vegetation management plan - kempsey shire · 2020. 6. 29. · nsw flying-fox camp management...

May

20

Vegetation Management Plan: Buffer Zone to the Rudder Park Flying-fox Camp – Stage 1

Prepared For: Kempsey Shire Council

6 John St Port Macquarie NSW 2440 Phone: 6593 6178

Mobile: 0431 833 968 [email protected]

www.jbenviro.com.au

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Document control register:

Revision Distribution Date Authorised By

1 Kempsey Shire Council 20/5/2020 JB


2.1 Kempsey Shire Council 27/5/2020 JB


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TAB TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 AIM ....................................................................................................................... 6

2 REQUIREMENT FOR THE VMP .......................................................................... 6

3 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ......................................................................... 9

3.1 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ................................................................................. 9

3.2 VEGETATION ................................................................................................... 10

3.2.1 Current Vegetation .................................................................................. 10

3.2.2 Target Future Vegetation ........................................................................ 10

3.2.3 Biosecurity Act 2015 ............................................................................... 11

3.3 CAMP CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................................. 12

3.3.1 Estimated numbers and ecological role .................................................. 12

3.3.2 Current spatial patterns ........................................................................... 13

4 IMPLEMENTATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................. 15

4.1 LEGAL COMPLIANCE ........................................................................................ 15

4.2 RESPONSIBILITY .............................................................................................. 15

4.2.1 Project Ecologist ..................................................................................... 16

4.2.2 Bush Regeneration Contractor ................................................................ 16

5 PRE-WORKS AND OTHER MEASURES .......................................................... 17

5.1 WORKS TIMING ............................................................................................... 17

5.2 CAMP ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................ 17

5.2.1 Pre-works and During Clearing Work ...................................................... 17

5.2.2 Post-clearing ........................................................................................... 17

5.3 SITE INDUCTION AND DAILY TOOL BOX .............................................................. 17

5.4 NOTIFICATIONS AND REPORTING....................................................................... 18

5.4.1 Public Notice ........................................................................................... 18

5.4.2 Neighbours .............................................................................................. 18

5.4.3 DPIE ....................................................................................................... 18

5.4.4 Wildlife Carers ......................................................................................... 19

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5.5 PLANT DISEASE HYGIENE AND MANAGEMENT .................................................... 19

5.6 FAUNA WELFARE AND STOP WORK TRIGGERS ................................................... 20

5.6.1 General Measures .................................................................................. 20

5.6.2 Stop Work Triggers ................................................................................. 20

5.6.3 Emergency Actions ................................................................................. 21

6 WEED REMOVAL AND RE-PLANTING ............................................................ 22

6.1 WEED REMOVAL ............................................................................................. 22

6.1.1 General ................................................................................................... 22

6.1.2 Removal of Giant Bamboo ...................................................................... 23

6.1.3 Erosion Control ....................................................................................... 24

6.2 INFILL TUBESTOCK PLANTING ............................................................................ 24

6.2.1 General ................................................................................................... 24

6.2.2 Recommended Species .......................................................................... 24

6.2.3 Maintenance ........................................................................................... 26

7 VEGETATION ACTION PLAN SCHEDULE AND KPIS .................................... 27

8 REPORTING ...................................................................................................... 32

8.1 FLYING-FOX MONITORING ................................................................................ 32

8.1.1 Post works .............................................................................................. 32

8.1.2 Quarterly monitoring ............................................................................... 32

8.2 BUSH REGENERATION ..................................................................................... 32

8.2.1 Frequency and Duration ......................................................................... 32

8.2.2 Review and Updating .............................................................................. 33

9 COMPLIANCE .................................................................................................... 33

APPENDIX 1: FLYING-FOX RESCUE PROTOCOL................................................ 34

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Weeds on site listed under the Biosecurity Act 2015 .................................. 11

Table 2: Stop Work triggers ...................................................................................... 21

Table 3: Recommended species for tubestock planting ........................................... 25

Table 4: Action Plan .................................................................................................. 27

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Rudder St flying fox camp (2017 recorded extent) ....................................... 7

Figure 2: Proposed buffer area (red zone) .................................................................. 8

LIST OF PHOTOS

Photo 1: The main roost area viewed from Riverside Park ....................................... 13

Photo 2: The southern giant bamboo clump and part of the central buffer area ....... 14

Photo 3: Central area of buffer .................................................................................. 14

Photo 4: Golden Bamboo in northern end of buffer zone .......................................... 15

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1 Aim

Under the provisions of the Rudder Park Flying-fox Management Plan (Ecosure 2017) and NSW Flying-fox Camp Management Policy (OEH 2015), Kempsey Shire Council (KSC) intends to modify vegetation over two stages to form a 15m wide buffer zone to the Rudder Park flying fox camp, as shown in Figure 2.

This work is a Level 2 action under the Plan, and this Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) is an update of the current plan (Picton 2019). The update is to revise the proposed works to vegetation modification only.

The primary aims of this Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) for Stage 1 are to:

Remove approximately 0.18ha of exotic vegetation in the Stage 1 buffer zone to establish a vegetated buffer to the camp that is not suitable for flying-fox roosting.

Replace the exotic vegetation with low growing natives and maintain bank stability.

Minimise disturbance during works on the flying foxes.

These aims address the relevant ecological recommendations of Ecosure (2017).

2 REQUIREMENT FOR THE VMP

The Rudder Park Flying-fox Management Plan was developed in line with the NSW Flying-fox Camp Management Policy to manage the camp due to public concerns regarding noise, health and nuisance impacts of the camp.

As shown in Figure 1, the camp is spread over three mixed tenure parcels (Crown, Council and private) on a steep cut-away bank adjunct to the Macleay River, in east Kempsey. The camp has been intermittedly active for decades historically, but since 2011 has been occupied virtually full time after abandonment of the formerly preferred camp in Verges Swamp (Ecosure 2017).

The camp supports all three species of protected flying-fox found in NSW, including the threatened Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), which is listed as Vulnerable under NSW and Commonwealth legislation.

The Plan provides a framework to manage the camp and abate its nuisance effect on neighbouring dwellings. The objectives of the Plan are to:

manage community impacts and concerns associated with the Rudder Park camp,

ensure management activities are consistent with legislative responsibilities, including the NSW Flying-fox Camp Management Policy (OEH 2015),

facilitate licence approval for actions at the camp ensure the conservation of flying-foxes in appropriate locations,

ensure flying-fox welfare during works, and

effectively communicate with stakeholders during planning and implementation of management activities.

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Figure 1: Rudder St Flying-fox camp (2017 recorded extent)

(source: Ecosure 2017)

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Figure 2: Proposed stage 1 (red zone) and stage 2 (purple zone) buffer area

A VMP was prepared to detail the implementation of Level 2 measures of the Plan (Picton 2019). These measures consisted of removal of some of the bamboo and other exotics used for roosting; and installation of sprinklers to deter flying foxes from roosting close to dwellings.

Investigations into the establishment and operation of the sprinklers however determined this measure was impractical due to:

Lack of suitable natural platforms for the spinklers: Only 1 native tree large enough to support mounting sprinklers occurs in the buffer zone. The giant bamboo is highly flexible, hence mounting sprinklers was impractical on these stems. Artificial mounts would need very tall and heavy poles to (a) be stable in all weather and (b) be high enough to be an effective deterrent.

Design limitations: Due to the height and location of the sprinklers, providing water at a sufficient pressure was deemed likely to be both very costly and high risk of being impractical due to the pumps, piping and water pressure required.

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Work Health & Safety: The buffer zone is located on an extremely steep slope with access only from the lookout or a short private driveway bound by canopy cover of adjacent trees. As the spinklers would need very tall and heavy poles, the practicality of installing the poles and maintaining the sprinklers was deemed too risky from a WH&S point of view.

The more suitable option was thus removal and replacement of vegetation to establish a buffer as detailed in section 8.2.1 of the Plan. This VMP details how this buffer will be established for the Stage 1 area (Stage 2 will be subject to an updated VMP in 2021) and maintained over a nominal 5 year lifespan (subject to achieving the aims and key performance indicators).

The works under this VMP will be undertaken under a licence issued by the DPIE, as part of approvals via a Review of Environmental Factors under Part 5 of the Environment Planning & Assessment Act 1979.

3 Background Information

3.1 Supporting Documents

In preparation of this VMP a number of reports and documents have been reviewed and utilised including:

Department of the Environment (2015). Referral guideline for management actions in grey-headed and spectacled flying-fox camps, Australian Government Department of the Environment, Canberra, www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/6d4f8ebc-f6a0-49e6-a6b6-82e9c8d55768/files/referral-guideline-flying-fox-camps.pdf.

DECC (2008) Best practice guidelines for the grey-headed flying-fox, Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW, Sydney. www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/threatenedspecies/08540tsdsflyingfoxbpg.pdf.

Ecosure (2017). Rudder Park Flying-fox Camp Management Plan. Unpublished report to Kempsey Shire Council. Ecosure, Gold Coast.

OEH (2015) Flying-fox Camp Management Policy 2015, Office of Environment and Heritage, Sydney, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/threatenedspecies/150070-flyingfoxcamppolicy.pdf.

OEH (2012) NSW Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Flying-foxes, Office of Environment and Heritage, Sydney. www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/wildlifelicences/120026flyingfoxcode.pdf.

Picton, A. (2018). Vegetation Management Plan for Buffer Zone and Canopy Mounted Sprinklers at Rudder Park, Kempsey. Prepared for Kempsey Shire Council.

Westcott, D. and McKeown, A. (2011). Flying Fox Survey Manual. CSIRO Ecosystem Services.

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3.2 Vegetation

3.2.1 Current Vegetation

The buffer area in the Stage 1 area is dominated by exotic vegetation comprising:

Giant Bamboo (Bambusa sp*.): Dominates the southern end as a monoculture, standing ~15m tall, with the upper half of the outer stems leaning heavily away from the clump. Stems are 10-20cm in diameter, and heavily covered with foliage in the upper third to quarter of the stems. Flying-foxes roost in the dense foliage.

Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea*): Dominates the northern end of the buffer, and reaches up to 5m high but mostly around 3-4m. The northeastern fringe is used by flying-foxes for roosting, with many showing damage (broken tips, lack of foliage).

Lantana (Lantana camara*): Dominates the steepest slopes in the centre of the site. About 1-2m high with often 100% cover, interspersed with exotic ornamental garden escapees of herbs, exotic vines and small trees including Tree Mallow (Malva dendromorpha*) and Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos*).

A single Red Mahogany (Eucalyptus resinifera) occurs on the northwest edge of the Stage 1 buffer, underlain by a mature Camphor Laurel (Cinnamonum camphora*). This tree and some planted Spiny-headed Matrush (Lomandra longifolia) at the edge of the lookout essentially comprise the only natives in the Stage 1 buffer area.

The Stage 2 area will be subject to further survey, but is also dominated by weeds including the smaller bamboo and lantana.

3.2.2 Target Future Vegetation

The adjoining properties beyond the camp along the riverbank were inspected by adjacent street access or binoculars from the opposite bank to identify the original vegetation community.

Survey found that much of the current vegetation is replanted natives (many non-indigenous to the area eg. Norfolk Pines, non-indigenous eucalypts) and exotics (eg. Camphor Laurel and Jacaranda), as historical landuses have previously cleared the original vegetation.

Based on inspection of more intact riparian vegetation in the same edaphic situation near the Kempsey Base hospital, a succession of River Oak and associated riverbank edge species is likely to have graded with slope to a wet sclerophyll forest dominated by Tallowwood (E. microcorys), Grey Ironbark (E. siderophloia), Brushbox (Lophostemon confertus), and Pink Bloodwood (Corymbia intermedia); to a drier eucalypt forest dominated Tallowwood with Pink Bloodwood, Thick-leaved Mahogany (E. umbra), and White Stringybark (E. globoidea) at the top.

Rainforest species would have dominated the understorey of the foot to midslope, grading to wattles and Allocasuarinas in the drier forest.

This community is not suitable to be restored as it will provide potential roosting habitat. Elements of this community suitable for replanting to establish a shrubland will be targeted using the species listed in section 6.2.2.

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3.2.3 Biosecurity Act 2015

The Biosecurity Act 2015 repealed the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 and provides a framework for the prevention, elimination and minimisation of biosecurity risks posed by biosecurity matter, dealing with biosecurity matter, carriers and potential carriers, and other activities that involve biosecurity matter, carriers or potential carriers.

Part 3 of the Biosecurity Act applies a general biosecurity duty for any person who deals with biosecurity matter or a carrier to prevent, eliminate or minimise any biosecurity risk they may pose. Under section 23 of the Act, a person who fails to discharge a biosecurity duty is guilty of an offence.

Whilst the Act provides for all biosecurity risks, implementation of the Act for weeds is supported by Regional Strategic Weed Management Plans (RSWMP) developed for each region in NSW. Appendix 1 of each RSWMP identifies the priority weeds for control at a regional scale. However, landowners and managers must take appropriate actions to reduce the impact of problem weed species regardless of whether they are listed in Appendix 1 of the RSWMP or not as the general biosecurity duty applies to these species.

The following table addresses listed weeds which occur in the Stage 1 site:

Table 1: Weeds on site listed under the Biosecurity Act 2015

Weed RSWMP Specifications Site Occurrence

State Priority Weed Objective: Eradication

N/A

State Priority Weed Objective: Containment

N/A

State Priority Weed Objective: Asset Protection

Madeira Vine (Anredera cordifolia)

Mandatory Measure (Division 8, Clause 33, Biosecurity Regulation 2017): A person must not move, import into the State or sell.

Regional Strategic Response – where required:

Develop region-wide coordinated campaigns for collaborative management.

Identification of regional containment zones where required.

Identification of key sites/assets in the geographic area.

Species managed in accordance with published weed management plan.

Occurs in southern end.

Asparagus weeds- Asparagus aethiopicus, A. africanus, A. asparagoides including the Western Cape form (A. plumosus, A. scandens)

Occurs in southern end.

Lantana (L. camara) Dominates about 50% of Stage 1, and occurs in Stage 2.

Regional Priority Weed Objective: Eradication

N/A

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Weed RSWMP Specifications Site Occurrence

Regional Priority Weed Objective: Containment

Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)

An exclusion zone is established for all lands in the region, except the core infestation area which comprises:

Richmond Valley Council

Ballina Shire Council

Clarence Valley Council (Mann catchment)

Lismore Council

Kyogle Council

Byron Shire Council, and

Tweed Shire Council

Whole of region: The plant or parts of the plant are not traded, carried, grown or released into the environment.

Within exclusion zone:

the plant is eradicated from the land and the land is kept free of the plant

Land managers mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land

Scattered mainly in central part of Stage 1.

Additional Species of Concern in North Coast LLS Region

Crofton Weed (Ageratina adenophora)

High priority for asset protection to minimise impacts.

Scattered mainly in central part of Stage 1.

Climbing Asparagus, Ground Asparagus (Asparagus africanus/A. plumosus/A.

scandens)

Common in southern end of site.

Lantana Dominates centre of Stage 1.

Narrow-leaved Privet (Ligustrum sinense)

Rare in lower central area of Stage 1.

Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)

Young trees

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At time of preparation of this VMP, over a thousand bats were estimated to be present by the extent of camp space occupied rather than approximate direct counts as the bats were predominantly hidden from view by the dense foliage and habit of roosting well in both foliage or low down behind cover, obscuring them from view from any observation point. Previous counts have varied from 1000 to

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Photo 2: The southern giant bamboo clump and part of the central buffer area

Photo 3: Central area of buffer

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Photo 4: Golden Bamboo in northern end of buffer zone

4 Implementation And Responsibilities

4.1 Legal Compliance

This VMP requires approval from the NSW Department of Planning, Infrastructure, and Environment (DPIE), and will have to comply the licence to undertake the works under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) has been prepared for the activity, addressing the relevant legislation including the following:

Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

4.2 Responsibility

The VMP is to be implemented by contractors engaged by Kempsey Shire Council (KSC). Contractors will include:

A qualified and experienced ecologist that meets the specifications detailed in s.4.2.1.

Bush regenerators to remove the Bamboo, Lantana and other weeds; and replace these with native species.

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4.2.1 Project Ecologist

As per the Plan, a project ecologist/flying-fox expert is required to manage the animal welfare aspects of the VMP.

The project ecologist must demonstrate the following criteria:

Tertiary qualifications and at least 5 years demonstrated experience in ecological surveys, including identifying fauna and flora to species level, fauna habitat and ecological communities.

Practising member of the Ecological Consultants Association of NSW

Knowledge of flying-fox habitat requirements, and experience in flying-fox camp management.

Knowledge of flying-fox behaviour, including ability to identify signs of flying-fox stress.

Ability to differentiate between breeding and non-breeding females, and able to identify females in final trimester.

Ability to estimate age of juveniles.

Experienced in flying-fox population monitoring including static and fly-out counts, demographics and visual health assessments.

ABLV-vaccinated.

4.2.2 Bush Regeneration Contractor

For bush regeneration and weed removal, a Bush Regenerator (BR) contractor will be engaged. The BR will undertake or direct activities such as planting, brushcutting, weed control, watering, etc undertaken personally or by other persons, and the BR will be responsible for their actions and abidance to the VMP.

The BR contractor must be suitably qualified and experienced as follows:

Minimum Conservation & Land Management Certificate 3/Bush Regeneration Certificate 2 or equivalent);

Minimum 5 years experience in ecological restoration or similar activities which demonstrate capability to implement and monitor the plan,

Be a member of the Australian Association of Bush Regenerators (AABR) or fulfil the membership criteria;

Hold the necessary licences/certifications eg. Chemcert; and WH&S certifications and training.

The BR is obligated to follow any instruction by the project ecologist to adjust methods, pause or stop works at any time and for any specified amount of time. The BR will consult with the project ecologist before and after undertaking periodic maintenance on the site.

The BR and all staff are expected to have the appropriate training and certifications to work in the site conditions and use the plant/tools required. All plant will be maintained to WorkCover standard with recent certified inspections.

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5 Pre-Works and Other Measures

5.1 Works Timing

The weed removal works are to be undertaken in late autumn to July, with no clearing of vegetation allowed outside this time. This is required to avoid the Grey-headed Flying-fox breeding season (August to February) in accordance with the Plan.

If the Little Red Flying-fox is found to be present during March-October, works will need approval from DPIE due to risk of breeding of this species.

Watering and weeding after this phase is expected to be low impact, with no use of power tools, hence subject to advice and (if deemed necessary) the project ecologist’s supervision or direction, this will be undertaken as required over the maintenance phase of the VMP.

5.2 Camp Assessment

5.2.1 Pre-works and During Clearing Work

Within the constraints of the site’s physical characteristics, WH&S and visibility of the bats, the PE is to collect the following information prior to the vegetation removal and replanting works commencing:

Map the extent of the camp via outer perimeter of roosting bats.

Provide a provisional estimate via direct counts (if possible given the visibility constraints) from the various viewpoints.

Confirm the species present.

As the clearing works will be undertaken outside the Grey-headed Flying-fox season, and assuming no Little Red Flying-foxes are found, an assessment of presence of pups or females in final trimester is not required.

The camp extent is to be mapped each day by the PE is on-site undertaking monitoring for the VMP; and up and downstream vegetation assessed (eg. from the Riverside Park vantage points) for off-site roosting as a result of disturbance.

5.2.2 Post-clearing

The PE is to repeat the above monthly following works until the beginning of the next breeding period or as otherwise directed by DPIE.

5.3 Site Induction and Daily Tool Box

Any person working on the site is to be inducted by the project ecologist (PE). The PE shall:

Detail the legal obligations of the VMP’s approval, including obligation to follow the PE’s directions.

Detail the animal welfare stop-work triggers.

Detail a stop-work and monitoring procedure.

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Detail WH&S in regards to working in the camp buffer and any encounters with native fauna.

Detail precautions for Lyssa and Hendra virus.

Clarify the boundary of the works area, and that no-one is to enter the core roosting area at any time.

A daily pre-start toolbox will be held with site staff to reiterate the above, and implement any improvements to work practices.

5.4 Notifications and Reporting

5.4.1 Public Notice

Information regarding the works (including specifying the dates the weed removal work will be undertaken) will be notified via the local radio and newspaper, as well as Council’s website at least 1 week before works commence. The advice is to clearly state that no dispersal works are being undertaken, only establishment of a buffer between the camp and adjacent residents and park users.

Information will also include a contact number for any community concerns, including reporting off-site roosting of bats during the works. If practical, the public may be invited to register interest in collecting sections of the giant bamboo under suitable arrangements with KSC.

Public access to the park will be closed during the primary weed removal work period and this is to be notified via the above and temporary signage at the entrance off Macleay Valley Way/Lord St.

5.4.2 Neighbours

Council is to notify residents adjacent to the camp at least one week prior to works commencing. Notice will include:

Timing and nature of works.

Contact number and person at KSC for non-animal welfare related matters.

Project ecologist’s contact number for emergency animal welfare matters, and a copy of the Flying-fox Rescue Protocol.

Notice not to assist in the works, and report any unusual flying-fox behaviour eg. roosting in their yard.

5.4.3 DPIE

KSC is to notify DPIE when works are to commence, and complete. DPIE will be notified of the final date of commencement (subject to weather, etc) no less than 48hrs before commencement.

The project ecologist is to:

Provide a copy of the Flying-fox Protocol (see Appendix 1) completed with all relevant contact details.

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Notify DPIE and KSC of any major incident at the earliest safe opportunity.

Within 1 months of clearing works completion, provide a report to DPIE and KSC detailing the outcomes of the clearing works monitoring (including a summary of responses to activity in the buffer); details on the number and nature of complaints before and after the works; and any relevant recommendations.

Undertake the post-works monitoring as per S.8.1.

5.4.4 Wildlife Carers

The project ecologist is to:

Contact F.A.W.N.A. to alert of potential care of animals as a result of the works, and complete the Flying-fox Rescue Protocol’s contact details and arrangements.

Arrange suitable pick-up or drop-off arrangements for any flying-fox needing to be taken into care with a licensed carer.

Identify an approved vet for any potential emergency treatment, and contact the vet a week before works commencement to work out any arrangements.

5.5 Plant Disease Hygiene and Management

Best Practice management guidelines (listed below) for Phytophthora cinnamomi are to be adopted on the site ie. sterile equipment to be used:

https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/science/plants/pestsdiseases/phytophthora-dieback/disinfection-procedures

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasivespecies/publications/management-phytophthoracinnamomi-biodiversity-conservation

If Myrtle Rust is detected, the advice from NSW Department of Primary Industry (http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/plant/established-plant-pests-and-diseases/myrtle-rust, accessed 18 September 2017) is to:

Always start jobs with clean equipment and clean vehicles;

Relocate planned activities from known or likely infected areas to another place if possible;

Comply with risk management and mitigation measures.

The control procedures detailed in the following reference should be followed:

https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/pestsweeds/110683myrtlerustmp.pdf

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5.6 Fauna Welfare and Stop Work Triggers

5.6.1 General Measures

The following general measures will apply:

Absolutely no vegetation is to be felled if a flying fox is roosting within it, or at risk of being harmed by falling timber. The project ecologist is to inspect the vegetation before felling, advising the arborists which stems can be taken and where to fell them to avoid risk of injury or excess disturbance to roosting bats; and closely observe the felling process.

Birds are unlikely to be breeding in nests when the vegetation removal works are being undertaken, but should a nest be found, the project ecologist is to direct and manage its removal.

Any Ringtail Possum dreys are to be similarly handled under direction of the project ecologist.

Only vaccinated and licenced persons may handle living or dead flying foxes. Anyone who detects an animal showing distress, on the ground or dead must not touch or handle the animal, but report the animal immediately to the project ecologist.

Any plant such as wood chippers/mulchers, chainsaws and brushcutters are to be started as far away as possible from the camp (eg. downslope in the access to the park), and approach/run accordingly to allow the bats to adjust to the noise. Continuous operation over short periods is preferred to short, irruptive use. Users must abide the ecologist’s direction to cease work if bats show stress, or to repeat the adjustment cycle when plant has been stopped for some time, to allow bats to adjust.

No works to take place in periods of adverse weather including strong winds, seasonal extreme cold events, during rainfall, or during periods of likely flying-fox population stress (e.g. food bottlenecks).

No works which disturbs roosting bats is to be undertaken from August to February.

DPIE will be immediately contacted if LRFF are present between March and October, or are identified as being in final trimester/with dependent young.

5.6.2 Stop Work Triggers

The Plan recommends disturbance works to be undertaken for a maximum of 2.5 hours in any 12 hour period, ideally before sunrise or sunset.

Due to WH&S restrictions and practicality (eg. steep slope, noise impacts on neighbours), works including removal of the giant bamboo is very difficult to undertake at these times. Where practical, the most noisy work activities will be scheduled to occur close to fly out eg. wood chipping.

The project ecologist is remain on site during clearing and (if deemed necessary by disturbance behaviours shown on the particular day) planting works to monitor for the following Stop Work triggers:

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Table 2: Stop Work triggers

Welfare Trigger Signs Action

Unacceptable level of stress

If any individual is observed:

Panting;

Saliva spreading; or

Located on or within 2m of the ground

Works cease for the day

Fatigue More than 30% of camp takes flight: or

Individuals are in flights for more than 5 minutes; or

Flying-foxes appear to be leaving the camp.

Works to cease and:

recommence only when flying foxes have settled.

maximum of two unsuccessful attempts to recommence work before ceasing for the day.

Injury/Death A flying-fox appears to have been injured/killed on site (including aborted foetuses).

Any flying-fox death is reported within 1 km of the site that appears to be related to the works.

Females in final trimester dependent/crèching young present.

Loss of condition detected.

Works to cease immediately and KSC /DPIE notified; and.,

Rescheduled; or,

Adapted sufficiently so that significant impacts are highly unlikely to occur, as confirmed by the project ecologist; or

Stopped indefinitely and alternative management options investigated.

If the camp is showing low or no disturbance and works are low impact (eg. planting), supervision by the PE is only required periodically during the day from various strategic observation points if the site staff remain in ready communication with the PE.

If the Stop Work triggers are exceeded over two consecutive days; a bat death related to the works is recorded; roosting off-site is recorded: all work will cease and the work methods and timing (eg. operating power tools and plant after sunset fly-out) will have to be reconsidered with approval from DPIE.

5.6.3 Emergency Actions

Appendix 1 contains the nominal flying-fox rescue protocol from the Plan. This is to formally completed before works commence and issued to KSC and DPIE.

The PE will be responsible for implementing the protocol and report any incident to DPIE within 24hrs.

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6 Weed Removal and Re-planting

6.1 Weed Removal

6.1.1 General

While the focus is on the bamboo, Biosecurity threats, Weeds of National Significance, High Threat Exotic species, and any other recognised transformer weed which can impair regeneration are a priority to be removed. This generally comprises the majority of the current vegetation on the site. Council has requested retention of the mature Jacaranda in the southeast of the site.

Given the site’s challenges, the arborist and bush regenerator are to select the appropriate methods to remove the site weeds in line with the following principles:

Noise: Avoids or minimise disturbance of the camp eg. minimal or no use of brushcutters, chainsaws, wood chippers/mulchers, leave blowers, etc.

Chemicals: Poses minimum or nil risk due to contact, contamination, spray mist, etc, on non-target vegetation and roosting flying foxes.

WH&S: Methods must not pose an unacceptable risk of injury to workers or public.

The following general principles are expected to be followed in the process:

a) Primary weed control (establishment phase)

Primary weed control involves initial weed control and aims to eliminate the parent weed seed source on the site. The process of primary weed control requires accurate identification of all plant species and application of the appropriate control method for individual weed species.

At this site, it is likely to involve techniques such as spraying, cutting and/or painting with 100% Glyphosate type herbicide (‘Bioactive’ due to proximity to waterway to avoid impacts on the aquatic ecosystem). Intensive treatments are given weeds dominate and natural regeneration is minimal.

Ideally, these weed control methods should be employed prior to flowering and propagule development. Where this is not possible, any flowering, fruiting or seeding bodies should be removed from plants treated using the appropriate methods (eg. cutting, bagging and disposal).

Effective and accurate weed control at this stage is fundamental to successful restoration of plant communities. The timing and staging of weed control will require coordination with the availability of local native tubestock to establish native cover that will suppress weed regeneration over the establishment phase.

b) secondary weed control (establishment phase)

Secondary weed control is timed to follow the primary weed control which ‘releases’ both native and weed species, and allows regeneration as resources for plant growth such as light, space, moisture and nutrients are made available to nearby plants and soil seed banks. Establishment and development of upper stratums early will increase shading and competition for water, suppressing the regeneration and establishment of weeds.

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This secondary control importantly thus needs to be timed so that weed growth does not ‘get away’. In some circumstances, this may entail removal of weed species at seedling stage: the aim here is to prevent their further spread, though it must be remembered that some regenerated weeds can provide useful shelter for seedling natives eg. Native Tobacco.

Repeated application of secondary control (eg. quarterly per year) will be required in some areas to exhaust the weed seed bank and prevent any new seedlings maturing and seeding. This will allow planting and seeding to occur with competitive weed growth reduced and increase success.

Foliar herbicide spray applications will be an important method in this stage but will need to be used in conjunction with hand weeding to avoid impacts on tubestock growth and any native species recruitment.

This secondary stage may require multiple visits depending on the resilience of the site and its location. Given the low resilience and riparian location at this site, resource requirements for secondary control are likely to be at the higher end to achieve effective control.

c) maintenance of the site

The maintenance of the site in this stage consists of ongoing, regular, weed control phase over the remainder of the minimum 5 year establishment phase. Frequency and duration will vary according to the resilience and re-development of the native vegetation, viability of weed seed in the soil, and the proximity of weed sources for re-infestation.

6.1.2 Removal of Giant Bamboo

The Giant Bamboo poses a significant challenge to removal due to its height and current use as roosting habitat by the flying foxes.

The BR is to determine the most appropriate method of removal in liaison with the project ecologist. In accordance with s.5.5, the method must endeavour to cause the least disturbance of the majority of the roosting bats.

It is expected the bamboo will be cut with a pole saw to remove the top, and remaining stem cut with a chainsaw. The remaining stump will be painted with herbicide to prevent re-sprouting, as removal of the root stock would need heavy earthmoving plant which cannot access the area due to the slope; and the plant and work may impose significant disturbance of the camp.

The cut material is expected to be transported upslope to Rudder Park via a winch hauling bundles of stems. Some stems may be strategically reused on site to stabilise the slope, offered to the community, or retained on site to provide refuge for native fauna; and the remainder mulched for re-use on site for weed and erosion control.

If the removal process proves impractical due to significant disturbance of the bats as per s.5.5, the following method will be implemented, most likely with a series of repeat treatments to achieve complete mortality:

Drilling and injection of herbicide. Periodic monitoring of death and collapse of the bamboo. Removal of dead material only outside the maternity season, under supervision of the

project ecologist in the following year.

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6.1.3 Erosion Control

The removal of the lantana via cutting the stem at ground level and painting the root stock is expected to pose a risk of erosion given the steep slope and that this weed often shades out grass and other soil stabilising cover. The Golden Bamboo roost stock is not to be mechanically removed, but also appears to have largely shaded out other cover. As it has a plethora of stems which will be cut at or near ground level, erosion risk is less in this area.

The BR is responsible for choosing, installing and maintaining appropriate erosion control measures to mitigate the risk of erosion any exposed soil; to use weed removal methods that minimise soil disturbance; and to locate and use access tracks (eg. the former pathway in the northern end) accordingly to minimise challenging erosive runoff.

Jute matting or mulching, and if suitable, sections of the giant bamboo stems are to be used where required to maintain protection to expose soil. If this is not sufficient, measures such as sediment fencing may be required. Installation of these measures will be subject to the controls under s5.5.

6.2 Infill tubestock planting

6.2.1 General

To ensure quick growth and suppression of weeds given the low resilience of the site, infill planting will be undertaken.

As a general rule, plantings are to be distributed in a non-linear pattern to establish a natural appearance, unless it achieves greater erosion control. Clump planting can be undertaken to establish a more random/natural species assemblage where erosion risk is less.

Bulk planting of tubestock is to be completed in Year 1 and 2 of the VMP in the respective stages of weed removal, but will depend on control success of the Golden Bamboo. Failed plantings which are to be audited during periodic monitoring by the BR are to be replaced with stock of equivalent maturity to facilitate achieving KPIs detailed in section 7.

6.2.2 Recommended Species

The following species have been selected on the basis of:

Indigenous to the locality.

Found in the edaphic situation within the Local Government Area

Available commercially.

Grow to

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Table 3: Recommended species for tubestock planting

Stratum Species Frequency Density

Shrub Layer

Acacia longifolia Low

1 shrub per 1m2

(1m centres)

Breynia oblongifolia Common

Pittosporum multiflorum/ Citriobatus pauciflorus

Common

Pittosporum undulatum Low

Pittosporum revolutum Common

Leptospermum polygalifolium Common

Notelaea longifolia Low

Callistemon viminalis Low

Melastoma affine Common

Wilkea huegeliana Common

Polyscias sambucifolia Common

Alchornea ilicifolia Low

Persoonia sericea Low

Trochocarpa laurina Low

Sannantha similis Common

Pimelea ligustrina Common

Alchornea ilicifolia Low

Banksia spinulosa Low

Croton verreauxii Common

Trema tomentosa Low

Ozothamnus diosmifolium Common

Cordyline stricta Common

Pomaderris ligustrina Low

Bursaria spinosa var macrophylla Low

Groundcover

Crinum pedunculatum Low

Clumped plantings

(min. 1 plant/0.6m2)

Imperata cylindrica Common

Oplismenus imbecillis Common

Gahnia clarkei Common

Gahnia aspera Common

Lomandra longifolia Common

Microlaena stipoides Common

Commelina cyanea Common

Dianella caerulea Common

Carex appressa Common

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Stratum Species Frequency Density

Entolasia marginata Common

Cymbrogen refractus Common

Ottochloa gracillima Common

Adiantum hispidulum Common

Doodia aspera Common

Blechnum cartilagineum Common

Calochlaena dubia Common

Lepidospermum laterale Common

Alpinia caerulea Common

6.2.3 Maintenance

A maintenance program comprising watering, weeding, mulch maintenance (if employed) and watering is required to ensure plantings are successful over the life of the plan and KPIs met.

A general guideline is provided in section 7, with the BR to negotiate an agreed suitable adaptive regime with KSC subject to the site and weather conditions, and success of weed control measures.

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7 Vegetation Action Plan Schedule and KPIs

The following table summarises the bush regeneration actions to be undertaken over the 5 year implementation: and identifies the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Table 4: Action Plan

Stage Issue Actions Timing Responsibility Key Performance Indicator Compliance Mechanism/

Contingency

Pre-planting and

Site Preparation

Engage Bush regenerator (BR)

Engage bush regenerator contractor Year 1

KSC BR and any contractors/staff must be suitably qualified as specified

KSC not to authorise commencement until engagement confirmed.

Source tubestock and seed.

Order minimum projected local provenance tubestock numbers required (and seed).

Year 1-2 and as required

BR contractor Minimum projected local provenance tubestock numbers required (and seed) ordered.

Additional tubestock acquired for replacement plantings in Year 2-3

Annual reporting to KSC

Weed removal (general)

Works area clearly demarcated with flagging tape to indicate limits.

Primary weed removal including foliar spraying, hand removal, and the removal of giant bamboo.

Secondary weed removal as required on periodic inspections.

Primary: Year 1-2

Secondary: Year 2-3

BR contractor

Long-term target of

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Contingency

Giant bamboo removal

Cut and remove method to be trialled.

If cut and remove not possible, stem injection to be undertaken; and monitoring of success every 3 months.

Year 1

BR contractor

Project Ecologist

Giant Bamboo totally removed in Year 1

Animal welfare requirements override all other considerations.

Project ecologist to strictly enforce Stop Work triggers.


Post-works reporting to DPIE

Erosion control: ensure ground preparation does not create erosion.

Use minimum till methods.

Dig hole according to specifications.

Mulch or use jute mesh matting accordingly.

Sediment fencing where required to mitigate risk.

Year 1-2, and as required.

BR contractor No erosion recorded.

Conditions in contract to require remediation.


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Contingency

Planting Stage/Year 1-3

Tubestock planting Planting of tubestock is to be carried out in accordance with AABR best practise.

Holes dug with tree planter, hand trowel or mattock/shovel.

Fertiliser and water crystals used for each plant

Tree guards placed around each plant if required.

All plants watered immediately after planting with a minimum 5 litres per plant.

Failed plantings replaced annually to ensure KPI met in Yr3

Year 1-3 and as required (includes replacement plantings)

BR contractor Tubestock establishment not impaired.

Weed cover reduced by primary and secondary control actions, with 95% weed reduction target achieved by end Year 5.

>90% success rate of all plantings at end of Year 5.

Review planting methods and establish and address loss causation factors.

Replace losses at monthly inspection.

Annual reporting to KC

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Contingency

Disease control All tubestock, imported soil mix, and mulch should be certified free of Phytophora and Myrtle Rust to prevent introducing these to the offset area.

If Myrtle Rust detected, best practice actions to be undertaken to quarantine, remove and dispose of infected plants.

Year 1-3 (includes replacement plantings)

BR contractor No diseases introduced. Quarantine and treat if detected.


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Contingency

Watering and maintenance:

Ensure plant mortality minimised and weeds suppressed, and maximise germination and establishment of hand sowing of native grasses.

Watering as per industry standard practise in terms of frequency and current weather patterns

Maintain mulch.

Maintain weed control

As required

BR contractor 90% tubestock survival rate by Year 5.

95% weed control

Increase weed management if below KPI until achieved.


Maintenance Year 2-5

Planting failures: opportunities for weed invasion.

Replace planting failures until gaps are closed.

Maintain mulch as required.

Year 2-5

BR contractor 90% tubestock survival rate by Year 5.

95% weed control at end of Yr 5.

Maintain replacements until gaps closed.

Weed control/native dominance

Weed control as required (maintenance weeding) identified by biannual inspection.

Year 2-5

BR contractor Weed control to meet KPI.

Additional planting, mulching as required.

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8 Reporting

8.1 Flying-fox Monitoring

8.1.1 Post works

As per the Plan, a report will be submitted by the PE to DPIE and KSC within 1 month of the commencement of the clearing works.

The report will details the results of the monitoring specified in section 5.2, and “lessons learnt” from the daily monitoring during vegetation removal. Any incident will be detailed, and relevant recommendations for future work provided.

8.1.2 Quarterly monitoring

S.10.3.1 of the Plan specifies that Level 2 actions require quarterly monitoring and reporting for the life of the Plan (due for review in 2022). This VMP has a minimum 5 year life span which may exceed the current life of the Plan.

These quarterly reports will address the following:

Current camp extent, numbers and species.

Reproductive status (as relevant)

Any information on new camps that have formed in the area or changes to current camp spatial patterns eg. influxes of bats.

Further management actions planned including a schedule of any works under the VMP for the next quarter.

Total financial cost of the Level 2 actions to date, and funding sources.

Copies of the annual bush regeneration reporting will also be provided.

8.2 Bush Regeneration

8.2.1 Frequency and Duration

The BR is expected to monitor weeds and regeneration quarterly over the minimum 5 year period to ensure the works are on target to reach the KPIs by the end of Year 5. Should they be met earlier, monitoring may crease.

Reporting to KSC will occur annually across years 1-5, with a baseline report provided before commencement of the planting and weed maintenance aspects of the VMP.

Monitoring and works will cease when KSC accept the VMP aims and KPIs have been met. The monitoring and works period will require extending beyond Year 5 if KPI’s have not been met and cease when they are deemed met. This is to ensure the VMP is effectively implemented and accounts for delays due to drought, planting, failures, etc.

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Monitoring reports must include:

Static photo-monitoring reports from baseline to end of year 5, with photos taken at initiation, and then 6 monthly intervals. A minimum of 1 point should be monitored in each area of core weed infestation in the Stage 1 area. Photos are to be taken in the 4 cardinal directions at each photo monitoring point.

Projected foliage cover of weeds and natives at baseline over the total area, and annually over the 5 year program.

Summary of works undertaken since the last monitoring period and predicted for the next; including costings.

Any recommendations to be implemented in the next phase.

Checklist assessment of progress to KPIs.

8.2.2 Review and Updating

The BR contractor will submit the monitoring reports to KSC.

Identified additional actions identified for implementation in a monitoring report must be assessed and reported in the next monitoring period. Any actions identified by KSC must be implemented and reported in the next report.

If required to facilitate an adaptive management regime, this VMP is to be amended/updated as required to achieve the overall objectives listed in section 1. The amended plan is to be approved by KSC before implementation.

9 Compliance

This VMP sets out the specific actions required to be undertaken; responsible parties; and KPIs to monitor implementation of the VMP.

Scheduling works to avoid the critical breeding period and monitoring of the camp for animal welfare during the weed removal works will form part of the approval under the BC Act issued by DPIE. KSC will ensure this is complied with.

The provision of annual monitoring reports to KSC detailing the bush regeneration results will significantly assist in ensuring objectives are met over the projected time frame. Monitoring over a minimum 5 year maintenance period will also ensure the compensatory plantings are effectively established, and should require little maintenance after this period if KPIs are met.

The implementation of the VMP will be deemed successful when monitoring determines that the objectives for the management zones are achieved as per the listed specified KPIs.

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Appendix 1: Flying-fox rescue protocol

Table of ContentsList of TablesList of FiguresList of Photos

1 Aim2 Requirement for the VMP3 Background Information3.1 Supporting Documents3.2 Vegetation3.3 Camp Characteristics

4 Implementation and Responsibilities4.1 Legal Compliance4.2 Responsibility

5 Pre-Works and Other Measures5.1 Works Timing5.2 Camp Assessment5.3 Site Induction and Daily Tool Box5.4 Notifications and Reporting5.5 Plant Disease Hygiene and Management5.6 Fauna Welfare and Stop Work Triggers

6 Weed Removal and Re-planting6.1 Weed Removal6.2 Infill tubestock planting

7 Vegetation Action Plan Schedule and KPIs8 Reporting8.1 Flying-fox Monitoring8.2 Bush Regeneration

9 ComplianceAppendicesAppendix 1: Flying-fox rescue protocol