RFI - Ecological Assessment Report

                                                                                 Ecological Assessment Report



from time to time (see section 4.6). In addition, the site is considered to contain suitable habitat for
common fauna and also certain threatened species.

4.4       Flora Species Assessment

The Wildnet database search identified six threatened flora species recorded from within 2km of the
site, being mountain wedding bush (Ricinocarpos speciosus), baconwood (Archidendron lovelliae),
scrub turpentine (Rhodamnia rubescens), southern penda (Xanthostemon oppositifolius), northern
honeysuckle (Triunia robusta), and hairy hazelwood (Symplocos harroldii). The EPBC database search
identified a further 20 threatened plant species that have been recorded within 2km of the site. However,
no threatened flora species were found within the development footprint area and none are considered
likely to occur, including the above-mentioned species, due to the ongoing management of the
understorey vegetation.

The site is mapped within a mapped high-risk area (i.e. an area where endangered, vulnerable or near
threatened native plants are present or are likely to be present) on the Protected plants flora survey
trigger map. The flora survey undertaken was in accordance with the Flora Survey Guidelines –
Protected Plants (DES, 2019).

4.5       Habitat Assessment

Fauna habitat features of the site consist of resources (e.g. foraging, breeding, refuge and shelter
resources) of varying quality and condition, including:

      •    Foraging resources associated with native flowering plants (in particular, Eucalyptus, Corymbia,
           and Acacia spp.) - nectar, pollen and insect prey items (abundant);

      •    Coarse and fine woody debris and large logs (frequent);

      •    Hollow bearing logs (occasional);

      •    Dry grass, long grass and leaf litter (abundant);

      •    Termitaria and arboreal termitaria (sparse);

      •    Arboreal hollows (sparse)

Habitat values across the development footprint area are considered to be moderate due to the ongoing
understorey management. There are foraging resources including a variety of fruiting/flowering plants,
but limited habitat in the form of dense understorey vegetation, coarse woody debris and logs, hollows
or arboreal termitaria. Habitat values just outside of the development footprint area, where the
understorey vegetation is currently not managed, are considered to high due to the dense understorey
vegetation and significant amounts of coarse woody debris and logs.

4.6       Corridors and Linkages

The site forms part of a larger patch of remnant vegetation/habitat in combination with surrounding
properties. It is also an important part of a strategic, north-south wildlife movement corridor through the
local area for terrestrial and arboreal fauna. The wildlife corridor values of the property are considered
to be high.




                                                           PR22116_EA_178 Davis Rd, Cootharaba       Page 19