Response to Info Request - Attachment 6a - Ecological Assessment Part 1 MCU18-0015 & RAL18-0015 · MCU18/0015

                           Ecological Assessment – Attunga Heights



       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.
   •   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.



6.3 Amelioration Strategies
6.3.1 Amelioration Measures for Habitat Loss/Vegetation Clearing
The proposed development will result in the removal of approximately 0.57 ha of
vegetation, with an additional 0.52 ha to be impacted by proposed APZs. Rehabilitation
works will be undertaken in accordance with an approved Site Rehabilitation Plan, in order
to enhance and maintain habitat links to be retained within the site. Rehabilitation works



Job No: Q12038/RW3                       JWA Pty Ltd                                     41