Attachment 6 - Ecological Assessment

                          Ecological Assessment – Attunga Heights




5 IMPACTS AND AMELIORATION
5.1 Introduction
The following sections examine the likely direct and indirect impacts of the proposed
development and recommends amelioration measures to minimise and mitigate impacts
on the biodiversity and habitat values of the site.



5.2 Potential Impacts of the Proposed Development
5.2.1 Habitat Loss/Vegetation Clearing
The proposed development will result in vegetation and habitat loss associated with the
construction of buildings, roads and other infrastructure. The impact of the proposed
development on regional ecosystems on the site is shown in FIGURE 10. The proposal will
result in the removal of approximately 0.51 ha of confirmed remnant vegetation.

Additional impacts that may occur as a result of the removal of vegetation communities
on the subject site are summarised as follows:

      Clearance of vegetation on the subject site will reduce the size and area of
       habitats available for the dispersal and recruitment of native flora species and
       may reduce dispersal and visits by pollinators which may negatively impact on the
       reproductive success of remaining flora in the area.
      Disturbance to the subject site will create opportunities for further weeds to
       colonise both the site and adjacent vegetation. Weeds are likely to be introduced
       to the subject site and adjacent vegetation in construction materials or by
       vehicles. Weed numbers on site may increase due to dumping of garden waste,
       changes in the nutrient status of the soil and increased light penetration.
      Occupation of the subject site by future residents may create opportunities for
       ornamental and landscape garden plant species to disperse into adjacent areas of
       retained vegetation.
      The removal of vegetation from the subject site will result in a decrease in
       organic material and biomass on the site.
      Edge effects may be experienced in areas of conserved vegetation adjacent to
       development zones. In these circumstances, there is likely to be a change in the
       composition of flora communities and subsequent impacts on fauna species.
      Occupation of the site may increase the risk of fire release into areas of native
       vegetation on the subject site leading to a disturbance in the natural fire regime
       of the locality and impacts on fire-sensitive flora species and/or those that
       require specific fire regimes.
      The removal of vegetation will disturb the soil structure and integrity which can
       reduce the health and longevity of remaining vegetation and result in increased
       soil erosion which may cause sedimentation of watercourses.
      Clearing may result in injury, displacement and death to fauna.




Job No: Q12038/Rw1                      JWA Pty Ltd                                   29