Appendix E - Ecological Assessment Report

Ecological Assessment Report v1                                                         NCES Ref: J000669
Lot 2 on RP131369 – 108 Black Mountain Range Road, Black Mountain



5     DEVELOPMENT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION

5.1      Flora and Vegetation Communities

5.1.1     Impacts
5.1.1.1 Removal of Native Vegetation
A small amount of vegetation within the mapped Area of Biodiversity Significance and MSES
Regulated Vegetation (Category R GBR Riverine) overlay may be impacted by the upgrade of the
existing driveway. Existing vegetation in the vicinity of the driveway consists of predominantly planted
ornamental tree species of both native and exotic origins. Species observed include Jacaranda
mimosifolia (Jacaranda), Pinus elliotii (slash pine), Araucaria cunninghamii (hoop pine),
Castanospermum australe (black bean) and ornamental Cyperus pines (exotic). At present, it is
difficult to quantify the precise extent of individual trees which may be impacted by the proposed
earthworks in the absence of a detailed tree survey and an arborist assessment. Preliminary
estimates indicate that potentially up to 500m2 of vegetation adjacent to the driveway may be directly
cleared or indirectly impacted by the works (e.g., impacted by placement of fill over structural root
zone).
No direct clearing of vegetation contained within any mapped overlays is required for the proposed
position of the nominated building envelope (BLE) for Lot 2, however if approved, new exempt
clearing rights could potentially be introduced applicable to new buildings constructed within the
nominated building envelope. A Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Management Plan (BHAMP) has
been prepared by NCES and submitted concurrently with this application. The BHAMP has identified
that the only hazardous vegetation in proximity to the proposed BLE is located offsite approximately
170m to the west of the BLE. The BHAMP does not prescribe the requirement for any additional
Asset Protection Zone to be implemented around the proposed Lot 2 BLE which is immediately
surrounded by cleared areas and low hazard regrowth notophyll vine forest vegetation. Therefore,
if the application were to be approved, additional exempt clearing rights associated with the new
BLE would be expected to be minor only and generally only considered ‘reasonably necessary’ for
storm damage protection rather than bushfire protection.
Similarly, if approved, new exempt clearing rights of up to 10m width would be created to manage
the new internal allotment boundary fencing and access.
Figure 2 portrays the anticipated degree of impact to the NSC mapped biodiversity resources on the
site.

5.1.2     Mitigation Measures
The Plan of development has been designed to minimise any impacts to vegetation contained within
the site. The proposed BLE and new internal allotment boundary have been located within existing
cleared areas characterised by mown grass with a small number of individual trees generally
associated with amenity plantings around the existing dwelling. No clearing impacts to the field
validated extent of the VC1 regrowth notophyll vine forest community will arise as a result of the
proposed development. Whilst some minor impact to planted exotic and native ornamental tree
species may arise as a result of the construction of the upgraded access driveway, impacts will be
relatively minor and can be reduced by engagement of a suitably qualified arborist to assess the
trees in immediate proximity of the proposed works and retain adjoining trees where deemed safe
to do so.
In addition, the extent of the regrowth notophyll vine forest vegetation within both Lot 1 and Lot 2 is
proposed to be registered under a conservation covenant and a weed control program enacted to
enhance and protect the ecological values contained within this vegetation community. This initiative
represents a highly positive ecological outcome associated with the application. The details of this
initiative are proposed to be presented with the future OPW application for the project.




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