Attachment 6 - Ecological Assessment

                           Ecological Assessment – Attunga Heights



      Clearing physically removes food sources, shelter and other habitat attributes that
       fauna use.
      Domestic dogs and cats prey on native fauna and may have significant impacts on
       the populations of native species. The proposed development may increase the
       rate by which non-native predators such as dogs and cats are introduced into
       habitats retained on the site or adjoining the site.
      Vegetation clearing resulting in fragmentation of remaining habitat areas leads to
       reduced habitat connectivity and reduces dispersal opportunities for fauna and
       flora species.
      The establishment of infrastructure with people, noise and lighting can have
       important implications for the behaviour of fauna within retained vegetation
       (particularly nocturnal fauna) and may cause reclusive species to move away from
       habitat edges and will act as a deterrent on the movement of animals through the
       site.


5.2.2 Threatened Flora
No threatened flora species were recorded on site. Four (4) threatened species were
considered to be possible occurrences given the habitat available on site. The proposed
development may reduce the amount of habitat available for these species.


5.2.3 Threatened Fauna
Grey-headed flying foxes have been observed on the site. No further threatened fauna
species were detected, however several threatened or migratory species were considered
to be possible or likely occurrences, based on the presence of suitable habitat (APPENDIX
2):

      Glossy black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami);
      Fork-tailed swift (Apus pacificus);
      White-throated needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus);
      Black-faced monarch (Monarcha melanopsis);
      Spectacled monarch (Monarcha trivirgatus); and
      Rufous fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons).

While a proportion of vegetation may be removed as a result of the proposed
development, the proposed works have been planned around the need to retain the best
quality existing habitat and will not result in the loss of significant habitat for the above
species.


5.2.4 Waterways and Wetlands
One (1) watercourse occurs in the north-eastern portion of the site (FIGURES 4 and 5).
The proposed development has been designed to retain the watercourse and adjacent
vegetation. However, indirect impacts may include changes to hydrological regimes,
erosion and sedimentation, and an increase in weeds in riparian areas.


Job No: Q12038/Rw1                       JWA Pty Ltd                                      30