Attachment C - Rev Fauna and Flora Assessment

                                                                                 Native Foresters



4.0 SUMMARY
     •   The vegetation on the northern side of the existing built structures at the Vipassana
         Meditation Centre is mapped as remnant and is in relatively good ecological condition,
         with a diversity of native species; mature trees with some hollows forming; a developing
         structural complexity and evidence of active recruitment.
     •   There are significant native trees in the northern area with a dbh of 500mm or more
         occurring that provide habitat, shading, and canopy connectivity. Clearing works will
         result in the loss of 4-5 of these trees. Areas of exotic understorey weeds are present on
         the disturbed forest edges and adjacent to the cleared grassy areas.
     •   Vegetation on the southern side of the existing Vipassana Centre is mapped as non-
         remnant. This vegetation is in fair ecological condition, with native species present;
         mature trees with some hollows forming and a developing structural complexity.
     •   There are significant native trees in the Southern area with a dbh of 500mm or more
         occurring that provide habitat, shading, and canopy connectivity. Clearing works will
         result in the loss of 4-5 of these trees. Minor patches of exotic understorey weeds are
         present on the disturbed forest edges and adjacent to the cleared grassy areas.
     •   No EVNT listed flora species were detected within the survey area.
     •   A significant number of preferred Koala food and habitat trees (e.g. Tallowwood, Pink
         Bloodwood and Grey Gum) occur at the Vipassana Meditation Centre. Occasional use of
         this bushland vegetation as a corridor by Koalas is considered likely.
     •   The whole site is mapped as a Priority Koala Area and there is mapped Koala Habitat
         Area (Core) on the Northern Eastern and Southern areas of the site.
     •   There will be up to 500 m2 of clearing within this mapped Koala Habitat Area (Core). This
         clearing is considered ‘exempted development’ under Schedule 24 – Essential
         Management (Part a) of the Planning Regulation 2017. It is noted that this area is actually
         formed by lawn and track areas and is not considered to form remnant vegetation or
         Koala habitat.
     •   The bushland survey area provides suitable habitat for a range of native fauna, including
         but not limited to: one arboreal mammal species; two terrestrial mammals; one Special
         Least Concern monotreme; eighteen bird species including one Special Least Concern
         bird species; at least one amphibian species, and six reptile species.
     •   Historical observations indicate the presence of two Special Least Concern listed fauna
         species (Echidna and Rufous Fantail) and one Vulnerable listed fauna species (Koala)
         in the survey area. There are two WildNET records of Tusked Frog and one WildNET
         record of Glossy Black Cockatoo within one kilometre of the Vipassana Meditation
         Centre.
     •   Modification to the site layout through the design stage has resulted in a reduction in the
         amount of vegetation clearing required onsite. The amended plan will require minimal
         clearing of remnant vegetation within the areas of mapped Regional Ecosystem onsite.




Vipassana Centre Upgrade Pomona – Fauna and Flora Assessment                                        30