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ELDERSLIE BANKSIA SCRUB FOREST OF THE SYDNEY BASIN BIOREGION: DRAFT
DESCRIPTION
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1. DESCRIPTION OF THE ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY
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Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest of the Sydney Basin Bioregion (hereafter Elderslie Banksia
Scrub Forest or the ecological community) is a scrub-forest or woodland occurring on sand
deposits in the Camden area of south-western Sydney. The canopy is dominated by Banksia
integrifolia subsp. integrifolia (coast banksia). The understorey is typically shrubby with
scattered herbs, sedges and ferns (Tozer et al., 2010).
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1.1
Name of the ecological community
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The name of the ecological community is Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest of the Sydney Basin
Bioregion. The ecological community was nominated and placed on the 2011 Finalised Priority
Assessment List as part of a broader ecological community ‘Hinterland Sand Flats Forest and
Woodland of the Sydney Basin Bioregion’. Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest is one component of
that nomination which is being assessed separately due to its unique nature.
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The name of the ecological community reflects its structure and location. It also aligns with a
listing by the New South Wales (NSW) Scientific Committee under the Threatened Species
Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) of the same name. Information regarding the NSW listed
ecological community can be found at:
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/ElderslieBanksiaScrubForestCommunityE
ndComListing.htm
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1.2
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The Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest ecological community is located in the Sydney Basin
Bioregion as defined by version 7 of the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia
(IBRA v 7).
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It occurs almost exclusively in the Camden local government area (LGA) south of the township
of Camden and in proximity to the Nepean River (NSW NPWS, n.d.). The area is within the
jurisdiction of Greater Sydney Local Land Services.
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Geology
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The ecological community occurs on sandy substrates on high-level Tertiary alluvium (NSW
Scientific Committee, 1999; Tozer et al., 2010).
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The soil is likely to be fairly low in nutrients, unlike more recent alluvial deposits (Keith,
2004), and may be well-drained or poorly drained (NSW Scientific Committee, 1999). The
substrate is considered to have influenced the types of plant species that occur in the ecological
community, many of which correspond to more coastal dune flora (Keith, 2004).
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Altitude and Climate
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The ecological community occurs at low elevations of around 50 m above sea level (ASL). It
is found on flat terrain on the valley floor in an area that receives around 750 mm rainfall
annually (Tozer et al., 2010).
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1.3
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The Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest is a low woodland or scrub-forest dominated by Banksia
integrifolia subsp. integrifolia, approximately 10-15 m tall (Tozer et al., 2010). Wetter areas
may be characterised by Eucalyptus botryoides (bangalay) (NSW Scientific Committee, 1999).
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The ecological community has a prominent and diverse mid layer which includes coastal and
dry rainforest flora and a patchy or scattered ground layer of ferns, sedges and herbs (Tozer et
al., 2010).
Location and physical environment
Vegetation
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Canopy
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The canopy is dominated by Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia (coast banksia), or
Eucalyptus botryoides (bangalay) in some wetter areas, and may contain Angophora
subvelutina (rough-barked apple), E. baueriana (blue box) and/or Melaleuca decora (Tozer et
al., 2010; NSW Scientific Committee, 2012).
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Mid layer (low to medium shrubs)
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Characteristic mid layer species include: Acacia decurrens (black wattle, green wattle, Sydney
green wattle, Boo'kerrikin (D'harawal)), A. implexa (hickory wattle, weetjellan (D'harawal)), A.
ulicifolia (prickly Moses), Aotus ericoides (common aotus), Brachyloma daphnoides (daphne
heath), Breynia oblongifolia (coffee bush), Clerodendrum tomentosum (hairy clerodendrum),
Dillwynia glaberrima (smooth-leaved dillwynia), Duboisia myoporoides (corkwood), Kunzea
ambigua (tick bush), Persoonia linearis (narrow-leaved geebung), Pimelea linifolia subsp.
linifolia (slender rice-flower), Platysace lanceolata (shrubby platysace) and Ricinocarpos
pinifolius (wedding bush) (NSW Scientific Committee, 1999, 2012; Tozer et al., 2010).
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Ground layer (ferns, sedges and herbs)
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The ground layer often includes Dianella caerulea, Dianella revoluta, Gahnia clarkei (tall sawsedge), Hibbertia diffusa (wedge guinea flower), Gleichenia dicarpa (pouched coral fern,
tangle fern), Lomandra spp. and Pteridium esculentum (common bracken) (NSW Scientific
Committee, 1999, 2012; Tozer et al., 2010).
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1.4
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The following fauna have been recorded within the ecological community or similar native
vegetation in the Camden LGA: Pygopus lepidopodus (common scaly-foot), Pogona barbata
(bearded dragon), Ctenotus robustus (striped skink), Lampropholis guichenoti (garden skink),
Pseudechis porphyriacus (red-bellied black snake), Tachyglossus aculeatus (short-beaked
echidna), Petaurus breviceps (sugar glider), Trichosurus vulpecula (common brushtail
possum), Pseudocheirus peregrines (common ringtail possum), Pteropus poliocephalus (greyheaded flying-fox), Rattus fuscipes (bush rat), Limnodynastes dumerilii (eastern banjo frog), L.
peronii (brown-striped frog), L. tasmaniensis (spotted marsh frog), Litoria verreauxii
(Verreaux's tree frog) and Crinia signifera (common eastern froglet) (Jones et al., 1997).
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Avifauna recorded within or in proximity to the ecological include Acanthiza pusilla (brown
thornbill), Artamus cyanopterus (dusky woodswallow), Colluricincla harmonica (grey shrikethrush), Malurus cyaneus (superb fairy-wren), M. lamberti (variegated fairy-wren),
Pachycephala pectoralis (golden whistler), Eopsaltria australis (eastern yellow robin),
Petroica rosea (rose robin), Lichenostomus chrysops (yellow-faced honeyeater), Ninox
novaeseelandiae (southern boobook owl), Melanodryas cucullata (hooded robin), Pardalotus
striatus and P. punctatus (striated and spotted pardalote), Rhipidura albiscapa (grey fantail),
Sericornis frontalis (white-browed scrubwren) (Jones et al., 1997).
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The nationally threatened Lathamus discolor (swift parrot) is a migratory species that may
utilise the area over winter (Jones et al., 1997).
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A number of threatened fauna are known to occur in or adjacent to the ecological community
(NSW Scientific Committee, 2014), these are listed at Table 1.
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Table 1. Threatened fauna found in or near Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest
Fauna
Scientific name
Chalinolobus dwyeri
Lathamus discolor
Meridolum corneovirens
Common name
large-eared pied bat
swift parrot
Cumberland land snail
EPBC
Act
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e
-
TSC Act
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e
Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis
Mormopterus norfolkensis
Pteropus poliocephalus
Scoteanax rueppellii
eastern bentwing bat
eastern free-tail bat
grey-headed flying fox
greater broad-nosed bat
v
-
v
v
v
v
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1.5
Key diagnostic characteristics and condition thresholds
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National listing focuses legal protection on remaining patches of the ecological community that
are most functional, relatively natural (as described by the ‘Description’) and in relatively good
condition. Key diagnostic characteristics and condition thresholds assist in identifying a patch
of the threatened ecological community, determine when the Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is likely to apply to the ecological community
and to distinguish between patches of different quality. The ecological community may exhibit
various degrees of disturbance and degradation. This degree of degradation has been taken into
account in developing the condition thresholds.
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1.5.1 Key diagnostic characteristics
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The key diagnostic characteristics presented here summarise the main features of the ecological
community. These are intended to aid the identification of the ecological community, noting
that a broader description is given in the other sections. Key diagnostic characteristics for
describing the Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest ecological community are that it:
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1.5.2 Condition thresholds
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Condition classes and thresholds provide guidance for when a patch of a threatened ecological
community retains sufficient conservation values to be considered as a Matter of National
Environmental Significance, as defined under the EPBC Act. This means that the referral,
assessment and compliance provisions of the EPBC Act are focussed on the most valuable
elements of the ecological community. Very degraded patches that do not meet the condition
thresholds will be largely excluded from national protection.
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Although very degraded/modified patches are not protected as the ecological community listed
under the EPBC Act, it is recognised that patches that do not meet the condition thresholds may
still retain important natural values and may be protected through State and local laws or
schemes. Therefore, these patches should not be excluded from recovery and other
management actions. Suitable recovery and management actions may improve these patches to
the point that they may be regarded as part of the ecological community fully protected under
the EPBC Act. Management actions should, where feasible, also aim to restore patches to meet
the high quality condition thresholds outlined below.
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< Note: exact vegetative cover and patch size figures are to be finalised through further data
analysis and consultation.>
Occurs solely within the Sydney Basin Bioregion.
Occurs on typically flat terrain near the Nepean River.
Occurs at low altitude around 50 m ASL
Occurs typically on sandy soil, on deposits of tertiary alluvium
The vegetation structure is typically low woodland (also described as scrub and
scrub/forest), less than 15 m tall with a prominent mid shrub layer.
 The canopy is usually dominated by Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia, but Eucalyptus
botryoides may dominate in the wettest areas. Other typical canopy species may include:
Angophora subvelutina, Eucalyptus baueriana and Melaleuca decora.
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For Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest, categories A1 and A2 are considered the minimum
thresholds for a patch of Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest to be regarded as an example of high
quality condition. Categories B1 and B2 are considered moderate quality condition and the
minimum thresholds for a patch of the ecological community to be subject to the referral,
assessment and compliance provisions of the EPBC Act.
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Category and Rationale
A1. High condition class
Represented by medium to large size
patch with very high quality native
understorey
A2. High condition class
Represented by large size patch with
high quality native understorey
B1. Moderate condition class
Represented by medium to large-size
patch as part of a larger native
vegetation remnant and/or with mature
trees
B2. Moderate condition class
Represented by medium to large size
patch with high quality native
understorey
Thresholds
Patch size >0.5ha
And
>70% of the perennial understorey vegetation cover is made up of
native species.
Patch size >1ha
And
>50% of the perennial understorey vegetation cover is made up of
native species.
Patch size >0.5ha
And
>30% of the perennial understorey vegetation cover is made up of
native species
And
The patch is contiguous with a native vegetation remnant (any native
vegetation where cover in each layer present is dominated by native
species) >1ha in area.
Patch size >0.5ha
And
>50% of the perennial understorey vegetation cover is made up of
native species.
Perennial understorey vegetation cover includes vascular plant species of the ground and low to medium shrub
layers with a lifecycle of more than two growing seasons. Measurements of perennial understorey vegetation cover
exclude annuals, cryptogams, leaf litter or exposed soil.
Contiguous means the patch of the ecological community is continuous with, or in close proximity (within 100 m),
of another patch of vegetation that is dominated by native species in each vegetation layer present.
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1.6
Defining a patch
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A patch is defined as a discrete and continuous or semi-continuous area of the ecological
community. A patch may include small-scale disturbances, such as tracks or breaks,
watercourses or small-scale variations in vegetation that do not significantly alter its overall
functionality (functionality here refers to processes such as the movement of wildlife and
pollinators, the dispersal of plant propagules, activities of seed and plant predators and many
others).
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Areas that meet the condition thresholds are considered critical to the survival of Elderslie
Banksia Scrub Forest. Additional areas, such as adjoining native vegetation and areas that meet
the description of the ecological community but not the condition thresholds are also
considered important to the survival of the ecological community. It is also important to
consider the surrounding environment and landscape context.
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Since European settlement, it is estimated the ecological community has undergone a reduction
in extent of over 85%. Total remaining extent is 13 to15 ha.
Area critical to the survival of the ecological community
Geographic extent and patch-size distribution
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Average patch size and the largest patch size are both less than 10 ha (NSW Scientific
Committee and Simpson, 2008, based on Tozer et al., 2003).
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NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995:
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NSW state listed ecological communities do not include condition thresholds.
Relationships to State-listed ecological communities
Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion – endangered (a draft
determination is currently on public exhibition regarding potential up-listing to critically
endangered).
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The ecological community corresponds, entirely or in part, to the following vegetation
classifications:
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The ecological community forms part of the Sydney Sand Flats Dry Sclerophyll Forest
described by Keith (2004).
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1.10
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The following vegetation types occur in western south-west Sydney on sandy substrates. They
can generally be differentiated from Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest by their location in the
landscape and floristic composition.
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1.10.1 Similar communities
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Agnes Banks Woodland (DSF p239, Tozer et al., 2010)
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Agnes Banks Woodland occurs on a similar substrate to Elderslie Banksia Scrub, and has
similar coastal floral characteristics. It primarily occurs on deep Aeolian (wind-blown) sands,
overlying Tertiary alluvium. It occurs further north than Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest, around
the Agnes Banks township, and at a slightly higher elevation of around 70 m ASL. Both
ecological communities contain Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia and Melaleuca decora,
but they differ in many of the other characteristic canopy and understorey flora.
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Cumberland River Flat Forest (FoW p33, Tozer et al., 2010)
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Cumberland River Flat Forest is a woodland or open forest occurring on alluvial flats and
stream-banks in the Hawkesbury-Nepean and Georges River regions. It differs to Elderslie
Banksia Scrub Forest in that its canopy is not dominated by Banksia integrifolia subsp.
integrifolia, and its typically open shrub layer with a continuous ground cover of grasses and
forbs (Tozer et al., 2010).
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1.10.2 Intergrading communities
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The ecological community is adjacent to and intergrades with the nationally listed Cumberland
Plain Shale Woodlands and Shale-Gravel Transition Forest and river flat forest communities
(NSW Scientific Committee, 1999).
Tozer et al. (2010)
- DSF p463 Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest.
Differences to similar or intergrading ecological communities
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Bibliography
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Jones, H., Recsei, J., Delaney, R., Barker, C., Williams, S. & Chessman, B. (1997). Native
fauna of Western Sydney - Urban bushland biodiversity survey. NSW National Parks and
Wildlife Service, Hurstville.
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Keith, D.A. (2004). Ocean shores to desert dunes: the native vegetation of New South Wales
and the ACT. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, Sydney.
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NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NSW NPWS) (n.d.). NSW National Parks & Wildlife
Service − 1:25 000 Map Series − Map 5 of 16 [Mapping project undertaken 1997-2000].
Available on the internet at
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/vegmapCumberlandPlain05Camde
n.pdf
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NSW Scientific Committee (1999). Elderslie banksia scrub forest community - endangered
ecological community listing: Final determination. Available on the internet at:
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/ElderslieBanksiaScrubForestCommu
nityEndComListing.htm
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NSW Scientific Committee (2012). Elderslie Banksia Scrub Forest – profile. Available on the
internet at:
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedSpeciesApp/profile.aspx?id=10263
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NSW Scientific Committee (2014). Preliminary determination [Elderslie banksia scrub forest].
Available on the internet at:
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/threatenedspecies/determinations/PDElder
slie%20BanksiaScrubCEEC.pdf
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NSW Scientific Committee and Simpson, C.C. (2008). Change in the distribution of
Cumberland Plain Woodland - cumberland_V2_2008_VISmap_3785, 1:100,000 [an
update to Tozer et al., 2003 vegetation classifications]. NSW DECC.
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Tozer, M.G., Turner, K., Keith, D.A., Tindall, D., Pennay, C., Simpson, C., MacKenzie, B.,
Beukers, P. & Cox, S. (2010). Native vegetation of southeast NSW: a revised
classification and map for the coast and eastern tablelands. Cunninghamia 11(3), 359406.
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