Attachment 7B - Fauna and Flora Assessment_NoosaLandfill_NorthernSection_Revision3

                                                                                Native Foresters



Weed species are generally restricted to the lower and mid strata and the edges. Of concern is
the presence of Singapore daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata) throughout the survey area, with the
infestation extending over 80 metres into the remnant heathland northeast of the survey area
(Figure 7). Lantana (Lantana camara), Wild tobacco (Solanum mauritianum), African Pigeon
Grass (Setaria sphacelata) Groundsel (Baccharis halimifolia) and Camphor laurel are also
present. Groundsel bush, Singapore daisy, Lantana and Camphor laurel are Restricted Invasive
Plants under the Biosecurity Act 2014. Measures should be taken to control the spread of
Singapore daisy e.g. machinery hygiene inspections and removal/disposal of all spoil
contaminated with Singapore daisy fragments. Management of the Singapore daisy infestation in
the buffer should also be undertaken as part of Council’s general biosecurity obligation.




          FIGURE 7: Singapore Daisy infestation extends 50-80 m north east of survey area.

The RE mapping shows the area of interest near the Cleanaway depot contains thin strips of
remnant Scribbly gum woodland (Endangered RE 12.5.3 - Eucalyptus racemosa subsp.
racemosa woodland on remnant Tertiary surfaces) and a central core of remnant Palustrine heath
(Least concern RE 12.3.13 - Closed or wet heathland on seasonally waterlogged Quaternary
alluvial plains with characteristic species including Melaleuca thymifolia, Banksia robur,
Xanthorrhoea fulva, Hakea actites, Leptospermum spp. and Baeckea frutescens).

Ground-truthing of the vegetation on site however, indicates that the edges of the area of interest
do not contain Scribbly gum and are dominated by Paperbark tea tree. The pre-clear vegetation
mapping suggests that these edges are what remains of the lower slopes of the Scribbly gum
vegetation community in which Paperbark tea tree is often a prominent feature.

The central core, which may have historically been dominated by heath species, appears to be
transitioning to a wetland system with well-established Paperbark tea trees. This has probably
occurred through the exclusion of fire and changes in hydrology. The vegetation community now
exhibits the structure and composition of Least concern RE 12.3.5 - Melaleuca quinquenervia
open forest on coastal alluvium.

Whilst there is some evidence of recent disturbance and clearing for tracks (refer to Appendix G
- Aerial imagery), the area has generally not been mechanically or chemically cleared in the past
20 years.



Noosa Landfill & RRC - Northern Section – Fauna and Flora Assessment – REV3             22