Appendix M - Ecology Report

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4.0     Ecological Function

Vegetation and ecological features within a site may serve to function on a number of scales. For
instance, vegetation may offer local foraging resources to various fauna within the immediate vicinity
of a site, whilst offering movement and regional foraging resources to more mobile and potentially
migratory species. As such, when determining the ecological integrity and functionality of a site, it is
prudent to analyse the site on a local, sub-regional and regional scale. This may also act to gauge a
site’s value to known populations of EVNT species which may occur within the locale.

4.1     Local Site Habitat Values
The site contains three existing residences with associated ancillary sheds, animal enclosures and
shelters, driveways and three dams. The site is predominately characterised by paddocks which were
agisted with horses at the date of inspection. The paddocks contained scattered native canopy trees
and the paddocks were fenced by barbed wire and electric fencing. At the date of inspection the
southern and western paddocks appeared to have been rested (not grazed) for some time as
evidenced by the native grasslands present.
A high order tributary of Six Mile Creek (Left Branch) traversed through the central southern portion
of the site. The waterway enters the site via a culvert under the Bruce Highway and extends east into
Yurol State Forest. The eastern extent of the site waterway indicated a remnant tall Open Forest
community dominated by Flooded Gum. It should be noted that Yurol State Forest was included as
an addition to Tewantin National Park in 2011 (DEHP, 2013). This remnant community provided a
significant level of biodiversity and habitat value.
A number of common bird species were observed on the site during the inspection. Most of the bird
species are considered to be highly adaptable ‘edge specialists’ and those species which favour Open
Forest and Woodland habitats. Further, Cattle Egrets were present within the horse paddocks which
are known to feed on insects disturbed by cattle and horses. It is likely that Common Possum and
Glider species move through the vegetation within the site for foraging and shelter opportunities. With
regards to Koalas, the site vegetation provides foraging and movement opportunities, however, it is
not considered critical habitat and no signs of Koalas were observed during the site inspection
(scratches or scats). The southern extent of the site indicated fauna exclusion fencing to deter fauna
from entering the Bruce Highway.
A nocturnal survey has not been conducted at this stage and therefore the utilisation of the site by
nocturnal arboreal mammals (possums and gliders) is unconfirmed. The remnant tall open forest and
native canopy trees throughout the site of the site indicated hollow-bearing limbs, which indicates that
habitat for hollow-dependant species is present within the site. Additionally, a number of termitaria
were present within the native canopy. A moderate amount of leaf litter deposition was present in the
waterway corridor. This indicates that habitat is available for locally common reptiles, including snakes
and lizard species, and may serve as refuge for common reptiles and small terrestrial mammals.




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