Rhodamnia rubescens targeted survey - 30 Pottery Street Pomona

                                                                                              NCES Ref: J000864



14 June 2021

Conor Neville
Noosa Council
PO Box 141
Tewantin Qld 4565

Dear Conor,
RE: Targeted survey for Rhodamnia rubescens at 30 Pottery Street Pomona (Council
reference RAL19/0014).
As you are aware, Noosa Council have identified that Rhodamnia rubescens (scrub turpentine) was
recorded by NCES in the ecological survey work undertaken at 30 Pottery Street, Pomona in July
2016. At the time of the initial survey work, R. rubescens was listed under the Nature Conservation
Act 1992 as a Least Concern species which was commonly found in the Noosa hinterland. The
species has since been listed as critically endangered due to the decimation of the species by the
introduced pathogen myrtle rust. As such, Council have requested that a targeted survey for R.
rubescens be undertaken to determine if the species persists within the site hence may potentially
be impacted by the development proposal currently before Council.

NCES undertook a targeted survey for R. rubescens on 31 May 2021 within 30 Pottery Street
Pomona. The survey was undertaken by NCES Principal Environmental Scientist Joshua Lee and
Principal Ecologist Nick Willis, both who are very familiar with the species and can readily identify it
when observed. The survey was assisted by two of the landholders who had researched the species
and were familiar with the defining vegetative characteristics which aid in the species’ identification.
A total of 2 survey hours were spent within the site. The survey was undertaken as per the timed
meander methodology described in the Department of Environment and Science’s Flora Survey
Guidelines – Protected Plants (2020). A walking traverse was undertaken within the onsite
vegetation, with the two NCES Ecologists located approximately 10m from each other. The site was
traversed from east to west and the survey effort stopped only when the entire site had been
surveyed.

No R. rubescens individuals were recorded during the 2021 survey. The 2016 survey recorded the
species within the understorey strata and therefore it is likely that at the time, only juvenile individuals
were present. Given the approximately 5 years which have elapsed since the initial survey, it is likely
that the species has succumbed to myrtle rust infection and is no longer present within the site.

Should you have any queries regarding this matter please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincere regards,




Nick Willis - B. Sc., Dip. CLM, mAABR - Principal Ecologist




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