Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 25 June 2013 Document information Client: Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Title: Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and surrounds Document No: 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 Date: 21 June 2013 Rev Date Details 01 30/05/2013 Draft Report A 25/06/2013 Final Report Author, Reviewer and Approver details Prepared by: Reviewed by: Approved by: Debbie Landenberger Paul Rossington Toby Lambert Selga Harrington Alex Cockerill Date: 25/05/2013 Signature: Date: 25/06/2013 Signature: Date: 25/06/2013 Signature: Distribution Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Parsons Brinckerhoff file, Parsons Brinckerhoff Library ©Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia Pty Limited 2013 Copyright in the drawings, information and data recorded in this document (the information) is the property of Parsons Brinckerhoff. 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Document owner Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia Pty Limited ABN 80 078 004 798 Level 3 51-55 Bolton Street Newcastle NSW 2300 PO Box 1162 Newcastle NSW 2300 Australia Tel: +61 2 4929 8300 Fax: +61 2 4929 8382 Email: newcastle@pb.com.au www.pbworld.com Certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, AS/NZS 4801 A GRI Rating: Sustainability Report 2011 Funded by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population, and Communities through the Sustainable Regional Development Program Creative Commons This report is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/deed.en). Recommended citation: Cockerill, A., Lambert, T, Landenberger, D and Rossington, P. (2013). Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and surrounds. Report funded by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population, and Communities through the Sustainable Regional Development Program. Parsons Brinckerhoff, Newcastle. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Contents Page number Glossary iv Abbreviations vii Executive summary viii 1. 2. 3. 4. Introduction 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Study area 2 1.3 World Heritage explanation and project focus 6 1.4 Project aims 7 1.5 Acknowledgements 8 Methods 9 2.1 Personnel 9 2.2 Literature review 9 2.3 Stakeholder consultation 11 2.4 Priority conservation mapping 11 2.5 GIS analysis 14 2.6 Fieldwork 15 2.7 Limitations 16 Values assessment 18 3.1 World Heritage Values within GBMWHA 18 3.2 World Heritage Values in Cessnock LGA 21 3.3 Migratory species 27 3.4 Commonwealth listed threatened ecological communities 27 3.5 State listed threatened ecological communities 27 3.6 Values in nearby areas 28 Priority conservation areas 29 4.1 Mapping results 29 4.2 Priority conservation areas 38 Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 i Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 5. 6. 7. 8. Threats and management 41 5.1 Key threatening processes 41 5.2 Regional overview 41 5.3 Discussion of key threats 42 Field verification 59 6.1 Western Region 59 6.2 Central Region 64 6.3 Eastern Region 67 6.4 Chapter summary 69 Conclusion and recommendations 71 7.1 Conclusion 71 7.2 Recommendations 72 References 75 List of tables Page number Table 2.1 Table 2.2 Table 2.3 Table 3.1 Table 3.2 Table 3.3 Table 3.4 Table 3.5 Table 5.1 Project team List of references Conservation priority mapping parameters and weighting Examples of World Heritage Biodiversity Values of the Cessnock portion of the GBMWHA Vegetation communities mapped in the Cessnock LGA in Yengo National Park Threatened plants that are known from the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA Threatened animals that are known from the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA Migratory birds that are known from the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA Management of habitat modification threats 9 9 12 21 23 24 25 27 47 List of figures Page number Figure 1.1 Figure 1.2 Figure 1.3 Figure 2.1 Figure 4.1 Figure 4.2 Figure 4.3 Figure 4.4 Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area Study area location Study area aerial photo Site inspection locations World Heritage priority conservation analysis overview Western Region World Heritage priority conservation map Central Region World Heritage priority conservation map Eastern Region World Heritage priority conservation map 3 4 5 17 30 32 35 37 Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 ii Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds List of appendices Appendix A Appendix B Eucalypt species recorded in Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Key Threatening Processes (KTPs) within GBMWHA and complementary lands Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 iii Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Glossary Biodiversity The biological diversity of life is commonly regarded as being made up of the following three components: Genetic diversity — the variety of genes (or units of heredity) in any population. Species diversity — the variety of species. Ecosystem diversity — the variety of communities or ecosystems. Bioregion (region) A bioregion defined in a national system of bioregionalisation. The study area is in the Sydney Basin bioregion as defined in the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (Thackway & Cresswell 1995). Complementary values Complementary values are those natural values that support the integrity and resilience of World Heritage values. Critical habitat The whole or any part or parts of an area or areas of land comprising the habitat of an Endangered species, an Endangered population or an Endangered Ecological Community that is critical to the survival of the species, population or ecological community (Department of Environment and Conservation 2004). Critical habitat is listed under either the TSC Act or the EPBC Act and both the state (Office of Environment and Heritage) and Federal (Department of the Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities) Both of these departments maintain a register of this habitat. Capitalisation of the term ‘Critical Habitat’ in this report refers to the habitat listed specifically under the relevant state and Commonwealth legislation. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) The department develops and implements national policy, programs and legislation to protect and conserve Australia’s natural environment and cultural heritage and administers the EPBC Act. The Commonwealth Department of Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities was known previously as: Department of Trade and Investment (DTI) Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA). Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH). Department of the Environment and Water Resources (DEWR). This department aims to attract investment to NSW and support innovative, sustainable and globally competitive industries through technical knowledge. The department includes forestry and fisheries and administers the FM Act. Formerly known as: Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services Department of Industry and Investment. Department of Primary Industries. Ecological community An assemblage of species occupying a particular area. Environmental weed Any plant that is not native to a local area that has invaded native vegetation. Exotic Introduced from outside the area (Stralberg et al. 2009). Used in the context of this report to refer to species introduced from overseas. Global Positioning System (GPS) A navigational tool which uses radio receivers to pick up signals from four or more special satellites to provide precise determination of location. Habitat An area or areas occupied, or periodically or occasionally occupied, by a species, population or ecological community, including any biotic or abiotic components. Indigenous Native to the area: not introduced (Stralberg et al. 2009). Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 iv Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Introduced Not native to the area: not indigenous (Stralberg et al. 2009). Refers to both exotic and non-indigenous Australian native species of plants and animals. Key threatening processes A process that threatens, or could threaten, the survival, abundance or evolutionary development of native species, populations or ecological communities (Department of Environment and Conservation 2004). Key threatening processes are listed under the TSC Act, the FM Act and the EPBC Act. Capitalisation of the term ‘Key Threatening Processes’ in this report refers to those processes listed specifically under the relevant state and Commonwealth legislation. Likely Taken to be a real chance or possibility (Department of Environment and Conservation 2004). Local population The population that occurs within the site, unless the existence of contiguous or proximal occupied habitat and the movement of individuals or exchange of genetic material across the boundary can be demonstrated as defined by Department of Environment and Climate Change (2007c). Locality The area within a 10 km of the site. Migratory species Species listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act relating to international agreements to which Australia is a signatory. These include Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement, China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement, Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement and the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. Capitalisation of the term ‘Migratory’ in this report refers to those species listed as Migratory under the EPBC Act. Noxious weed An introduced species listed under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. Under the Act, noxious weeds have specific control measure and reporting requirements. Office of Environment and Heritage Following the 2011 NSW elections, the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water was abolished as a Division of the Government Service and was added to the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, as the Office of Environment and Heritage. Broadly, the Office of Environment works towards a healthy environment cared for and enjoyed by the whole NSW community: manages the state’s natural resources, including biodiversity, soils and natural vegetation: manages natural and cultural heritage across the state’s land: acts to minimise the impacts of climate change: promotes sustainable consumption, resource use and waste management: regulates activities to protect the environment: and conducts biodiversity, plant, environmental and cultural heritage research to improve decision making. Previously known as: Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW). Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Priorities Action Statements Priorities Action Statements outline the broad strategies and detailed priority actions to be undertaken in NSW to promote the recovery of threatened species, population and ecological communities and manage key threatening processes (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007a) Protected species Those species defined as protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. Includes all native animals, as well as all native plants listed on Schedule 13 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. Recovery plan A plan prepared under the TSC Act, FM Act or the EPBC Act to assist the recovery of a Threatened species, population or ecological community. scleromorphic Type of vegetation that has hard leaves and short internodes (the distance between leaves along the stem). sensu lato in the broad/broader/most broad sense Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 v Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Significant Important, weighty or more than ordinary as defined by Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (2007c). Species richness Species richness is simply the number of species present in a sample, community, or taxonomic group. Species richness is one component of the concept of species diversity, which also incorporates evenness, that is, the relative abundance of species (Matteson & Langellotto 2010). Threatened biodiversity Threatened species, populations or ecological communities as listed under the TSC Act, FM Act or the EPBC Act. Threatened species, populations and ecological communities Species, populations and ecological communities listed as Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered (collectively referred to as Threatened) under the TSC Act, FM Act or the EPBC Act. Capitalisation of the terms ‘Vulnerable’, ‘Endangered’ or ‘Critically Endangered’ in this report refers to listing under the relevant state and/or Commonwealth legislation. Viable local population A population that has the capacity to live, develop and reproduce under normal conditions, unless the contrary can be conclusively demonstrated through analysis of records and references (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007c). Weed A plant growing out of place or where it is not wanted: often characterized by high seed production and the ability to colonise disturbed ground quickly (Stralberg et al. 2009). Weeds include both exotic and Australian native species of plant naturalised outside of their natural range. World Heritage World Heritage for the purposes of this project is defined as those lands within the Greater Blue Mountains Area as inscribed on the World Heritage List by the World Heritage Committee in 2000. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 vi Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Abbreviations CCC Cessnock City Council EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 FM Act Fisheries Management Act 1994 GBMWHA Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area GHM Greater Hunter Native Vegetation Mapping GPS Global Positioning System HDC Hunter Development Corporation KTP Key Threatening Process LGA Local Government Area LHCCREMS Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environment Management Strategy LHRS Lower Hunter Regional Strategy MNES Matters of National Significance NPWS NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service NSW New South Wales OEH Office of Environment and Heritage PAS Priority Action Statement RCP Regional Conservation Plan SEPP NSW State Environment Planning Policy SEWPaC Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities TSC Act NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 TEC Threatened Ecological Community listed on either the TSC Act and/or EPBC Act Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 vii Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Executive summary The Lower Hunter region, encompassing five local government areas in NSW (Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland and Cessnock) is one of Australia’s largest urban areas and a major centre of economic activity. As part of the Australian Government’s sustainable population strategy, the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) is undertaking the Sustainable Regional Development program in high growth areas, including the Lower Hunter. As part of the Sustainable Regional Development program in the Lower Hunter region, a key knowledge gap has been identified by local, state and Commonwealth governments, namely data gaps in relation to the values of the Lower Hunter that may be complementary to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA), and potential direct and indirect influences upon these values. The World Heritage area within the Lower Hunter region is contained within the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA). As a result the study area for this project focuses on the relationship between World Heritage areas and the adjoining lands within the Cessnock LGA. Land management issues that apply within the Cessnock LGA are considered to be similar to those issues experienced in other parts of the Hunter Valley such as the Central Hunter and Upper Hunter regions. The information contained in this document can more broadly reflect the threatening processes and land use issues being experienced in these other parts of the Hunter Valley adjoining the GBMWHA, particularly when considering matters related to land use, biodiversity conservation and particularly consideration of MNES management requirements. Additional investigation in relation to the values of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA) and the lands within Cessnock LGA has been identified by SEWPaC as being needed so that the values of the GBMWHA and other associated lands with complementary values in the Lower Hunter can be protected and managed as part of the future growth of the Lower Hunter region. The GBMWHA was listed as a World Heritage Area as it forms an example of an area that displays characteristics consistent with the following World Heritage criteria: To be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals. To contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation. Based on these criteria it was identified that it was the biodiversity and threatened species considerations that needed to form the focus of this project. Although the other eight World Heritage Area criteria, such as heritage-related criteria, may or may not apply, they are not officially the reasons for the listing of the World Heritage area (including Yengo National Park) and hence they did not form core aspects of this project. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 viii Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds The natural values of outstanding universal significance (that is, World Heritage values) contained within the GBMWHA are: outstanding examples of significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of ecosystems and communities of plants and animals, particularly eucalypt-dominated ecosystems important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including the eucalypts and eucalypt-dominated communities, primitive species with Gondwanan affinities and a diversity of rare or threatened plants and animals of conservation significance. Complementary values are defined as those natural values that support the integrity and resilience of the World Heritage values, while being generally located outside of the defined World Heritage area. This project consisted of: a detailed literature review an expert workshop stakeholder consultation mapping to identify priority conservation areas desktop assessment of the World Heritage values within Yengo National Park and the remaining lands within Cessnock LGA identification of direct and indirect threats to the World Heritage values within Yengo National Park and the remaining land within Cessnock LGA, particularly the priority conservation lands identification of existing and suggested management mechanisms to the World Heritage values within Yengo National Park and the remaining land within Cessnock LGA, particularly the priority conservation lands assessment of land-use pressures, particularly around the priority conservation areas, and mechanisms that may assist with management of those pressures fieldwork to view priority conservation areas and assessment of management issues in practice. The project involved a detailed process of literature review and expert consultation to identify key parameters to include in the priority conservation mapping process. The results of the priority conservation mapping process, which focussed on World Heritage complementary values within the Cessnock LGA, identified a number of areas as priority for conservation. It should be noted that the mapping process was tenure-blind and therefore treated all land, regardless of ownership, equally. The field investigations were found to validate the modelled conservation priorities, while also directly identifying threats to complementary values in a number of locations. The outcome of the conservation mapping process has identified the Wollombi Valley and surrounds as one of the key conservation priorities in relation to the protection and management of the GBMWHA. This area is generally poorly studied due to its relative isolation. These lands, the majority of which are either privately owned or managed by State Forests, were found to provide important buffer capacity to protecting the World Heritage values contained within Yengo National Park. The lands in this area also demonstrate complementary values consistent with those contained within Yengo National Park and the GBMWHA. Management and protection of this area should be considered to enhance protection of the values of the GBMWHA. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 1 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Another important set of lands was the inholdings of generally private lands located within the boundaries of Yengo National Park. These lands are mostly naturally vegetated and were mapped as displaying high affinities with World Heritage values. The future management of these inholdings is considered to be of high importance in order to protect the World Heritage values within Yengo National Park and the GBMWHA, as well as ensuring protection of the complementary values within the inholdings themselves. Other priority conservation areas identified through the mapping process included the following: Hunter Economic Zone. East Pelton. Congewai Road. Cessnock/Broke Roads. North Rothbury. East Richmond Vale. While some of the mapped locations are not necessarily directly linked or in close proximity to the GBMWHA they have been identified by the project as containing a wide range of biodiversity values that are complementary to the listing criteria for the GBMWHA. While some of the species and communities may be different to Yengo National Park and the GBMWHA, the totality of threatened ecological communities (including EPBC-nominated communities) and species, combined with other attributes such as high eucalypt diversity, vegetation that has been highly cleared, large patch size and importance in local habitat connectivity and riparian protection have identified such areas as important in providing complementary values to the GBMWHA. A number of threats were identified to the values of the GBMWHA and complementary lands. The main existing general threats to this area, apart from the more specific threats that are legislated such as Key Threatening Processes, consist of the following: Mismanagement of the existing land uses, resulting in direct or indirect impacts upon Yengo National Park or the complementary values of other lands. The potential for more intensive use of the agricultural lands for purposes such as rural-residential development. The potential for mineral or gas exploration and extraction activities. Future management of identified threats to all of these areas, particularly Wollombi Valley and the inholdings, requires further attention to ensure that Yengo National Park and the associated GBMWHA continues to maintain the characteristics for which the GBMWHA was listed by the World Heritage Committee. A number of recommendations have been made in this report to aid future management prioritisation. The high priority conservation areas identified in this study should be considered as part of strategic and local planning processes, such as the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy, Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan and Cessnock Biodiversity Strategy. This study should also be considered in the strategic assessments being undertaken in both the Lower Hunter and Upper Hunter regions. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 2 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 1. Introduction 1.1 Background The Lower Hunter region, encompassing five local government areas in NSW (Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland and Cessnock) is one of Australia’s largest urban areas and a major centre of economic activity. Continued growth and development in this area is expected and the NSW Government's 25 year land use strategy for the region includes: new urban areas for a projected population growth of 160,000 people new commercial and industrial land to cater for up to 66,000 new jobs creation, management and conservation of green corridors with high environmental value protection of high quality agricultural land, and natural resources such as water aquifers and extractive materials (Department of Planning 2006). As part of the Australian Government’s sustainable population strategy, the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) is undertaking the Sustainable Regional Development program in high growth areas, including the Lower Hunter. The Sustainable Regional Development program aims to provide a comprehensive approach to planning and development in the region which in turn will ensure the region develops in a strong and sustainable way. Specifically, the program aims to protect Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) whilst helping to streamline environmental approvals and thus provide greater certainty for businesses, and state and local governments in development and investment in this high growth region. As part of the Sustainable Regional Development program in the Lower Hunter region, a key knowledge gap has been identified by local, state and Commonwealth governments, namely data gaps in relation to the values of the Lower Hunter that may be complementary to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA), and potential direct, indirect and other influences upon these values. The World Heritage area within the Lower Hunter region is contained within the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA). As a result the study area for this project focuses on the relationship between World Heritage areas and the adjoining lands within the Cessnock LGA. Land management issues that apply within the Cessnock LGA are considered to be similar to those issues experienced in other parts of the Hunter Valley such as the Central Hunter and Upper Hunter regions. The information contained in this document therefore more broadly reflects the threatening processes and land use issues being experienced in these other parts of the Hunter Valley adjoining the GBMWHA, particularly when considering matters related to land use, biodiversity conservation and particularly consideration of MNES management requirements. Additional investigation in relation to the values of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA) and the lands within Cessnock LGA has been identified by SEWPaC as being needed so that the values of the GBMWHA and other associated lands in the Lower Hunter can be protected and managed as part of the future growth of the Lower Hunter region. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 1 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds This project is intrinsically related to other studies being undertaken on behalf of SEWPaC under the Sustainable Regional Development program. These other preceding studies relevant to this project include: Lower Hunter Vegetation Mapping (Parsons Brinckerhoff 2013b) EPBC Act Listed Ecological Communities Mapping (Parsons Brinckerhoff 2013a) Swift Parrots and Regent Honeyeaters in the Lower Hunter Region of New South Wales: an assessment of status, identification of high priority habitats and recommendations for conservation (Roderick et al. 2013). These studies have been used to ensure that consideration of the World Heritage issues relies on the latest information available, particularly for the important biodiversity aspect of the project. 1.2 Study area This project is focussed on the relationship between World Heritage lands and other lands within the Lower Hunter region. In this regard, Cessnock LGA contains all lands identified as World Heritage in the Lower Hunter region, NSW. The areas identified as World Heritage in the Cessnock LGA consist of Yengo National Park. Other National Parks located outside of the Cessnock LGA and the Lower Hunter Region include Wollemi National Park, Blue Mountains National Park, Gardens of Stone National Park, Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve, Kanangra – Boyd National Park, Nattai National Park and Thirlmere Lakes National Park. This combined World Heritage Area extends from the vicinity of the Hunter River in the north, to the western slopes and foothills of the Great Dividing Range/Blue Mountains and southwards towards Mittagong. It generally surrounds the area known as the Sydney Basin, which contains the city of Sydney. GBMWHA lands within Cessnock LGA are located in the central eastern section of Yengo National Park (Clark et al. 2007; Department of Lands 2013). Yengo National Park is 154,271 ha in area (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009), extending further west beyond the Cessnock LGA boundary to Putty Road (Clark et al. 2007; Department of Lands 2013). Refer to Figure 1.1 for a map of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. In order to ensure that no particular lands were excluded from the assessment within Cessnock LGA, the LGA boundary was used to define the study area. This allowed the values for the entire LGA to be assessed from a World Heritage perspective, ensuring a holistic study could be undertaken. The scope of the project does not include the Central Hunter or Upper Hunter, which also contain parts of World Heritage areas. However if desired the issues and approaches outlined in this project can be applied to these other parts of the Hunter Valley as required to achieve consistency in decision making at a regional and strategic level. For example, this study could be considered in the strategic assessment of a biodiversity plan for coal mining in the Upper Hunter Valley (Commonwealth of Australia and the State of New South Wales, 2013). The model looks at the entire Cessnock LGA equally and is tenure-blind, ensuring equal treatment of all lands. This study has particular focus on the areas adjoining the existing GBMWHA as these lands logically provide some level of protection to the GBMWHA and have a higher level of interaction than the remainder of Cessnock LGA. Figure 1.2 shows the study area for this project. Figure 1.3 illustrates the context of the study area land use and vegetation distribution on an aerial photo. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 2 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds This page should be replaced with the corresponding GIS figure once the document has been pdf'd. This caption page must follow an even numbered page if the figure is A3 size or larger. This page should be replaced with the corresponding GIS figure once the document has been pdf'd. This caption page must follow an even numbered page if the figure is A3 size or larger. Figure 1.1 Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 3 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds This page should be replaced with the corresponding GIS figure once the document has been pdf'd. This caption page must follow an even numbered page if the figure is A3 size or larger. Figure 1.2 Study area location Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 4 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds This page should be replaced with the corresponding GIS figure once the document has been pdf'd. This caption page must follow an even numbered page if the figure is A3 size or larger. Figure 1.3 Study area aerial photo Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 5 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 1.3 World Heritage explanation and project focus World Heritage status can be listed for areas consistent with one of more of the following 10 criteria: 1. To represent a masterpiece of human creative genius. 2. To exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design. 3. To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared. 4. To be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history. 5. To be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change. 6. To be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria). 7. To contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance. 8. To be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features. 9. To be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals. 10. To contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation. The GBMWHA is listed as a World Heritage Area as it forms an example of an area that displays characteristics consistent with criteria 9 and 10 as highlighted in bold above. It has therefore been identified that it is the biodiversity and threatened species considerations that need to form the focus of this project. Although the other eight World Heritage Area criteria may or may not apply, they are not officially the reasons for the listing of the World Heritage area (including Yengo National Park) and hence they do not form core aspects of this project. An obvious example of criteria for which further consideration could be (and has been) applied is for Aboriginal and European heritage value. Such values (or other values consistent with the remaining criteria) could be nominated for assessment by the World Heritage Committee for potentially adding to the existing listed values of the GBMWHA. However, detailed investigation into cultural heritage (or other) values is not part of the scope for this project. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 6 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Priority conservation areas and potential future GBMWHA extension considerations would logically consider the two criteria that were used for listing the GBMWHA. Relevant documentation, existing studies and the original nomination includes (but is not limited to): The Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Nomination (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1998) The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Strategic Plan (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2009) Vegetation, Fire and Climate Change in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (Hammill & Tasker 2010). The location and size of the GBMWHA results in a complex interrelationship between conservation objectives, adjoining land uses and strategic planning objectives. This is exemplified by competing land uses that occur in the Lower Hunter (and Hunter Valley in general) adjoining the GBMWHA such as mines, gas exploration, wineries, the equine industry and urban uses. Further discussion of these issues is provided in this project. 1.4 Project aims The purpose of this project is to support regional sustainability planning, particularly the preparation of the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy (LHRS) and Regional Conservation Plan (RCP). While the focus and outputs of this project are at a regional scale, Cessnock City Council (CCC) will also be able to use the outcomes of this project as one of its considerations for future land use management and planning within the LGA. There are three main components to this project: 1. Identify and recommend high priority conservation areas within the Lower Hunter region through an assessment of World Heritage values (and complementary values) across portions of the GBMWHA and adjacent lands in the Cessnock LGA. 2. Analysis and identification of potential threats to World Heritage values as a result of development and conservation considerations. 3. Analysis and identification of potential measures to protect, maintain and improve World Heritage values in the region. Complementary values are defined as those natural values that support the integrity and resilience of the World Heritage values, while being generally located outside of the defined World Heritage area. Specifically, the project aimed to: review and assess existing available literature relevant to the project undertake key stakeholder and expert consultation to obtain input into the project prepare a priority conservation map, focussing on areas within the Cessnock LGA that provide values complementary to the GBMWHA using the priority conservation map and consultation with stakeholders, identify and discuss priority conservation areas undertake targeted field studies to assess relevant management issues on the ground, and inspect priority conservation areas Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 7 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds outline direct and indirect impacts on complementary values of the GBMWHA and the potential for indirect impacts on World Heritage values within the GBMWHA analyse and identify potential threats to World Heritage values (and complementary values) as a result of development and conservation considerations analyse and identify potential measures to protect, maintain and improve World Heritage values (and complementary values) in the region. 1.5 Acknowledgements This project could not have been prepared without the assistance of numerous people who have an interest or role in protecting and managing the GBMWHA. Particular thanks go to Paul Keighley from SEWPaC, who provided guidance and input into the ongoing production of the project. Staff at the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) including Richard Bath and Lucas Grenadier provided valuable assistance in obtaining relevant literature for the project. Thank you to Jacqueline Reid and the GBMWHA Advisory Committee, who provided input on available literature and issues for consideration as part of the project. Ian Turnbull from CCC also provided LGA-specific information and provided input into the reporting and mapping process. Thanks also go to all workshop attendees for their time and input into the process. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 8 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 2. Methods 2.1 Personnel The contributors to the preparation of this project, their qualifications and roles are listed in Table 2.1. Table 2.1 Project team Name Qualifications Position and role Alex Cockerill BSc (Hons) Project Director – report review Toby Lambert BEnvSc Project Manager – report preparation and review Paul Rossington BSc, Dip WldMgt Botanist – report preparation Deborah Landenberger BSc (Hons) Botanist – field surveys, report preparation Tanya Bangel BSc (Hons) Botanist – report preparation Allan Richardson BEnvSc (Hons) Ecologist – field surveys Selga Harrington BSc (Hons) Ecologist – report review Sam Wilkins Dip GIS GIS team lead Rob Suansri BSc GIS specialist All work was carried out under the appropriate licences, including scientific licences as required under Clause 22 of the National Parks and Wildlife Regulations 2002, Section 132C of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (License Number: SL100630). 2.2 Literature review A comprehensive literature review of documents relevant to the GBMWHA and the lands located within the immediate vicinity, and generally within the Cessnock LGA, was conducted. These documents provided an understanding of the values of the GBMWHA and the surrounding lands and guided identification of conservation values to be modelled and managed. These references also provided information and background to the potential impacts and threats to biodiversity values. Table 2.2 below is a list of the references that were identified by Parsons Brinckerhoff, by SEWPaC, OEH, GBMWHA Advisory Committee and CCC as being relevant to the project. Table 2.2 List of references Reference 1999 World Heritage Nomination - IUCN Technical Evaluation The Greater Blue Mountains Area (Australia) (International Union for Conservation of Nature 1999) A survey of a low-density Koala population in a major reserve system, near Sydney, New South Wales (Curtin et al. 2002) Blue Mountains City Council State of the City Report 2008-2012 (Blue Mountains City Council 2012a) Blue Mountains City Council, Community Strategic Plan Engagement Strategy (Blue Mountains City Council 2012b) Cessnock Biodiversity Management Plan (Office of Environment and Heritage 2012b) Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 9 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Reference Cessnock LGA City Wide Settlement Strategy (Cessnock City Council 2003) Cessnock LGA State of the Environment Report (Cessnock City Council 2012) Connectivity conservation and the Great Eastern Ranges Corridor (Mackey et al. 2010) Ecological assessment reports and monitoring reports for Donaldson Coal Mine (Donaldson Coal Pty Ltd 2006) EPBC Act Listed Ecological Communities Mapping in the Lower Hunter (Parsons Brinckerhoff 2013a) Fauna surveys Sugarloaf and Werakata conservation reserves (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008c, 2008d) Greater Blue Mountains Advisory Committee, Meeting Report (Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Advisory Committee 2012) Hunter Biodiversity Database, Newcastle City Council 1998 Hunter Catchment – Biodiversity Sensitivity Analysis (Eco Logical Australia 2012) Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan (Department of Environment Climate Change and Water 2009) Lower Hunter Vegetation Mapping (Parsons Brinckerhoff 2013b) National Parks Fire Management Plans and Plans of Management, includes Blue Mountains, Watagans and Jilliby SCA, Yengo and Parr Reserve (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2004; NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001, 2009) Native vegetation of Yengo and Parr Reserves and Surrounds (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008a) Notes on distribution and conservation status of some restricted Plant Species from the Hunter Valley (Bell 2001) Proposed Draft World Heritage SEPP, Discussion Paper (Department of Planning 2010) Regional Coastal Planning – Lower Hunter. Mapping Methodology for Biodiversity Conservation Lands (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2003) Stephen Bell vegetation mapping for Cessnock LGA, Sugarloaf SCA, Werakata NP and Watagans and Jilliby SCA (Bell 2004b; Bell & Driscoll 2006, 2007, 2012) Sustainable Blue Mountains 2025 (Blue Mountains City Council 2010) Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeaters in the Lower Hunter Region of NSW: An assessment of status, identification of high priority habitats and recommendations for conservation (Roderick et al. 2013) The Eucalypts of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (Hager & Benson 2010) The Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Nomination (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1998) The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Strategic Plan (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2009) The Vegetation of the Hunter Economic Zone (HEZ), Cessnock LGA, New South Wales (Bell 2004a) The Vertebrate Fauna of southern Yengo National Park and Parr State Conservation Area (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008b) Vegetation, Fire and Climate Change in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (Hammill & Tasker 2010) Vegetation, Survey, Classification and Mapping of the Lower Hunter and Central Coast Region (LHCCREMS) (Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy 2003) Wollombi Valley Catchment Management Plan (Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003) Wollombi Vegetation and Habitat Plan (Fallding & Bell 1996) Yengo National Park, Parr State Conservation Area and Finchley Aboriginal Area Plan of Management (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009) Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 10 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 2.3 Stakeholder consultation An expert workshop was held on the 12 March by Alex Cockerill, Toby Lambert and facilitated by stakeholder engagement consultant Meriana Baxter. Attendees included Paul Keighley (SEWPaC), Lucas Grenadier (OEH), Richard Coleburn (NPWS), Brooke Jackson (NPWS), Steve Wright (NPWS), Ian Turnbull (Cessnock City Council), Jacqueline Reid (NPWS/GBMWHA Advisory Committee), Martin Fallding (GBMWHA Advisory Committee) and Brad Staggs (GBMWHA Advisory Committee) Other key stakeholders unable to attend were invited to provide comments and input. Outcomes of the expert workshop included: identification of relevant available literature likely conservation priority areas in the Cessnock LGA in relation to World Heritage values potential complementary areas and values in Cessnock LGA input into the priority conservation mapping methodology input into relevant management issues, including existing threats to the GBMWHA. Additional stakeholder engagement has occurred with CCC, OEH/NPWS, SEWPaC staff and the GBMWHA Advisory Committee throughout the project. 2.4 Priority conservation mapping The aim of the mapping process is to identify areas of high priority conservation significance within the Cessnock LGA that are complementary in biodiversity values to the GBMWHA. An initial set of parameters was discussed at the expert workshop. A consolidated set of parameters was then refined and relative weightings were adopted. These weightings were applied to each parameter for modelling in the mapping process. Table 2.3 outlines the parameters and weightings that were used to identify the priority conservation areas. It should be noted that the mapping process was tenure-blind and therefore treated all land, regardless of ownership, equally. A model based on an Analytical Hierarchy Process was adopted to rank and weight each parameter used in the model. The parameter was assigned individual values (e.g. 1 to 3) where sub criteria needed to be considered or a true-false (0 or 1) classification. Following the ranking process each criteria was assigned a multiplier value dependant on its relative importance in the model. The aggregate score was the combined sum of the different criteria values. The criteria scores and associated weightings are provided in Table 2.3. The focus of the parameters for the priority conservation mapping was targeted towards the primary World Heritage criteria as outlined in Section 1.3. As a result of this approach the parameters of biodiversity, threatened species, threatened communities and eucalypt diversity were given the highest weighting factors for the priority conservation mapping (Table 2.3). Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 11 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Table 2.3 Conservation priority mapping parameters and weighting Parameter Eucalypt diversity rating Description Eucalypt diversity was a primary factor in declaration of the existing World Heritage Areas by the World Heritage Committee. Eucalypt diversity is not necessarily reflected by the threatened status of a vegetation type, although it has intrinsic value providing complex habitats and a high level of biodiversity. Weighting Data set and approach Consolidated vegetation mapping prepared by Parsons Brinckerhoff (2013a) for the Cessnock LGA for the related Lower Hunter project. Vegetation types were classified into three conditions: 6 1. High (3) – vegetation communities that occur in GBMWHA and occur within the Cessnock LGA 2. Medium (2) – eucalypt dominated vegetation communities 3. Low (1) non-eucalypt dominated communities. EPBC Act listed or nominated Threatened Ecological Communities TSC Act listed or nominated Threatened Ecological Communities Connectivity specifically to World Heritage Area boundary Proximity to existing World Heritage Area boundary A number of vegetation types are listed or nominated at the Commonwealth level as being threatened. These are considered high priority biodiversity values that would be complementary to the World Heritage values within the World Heritage Area. A number of vegetation types are listed at the State level as being threatened. These are considered high priority biodiversity values that would be complementary to the World Heritage values within the World Heritage Area. Direct connectivity of native vegetation to the existing World Heritage Area is considered to be an important factor in determining lands that have complementary values to the World Heritage Area and that may be priority areas. Areas that might not be directly connected to the existing World Heritage Areas but that are in close proximity in general are likely to have higher complementary values than those areas that do not have any relationship with the World heritage Areas at all. 6 The related two Lower Hunter vegetation mapping projects being undertaken for SEWPAC by Parsons Brinckerhoff (2013a and 2013b) provided the most accurate information of occurrence of threatened ecological communities. Vegetation was modelled and scored as either threatened (1) or non-threatened (0). 5 The Lower Hunter project being undertaken by Parsons Brinckerhoff (2013a) provided the most accurate data for the Cessnock LGA of vegetation types listed under the TSC Act. Vegetation was modelled and scored as either threatened (1) or non-threatened (0). 5 Parsons Brinckerhoff identified vegetation directly connecting to the existing World Heritage Area, using the latest 2013 Cessnock LGA mapping (Parsons Brinckerhoff 2013a). This was modelled and scored as patches either being directly connected to the World Heritage Areas or not. 5 Parsons Brinckerhoff identified vegetation in proximity to the existing World Heritage Area, using the latest 2013 Cessnock LGA mapping (Parsons Brinckerhoff 2013a). This was modelled and scored as either being proximal to the World Heritage Areas or not. A nominal figure of 5 km was used as the definition of ‘proximal’ for this project. Patches in their entirety were classed as proximal regardless if the full extents were beyond 5 km. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 12 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Parameter Threatened flora habitat value Threatened fauna habitat value Biometric tool percentage cleared vegetation Patch size Description The occurrence of threatened flora and related habitat is considered of high importance and forms a complementary value to the World Heritage Area values. The occurrence of threatened fauna and related habitat is considered of high importance and forms a complementary value to the World Heritage Area values. Whilst “percentage cleared” in many ways translates into whether a vegetation type is listed as threatened or not, a number of vegetation types that are not listed as threatened have still been overcleared and are of importance to complementary biodiversity values in the Cessnock LGA. Patch size is a consideration when considering integrity of native vegetation within each patch. Generally, the greater the patch size, the greater the integrity or condition. Vegetation integrity is a valid consideration in relation to World Heritage values as it reflects general biodiversity values of patches. Weighting Data set and approach 3 The NSW Atlas of Wildlife Database records were used to identify patches that are known to contain threatened flora under the TSC and EPBC Acts. This was modelled and scored as patches either containing threatened flora or not containing threatened flora. A recognised limitation of this method was the intensity of surveys being skewed towards populated areas. Entire community polygon flagged as 1 (positive) or 0 (negative). 3 The NSW Atlas of Wildlife Database records were used to identify patches that are known to contain threatened fauna under the TSC and EPBC Acts. This was modelled and scored as patches either containing threatened fauna or not containing threatened fauna. A recognised limitation of this method was the intensity of surveys being skewed towards populated areas. Entire community polygon flagged as 1 (positive) or 0 (negative). 1 The biometric data and mapping from NSW CMA was used to consider the presence of overcleared vegetation. This was modelled and scored as patches either being overcleared or not. Communities classified based on ecologist review. Communities given a value of 1(over 75%) or 0 (under 75%). 1 Vegetation mapping was derived from the Parsons Brinckerhoff (2013a) project. The vegetation dataset dissolved together into larger patches of adjacent communities. Patch areas were categorised as over 500 ha (3), 100 – 500 ha (2) or <100 ha (1). Vegetation communities were overlayed with the larger patch sizes to determine which patch size class they belong to. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 13 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Parameter Description Weighting Data set and approach Multiple products were included in mapping process. These were: Habitat connectivity is considered to be important for native flora and fauna and genetic exchange. Habitat connectivity Riparian value There is a riparian and corresponding aquatic aspect to the World Heritage Criteria for which the existing World Heritage Area was listed. Riparian (aquatic) values need to be considered as part of the mapping process as they do provide complementary values to the World Heritage Areas. 2.5 GIS analysis 2.5.1 Geodatabase 1 1 OEH regional north coast key corridors Cessnock Biodiversity Management plan ‘Landscape Conservation Corridors’ Using spatial analysis the communities of habitat corridor for each overlapping vegetation area was determined. A coverage percentage was calculated and any vegetation community that was covered by a percentage of 50% or more was defined as a community supporting a habitat corridor (1). All other areas were defined as not supporting a habitat corridor (0). NSW 1:25,000 drainage line mapping data. Approach is to buffer existing drainage lines by the NSW standard of 40 metres either side. This was modelled and scored as land either being within these riparian buffers or not. Using spatial analysis the communities of riparian corridor for each overlapping vegetation area was determined. A coverage percentage was calculated and any vegetation community that was covered by a percentage of 50% or more was defined as a community supporting a riparian corridor (1). All other areas were defined as not supporting a riparian corridor (0). A centralised GIS database (Geodatabase) was developed and used to store all relevant GIS data including existing vegetation mapping, analysis and processing extents, as well as other relevant topographic information. The Geodatabase was used throughout the life of the project for all GIS processing and reporting purposes. The final vegetation sensitivity feature class stored within the Geodatabase has been topologically checked and attributed with associated metadata. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 14 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 2.5.2 Data compilation Existing GIS vegetation data was sourced by the project team from the Lower Hunter vegetation mapping project that was undertaken by Parsons Brinckerhoff (2013a). For the purposes of the analysis the Lower Hunter vegetation was clipped to the Cessnock LGA boundary. The vegetation data set was modified to record the different scores of each criteria (see Section 2.4). The data sets of the different assessment criteria were compiled and limited to the Cessnock LGA extents. 2.6 Fieldwork Desktop analysis and the priority conservation mapping identified areas that have high conservation values using World Heritage weighted values. The field survey particularly targeted lands that adjoined the GBMWHA to look at the interface between private land and the GBMWHA to identify threats and to validate and perform rapid data assessment. A site inspection to ground truth the current condition of the biodiversity values of these lands and related management issues was undertaken by two qualified ecologists on 20 and 21 May 2013. The site inspection involved driving on public roads and taking notes of vegetation condition, using Rapid Data Points (RDPs) to assess the priority conservation mapping. The objective of the RDPs surveys is to summarise the dominant vegetation, condition and threats surrounding each point. The RDPs were variable in size. This methodology allowed for a brief confirmation of vegetation condition, vegetation community and threats that occurred at each point. A total of 27 RDPs were inspected and each RDP included the following: Canopy layer dominant species. Shrub layer dominant species. Ground layer dominant species. Field observed vegetation unit. Floristic structure. GPS co-ordinate (GDA94). Land use and practices. Threats (vertebrate pests, weeds, soil erosion rubbish dumping). Condition of unformed tracks. Photographic record of vegetation condition and threats. In addition to the lands adjoining GBMWHA, areas that were highlighted by the priority conservation mapping as having high conservation value within Cessnock LGA generally were also inspected. Figure 2.1 shows the site inspection locations. The results are outlined in Section 6 of this report. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 15 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 2.7 Limitations 2.7.1 Reliance on externally supplied data In preparing this project, Parsons Brinckerhoff has relied upon data, surveys, analyses, plans and other information provided by SEWPaC, OEH, CCC and the GBMWHA Advisory Committee. Except as otherwise stated in the project, Parsons Brinckerhoff has not verified the accuracy or completeness of the data. To the extent that the statements, opinions, facts, information, conclusions and/or recommendations in this project (conclusions) are based in whole or part on the data, those conclusions are contingent upon the accuracy and completeness of the data. Parsons Brinckerhoff will not be liable in relation to incorrect conclusions should any data, information or condition be incorrect or have been concealed, withheld, misrepresented or otherwise not fully disclosed to Parsons Brinckerhoff. 2.7.2 Field survey limitations The field survey was restricted to publically accessible land, predominantly of key locations in lands within Yengo National Park and its private land interface as well as areas that were highlighted by the priority conservation mapping as having high conservation value within Cessnock LGA. No private properties were accessed during the survey. 2.7.3 GIS limitations It was decided to undertake the analysis using vector data rather than adopt a raster process. This approach is superior from a data integrity point of view but it also allows for each vegetation community to have each criteria score recorded as separate attribute information. To simplify the analysis and reduce processing time when assessing the corridor criteria it was decided that for communities that overlap a riparian or habitat corridor the entire patch would be identified as an area supporting a riparian or habitat corridor if 50% or more of the vegetation area is covered by the corridor. It is acknowledged that this approach highlights a whole community rather than the portion of land covered by a corridor, however due to direct connection to the identified corridor this limitation was considered to be acceptable. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 16 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds This page should be replaced with the corresponding GIS figure once the document has been pdf'd. This caption page must follow an even numbered page if the figure is A3 size or larger. Figure 2.1 Site inspection locations Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 17 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 3. Values assessment 3.1 World Heritage Values within GBMWHA The International Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage was adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1972, and ratified by Australia in 1974. The Convention provides a framework for international cooperation and the collective protection of cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value. The GBMWHA was formally nominated by the Australian Government for inscription on the World Heritage List in June 1998, on the grounds of both natural and cultural criteria (NPWS and Environment Australia, 1998). In November 2000 the nominated area of over one million hectares was inscribed on the World Heritage List for biological reasons. The long history of Aboriginal occupation and connection to the Countries that comprise the GBMWHA, as well as its diversity of non-Aboriginal cultural sites, and the history of early conservation campaigns, were factors cited in support of its nomination under the World Heritage Convention’s cultural criteria, a proposal which was subsequently not endorsed by the World Heritage Committee due to lack of adequate information available at the time (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service2009). The GBMWHA is a complex area, incorporating eight protected areas comprising Blue Mountains, Kanangra-Boyd, Gardens of Stone, Wollemi, Nattai, Yengo and Thirlmere Lakes National Parks and the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). These lands are located within twelve LGAs. Refer to the earlier Figure 1.1 for a diagrammatic illustration of this. The GBMWHA was inscribed on the World Heritage List because it satisfies the following criteria for natural values of outstanding universal significance. It specifically contains: outstanding examples of significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of ecosystems and communities of plants and animals, particularly eucalypt-dominated ecosystems (Criterion II); and important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including the eucalypts and eucalypt-dominated communities, primitive species with Gondwanan affinities and a diversity of rare or threatened plants and animals of conservation significance (Criterion IV) (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). Eucalypt diversity was considered to be a crucial factor in the listing of the GBMWHA. Australia is the only continent in which the vast majority of woodland and forest ecosystems are dominated by a single group of closely related taxa; namely the ‘eucalypts’ including the genera Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Angophora. The vast majority of eucalypt species are endemic to the Australian continent, only sixteen species of eucalypts being native elsewhere (Hammill & Tasker 2010). The GBMWHA contains an exceptionally diverse array of eucalypt species which have evolved to fill the wide variety of ecological niches found in the area as a result of its varied geology, rugged landform, altitudinal variation and varied climate (Hammill & Tasker 2010). The area contains an outstanding diversity of eucalypts, including 13 per cent of all described taxa, more than in any other major conservation area (Hammill & Tasker 2010). A list of the Eucalypt species that have been recorded in the GMWHA is provided in Appendix A and is based Eucalypts identified by Hager & Benson (2010) and Hammill & Tasker (2010). The key World Heritage values of the GBMWHA as described in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Strategic Plan (Hammill & Tasker 2010; NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009) are shown below. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 18 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Outstanding examples representing significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals. A centre of diversification of the eucalypts with: exceptional representation of the major eucalypt groups and aspects of their evolution and radiation, including species in the following groups: – genera; Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Angophora – Eucalyptus subgenera: Monocalyptus and Symphyomyrtus examples of species divergence occurring in a relatively small area, including: – differentiation of eucalypt taxa in isolation in response to persistent habitat islands (e.g. those associated with sandstone plateaux isolated by deep valleys) – mutually exclusive distributions of taxa in the series Strictae (the mallee ashes) and Haemostomae (the scribbly ashes) resulting from long-term isolation of breeding populations (allopatric speciation) eucalypt taxa demonstrating very high levels of hybridisation representative examples of dynamic processing in eucalypt dominated ecosystems, including the full range of interactions between eucalypts, understorey, environment and fire, extending from forests with rainforest boundaries to mallee communities with heath boundaries, demonstrating the exceptional ecological amplitude of the eucalypts. Ancient relict primitive species with Gondwanan affinities including the Wollemi Pine Wollemia nobilis and the primitive gymnosperm Microstrobus fitzgeraldii. The highly unusual juxtaposition of diverse scleromorphic species with Gondwanan taxa. Contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation. Outstanding levels of plant diversity: high diversity at different taxonomic levels: – 152 families – 484 genera – approximately 1500 species high values for all three measures of species diversity: – local species richness or ‘alpha’ diversity – species turnover across environmental gradients or ‘beta’ diversity – regional species richness or ‘gamma’ diversity plant taxa with very high levels of species diversity, including – the families — Fabaceae (149 species), Myrtaceae (150 species), Orchidaceae (77 species), Poaceae (57 species), Cyperaceae (43 species), and – the genera Eucalyptus (>100 species), Acacia (64 species) very high diversity of scleromorphic taxa represented within 20 plant families including Myrtaceae, Proteaceae, Ericaceae (Styphelioideae), Fabaceae (Faboideae and Mimosoideae), Dilleniaceae, Rutaceae, and Euphorbiaceae (sensu lato). Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 19 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Outstanding levels of vegetation community and habitat diversity including: exceptional diversity of eucalypt-dominated ecosystems, including: tall open forests (towering, single-stemmed trees); open forest; woodland; low open woodland; and mallee shrubland (small, multi-stemmed shrubs) more than 70 plant communities, including 56 eucalypt-dominated open forest and woodland communities covering a diverse array of environmental conditions including: – wet environments (including the margins of rainforests) – dry environments (rapidly-draining, drought prone sandstone plateaux) – low-nutrient environments (including sandstone-derived substrates) – fire-prone environments (including the sandstone plateaux) – fertile environments (remnants of formerly widespread Tertiary basalts). Exceptional diversity of habitats that contributes to the property being one of the three most diverse areas on earth for scleromorphic plant species and the only one of these areas that is dominated by trees and without a Mediterranean climate, including plateaux tops, ridges, exposed rocks, cliffs, rocky slopes and sheltered gorges and valleys. Outstanding representation of the Australian fauna within a single place, including 400 vertebrate taxa: – 52 species of native mammals – 265 species of native birds (33% of the Australian total) – 63 species of reptiles – > 30 species of frogs. Examples of species of global significance such as the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and the Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) . High levels of diversity of invertebrate fauna, including Lepidoptera (4000 moth species, 125 butterfly species), and cave invertebrates (67 taxa recorded at Jenolan Caves). Primitive plants with Gondwanan affinities including: ancient relict species including the Wollemi Pine Wollemia nobilis and the primitive gymnosperm Microstrobus fitzgeraldii other primitive species including: Lomatia, Dracophyllum, and Podocarpus; taxa in the family Lauraceae; Atkinsonia, the most primitive extant root parasitic genus; and taxa in the family Winteraceae, such as Tasmannia. Plant taxa of conservation significance including: endemic species (114 plant species) relict species species with a restricted range rare or threatened species (127 species). Animal taxa of conservation significance; rare or threatened taxa including: 40 vertebrate taxa including 12 mammal species and 15 bird species 12 invertebrate taxa. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 20 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 3.2 World Heritage Values in Cessnock LGA 3.2.1 Overview GBMWHA lands within the Cessnock LGA are located in the central eastern section of Yengo National Park (Department of Lands 2013; Land and Property Information NSW 2013). Yengo National Park covers 154,271 ha (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009), extending further west beyond the Cessnock LGA boundary to Putty Road (Department of Lands 2013; Land and Property Information NSW 2013). The section of Yengo National Park within the LGA is 40,044 ha in area. Yengo National Park forms part of a group of sandstone national parks within the Sydney Basin bio-region and is part of the Hornsby Plateau, a dissected sandstone plateau which extends from the Blue Mountains to the Hunter Valley (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). The Hornsby Plateau consists of a large number of narrow sandstone ridges and steep-sided valleys, extending from the eastern edge of the Blue Mountains from a height of about 270 metres and gradually increases in altitude to 370 metres in the north on the southern rim of the Hunter Valley (Bell et al, 1993) (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). The majority of streams within Yengo National Park flow south-east into the Hawkesbury River near Wisemans Ferry via the Macdonald River and Webbs Creek. Streams in the north-eastern section of Yengo National Park flow north-easterly into the Hunter River via Wollombi Brook (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). Yengo National Park provides part of a naturally vegetated east-west link between the coastal and subcoastal conservation areas in the Hawkesbury Valley/Broken Bay region and those of the Central Tablelands (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). The area is located in a ‘rainshadow’ and, as a result, receives lower rainfall than the higher tableland areas to the west and the coastal ranges to the east. Lower rainfall, together with milder local climates and a few areas of good quality soils, has resulted in an area of high biodiversity including plant species and communities with affinities to the Coast, Tablelands and Western Slopes (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). 3.2.2 Biodiversity values Examples of World Heritage biodiversity values within the Cessnock portion of the GBMWHA are summarised in Table 3.1 below. Table 3.1 Examples of World Heritage Biodiversity Values of the Cessnock portion of the GBMWHA GBMWHA World Heritage Values Presence in Cessnock portion of the GBMWHA (Bionet 2013) outstanding levels of plant diversity: 127 families high diversity at different taxonomic levels: 387 genera – 152 families ca. 850 species – 484 genera – ca. 1500 species and – the genera Eucalyptus (>100 species), Acacia (64 species) high plant diversity at different taxonomic levels: outstanding representation of the Australian fauna within a single place, including High eucalypt diversity (38 species) including: 31 Eucalyptus species 3 Corymbia species and 4 Angophora species comparable animal diversity levels for each taxonomic level 268 native vertebrate taxa including: Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 21 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds GBMWHA World Heritage Values Presence in Cessnock portion of the GBMWHA (Bionet 2013) ca. 400 native vertebrate taxa including: – 47 mammals – 52 mammals – 158 native birds – 265 birds (33% of the Australian total) – 43 reptiles – 63 reptiles – 20 frogs – > 30 frogs examples of species of global significance such as the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and the Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus), Primitive plants with Gondwanan affinities including: Lomatia, Dracophyllum, and Podocarpus; taxa in the family Lauraceae Atkinsonia, the most primitive extant root parasitic genus; and taxa in the family Winteraceae, such as Tasmannia examples of species of global significance including the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and the Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) are present. Primitive plants with Gondwanan affinities present including: Podocarpus spinulosus Lomatia silaifolia Atkinsonia ligustrina Tasmannia insipida Members of the Lauraceae including: – Neolitsea spp. & Cryptocarya microneura rare or threatened species (127 species) threatened species (8 species) Animal taxa of conservation significance (listed under state and/or Commonwealth legislation) including: Comparable numbers of animal taxa of conservation significance including: 53 vertebrate taxa composed of 19 mammals, 24 birds, 6 frogs and 3 reptiles 3.2.3 34 vertebrate taxa listed as threatened species under the EPBC Act and/or the TSC Act composed of 14 mammals, 17 birds, 2 frog species and 1 reptile Vegetation communities and species diversity The information used in this section has been considered as part of the prioritisation and weighting process for the conservation priority modelling and mapping. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2009) identifies Yengo National Park as containing a high diversity of vegetation communities and plant species due to high variability in microclimates and soil fertility. This variability causes quite different communities to occur side by side. The park is located within the Central Coast Botanical Sub-division at the convergence of three botanical provinces: the Central Western Slopes, Central Tablelands and Central Coast. Over 700 plant species have been recorded with Yengo National Park, with high eucalypt diversity comprising 43 species of eucalypts including seven ironbark species (Bell et al, 1993 in NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). The vegetation is unique compared to other national parks in the area such as Dharug and Wollemi. At least 20 plant species are at their limit of their known distribution within Yengo National Park and the adjoining non-World heritage Parr State Conservation Area (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009).Of particular significance are the warm temperate rainforests found in sheltered valleys and a dry rainforest found on the basalt tops of Mt Yengo and Mt Wareng (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). Yengo National Park protects undisturbed valley areas. These are of high conservation value as logging and clearing concentrated in valley areas after European settlement has disturbed most valley ecosystems in adjoining areas (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 22 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds The vegetation of Yengo National Park has been mapped by DECC (2008a). Forty three vegetation communities occur, within eleven broad floristic groups: Sheltered Hawkesbury sandstone dry forests. Narrabeen sandstone dry sclerophyll woodlands. Narrabeen series shale and sandstone dry sclerophyll forests. Hunter escarpment Permian footslopes dry sclerophyll forests. Freshwater wetlands. Dry rainforest. Mellong sandmass woodlands. Hawkesbury sandstone exposed woodlands. Hawkesbury and Narrabeen sandstone wet sclerophyll forests and rainforest. Alluvial and basalt herb and grass forests and woodlands. Sandstone warm temperate rainforest. Those six groups in bold above occur within Cessnock LGA portion of the GBMWHA. Within these six floristic groups, found in Cessnock LGA, 20 native vegetation communities (Table 3.2) have been mapped (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008a). Of these three correspond to state listed TECs and one community nominated under the EPBC Act. Table 3.2 Map unit number Vegetation communities mapped in the Cessnock LGA in Yengo National Park Vegetation community name1 TSC Act TEC2, and EPBC Act TECs3 1 Hunter Range Stinging Tree Dry Rainforest Lower Hunter Valley Dry Rainforest (VEC) 2 Sydney Hinterland Warm Temperate Rainforest Lowland Rainforest on NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin Bioregion (EEC) 3 Hunter Range Grey Myrtle Dry Rainforest Lower Hunter Valley Dry Rainforest (VEC) 4 Sydney Hinterland Blue Gum-Turpentine Gully Forest 5 Hunter Range Hillgrove Gum Gully Forest 9 Hunter Range Basalt Red Gum-Grey Box Forest 11 Hunter Range Flats Apple-Stringybark-Gum Forest 14 Hunter Range Sheltered Grey Gum Forest 17 Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple Forest 18 Sydney Hinterland Sheltered Turpentine-Apple Forest 20 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest 22 25 29 Hunter Valley Remnant Woodlands and Open Forests (CEEC) Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red BloodwoodStringybark Forest Hunter Range Exposed Stringybark-Grey Gum Woodland Sydney Hinterland Exposed Scribbly Gum Woodland Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 23 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Map unit number Vegetation community name1 TSC Act TEC2, and EPBC Act TECs3 30 Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow Bloodwood Woodland 32 Sydney Hinterland Dwarf Apple Scrub 33 Sydney Hinterland Rock Complex 34 Coastal River Oak Forest 35 Sydney Hinterland Sandstone Riparian Complex 38 Hunter Range Flats Paperbark Thicket River-flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains (EEC) River-flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains (EEC) Notes: 1. Vegetation communities names those that have been mapped within Yengo National Park and Parr State Conservation Area (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008a) 2. EEC = Endangered Ecological Community, VEC = Vulnerable Ecological Community listed under the TSC Act. 3. CEEC = Critically Endangered Ecological Community nominated for listing under the EPBC Act. 3.2.3.1 Threatened species of plants Eight threatened species of plants (refer Table 3.3) are known from the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA (Office of Environment and Heritage 2012a). Table 3.3 Threatened plants that are known from the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA Family Scientific name Asteraceae Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Goodeniaceae Lamiaceae Myrtaceae Myrtaceae Myrtaceae Proteaceae Common name EPBC Act status1 TSC Act status2 Olearia cordata – V V Acacia bynoeana Bynoe's Wattle V E Velleia perfoliata Prostanthera cineolifera Callistemon linearifolius Eucalyptus fracta Melaleuca groveana Persoonia hirsuta – Singleton Mint Bush Netted Bottle Brush Broken Back Ironbark Grove's Paperbark Hairy Geebung V V E V V V V V E Notes: 1. V=Vulnerable, E=Endangered under the EPBC Act 2. V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered under the TSC Act. 3.2.4 Animal species and habitats 3.2.4.1 Animal diversity There are 268 native vertebrate animal species recorded on the NPWS Wildlife Atlas within the Yengo National Park section of the GBMWHA comprising 47 mammals, 158 birds, 20 frogs and 43 reptiles (Office of Environment and Heritage 2012a). These relatively high numbers are probably related to the lack of disturbance and the extensive and topographically diverse areas of sandstone terrain. The richness of the herpetofauna (reptiles and frogs) in Yengo National Park has been compared to the World Heritage Area rainforests in northern NSW which have a well-documented diversity of amphibians and reptiles (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 24 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 3.2.4.2 Threatened species of animal Thirty-four threatened species of animals (refer Table 3.4) are known from the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA (Office of Environment and Heritage 2012a). Table 3.4 Type of animal Birds Threatened animals that are known from the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA Common name EPBC Act status1 Scientific name TSC Act status2 Barking Owl Ninox connivens - V Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis - V Black-chinned Honeyeater (eastern subspecies) Melithreptus gularis gularis - V Brown Treecreeper (eastern subspecies) Climacteris picumnus victoriae - V Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum - V Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami - V Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies) Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis - V Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides - V Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla - V Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae - V Powerful Owl Ninox strenua - V Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia E CE Scarlet Robin Petroica boodang - V Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa - V Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittata - V Turquoise Parrot Neophema pulchella - V Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera - V Giant Burrowing Frog Heleioporus australiacus V V Red-crowned Toadlet Pseudophryne australis - V Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa - V Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Petrogale penicillata V E Frogs Mammals Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 25 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Type of animal Reptiles Common name EPBC Act status1 Scientific name TSC Act status2 Eastern Bentwing-bat Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis - V Eastern Cave Bat Vespadelus troughtoni - V Eastern False Pipistrelle Falsistrellus tasmaniensis - V Eastern Freetail-bat Mormopterus norfolkensis - V Greater Broad-nosed Bat Scoteanax rueppellii - V Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus V V Koala Phascolarctos cinereus V V Large-eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri V V Parma Wallaby Macropus parma - V Spotted-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus E V Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis - V Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis - V Rosenberg's Goanna Varanus rosenbergi - V Notes: 1. V=Vulnerable, E=Endangered, CE = Critically Endangered listed under the EPBC Act 2. V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered listed under the TSC Act. The World Heritage Area protects threatened species such as the Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby, which occurs only in very small distinct populations in New South Wales and Queensland. Other examples of the species listed above include the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot. A recent Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater project has recorded a population of Regent Honeyeater, a critically endangered species under the TSC Act and endangered species under the EPBC Act, in the Wollombi Valley adjoining Yengo National Park. In addition the major sightings for this species have been recorded as being centred on Cessnock and Abermain with a southern population recorded at Morisset. Modelling of the extent of Regent Honeyeater populations was concentrated in three main areas, Wollombi Valley, Cessnock-Abermain and to the south at Morisset (Roderick et al, 2013). Therefore, important habitat resources occur for the Regent Honeyeater within the Wollombi and Cessnock areas. Foraging habitat for the Swift Parrot differs slightly from that of the Regent Honeyeater. Swift Parrot records are not common within Yengo National Park and the Wollombi Valley, however many records occur within the central and eastern portion of the Cessnock LGA (Roderick et al, 2013). Roderick et al, (2013) highlighted the importance of the Cessnock LGA for Swift Parrot foraging resources. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 26 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 3.3 Migratory species Three migratory bird species (refer Table 3.5) are known from the GBMWHA within the Cessnock LGA (Office of Environment and Heritage 2012a). Table 3.5 Migratory birds that are known from the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA Type of animal Bird Common name Scientific name EPBC Act Migratory listing1 Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus J White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster C White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus C,J,K Notes: 1. V=Vulnerable, J = Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), C = China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), K = Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA). 3.4 Commonwealth listed threatened ecological communities No TECs currently listed on the EPBC Act occur within Yengo National Park, although the nominated TEC Hunter Valley Remnant Woodlands and Open Forests does occur. Several TECs listed or nominated under the EPBC Act occur within the overall Cessnock LGA. These include: Lowland rainforest of subtropical Australia listed as Critically Endangered Hinterland Sand Flats Forest and Woodland of the Sydney Basin Bioregion, nominated for listing Hunter Valley Remnant Woodlands and Open Forests, nominated for listing. 3.5 State listed threatened ecological communities In addition to the World Heritage values and other MNES described above, additional values of State environmental significance include two TECs listed under the TSC Act which have been recorded within Yengo National Park: Lower Hunter Valley Dry Rainforest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion (VEC) River-flat eucalypt forest on coastal floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions (EEC) Lowland Rainforest on Floodplains in the NSW North Coast Bioregion. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 27 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Other state listed TECs which occur within the Cessnock LGA include the following: Central Hunter Ironbark Grey Box Spotted Gum Forest in the NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin Bioregions. Central Hunter Grey Box Ironbark Woodland in NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin Bioregions. Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains. Hunter Lowland Redgum Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion. Kurri Sand Swamp Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion. Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregions. Quorrobolong Scribbly Gum Forest. Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains. 3.6 Values in nearby areas The Lower Hunter Region is part of a transition zone for many plant and animal species between the subtropical influences of the north and the cooler, less fertile conditions to the south. As a consequence, the vegetation is unique when compared to the neighbouring regions. The flora of the Hunter Valley floor is remarkably diverse, with approximately 2000 species of vascular plants (Department of Environment Climate Change and Water 2009). The Lower Hunter contains significant areas of dry forest and woodland, comprised of a range of vegetation communities dominated by Blackbutt, Grey Gum, Forest Red Gum, Ironbark, Rough-barked Apple, Scribbly Gum, Smooth-barked Apple, Spotted Gum and Turpentine. The dry forest/woodland fauna have strong affinities with the fauna of the western slopes and the Lower Hunter is thought to act as a refuge during times of inland drought (Department of Environment Climate Change and Water 2009). Lowland dry forest and woodland are very poorly conserved in the Lower Hunter and anecdotally are under increasing threat. The GBMWHA extends north and south of the Cessnock LGA into Singleton and Lake Macquarie LGAs respectively. To the north in the Singleton LGA the vegetation adjoining the GBMWHA is similar to that of the Cessnock LGA in that it contains similar escarpment and sandstone ridge vegetation as within Yengo and Wollemi National Parks. The footslopes and riparian areas contain similar vegetation and habitat to that which occurs within similar situations in Cessnock LGA. These include River Oak riparian forests, Red Gum riparian forests on the alluvial flats, with the footslopes containing central hunter grey box ironbark forests and central hunter spotted gum forests, similar to that which occur within the Cessnock LGA. The adjoining areas with Lake Macquarie LGA to the south contain similar habitats to that which occurs within Yengo National Park in elevated areas within Olney State Forest. Similar riparian habitats include Riparian Red Gum forests, Riparian Blue Gum forests and on the footslopes spotted gum and ironbark open forest and woodlands. Where these habitats adjoin private land similar land use activities occur and they have similar threats such as grazing of cattle, vineyards, rural and residential subdivision, roads, infrastructure, open cut mining (in Singleton LGA), weed incursions, soil erosion, vertebrate pests and salinity. The presence of these similar habitats gives rise to similar flora and fauna species occurring within these ecosystems. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 28 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 4. Priority conservation areas 4.1 Mapping results 4.1.1 Overview The prioritisation process outlined in Section 2.4 has resulted in a final priority conservation map that identifies the highest priority lands, from a World Heritage perspective, within the Cessnock LGA (Figure 4.1). It could be expected that only areas in close proximity to the existing World Heritage area would be identified as being of priority for conservation. While in general the priority areas identified though the mapping process are closer to the existing World Heritage area, there are pockets throughout the entire LGA that are shown as being of high priority for conservation utilising the parameters and weightings used for modelling in this study. This is because they support many similar complementary values to the World Heritage values, such as: high eucalypt diversity threatened vegetation threatened species habitat large patch size good connectivity riparian areas. Such factors are recognised as being of significance for biodiversity conservation in general, but are also directly relevant to the values contained within the existing World Heritage area and the complementary lands within the entire Cessnock LGA. The following maps and analyses provide priority conservation rankings for all lands in the Cessnock LGA. These rankings are provided for discussion purposes and enable identification of priority conservation areas. A general description of the findings within the three main regions of the Cessnock LGA as shown in Figure 4.1 are outlined below, with more detailed discussion on each of the priority conservations areas provided in following sections. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 29 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds This page should be replaced with the corresponding GIS figure once the document has been pdf'd. This caption page must follow an even numbered page if the figure is A3 size or larger. Figure 4.1 World Heritage priority conservation analysis overview Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 30 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 4.1.2 Western Region This area consists of Yengo National Park (existing GBMWHA), inholdings and the Wollombi Valley and surrounds, as shown on Figure 4.2. Yengo National Park itself is not discussed in detail here as it can be expected that it would predominantly be of high priority for conservation in the mapping, which is generally the case on the map. Given the close proximity to the existing GBMWHA, the native vegetation within the Wollombi Valley and surrounds are of high complementary value to the protection and enhancement of World Heritage values within Yengo National Park. Wollombi Valley and the surrounding mountains and foothills are located immediately adjoining the eastern boundary of the GBMWHA. The vegetation types identified within Yengo National Park and the GBMWHA extend eastwards across the ridges and down into the lower slopes of the Wollombi Valley. In addition to the extension of similar vegetation types, the following characteristics have been identified as contributing to the areas high priority conservation: A similar high eucalypt diversity and similar vegetation types to the GBMWHA. Similar value for EPBC and TSC listed threatened ecological communities. Direct connectivity to the GBMWHA, providing an immediate buffer capacity. Providing large expanses of similar habitats that are used generally infrequently by humans, meaning the mass of native habitats in and adjoining the GBMWHA are significantly buffered from human impacts. Containing similar habitat for threatened flora and fauna. Containing generally high patch sizes, increasing resilience to external impacts and effectively buffering the GBMWHA. Providing conditions that support high genetic diversity and resilience. Similar and directly connected riparian areas that provide semi-aquatic or aquatic habitats intrinsically linked to the GBMWHA. For the above reasons, a majority of vegetation from Pokolbin in the north to Cedar Creek, Wollombi, Laguna and continuing southwards towards Murrays Run and Bucketty has been identified as being of medium to high and priority classifications. The State Forests to the east of Wollombi Valley, some of which are included in the area of forest generally known as the Watagans, include Pokolbin State Forest, Corrabare State Forest, Watagan State Forest and Olney State Forest. These State Forests, plus Yango State Forest (west of Wollombi Valley) provide an expansive contiguous secondary buffer to the GBMWHA and also contain areas with similar values to the GBMWHA. This region also contains large areas of private ownership in the Wollombi and Laguna Valley’s, a substantial proportion of which includes areas mapped as high priority conservation. This private land is likely to provide supporting environmental buffering capacity to the GBMWHA. Generally, the cleared valley floor is not shown as being of high priority as it supports little native vegetation and is used for agricultural purposes. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 31 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds This page should be replaced with the corresponding GIS figure once the document has been pdf'd. This caption page must follow an even numbered page if the figure is A3 size or larger. Figure 4.2 Western Region World Heritage priority conservation map Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 32 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Inholdings are those lands that are privately owned but are located within Yengo National Park. Such lands provide complex management challenges as they are mostly completely surrounded by the national park and can therefore influence the condition of the national park and related World Heritage values. Some significant inholdings exist in the part of Yengo National Park that is located within Cessnock LGA. The largest of these inholdings is almost 2000 ha, while others are small and may not have easy access and/or are not used for any purpose. The smallest inholding is 2.5 ha. All of the inholdings are shown in the mapping as being in the highest categories of conservation value. This is expected as, unless cleared, these areas contain complementary values to the GBMWHA and are likely to be an integral part of protection of those values. 4.1.3 Central Region The central region can be categorised as consisting of the areas broadly covered by the existing Cessnock Biodiversity Management Plan (Office of Environment and Heritage 2012b). This area covers the central part of Cessnock LGA from the eastern boundary of Pokolbin State Forest in the west, to Congewai and Brunkerville in the south, to Richmond Vale in the east and Branxton/Rothbury in the north, as shown in Figure 4.3. This area is under the highest competing land use pressure in the Cessnock LGA, containing the major towns of Cessnock and Kurri Kurri and other smaller satellite towns such as Weston, Abermain, Heddon Greta, Bellbird, Millfield, Paxton, Millfield, Quorrobalong, Branxton and Greta. The proposed new town of Huntlee is also partly located in the northern extreme of this region. In general, this region contains a significant proportion of lower priority conservation areas associated with predominately fragmented vegetation and a more urbanised and intensive agricultural landscape. There are however a number of important exceptions. The largest, major exception is the area referred to as the Hunter Economic Zone. The majority of this proposed future industrial area is identified as having high priority conservation value from a World Heritage values perspective. This means that it supports important complementary values similar to the broad values contained within the existing World Heritage area. This is not surprising given that it supports a highly diverse landscape that contains large patches of contiguous threatened ecological communities that are well connected and support numerous populations of threatened species, including woodland species not generally encountered in other parts of the LGA or eastern part of the Lower Hunter. Part of this priority conservation area is protected by Werakata National Park. Another notable exception is an area to the east of Pelton, which is partially occupied by Werakata State Conservation Area. This area contains important remnants of the threatened ecological community Lower Hunter Spotted Gum – Ironbark Forest and associated biodiversity values, and also forms a relatively large patch of remnant vegetation in an otherwise highly cleared landscape. At the northern end of Pokolbin State Forest exists large patches of intact Lower Hunter Spotted GumIronbark Forest on the valley floor which are well connected to the contiguous vegetation to the south in Pokolbin State Forest and into the GBMWHA. An area on either side of Congewai Road is also ranked highly, primarily due to its connectivity to the western parts of the LGA and the occurrence of vegetation on the valley floor. The North Rothbury locality also supports some areas of high complementary value. This is at the eastern edge of the proposed Huntlee township and contains numerous threatened species and threatened ecological communities. An area centred on Cessnock and Broke Roads, which is Commonwealth land (part of Singleton Army Base) is ranked very highly as it contains numerous threatened species and ecological communities and several highly restricted (endemic) eucalypt species such as Singleton Mallee. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 33 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds A number of other smaller areas of higher conservation ranking also exists however are not specifically discussed as the focus is on identifying the main priority conservation areas. These other smaller areas should be assessed on a merits based approach as required. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 34 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds This page should be replaced with the corresponding GIS figure once the document has been pdf'd. This caption page must follow an even numbered page if the figure is A3 size or larger. Figure 4.3 Central Region World Heritage priority conservation map Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 35 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 4.1.4 Eastern region The eastern region can be categorised as consisting of the areas broadly covered any parts of the LGA east of Richmond Vale in the south or Heddon Greta in the north. This area is shown in Figure 4.4. These areas are in the part of the LGA that start to be more influenced by coastal environments, although still provide a valuable transitional environment between the western valley floor and coastal valley floor. This area contains the small localities of Buchanan, Buttai, Black Hill and Stockrington and encompasses heavily wooded areas that form the northern end of the important link between the Watagans and Hexham Swamp area. In general this area is sparsely populated and contains two open cut coal mines (Donaldson and Bloomfield). One area directly east of Richmond Vale is the highest priority locality in eastern Cessnock. The mapping has identified this area as high priority due to a number of factors but primarily due to the large patch of Lower Hunter Spotted Gum – Ironbark Forest being located within a large eucalypt-diverse patch that is part of the important Lower Hunter Regional Strategy Green Corridor. Areas in the north-eastern corner to the east and west of Donaldson Coal Mine are also generally ranked highly and are well connected to the important areas of contiguous bushland between Buttai, the vicinity of Stockrington and Pambalong Nature Reserve. Whilst not all of this area has been mapped as high as part of this World Heritage project, these large intact lands are considered to be strategically important for numerous threatened species, biodiversity protection purposes and regional habitat connectivity. Other areas within this part of Cessnock LGA are generally lower priority from a complementary values perspective. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 36 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds This page should be replaced with the corresponding GIS figure once the document has been pdf'd. This caption page must follow an even numbered page if the figure is A3 size or larger. Figure 4.4 Eastern Region World Heritage priority conservation map Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 37 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 4.2 Priority conservation areas 4.2.1 Wollombi Valley and surrounds The Wollombi Valley and surrounds encompasses a large area that is situated between the GBMWHA to the west and a conglomerate of State Forests in the east. This is the largest and most significant area located outside the GBMWHA that contains complementary World Heritage values. Refer to Figures 4.1 and 4.2 for the location of this area. This area has been poorly studied in the past due to its relative isolation. Some older studies such as the Wollombi Vegetation and Habitat Plan (Fallding & Bell 1996) and the Wollombi Valley Catchment Management Plan 2003 (Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003) exist and provide useful information on relevant aspects of the biodiversity and vegetative characteristics of the valley and surrounds, however these do not focus directly on World Heritage values. The Wollombi Valley and surrounds are characterised by expansive areas of native vegetation on footslopes, hills, mountains and ridges. Conversely, the valley floor is mostly cleared due to its relatively fertile soils and suitability for agricultural uses. The World Heritage values-focussed mapping exercise has identified that the Wollombi Valley and surrounds contains important complementary values that protect the existing World Heritage areas within Yengo National Park. Important characteristics of this area are that it: provides important buffering capacity to the boundaries of the GBMWHA contains similar complementary vegetation to that contained within the GBMWHA contains areas of high eucalypt diversity contains similar threatened ecological communities contains similar threatened species and their habitats is directly connected to the GBMWHA is in close proximity to the GBMWHA contains large patches of intact vegetation contains important riparian areas that eventually flow into the Hunter River provides a ‘critical mass’ of adjoining vegetation that increases the biodiversity of the entire region including the GBMWHA in totality. It is evidently important that this area warrants further attention and management in the future to achieve protection of the GBMWHA in perpetuity. Generally these are either privately owned properties or State Forests. This area has also been identified as important for the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot Project (Roderick et al. 2013). The Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan (Department of Environment Climate Change and Water 2009) and Lower Hunter Regional Strategy (Department of Planning 2006) outlines that some of these lands are proposed conservation lands. These include areas within and adjoining Pokolbin State Forest, areas within Corrabare State Forest and a small area adjoining Olney State Forest. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 38 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 4.2.2 Inholdings As mentioned previously, inholdings within Yengo National Park have been mapped as generally containing high priority conservation value. The reasons for this are generally similar to the reasons outlined above for the important Wollombi Valley and surrounds area. Although patch size within the individual lots is generally small, the vegetation is contiguous with the Yengo National Park and contributes to its biodiversity value. If managed poorly or used insensitively these areas could have a profound impact upon the World heritage values for Yengo National Park and correspondingly the GBMWHA. Generally these are privately owned properties. Refer to Figures 4.1 and 4.2 for the general location of these inholdings – shown as the nonNational Park areas. The Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan (Department of Environment Climate Change and Water 2009) and Lower Hunter Regional Strategy (Department of Planning 2006) outlines that a minority of these inholdings are already proposed conservation lands. 4.2.3 Hunter Economic Zone The Hunter Economic Zone (HEZ) is of high biodiversity value and ranks highly with all modelled parameters except direct connectivity and proximity to the GBMWHA. While some of the species of flora and fauna are different to Yengo National Park, the totality of threatened ecological communities and threatened flora and fauna species is similar. Other attributes such as high eucalypt diversity, remnant vegetation that has been highly cleared in the region, large patch size and importance in local habitat connectivity and riparian protection have also identified this area as important. Land ownership of this area is a mixture of Crown Land, private land and Aboriginal land. Refer to Figures 4.1 and 4.3 for the location of this area. This areas has also been identified as important in Parsons Brinckerhoff (2013b), Cessnock Biodiversity Management Plan (Office of Environment and Heritage 2012b) and the HDC report (Eco Logical Australia 2012). This area has also been identified as important for the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot (Roderick et al. 2013). 4.2.4 East Pelton East Pelton lands contain large patches of threatened ecological communities combined with threatened species records and habitat. It is eucalypt diverse, contains vegetation that has otherwise been highly cleared, is well connected to other areas and contains important riparian value. Much of this area is managed within Werakata State Conservation Area, although southern parts also occur on private land. This area has also been identified as important for the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot Project (Roderick et al. 2013). Refer to Figures 4.1 and 4.3 for the location of this area. 4.2.5 Congewai Road Lands surrounding Congewai Road contain large patches of threatened ecological communities combined with threatened species records and habitat. It is eucalypt diverse, contains vegetation that has otherwise been highly cleared, contains large patches, is well connected to other areas and contains important riparian value. Much of this area is private land. Refer to Figures 4.1 and 4.3 for the location of this area. 4.2.6 Cessnock/Broke Roads Land around Cessnock and Broke Roads contain large patches of threatened ecological communities combined with threatened species records and habitat. It is eucalypt diverse, including several highly restricted species, contains vegetation that has otherwise been highly cleared, contains large patches, is well connected to other areas and contains important riparian value. Much of this area is private land. Refer to Figures 4.1 and 4.3 for the location of this area. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 39 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 4.2.7 North Rothbury North Rothbury lands contain large patches of threatened ecological communities combined with threatened species records and habitat. It is eucalypt diverse, contains vegetation that has otherwise been highly cleared, contains large patches, is well connected to other areas and contains important riparian value. Much of this area is private land and forms part of the future Huntlee lands. This areas has also been identified as important in Parsons Brinckerhoff (2013b), Cessnock Biodiversity Management Plan (Office of Environment and Heritage 2012b) and the HDC report (Eco Logical Australia 2012). This area has also been identified as important for the Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot (Roderick et al. 2013). Refer to Figures 4.1 and 4.3 for the location of this area. The Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan (Department of Environment Climate Change and Water 2009) and Lower Hunter Regional Strategy (Department of Planning 2006) outlines that a portion of the southern part of this priority area is proposed conservation land. This conservation land is proposed to be created as a biodiversity offset for the development of the Huntlee township. 4.2.8 East Richmond Vale East Richmond Vale lands contain large patches of threatened ecological communities combined with threatened species records and habitat. It is eucalypt diverse, contains vegetation that has otherwise been highly cleared, contains large patches, is well connected to other areas and contains important riparian value. Much of this area is private land. Refer to Figures 4.1 and 4.4 for the location of this area. The Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan (Department of Environment Climate Change and Water 2009) and Lower Hunter Regional Strategy (Department of Planning 2006) outlines that a majority of this land and large private lands to the east are proposed conservation lands. These conservation lands are proposed to be created as biodiversity offsets for a number of developments in the Lower Hunter. 4.2.9 Comparison to other studies The mapping results are informative when compared to those areas that were identified in the expert workshop as being likely to be priority conservation areas. The main areas that were not identified as important from a World Heritage complementary values perspective but have been identified by other reports as important for biodiversity were Bow Wow Gorge and Ellalong Lagoon. Whilst Bow Wow Gorge and Ellalong Lagoon have not shown up as having high complementary value to the World Heritage area, they are however generally agreed to be of high biodiversity value for other purely biodiversity reasons. The current World Heritage assessment priority conservation lands that are similar to other studies’ conclusions include Hunter Economic Zone, Huntlee/North Rothbury, the areas around Werakata National Park, east of Pelton, and the Wollombi Valley. These areas, along with the other nominated areas listed in the previous sections, are considered to have high complementary values to the World Heritage area. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 40 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 5. Threats and management There are a number of threats that affect both the GBMWHA and the complementary lands that surround or are enclosed (i.e. inholdings) by the GBMWHA. Other threats solely affect either the GBMWHA or the complementary lands. This section outlines the historical, immediate and possible future threats that affect both the GBMWHA and complementary lands. Additional threats associated solely with the complementary lands are discussed in Section 5.3. An overview of the general threats faced within each of the three previously discussed and mapped regions within Cessnock LGA is outlined below. 5.1 Key threatening processes Key threatening processes are listed under Schedule 3 of the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. A process is defined as a key threatening process if it threatens or may threaten the survival, abundance, or evolutionary development of a native species or ecological community. A process can be listed as a Key Threatening Process (KTP) if it could cause a native species or ecological community to become eligible for adding to a threatened list (other than conservation dependant), cause an already listed threatened species or community to become more endangered, or if it adversely affects two or more listed threatened species or ecological communities. The KTPs considered likely to affect the GBMWHA and/or complementary lands are outlined in Appendix B. 5.2 Regional overview 5.2.1 Western Region The western part of Cessnock LGA, containing Yengo National Park and Wollombi Valley and surrounds, is relatively isolated. This isolation has in part meant that in previous years the threats to complementary values in this area have been at relatively low levels. The main use of this part of the Cessnock LGA is for either conservation purposes (Yengo National Park), agricultural purposes (private land) or forestry (State Forests). It is for this reason that a high level of biological integrity remains. While site-specific issues have been identified during the field inspections, generally the condition of remnant bushland in this area is high. The main existing general threats to this area, apart from the more specific threats that are legislated such as Key Threatening Processes, consist of the following: Mismanagement of the existing land uses, resulting in direct or indirect impacts upon Yengo National Park or the complementary values of other lands. The potential for more intensive use of the agricultural lands for purposes such as rural – residential development. The potential for mineral or gas exploration and extraction activities. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 41 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds The management of existing land uses can be well understood and investigated in detail. Such land uses and their related threats are outlined in the following sections. The potential use of the Wollombi Valley private lands for rural–residential development in the future is a general present and future threat. More intensive development of the valley could potentially lead to poorer management of the land than that which currently exists in the large agricultural holdings used for rural purposes. The main mineral or gas exploration threat is likely to relate to potential exploration for gas. Such exploration is occurring at Broke (approximately 8km to the north west of the Cessnock LGA). Some guidance in relation to the likelihood of future gas exploration is outlined in ‘The Lower Hunter over the next 20 years: A Discussion Paper’ (NSW Government 2013). This document outlines that core hole drilling and seismic surveys over the last five years indicate high potential for coal seam gas in the vicinity of the Wollombi – Grumps Retreat – Bucketty – Peats Ridge areas. NSW Government (2013) indicates it is possible that coal seam gas production could commence within the next two years, subject to coal seam gas exclusion zones, which were announced in February 2013, as well as appropriate environmental assessment. An accurate likelihood of such exploration within western region is not known although any exploration/ extraction within this western region area would be expected to require strict controls in relation to potential impacts upon World Heritage values or complementary values. 5.2.2 Central region This part of the Cessnock LGA is subject to the highest level of land-use pressure (see Section 6). Many of these land uses result in key threatening processes that are described in detail in the next sections. Generally the threats within this part of the LGA relate to increasing intensity of land-use, such as increasing urban and rural–residential development. 5.2.3 Eastern region The eastern region is well vegetated and sparsely populated. To a certain degree, the existence of coal mines in this area has meant that other land uses and related threats have been restricted. In general, further clearing for mine expansions and increasing rural-residential development pose the main threats to complementary values within this part of the LGA. 5.3 Discussion of key threats 5.3.1 Climate change Rapid climate change associated with human-induced emissions of greenhouse gasses is a potential threat to biodiversity values in the GBMWHA and surrounds. 5.3.1.1 Threats Rapid climate change has potential to impact biodiversity both directly and indirectly. Possible effects of climate change on biodiversity include: alteration to water availability changes in the intensity and frequency of fire expansion in the distribution of species. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 42 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 5.3.1.2 Alteration to water availability Climate change may result in a reduction or increase in rainfall that may affect biodiversity through changes to vegetation structure and composition. Reduced rainfall may result in the drying of wetlands, reduced flow in streams and rivers and increased vulnerability of rainforests to fire; possibly threatening the long-term persistence of these habitat types and the species which rely on them. Threatened species which could be affected include, but not limited to, the Giant Dragonfly, Blue Mountains Water Skink, Dwarf Mountain Pine, and Wollemi Pine. Increased water availability may result in changes to vegetation through increases in the abundance of mesic plants which could affect its suitability of habitat for a variety of species adapted to more open environments with greater light penetration, for example the Broad-headed Snake. 5.3.1.3 Changes in the intensity and frequency of fire Changes in temperature and altered rainfall patterns may result in changes to the intensity and frequency of bushfire. Increased temperature and reduced rainfall is likely to result in increases in the frequency and/or intensity of bushfires. The interaction between fire regimes and biodiversity is discussed further in Section 5.4.3. 5.3.1.4 Expansion in the distribution of species Changes to climatic conditions may result in the expansion of the distribution of both native and introduced species into previously climatically unsuitable habitats. These habitats are presently occupied by species, including endemic animals and plants, which are adapted to present cool environmental conditions. If conditions become suitable for common species with similar ecological niches to expand their distribution, existing species may experience greater competition for resources or predation. This could potentially result in the loss of cool climate adapted species in the long term. The interaction between potential weed expansion and biodiversity is discussed further in Section 5.7. 5.3.1.5 Management There is limited scope at the local scale to prevent human-induced climate change, however, its impacts may be mitigated by addressing other threats such as weed invasion, inappropriate fires regimes and disease which may affect the most susceptible species. Measures to address such impacts are addressed in throughout the remainder of Section 5 and in Section 7. 5.3.2 Land clearing Clearing of native vegetation is unlikely to occur on a significant scale within the GBMWHA, although may occur for reasons such as illegal firewood collection. Legal clearing of substantial areas of native vegetation in the complementary lands is likely to be undertaken for: agricultural activities in accordance with the Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NV Act) construction of infrastructure, resource extraction (including mining and gas extraction) and industrial and urban development in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). Illegal clearing is likely to occur on a generally small scale within private agricultural and rural-residential properties throughout the complementary lands. The NSW Scientific Committee indicates that land clearing is a major factor contributing to loss of biological diversity. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 43 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 5.3.2.1 Threats The NSW Scientific Committee lists the following impacts/threats resulting from land clearing activities: Destruction of habitat results in loss of local populations of individual species. Fragmentation. Expansion of dryland salinity. Riparian zone degradation. Increased greenhouse gas emissions. Increased habitat for invasive species. Loss of leaf litter layer. Loss or disruption of ecological function. Changes to soil biota. Whether or not such clearing activities are legal or illegal, any clearing of native vegetation is likely to contribute to the above threats. The main land clearing threats to the GBMWHA within Cessnock LGA are likely to result from agricultural clearing on rural lands that adjoin the boundary of the GBMWHA (including inholdings). A developing land clearing cause is considered to be related to mineral and/or gas exploration in areas like the Wollombi Valley. Impacts from such activities are yet to be realised. Further up the Hunter Valley clearing threats are more likely to be related to expansion of mining activities, combined with agricultural clearing activities. Mining clearing tends to be at a larger scale than agricultural clearing in the upper parts of the valley and can therefore have more far-reaching affects to the environments that adjoin the GBMWHA boundary. In the areas of Cessnock LGA that are further from the GBMWHA, land clearing is more likely to be related to the increasing intensity of land use for residential, commercial, industrial or more intensive agricultural activities. 5.3.2.2 Management Effective management of land clearing activities is a complex issue that required detailed consideration. The most powerful ways to regulate land clearing are through: detailed strategic planning processes that analyse appropriate land uses and zonings, and communication of this to land owners effective communication at a land-owner level about values of remnant bushland and legislation that applies to land clearing activities. It is recommended that when land use zoning is reviewed, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, any areas of important native vegetation are provided with appropriate legislative protection to regulate the impacts of vegetation clearing on biodiversity values. Correspondence with land managers responsible for management of private agricultural and rural-residential land is recommended. Such correspondence should include details of rights and responsibilities under the NV Act and advice regarding biodiversity values and ecosystem services and how these can be preserved. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 44 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 5.3.3 Habitat modification The following threats involve modification of habitat through changes in vegetation structure and composition and/or the loss of specific microhabitat features (e.g. tree hollows, exfoliating rock). These threats may result in impacts on habitat for threatened species by reducing the foraging, sheltering and breeding opportunities and are described below. 5.3.3.1 Bushrock removal Substantial historic bushrock removal is likely to have occurred but is unlikely to continue in anything but a minor and localised basis within the GBMWHA. Bushrock removal may continue on a localised basis within the complementary lands, particularly in association with areas with vehicle access such as forestry trails. The animal groups most likely to be adversely affected by bushrock removal are reptiles and frogs including the threatened species such as the Broad-headed Snake and Red-crowned Toadlet. 5.3.3.2 Forest eucalypt dieback Forest eucalypt dieback associated with over-abundant psyllids and Bell Miners is one of a range of dieback scenarios in Australian eucalypt forests that are as yet poorly understood (Office of Environment and Heritage 2013). This form of dieback is characterised by leaf loss from the tips of twigs and branches, and can result in defoliation and if it persists may result in the death of trees over quite extensive areas. Affected trees exhibit lower reproductive success. Tree recruitment is often low and weed invasion extensive in affected stands. The forest types in the study area most likely to be susceptible to dieback are those dominated by Sydney Blue Gum (Eucalyptus saligna), Flooded Gum (E. grandis), Grey Ironbark (E. siderophloia), Narrow-leaved White Mahogany (E. acmenoides), Grey Gum (E. punctata) and Grey Ironbark (E. paniculata). Communities dominated by these species typically occur in riparian areas and on shale-derived or volcanic soils and typically consist of tall moist to dry sclerophyll forests. Due to the significant changes in vegetation structure and biophysical conditions which may occur, a wide variety of animals and plants in these communities may be significantly affected. 5.3.3.3 High frequency fire Fire is a natural essential element required by many Australian sclerophyll vegetation communities. Fire plays a positive role creating conditions ideal for the establishment and success of many species including the release of nutrients from the soil and removing competitively dominant species to allow more light and rain to reach the surface. Post fire conditions stimulate the reproductive success of many plant species by promoting the germination of soil and aerial seed banks, resprouting of vegetative structures such as lignotubers and flowering (Hammill & Tasker 2010). However, inappropriate fire regimes (i.e. intensity, season, type and frequency) can also be a threat to biodiversity. Specifically the intensity, season, type and frequency of fire have the potential to disrupt natural ecological processes such as life cycles, vegetation structure and composition (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2009). Altering these ecological functions, through inappropriate fire regimes, may represent a threat to biodiversity within the GBMWHA and complementary lands. For instance burning more frequently than the regeneration period of some species, such as those that generate a seed bank, could lead to their elimination from the GBMWHA or lead to their extinction (Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003). Fire is a threat that must be managed to ensure the long term survival of native vegetation within the GBMWHA and complementary lands. Fire regimes are actively managed within the GBMWHA and NPWS estate and, possibly to a lesser extent, in State Forests and council reserves. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 45 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Potential threats that may result in increased fire frequency in the western region include accidental or purposeful fire ignition by private landholders within in-holdings or adjacent lands. High levels of arson anecdotally occur within the central and eastern regions of Cessnock LGA and management of such issues can be difficult. 5.3.3.4 Loss of Hollow-bearing trees Substantial loss of hollow-bearing trees is likely to have occurred during historic timber harvesting activities in parts of the GBMWHA but is unlikely to continue in anything but a minor and localised basis. Substantial historic loss of hollow-bearing has occurred due to broad scale vegetation clearing, vegetation thinning and firewood collection within the complementary lands. Loss of hollow-bearing trees is continuing due to incremental clearing of remnant vegetation and the senescence of remnant paddock tress. Loss of hollow-bearing trees reduces the availability of sheltering and/or breeding sites for a variety of arboreal mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs and hollow-dependent birds and bats. 5.3.3.5 Loss or degradation of sites used for hill-topping by butterflies The potential for loss or degradation of sites used for hill-topping by butterflies in the GBMWHA is low as minimal clearing or degradation of hill-top sites has occurred within the GBMWHA and existing protections against vegetation clearing are likely to be sufficient for the prevention of future impacts. In the complementary lands, however, there is a moderate potential for loss or degradation of hill-topping sites due to vegetation clearing and forestry operations in the ranges immediately to the east of the GBMWHA which are largely included in state forests. 5.3.3.6 Removal of dead wood and dead trees Substantial removal of dead wood and dead trees is likely to have occurred in areas within the GBMWHA previously subject to forestry. Removal is unlikely to continue in anything but a minor and localised basis involving collection of wood for use on camp fires associated with roadsides and camping grounds. Substantial historic removal of dead wood and dead trees is likely to have occurred during the establishment of grazing properties (Photo 5.1) and is likely to be continuing as a result of illegal firewood collection for personal use and sale, tidying up of farmland and incremental clearing of native vegetation on private property. Removal of dead wood and dead trees is likely to affect a variety of animals including small arboreal mammals, hollow-dependent microbats, small terrestrial mammals, ground-foraging birds and reptiles. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 46 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Photo 5.1 Removal of dead wood for grazing purposes at Boree Track 5.3.3.7 Management Existing management of threats resulting in habitat modification are summarised in Table 5.1. Recommendations for changes or additions to management regimes are provided in Section 7. Many of these threatening processes are at their greatest intensity in private lands. The availability of resources, planning and expert advice for land owners has been identified as a constraint to the ecologically sustainable management of private lands in the Wollombi Valley (Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003). Government incentives such as the old ‘Free landowners Information Package’ have provided funding and technical advice to landowners to aid in the conservation of remnant vegetation on private properties. Effective strategic zoning and legislation is also important to regulating habitat modification activities. Table 5.1 Management of habitat modification threats Threat Existing management Bushrock removal Restrictions on vehicle access are likely to minimise the potential for illegal bushrock removal in the GBMWHA. Little information is available regarding illegal bushrock removal in the complementary lands. Forest eucalypt dieback Little information is available regarding the presence or absence of forest eucalypt dieback in the GBMWHA or complementary lands. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 47 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Threat Existing management A number of management and fire management plans have been prepared for particular areas within the GBMWHA containing details strategies fire management: Watagans National Park and Jilliby State Conservation Area – Plan of management (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2010). Yengo National Park, Parr State Conservation Area and Finchley Aboriginal Area – Plan of management (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). Blue Mountains National Park – Plan of management (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001). Blue Mountains National Park – Fire management strategy (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2004). High frequency fire Fire trails have been constructed in Wollombi valley to control bushfires and reduce bushfire hazard to Wollombi. Due to prohibitions on vegetation clearing, loss of hollow-bearing trees is unlikely to be a significant issue in the GBMWHA. Loss of Hollowbearing Trees Prescriptions for forestry operations require the retention of a proportion of hollow-bearing trees and young trees for long-term replacement of hollow-bearing trees. These measures mitigate the loss of hollow-bearing trees due to forestry but do not eliminate the process (NSW Scientific Committee 2007). The Private Native Forestry Code of Practice requires the retention and protection of a minimum number of hollow bearing trees per hectare dependant on the broad forest type (Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007b). The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has published an advisory note to assist voluntary conservation of natural tree hollows on private and public land (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1999). Loss or degradation of sites used for hilltopping by butterflies Due to prohibitions on vegetation clearing, loss or degradation of sites used for hill-topping by butterflies is unlikely to be a significant issue in the GBMWHA. Little information was available on hill-topping sites or their management in the complementary lands, however there is a hilltopping site known at Mount Sugarloaf. Removal of dead wood and dead trees Due to prohibitions on vegetation clearing, removal of dead wood and dead trees is unlikely to be a significant issue in the GBMWHA. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has published an advisory note to assist voluntary conservation of natural tree hollows, including dead standing trees, on private and public land (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1999). Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 48 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 5.3.4 Diseases The three diseases caused by plant and animal pathogens of moderate and high relevance to the study area are described below. 5.3.4.1 Plant pathogens threat Exotic Rust Fungi of the order Uredinales (Myrtle Rust, Uredo rangelii) Myrtle Rust (Uredo rangelii) is a fungal pathogen which affects plant species within the family Myrtaceae. A large proportion of the plant species within the GBMWHA are in the family Myrtaceae including species which are prominent components of and/or dominate many of the ecosystems of the area including the eucalypts, Leptospermum spp., Syzygium spp. and Melaleuca spp. This fungus was recently recorded for the first time in Australia on the Central Coast, NSW in April 2010 and has now been recorded from Shoalhaven NSW to the QLD border, generally occurring along the NSW coast (Department of Industry and Investment 2010a). This fungus is easily spread by wind, water insects, machinery, tools, vehicles and movement of infected plant material (Department of Industry and Investment 2010b, 2010c). Myrtle Rust has been recorded within the GBMWHA it is highly likely that a large proportion of this area has potential to be infected by the fungus, due to the presence of susceptible species and fast rate of the current spread of the disease within NSW. Introduction and establishment of Exotic Rust Fungi of the order Uredinales pathogenic on plants of the family Myrtaceae is currently listed as a Key Threatening Process under the TSC Act and the EPBC Act. Root-rot Fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) Root-rot Fungus or Cinnamon Fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) occurs as an epidemic within disturbed plant communities that contain species inherently susceptible to the pathogen. This pathogen causes dieback in plant species, reducing the availability of food and shelter resources for animal species (Natural Heritage Trust 2004b). The fungus affects a large number of native plant species from a variety of families. The fungus has been recorded within Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and along the coast of Queensland in areas that receive a mean average rainfall of 600 mm. This fungus spreads independently through very moist but well aerated soil and more rapidly through the transport of soil during road construction, nursery trade and bushwalking (Environment Australia 2001). Whilst Root-rot Fungus has not been recorded within NSW it is likely that areas within NSW (including the GBMWHA) would be susceptible to the fungus, due to presence of potentially susceptible species, favourable environmental conditions and current spread of the disease throughout the rest of Australia. Infection of native plants and dieback and caused by the root rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) is currently listed as a Key Threatening Process under the TSC Act and EPBC Act. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 49 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 5.3.4.2 Animal pathogens threat Amphibian Chytrid Fungus (Chytridiomycosis – Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) Chytridiomycosis is a worldwide highly infectious amphibian disease caused by the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. This disease is potentially fatal to all species of amphibian and all survivors are considered to be carriers of the disease (Natural Heritage Trust 2004a; Office of Environment and Heritage 2011). The fungus has been first recorded in Australia in 1978 in south-east Queensland (Office of Environment and Heritage 2011). The species has now been recorded from four regions of Australia – east coast, south-west Western Australia, Adelaide and central Kimberly (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities 2009). Human-induced spread of the pathogen occurs through transportation of frogs, cross contamination as a result of handling infected specimens or the inadvertent transportation of infected material (e.g. wet mud or water) between frog habitats (Office of Environment and Heritage 2011). Whilst the prevalence of Chytrid Fungus within the GBMWHA is largely unknown it is likely that the frog species within the GBMWHA would be susceptible. It is likely that apparent declines in some species of stream-dwelling frog in the GBMWHA (e.g. barred frogs, Mixophyes spp.) are attributable, at least in part, to Chytrid Fungus. The infection of amphibians with Chytrid Fungus resulting in Chytridiomycosis is currently listed as a Key Threatening Process under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This disease is threatening to affect all threatened species of amphibian within Australia. 5.3.4.3 Management Myrtle Rust, Root-rot Fungus and Amphibian Chytrid Fungus are established in the Sydney Basin Bioregion but are unlikely to have reached their maximum possible distribution. These pathogens have different ranges of natural dispersal mechanisms; however, all three can be spread by human activities. The natural dispersal mechanisms of these species include wind and water movement and animal foraging activities. There is limited potential to manage these natural mechanisms with the possible exception of the control of feral animals such as pigs which may be a vector for the spread of Root-rot Fungus and feral honeybees which may spread Myrtle Rust. Management of feral animals is discussed in Section 5.6. Management of possible human spread of these pathogens should include a combination of strategies including: education of the users of the GBMWHA and complementary lands regarding ways of minimising the potential for spread of pathogens monitoring of likely entry points such as road and track edges to detect the presence of Myrtle Rust and Root-rot Fungus signage and/or exclusion fencing of infected sites treatment of any infestations of Myrtle Rust and Root-rot Fungus detected, if practicable. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 50 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 5.3.5 Pest animal species 5.3.5.1 Threat Pest species have been identified as a key threat to biodiversity within the study area. The impacts of pest animal species are likely to be most intense in areas of the GBMWHA that are subjected to edge effects generated from previous disturbance. Edge effects result in zones of changed environmental conditions which promote the growth of different vegetation types (including weeds), promote invasion of pest animal specialising in edge habitats or change the behaviour of resident animals (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2009). These new environmental conditions can generate higher levels of predation by introduced mammalian and native avian predators. The pest animal species that have been identified or are considered likely to be present within the GBMWHA, their distribution and potential impacts are described in Table 5.1. The majority of these pest animal species are listed as a key threatening process listed under both or one of the TSC Act and the EPBC Act. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 51 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Table 5.2 Summary of pest animal distribution and potential disturbances in the GBMWHA and complementary lands Pest animal Distribution within GBMWHA Identified disturbance Cats Likely to be most intense in complementary lands near rural properties and at GBMWHA boundaries but present throughout the study area. Predation on native fauna such as small mammals, birds and reptiles Foxes Likely to be most intense in complementary lands near rural properties and at GBMWHA boundaries but present throughout the study area. Predation on small to medium-sized native mammals, ground-nesting birds and reptiles. Wild dogs Likely to be most intense in complementary lands near rural properties and at GBMWHA boundaries but present throughout the study area. Cattle and wild horses (feral and domestic strays) Localised distribution Rabbits Likely to be most intense in complementary lands near rural properties and at GBMWHA boundaries. Predation on native fauna such as medium-sized to large native mammals and ground-dwelling birds. Loss of the integrity of remnant Dingo populations due to hybridisation Disturbance (grazing and trampling) of native vegetation resulting in stream bank and waterhole erosion and prevention of regeneration of native vegetation. Dispersal of weed species. Competition with native fauna for food and habitat resources. Disturbance to the structure and composition of native vegetation and associated reduction in the suitability of habitat for native animals. Dispersal of weed species. Pigs Deer Localised distribution for example Mellong Creek – Wallaby Swamp and Wallabadah areas within Yengo Nation Park Apparently localised distribution but not well known. Disturbance (grazing for food and wallowing) to soil resulting in stream bank and waterhole erosion and preventing regeneration of previously cleared areas. Spread of weeds and plant pathogens (e.g. Root-rot Fungus. Disturbance (grazing and trampling) to native vegetation resulting in stream bank and waterhole erosion, prevention of the regeneration of previously vegetation and reduction in the suitability of habitat for native animals. Dispersal of weed species. Goats Fish (e.g. Mosquito Fish & Carp) Isolated small herds throughout GBMWHA Competition with native fauna for food and habitat resources. Predation on eggs and fry/tadpoles of native fish and frogs and on invertebrates. Distribution unknown – likely in downstream areas from disturbed waterways and inholdings. Modification of in-stream vegetation (carp). Generation of turbidity (carp). Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 52 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Pest animal Feral honey bees Yellow crazy ant Distribution within GBMWHA Distribution unknown Identified disturbance Competition with native bee species for tree hollows and floral resources. Spread of Myrtle Rust. Predation on native fauna including invertebrates, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish Unlikely – not known within the area Competition with native fauna for food and habitat resources. Reduced seed production and increase mortality in some tree canopy species. Predation on native invertebrate and small vertebrate species. Fire ant Unlikely – not known within the area Replacement of native invertebrate predatory species disrupting invertebrate food webs. Disruption of native plant pollination and seed dispersal. Cane toads Unlikely – not known within the area Noisy Miners Likely near edges of GBMWHA Severe population decline of predatory native fauna. Competition for food and habitat resources. Displacement of other native bird species Source: (Office of Environment and Heritage 2013), (Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities 2013), (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009) and (Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003). Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 53 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Photo 5.2 shows understory removal due to cattle grazing and wild horses, the native canopy is still relatively intact, with understorey absent. Photo 5.2 Understory disturbance due to cattle and horse grazing 5.3.5.2 Management Major programs of vertebrate pest control are undertaken in the GBMWHA in conjunction with neighbouring landholders (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001). Control programs involving co-operation by a various stakeholders are in place for pigs and dogs for the southern section of the GBMWHA (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001). Small scale control programs have been undertaken to target some other vertebrate pests such as goats, foxes, cats, rabbits in the past. These programs have involved targeting of problematic outbreaks rather than systematic control (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001). As Foxes affect both biodiversity and agricultural values, fox control in cooperation with landowners and NSW National Parks to eradicate foxes from properties. Encouraging land owners to cover compost removes scraps etc. to get discourage the presence of foxes (Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc (2003). 5.3.6 Weeds 5.3.6.1 Threat Eight Key Threatening Processes, related to weeds and relevant to the study area, are listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (refer Appendix B.). Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 54 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Although the majority of the GBMWHA is not subject to weed invasion, weeds have been identified as key a key threat. Specifically, weed invasions have been limited to areas that have been previously disturbed for development, mining and agriculture (including reserve boundaries and along access tracks) and locations downstream of these areas (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). Increasing visitors to the GBMWHA threaten to increase the introduction, spread and dispersal of weeds both into the GBMWHA from complementary lands and from the GBMWHA to complementary lands (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2009). There are over 60 declared noxious weeds that are known to occur within the GBMWHA and hundreds of additional environmental weeds of concern that have the potential to invade (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2009). Extensive weed infestations attributable to stormwater runoff have been identified in the following areas of Blue Mountains National Park: Gorse Ulex europaeus, upper Blue Mountains & Grose Valley, Popes Glen and Braeside Creek. Lantana Lantana camara, lower Blue Mountains, Nepean River and Erskine Creek. Privet Ligustrum lucidum, upper and lower Blue Mountains areas particularly south of the Great Western Highway. Scotch broom Cytisus scoparius, upper Blue Mountains, Katoomba Creek. Montbretia Crocosmia crocosmiiflora, upper Blue Mountains, creeklines and roadside verges (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001). Monterey pines (Pinus radiata) have invaded in the Mt Werong-Banshea and Newnes Plateau areas where plantations are located adjacent to the GBMWHA boundary (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001). In Yengo National Park and adjacent lands, invasive introduced species such as Blackberry Rubus fruticosus have colonised disturbed sites in and around the built up areas and adjoining rural properties and inholdings. Weeds spread by water, wind and/or by attachment to animals such as Noogoora Burr Xanthium occidentale, Dandelion Taraxacum officinale, Salix fragilis (Photo 5.3) and Weeping Willow Salix babylonica occur in some isolated localities downstream of disturbed catchments of the park. Watercourses, particularly Webbs Creek and the Macdonald River are sources of weed infestation as their headwaters are outside the park in rural areas dominated by introduced species of plants (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 55 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Photo 5.3 Infestation of Salix fragilis along Stockyard Creek 5.3.6.2 Management Weed management programs in the Blue Mountains National Park have focussed on the control of specific occurrences of introduced plants such as Gorse and Lantana through the use of bush regeneration techniques. These programs have included volunteer groups and considerable scope exists for the expansion of use of volunteer groups, particularly in the control of weeds at the boundaries of the GBMWHA (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001). At least three biological control agents have been released for the control of Scotch Broom (Cytisis scoparius) in the Blue Mountains region (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001). A weed management strategy was prepared for the main valley of the Big Yango area in 2001 and provides strategies for control of introduced plants in this area (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009). Recommendations regarding management are provided in Section 7. 5.3.7 Waterways 5.3.7.1 Threats Waterways within the GBMWHA and the complementary lands are subjected to various threats including: erosion and sedimentation pollution from stock, domestic use and irrigation weed and pest invasion decreases in water quality and quantity modification of aquatic and riparian habitats (Department of Environment Climate Change and Water 2009; Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003). Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 56 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds These threats are a direct result of human activities, such as vegetation clearing, mining and pumping water directly from waterways. Activities such as these are resulting in the modification of natural in stream and stream banks environments within the GBMWHA and in complementary lands. The main threat to waterways within the GBMWHA include difficulties in maintaining water quality due to the location of headwaters outside of the park boundary, spread of weeds from upstream disturbed areas, and increased sedimentation as a result of land clearing and high fire frequency (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2009). Photo 5.4 is an example of modification to waterways due to land clearing for farming purposes. Photo 5.4 Waterway modification of Yengo Creek on Yengo Creek Road 5.3.7.2 Management The management of threats associated with waterways located within the GBMWHA and complementary lands is difficult as many are introduced from waterways located upstream. Threats such as pollution, vegetation clearing and introduction and spread of weed species have the potential to impact the rivers hydrology and habitats (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001). Legislation, including the Sydney Catchment Management Act 2003 and National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, provide a framework for managing the health of waterways by improving vegetation cover, water quality, ecological process and reducing erosion. This legislation is used by National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney Catchment Management Authority and other organisations to correctly manage the catchments within the GBMWHA and complementary lands (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001; Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003). Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 57 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds The habitat types within the Wollombi Valley have been mapped to identify type, condition, threats associated with each vegetation type and the present conservation status (Fallding & Bell 1996). This habitat mapping has allowed the Wollombi Valley Landcare Group to run trial targeted programs to re-create habitat within sections of the William’s River and Stockyard Creek in the Wollombi Valley. Re-introduction of large woody debris and revegetation within these waterways is generating natural conditions that will provide habitat for many aquatic and riparian species and prevent stagnation (Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003). Plans of management and advisory notes have been developed and made available to private landowners and the broader community within the Wollombi Valley. These documents provide advice on how to manage threats such as erosion and sedimentation (Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003). 5.3.8 Illegal activities 5.3.8.1 Threats The GBMWHA provides a wide variety of natural resources, providing ecotourism, and environments for many recreational and illegal activities. It is predominantly the illegal activities (including illegal recreational activities) that are threatening the GBMWHA and complementary lands. The use of closed or management trails used for unregistered bike riding, four-wheel driving, car and rubbish dumping, theft of rocks and wildflowers, clearing for firewood and arson are all considered the main activities threatening the GBMWHA. Additionally, many recreational drivers illegally create new trails particularly in areas that are prone to erosion such as steep slopes (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2009; Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003). Illegal activities are having detrimental impacts within the GBMWHA and complementary lands. Impacts associated with illegal activities include erosion, sedimentation, vegetation clearing and modification of habitat such as the removal of bush rocks which is threatening amphibians and reptiles including the decline in the Vulnerable EPBC Act-listed Broad-headed Snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) (NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2009). 5.3.8.2 Management The NPWS regulate visitor entry and monitor the activities of visitors to ensure that they do not impact the GBMWHA. This is a difficult task given the large size of the GBMWHA and limited resources available to cover the entire area. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 58 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 6. Field verification The field survey consisted of targeted survey of the private lands which adjoin the GBMWHA and parcels of land which were identified within the priority conservation mapping as being in the highest conservation priority categories within the Cessnock LGA. The field survey concentrated on the western section of the Wollombi Valley and the eastern portion of the Cessnock LGA where high priority conservation lands adjoined private property. 6.1 Western Region The major land use within the northern section of the Wollombi Valley is for grazing of cattle, horse riding, vineyards and the small village of Wollombi is also a tourist attraction. The field survey confirmed and identified several threats that currently occur within the inholdings and adjoining lands to Yengo National Park. The following is a summary and each of these threats is discussed further in Section 5.3.6 in more detail: Weed infestations particularly along roadsides (Paynes Crossing Road and Stockyard Creek Track) and creeklines. Includes, but not limited to, Lantana camara (Lantana), Rubus ulmifolius (Blackberry), Bidens subalternans (Greater Beggar’s Ticks), Ligustrum lucidum (Large-leaved Privet), Chloris gayana (Rhodes Grass), Salix babylonica (Weeping Willow), Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) and Verbena bonariensis (Purpletop). Wild horses in land adjoining Yengo National Park along Stockyard Creek Track. Wollombi Brook in some locations has little riparian vegetation with sandy banks, these have been worn down by major flood events. Sediment control measures have been put in place at Paynes Crossing at Wollombi Brook, to help mitigate sediment from the road crossing entering Wollombi Brook. The small creeklines which occur further up the catchment have good riparian vegetation with high banks. These include the upper reaches of Bagnells, Stockyard and Yengo Creeks. In addition to the threats the following provides a summary of the high conservation values of the vegetation and infill lands adjoining the GBMWHA: Stockyard Creek Road and valley traversed several land uses, with again the main land use being cattle grazing. Further west towards Yengo National Park the condition of the vegetation increased with good habitats in the form of open eucalypt forest and warm temperate rainforest observed. Minor weed incursions along the unformed tracks were observed. Finchley Track which adjoins Yengo National Park had good condition sandstone escarpment Yellow Bloodwood open forest on the west of the road; however the eastern valley adjoining this track had evidence of previous clearing, is currently being grazed and contains high weed incursions from Blackberry. Boree Track which adjoins Yengo National Park is in very good condition with this track having minor clearing works for cattle grazing and some rural hobby farmers. This track provided good buffer lands to GBMWA and would currently be under threat from further subdivision for hobby farmers. Settlers Road contains good condition vegetation which adjoins the GBWBMA; the vegetation here is comprised of Scribbly Gum woodland in good condition. The following sections are a summary of the general land uses and threats from the tracks and road traversed during the field survey. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 59 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 6.1.1 Paynes Crossing Road, Paynes Crossing Land uses along Paynes Crossing Road are general cattle grazing with some small vineyards (Photo 6.1) at the northern end of the road. Common weeds occurred along the road including Lantana camara, Rubus ulmifolius, Chloris gayana and Bidens subalternans. The vegetation was generally cleared around Wollombi Brook to the foothills of the surrounding ridgelines to the east and west of Wollombi Brook. A small linear section of riparian vegetation generally follows Wollombi Brook. Vertebrate pests, such as rabbits and foxes were observed as road kill along Paynes Crossing Road. The priority conservation mapping agrees with this assessment of the current condition of the lands surrounding Wollombi Brook, as being of moderate conservation significance due to the current land use practices occurring. Sites 1–7 on Figure 2.1 were in this location. Photo 6.1 Vineyards at Paynes Crossing Road, Yengo National Park in background 6.1.2 Stockyard Creek Track, Paynes Crossing This road was an unformed track from Paynes Crossing Road and extends westward up to Yengo National Park through private land. The cleared land generally had pasture weeds, with severe blackberry infestations occurring in the upper reaches of the valley. Dense Bidens subalternans infestations occurred along the track (Photo 5.8). Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) infestations occurred in some places along Stockyard Creek. Vegetation which adjoins Yengo National Park along Stockyard Creek Track has minor unformed road edge effects with pasture weeds being associated with creeklines and unformed tracks. The native canopy is intact in the majority in vegetated areas, however the understorey has been significantly affected by cattle and horse grazing, with the shrublayer generally absent and containing a grassy understorey. This type of disturbance varied in its severity depending upon the land use. The lands closer to Paynes Crossing Road were generally cleared, compared to partial clearing further west up towards Yengo National Park. One landowner (Site 8) is actively undertaking weed control and these lands were generally in better condition having fewer weeds than adjoining lands and more complex floristic structures resulting from good land practices. These land holdings in some places directed adjoined Yengo National Park, with some Warm Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 60 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Temperate Rainforest observed in good condition adjoining Stockyard Creek (Photo 6.2). Vertebrate pests such as wild horses, foxes and rabbits were observed and/or scat as occurring along this track. The field survey has validated the priority conservation mapping in the fact that in general the lands along stockyard creek adjoining the GBMWHA are of importance for conservation as they are in good condition and can provide buffer lands to the world heritage area. Sites 8–13 on Figure 2.1 were in this location. Photo 6.2 Warm Temperate Rainforest at Stockyard Creek adjoining Yengo National Park Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 61 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Photo 6.3 Bidens subalternans along Stockyard Creek Track 6.1.3 Yengo Creek Road, Laguna Yengo Creek Road land use consists generally of cattle and horse grazing, with minor olive groves occurring along the alluvial floodplains of Yengo Creek, along Upper Yengo Creek Road. In the upper reaches of the valley which adjoins Finchley track (Photo 6.4) the valley to the east of the track has been previously cleared and contains weed invasions, with the canopy generally consisting of acacias. In contrast Boree Track which is at the southern portion of Yengo Creek Road is in good condition with few disturbances on the ridgetop (Photo 6.5, Site 15 Figure 2.1). Only one small section at the foothill of the ridge top has vegetation clearing occurred (Sites 16 and 17) for cattle grazing. The adjoining valleys to the east and west of Boree Track are in similar good condition. The vegetation surrounding Boree Track is in danger of being subjected to further subdivision and therefore further fragmenting the vegetation. At site 17 Salvina molesta was present choking a dam with the potential to spread to adjoining uninfected creeklines. The field survey have validated that the lands to the west of Finchley track are in good condition, however the infill lands to the east of the track are disturbed, containing limited conservation value. The lands surrounding Boree Track are of high conservation value and could provide good buffer lands to the GBMWA. Sites 14–16 on Figure 2.1 were in this location. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 62 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Photo 6.4 Disturbed Valley to the east of Finchley Track Photo 6.5 Good condition vegetation along Boree Track Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 63 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 6.1.4 Settlers Road, Bucketty Settlers Road traverses Yengo National Park and heads south to St Albans. The vegetation to the south of the road is in good condition with very few weeds adjoining the road (Photo 6.6). This area could be under threat from subdivision in the future and intensification of land use. The field survey has validated the priority conservation mapping at Settlers Road are providing good buffer lands to the GBMWHA with the vegetation in good condition with few threats. Site 18 on Figure 2.1 was in this location. Photo 6.6 Good condition vegetation adjoining Settlers Road 6.2 Central Region In the central Cessnock LGA the Werakata National Park and the Hunter Economic Zone at Kurri Kurri were visited. The following sections discuss each threat identified at each site in further detail. 6.2.1 Werakata National Park The southern portion of Werakata National Park was visited at three locations. At Lake Road this vegetation was in good condition with a few minor edge effects. Edge effects include rubbish dumping from cars, minor pasture weeds and four wheel driving along existing unformed roads. The vegetation consisted of the TEC of Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest (Photo 6.7) which is both state listed under the TSC Act and is currently nominated at a Commonwealth level as Hunter Valley Remnant Woodlands and Open Forests. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 64 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Photo 6.7 Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest at Lake Road At Murray Street Kitchener, the vegetation was also Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest with few weeds present from the road verge. The unformed road was locked to prevent four wheel drive and motorcycle access. This vegetation had evidence of previous fire events. The road between Kitchener and Pelton was traversed via vehicle, this road has evidence of four wheel drive and motorcycle access during wet weather causing ruts and widening of the unformed road in some places. Yellow Bloodwood forest (Photo 6.8) was observed along this road as well as Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest. A threatened species, Swift Parrot, was observed lerping in Corymbia maculata at Site 23. Household rubbish dumping and building waste dumping was observed at Site 23 (Photo 6.9). The field survey has validated the priority conservation mapping identifying Werakata National Park as high priority conservation due to the range of habitats and the condition of the vegetation. The national park whilst having a few minor threats, which can be managed, is of high conservation value. This has been confirmed by the sighting of the Swift Parrots observed during the field survey. Sites 20–23 on Figure 2.1 were in this location. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 65 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Photo 6.8 Yellow Bloodwood Woodland at Werakata National Park Photo 6.9 Rubbish Dumping at Werakata National Park adjoining Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 66 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 6.2.2 Hunter Economic Zone (HEZ) HEZ is located to the south of Kurri Kurri and has a significant area of native vegetation containing a number of threatened ecological communities and habitats for threatened flora and fauna. Part of HEZ is zoned for industrial purposes. As part of the approvals for HEZ a portion of the land has been zoned 7(b) conservation under the Cessnock Local Environment Plan (LEP). The native vegetation within HEZ is currently in good condition with few weeds. However, impacts from illegal four wheel driving and motorcycle activities are exacerbating existing vegetation disturbance. Rubbish dumping and burnt out cars were also observed along the main road which has been constructed for the proposed industrial subdivision. Plantings of native species along the Spine Road are now interspersed with pasture weeds (Photo 6.10) due to poor maintenance. The field survey has validated the importance of HEZ as of high conservation value due to the range of habitats observed, with few current threats occurring within these lands. The current threats that have been observed could be managed in the future. Site 24 on Figure 2.1 was in this location. Photo 6.10 The Spine Road native plantings interspersed with pasture weeds 6.3 Eastern Region In eastern Cessnock two sites were visited and they included the vegetation along John Renshaw Drive and George Booth Drive and these are described below. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 67 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 6.3.1 John Renshaw Drive The vegetation along John Renshaw Drive is fragmented by open cut mining operations of Donaldson Coal and Bloomfield. In addition cleared areas contain cattle grazing lands, chicken farms and an industrial subdivision has been built at the eastern end along Weakleys Drive. The extension to the F3 freeway occurs at the western end of John Renshaw Drive. The existing fragmented vegetation in this area is currently in good condition with little weeds, however unformed tracks traverse the vegetation and it is under threat from further mining and subdivision. The majority of the vegetation consists of Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest. Photo 6.11 shows Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest where it adjoins Buchanan Road with limited understorey with the native canopy intact. The field inspection has validated that the vegetation within the vicinity of John Renshaw Drive is of high conservation value, with the TECs consisting of Kurri Sands Swamp Woodland and Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest listed on the TSC Act occurring as dominant communities. Whilst this area is fragmented from open cut mining, cleared lands and industrial subdivision, it contains high conservation values in terms of threatened species habitat as well as TECs being present. Sites 24–27 on Figure 2.1 were in this location. Photo 6.11 Modified Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest at Buchanan Road 6.3.2 George Booth Drive This road traverses the Sugarloaf Range from West Wallsend to Buchanan and has a range of threatened vegetation communities including Hunter Lowland Redgum Forest, Lowland Rainforest, River-flat Eucalypt Forest and Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest (Photo 6.7). The Tasman mine is currently operating underground longwall mining under this road and the Hunter Expressway is currently traversing this vegetation to the east of George Booth Drive. This vegetation is generally in good condition (Photo 6.12), however it has been subjected to past logging, rubbish dumping, illegal four wheel driving access and has several power easements dissecting the vegetation. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 68 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds The field survey validated the priority conservation mapping as this area being of high conservation value, this is due to the intactness of the vegetation floristic structure, threatened species habitat and several TECs occurring within these lands. Site 19 on Figure 2.1 was in this location. Photo 6.12 Lower Hunter Spotted Gum Ironbark Forest at George Booth Drive 6.4 Chapter summary In the western region, the field investigations identified that the areas that have been mapped as being the higher levels of conservation priority were valid. Generally the condition and ‘intactness’ of native vegetation in this region, much of which adjoins or is connected to the GBMWHA, is high. This is reflected in the modelled conservation priority mapping. The field investigations also identified that while this region is relatively isolated and intact; threats are still present to the integrity of the biodiversity of the area and surrounding complementary lands. Threats directly observed included weeds, wild horses, riparian vegetation impacts and general agricultural uses such as grazing. It should be noted that in some cases rural property owners are contributing to positive outcomes that protect the GBMWHA by undertaking activities such as weed control and fuel management. The central region was found to represent a good example of conflict between conservation objectives and being located within more densely populated urban areas. From a biodiversity and complementary values perspective, the field investigations validated the mapping methodology by classifying areas of importance as being within the higher categories of conservation priority. Direct observations of threats in locations such as Werakata National Park and HEZ included potentially illegal activities such as 4WD use, trail bikes, extensive rubbish and household waste dumping. They also included evidence of weed infiltration around exposed edges of intact bushland. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 69 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Within the eastern region the field investigations were relatively limited due to the smaller size of this area and it being located the furthest distance from the GBMWHA. Areas mapped as being in the higher categories of modelled conservation priority were confirmed in the field. Evidence of threats appeared to be less evident in this part of Cessnock LGA, although general observations of illegal uses such as those occurring in the central region, weed invasion and land uses such as cattle grazing, chicken farming, industrial development and open cut (and underground) mining all threaten the complementary values to various degrees. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 70 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 7. Conclusion and recommendations 7.1 Conclusion This project involved a detailed process of literature review and expert consultation to identify key parameters to include in the priority conservation mapping process. The results of the priority conservation mapping process, which focussed on World Heritage complementary values within the Cessnock LGA, identified a number of areas as priority for conservation. It should be noted that the mapping process was tenure-blind and therefore treated all land, regardless of ownership, equally. The field investigations were found to validate the modelled conservation priorities, while also directly identifying threats to complementary values in a number of locations. The outcome of the conservation mapping process has identified the Wollombi Valley and surrounds as one of the key conservation priorities in relation to the protection and management of the GBMWHA. This area is generally poorly studied due to its relative isolation. These lands, the majority of which are either privately owned or managed by State Forests, were found to provide critical buffer capacity to protecting the World Heritage values contained within Yengo National Park. The lands in this area also demonstrate complementary values consistent with those contained within Yengo National Park and the GBMWHA. Management and protection of this area is of importance to ensure protection of the values of the GBMWHA. Another important set of lands was the inholdings of generally private lands located within the boundaries of Yengo National Park. These lands are mostly naturally vegetated and were mapped as displaying high affinities with World Heritage values. The future management of these inholdings is considered to be of high importance in order to protect the World Heritage values within Yengo National Park and the GBMWHA, as well as ensuring protection of the complementary values within the inholdings themselves. Other priority conservation areas identified through the mapping process included the following: Hunter Economic Zone. East Pelton. Congewai Road. Cessnock/Broke Roads. North Rothbury. East Richmond Vale. While some of the mapped locations are not necessarily directly linked or in close proximity to the GBMWHA they have been identified by the project as containing a wide range of biodiversity values that are complementary to the listing criteria for the GBMWHA. While some of the species and communities may be different to Yengo National Park and the GBMWHA, the totality of threatened ecological communities and species, combined with other attributes such as high eucalypt diversity, vegetation that has been highly cleared, large patch size and importance in local habitat connectivity and riparian protection have identified such areas as important in providing complementary values to the GBMWHA. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 71 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Future management of identified threats to all of these areas, particularly Wollombi Valley and the inholdings, requires further attention to ensure that Yengo National Park and the associated GBMWHA continues to maintain the characteristics for which the GBMWHA was listed by the World Heritage Committee. A number of recommendations have been made below to aid future management prioritisation. The high priority conservation areas identified in this study should be considered as part of strategic and local planning processes, such as the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy, Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan and Cessnock Biodiversity Strategy. This study should also be considered in the strategic assessments being undertaken in both the Lower Hunter and Upper Hunter regions. 7.2 Recommendations 7.2.1 General Consider conservation of the high priority conservation areas as part of strategic and local planning processes, such as the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy, Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan and Cessnock Biodiversity Strategy. Such areas could be the focus of future biodiversity offsetting to facilitate other development in the region, thereby contributing to conservation of World Heritage values within Cessnock LGA. High priority conservation areas identified in this study included: Wollombi Valley and surrounds inholdings Hunter Economic Zone East Pelton Congewai Road Cessnock/Broke Roads North Rothbury East Richmond Vale. Community awareness and recognition of the values outlined in this project could be improved through increased education activities for the general community and to specific areas of landholdings. This could be done via mechanisms such as Catchment Action Plan updates. Further investigate funding opportunities to assist State organisations such as OEH and State Forests, and private landholders, to increase effective management of the threats outlined in this report. Conduct a detailed study into the inholdings within Yengo National Park to determine options regarding working with land owners to protect World Heritage values, both within the inholdings and within the adjoining areas of Yengo National Park. Alternatively, determine with relevant government departments and land owners the potential for acquisition and integration into Yengo National Park. This applies if specific inholdings are determined to be in acceptable high quality condition or could be restored to World Heritage-equivalent condition with appropriately sourced funding. The modelling in this project should be considered for further refinement or expansion in the future, including further field validation. Undertake investigations into other values (such as cultural heritage or aesthetic values) of the GBMWHA and surrounds. The following sections outline specific recommendations for management strategies and actions that could assist in responding to specific threats to World Heritage and complementary values within the Lower Hunter region. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 72 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 7.2.2 Clearing Undertake detailed strategic planning processes that analyse appropriate land uses and zonings. Communicate this to land owners. Communicate at a land-owner level about values of remnant bushland and legislation that applies to land clearing activities. Educate visitors, adjacent landowners and communities about potential threats posed by land clearing within GBMWHA and complementary lands and ways they can minimise such impacts. Restore native vegetation and habitat features to increase substrate stability and create natural habitats suitable for terrestrial biodiversity. Remove major existing weed infestations where recorded. 7.2.3 Habitat modification Investigate whether substantial bushrock removal is occurring in the complementary lands and explore options to minimise removal if detected. Investigate potentially susceptible habitats to determine whether forest eucalypt dieback is occurring in the GBMWHA or complementary lands and explore options to mitigate impacts through measures such as weed control. Conduct a review of management regimes prescribed for the parks that make up the GBMWHA to ensure a consistent approach to fire management and associated biodiversity monitoring. Consider any new research demonstrating the fire regime requirements of threatened species during future updates of management plans. Management activities that can minimise the potential conflict between fire management for protection of human life and assets and biodiversity conservation include the location of developments, use of fire resistant plants and bushfire hazard reduction burns. Occupants of private inholdings and lands adjacent to the GBMWHA should be contacted and advised of the importance of the retention of large and hollow-bearing trees, especially in fertile valley landscapes. Advice should also be provided, regarding the ecosystem services provided by wildlife associated with tree hollows (e.g. pest control by microbats) and regarding appropriate mechanisms for tree protection. Research into the possible presence of hill-topping sites in the complementary lands is recommended to determine if any important sites may be threatened and the nature and severity of threats. 7.2.4 Diseases Educate the users of the GBMWHA and complementary lands regarding ways of minimising the potential for spread of pathogens. Monitor likely entry points such as road and track edges to detect the presence of Myrtle Rust and Rootrot Fungus. Signage and/or exclusion fencing of infected sites should occur. Treat any infestations of Myrtle Rust and Root-rot Fungus detected, if practicable. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 73 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 7.2.5 Pest animal species It is recommended that control programs for vertebrate predators are focussed on areas with sensitive biodiversity values. For example, control should focus on habitat for the susceptible species such as: Fox control in and surrounding areas of habitat for the Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby and other threatened macropods and Wild Dog control in areas of Koala habitat. As foxes affect both biodiversity and agricultural values, fox control in cooperation with landowners and NSW National Parks to eradicate foxes from properties should be investigated. 7.2.6 Weeds Improvement of the quality of runoff from rural and urban areas should be a future objective. Removal of major existing weed infestations associated with previous disturbance should be considered. Restoration of native vegetation in areas cleared during weed removal should occur. Encourage adjacent landowners to remove weeds. Monitor for new infestations and treat them prior to establishment. 7.2.7 Waterways Educate visitors, adjacent landowners and communities of potential threats to the waterways within GBMWHA and complementary lands and ways they can minimise the impacts. Restore native vegetation and habitat features within waterways and riparian areas to increase substrate stability and create natural habitats suitable for aquatic and riparian biodiversity. Improve the quality of runoff from upstream rural and urban areas. Remove of major existing weed infestations within waterways and riparian areas. Control stock access into waterways. Control domestic and feral animals. Manage quantities of water withdrawn for irrigation purposes and type and level of pollutants that can be legally discharged into waterways. Water monitoring prior to and after strategies have been implemented should be considered. 7.2.8 Illegal activities Improve the quality of highly used roads and access tracks. Install barriers to further decrease access to tracks, ecologically sensitive and/or restricted areas. Educate visitors to raise awareness of values and potential threats and impacts. Regulate entry of visitors within ecologically sensitive and/or restricted areas. Restore native vegetation in areas that have been cleared as a result of vegetation clearing or habitat modification. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 74 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 8. References Bell, S 2001, 'Notes on the distribution and conservation status of some restricted plant species from sandstone environments in the Upper Hunter Valley New South Wales', Cunninghamia, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 77– 88. Bell, S 2004a, The Vegetation of the Hunter Economic Zone (HEZ), Cessnock LGA, New South Wales, An unpublished Report prepared for Harpers Somers O'Sullivan. Bell, S 2004b, 'Vegetation of Werakata National Park, Hunter Valley, New South Wales', Cunninghamia, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 331-47. Bell, S & Driscoll, C 2006, Vegetation mapping of Watagans National Park and Jilliby State Conservation Reserve, An unpublished report prepared for Department of Environment and Conservation. Bell, S & Driscoll, C 2007, Vegetation of the Cessnock-Kurri Region, Cessnock LGA, New South Wales, Vegetation Survey and Mapping, An unpublished report for the Department of Environment and Climate Change. Bell, S & Driscoll, C 2012, Vegetation and floristics of Sugarloaf State Conservation Area, Lake Macquarie NSW, An unpublished report prepared for the Office of the Environment and Heritage. Blue Mountains City Council 2010, Sustainable Blue Mountains 2025. 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Department of Environment and Climate Change 2003, Lower Hunter Biodiversity Conservation Lands Mapping Methodology, An unpbulished report, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Sydney. Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007a, Introducing the NSW threatened species priorities action statement (PAS), Department of Environment and Climate Change,, Sydney South NSW. Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007b, Private Native Forestry - Advisory NOTE 1 - Hollow bearing trees, 978 1 74122 513 6. Department of Environment and Climate Change 2007c, Threatened species assessment guidelines. The assessment of significance, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hurstville. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 75 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008a, The native vegetation of Yengo and Parr Reserves and Surrounds, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hurstville, NSW. Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008b, The Vertebrate Fauna of Southern Yengo National Park and Parr State Conservation Area, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hurstville, NSW. Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008c, The Vertebrate fauna of Werakata National Park and Werakata State Conservation Area, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hurstville, NSW. Department of Environment and Climate Change 2008d, The vertebrate fauna survey of Sugarloaf State Conservation Area, An unpublished report for the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hurstville, NSW. Department of Environment and Conservation 2004, Threatened Biodiversity Survey and Assessment: Guidelines for Developments and Activities (Working Draft), Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville. Department of Environment Climate Change and Water 2009, Lower Hunter Regional Conservation Plan. Department of Industry and Investment 2010a, Identification of Myrtle Rust (Uredo rangelii), Department of Industry and Investment (Industry & Investment NSW). Department of Industry and Investment 2010b, Preventing the Spread of Myrtle Rust in bushland, Department of Industry and Investment (Industry & Investment NSW). Department of Industry and Investment 2010c, Primefact 1017 Myrtle Rust – Uredo rangelii Second Edition, Department of Industry and Investment (Industry & Investment NSW). Department of Lands 2013, Spatial Information Exchange, <https://six.lands.nsw.gov.au/wps/portal/SIXViewer >. Department of Planning 2006, Lower Hunter Regional Strategy. Department of Planning 2010, World Heritage in NSW Draft Discussion Paper, Sydney NSW. Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities 2009, Chytridiomycosis due to the amphibian chytrid fungus, viewed 15 May 2013, <http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/ktp/frog-fungus.html>. Department of Sustainability Environment Water Population and Communities 2013, Listed Key Threatening Processes, viewed 2013 15 May, <http://www.environment.gov.au/cgibin/sprat/public/publicgetkeythreats.pl>. Donaldson Coal Pty Ltd 2006, Abel Underground Mine Part 3A Environmental Assessment. Eco Logical Australia 2012, Hunter Catchment - Biodiversity Sensitivity Analysis, An Unpublished report for Hunter Development Corporation. Environment Australia 2001, Threat Abatement Plan for Dieback Caused by the Root-rot Fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi, Department of Environment and Heritage, Canberra. Fallding, M & Bell, S 1996, Wollombi Vegetation and Habitat Plan, An unpublished report prepared for Cessnock City Council. Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Advisory Committee 2012, Meeting Report. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 76 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Hager, T & Benson, D 2010, 'The Eucalypts of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area: distribution, classification and habitats of the species Eucalyptus, Angophora and Corymbia (family Myrtaceae) recorded in its eight conservation reserves', Cunninghamia, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 425-44. Hammill, K & Tasker, L 2010, Vegetation, Fire and Climate Change in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Department of Environment Climate Change and Water. International Union for Conservation of Nature 1999, 1999 World Heritage Nomination - IUCN Technical Evaluation The Greater Blue Mountains Area (Australia). Land and Property Information NSW 2013, Atlas of NSW, NSW Department of Finance and Services, <http://www.atlas.nsw.gov.au/public/nsw/home/index-2.html>. Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy 2003, Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Biodiversity Conservation Strategy Technical Report 2003, Digital Aerial Photo Interpretation and Updated Extant Vegetation Community Map, Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy, Callaghan, NSW. Mackey, B, Watson, J & Worboys, G 2010, Connectivity Conservation and the Great Eastern Ranges Corridor, An independent report to the Interstate Agency Working Group (Alps to Atherton Connectivity Conservation Working Group) convened under the Environment Heritage and Protection Council Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council. Matteson, KC & Langellotto, GA 2010, 'Determinates of inner city butterfly and bee species richness', Urban Ecosyst, pp. 1–15. Natural Heritage Trust 2004a, Chytridiomycosis (amphibian chyrid fungus disease), Canberra. Natural Heritage Trust 2004b, Phytophthora root rot, Canberra. NSW Government (2013) The Lower Hunter over the next 20 years: A Discussion Paper NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2004, Blue Mountains National Park Fire Management Strategy, Blue Mountains Region. NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2009, Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Strategic Plan, Department of Environment and Climate Change. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1998, The Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Nomination, Nomination prepared in association with Environment Australia. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 1999, Conservation Management Note 5 – 1999 – natural tree hollows. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2001, Blue Mountains National Park Plan of Management, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2009, Yengo National Park, Parr State Conservation Area and Finchley Aboriginal Area Plan of Management. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2010, Watagans National Park and Jilliby State Conservation Area - Plan of Management, NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. NSW Scientific Committee 2007, Final Determination to list the Loss of Hollow-bearing Trees as a Key Threatening Process, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hurstville. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 77 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Office of Environment and Heritage 2011, Infection of frogs by amphibian chytrid causing the disease chytridiomycosis - key threatening process listing, viewed 15 May 2013, <http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/AmphibianChytridKTPListing.htm>. Office of Environment and Heritage 2012a, Atlas of NSW Wildlife, <http://wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wildlifeatlas/watlas.jsp>. Office of Environment and Heritage 2012b, Cessnock Biodiversity Management Plan. Office of Environment and Heritage 2013, List of key threatening processes, viewed 2013 15 May, <http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/KeyThreateningProcessesByDoctype.htm>. Parsons Brinckerhoff 2013a, EPBC Act Listed Ecological Communities Mapping in the Lower Hunter, An unpublished report prepared for the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities, Newcastle, NSW. Parsons Brinckerhoff 2013b, Lower Hunter Vegetation Mapping, Cessnock Local Government Area, An unpublished report prepared for the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities, Newcastle NSW. Roderick, M, Ingwersen, DA & Tzaros, C 2013, Swift Parrots and Regent Honeyeaters in the Lower Hunter Region of New South Wales: an assessment of status, identification of high priority habitats and recommendations for conservation., Report funded by the Department of Sustainability Environment Water Populations and Communities through the Sustainable Regional Development Program. Birdlife Australia, Melbourne VIC. Stralberg, D, Jongsomjit, D, Howell, C, Snyder, M, Alexander, J, Wiens, J & Root, T 2009, 'Re-Shuffling of Species with Climate Disruption: A No-Analog Future for California Birds?', PLoS ONE, vol. 4, no. 9, p. e6825. Thackway, R & Cresswell, ID 1995, An Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia, Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra. Wollombi Valley Landcare Group Inc 2003, Wollombi Valley Catchment Management Plan 2003, Wollombi, NSW. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 78 Appendix A Eucalypt species recorded in Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds The following Table A.1 is based on the records from Hager & Benson (2010) and Hamill & Tasker (2010). Please note potential additional species have not been included only those species that have been since formally described. Table A.1 Eucalypts recorded in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Scientific name Common name Angophora bakeri Narrow-leaved Apple Angophora costata Smooth-barked Apple Angophora euryphylla Large-fruited Apple Angophora floribunda Rough-barked Apple Angophora hispida Dwarf Apple Corymbia exima Yellow Bloodwood Corymbia gummiferia Red Bloodwood Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum Corymbia trachyphloia subsp. amphistomatica White Bloodwood Eucalyptus agglomerata Blue-leaved Stringybark Eucalyptus aggregata Small-leaved Gum Eucalyptus albens White Box Eucalyptus amplifolia Cabbage Gum Eucalyptus apiculata Wollondilly Mallee Ash Eucalyptus baeuerlenii Baeurerlen’s Gum Eucalyptus baueriana Blue Box Eucalyptus bensonii Benson’s Stringybark Eucalyptus benthamii Nepean River Gum Eucalyptus beyeriana Beyer’s Ironbark Eucalyptus bicostata Eurabbie Eucalyptus blakelyi Blakely’s Red Gum Eucalyptus blaxlandii Blaxland’s Stringybark Eucalyptus bosistoana Bosisto’s Box Eucalyptus bridgesiana Apple Gum Eucalyptus burgessiana Burgess’s Mallee Ash Eucalyptus caleyi subsp. cayleyi Caley’s Ironbark Eucalyptus camphora subsp. camphora Variable-leaved Swamp Gum Eucalyptus cannonii Capertee Stringybark Eucalyptus capitellata Brown Stringybark Eucalyptus conica Fuzzy Box TSC Act1 EPBC Act2 V V V V V Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 A-1 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Scientific name Common name Eucalyptus consideniana Yertchuk Eucalyptus corticosa Olinda Gum Eucalyptus crebra Narrow-leaved Ironbark Eucalyptus cunninghamii Cliff Mallee Ash Eucalyptus cypellocarpa Monkey Gum Eucalyptus dalrympleana subsp. dalrympleana Mountain Gum Eucalyptus dawsonii Slaty Gum Eucalyptus deanei Mountain Blue Gum Eucalyptus dendromorpha Southern Highlands Ash Eucalyptus dives Broad-leaved Peppermint Eucalyptus dwyeri Dwyer’s Red Gum Eucalyptus elata River Peppermint Eucalyptus eugenioides Thin-leaved Stringybark TSC Act1 EPBC Act2 V Eucalyptus expressa (formerly Eucalyptus sp. aff. eugenioides) Eucalyptus fastigata Brown Barrel Eucalyptus fergusonii subsp. dorsiventralis Winged Ironbark Eucalyptus fibrosa Broad-leaved Ironbark Eucalyptus fracta Small-leaved Ironbark Eucalyptus globoidea White Stringybark Eucalyptus hypostomatica South Forest Box Eucalyptus laevopinea Silvertop Stringybark Eucalyptus laophila Newnes Mallee Ash V Eucalyptus ligustrina Eucalyptus macarthurii Paddy’s River Gum Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Red Stringybark Eucalyptus mannifera subsp. mannifers Blue Mountain Brittle Gum V Eucalyptus mannifera subsp. gullickii Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box Eucalyptus michaeliana Michael’s Gum Eucalyptus moluccana Grey Box Eucalyptus moorei Narrow-leaved Sally Eucalyptus muelleriana Yellow Stringybark Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 A-2 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Scientific name Common name Eucalyptus multicaulis Whipstick Ash TSC Act1 EPBC Act2 E E Eucalyptus nobilis Eucalyptus notabilis Mountain Mahogany Eucalyptus nubila Blue-leaved Ironbark Eucalyptus obiliqua Messmate Eucalyptus oreades Blue Mountains Ash Eucalyptus ovata Swamp Gum Eucalyptus paniculata subsp. paniculata Grey Ironbark Eucalyptus parramattensis subsp. parramattensis Parramatta Red Gum Eucalyptus pauciflora Snow Gum Eucalyptus pilularis Blackbutt Eucalyptus piperita Sydney Peppermint Eucalyptus polyanthemos subsp. polyanthemos Red Box Eucalyptus praecox Round-leaved Brittle Gum Eucalyptus prominula Wollombi Stringybark Eucalyptus punctata Grey Gum Eucalyptus quadrangulata Serrated-leaved Gum Eucalyptus radiata subsp. radiata Small-leaved Peppermint Eucalyptus ralla Nattai Stringybark Eucalyptus resinifera subsp. resinifera Red Mahogany Eucalyptus rossii Inland Scribbly Gum Eucalyptus rubida subsp. rubida Candlebark Eucalyptus saligna Sydney Blue Gum Eucalyptus scias subsp. scias Large-fruited Red Mahogany Eucalyptus sclerophylla Hard-leaved Scribbly Gum Eucalyptus sideroxylon Mugga Ironbark Eucalyptus sieberi Silvertop Ash Eucalyptus smithii Gully Gum Eucalyptus sparsifolia Narrow-leaved Stringybark Eucalyptus sp. Howes Swamp Creek (Doherty 26) Eucalyptus squamosa Scalybark Eucalyptus stellulata Black Sally Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 A-3 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds 1 2 3 Scientific name Common name Eucalyptus stricta Blue Mountains Mallee Ash Eucalyptus tenella Small-leaved Stringybark Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum Eucalyptus viminalis Ribbon Gum TSC Act1 EPBC Act2 V = Vulnerable, E = Endangered listed under the TSC Act. V=Vulnerable, E=Endangered listed under the EPBC Act Species in bold are threatened species listed either on the EPBC Act and/or the TSC Act Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 A-4 Appendix B Key Threatening Processes (KTPs) within GBMWHA and complementary lands Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds B1. Key Threatening Processes (KTPs) within GBMWHA and complementary lands Key Threatening Processes1 Loss of climatic habitat caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (EPBC Act) Threat type Climate Change Direct or indirect threat Clearing of native vegetation (TSC Act) Bushrock removal (TSC Act) Forest eucalypt dieback associated with overabundant psyllids and Bell Miners (TSC Act) Land clearing Habitat modification Habitat modification Relevance to complementary lands Indirect Moderate Although the nature and intensity of possible effects is not currently well known, this has potential to cause broadscale modification to vegetation and habitat characteristics through alteration to temperature, rainfall and fire regimes. The effects may be particularly severe for endemic species with highly specific habitat requirements. Moderate Although the nature and intensity of possible effects is not currently well known, this has potential to cause broadscale modification to vegetation and habitat characteristics through alteration to temperature, rainfall and fire regimes. The effects may be particularly severe for endemic species with highly specific habitat requirements. Direct Low GBMWHA is managed to ensure minimal vegetation clearance occurs. High Clearing of native vegetation and land clearance are likely to be occurring on an ongoing incremental basis on private lands and unprotected crown lands (with the exception of state forest) throughout the complementary lands. Direct Low Substantial historic bushrock removal is likely to have occurred but is unlikely to continue in anything but a minor and localised basis within the GBMWHA. Moderate Substantial historic bushrock removal is likely to have occurred and may continue on a localised basis within the complementary lands. Direct Moderate This process is likely to be occurring chiefly in more disturbed vegetation at the periphery of the GBMWHA. High This process is likely to be occurring, or to have potential to occur, in more fragmented and disturbed remnants of vegetation throughout the complementary lands. Anthropogenic Climate Change (TSC Act) Land clearance (EPBC Act) Relevance to the GBMWHA Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 B-1 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Key Threatening Processes1 High frequency fire resulting in the disruption of life cycle processes in plants and animals and loss of vegetation structure and composition (TSC Act) Loss of Hollow-bearing Trees (TSC Act) Loss or degradation (or both) of sites used for hill-topping by butterflies (TSC Act) Removal of dead wood and dead trees (TSC Act) Alteration of habitat following subsidence due to longwall mining (TSC Act) Threat type Habitat modification Habitat modification Habitat modification Habitat modification Habitat modification Direct or indirect threat Relevance to the GBMWHA Relevance to complementary lands Direct Moderate Potential exits for a conflict between fire regimes suitable for hazard reduction and ideal regimes for the conservation of biodiversity in areas adjacent to residential areas. Current management practices are however in place to balance potentially competing requirements. The achievement of regimes suitable for both conservation and the protection of human life and assets may become more difficult to achieve under the influence of climate change. The potential for arson to contribute to high frequency fire in this area is relatively low, except perhaps at its periphery. High Potential exits for a conflict between fire regimes suitable for hazard reduction and ideal regimes for the conservation of biodiversity in areas adjacent to residential areas. Current management practices are however in place to balance potentially competing requirements. The achievement of regimes suitable for both conservation and the protection of human life and assets may become more difficult to achieve under the influence of climate change. Direct Low Substantial loss of hollow-bearing trees is likely to have occurred during historic timber harvesting activities in parts of the GBMWHA but is unlikely to continue in anything but a minor and localised basis. High Substantial historic loss of hollow-bearing has occurred due to broad scale vegetation clearing, vegetation thinning and firewood collection within the complementary lands. Loss of hollow-bearing trees is continuing due to incremental clearing of remnant vegetation and the senescence of remnant paddock tress. Direct Low Minimal clearing or degradation of hill-top sites has occurred within the GBMWHA. Moderate Loss of degradation of hill-topping sites due to vegetation clearing and forestry operations may be occurring or have potential to occur in the ranges immediately to the east of the GBMWHA which are largely included in state forests. Direct Low Substantial removal of dead wood and dead trees is likely to have occurred in areas previously subject to forestry but is unlikely to continue in anything but a minor and localised basis within the GBMWHA. Moderate Substantial historic removal of dead wood and dead trees is likely to have occurred during the establishment of grazing properties and is likely to be continuing as a result of illegal firewood collection and incremental clearing of native vegetation. Direct Low Longwall mining is prohibited in the GBMWHA. Not a current issue but may be in future if restrictions on mining are relaxed. Moderate Historic mining is likely to have caused alteration to riparian and wetland habitats in parts on the complementary lands. Current and future mining may have potential to cause further impacts. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 B-2 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Key Threatening Processes1 Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) (EPBC Act) Threat type Disease Direct or indirect threat Disease Direct High Although the threatening process is not currently known from the GBMWHA, it may have potential to cause broad scale impacts on vegetation community composition and animal habitat, particularly if its prevalence in increased as a result of climate change. Direct High This process is likely to have resulted in the loss or drastic reduction in numbers and areas of occupancy of at least one frog species, the Giant Barred-frog. Other frog species may be at risk of loss. High This process is likely to have resulted in a drastic reduction in numbers and areas of occupancy of at least one frog species, the Giant Barred-frog. Other frog species may be at risk of loss. Direct High Uredo rangelii (Myrtle Rust), an exotic rust fungus of the order Uredinales pathogenic on plants of the family Myrtaceae, has been recorded within Yengo NP and Wollemi NP in the GBMWHA and in close proximity to Blue Mountains NP. The threatening process may, depending on the susceptibility of local species, have potential to cause broad scale impacts on vegetation community composition and animal habitat. The National Management Group for Myrtle Rust determined that it is no longer technically feasible to eradicate Uredo rangelii. High Although Myrtle Rust is not currently known from the complementary lands, it has been recorded nearby and it is likely to occur in future and may cause broad scale impacts on vegetation community composition and animal habitat. Direct Low Psittacine Circoviral Disease likely to affect the Swift Parrot which occupies the GBMWHA, however, no practical environmental management measures are likely to be available for the mitigation of impacts on this species in the locality. Low Psittacine Circoviral Disease likely to affect the Swift Parrot which occupies the complementary lands, however, no practical environmental management measures are likely to be available for the mitigation of impacts on this species in the locality. Direct Moderate. Likely to be concentrated near the boundary of GBMWHA and adjacent clearings. High Likely to occur throughout the complementary lands particularly near the interface of native vegetation and adjacent clearings. Infection of frogs by amphibian chytrid causing the disease chytridiomycosis (TSC Act) Introduction and establishment of Exotic Rust Fungi of the order Uredinales pathogenic on plants of the family Myrtaceae Psittacine Circoviral (beak and feather ) Disease affecting endangered psittacine species (EPBC Act) Disease Disease Infection by Psittacine Circoviral (beak and feather) Disease affecting endangered psittacine species and populations (TSC Act) Competition and land degradation by rabbits (EPBC Act) Competition and grazing by the feral European Rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.) (TSC Act) Pest animal species Relevance to complementary lands High Although the threatening process is not currently known from the GBMWHA, it may have potential to cause broad scale impacts on vegetation community composition and animal habitat, particularly if its prevalence in increased as a result of climate change. Infection of native plants by Phytophthora cinnamomi (TSC Act) Infection of amphibians with chytrid fungus resulting in chytridiomycosis (EPBC Act) Relevance to the GBMWHA Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 B-3 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Key Threatening Processes1 Competition and land degradation by unmanaged goats (EPBC Act) Threat type Pest animal species Direct or indirect threat Herbivory and environmental degradation caused by feral deer (TSC Act) Introduction of the Large Earth Bumblebee Bombus terrestris (L.) (TSC Act) Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem integrity following invasion by the Yellow Crazy Ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) on Christmas Island, Indian Ocean (EPBC Act) Invasion of the Yellow Crazy Ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes (Fr. Smith) into NSW (TSC Act) Pest animal species Pest animal species Pest animal species Pest animal species Relevance to complementary lands Direct Moderate. Records on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife indicate that Feral Goats are likely to be present in Blue Mountains NP & Wollemi NP. Moderate. Records on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife indicate that the Feral Goats are likely to be present in the eastern part of the Cessnock LGA. Direct Moderate This process is likely to be established throughout the GBMWHA. It is likely to affect a variety of hollow-dependent animals and nectar-feeding birds and mammals. Moderate This process is likely to be established throughout the complementary lands. It is likely to affect a variety of hollow-dependent animals and nectar-feeding birds and mammals. Direct Moderate Deer have been recorded in a number of locations in the GBMWHA and are likely to be causing localised damage to vegetation and animal habitats. If numbers increase over time, impacts are likely to become more significant. Moderate Deer have been recorded over a large proportion of the complementary lands and are likely to be causing localised damage to vegetation and animal habitats. If numbers increase over time, impacts are likely to become more significant. Indirect Moderate The species is not yet established in the region, however the climate of the GBMWHA may be suitable. If/when the species does become established, it may have significant impacts on World Heritage biodiversity values through promoting the spread and/or naturalisation of weeds such as Scotch Broom. Moderate The species is not yet established in the region, however the climate of the complementary lands may be suitable. If/when the species does become established, it may have significant impacts on biodiversity values through promoting the spread and/or naturalisation of weeds such as Scotch Broom. Direct Moderate The species has not yet been recorded in NSW and the climate of the GBMWHA may or may not be suitable, however, if the species does become established, it could have very significant impacts on World Heritage biodiversity values. The area is likely to become more suitable for the species with increases in temperature associated with climate change. Moderate The species has not yet been recorded in NSW and the climate of the GBMWHA may or may not not be suitable, however, if the species does become established, it could have very significant impacts on World Heritage biodiversity values. The area is likely to become more suitable for the species with increases in temperature associated with climate change. Competition and habitat degradation by Feral Goats, Capra hircus Linnaeus 1758 Competition from feral honey bees, Apis mellifera L. (TSC Act) Relevance to the GBMWHA Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 B-4 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Key Threatening Processes1 Predation and hybridisation by Feral Dogs, Canis lupus familiaris (TSC Act) Threat type Pest animal species Direct or indirect threat Direct Relevance to the GBMWHA Moderate Hybridisation with remnant Dingo populations in much of the GBMWHA is likely to be extensive and irreversible; however, remnant Dingo populations with relatively low wild dog influence may exist, particularly in the north of the area. Predation by Feral Dogs may impact negatively impact threatened species (e.g. Koala) but may also have positive impacts on other threatened species through suppression of Fox numbers. Pest animal Direct High Likely to be a major cause, in addition to habitat loss and fragmentation, of losses of species of terrestrial mammals, ground-nesting birds and possibly reptiles from smaller remnants and declines in the abundance and area of occupation of species in larger remnants. Direct Moderate Likely to be contributing to declines in the abundance and area of occupation of species of small mammals, ground-nesting birds and possibly reptiles. Moderate Likely to be contributing to declines in the abundance and area of occupation of species of small mammals, ground-nesting birds and possibly reptiles. Direct Moderate Likely to be found predominantly in lowland reaches of waterways in cleared environments and near the periphery of GBMWHA. Likely to have a moderate impact on native fish and frog species in these environments. Moderate Likely to be found predominantly in lowland reaches of waterways in cleared environments throughout the complementary lands. Likely to have a moderate impact on native fish and frog species in these environments. Predation by feral cats (EPBC Act) Predation by the Feral Cat Felis catus (Linnaeus, 1758) (TSC Act) Predation by Gambusia holbrooki Girard, 1859 (Plague Minnow or Mosquito Fish) (TSC Act) Pest animal species Pest animal species Moderate Hybridisation with remnant Dingo populations in the complementary lands is likely to be extensive and irreversible. Predation by Feral Dogs may impact negatively impact threatened species (e.g. Koala) but may also have positive impacts on other threatened species through suppression of Fox numbers. High Likely to be a major cause of declines in the abundance and area of occupation of species of terrestrial mammals, groundnesting birds and possibly reptiles. Predation by European red fox (EPBC Act) Predation by the European Red Fox Vulpes Vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) (TSC Act) Relevance to complementary lands Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 B-5 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Key Threatening Processes1 Threat type Direct or indirect threat Predation, Habitat Degradation, Competition and Disease Transmission by Feral Pigs (EPBC Act) Pest animal species Direct Predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by Feral Pigs, Sus scrofa Linnaeus 1758 (TSC Act) The biological effects, including lethal toxic ingestion, caused by Cane Toads (Bufo marinus) (EPBC Act) Pest animal species Act) Pest animal species Weeds High Particularly in the southern part of the GBMWHA. Likely to have significant localised impacts on: Moderate Likely to have a sparse and localised distribution in the LGA. Likely to have localised impacts on: native vegetation via direct disturbance and weed spread, native vegetation via direct disturbance and weed spread, native birds, reptiles, frogs via predation native birds, reptiles, frogs via predation native fungus-eating mammals via competition native fungus-eating mammals via competition Direct Moderate The species is not yet established in the region, however the climate of the complementary lands is likely to be suitable. If/when the species does become established, it is likely to have very significant impacts on biodiversity values. The area is likely to become more suitable for the species with increases in temperature associated with climate change. Direct Moderate The species has not yet been recorded in NSW and the climate of the GBMWHA may or may not be suitable, however, if the species does become established, it could have very significant impacts on World Heritage biodiversity values. The area is likely to become more suitable for the species with increases in temperature associated with climate change. Moderate The species has not yet been recorded in NSW and the climate of the GBMWHA may or may not be suitable, however, if the species does become established, it could have very significant impacts on World Heritage biodiversity values. The area is likely to become more suitable for the species with increases in temperature associated with climate change. Direct Moderate A variety of exotic vines and scramblers have been recorded or are likely to occur at the periphery of the GBMWHA, in historic clearings, along roads and in riparian areas. Further expansion of the range and increases in the dominance of weeds could have substantial impacts on World Heritage Values, particularly riparian and rainforest environments. Moderate A variety of exotic vines and scramblers have been recorded or are likely to occur throughout the complementary lands, particularly in clearings, along roads and in riparian areas. Further expansion of the range and increases in the dominance of weeds could have substantial impacts on biodiversity values, particularly riparian and rainforest environments. Importation of Red Imported Fire Ants Solenopsis invicta Buren 1972 (TSC Act) Invasion and establishment of exotic vines and scramblers (TSC Act) Relevance to complementary lands Moderate The species is not yet established in the region, however the climate of the GBMWHA may be suitable. If/when the species does become established, it is likely to have very significant impacts on World Heritage biodiversity values. The area is likely to become more suitable for the species with increases in temperature associated with climate change. Invasion and establishment of the Cane Toad (Bufo marinus) (TSC Act) The reduction in the biodiversity of Australian native fauna and flora due to the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (fire ant) (EPBC Relevance to the GBMWHA Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 B-6 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Key Threatening Processes1 Invasion and establishment of Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) (TSC Act) Invasion of native plant communities by African Olive Olea europaea L. subsp. cuspidata (Wall ex G. Don Cirferri) (TSC Act) Invasion of native plant communities by Chrysanthemoides monilifera (TSC Act) Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses (TSC Act) Threat type Weeds Weeds Weeds Weeds Direct or indirect threat Relevance to the GBMWHA Relevance to complementary lands Direct Moderate Scotch Broom has been recorded at the periphery of the GBMWHA adjacent to residential areas. Further expansion of the range and increases in the dominance of the species could have substantial impacts on World Heritage Values, particularly heathland environments. Moderate Scotch Broom has been recorded at the periphery of the GBMWHA adjacent to residential areas. Further expansion of the range and increases in the dominance of the species could have substantial impacts on World Heritage Values, particularly heathland environments. Direct Moderate Much of the sandstone dominated environment of the GBMWHA is likely to be marginal as habitat for the species, however, areas with soils of shale, alluvial or volcanic origin are likely to be susceptible to invasion. Grassy woodland and rainforest communities are the most likely to be susceptible. High Concentrated in lowland areas of the complementary lands in areas subject to clearing and disturbance from agricultural activities. The species has potential to have very significant impacts on grassy woodland and open forest communities on alluvial and shale-derived soils and on and associated threatened species. Direct Moderate Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera (Boneseed) has been recorded along roadways adjacent to the GBMWHA boundaries along the Great Western Highway and Bells Line of Road. The species may have potential to become more widespread in the GBMWHA. High Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera (Boneseed) and Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotunda (Bitou Bush) have been recorded in the complementary lands, predominantly in coastal and near-coastal areas. Bitou Bush is causing very sever impacts on dune vegetation in the locality. Direct Moderate Much of the sandstone dominated environment of the GBMWHA is likely to be marginal as habitat for exotic perennial grasses; however, areas with soils of shale, alluvial or volcanic origin are likely to be susceptible to invasion. Grassy woodland communities are the most likely to be susceptible. High Concentrated in lowland areas of the complementary lands in areas subject to clearing and disturbance from agricultural activities. Exotic perennial grasses have potential to have very significant impacts on grassy woodland and open forest communities on alluvial and shale-derived soils and on and associated threatened species. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 B-7 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area Values Study in the Cessnock Local Government Area and Surrounds Key Threatening Processes1 Threat type Direct or indirect threat Relevance to the GBMWHA Relevance to complementary lands Invasion, establishment and spread of Lantana (Lantana camara L. sens. La (TSC Act) Weeds Direct Moderate Lantana has been recorded or is likely to occur at the periphery of the GBMWHA, in historic clearings, along roads and in riparian areas. Further expansion of the range and increases in the dominance of the species could have substantial impacts on World Heritage Values, particularly riparian and rainforest environments. Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants (EPBC Act) Weeds Direct Moderate Evident in the GBMWHA particularly at its boundaries, along disturbed waterways and road edges. High Likely to occur throughout the complementary lands particularly near the interface of native vegetation and adjacent clearings and along waterways. Direct Moderate A variety of escaped garden plants have been recorded or are likely to occur at the periphery of the GBMWHA, in historic clearings, along roads and in riparian areas. Further expansion of the range and increases in the dominance of weeds could have substantial impacts on World Heritage Values, particularly riparian and rainforest environments. Moderate A variety of escaped garden plants have been recorded or are likely to occur throughout the complementary lands, particularly in clearings, along roads and in riparian areas. Further expansion of the range and increases in the dominance of weeds could have substantial impacts on biodiversity values, particularly riparian and rainforest environments. Direct Low Minor localised alteration to flow regimes is likely to have occurred due to historic clearing of some valley floors within the GBMWHA however the impact is unlikely to be substantial. High Substantial alteration to flow regimes is likely to have occurred due to broadscale clearing of vegetation particularly on valley floors and floodplains and the construction of water storage facilities. Direct Low Minor impacts are considered likely within the GBMWHA due to the ‘intactness’ of the vegetation, however the impact is unlikely to be substantial. Moderate This KTP is likely to be occurring throughout the complementary lands to various degrees, depending on the patch size. Generally, the larger the patch size and the less disturbance evident, the lower the impact Noisy Miners are likely to be having. Loss and degradation of native plant and animal habitat by invasion of escaped garden plants, including aquatic plants (TSC Act) Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and streams and their floodplains and wetlands (TSC Act) Decline in woodland and forest birds due to aggressive exclusion by abundant Noisy Miners (Preliminary Determination NSW Scientific Committee – TSC Act) Weeds Waterways Pest animal species Moderate Lantana has been recorded or is likely to occur patchily throughout the complementary lands, particularly in moister vegetation types, in clearings, along roads and in riparian areas. Further expansion of the range and increases in the dominance of weeds could have substantial impacts on biodiversity values, particularly riparian and rainforest environments. Note: 1. Equivalent EPBC Act and TSC Act listed key threatening processes are included together for brevity. Parsons Brinckerhoff | 2189203A-ECO-RPT-0162 B-8