MCU14/0056 - Attachment I -Environmental Report

              environmental management
            ecological assessment report


exist on-site or utilise the site temporarily throughout the year. A likelihood of occurrence schedule for threatened
species is listed in Appendix H.

The site is highly modified having been largely cleared of vegetation and bound by major arterial networks to the
north and south. Ecological values associated with the site are confined to the degraded waterway at the southern
extent. The site presents limited opportunities to provide habitat connectivity due to surrounding development
and usage is limited to common and highly mobile species. Fauna observations discussed below reflect this.

The following fauna and habitat observations were made throughout the ecological assessment.

4.4.1     Mammals
    •   The majority of the site does not contain the critical mix of ecologically dominant canopy trees and dense
        understorey communities needed to support shelter and nesting requirements of most listed small
        mammals. The Grey-headed Flying Fox may still utilise the site when eucalypts and Corymbia specimens
        are in flower, however, no nesting colony was observed on or adjacent to the site.
    •   No signs of other listed species or suitable habitat were observed on the subject site. This is likely due to
        the discussed clearing and the introduction of non-native predator species both of a feral and domestic
        variety (signs of Cats, and Dogs observed) and the intensive urban development surrounding the
        application site, including the adjacent Bruce Highway.
    •   Tree scratching and other markings demonstrated site trees are used by Common Brush Tail Possums. No
        trees were observed to contain hollows to provide for roosting and foraging for these possum species or
        microchiropteran Bat species.
    •   No other critical features such as caves, outcrops etc. occur on site to provide more than a temporary
        foraging role as part of a larger habitat base.

4.4.2     Birds
    •   The majority of on-site observations were of locally occurring common bird species. Numerous records
        for birds are included in both the Wildlife Online report and EBPC database search for the proximity of the
        site. A large majority of these listings are migratory species with the site not containing the necessary
        habitat such as wetlands and major rivers for these species to be relevant.
    •   The site’s tree specimens do cater for a small but diverse range or common species including the Pied
        Butcherbird, Laughing Kookaburra, Australian Magpie, Crested Pigeon, Pale headed Rosella, and Rainbow
        Lorikeet. The level of understorey clearing limits the effectiveness of the area in providing sanctuary for
        birds as well as the number of exotic specimens integrated amongst native species.

4.4.3     Reptiles
    •   Site species observed are all listed as common with the specific high level optimal habitat requirements
        of listed threatened species not occurring on the application site. Specific attempts were made to check
        under fallen logs, within the leaf litter and any habitat that would support reptile species.
    •   Only common reptile species were observed at the time of the assessment.

4.4.4     Amphibians
    •   It is noted that the adjacent waterway in its current condition would not support enough features that
        provide habitat for native amphibian species. This highly disturbed waterway is dominated by introduced




   saunders havill group                              Page 29