethe river greatly reduces this threat. The smallpopulation size is also an inherent long termthreat.

Binghi

Sections of these populations are threatened by:

1. low fire frequency; and

2. possible grazing by goats.

Much of the area where Grevillea beadleanaoccurs at Binghi is on leasehold land and if thecurrent lessees change, then the populationcould be jeopardised by unsympatheticmanagement practices. Another possible threatis tin mining and fossicking, which occurthroughout the region.

Chambigne Nature Reserve

This population is threatened, in order ofimportance, by:

1. lack of recruitment;

2. small population size;

3. too frequent fires; and

4. uncertain neighbour attitudes.

Enmore�Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

The Enmore�Oxley Wild Rivers National Parkpopulation is potentially threatened byinappropriate fire regimes (L. Copeland pers.comm.). However the evidence of recentrecruitment and large adult plants indicates thatthis threat is not currently severe. Further

investigations of the site are required to make afull assessment of current and potential threats.

7.2 Biodiversity benefits

If a conservation agreement could be negotiatedin the Binghi area, then the associated benefitswould include protection of several other rareplant species; Prostanthera staurophylla,Hibbertia sp. aff obtusifolia, Acaciatorringtonensis, A. granitica and Persooniaterminalis ssp. terminalis as well as theEucalyptus prava - E. subtilior - E. andrewsiiassociation, which is not represented in anyconservation reserve.

The protection of Grevillea beadleana at GuyFawkes River National Park from too frequentfires and uncontrolled grazing by stock will allowsympatric species to regenerate which in turnmay benefit the Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby(Petrogale penicillata ) and Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami), bothlisted as Vulnerable under the NSW TSC Act.

The Chambigne Nature Reserve area containsimportant populations of Melichrus hirsutus, anEndangered Species, one undescribed species(Bertya sp. nov.), one rare species (Dodonaeahirsuta) and one poorly known species(Eucalyptus psammitica) (Sheringham &Westaway 1995). It is likely that there are anumber of fauna species, including theVulnerable Species Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby,present in the area.

At the Enmore�Oxley Wild Rivers National Parkpopulation, one Endangered Species(Eucalyptus magnificata) and two ROTAPspecies have been found, including E. youmaniiand Acacia ingramii. Other threatened florapossibly occurring in the area include E. nicholii.The discovery of a new plant species Zieria sp.nov is significant as this species is likely to berestricted to the area (L. Copeland pers. comm.).

8 Previous Actions Undertaken

As a result of the implementation of appropriateactions within the Grevillea beadleana RecoveryPlan during 1994�97, new information has beenacquired about the distribution, habitatrequirements and ecology of the species.Particular effort has been made to reduce oreliminate existing threats to G. beadleana, andto monitor population size and health.

Research at UNE, which has provided valuableinformation about the ecology of the species,including population structure, seed ecology andpollination ecology, is still continuing.



As a result of targeted surveys new populationshave been discovered at Chambigne NatureReserve, in recent additions to Guy Fawkes RiverNational Park, and additional locations werefound in the Binghi area. Surveys were,however, unsuccessful in locating Grevilleabeadleana at the original collection place in theMoona Plains area near Walcha. Predictivemodelling of potential habitat indicates where toconcentrate further distribution surveys.

At Guy Fawkes River National Park, a fence hasbeen erected to exclude straying cattle damagingthe Grevillea beadleana stand. Plants werepropagated at UNE from material obtained fromthe Guy Fawkes River National Park population.These plants will be replanted in the woodlandadjacent to the gorge rim in an effort to increasethe population size. An interpretive display onG. beadleana has been placed at the nearbyMisty Creek camping ground.

Cuttings have been the most cost-effectivemethod of producing large numbers of plants ofGrevillea beadleana. Short-tip cuttings treatedwith a 5 ppm NAA/IBA hormone dip, placed insharp sand in a hot bed with automatic misting,results in a propagation strike-rate of 65�80%(Gross et al. 1995).

In 2001 a targeted survey was undertaken innorthern NSW, with an emphasis on potentialGrevillea beadleana habitat and areas where noprevious surveys had been undertaken. No newG. beadleana populations were located duringthe surveys, however extensive data aboutlocations where G. beadleana is known not tooccur was obtained. This data will be used torevise the predicted distribution of G. beadleana.

9 Species� Ability To Recover

In view of the population size at Binghi, there isno doubt that the species is capable of expansion,provided optimum conditions are available forthe successful germination of seeds andmaturation of plants. A high fire frequency ie.more than one in fifteen years, appears to be thecritical factor limiting the natural recovery of thespecies. Successful recovery of the species relieson appropriate management of existing andpotential threats with particular regard to thefire regime at Grevillea beadleana sites.

10 Alternative ManagementStrategies

If no active management strategies areimplemented for Grevillea beadleana there is a

significant likelihood that the species maybecome extinct at Guy Fawkes River NationalPark and Chambigne Nature Reserve. Furthersurveys should be undertaken to locate any newpopulations of G. beadleana that may otherwisebe inadvertently destroyed or degraded. Failureto conduct these surveys and locate newpopulations may also preclude the collection ofimportant ecological information and diversegenetic material that is not available from knownsites.

Until more information is known about thereproductive ecology and genetics of the species,it is difficult to implement specific managementstrategies (eg. translocations) aimed atrecovering the species. Any consideration ofreintroduction and/or translocation programsmust take into account relevant guidelines suchas those prepared by DEC (in prep) or theAustralian Network for Plant Conservation(Australian Network for Plant Conservation1997).

11 Consideration of Social andEconomic Consequences

11.1 Consideration of economic costs

The estimated cost over five years of theimplementation of this Recovery Plan is $135800 (Table 3). This cost includes surveys, landreservation and/or protection, ecological andgenetic research, threat and disturbanceassessment, community involvement and, ifappropriate, population enhancement and/or exsitu programs. Because Grevillea beadleanaoccurs on land generally regarded as unsuitablefor agriculture, protection of its habitat will havelittle impact in terms of benefits forgone, evenwhere the protected population is on privateland.

11.2 Consideration of economicbenefits

It is necessary to consider the economic benefitsof the proposal in order to determine the neteconomic cost or benefit to society. Thefollowing effects, although difficult to quantify infinancial terms, are likely economic benefits tosociety as a result of implementation of therecovery plan:

• provision of protected habitat for threatenedand other significant flora and fauna speciesin protected Grevillea beadleana habitat;

• increased value of the protected landthrough habitat enhancement and intrinsicvalue of the threatened plant community;



• increased value of private/leasehold propertythrough habitat protection; and

• meeting the government's commitment tobiodiversity conservation.

11.3 Consideration of social costs

The prevention of tin mining in the areas ofGrevillea beadleana habitat at Binghi has apotential social cost by limiting the potential forlocal job creation. This is likely to have a limitedimpact since tin mining has previously occurredin the area and economically viable deposits haveprobably been mined previously.

As the other areas where Grevillea beadleanaoccurs are in national parks, nature reserves oron land zoned for environmental protection, theprotection of G. beadleana in these areas will notinvolve any limitation of land uses and thereforewill have a negligible social cost. The eastern sitein Guy Fawkes River National Park is in closeproximity to a walking track, which traverses thearea that has previously been fenced to preventgrazing by cattle. To date, no interference withG. beadleana plants by people has beenobserved, however if interference is observed, itmay be necessary to relocate the walking trackaway from the area where G. beadleana occurs.All other sites are considered to be relativelyinaccessible to members of the public, andtherefore it is not considered feasible ornecessary to exclude people from these areas.

11.4 Consideration of social benefits

While the implementation of the Recovery Planis unlikely to significantly increase employmentin the region in the long term, it will provideshort term employment opportunities, andopportunities to develop and enhance skillsvaluable in the work force.

The proposed public education program willincrease awareness of rare plants and theirsignificance in the region, and promotecommunity involvement in the recovery process.The recovery of Grevillea beadleana to a level ofviability in nature, and downlisting of the speciesto a Vulnerable or rare status, is considered to bea social benefit to the community.

11.5 Consideration of net social andeconomic benefits to society

While social and economic costs and benefitsmay be difficult to quantify in financial terms,DEC considers that the benefits to society ofimplementation of the Recovery Plan outweighthe costs of the proposal.

In terms of the social and economic benefits ofrecovery of Grevillea beadleana and the

associated benefits for conservation of other rareand threatened species and communities thatform the habitat of the species, DEC considersthat implementation of the Recovery Plan wouldresult in a net benefit to society. Communityeducation is expected to generate a positiveattitude toward recovery planning, and a genuineconcern in the community for conservation ofthreatened species.

Successful implementation of the Recovery Planwould involve community participation in therecovery, so the community would have a senseof achievement by meeting the recoveryobjectives, and a sense of ownership of theresults.

12 Community Involvement

As Grevillea beadleana occurs on leasehold andprivate land in the Binghi and Enmore areas, it isessential that the landowners are activelyinvolved in the implementation of the RecoveryPlan. During the implementation of the previousRecovery Plan (Benson 1991) and preparation ofthis Recovery Plan, a good working relationshiphas been established with members of the localcommunities, including membership of theGrevillea beadleana recovery team. To date,private landowners at Binghi and Enmore haveco-operated with DEC to permit ongoingvisitations on their land to access G. beadleanasites for surveys and research.

Community groups that have been involved withthe Grevillea beadleana Recovery Plan includethe Hernani Public School and the ArmidalePlant Society. Students at UNE have undertakenresearch projects into G. beadleana and the draftRecovery Plan has been used in teachingexercises. Landowners adjacent to theChambigne Nature Reserve and Guy FawkesRiver National Park have also permitted accessthrough their properties and will also need to beinvolved in order to assist in reducing the firefrequency affecting this area. It is anticipatedthat such community involvement will continueto be an important part of the successfulimplementation of the Recovery Plan.

13 Recovery team

A Recovery Team for Grevillea beadleana hasbeen established to provide advice on theimplementation of the Recovery Plan and to co-ordinate the undertaking of the managementactions detailed in the plan. The Recovery Teamis comprised of Caroline Gross, (UNE), AndrewSteed (DEC), Rachel Bailey and Danny Corcoran(DEC Dorrigo), Peter Croft (DEC Glen Innes)and Barry and Leonie McWhinney (private



landholders). The future membership of theRecovery Team should be flexible to ensureappropriate people are on the Recovery Team,depending on what actions are beingimplemented.

Membership should include representatives ofgovernment departments and non-governmentorganisations, and individuals who have a directinterest or role in the management of Grevilleabeadleana. Private landowners with G.beadleana on their property should also beinvited to participate in the Recovery Team. TheRecovery Team should be co-ordinated by arepresentative of DEC and should meet at leasttwice annually. Meetings should be held in theArmidale�Glen Innes area to facilitate regularfield inspections of G. beadleana and its habitat.

14 Objectives of the Recovery Plan

14.1 Overall objective

The overall objective of the Recovery Plan is toreduce the risk of extinction and to recover thespecies such that a change in the current statusof Grevillea beadleana (under the TSC Act andthe EPBC Act) from Endangered to Vulnerablewithin 10 years is achieved.

Objective 1: Increase knowledge of extantpopulations through further surveys ofknown populations and identification ofnew populations.

The five known Grevillea beadleana populationsare significantly different in location,accessibility, population size and extent, age andvulnerability and therefore require individualsite-specific management strategies. It isimportant that population surveys and threatassessments occur on an annual basis to ensurethat appropriate management strategies arebeing implemented. Potential habitat areas,such as the escarpments of the Oxley Wild RiversNational Park, should be assessed for thelikelihood of the occurrence of G. beadleana.Those areas that are considered as likely tocontain G. beadleana, should be surveyed. It isimportant that all land managers and owners areaware of the location of G. beadleana in order toappropriately manage the sites for the long termprotection of the species. Where G. beadleana iscritically threatened with local extinction,consideration should be given to declaring thearea as Critical Habitat within the meaning ofthe TSC Act.

Action 1.1

Undertake surveys and threat assessment atknown populations and those areas likely tocontain Grevillea beadleana.

Performance criteria: Surveys and threatassessment are undertaken at known Grevilleabeadleana populations within 12 months of thecommencement of the plan and then annuallyfor the duration of the Recovery Plan. Thoseareas considered likely to contain G. beadleanaare surveyed as opportunities arise for theduration of the Recovery Plan.

Action 1.2

Inform all relevant land managers and ownersof Grevillea beadleana locations and holddiscussions to protect all populations.

Performance criteria: Land managers andowners are aware of Grevillea beadleanapopulations on their land, the threats to eachpopulation, their responsibilities to protect themand the assistance that DEC can provide tomanage the populations by the end of year two ofthe Recovery Plan.

Action 1.3

Assess known Grevillea beadleana sites todetermine whether declaration as CriticalHabitat within the meaning of the TSC Act iswarranted.

Performance criteria: All known Grevilleabeadleana sites should be assessed to determinewhether they require being declared as CriticalHabitat and appropriate action taken if requiredthroughout the life of this Plan.

Objective 2: Improve ecologicalunderstanding of Grevillea beadleana

Various aspects of research into population andseedbank dynamics, reproductive ecology andresponse to fire has been undertaken over thelast seven years at UNE. This research hasprovided important information that assists inthe conservation management of Grevilleabeadleana, however further ecological researchis needed to develop long term managementstrategies to prevent ongoing decline and the riskof extinction.

An ex situ conservation program should bedeveloped to manage Grevillea beadleana plantsthat have been propagated for glasshouseresearch studies. A feasibility study should beundertaken to determine the need for re-introduction at sites where a severe decline inpopulation size is observed or there is alikelihood of local extinction.



Action 2.1

Continue population studies into Grevilleabeadleana at all known sites.

Performance criteria: Population size anddynamics are assessed at each site on an annualbasis for a minimum of three years and reviewedduring year four of the Recovery Plan.

Action 2.2

Continue research into the seedbank and fireecology of Grevillea beadleana.

Performance criteria: Research into theseedbank and fire ecology of Grevilleabeadleana is undertaken in the first three yearsand reviewed during year four of the RecoveryPlan.

Action 2.3

Develop appropriate management strategiesand make recommendations about the need forfurther research programs following a reviewof actions 2.1 and 2.2.

Performance criteria: The results of the actions2.1 and 2.2 are reviewed, management strategiesare revised and implemented, andrecommendations for additional research aremade during year four of the Recovery Plan.

Action 2.4

Prepare and implement a Grevillea beadleanaex-situ conservation program and conduct a re-introduction feasibility study.

Performance criteria: An ex-situ conservationplan study is prepared and implemented forplants that have been propagated for glasshouseresearch during year four of the Recovery Plan.A re-introduction feasibility study is conductedduring year four of the Recovery Plan.

Specific Objective 3: Protect populationson private and leasehold land with the co-operation of the landowner or lessee.

Private landowners and lessees of areassupporting Grevillea beadleana populations aresupportive of the conservation of G. beadleanaand the research projects undertaken on theirland. Previous discussions regardingconservation management have been productiveand should continue. Relationships betweenDEC and landowners and lessees of any areascontaining new populations of G. beadleananeed to be nurtured with a view to obtaining thebest outcome for conservation and thelandowners and lessees.

Action 3.1

Investigate options for protecting Grevilleabeadleana populations on private and leaseholdland.

Performance criteria: All options for protectingGrevillea beadleana populations on private andleasehold land are fully investigated by yearthree of the Recovery Plan.

Actions 3.2

Undertake discussions with landowners andlessees about the protection of Grevilleabeadleana populations on private and leaseholdland.

Performance criteria: Discussions withlandowners and lessees are undertaken toprotect populations of Grevillea beadleana onprivate and leasehold land for the duration of theRecovery Plan.

Objective 4: Promote persistence ofGrevillea beadleana within current rangeby reducing or removing threats.

The primary threat to all Grevillea beadleanapopulations is the occurrence of frequent firesthat kill existing plants and result in ongoingdepletion of the seedbank. It is estimated thatabout 15 years between fires is required to allowplants to develop to full maturity and for theseedbank to be replenished. Other threats suchas grazing, drought and illegal collection shouldbe dealt at on a site-specific basis as the need isassessed. Existing weed and pest controlprograms should continue.

It is important to ensure that specific locationinformation on wild populations is not freelyavailable to members of the public. In order tomaintain confidentiality of site data, specificreports generated throughout theimplementation of the plan should remain forinternal use only. Where there is a need todivulge specific location information, forinstance to local fire control officers or localcouncils, the importance of maintainingconfidentiality must be stressed to those whoreceive the information.

Action 4.1

Reduce or eliminate the threat of frequent fireregimes to Grevillea beadleana by implementingappropriate planning mechanisms.

Performance criteria: Protection of Grevilleabeadleana is included as a specific objective ofall relevant DEC Reserve Fire Management Plansby year three of the Recovery Plan. Privatelandowners and lessees have been informed of



the need to reduce the incidence of frequent firesby the end of year two of the Recovery Plan.

Action 4.2

Apply appropriate management strategies toeliminate or reduce site-specific threatsidentified during population surveys andecological research.

Performance criteria: The impact of other threatsidentified at each Grevillea beadleanapopulation is assessed and addressed accordingto the specific need for the duration of theRecovery Plan.

Action 4.3

Maintain confidentiality of all Grevilleabeadleana locations.

Performance criteria: Confidentiality of locationsof Grevillea beadleana is maintained at alltimes.

Objective 5: Increase communityawareness of the species and itsmanagement.

In order to improve community education andco-operation in areas where Grevillea beadleanais known or is likely to occur, an informationleaflet should be prepared that is available forinterested local landowners from relevantRegional DEC offices and local Councils. Theleaflet should outline the habitat, distributionand threats to G. beadleana, the responsibilitiesof landowners for its conservation andappropriate management practices thatlandowners can implement to assist in theprotection of G. beadleana.

Action 5.1

Prepare and distribute an information leafletto landowners in areas where Grevilleabeadleana is considered as highly likely tooccur and place on display at relevantRegional DEC offices and local Councils forother interested local landowners.

Performance criteria: An information leaflet isprepared and distributed to landowners in areaswhere Grevillea beadleana is considered ashighly likely to occur and also made available forother interested local landowners by the end ofyear one of the Recovery Plan.

Objective 6: Co-ordinate implementationof the Recovery Plan

Action 6.1

Convene annual Recovery Team meetings to co-ordinate and review the implementation of theactions in this Recovery Plan.

Performance criteria: Annual Recovery Teammeetings are held to co-ordinate populationsurveys, ecological research, threat managementand to consider the results of these activities sothat management strategies are applied andrevised as required.

15 Implementation

Table 3 outlines the implementation of recoveryactions specified in this plan for the period of fiveyears. DEC is responsible for theimplementation of the Recovery Plan.

16 Preparation Details

16.1 Persons responsible for the planpreparation

This is the second Recovery Plan for Grevilleabeadleana and was prepared by Dr C. Gross(UNE) and Mr A. Steed (DEC). The firstRecovery Plan was written by Mr J. Benson in1991.

16.2 Date of last amendment

The Recovery Plan was last amended in October2003.

17 Review Date

The Recovery Plan actions will be reviewed afterfive years. The Recovery Plan may be amendedfollowing the completion of the ecological andgenetic research programs at the end of yearthree. It is anticipated that at this stage surveysmay have located new populations and theresearch program will have produced results thatmay require a change in the implementationstrategy. It will also be an appropriate time todetermine whether a population enhancement orex situ program is feasible and appropriate.

18 Contacts

The Recovery Plan for Grevillea beadleana is co-ordinated by the G. beadleana Coordinator,Threatened Species Unit, ConservationPrograms and Planning (North East Branch)Department of Environment and Conservation,24 Moonee Street Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450. Ph(02) 66515 946 Fax (02) 66516 187. All inquiriesabout G. beadleana should be directed to thisoffice.



19 References

Auld, T.D & Denham, A.J. 2001, �The impact ofseed predation by mammals on post-fire seedaccumulation in the endangered shrubGrevillea caleyi (Proteaceae)�, ConservationBiology, 97 (2001), pp. 377�85.

Auld, T.D., Bradstock, R.A. & Keith, D.A. 1993,�Fire as a threat to populations of rare plants�,Australian National Parks and WildlifeService, Endangered Species Program,Endangered Species Project No. 31, NewSouth Wales National Parks and WildlifeService, Hurstville.

Auld, T.D., Keith, D.A. & Bradstock, R.A. 2000,�Patterns in longevity of soil seedbanks in fire-prone communities of south-easternAustralia�, Australian Journal of Botany, 48,pp. 539�48.

Australian Network for Plant Conservation 1997,Guidelines for the Translocation ofThreatened Plants in Australia, AustralianNetwork for Plant Conservation, Canberra.

Benson, J. 1991, �Species Recovery Plan for G.beadleana�, Endangered Species ProgramProject No. 155, Australian National Parksand Wildlife Service, Canberra.

Bradstock, R.A., Bedward, M., Scott, J. & Keith,D.A. 1996, �Simulation on the effect of thespatial and temporal variation in fire regimeson the population viability of a Banksiaspecies�, Conservation Biology, 10 (3), pp.776�84.

Clarke, P.J., Copeland, L.M., Hunter, J.T., Nano,C.E., Williams, J.B. & Wills, E.W. 1998, TheVegetation and Plant Species of theTorrington State Recreation Area, reportprepared by University of New England,Armidale, for NSW National Parks andWildlife Service, Glen Innes.

Department of Mineral Resources 1988,Armidale 1:100 000 Metallogenic map17083, Department of Mineral Resources, 17November 1988, Sydney.

Durbin, J. 1996, The effect of heat upon the soil-stored seedbank of G. beadleana (Proteaceae)with a predictive map of possible re-establishment sites, B. Nat. Res. Thesis,University of New England, Armidale.

Edwards, W. & Whelan, R. 1995, �The size,distribution and germination requirements ofthe soil-stored seedbank of Grevilleabarklyana (Proteaceae)�, Australian Journalof Ecology, 20, pp. 548�55.

Gill, A.M. 1975, �Fire and the Australian Flora: areview�, Australian Forestry 38, 4�25.

Gross, C.L., Smith, J. & Streat, J. 1995, G.beadleana - an investigation of populationstructure, reproductive biology, geneticdiversity and response to fire, Annual ReportNo. 1, report by Department of EcosystemManagement, University of New England,Armidale, for National Parks and WildlifeService of New South Wales, Hurstville.

Harden, G.J. (ed.) 1991, Flora of New SouthWales, vol. 2, University of NSW Press Ltd,Sydney.

Leigh, J.H., Boden, R. & Briggs, J. 1984, Extinctand Endangered Plants of Australia,MacMillan, South Melbourne.

Makinson, R.O. 1991, Grevillea in Harden G.J.(ed. ) 1991, Flora of New South Wales, vol. 2,University of New South Wales Press Ltd,Sydney.

McGillivray, D.J. 1986, �New names in Grevillea(Proteaceae) 2�, published by the Author,Castle Hill.

McGillivray, D.J. 1993, �Grevillea (Proteaceae)�,Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust,Victoria.

Morley, B.D. & Toelken, H.R. 1983, �Floweringplants in Australia�, Rigby, Adelaide.

National Parks and Wildlife Service,Translocation of Threatened Flora -Threatened Species Management DraftInformation Circular, NSW NPWS, Sydney, inprep.

National Parks and Wildlife Service 1995,�Vegetation survey and mapping of UpperNorth East New South Wales�, report to theNSW Natural Resources Audit Council, NewSouth Wales National Parks and WildlifeService, Hurstville.

NSW Department of Mineral Resources 1969,Dorrigo - Coffs Harbour 1:250 000 GeologicalSeries Sheet SH 56 - 10 & 11, GeologicalSurvey of NSW and the Geology Department,University of New England, Armidale.

Olde, P. & Marriott, N. 1995, �The GrevilleaBook� vol. 1, Timber Press, Portland.

Regan, H.M., Auld, T.D., Keith, D.A. &Burgmann, M.A. 2003, �The effects of fire andpredators on the long term persistence of anendangered shrub, Grevillea caleyi�,Conservation Biology, 109 (2003), pp. 73�83.

Reid, N., Gross, C.L., Jarman, P. & van der Lee,G. 1996, �Fire management criteria andguidelines for conservation of the natural andcultural heritage of Guy Fawkes River



National Park�, Report for the New SouthWales National Parks and Wildlife Service,Hurstville.

Scott, J., Marshall, A. & Auld, T.D. 1995,�Conservation Research Statement andRecovery plan for Grevillea caleyi�, R. Br.Australian Nature Conservation Agency,Endangered Species Program, EndangeredSpecies Project No. 456, New South WalesNational Parks and Wildlife Service,Hurstville.

Streat, J. 1997, Aspects of the ecology of G.beadleana (Proteaceae): an Endangeredspecies, M. Nat. Res. Thesis, University ofNew England, Armidale, unpub.

Sheringham, P. & Westaway, J. 1995, �Significantvascular plants of upper north east NewSouth Wales�, report to the Natural ResourcesAudit Councilr New South Wales NationalParks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville.

White, M.E. 1994, �The Greening of Gondwana�2nd edition, Reed, Chatswood.

20 List of Abbreviations

DEC The Department of Environmentand Conservation

EPBC Act Commonwealth EnvironmentalProtection and BiodiversityConservation Act, 1999

EP&A Act Environmental Planning andAssessment Act 1979

DIPNR Department of Infrastructure,Planning and Natural Resources

NPW Act National Parks and Wildlife Act1974

NPWS National Parks and WildlifeService

NSW New South Wales

NVC Act Native Vegetation ConservationAct 1997

ROTAP Rare or Threatened AustralianPlants

TSC Act Threatened SpeciesConservation Act 1995

UNE University of New England

VCAs Voluntary ConservationAgreements

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Appendix 1: Estimated Cost of ImplementationEstimated Cost/year ($)Action Action Title Priorit

y Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5Total

Cost ($)Responsible Party

In-Kind($)

Cash($)

1.1 Undertake surveys and threat assessment at knownpopulations and those areas likely to containGrevillea beadleana.

1 $8,000 $16,000

$8,000 $8,000 $8,000 $48,000 DEC $40,000 $8,000

1.2 Inform all relevant land managers of Grevilleabeadleana locations and hold discussions to protectall populations.

1 $400 $400 $800 DEC $800

1.3 Assess known Grevillea beadleana sites to determinewhether declaration as Critical Habitat within themeaning of the TSC Act is warranted.

1 $400 $400 $400 $400 $400 $2,000 DEC $2,000

2.1 Continue population studies into Grevillea beadleanaat all known sites.

1 A A A A A - DEC $0

2.2 Continue research into the seedbank and fire ecologyof Grevillea beadleana.

1 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $15,000 DEC -$0 $15,000

2.3 Develop appropriate management strategies andmake recommendations about the need for furtherresearch programs following a review of actions 2.1and 2.2.

2 $2,000 $2,000 DEC $2,000

2.4 Prepare and implement a Grevillea beadleana ex-situconservation program and conduct a re-introductionfeasibility study.

2 $2,000 $2,000 DEC $2,000

3.1 Investigate options for protecting Grevilleabeadleana populations on private and leasehold land.

1 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $6,000 DEC $6,000

3.2 Undertake discussions with landowners and lesseesabout the protection of Grevillea beadleanapopulations on private and leasehold land.

1 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $10,000 DEC $10,000

4.1 Reduce or eliminate the threat of frequent fireregimes to Grevillea beadleana by implementingappropriate planning mechanisms.

1 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $25,000 DEC $25,000

4.2 Apply appropriate management strategies toeliminate or reduce site-specific threats identifiedduring population surveys and ecological research.

2 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $10,000 DEC $10,000

4.3 Maintain confidentiality of all Grevillea beadleanalocations.

2 - - - - - - DEC $0

5 Prepare and display an information leaflet at relevantDistrict DEC offices and local Councils for interestedlocal landowners.

2 $5,000 $5,000 DEC $5,000

6 Convene annual Recovery Team meetings to co-ordinate and review the implementation of theactions in this recovery plan.

1 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $10,000 DEC $10,000

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Total $31,800

$34,800

$26,400

$23,400

$19,400

$135,800

$112,800 $23,000

A � undertake concurrently with surveys of known sites in year 1

Approved Recovery Plan The Grevillea beadleana


Appendix 2 Summary of Advice from the NSW Scientific Committee

Submission Comment Amendments made to RecoveryPlan

NSW ScientificCommittee

The plan is in a different format fromthe plans prepared by DEC Southern

Noted.

The plan lacks the paragraphs aboutAboriginal involvement.

The Recovery Plan was prepared andexhibited prior to the recent TSC Actamendments. Indigenous communitiesinvolved in the regions affected by thisplan have not yet been identified.Implementation of recovery actionsunder this plan will include considerationof the role and interests of indigenouscommunities in the region.

The plan needs to consider seedpredation work conducted on theclosely related G. caleyi

Text amended to incorporate additionalinformation.

The plan needs to consider researchon G. caleyi in determiningappropriate fire-free intervals for G.beadleana. The mixed messagesregarding fire frequency needclarification in the light of existingknowledge on G. caleyi.


No current intention to declareCritical Habitat?

Critical habitat to be considered followingcompletion of additional surveys. Noamendment.

Reintroduction actions mentioned onPage 15 should make reference toeither the DEC Translocationguidelines or the Australian Networkfor Plant Conservation Guidelines


In Action 4, it seems that anunderstanding of seed bank dynamicswould be a more important issue,particularly as this is the basis forAction 6.

Research into seedbank dynamicsincluded as part of Action 4.

Page i � final paragraph: Are fourpopulations partly or wholly withinconservation reserves?


Page ii � 2nd last paragraph: Change�Increase known population size� to�Estimate current population sizemore accurately�

Text amended.

Page iii � para 3: bullet point �Protectall populations�� be more explicitabout means of protection

Text amended.

Page 3 � para 2 & 3: remove ROTAPdetails, out of date

Deleted

Page 6 � para 3: How was estimate ofplant age made? Also, do plants showsigns of browsing by goats?


Page 8 - 4.3 - Corymbia gummiferarather than E. gummifera.

Text amended.

Approved Recovery Plan The Grevillea beadleana


Page 10 � para 3: Insert data fornumber of viable seeds after trials.


Page 10 � para 4: germination trialsrequire replication as well as largersample size

Text amended.

Page 10 � para 5: How was age ofseeds determined?

Text deleted as reference was not foundto contain this statement.

Page 10 � para 7: Does this meanthere was overlap between successivefires?

Text amended to make situation clear.

Page 11 � para 2: Does ��how healthythe seedbank is� mean how large it is?Also, it is said that the ��risks to thevery few plants is too great to employa control burn�� Why would a controlburn be a desirable action?

Text amended.

Page 13 � para 6: threats need a briefexplanation. Also, may need to addseed predation (see major commentsabove)

Text amended.

Page 15 � para 3, 4 and 5: Is this textrelevant to this section?

Text deleted.

Page 16 � 11.3 para 2: Will there beany access restrictions to habitat?

Text amended to provide additionalclarification.

Page 16 � final para: Whatrelationship currently exists withcommunity?


Page 17: Is it possible to be morespecific about the identity of theseindividuals (if known).?


Page 18 � para 1: remove �to rare�.Overall aim would include to reducerisk of decline/extinction

Text amended.

Page 18 � para 2: Specific orSecondary objectives? Also, change�Increase known�� to �Increaseknowledge of extant��. Finally,include number of populations, withsize and location in next parabeginning �Secure populations inconservation�.�.

Text amended.

Section 15: change �Criteria� toCriterion� where relevant.

Text amended.

Page 21 � Outcome 3 change ��dynamics�understood� to �changes inpopulation size are assessed�.

Text amended.

Page 22 � Perform. criteria 5: removefirst few words and begin with�Adoption of Voluntary�by owners..�.

Text amended.

Page 23 � Funding action 5. Thereseems to be no budget for funds todevelop management plans under Volagreements?

Depending upon which type ofconservation mechanism is adopted,plans may not be required.

Page 24 � Performance criteria 7:needs an experimental design.

The intention is to visually assess grazingbefore determining whether an extensiveand ongoing monitoring program isrequired. If ongoing monitoring isrequired, experimental design would be akey component of the program.

43 Bridge Street (PO Box 1967)Hurstville NSW 2220Phone: 02 9585 6444

Website www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

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