Appendix M - Ecology Report

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2.0     METHODOLOGY

The intent of this report is to provide an informed assessment of the environmental and ecological
values that are present or likely to be present on the site. This report also provides an assessment of
the site’s habitat and biodiversity values and ecological functionality and has been prepared in
accordance with NSC’s Planning Scheme Policy 18 – Ecological Assessment Guidelines.

A detailed site inspection was conducted by two S5 Environmental staff (Senior Ecologist and
Ecologist) on Thursday the 12th of October, 2017. Weather was overcast and cool throughout the
diurnal site inspection. For the ecological assessment, the ‘random meander’ technique was used to
traverse the site (Cropper, 1993).

A measured walkover of the site was achieved with a particular focus on the areas of the site indicating
biodiversity values. Flora and fauna species were recorded as they were encountered. Vegetation
communities were inspected in order to assess their structure, dominance, associations and function.
The structure, health and integrity of the ecosystems within the site was also assessed and
documented. In addition, a Flora Survey was completed in accordance with the Department of
Environment and Heritage Protection’s Flora Survey Guidelines (DEHP, 2016).

Areas, or niches, displaying habitat value were closely examined. This included habitat trees and
areas of woody debris that may shelter reptiles. Signs of faunal activity, including tree scratches,
nests, dreys, scats, tracks, dens and diggings were also searched for and recorded. These traces
were interpreted using Triggs (2008). The ecological intactness of land neighbouring the site was
broadly investigated as part of the assessment.

Aerial photography was utilised to discern potential wildlife movement corridors and regional
ecological function of the locality. Desktop searches, as described in Section 5.0, were reviewed
prior to the field assessment in order to inform a targeted search for threatened species and ecological
communities with the potential to occur on the site.




 REF:S50335ER001_rev a                        10 & 22 Rose Gum Road and 521 Elm Street, Black Mountain
                                                                       Detailed Ecological Assessment