2008/0169 Response to information request - 71 Seaview Tce Sunshine Beach · 132008.169

4.0       BIOPHYSICAL VALUES ASSESSMENT

4.1       General

The existing bushland is in poor to fair ecological condition particularly in the understorey. The canopy is
still dominated by native species through there are some exotic tree species invading the canopy such
as Umbrella and Pepper Trees. In some areas the understorey is completely dominated by exotic
species and especially Asparagus Fern. It is likely that the weed species have persisted for some years,
therefore there is likely to be significant exotic seed material stored in site soil.

Clearing has been undertaken near the entry to the site from Seaview Terrace. There are several
informal tracks down the slope of the site to the coastal foredune.

The lower portion of the site is highly infested with Asparagus fern which dominates the understorey,
suppressing natural regeneration of the canopy species and native ground covers. In-situ natural
resilience of the site appears to be moderate. Several juvenile Beach Cherry and Pandanus species
were observed in the understorey regenerating well in patches of exposed soil not dominated by
Asparagus Fern.

Migratory resilience (where propagules enter from outside the disturbed area) also appears to be
moderate with the National Park adjoining the site which contains numerous parent trees. The site itself
also contains numerous longer lived Banksia and Pandanus parent trees which offer propagules for
further site colonisation. Vegetation communities off-site and particularly to the south are also in poor
ecological condition being infested with environmental weed species.

There has been some historical site soil disturbance through minor benching and the cutting of a
pedestrian path from the crest of the site to the beach. Without intervention through assisted natural
regeneration it is doubtful that the site (particularly the understorey) will be able to recover to a healthy
ecological condition. In this regard human intervention is required to prevent the on-site vegetation
communities from falling into further ecological decline and degradation and prevent further loss of
environmental value.


4.2       Weeds

The subject site contains environmental weeds. Weeds impact natural communities by competing with
native plants for resources, suppressing native seedling regeneration, enriching soil, altering fire regimes
and modifying food and habitat resources for wildlife.

Weed species recorded and or observed on the site include:

      •   Asparagus aethiopicus (Climbing Asparagus Fem)
      •   Baccharis halimifolia (Groundsel)
      •   Bidens pilosa (Cobblers Pegs)
      •   Cynodon dactylon (Couch)
      •   Euphorbia cyathophora (Painted Spurge)
      •   Gloriosa superba (Gloriooa Lilly)
      •   Lantana camara (Lanatana)
      •   Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle)
      •   Macroptilium atropurpureum (Siratro)
      •   Melinus miniutifolia (Molasses Grass)
      •   Nethrolepsis cordifolia (Fish Bone Fern)
      •   Ochna serrulata (Mickey Mouse Plant)
      •   Opuntia stricta (Prickly Pear)
      •   Passiflora foetida (Stinking Passionfruit)
      •   Passiflora suberosa (Corky Passionfruit)
      •   Persia americana (Avocado)
      •   Rhaphiolepsis indica (Indian Hawthorn)
      •   Schefflera actinophylla (Umbrella Tree)


I Slinger Residence - Revegetation and Rehabilitation Plan]                                   Page 10