Attachment G - Fauna and Flora Assessment report

                                                                              Native Foresters




3.2.3 Weeds
Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) is a highly invasive evergreen tree that has a
tendency to form single species communities and exclude most other desirable native vegetation.
It is classified as a Restricted Invasive Plants under the Biosecurity Act 2014. There are
numerous Camphor Laurel specimens occurring the understorey and midstorey of the bushland
within and adjacent to the clearing impact areas of the proposed developments at Vipassana
Meditation Centre. All reasonable and practicable steps must be taken to control the species as
part of a general biosecurity obligation under the Biosecurity Act. It is recommended that all
Camphor Laurel specimens including fruiting parts be targeted and appropriately removed and
disposed of during clearing/site preparation works.

3.3     Fauna assessment

The vegetation at Vipassana Meditation Centre supports the breeding and habitation
requirements of a diversity 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; one amphibian species, and six reptile species, as
shown in Table 4.

There are recent sightings of Vulnerable-listed Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in the
surrounding area. Potential scratch marks were found on a Grey Gum on the eastern side of the
Vipassana Centre (Figure 10). Preferred Koala food trees (Eucalyptus microcorys, E. propinqua
and Lophostemon confertus) are present across the site. It is considered likely that surrounding
bushland may be used as a movement corridor for local Koala populations (and other arboreal
mammals) as they disperse from tracts of suitable bushland habitat occurring in the surrounding
area.

Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) has been identified at the Vipassana Centre
grounds. Echidna are listed as Special Least Concern species under the Nature Conservation
(Wildlife) Regulation 2006 due to their unique and iconic cultural significance.

Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons) has been recorded at the site. Rufous Fantail are listed as
Special Least Concern species under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006. They
are migratory, virtually disappearing from Victoria and NSW over the winter period to move to
warmer climates in Queensland.

There are regular visits by Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), including females and joeys,
utilising the grassy areas of the Vipassana Centre grounds.

Least-concern amphibian, Green Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea) have been detected aurally on the
Vipassana Centre grounds. The vegetation, ponds and drainage lines may support the breeding,
habitation and dispersal requirements of Vulnerable-listed Tusked Frog (Adelotus brevis),
although none were detected during the survey.




Vipassana Centre Upgrade Pomona – Fauna and Flora Assessment                                     26