Springbrook Public Conservation Estate Fire ... - Gold Coast Parks

Springbrook Public Conservation 

Estate Fire Strategy 

Springbrook / Numinbah / Austinville 

September 2009 

Prepared by: 

QPWS Conservation Management Unit and GCCC Natural Areas Management Unit

Table of contents 

1 Introduction .......................................................9 

1.1 Climate ............................................................12 

1.2 Regional context ..............................................12 

1.3 Fire history .......................................................13 

1.4 Objectives for fire management .......................14 

2 Flora ..................................................................15 

2.1 Vegetation description .....................................15 

2.2 Native species/communities of significance and/or 

potential indicator species......................................19 

2.3 Priority weeds in relation to fire management ..21 

2.4 Objectives, risk assessment and guidelines .......22 

3 Fauna ................................................................27 

3.1 Species of significance and/or potential 

indicator species ....................................................27 

3.2 Objectives, risk assessment and guidelines ......31 

4 Cultural resources ............................................32 


5 Production resources .......................................34 

6 Reserve infrastructure .....................................34 


7 Resources on adjoining land ...........................35 


8 Factors affecting fire behaviour and 

management .......................................................37 

9 Fire Management Zones .................................38 

9.1 Introduction .....................................................38 

9.2 Fire Management Zones .................................38 

9.2.1 Protection Zone ......................................39 

9.2.2 Wildfire Mitigation Zone .........................40 

9.2.3 Conservation Zone ..................................42 

9.2.4 Special Conservation Zone ......................45 

9.2.5 Rehabilitation Zone .................................46 

10 Fire research and monitoring ........................47 

11 Access track system ......................................48 

11.1 New access tracks ..........................................48 

11.2 Existing access tracks .....................................48 

11.3 Strategic tracks ..............................................48 

12 Fire Fighting Infrastructure ...........................50 

13 References ......................................................51 

List of Tables 

Table 1 Native flora species of particular 

management significance with information 

on potential value as indicators in monitoring 

programmes .............................................20 

Table 2 Details of priority weeds in relation to fire 

management ............................................22 

Table 3 Fire management objectives and 

preferred fire regimes for the vegetation 

communities .............................................24 

Table 4 Fauna species of significance with 

information on potential value as indicators 

in monitoring programmes .......................28 

Table 5 Location and description of Protection 

Zones and associated management 

regimes .....................................................39 

Table 6 Location and description of Wildfire 

Mitigation Zones and associated 

management regimes ...............................40 

Table 7 Quick reference guide for fire management 

requirements in the Conservation Zone and 

associated management regimes ..............42 

Table 8 Location and description of Special 

Conservation Zones and associated 

management regimes ...............................45 

Table 9 Location and description of Rehabilitation 

Zones and associated management 

regimes .....................................................46 

Table 10 Summary of Existing Fire Monitoring 

programs conducted by QPWS and GCCC 

in the planning area ................................47 

Table 11 Strategic Fire Management Tracks ...........49 

Table 12 Fire fighting infrastructure required in the 

planning area ..........................................49 

Springbrook Public Conservation Estate Fire Strategy 3

Table of contents 

List of Appendices 

Appendix 1 Meteorological data for Springbrook, 

Austinville and Numinbah (Bureau of 

Meteorology site numbers 40192, 

40607, 40197 and 40584) ................52 

Appendix 2 The process of a QPWS 

planned burn ....................................53 

Appendix 3 Flora species recorded in Springbrook 

National Park, Numinbah Forest Reserve 

and Austinville Forest Reserve ............54 

Appendix 4 Flora species recorded from GCCC 

Numinbah and Springbrook 

Conservation Areas ...........................78 

Appendix 5 Fauna species recorded in Springbrook 

National Park and Numinbah Forest 

Reserve .............................................94 

Appendix 6 Fauna species recorded in GCCC 

Springbrook Conservation Area .......101 

Appendix 7 Supplementary flora species provided 

via public submissions .....................109 

Appendix 8 Fire Management Zones ..................110 

List of Maps 

Map 1 Tracks, Infrastructure and Neighbouring 

Properties 

Map 1b Strategic Fire Management Tracks 

Map 2 Fire Associations 

Map 3a-3e Known Fire History 

Map 4 Fire Management Zones 


Acknowledgements 

This fire strategy was developed as a cooperative effort with representatives from key land management agencies 

responsible for fire management within the Springbrook/Numibah/Austinville Conservation estate, namely Queensland 

Parks and Wildlife (QPWS), Gold Coast City Council (GCCC), Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) and Bonogin, 

Mudgeeraba, Springbrook and Numinbah Rural Fire Brigades. 

The Springbrook Fire Strategy Team: 

■■ David Kington, Resource Conservation Ranger; QPWS and Fire Planning Officer GCCC; 

■■ Jenise Blaik, Resource Conservation Ranger, Southeast Region, QPWS; 

■■ Dr Liz Caddick, Conservation Management Planner, GCCC; 

■■ Wayne Kington, Senior Conservation Officer, Southeast Region QPWS; 

■■ Kerri Brannon, Resource Conservation Ranger, Southeast Region, QPWS; 

■■ Sylvia Millington, Senior Conservation Officer, Southeast Region QPWS; 

■■ Michael Siebuhr, Senior Ranger, QPWS; 

■■ Jane Mansergh, Resource Conservation Ranger, Southeast Region, QPWS; 

■■ David Beatty, Bushfire Management Officer, GCCC; 

■■ Ross Mutzelberg, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Area Director; 

■■ David Shevill, Senior Ranger (Fire), Southeast Region QPWS; 

■■ Mike Hall, Ranger-In-Charge, Gold Coast Management Unit, Southeast QPWS; and 

■■ Dr Sally MacKinnon, Executive Officer, the Ethos Foundation, Binna Burra. 

The following people also provided invaluable assistance and support in the development of 

the fire strategy: 

■■ Jason Jacobi, Manager, Southeast Region, QPWS; 

■■ Guy Thomas, Operations Manager, Southeast Region, QPWS; 

■■ Dr Wendy Drake, Principal Conservation Officer, QPWS; 

■■ Harry Hines, Senior Conservation Officer, Southern Region, QPWS; 

■■ Rodney Anderson, Natural Areas Ranger, GCCC; 

■■ Dr Tim Robson, Senior Conservation Management Planner, GCCC; 

■■ Graeme McGregor, Natural Areas Coordinator, GCCC; 

■■ Cuong Tran, Centre for Innovative Conservation Strategies, Griffith University; 

■■ Prof. Clyde Wild, Centre for Innovative Conservation Strategies, Griffith University; 

■■ Alistair Hill, Bushfire Risk Reducers; and 

■■ Paul Kurz, First Officer, Springbrook Rural Fire Brigade. 

Indigenous Cultural Heritage advice was received from: 

■■ Corey O’Malley, GCCC Indigenous Cultural Heritage Officer; 

■■ Hague Best, GCCC Indigenous Cultural Heritage Officer; 

■■ The Kombumerri Aboriginal Corporation for Culture; and 

■■ Ngarang Wal Gold Coast Aboriginal Association Inc. 

Public consultation and input: 

Various community organisations and individuals have also provided input into the development of the fire strategy to 

date, including: 

■■ Springbrook Divisional Advisory Committee; 

■■ Gold Coast and Hinterland Environment Council (GECKO); 

■■ Communities for Sustainable Futures; 

■■ Springbrook Mountain Community Association; 

■■ Numinbah Valley Residents Association; 

■■ Springbrook Progress Association; 

■■ Springbrook Landcare; 

■■ Australian Rainforest Conservation Society; 

■■ David Jinks, Gold Coast Botany; and 

■■ Numerous individuals who attended public meetings. 

6 Springbrook Public Conservation Estate Fire Strategy

What is this Strategy about? 

As a result of public consultation, key questions that are commonly asked have been identified. The information below addresses 

these questions by summarising the principles underpinning this fire strategy. Reading this will give you a greater appreciation of 

the following, more detailed sections of this strategy. 

Why have a Fire Strategy? 

This fire strategy is intended to guide fire management activities undertaken by public land managers in the plan area. 

A fire strategy gives broad direction for fire management. In reference to a fire strategy, a burn program (describing planned 

burns to be undertaken on the ground) is developed. Burn programs are reviewed annually and are supported by constantly 

updated data systems. See appendix 2 for more information. 

Why do QPWS, QFRS, Local Governments and other government agencies undertake planned burning? 

To protect life and property and to conserve natural and cultural values. 

How is a balance between protection of life and property and maintenance of conservation 

values achieved? 

While the protection of life and property is the major priority of all fire management agencies, active fire management in 

Queensland’s bushland reserves aims to meet the needs and ecological requirements of vegetation communities and the 

wildlife they support. The Springbrook Public Conservation Estate Fire Strategy accepts and adopts a general scientific principle 

recognising the important role fire plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems and ecological processes in the landscape. 

Planned burning (burning intentionally undertaken by land managers to achieve particular goals) plays an important role in 

the reduction of fire hazard and the maintenance of healthy ecosystems. A balance between life and property protection and 

management of various ecosystems and species can be achieved through proactive and well considered use of fire. There are a 

number of ecosystems where planned burning helps maintain their long term health, whilst reducing fuel hazard and thereby 

minimising impacts of wildfires on ecological values, cultural values, life and property. 

How is fire used to maintain healthy ecosystems? 

Proactive fire management is a key technique to maintain biodiversity of ecosystems within the landscape, and of species within 

ecosystems. Much of the Australian landscape is flammable; it will burn; it is only a matter of when and how. Planned burns 

that are applied with an understanding of the environment’s needs are generally preferable to unpredictable wildfire. Wildfires 

are often damaging, occurring in the worst conditions for protection of life, property, ecosystems, plants, animals and cultural 

heritage. In populated areas, too frequent and/or intense wildfires are the inevitable result of insufficient planned burning. 

Fire strategies consider the reserve system at a landscape level to ensure that all of the ecosystems occurring in the strategy 

area are conserved. Some ecosystems require fire to maintain health, others are damaged by fire. So fire needs to be applied 

differentially to the landscape with an understanding of the needs of each ecosystem. 

Within fire adapted ecosystems (those ecosystems where fire plays a part in maintaining health), fire is applied in a mosaic of 

burnt and unburnt areas, and with a variety of fire return intervals, intensities and seasons. Applying fire differentially within 

ecosystems provides the maximum amount of different habitat conditions, allowing the ecosystem to support a broad range of 

species. This is important, as each species has different and sometimes competing habitat needs and environmental managers 

must provide a place for all of them. 

What about protecting rainforests? 

This strategy aims to protect rainforests and other ecosystems that are intolerant of fire by applying mosaic burns in surrounding 

fire adapted areas, thereby reducing their combustibility and the likelihood of major damage to fire sensitive areas during 

a wildfire. 

Is this document based on science? 

Yes, it is based on the best scientific information available at the time of production. However, it is a strategy for land managers 

to implement; it is therefore written with relatively simple language. 


Sometimes there is contradictory information in the scientific literature, and therefore it is important not to rely on 

too few scientific sources. A fire strategy should be based on the balance of scientific information over time. Often 

this information has been compiled by professional researchers into guidelines about ecosystems and species. These 

guidelines are a useful resource for strategy authors, but are complemented by a review of newly emerging information 

and through discussions with experts. This information is then evaluated against an understanding of how fire can be 

practically managed with regard to the specifics of the plan area. There is sometimes limited knowledge in the literature 

about certain ecosystems and species, and therefore scientific information is complemented by the knowledge and 

experience of rangers and land managers. 

What about Springbrook’s unique natural character? 

As part of this strategy’s preparation, a great deal of time was dedicated to Springbrook’s values. Appropriate fire 

management was investigated for each ecosystem in the study area, and for significant species where fire management 

may play a role. The results are summarised in the various sections of this strategy. While Springbrook is a unique area, 

fire has undoubtedly been a feature of its landscape and is a vital tool in mitigating against major wildfire risk and 

conserving a range of natural processes. 

Are fires monitored to ensure that fire management is applied appropriately? 

Yes. All QPWS and GCCC burns have stated objectives (reasons for conducting the burn) that are evaluated after fire. 

This allows adaptation of management techniques if the stated objectives are not being achieved. It is important to 

note that fire is a complex and sometimes difficult phenomenon to manage due to the variety of factors influencing its 

behaviour. While precise objectives may not be met on every planned burn, monitoring allows managers to adjust and 

adapt parameters and techniques to achieve desirable outcomes. 


1 Introduction 

The Springbrook/Numinbah/Austinville Public 

Conservation Estate Fire Strategy is a joint project 

between Queensland Parks and Wildlife (QPWS), Gold 

Coast City Council (GCCC) and Queensland Fire and 

Rescue Service (QFRS) for fire management on public 

conservation land. This fire strategy aims to balance the 

protection of life and property, with the conservation 

of functioning ecosystems and cultural values. A multiagency 

strategy is advantageous as fire can be managed 

at a landscape level, increasing the options available for 

the protection of ecosystem diversity, cultural values, life 

and property. 

This fire strategy replaces the earlier Springbrook National 

Park Fire Strategy (James 2001), with more contemporary 

information, improved fire management arrangements 

and the addition of: 

■■ The Settlement land; 

■■ The inclusion of the former Numinbah, Austinville and 

Springbrook Forest Reserves into Springbrook National 

Park; and 

■ ■ Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) managed 

Conservation Areas at Springbrook, Numinbah, 

Apple Tree Park, Purling Brook and Austinville (refer to 

figure 1). 

These reserves protect a total of 7034 ha in the Gold 

Coast hinterland stretching from 18km southwest of 

Nerang to the Queensland/New South Wales border 

(refer to figure 1). The Springbrook Plateau is home to 

approximately 350 households and the communities at 

Austinville, Numinbah and Springbrook are likely to be 

isolated and difficult to access during wildfire events. 

The plan area protects a diversity of vegetation including 

rainforests, wet, moist and dry sclerophyll forest, old 

growth forest and montane heathland, all containing 

numerous species of noteworthy flora and fauna. 

Approximately 2480 ha of Springbrook National Park 

is included within the World Heritage listed Gondwana 

Rainforest of Australia (Gondwana Rainforests), in 

recognition of outstanding geological history, evolutionary 

significance and nature conservation values. 

Springbrook National Park contains a range of visitor 

facilities including several picnic grounds, a small 

campground and an extensive network of constructed 

walking tracks and lookouts. The park is popular with 

local residents and tourists and is the most heavily visited 

park within the Gondwana Rainforests (QPWS 1999). 

Numinbah Forest Reserve is also popular for recreational 

use, particularly swimming and fishing in the Nerang 

River. Recreational opportunities within GCCC 

Conservation Areas are currently being assessed as part of 

the Plan of Management for these areas. 

The importance of the plan area for conservation, 

recreation and income generation will increase as 

surrounding areas continue to be developed and the 

planning area is promoted as a major tourist destination. 

As residential developments are rapidly expanding into 

surrounding rural areas, integrated fire management 

between QPWS, GCCC, QFRS, Rural Fire Brigades (RFB) 

and the local community will be essential for the future. 


Figure 1 



1.1 Climate 

Rainfall, wind, temperature, humidity and other weather 

characteristics have a dramatic impact on the behaviour 

of fire, so understanding the pattern of weather 

conditions over time (climate) is essential when planning 

how to manage fire. 

Although weather conditions vary year by year, the 

study area is characterised by an increase in temperature 

in spring, accompanied by moderately low rainfall 

with increasing westerly influenced winds through to 

November. Therefore wildfire is most likely to occur 

in spring or early summer (September to November). 

The severity of fire is most closely linked to episodes 

of fire weather days, or sequences of days with low 

humidity (below 25%), high temperatures (above 

30°C) and sustained winds of more than 25km/h. Such 

conditions in Southeast Queensland tend to occur 

when deep low-pressure systems develop over southern 

Australia, bringing strong dry westerly winds from the 

continental interior to the coast. Data from the Bureau 

of Meteorology for Amberley has been interrogated for 

occurrences of such conditions since January 1950 (see 

Figure 2 below). These conditions tend to ease from 

January, and also, afternoon sea breezes become a 

frequent occurrence from December through to March 

increasing the manageability of fires. 

Figure 2 Fire weather days 

Number of days 

45 

40 

35 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

Jul 

Aug 

Sep 

Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

Jan 

Monthly and long-term averages of a range of 

meteorological data for Springbrook, Numinbah and 

Austinville (Bureau of Meteorology site numbers 40192, 

40607, 40197 and 40584 at Springbrook Forestry, 

Springbrook Rd, Mt Tamborine and Hinze Dam) are 

shown in Appendix 1. Springbrook stations (rainfall only) 

and Mt Tamborine are indicative of weather patterns 

on the Springbrook plateau with Tamborine being the 

closest recording station with a similar altitude. Hinze 

Dam is indicative of weather patterns for lower areas at 

Numinbah and Austinville. 

The Springbrook plateau experiences a sub-tropical 

maritime climate with temperatures about 5°C cooler 

than surrounding lowlands. The plateau has a high 

annual rainfall average of 3077mm with the majority 

12 Springbrook Public Conservation Estate Fire Strategy 

Feb 

Mar 

Apr 

May 

Jun 

(approximately 1900mm) falling between December 

and April. Rainfall can also vary significantly across 

the plateau, with another meteorological station on 

Springbrook Rd recording an annual average of 1932mm 

over the last 24 years. September, on long-term averages, 

is the driest month. 

Every six to eight years an extreme fire season occurs 

such as during 1986, 1991 and 2000 when dry winds are 

combined with extremely low rainfall. 

One of the most significant issues relating to bushfire 

management is assessing the likely impact of climate 

change on prevailing regional weather patterns that 

influence fire. The specific impacts of climate change are 

difficult to predict with simulated climate futures varying 

considerably in their predictions of rainfall, and even 

less can currently be predicted about how wind speeds, 

relative humidity, lightning activity and fuel hazard may 

change (Bushfire CRC, 2006). Nonetheless, it would seem 

prudent for land managers to begin planning for a higher 

frequency of wildfire resulting from more frequent and 

extreme ‘fire weather’ days. 

Mitigating the potential impacts of climate change is 

addressed in this strategy through: 

■ ■ Implementation and management of a network of 

wildfire mitigation zones to reduce fire intensity and 

increase controllability across the landscape; 

■■ Maintaining a pattern of mosaic burning within fire 

adapted ecosystems; and 

■■ Use of current, best-practice scientific information in 

relating to planning and carrying out planned burns, 

particularly from relevant organisations involved 

in climate related bushfire and ecological research 

including the Bushfire CRC, Southeast Queensland Fire 

and Biodiversity Consortium, the Australian Bureau of 

Meteorology and local research institutions including 

Griffith University Centre for Innovative Conservation 

Strategies. 

1.2 Regional context 

An understanding of the plan area’s key values and how 

the area interacts with the surrounding landscape are 

important background factors effecting life and property 

and conservation fire management. 

Together, QPWS protected estate, GCCC Conservation 

Areas, Little Nerang Dam and Hinze Dam form the largest 

protected area estate in Gold Coast City and the most 

heavily visited on the Scenic Rim (QPWS, 1999). 

The Springbrook plateau is part of an ecological corridor 

of state significance, linking the Lamington plateau with 

the Pacific Coast. This corridor encompasses an altitudinal

sequence of habitat types, including mangroves, dry, 

moist and wet sclerophyll, montane heath, riparian forest, 

subtropical rainforest, warm temperate rainforest and 

cool temperate rainforest. Continuous habitat gradients 

such as this are becoming increasingly rare within the 

region and are critical for seasonal altitudinal migrant 

species, allowing for dispersal and providing a range of 

food resources throughout the year (Chenoweth, 2006). 

Numinbah Nature Reserve in northern New South Wales 

extends along most of the park’s southern boundary. 

Together, Springbrook National Park and Numinbah 

Nature Reserve form an important conservation unit 

and are key components of the northern network of the 

Gondwana Rainforests. Gondwana Rainforests includes 

the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the 

world, large areas of warm temperate rainforest and 

nearly all of the Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest 

(QPWS, 1999). 

Apart from the World Heritage listed rainforests, the plan 

area supports a variety of open forest and woodland 

communities, high altitude shrubland communities and 

rock pavement vegetation. Of particular note are the 

high altitude stands of Blue Mountains ash Eucalyptus 

oreades and associated montane heathland (with possibly 

the only Queensland population of the moss Sphagnum 

cuspidatum), and the most extensive stand of giant spear 

lily Doryanthes palmeri forest in Southeast Queensland 

(QPWS, 1999). 

The vegetation communities within the planning 

area represent 23 Regional Ecosystems in Southeast 

Queensland. One of these communities is endangered 

and eleven are classified as of concern (EPA 2007-2). 

These remnants also provide habitat for rare, threatened 

and noteworthy species in an increasingly urbanised 

landscape and are a buffer for the World Heritage listed 

areas protected in Springbrook National Park. 

The plan area has physical and spiritual significance to 

the Traditional Owners from this area. Features of this 

area are richly represented in Indigenous mythology. 

Many names and stories from the Park and reserves are 

recorded in Aboriginal Pathways in Southeast Queensland 

and the Richmond River (Steele 1984). 

Numinbah Forest Reserve, Springbrook National Park 

and GCCC Conservation Areas form part of the upper 

catchments of the Nerang River and Tallebudgera Creek, 

providing a valuable watershed for the Hinze and Little 

Nerang Dams. These dams are the major source of water 

supply for the Gold Coast City and adjacent rural areas 

with Hinze Dam supplying 98% of the City’s water. 

Remnant vegetation extends over both state and 

council managed land and a cooperative management 

approach will be necessary to achieve conservation and 

fire management objectives. The planning area also 

shares extensive boundaries with hundreds of neighbours 

ranging from urban dwellings to rural properties. Fire 

management issues are increasing as areas are developed 

for residential housing adjacent to high wildfire risk areas 

and as land use patterns change within rural areas. 

1.3 Fire history 

Knowledge of fire history has two critical roles: 

■■ It provides an understanding of the origin and pattern 

of fires; providing an indicator of an areas’ level of 

hazard and areas that are frequently at risk; and 

■ ■ Allows implementation of more effective protection 

of life, property and biodiversity through the strategic 

identification of wildfire mitigation zones and fire 

control lines. 

A landscape approach to fire management allows the 

pattern of wildfires to be examined over time to institute 

appropriate measures to mitigate their often devastating 

effects. Although fire is an integral part of the Australian 

landscape, very severe, too frequent wildfires (e.g. those 

caused by arson) generally occur outside of appropriate 

ecological fire tolerances and during extreme weather 

conditions when they can threaten property, ecosystems 

and cultural values. 

The general pattern of fire history indicates that the 

plan area has been subjected to a series of wildfires 

predominantly arising from the northern lowlands and 

subsequently moving up into higher areas. Examination 

of fire history records indicates that these wildfires have 

escaped from private property and the Hinze damn area 

(QPWS, 2008). Experience in Southeast Queensland 

indicates that wildfires often emerge from the west and 

northwest, under the influence of extreme fire weather. 

However, local conditions in Springbrook have brought 

the fires from the north. Also, a long history of planned 

burning in Numinbah Forest Reserve has mitigated 

the effects of wildfire emerging out of the west. With 

changing land use in the Numinbah Valley, fewer 

paddocks are being managed for grazing and cultivation; 

which is likely to result in increased fuel loads, thus 

increasing the likelihood of fires emanating in the west of 

the planning area from the Numinbah Valley (D. Kington 

pers. com. 2008). 

Knowledge of the above patterns has influenced the 

placement of wildfire mitigation zones in the lower 

northern and western parts of the plan area (see Map 

4). Wildfire mitigation zones are intended to reduce the 

severity and increase the controllability of wildfires. 

Refer to section 8 for further details on factors affecting 

fire behaviour and management. 


1.4 Objectives for fire management 

This is a key section of the fire strategy, forming the basis 

of fire management in the plan area. 

■■ To protect life and property in Springbrook National 

Park, GCCC Conservation Areas and neighbouring 

lands (also consistent with QFRS Act 1990 and QPWS 

Good Neighbour Policy), using an integrated system of 

fire management zones, fire control lines and hazard 

mitigation and reduction techniques. To recognise 

the need to restrict development in high wildfire risk 

areas near protected estate in accordance with the 

GCCC Bushfire Management Strategy, Our Living City 

Planning Scheme and The Springbrook Local Area Plan. 

■■ To maintain ecosystems that require fire to sustain 

health and diversity through applying current best 

practice knowledge of ecological fire management. 

To maintain habitat diversity within fire adapted 

communities by maintaining a mosaic of appropriate 

fire frequency, intensity and season. 

■■ To protect fire sensitive vegetation communities (such 

as rainforest) from fire damage by using an integrated 

system of fire management zones and proactive 

conservation burning in surrounding fire adapted 

areas. 

■■ To reintroduce appropriate fire management into fire 

adapted ecosystems where it has not been correctly 

applied or managed in order to prevent ongoing loss 

of ecosystem values, to assist with rehabilitation and to 

reduce wildfire threat. 

■■ To reduce the widespread abundance of weeds, 

particularly Lantana camara. 

■■ To protect and preserve cultural values from fire related 

impacts. 

■■ Ongoing and improved training of fire management 

personnel with regard to fire management issues and 

fire management techniques. 

■■ To foster and maintain good relationships between 

neighbouring landholders and land managers at 

Springbrook, including QPWS, GCCC, QFRS, Rural Fire 

Brigades, Traditional Owners and the local community 

and to develop cooperative burning programs. 

■■ To undertake post fire evaluation of planned 

burn objectives, and review current monitoring 

arrangements, identifying key monitoring projects for 

the future. 


2 Flora 

This section begins by discussing flora survey work 

conducted in the study area, followed by a description of 

vegetation communities, significant flora species, weeds 

and finally recommendations for fire management. 

Flora surveys and vegetation mapping undertaken in the 

plan area includes: the Scenic Rim Resource Inventory 

with vegetation communities mapped at 1:25 000 (Oliver, 

1987); state managed forest reserves mapped at 1:25 000 

by the Queensland Herbarium for GCCC, with associated 

species lists (Ryan et al., 2003); detailed flora surveys for 

GCCC Conservation Areas at Springbrook conducted 

in 2005 (BAAM, 2006) and vegetation communities 

mapped at 1:25,000 – 1:10,000; quaternary vegetation 

surveys gathered information from several regional 

ecosystems within the GCCC Springbrook Conservation 

Area (west and east of Springbrook Road), Numinbah 

Forest Reserve and the Warringa Pool area of Springbrook 

National Park, as a component of the flora survey for 

the Draft Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk Impact 

Assessment Report (QPWS, 2005); and extensive flora 

surveys were conducted in specific areas within Numinbah 

Forest Reserve, Springbrook National Park, Hinze Dam 

catchment area and GCCC Conservation Areas as a 

component of the Naturelink Cableway Project Draft 

Environmental Impact Assessment (Woodward-Clyde, 

2000). 

Flora lists for Springbrook National Park, Austinville and 

Numinbah Forest Reserves and GCCC Conservation Areas 

are provided in Appendices 3 and 4. 

The vegetation information provided below is intended 

to give broad guidance to fire managers. During 

development of the planned burn program (see Appendix 

2), ground truthing of sites and reference to constantly 

updated data systems (listed in Appendix 2) will be used 

to incorporate emerging data into the fire planning 

process. 

2.1 Vegetation description 

The plan area, including Springbrook National Park, 

associated Forest Reserves and GCCC Conservation Areas 

support seven ‘fire associations’ or major vegetation 

communities: rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest, moist 

sclerophyll forest, dry sclerophyll forest, riparian 

associations, rock pavement and heathland associations 

(refer to Map 2 and maps 4a-4b for more detail). A 

summary of regional ecosystems occurring within each of 

these fire associations is given below. 

‘Fire associations’ represent a group of vegetation types 

that have similar ecological requirements in relation to 

fire. For example, the rainforest fire association contains 

a number of different rainforest communities, all of 

which are sensitive to fire and for which fire should be 

avoided. Grouping vegetation types into fire associations 

allows for the shaping of fire management intent at a 

landscape level. 

However, because both fire associations and regional 

ecosystems are mapped at a relatively broad scale, they 

are likely to contain a mosaic of vegetation types too 

small to show on map databases. For example, within 

the dry sclerophyll fire association, fragments of riparian 

vegetation may be present in gullies and vine scrub or 

wet sclerophyll communities may occur in fire shadows. 

Fine scale details not shown by mapping are identified 

by field assessments prior to conducting planned 

ecological burns (see Appendix 2), and are taken into 

account by conducting burns during conditions and with 

ignition techniques where fire adapted and fire sensitive 

communities are exposed differentially to fire. Such 

proactive application of fire mitigates the risk of future 

unplanned, intense wildfire penetrating and damaging 

fire sensitive vegetation. 

Regional ecosystems occurring within the planning area 

are described below, grouped into fire associations. 

Table 3 provides detailed information regarding fire 

management requirements of vegetation communities 

within the planning area. 

Rainforest 

Cool temperate rainforest of Nothofagus moorei 

Antarctic beech (simple notophyll vine forest) (RE 

12.8.6) 

This vegetation community is limited to only a few 

mature Nothofagus moorei trees, covered by thick 

moss. Subtropical rainforest surrounds the Nothofagus 

moorei. This vegetation community is found at 

the end of Repeater Station Road near Best of All 

Lookout, Springbrook National Park, at an elevation of 

approximately 1000m. 

Cool subtropical rainforest (complex notophyll vine 

forest) with scattered emergent’s (RE 12.8.5) 

Found on basalt on moister and wetter sites in 

Springbrook National Park, from 600-1100m. 

Emergent trees include Araucaria cunninghamii, and 

Ficus watkinsiana. Common flora species include 

Argyrodendron actinophyllum subsp. actinophyllum, 

Dendrocnide excelsa, Caldcluvia paniculosa, Orites excelsa 

and Cryptocarya erythroxylon (Young and Grimshaw, 


1986 in Oliver, 1987). Isolated locations occur near the 

Information Centre and in the north-eastern corner of the 

Natural Bridge section of the park and along the QLD- 

NSW border extending into Numinbah Nature Reserve 

near Bilbrough Lookout in New South Wales. 

Warm subtropical rainforest (complex notophyll 

vine forest) (RE 12.8.3) 

Found below 600m in altitude on basaltic soils. The 

canopy has a height of 20-50m with emergent trees 

reaching 60m and includes a variety of buttressed tree 

species such as strangler figs. There are three tree layers, 

palms, numerous epiphytic ferns and orchids, climbing 

ferns and robust lianas (McDonald and Whiteman, 1979 

in Novello and Klohs, 1999). The understorey consists of a 

shrub layer with tree ferns and a ground layer of a variety 

of ferns and herbs. This RE occurs extensively within 

GCCC Springbrook and Numinbah Conservation Areas, 

and also to a lesser extent at Purling Brook and Austinville 

(EPA, 2007-1) Map 2a. Species of conservation significance 

include Argophyllum nullumense, Lenwebbia prominens, 

Olearia heterocarpa, Cupaniopsis newmanii, Tinospora 

tinosporoides, Helicia ferruginea and Floydia praealta. 

Araucarian vine forest (Araucarian complex 

notophyll/microphyll vine forest) (RE 12.8.13) 

RE 12.8.13 occurs on the sheltered slopes at the northern 

end of the plateau (Hall, 1996). Characteristic species 

include Araucaria cunninghamii, A. bidwillii, Cupaniopsis 

parvifolia, Dendrocnide photinophylla, Rhodosphaera 

rhodanthema, Flindersia australis, F. schottiana, 

F. xanthoxyla, Drypetes deplanchei, Olea paniculata, 

Diospyros geminata, Gossia bidwillii, and Vitex lignumvitae. 

This ecosystem is too small to be included in 

the maps. 

Araucarian vine forest (Araucarian complex 

notophyll/microphyll vine forest) (RE 12.8.4) 

Only small fragments remain within the plan area, occurs 

only in the far northwest corner of Numinbah Forest 

Reserve. Characteristic species include Argyrodendron 

actinophyllum, Baloghia inophylla, Brachychiton 

acerifolius, Dendrocnide excelsa, Diospyros pentamera, 

Dysoxylum fraserianum, Toona ciliata, Orites excelsus and 

Sloanea woollsii. 

Araucarian notophyll vine forest with eucalypt 

emergents (RE 12.12.16) 

Again only very small fragments remain in the plan 

area, notably at the north east end of GCCC Numinbah 

Conservation Area. Characteristic species include 

Araucaria bidwillii, A. cunninghamii, Argyrodendron 

trifoliolatum, Choricarpia subargentea, Brachychiton 

discolor, Beilschmiedia obtusifolia, Diospyros pentamera, 

Grevillea robusta, Gmelina leichhardtii, Ficus macrophylla 

forma macrophylla and Sloanea woollsii. Eucalyptus spp. 

especially E. siderophloia, E. propinqua and E. grandis 

may be present as emergents. 


Evergreen notophyll vine forest and/or 

Lophostemon confertus brush box closed forest 

(RE 12.11.1) 

Plant families Lauraceae, Myrtaceae and Elaeocarpaceae 

are characteristic, with Archontophoenix cunninghamiana 

often abundant in gully floors. Occurs in gullies on 

Palaeozoic and older moderately to strongly deformed 

and metamorphosed sediments and inter-bedded 

volcanics, at the northern end of the national park and 

along Waterfall Creek, Little Nerang Creek and Upper 

Mudgeeraba Creek. 

Warm temperate rainforest dominated by 

Ceratopetalum apetalum coachwood (simple 

notophyll vine forest) (RE 12.8.18) 

This vegetation community is found on less nutrient 

rich soils, influenced by rhyolite and basalt and is found 

in the cooler parts of Springbrook National Park. It is 

characterised by an understorey of tree ferns and palm lilies 

with the presence of small, wiry vines, some epiphytes and 

ground ferns. It is also habitat for rare and threatened flora 

species including the rare vine Pararistolochia laheyana, 

which has a limited geographic distribution of less than 

100 kilometres and plays a major role in the breeding cycle 

of the protected Richmond bird-wing butterfly. 

Wet sclerophyll 

Lophostemon confertus brush box tall to extremely 

tall open forest with a rainforest understorey 

of broad-leaved trees, shrubs, ferns and forbs 

(RE 12.8.9) 

Other less frequent canopy species include 

E. campanulata, E. grandis, Corymbia intermedia, E. 

microcorys, E. biturbinata and E. saligna (Oliver, 1987). 

Found on wetter sites between 600 and 1000m in 

altitude but persists down watercourses to lower altitudes 

(Oliver, 1987), for example along Waterfall Creek in 

GCCC Numinbah Conservation Area. Significant species 

recorded from this vegetation community include 

Argophyllum nullumense, Helmholtzia glaberrima, 

Cupaniopsis newmanii and Petermannia cirrosa. 

Eucalyptus grandis flooded gum, E. saligna Sydney 

blue gum extremely tall open forest with vine forest 

understorey (‘wet sclerophyll’) (RE 12.3.2, 12.8.8, 

and 12.11.2) 

Occurs on wetter alluvial flats and gullies less than 

600-700m in altitude. There is a mid-dense rainforest 

understorey of tall broad-leaved trees and palms and 

a ground cover of ferns and shrubs. Less frequent 

species include Lophostemon confertus, E. saligna, 

E. microcorys, E. acmenoides and Corymbia intermedia 

(Oliver, 1987). Only small patches of flooded gum occur 

at the Springbrook and Natural Bridge sections of the 

National Park. They are also prominent along Waterfall 

Creek in Numinbah Forest Reserve. Other larger patches 

are represented in the Cougals and plantations in

Austinville Forest Reserve 1. RE 12.8.8 occupies the upper 

western slopes of the GCCC Purling Brook and Austinville 

Conservation Areas and occurs along Springbrook Road in 

Springbrook Conservation Area. Species of conservation 

significance include Acacia orites, Argophyllum 

nullumense, Cupaniopsis newmanii, Heliia ferruginea, 

Ricinocarpos speciosus and Olearia heterocarpa. 

Moist sclerophyll 

The moist sclerophyll communities described below can 

exhibit large variations in understorey species composition 

and structure reflecting variations in fire management, 

rainfall, aspect, slope, drainage, geology and soils. 

Field inspections and landscape-based assessments of 

vegetation condition and fire history are required as part 

of burn planning to sustain this diversity of understorey 

habitats across the landscape. 

Eucalyptus siderophloia, E. microcorys, Corymbia 

intermedia +/- E. propinqua open forest (RE 12.8.8a) 

This community covers 180ha of drier, well drained 

mid slopes within GCCC Springbrook and Numinbah 

Conservation Areas. Other canopy species present 

include E. resinifera, E. grandis, E. carnea and Syncarpia 

glomulifera, with Lophostemon confertus along shallow 

gullies. Mid stratum species include Allocasuarina 

torulosa, Lophostemon confertus, Mallotus philippensis 

and thickets of Acacia orites. Lower strata include 

Lepidozamia peroffskyana, Trochocarpa laurina and 

Cissus spp., with ferns, mat rushes and native ginger 

in shallow drainage areas and native grasses plus 

Leucopogon juniperinus and Desmodium gunnii in drier 

areas. Considerable disturbance from timber-harvesting 

has encouraged the proliferation of weeds such as 

lantana. Significant species present include Acacia orites, 

Cupaniopsis newmanii, Tinospora tinosporoides and 

Lenwebbia prominens. 

Mixed tall open forest dominated by Eucalyptus 

siderophloia grey ironbark and E. propinqua grey 

gum with vine forest species and E. grandis or 

E. saligna in gullies (RE 12.11.3) 

Other species present may include E. microcorys, 

Lophostemon confertus, Corymbia intermedia, 

E. biturbinata, E. acmenoides and E. tereticornis. A 

rainforest understorey develops in the absence of fire 

and is subject to weed invasion by Lantana camara. 

This community is found in the eastern section of the 

Cougals and on mid to lower slopes in the GCCC 

Austinville and Numinbah Conservation Areas and the 

Hinze and Little Nerang Dam Water Reserves. On gullies 

and slopes Lophostemon confertus may be dominant 

with E. microcorys and E. propinqua (RE 12.11.3a). This 

variation of the RE is represented in Austinville Forest 

Reserve 3 and sections of the National Park, GCCC 

Conservation Areas and the Little Nerang Dam water 

reserves on gullies and slopes. 

Eucalyptus oreades Blue Mountains ash tall open 

forest (RE 12.8.2) 

This community is found at altitudes above 900m on 

wet steep upper ridges of Springbrook National Park, 

within 200m of the cliff top at the Canyon Lookout area 

from Blackfellow Falls Creek to Goomoolahra Falls. The 

understorey consists of montane heath (Oliver, 1987). 

Rainforest species occur as understorey in some sheltered 

areas (Hall, 2008). 

Eucalyptus campanulata New England blackbutt 

very tall open forest with shrubby to grassy 

understorey (RE 12.8.1) 

This community often grows in pure stands or with less 

frequent canopy species of Lophostemon confertus, 

E. saligna, E. microcorys, Syncarpia glomulifera, 

E. acmenoides, Corymbia intermedia, E. carnea and E. 

resinifera. There is an understorey of shrubs, low trees, 

herbs and grasses. Occurs on wetter sites on ridge tops, 

upper slopes and plateaus above 580m on Cainozoic 

igneous rocks (EPA, 2007). Due to the high rainfall 

(> 3000mm/year) the understorey of this forest type 

on Springbrook is predominantly rainforest species, 

however on the drier ridges more sclerophyllous species 

predominate in the understorey, e.g. the northern 

section of Springbrook Plateau, the main populated ridge 

(Springbrook Road) from Salmon’s Saddle to the Lyrebird 

Ridge Road turnoff, the higher slopes of Mount Gannon 

Ridge and the high ridges of Natural Bridge (Hall, 1996). 

A small section is also located on the higher ridges at 

the Gwongorella Picnic Area. At Pinnacle Ridge an area 

of Eucalyptus campanulata on the edge of brushbox/ 

rainforest contains an extensive cycad Lepidozamia 

peroffskyana population. 

The E. campanulata community grades into E. pilularis 

Tall Open Forest along the southeast boundary of Apple 

Tree Flat. Blackbutt replaces New England Blackbutt as the 

canopy dominant, with other canopy species including 

E. microcorys, Syncarpia glomulifera, E. tindaliae, 

and E. acmenoides. The mid stratum is dominated by 

Allocasuarina torulosa with Acacia orites also found in 

Canyon Lookout section Springbrook National Park, 

where it has a rainforest understorey. 

Tall open forest of Lophostemon confertus brushbox 

and Syncarpia glomulifera turpentine with 

rainforest understorey dominated by Ceratopetalum 

apetalum coachwood. 

Tree ferns, palm lilies and ginger are common in the 

understorey with small, thin lianes, ground ferns and 

occasional epiphytes. Possibly a variation of the forest 

type above but E. campanulata is absent. This community 

is found in gullies, but is currently unmapped because of 

its small size. 


Moist to dry open-forest with Eucalyptus propinqua, 

Corymbia intermedia, E siderophloia ± E. microcorys, 

E. acmenoides, Lophostemon confertus, E. 

moluccana, Angophora subvelutina and occasional 

vine forest species (RE 12.12.15). 

Occurs on dry to moist mid and lower slopes at altitudes 

between 400-800m. Less frequent species include 

Eucalyptus propinqua, E. biturbinata, E. microcorys, 

Syncarpia glomulifera, Lophostemon confertus, Corymbia 

intermedia, E. tindaliae, E. siderophloia and E. tereticornis 

(Oliver, 1987). Mid stratum is often stringybark cypress 

pine, sally and nightcap wattles, casuarinas and blueberry 

ash. The shrub layer consists of dry sclerophyll species 

such as native rosemary, bracken fern and hop bush (Hall, 

1996) on drier slopes, but may contain vine forest species 

in moister areas. This community occurs in the western 

section of Numinbah Forest Reserve, predominantly 

on drier west-facing slopes, and also extends onto 

southeast slopes in the northern end of GCCC Numinbah 

Conservation Area, where it exhibits moist forest 

characteristics. Because of the variations occurring within 

this RE, it may be included in either the dry or moist 

sclerophyll fire association, as shown on Map 2 (Fire 

Associations). 

Riparian associations 

Fringing forest of Eucalyptus tereticornis, 

Callistemon viminalis, Casuarina cunninghamiana 

(RE 12.3.7) 

This community forms a narrow fringe along the Nerang 

River and Nerang Creek. It is highly prone to weed 

invasion in disturbed areas, particularly Cardiospermum 

grandiflorum and Ricinus communis. 

Gallery rainforest on alluvial plains (RE 12.3.1) 

This is a very small community of lowland rainforest on 

the Nerang River in Numinbah Forest Reserve. Species 

including Cryptocarya spp., Elaeocarpus grandis, Grevillea 

robusta, Castanospermum australe and Ficus spp. It 

also provides habitat for rare and threatened flora and 

fauna species. 

Dry sclerophyll associations 

The dry sclerophyll communities described below can 

exhibit gradations in understorey species composition 

from mostly dominated by grasses, a variable blend of 

grasses, herbs and shrubs, to areas with a predominantly 

shrubby understorey. This structure reflects variations 

in fire management, rainfall, aspect, slope, drainage, 

geology and soils. It is important that fire management 

maintains a diversity of understorey characteristics. 

Field inspections and landscape-based assessments of 

vegetation condition and fire history are required as part 

of burn planning to sustain this diversity of understorey 

habitats across the landscape. 


Moist to dry open-forest with Eucalyptus propinqua, 

Corymbia intermedia, E siderophloia ± E. microcorys, 

E. acmenoides, Lophostemon confertus, E. 

moluccana, Angophora subvelutina and occasional 

vine forest species (RE 12.12.15). 

Occurs on dry to moist mid and lower slopes at altitudes 

between 400-800m. Less frequent species include 

Eucalyptus propinqua, E. biturbinata, E. microcorys, 

Syncarpia glomulifera, Lophostemon confertus, Corymbia 

intermedia, E. tindaliae, E. siderophloia and E. tereticornis 

(Oliver, 1987). Mid stratum is often stringybark cypress 

pine, sally and nightcap wattles, casuarinas and blueberry 

ash. The shrub layer consists of dry sclerophyll species 

such as native rosemary, bracken fern and hop bush (Hall, 

1996) on drier slopes, but may contain vine forest species 

in moister areas. This community occurs in the western 

section of Numinbah Forest Reserve, predominantly 

on drier west-facing slopes, and also extends onto 

southeast slopes in the northern end of GCCC Numinbah 

Conservation Area, where it exhibits moist forest 

characteristics. Because of the variations occurring within 

this RE, it may be included in either the dry or moist 

sclerophyll fire association, as shown on Map 2 (Fire 

Associations). 

Tall open woodland with a grassy understorey and 

areas of bare rock (RE 12.11.9) 

Usually occurs on ridge tops and upper slopes. On 

isolated exposed ridge tops of Springbrook National 

Park the community is replaced by tall open grassy 

woodland. Small areas occur on the higher slopes of 

Cougal West and Cougal East Peaks and in Numinbah 

Forest Reserve. There are also very small remnants on 

the higher more exposed areas on Settlement Ridge. The 

canopy predominantly consists of woody species such 

as Angophora floribunda, A. subvelutina, Allocasuarina 

torulosa, E. tereticornis, E. campanulata, E. melliodora 

and Banksia integrifolia. Various grasses and shrubs make 

up the lower stratum (Oliver, 1987). 

Mixed tall open forest dominated by Eucalyptus 

tindaliae stringybark and E. carnea white mahogany 

(RE 12.11.5a) 

Other species may include Corymbia citriodora, E. crebra, 

and E. major, C. henryi and Angophora woodsiana. The 

understorey is grassy or grassy/shrubby. This community 

is present in Austinville Forest Reserve 2 and 3, Numinbah 

Forest Reserve and is the dominant vegetation in the 

Hinze Dam Catchment Reserve. 

Eucalyptus siderophloia, E. tereticornis, Corymbia 

intermedia open woodland to tall open forest on 

alluvial plains (RE 12.3.11) 

Occurs in small, low-lying areas around the Nerang River 

in Numinbah Forest Reserve.

Eucalyptus carnea, E. acmenoides, Corymbia 

intermedia, E. microcorys, E. siderophloia, 

E. biturbinata and E. tindaliae tall open forest on 

rhyolite escarpments (RE 12.8.20) 

This community is mapped as RE 12.8.20 but the floristic 

assemblage does not fit the RE description (BAAM, 2006). 

Occurs only in small areas on ridges at the northern end 

of Springbrook and Numinbah Conservation Areas. 

Eucalyptus eugeniodes, E tereticornis, E melliodora, 

E. biturbinata, Allocasuarina torulosa grassy open 

forest on igneous rocks. (RE 12.8.14) 

Occurs along lower ridgelines in the western portion 

of GCCC Numinbah Conservation Area, with lantana 

sometimes dominant in the understorey. 

Shrubby woodland (RE 12.12.14) 

Canopy species include Eucalyptus racemosa subsp. 

racemosa, Corymbia trachyphloia, E. carnea, E. tindaliae, 

E. exserta, Angophora woodsiana, E. resinifera and 

E. microcorys. Occurs on Mesozoic to Proterozoic 

igneous rocks. 

Heathland associations 

Closed Heathland/Open Scrub (RE 12.8.19) 

Closed heath and open scrub occurs on two high exposed 

sites in the Canyon area north and south of the Canyon 

Lookout (Hall, 1996). These are wet seepage sites with 

very poor soils. Both areas are surrounded by Blue 

Mountains ash Eucalyptus oreades forest. 

Rock Pavements 

Rock Pavements (RE 12.8.19) 

Sparsely vegetated steep to very steep exposed rock 

pavements are found in an almost continuous narrow 

band along the cliffs from the Canyon Lookout area to 

the NSW border. Rock pavement vegetation also occurs 

along the top of the west-facing escarpment below 

Apple Tree Park and at the top of the eastern peak in the 

Cougals. Species include a scattering of shrubs, herbs and 

epiphytes that adhere to the cracks, crevices and ledges 

of the rhyolitic cliffs (Young and Grimshaw, 1986, in 

Oliver, 1987). Most of these species are killed by fire and 

are adapted to very shallow, low nutrient soils with low 

water availability. 

2.2 Native species/communities of 

significance and/or potential indicator 

species 

Fifty-three rare or threatened plant species have been 

recorded in the planning area (Appendices 3 and 4). The 

majority of the 53 rare or threatened plant species within 

the planning area are rainforest, vine forest or riparian 

species and are not included in Table 1 as their protection 

is addressed in the management intent for these 

communities, which is not to burn them (see Table 3). 

Several species however, are associated with fire adapted 

communities, and have specific ecological requirements 

in relation to fire frequency and intensity. Significant 

plant species with relevance to fire management 

are listed in Table 1. Common plant species that are 

important indicators of ecosystem health in relation to fire 

management are also listed here as a reference for future 

monitoring. 


Table 1 Native flora species of particular management significance with information on potential 

value as indicators in monitoring programmes. 

* Status codes: E = Endangered (Schedule 2) under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994 (NCWR); 

V = Vulnerable (Schedule 3) under the NCWR; R = Rare (Schedule 4) under the NCWR; 

** Indicator codes: Y = good potential indicator; N = not a potential indicator; D = possible, but difficult to use as an 

indicator. Indicator species are potentially useful in monitoring programs. 

The information in this table has been sourced from: 

■■ Queensland Environmental Protection Agency, Conservation Management Profiles – Flora and Fauna Species. (EPA, 

2008). The profiles are developed by the Environmental Management Unit (Conservation Services Division) for a 

range of threatened species and include information such as descriptions, locations and extent, status, threats or 

pressures and suggested best-practice management advice; 

■■ Novello, S. & Klohs, R. (1999). Fire Management Planning for the National Parks of the Scenic Rim. Part 1: Ecological 

Considerations; 

■■ Tran, C. & Wild, C. (2000). A Review of Current Knowledge and Literature to Assist in Determining Ecologically 

Sustainable Fire Regimes for the Southeast Queensland Region. Griffith University and the Southeast Queensland Fire 

and Biodiversity Consortium; 

■■ James, R (2001) Springbrook National Park Fire Strategy. With Hall, M. and Lutze, W. QPWS; 

■■ Hall, M. (1996). Springbrook National Park Fire Management Plan, QPWS; 

■■ Moderated through discussions with internal and external experts, and with local staff with practical experience in 

managing fire and the species; and 

■■ Specific scientific articles where cited. 

Species 

Status 

code* 

Indicator** Details 

Persoonia volcanica R Y Disjunct distribution present in understorey of yellow stringybark (dry sclerophyll) 

communities. Seeds released to ground after fire. Requires minimum fire return 

interval of > 7-10 yrs to reach reproductive maturity, ensure mosaic burning retains 

areas of > 7-10 years. 

Westringia rupicola V Y Endemic species in understorey of dry sclerophyll/ montane heath. Resprouter 

with short-lived seed bank, and juvenile period of 4-5 years. Resilient to fire. Flowers 

Spring-Autumn. 

Callitris monticola R Y Found in understorey of montane shrubland. Obligate seeder. Minimum 16 yr fire 

return frequency required to reach reproductive maturity. 

Lepidozamia peroffskyana C Y A significant population is found in the understorey of Eucalyptus campanulata 

(moist sclerophyll) forest at Pinnacle Ridge and also in Austinville Forest Reserve 

2. Susceptible to being smothered by epiphytes and lantana in the long-term 

absence of fire. Moderate intensity fire is important to retain plant health and reduce 

smothering. Plants recover readily from moderate intensity fire. 

Ricinocarpos speciosus V Y Found in damp areas in sclerophyll forest and near rainforest, e.g. at Apple Tree 

Flat. Occurs in disturbed areas but likely to be impacted upon by too intense fires and 

wildfire. Maintain appropriate mosaic burn regime to reduce risk of wildfire. 

Allocasuarina torulosa or A. 

littoralis known to be feeding 

sites for Glossy Black Cockatoo 


C N Sclerophyll forests. The seeds of mature trees are one of the preferred food sources 

for the Glossy Black Cockatoo (Crome and James, 1992). It is therefore important to 

maintain seed producing trees. Trees are killed by intense fire (Clout, 1989). 

The presence of Allocasuarina in the environment is dynamic over long periods, 

with some trees or groves senescing or burning in intense fires, whilst others newly 

emerge. At some point seed production of Allocasuarina declines and there is 

decreasing benefit for Glossy Black Cockatoos in maintaining older trees. At the same 

time fire is needed for recruitment of new Allocasuarina plants. 

Mosaic burning should remove high fuel hazard around trees to reduce frequency 

of premature loss of feeding trees in wildfire, while at the same time provide 

opportunity for new trees to emerge.

Species 

Status 

code* 


Baloghia marmorata E N Generally occurs in vine forest habitats but also occurs in fire shadows within 

wet sclerophyll forest types. Very restricted distribution to a few locations in 

Springbrook. Obligate seeder, seed viable 2-3 years, juvenile period of 5 years. Known 

to be killed by high intensity fire. Burn sclerophyll forests in appropriate conditions to 

avoid fire shadows and rainforest communities. 

Eucryphia jinksii E N Generally occurs in vine forest habitats. Endemic to Springbrook, it has important 

links with Gondwana evolution and has a very restricted distribution. Burn sclerophyll 

forests in appropriate conditions to avoid fire shadows and rainforest communities. 

Themeda triandra C I Decline in health and vigour of Themeda clumps indicates need for fire in grassy 

understorey forests and woodlands (or previous use of too high intensity fire). 

Themeda requires low to moderate intensity fire with good soil moisture at a 

frequency of under 7 years. 

Imperata cylindrica C I Expansion of blady grass is an indicator of fire which is too intense and/or occurred 

during dry soil conditions. 

Xanthorrhoea C I Grass trees exhibiting decline and death may indicate need for fire in shrubby 

understorey forests and woodlands. 

Single species overabundance I An overabundance of one species (such as a whip-stick thicket of wattle, brush box, 

eucalypt or she-oak) can reduce the health or diversity of the understorey of forests 

and woodlands and can eventually affect canopy health. 

The overabundance may have been triggered by: 

– A hot fire event germinated a flush of one species with no subsequent fire to 

thin them. 

– Season, intensity and patchiness of fire have not been variable enough over a 

period of time, thereby favouring one species over others. 

– The species is usually kept in check by fire, but due to a long absence of fire, has 

become too abundant. 

2.3 Priority weeds in relation to fire management 

Sixty-two of the plant species recorded in the planning area are weeds (Appendices 3 and 4). Those that are considered 

significant with respect to fire management – either because they are promoted by a particular fire regime or because 

fire will be used as part of their management – are listed in Table 2. 

The Draft Statement of Pest Management Intent (Millington 2007) should be consulted for determining weed 

management priorities and for control methods on QPWS land. Ecological restoration Strategies for GCCC Springbrook 

and Numinbah Conservation Areas are currently in preparation and should be referred to for details of appropriate 

weed control methodologies within areas managed by GCCC. Further direction and information pertaining to weed 

management priorities on Council land can be found in the Springbrook Region Conservation reserves Cluster 

Management Plan (GCCC 2008) and the Gold Coast City Council Pest Management Plan (GCCC 2007). 

Lantana camara (lantana) is the most significant weed relating to fire management throughout Springbrook, Austinville 

and Numinbah due to its prevalence and because it separates many of the rainforest sections from the wet and dry 

sclerophyll open forest communities. Lantana provides large volumes of fuel especially during drought periods and 

periods of high fire danger (Novello and Klohs, 1999). It presents a serious risk by the addition of ladder fuels (D. 

Kington pers. com. 2008) and because it allows fire to burn into rainforest edges (Novello and Klohs, 1999). 


Table 2 Details of priority weeds in relation to fire management 

Scientific name Common name Details 

Lantana camara lantana Lantana is managed through a variety of means including mechanical control, 

chemical control or fire. Each area should be assessed for the most appropriate 

method. The below discusses how lantana can be managed with fire. 

– Low to moderate intensity fire during active growth with good soil moisture 

will kill and/or reduce density of both adult and immature lantana plants while 

stimulating native regeneration. Although high intensity fires may kill lantana, 

they also disadvantage establishment of native vegetation and favour woody 

plants such as wattle or more lantana. (D. Kington pers. com. 2008). 

– Application or reinstatement of fire regimes appropriate for dry sclerophyll forests 

is effective in reducing the density of lantana in these communities over time 

(D. Kington pers. com. 2008). In situations where lantana needs more active control: 

– Conduct repeated burning at the lower end of the ecological fire regime 

until monitoring indicates that lantana abundance is reduced. Use cautiously 

and ensure fire regime used is appropriate to facilitate regeneration of 

native species. 

– Fire and mechanical/chemical weed control methods may be applied to areas 

heavily infested with lantana. Initial overspraying of lantana, followed by knocking 

the lantana down to reduce elevated fuel hazard, and then burning dead material 

which will also stimulate growth of natives, has been shown to be effective (C. 

Tran pers. comm., July 2007). Due to increased light, follow up weed maintenance 

is essential for ongoing success (Duggin and Gentle, 1998). 

– Subdividing lantana infestations with access lines can help improve physical 

access for conventional weed control. It can also be used to burn the infestation 

in sections (starting from the uphill most section) in order to control intensity. It 

can also help draw fire into the centre of the infestation that may otherwise not 

receive fire. 

Melinis minutiflora molasses grass Promoted by fire although short fire intervals can be effective in management. 

Burning or burning and spraying, in two consecutive years can be used to control 

infestations. 

Schefflera actinophylla umbrella tree 

Cinnamomum camphora camphor laurel 

Ageratina adenophora crofton weed 

Baccharis halimifolia groundsel bush 

– Tall shrub/small tree. 

– Killed by fire. 

– Medium tree. 


2.4 Objectives, risk assessment and guidelines 

– Herb. 


– Wind dispersed seeds able to rapidly colonise cleared areas. 

– Shrub found in moister areas. 

– Fire sensitive although mature plants can resprout after fire. 

– Seeds wind dispersed and able to rapidly colonise cleared areas. 

Many Australian ecosystems rely on varying intensities and frequencies of fire for their health. Fire can also help protect 

fire sensitive ecosystems, where appropriate fire management in adjacent (fire adapted) areas helps to reduce the risk 

of penetration by high intensity wildfire. Fire is managed at a landscape level, whereby keeping ecosystems healthy 

through appropriate fire management allows land managers to keep individual species within that ecosystem healthy. 

A mosaic approach, aimed at maintaining representative examples of a range of habitats at various successional stages, 

is promoted to maintain the highest possible ecosystem and species diversity across the landscape (Melzer and Clarke 

2003). For species of special significance (e.g. rare or threatened species, or species with a limited habitat range), 

individual needs are also considered with the context of ecosystem management. 

Within fire adapted vegetation communities, a mosaic of habitat types across the landscape can be produced through 

use of a varied fire regime and by burning in conditions that facilitate patchiness. Ecological burns carried out in 


suitable conditions promote varied fire intensity, resulting 

in a patchy burn that tends not to spread into moister 

habitats. Conversely, where wildfire occurs, the level of 

fire intensity is likely to be significantly higher, resulting 

in less patchy fires that are more likely to penetrate and 

damage fire sensitive habitats. Although intense wildfires 

cause considerable ecological damage, and the objective 

of this fire strategy is to reduce the impacts of wildfires 

in the plan area, infrequent intense wildfires can have 

an ecological function in some vegetation communities 

(Table 3) and will inevitably enter the landscape from time 

to time. 

Where fire adapted communities have become degraded 

due to inappropriate fire regime, assessments will be 

made for the potential to restore ecosystem health 

through appropriate fire management. For example, 

where inappropriate fire has resulted in an overabundance 

of one species or group of species at the expense of 

healthy understorey diversity, consideration will be given 

to implementing more appropriate fire management to 

create a more diverse age-class structure. After a wildfire, 

there is a prime opportunity to re-introduce appropriate 

fire management regimes into an area (P. Stanton pers. 

com. 2007). 

Fire management objectives and desirable fire regimes 

for each recognised vegetation community are detailed in 

Table 3. 

Rainforest and vine scrub 

Fire sensitive communities in the planning area include 

all rainforests and vine scrubs. These communities do 

not require fire for regeneration and fire may irreversibly 

alter the species composition and structure of the 

community. How fire is applied to the surrounding fire 

adapted communities is critical to the protection of 

these ecosystems. Where rainforest and vine scrub are 

adjacent to fire adapted communities, planned burns (in 

the fire adapted vegetation) should be conducted with 

high soil moisture and during periods where weather 

conditions are unlikely to deteriorate to avoid impacts on 

fire sensitive communities. In moist conditions planned 

fires should not impact on canopy cover and should burn 

out prior to or at the rainforest/riparian edge. Post-fire 

inspections will help evaluate the success of management 

of these areas and identify where follow up management 

is required (Melzer & Clarke 2003). 

Riparian vegetation communities 

Many riparian communities contain a high proportion 

of fire sensitive species and/or fauna habitat trees. Too 

frequent and/or intense fire either removes or inhibits 

the development of structurally complex ground and 

mid-strata and may open up the canopy. This in turn 

may increase the risk of weed invasion and soil erosion, 

and lead to an increase in the fire hazard. Fire should 

be avoided in riparian communities in order to promote 

structurally complex ground and mid-strata and retain 

mature trees (all of which are important fauna habitat). 

Where riparian communities are adjacent to fire adapted 

communities, planned burns (in the fire adapted 

vegetation) should be conducted with high soil moisture 

and during periods where weather conditions are unlikely 

to deteriorate to minimise impacts on riparian areas. 

Post-fire evaluations will help determine the success 

of management objectives for these areas (Melzer & 

Clark 2003). 

Fire adapted vegetation communities 

The mosaic approach to planned burning in fire adapted 

communities is an effective means of providing the 

complex range of fire-intervals, intensities, seasons of burn 

and patch-sizes required to maintain floristic and structural 

diversity throughout communities and landscapes. By 

coordinating fire management across the national parks, 

forest reserves and GCCC Conservation Areas, it will be 

possible to plan a burning mosaic that maintains high 

biodiversity. 

Inappropriate fire including both too frequent fire, 

too infrequent and total lack of fire in fire adapted 

communities can lead to loss of species and ecosystem 

diversity. It can also lead to an increase in the risk of 

invasion by exotic plants. Too frequent fire in some fire 

adapted communities can lead to simplification of the 

community by reducing the floristic and structural diversity 

of the ground and mid-strata. Conversely, fire that is too 

infrequent can lead to the loss of fire-dependent species 

from the community as mature individuals senesce before 

the next generation of individuals is produced or has 

insufficient time to mature (Melzer & Clarke 2003), or are 

out-competed by fire sensitive pioneer species. 

Many fire adapted species will tolerate a wide range 

of fire regimes, whereas others have quite specific fire 

requirements. Planned burn regimes designed to produce 

a wide range of variabilities in season and timing will 

allow for diversity in fire (Melzer & Clarke 2003). Planned 

burns should be carried out under conditions required 

to achieve the desired fire, but outside times where 

deteriorating weather conditions may lead to uncontrolled 

fires. Most planned burns will require high soil moisture 

to facilitate rapid post-fire regeneration, minimise the risk 

of erosion and promote ‘patchiness’ within the burn area 

and minimise the risk of escape. 

Fire adapted sclerophyll communities with appropriate 

fire regimes play a major role in mitigating the effects of 

inappropriate fire on fire sensitive communities through 

reducing the intensity of wildfire across the landscape, 

thus reducing the risk of high intensity wildfire penetrating 

fire sensitive vegetation in extreme fire weather. 


Table 3 Fire management objectives and preferred fire regimes for the vegetation communities 

Plant community Objectives Action/Fire regime 

Regional 

ecosystem 

– Do not burn 

– Though fire resistant, fire can damage these ecosystems. 

– Planned burning in adjacent fire adapted areas is necessary to protect rainforests, however should only be conducted when 

there is sufficient moisture in the fuel of non-target communities. Moisture levels are determined using: “Fuel Moisture Meter”, 

“Fuel Crunch Test”, “Leaf Test” or a small test burn in nearby areas. 

– It is essential to ensure weather conditions are appropriate so that fire does not encroach into rainforests areas. 

– Use of ignition techniques to manage the intensity and spread of fire near to rainforests if required. 

– Strategic ignition of adjacent fire adapted communities is required where rainforest is found up-slope of dry sclerophyll 

vegetation to help avoid upslope runs of fire into the rainforest edges. 

– No fire 

Rainforest 

– Warm subtropical rainforest 

– Cool subtropical rainforest 

– Cool temperate rainforest 

12.8.6, 

12.8.5, 

12.8.3, 

12.8.13, 

12.8.4, 

12.12.16, 

12.11.1, 

12.8.18 


– Avoid burning 

– Management of fuel hazard in adjacent dry forests are critical for protection. These narrow communities are susceptible to 

woody weed invasion, which may increase flammability during dry conditions. 

– Planned burns in adjacent fire adapted communities should only be carried out when there is good soil moisture and at a time 

when fuel is sufficiently moist that fire is unlikely to penetrate the riparian edges. 

– Impacts of fire on riparian communities will be minimised through appropriate fire management techniques and choice of 

To maintain community 

composition, structure and habitat 

Riparian 

– Fringing E. tereticornis forest 

12.3.1, 

12.3.7 

through avoidance of fire. 

– Gallery rainforest. 

appropriate weather conditions during planned burns. 

– Infrequent wildfire 

– At Springbrook, due to the high rainfall, wet eucalypt forests are characterised by a mesophyllous, vine forest understorey. 

Management of these systems must therefore facilitate sufficient fire to allow for regeneration of the eucalypt canopy, whilst 

allowing fire return intervals of sufficient length to maintain a diverse vine forest understorey. 

– Occasional high intensity fires may be necessary for eucalypt canopy regeneration. However, to allow canopy and understorey 

to reach reproductive maturity, fire return intervals of below 20 years are not recommended (Campbell 2004, Florence 1996). 

– A range of wildfire at intervals between 20 and >100 years should fulfil this role. Current research indicates that mesophyllous 

understorey species recover well from infrequent high intensity fires (Campbell and Clarke 2006). 

– Brush box dominated wet sclerophyll forests in this region can regenerate in the absence of fire (Guinto et al., 1999), but are 

able to tolerate occasional wildfires at very long fire return intervals (Turner, 1984). Planned burning is not recommended and 

appropriate fire return intervals (50-300 years) are likely to be provided through occasional wildfires. 

– Diversity is likely to be maintained by a range of fire intervals over time. 

– Proactive management of fuel hazard in surrounding fire adapted ecosystems and management of lantana infested areas to 

reduce fuel hazard, are important to protect wet sclerophyll ecosystems from the threat of frequent intense wildfires. 

To maintain community 

composition and structure 

through management of wildfire. 

Wet sclerophyll forest 

– Eucalyptus grandis/E. saligna communities 

with vine forest understorey 

– Lophostemon confertus communities with vine 

12.3.2, 

12.8.8, 

12.8.9, 

12.11.2 

forest understorey


Regional 

ecosystem 

– Infrequent wildfire combined with planned burns that maintain diverse understorey characteristics 

– These forest types exhibit broad variation in understorey composition and structure reflecting variations in fire history, rainfall, 

aspect, slope, drainage, geology and soils. Understorey varies from shrubby heath species, vine forest species, ferns, sedges and 

grasses. Fire management should aim to provide a diversity of understorey characteristics in order to maintain rich and diverse 

habitats for flora and fauna. 

– A diversity of fire return intervals is recommended to create variable understorey conditions to support a wide range of species: 

– Vine forest understorey: vine forest species do not need fire for regeneration but are able to regenerate after occasional high 

to low intensity fires (Campbell and Clarke 2006; Williams 2000). The topography at Springbrook creates patchiness that 

has allowed mesophyllous communities in deep gullies and fire shadows to survive previous intense wildfires. Occasional 

wildfire at long (20->100 year) intervals, manage to avoid too frequent wildfire. 

– Shrubby/heath understorey: In addition to occasional high intensity wildfires to maintain the eucalypt canopy, shrubby 

understorey vegetation requires low to moderate intensity burns at intervals of 12-25 years to ensure a representative 

age class structure of sclerophyllous species and prevent a transition into mesophyllous vegetation. Where Lepidozamia 

peroffskyana is an important component of the understorey, moderate intensity burns at this interval will prevent 

smothering and enable Lepidozamia to persist in the environment. In E. oreades forest low intensity fire may not provide 

favourable conditions for canopy regeneration and high intensity fires at approximately 50 year intervals are recommended 

(Watson 2001). 

– Grassy understorey: In addition to occasional high intensity wildfires to maintain the eucalypt canopy, low to moderate 

intensity understorey fires of 4-12 years are required for the maintenance of a grassy understorey. 

– Infrequent (generally every 20->100 yrs) high intensity wildfires will stimulate eucalypt regeneration. 

– The ecotone between moist and dry sclerophyll ecosystems is changeable and over time it is natural for there to be 

fluctuations in these boundaries, with moist sclerophyll species expanding into dry sclerophyll areas and the burning of drier 

ecosystems sometimes penetrating moister areas. 

– To maintain community 

composition and structure 

through ecologically 

appropriate use of fire. 

Moist sclerophyll forest 

– Eucalyptus siderophloia, E. microcorys, 

Corymbia intermedia +/- E. propinqua open 

forest with sclerophyll/mesophyll understorey 

& ferns & sedges 

– Eucalyptus siderophloia & E. propinqua tall 

open forest with E. grandis & E. saligna & vine 

forest understorey in gullies & fire shadows. 

– E. oreades tall open forest with heath 

understorey 

– E. campanulata very tall open forest with 

shrubby/grassy understorey ± cycads. 

– E. pilularis tall open forest with sclerophyll/ 

mesophyll understorey 

– Lophostemon confertus & Syncarpia 

glomulifera tall open forest with vine forest 

understorey 

– Eucalyptus propinqua, Corymbia intermedia, 

E siderophloia moist to dry open forest with 

occasional vine forest species (where this 

vegetation type has a dry grassy or shrubby 

understorey, refer to guidelines for dry 

12.8.1, 

12.8.2, 

12.8.8a, 

12.11.3, 

12.11.3a, 

12.12.15 

– To maintain a healthy and 

functional canopy and diversity 

in understorey composition 

and structure across the 

landscape. 

– To maintain habitat and 

connectivity for fauna species 

adapted to transitional moist 

sclerophyll habitats. 

– To reduce abundance of 

Lantana camara in degraded 

areas. 

sclerophyll forest). 



Regional 

ecosystem 

– Mosaic planned burns in appropriate conditions and with soil moisture 

– In open forest with a grassy understorey, vegetation communities should be burnt at low to moderate intensity in a mosaic 

pattern that ensures a representative age-class structure of vegetation between 3 and 6 years. 

– In open forest with a shrubby understorey, vegetation communities should be burnt at low to moderate intensity in a mosaic 

pattern that ensures a representative age-class structure of vegetation between 7 and 25 years. 

– Topographic variability frequently results in development of isolated mesophyllous communities in steep gullies. Burn on 

variable seasons and with good soil moisture to minimise impacts on fire shadow areas, soil biota and habitat trees. Burning at 

low to moderate intensity will create a mosaic (patchiness) containing unburnt areas. 

– To encourage a mosaic 

of different age classes 

and promote a range of 

understorey habitat types from 

grassy to shrubby. 

– To protect habitat trees and 

glossy black cockatoo feeding 

trees. 

Dry sclerophyll associations 

– E. siderophloia, E. tereticornis, Corymbia 

intermedia open woodland to tall open coastal 

lowland forest; 

– E. eugenioides, E. tereticornis grassy open 

12.3.11, 

12.8.14, 

12.8.20, 

12.11.5a, 

12.11.9, 

12.12.15, 

12.12.14 

forest; 

– Eucalyptus carnea, E. acmenoides, 

C. intermedia tall open forest; 

– E. tindaliae, E. carnea mixed eucalypt tall open 


forest with grassy/shrubby understorey; 

– E. tereticornis, Angophora spp. tall open 

woodland with a grassy/shrubby understorey. 

– E. acmenoides open forest with shrubby 

understorey & occasional vine forest species; 

– Eucalyptus propinqua, Corymbia intermedia, 

E siderophloia moist to dry open forest with 

occasional vine forest species (where this 

vegetation type has moist understorey, refer to 

guidelines for moist sclerophyll). 

– These vegetation communities should be burnt with a fire return interval between 16 and 25 years. These ecosystems are 

adapted to at least moderately intense fires. 

– To maintain composition and 

structure. 

12.8.19 Heathland / tall montane shrubland 

– Avoid burning 

– These ecosystems contain fire sensitive species and are quite erodable if disturbed. Do not deliberately burn these areas, but 

– To maintain community 

composition, structure and 

habitat through avoidance 

of fire. 

12.8.19 Rock pavements 

where they merge with flammable ecosystems, some of the species will be adapted to occasional fire. 


■■ Novello, S. & Klohs, R. (1999). Fire Management Planning for the National Parks of the Scenic Rim. Part 1: Ecological Considerations; 

■■ Tran, C. & Wild, C. (2000). A Review of Current Knowledge and Literature to Assist in Determining Ecologically Sustainable Fire Regimes for the Southeast Queensland Region. Griffith University and the Southeast Queensland Fire and 

Biodiversity Consortium; 

■■ Watson, P. (2001). The role and use of fire for biodiversity conservation in South-east Queensland: fire management guidelines derived from ecological research. SEQ Fire and Biodiversity Consortium, Queensland, Australia; 



■■ Moderated through discussions with internal and external experts, and with local staff with practical experience in managing fire and ecosystems; and 

■■ Specific scientific articles where cited.

3 Fauna 

This section begins by discussing fauna survey work 

conducted in the study area followed by a description of 

significant fauna species and recommendations for fire 

management of fauna. 

Surveys of the fauna of Springbrook National Park and 

Numinbah Forest Reserve were conducted as part of the 

Regional Forest Assessment in 1997. Two fauna surveys 

were undertaken on the Settlement Land during October 

and November 1995. Surveys were also done as part 

of the assessment for the Gold Coast Hinterland Great 

Walk in 2004. These surveys and other incidental records 

have recorded a total of 234 vertebrate species, including 

25 amphibians, 30 reptiles, 135 birds, 43 mammals 

and 1 fish (WildNet 2005). Significant invertebrates 

recorded at Springbrook National Park include the 

vulnerable Ornithoptera richmondia and the Eurhamphus 

fasciculatus which breeds in hoop pine. Arachnocampa 

flava are found in the cave at Natural Bridge and at the 

along moist embankments adjacent to Currumbin Creek 

at the Cougals. 

Austinville and Springbrook Forest Reserves have not 

been formally surveyed for fauna, however many of the 

species listed for Springbrook and Numinbah will also be 

found in these areas. Eight introduced species occur in 

the protected areas. Appendix 5 lists the fauna records for 

Springbrook National Park and Numinbah Forest Reserve. 

Detailed terrestrial fauna surveys recently conducted 

within GCCC Conservation Areas in the plan area 

identified 272 terrestrial fauna species, including 

22 amphibians, 30 reptiles, 113 birds, 45 mammals, 

31 butterflies, 15 cicadas and 16 dragonflies (BAAM 

2006). Of these species, seven were introduced. A full 

list of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna recorded within 

GCCC Conservation Areas is provided in Appendix 6. 

The fauna information provided below is intended to give 

broad guidance to fire managers. During development 

of the planned burn program (see Appendix 2), ground 

truthing of sites and reference to constantly updated data 

systems (listed in Appendix 2) will be used to incorporate 

emerging data into the fire planning process. 

3.1 Species of significance and/or 

potential indicator species 

Of the fauna recorded within the planning area, 3 species 

are listed as Endangered, 9 as Vulnerable and 12 as Rare 

under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 

1994. These species, together with a brief explanation of 

their significance, are listed in Table 4 (next page). Those 

species that have the potential to be used as indicators in 

fire monitoring programmes are also identified. 


Table 4 Fauna species of significance with information on potential value as indicators in 

monitoring programmes. 

Common name Scientific name 

Status 

code* 


grey goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae R N Breeds Jul-Dec in mature dense moist-wet sclerophyll 

forest. Low intensity burning with good soil moisture to 

protect habitat trees. Avoid burning near trees actively 

being used for nests. 

black breasted button 

quail 

Turnix melanogaster V N Ground dwelling bird which breeds Sept to April. Found 

mainly in dry rainforests. Can be affected by repeated 

burning of rainforest margins during drought periods. 

red goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus E N Population reduced by habitat clearing. Recorded in 

Numinbah Forest Reserve. Moist-wet sclerophyll. Breeds 

Aug to Nov in 20m+ tall trees often in riparian forests. 

Avoid burning near known nest sites during breeding. 

glossy black cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami V D Population reduced by habitat clearing. Breeds Mar 

to Aug often nesting in dead hollow trees 15 to 20m 

above ground. Lives in open wet-dry eucalypt forest with 

Allocasuarina associations. 

The seeds of mature Allocasuarina trees are one of the 

preferred food sources for the Glossy Black Cockatoo 

(Crome and James, 1992). It is therefore important 

to maintain feeding trees. Trees killed by intense fire 

(Clout, 1989). 

The presence of Allocasuarina in the environment is 

dynamic over long periods, with some trees or groves 

senescing or burning in intense fires, whilst others newly 

emerge. At some point seed production of Allocasuarina 

declines and there is decreasing benefit for Glossy Black 

Cockatoos in maintaining older trees. At the same time 

fire is needed for recruitment of new Allocasuarina plants. 

Mosaic burning should remove high fuel hazard around 

trees to reduce frequency of premature loss of mature 

food trees in wildfire, while at the same time provide 

opportunity for new trees to emerge. 

powerful owl Ninox strenua V N Breeds late April to mid August in tall hollow eucalypts in 

wet-moist sclerophyll forest. Low intensity burning with 

good soil moisture to protect habitat trees. 

red-browed treecreeper Climacteris erythops R N Breeds Aug-Jan in hollow limbs of eucalypts in moist-wet 

sclerophyll forest. Low intensity burning with good soil 

moisture to protect habitat trees. 

sooty owl Tyto tenebricosa R N Generally occurs in mesic vegetation (rainforest to wet 

sclerophyll), roosts in hollow-bearing emergent eucalypts. 

Low intensity burning in adjacent communities to 

reduce fuel. 

marbled frogmouth Podargus ocellatus 

plumiferus 

V N Occurs in subtropical rainforest habitats, from which 

fire should be excluded. Also recorded from wet-dry 

sclerophyll forest within GCCC Conservation Areas. Low 

intensity burning with good soil moisture to protect 

habitat trees and reduce fuel. 

Albert’s lyrebird Menura alberti R N Generally occurs in subtropical rainforest habitats, which 

should not be burnt. Also recorded from wet sclerophyll 

forest within GCCC Conservation Areas. Low intensity 

burning of adjacent communities with good soil moisture 

to protect habitat trees and reduce fuel. 



Status 

code* 


brush-tailed rock wallaby Petrogale pencillata V D Rock outcrops adjacent to grassy open forests. Population 

introduced to Numinbah Forest Reserve by Currumbin 

Sanctuary. Listed as vulnerable due to predation from 

foxes, direct competition from goats and historical 

European hunting practices. Requires fire management to 

maintain grassy food source. 

red necked wallaby Macropus rufogriseus C D Presence of small groups an indicator of appropriate fire 

management in grassy open forest. Populations may 

be under threat by increase in shrubby understorey and 

reduction of available fresh grass after fire. Requires fire 

management to maintain grassy food source. Mosaic 

burning to ensure refuge areas. 

spotted-tail quoll Dasyurus maculatus 

maculatus 

long-nosed potoroo Potorous tridactylus 

tridactylus 

V D Rainforest, wet and moist sclerophyll forests. Vulnerable 

due to habitat destruction and predation by feral animals. 

Mosaic burning required reducing fuel, ensuring retention 

of some unburnt logs, dense understorey vegetation and 

rock crevices for habitat. 

V D Mainly utilises open dry sclerophyll forest with a grassy 

tussock understorey for foraging and surrounding moist 

and wet sclerophyll forest for shelter. Mosaic burning 

required retaining understorey cover but ensuring shrubs 

do not overtake grasses in foraging areas. 

koala Phascolarctos cinereus RV D Inhabit moist to dry eucalypt forest. Can be killed by 

severe intensity fire. Ensure mosaic burning at a low to 

moderate intensity to reduce combustibility of forests. 

golden-tipped bat Kerivoula papuensis R N Listed as rare probably due to destruction of habitat by 

clearing. Roosts inside scrub wren and brown Gerygone 

nests mostly in rainforest margins. Protect known roost 

sites from high intensity fire and retain hollow trees. 

Maintain a mosaic of dense patches of understorey 

vegetation on sclerophyll slopes above riparian habitat to 

protect foraging resources. 

eastern bristle bird Dasyornis brachypterus E D Potential habitat occurs in Springbrook. Eastern Bristle 

Birds rely on dense grassy sclerophyll forests close to 

rainforests. In areas of potential habitat regular mosaic 

burning to retain grass tussocks, avoid shrubs taking over 

and reduce combustibility of the forest. No more than 

25% burnt at any one time. Also mosaic burning in nearby 

areas to reduce combustibility of forest. 

Hastings River mouse Pseudomys oralis E D Potential habitat occurs in Springbrook in grassy or heathy 

sclerophyll forests near rainforest. Limit burning from 

August to March. Mosaic burning retaining age stands 

between five to ten years and ensure a mosaic of only 1/3 

of the site burnt at anyone time, with 1/3 always unburnt 

for at least five years. Also mosaic burning in nearby areas 

to reduce combustibility of forest. 

eastern pygmy-possum Cercartetus nanus C N Regionally significant as it is the northern limit of the 

species. Mainly in high altitude rainforest, sclerophyll 

forest and heath. Breeds Sept to Apr. Nests in hollows, 

under bark and in tree forks. Low intensity mosaic burning 

with good soil moisture to protect habitat trees. 

New Holland mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae L Y Only recorded from recently burnt areas. Requires relatively 

frequent fire to maintain open, grassy habitat structure. 



Status 

code* 


common death adder Acanthophis antarcticus R N Found in rainforest, wet sclerophyll, dry sclerophyll 

woodland, shrubland and grassland. Breeds in Spring. 

Retain at least 25% of groundcover unburnt during 

mosaic burns. 

Stephen’s banded snake Hoplocephalus stephensii R N Occurs in a variety of vegetation types ranging from 

rainforest to dry sclerophyll. Highly dependant on tree 

hollows. Low intensity mosaic burning with good soil 

moisture to protect habitat trees. 

burrowing skink Ophioscincus truncatus R N Occurs in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest. Requires 

dense leaf litter for habitat and foraging. Retain at least 

25% of groundcover unburnt during mosaic burns. 

cascade tree frog Litoria pearsoniana E N Shelters mainly in wet sclerophyll understorey but may 

occur in moist riparian areas within dry open forest. May 

form large aggregations in tree hollows or vegetation May- 

Sept. Avoid planned burns encroaching on riparian areas. 

whirring treefrog Litoria revelata R N Inhabits rainforest, wet and dry open forest. Mosaic 

burning of adjacent communities to prevent hot fires 

encroaching riparian habitat. 

tusked frog Adelotus brevis V N Inhabits fire sensitive riparian communities. Avoid planned 

burns encroaching on riparian areas. 

black-soled frog Lechriodus fletcheri R N Inhabits fire sensitive mesic high altitude rainforest and 

wet sclerophyll habitats. Avoid planned burns encroaching 

on riparian areas. 

giant barred frog Mixophyes iteratus E N Inhabits fire sensitive riparian communities. Avoid planned 

burns encroaching on riparian areas. 

pouched frog Assa darlintoni R Y Occurs in wet sclerophyll, heathland and in rainforest 

along creek lines. Too frequent fire regimes may cause a 

decline in population numbers. However, these species 

do not persist in heathland and wet sclerophyll in other 

locations. Their occurrence in these ecosystems is possibly 

due to the high rainfall on Springbrook. Retain at least 

25% of groundcover unburnt during mosaic burns. 

* Status codes: E = Endangered (Schedule 2) under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994 (NCWR); 

V = Vulnerable (Schedule 3) under the NCWR; R = Rare (Schedule 4) under the NCWR; L = locally significant. 

** Indicator codes: Y = good potential indicator; N = not a potential indicator; D = possible, but difficult to use as an indicator. Indicator species are 

potentially useful in monitoring programs. 


■■ Queensland Environmental Protection Agency, Conservation Management Profiles – Flora and Fauna Species. (EPA, 2008). The profiles are developed 

by the Environmental Management Unit (Conservation Services Division) for a range of threatened species and include information such as 

descriptions, locations and extent, status, threats or pressures and suggested best-practice management advice; 

■■ Novello, S. & Klohs, R. (1999). Fire Management Planning for the National Parks of the Scenic Rim. Part 1: Ecological Considerations; 

■■ Tran, C. & Wild, C. (2000). A Review of Current Knowledge and Literature to Assist in Determining Ecologically Sustainable Fire Regimes for the 

Southeast Queensland Region. Griffith University and the Southeast Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium; 



■■ Moderated through discussions with internal and external experts, and with local staff with practical experience in managing fire and the species; and 

■■ Specific scientific articles where cited. 


3.2 Objectives, risk assessment and 

guidelines 

Fire will be managed to facilitate the maintenance and/ 

or re-establishment of habitat diversity throughout 

the planning area. Fire management requirements of 

significant fauna and/or indicator species are given in 

the Quick Reference Guide for fire management within 

Conservation Zones (Table 7). 

The principal approach taken to manage fauna is mosaic 

burning. Mosaic planned burns are an effective tool 

to ensure: 

■■ That litter and fallen logs are allowed to accumulate 

over substantial areas in fire adapted forest types 

and grasslands providing habitats essential for many 

ground dwelling fauna (e.g. common death adder, 

spotted-tail quoll and long-nosed potoroo). These 

fauna also provide prey species for many others (e.g. 

powerful owl); 

■■ That there is variation in structural complexity between 

forested patches within each vegetation community. 

This provides for the diverse habitat and foraging 

requirements of many forest/woodland dwelling 

bird species as well as gliders, possums and ground- 

dwelling mammals such as the long-nosed potoroo; 

■■ That fire does not become too intense and future 

wildfires are mitigated; and 

■■ That there are refuge areas for fauna during fire. 

In most cases, habitat trees will be protected by burning 

in appropriate weather conditions and/or with spot 

ignition/mosaic ignition techniques. In some cases it may 

be necessary to protect individual habitat trees. 

Many species including rainforest dwelling frogs and 

marbled frogmouth occur in fire sensitive vegetation 

communities so will be protected from fire. In addition, 

predatory animals such as the spotted-tail quoll 

will benefit from the prey species that inhabit these 

communities. 


4 Cultural resources 

Indigenous 

Springbrook National Park, Numinbah and Austinville 

Forest Reserves and GCCC Conservation Areas are part 

of an important cultural landscape for the extended 

families of the Eastern Yugambeh people having both 

physical and spiritual significance for them. In describing 

the cultural resources within the planning area, it is 

important to make the distinction that these cultural 

resources include the whole cultural landscape. This 

cultural landscape is not only described by identified 

cultural heritage sites and artefacts but also includes the 

Yugambeh people’s relationship to this landscape, cultural 

beliefs, values, places, ecosystems and the resources 

within them. 

Identified physical cultural heritage sites and artefacts 

present within the planning area include Aboriginal 

burials, bora ring, artefact scatters, scar trees and various 

rock shelters containing either burial and/or cultural 

material (EPA 2000). Cultural heritage studies were 

undertaken within sections of the planning area as part of 

the planning for Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. The 

findings of these studies are contained in a report entitled 

Cultural Heritage Report for the Gold Coast Hinterland 

Great Walk prepared by the Kombumerri Aboriginal 

Corporation for Culture for the QPWS (QPWS, 2005). It 

should be noted that these known physical records are 

only indicative of the full richness and diversity of the 

archaeological record of the Gold Coast hinterland and 

that much of this physical record has been permanently 

lost. Gathering further physical records will be an evolving 

process. As new artefacts and sites are identified they will 

be added to the record. 

Aside from the identified physical cultural heritage, 

the indigenous cultural landscape in the planning area 

extends to the ecosystems shaped by the Aboriginal 

use of fire and the resources within them. This cultural 

landscape has degraded through changed management, 

including altered fire management practices. 

European 

Francis Roberts surveyed Springbrook Plateau in the early 

1900s and clearing for cattle and dairy farming began 

subsequently. Large areas were set aside for logging with 

one of the largest sawmills in Queensland located in the 

Numinbah Valley (QPWS, 1999). Consequently many of 

the accessible areas have been logged. The remains of a 

bush sawmill used during the mid 1940s to early 1950s 

are located at Mount Cougal day use area (QPWS, 1999). 

This is protected from fire by rainforest and the track 

system. The historic forestry camp in Springbrook National 


Park was built in 1938 to house workers constructing 

the walking tracks; and consists of the concrete and iron 

remains of a camp. 

The Settlement is a large former dairying property located 

along Carrick’s Road, situated on a semi-cleared property 

immediately upstream of Purlingbrook Falls, and is an 

example of 1930’s architecture (Richardson & Reid 2003). 

The Information Centre on Springbrook Road near 

Canyon Lookout was built in 1911 as Springbrook’s first 

state school and is entered on the Queensland Heritage 

Register. It is the oldest building on Springbrook Plateau 

and now houses wildlife and historical displays. It is 

surrounded by montane heath and rainforest regrowth 

and would only be threatened by severe wildfire. 

Recording of other European cultural sites was 

undertaken by staff from the Cultural Heritage Branch, 

EPA in 1998 as part of the assessment of values for the 

Regional Forest Agreement. Austinville and Numinbah 

Forest Reserves have an extensive logging history reflected 

by a network of roads and remains of the Pine Creek 

Forestry Camp in Numinbah (EPA, 2000). 

There is also evidence of logging history in parts of 

GCCC Numinbah Conservation Area. A small farmhouse 

in Numinbah Conservation Area (Chester’s Rd) is of 

some limited heritage significance in its local context, 

but is in a poor state of repair, with severe termite and 

borer damage.


guidelines 

Indigenous 

Section 4 of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 

defines the main purpose of the Act as providing 

effective recognition, protection and conservation of 

Aboriginal cultural heritage. Section 23 of the Act states 

that ‘A person who carries out an activity must take all 

reasonable and practical measures to ensure the activity 

does not harm Aboriginal cultural heritage’. The Nature 

Conservation Act 1992 also includes clear obligations to 

protect and manage cultural heritage. 

Inappropriate fire, fire regimes and wildfires represent 

the greatest risk to indigenous identified physical sites 

and artefacts in the Springbrook Area. This risk to the 

identified physical cultural heritage can be mitigated or 

prevented through: 

■■ Identifying the sites; 

■■ Having measures in place to protect known sites (e.g. 

reducing fuel by raking around significant sites); and 

■■ Using appropriate fire management. This includes use 

of smaller mosaics and avoiding burning in spring and 

early summer, when hot, dry conditions may damage 

the identified cultural heritage artefacts. Mosaic 

burning will also help mitigate the severity of wildfires. 

Due to their sensitivity, exact locations of cultural heritage 

sites and artefacts within the planning area have not 

been identified in this fire strategy. These records will 

be available to local area staff through Geographical 

Information System (GIS) on the ParkInfo system and on 

Fire Action Maps (emergency response mapping). These 

records will be used to: 

■■ Inform the planned burn process. Site-specific cultural 

heritage information will be included in planned 

burn proposals to inform operational staff of specific 

resources that require protection during a designated 

burn; and 

■■ Enable staff to protect known sites in the event of a 

wildfire situation, where it is safe to do so. 

Modern land managers have a responsibility to protect 

and preserve the cultural landscape other than the 

identified physical cultural heritage. With regard to fire 

management, loss of ecosystems through inappropriate 

fire management represents a loss to the cultural 

landscape of Indigenous groups. Appropriate application 

of fire will preserve representative ecosystems and the 

resources contained within. 

European 

The Cougals Sawmill is surrounded by wet sclerophyll 

forest and would only be threatened by severe wildfire. 

The placement of Wildfire Mitigation zones in this 

strategy will reduce the frequency and intensity of 

wildfire. 

The only remnant of the Pine Creek Forestry Camp 

in Numinbah is a corrugated iron hut. Risks will be 

minimised by manual control of lantana immediately 

surrounding the hut to maintain low fuel levels. 

The farmhouse at Chester’s Road is in an open paddock 

and would be readily accessible to protect in a wildfire. 

Little remains of the Forestry Camp in Springbrook that 

would be threatened by fire, and artefacts that were in 

good condition are now on display in the information 

centre. 

The Settlement in Springbrook is located in a cleared 

paddock of Kikuyu grass which can carry a fast and 

intense grass fire, therefore a protection zone has been 

recommended to reduce fuel hazard (see section 9). 


5 Production resources 

There are no production resources within the plan area. 

6 Reserve infrastructure 

In the National Park there is a range of infrastructure 

susceptible to damage by fire, including one QPWS 

operational base, 6 toilet blocks, 3 shelter sheds, one 

information stand, one pump shed, signs, bollards, fences 

and picnic tables (refer to Map 1). 

The Settlement buildings house the QPWS offices and 

workbase, and a new camping area has been constructed 

at the Settlement, replacing the existing campsite at 

Purling Brook Falls. The Settlement is located in a cleared 

paddock of Kikuyu grass which can carry a fast and 

intense grass fire, and the presence of campers presents 

an ignition risk. Rehabilitation areas at the Settlement also 

need protection from fire. 

In association with the Gold Coast Hinterland Great 

Walk, the Waterfall Creek campsite presents a potential 

fire risk that will be managed by a fire plan specifically 

developed for this campsite. Also as part of the Gold 

Coast Hinterland Great Walk, a new walking track has 

been constructed within Numinbah Conservation Area. 

Although largely undeveloped, the Mount Cougal section 

has a picnic area, toilets, a sealed walking track, several 

viewing platforms and the partially restored bush sawmill. 

There is potential risk from severe wildfire. 

Within the GCCC Springbrook Conservation Area, a small 

car park, picnic facilities and a toilet block are located in a 

clearing at Apple Tree Park. Further recreational facilities 

within the Conservation Area are being investigated as 

part of the plan of management, and are likely to include 

recreational tracks and interpretive signage. As with 

Springbrook National Park, it is anticipated that visitors to 

this area will be primarily concentrated at day-use areas, 

lookouts and on walking tracks. 



guidelines 

Most existing and planned infrastructure within the 

planning area is located in rainforest or maintained 

open grassy areas and thus largely protected from fire. 

Where visitor infrastructure is vulnerable to fire, it will be 

protected through establishment and maintenance of an 

integrated system of protection and wildfire mitigation 

zones, control lines and hazard reduction measures 

detailed below: 

■ ■ Designated Protection and Wildfire Mitigation zones to 

maintain reduced fuel hazard (refer to section 9); 

■ ■ Maintenance of strategic fire control lines which 

include roads, walking tracks, slashed vegetation lines 

and powerline breaks (see section 11); 

■ ■ Management regimes outlined in zoning plans to be 

implemented (refer section 9); 

■ ■ Physical barriers, together with appropriate signage 

to prevent visitors entering parks and reserves in the 

planning area during wildfire situations; 

■ ■ Evacuation of visitors and neighbours in extreme 

wildfire situations; 

■ ■ Closure of Cougals, Great Walk and Purlingbrook Falls 

tracks and prohibition of remote camping in extreme 

fire weather; and 

■ ■ Use of fuel stoves only (no campfires) permitted in 

Great Walk campsite at Waterfall Creek.

7 Resources on adjoining land 

The National Park and Forest Reserves at Springbrook, 

Numinbah and Austinville neighbour several land tenures 

that require coordinated fire management. The National 

Park shares extensive boundaries with large areas of 

conservation estate managed by GCCC, including 

Conservation Areas and the catchment areas of the Hinze 

and Little Nerang Dams (Refer to Map 1a). 

Ankida Nature Refuge (privately owned) adjoins 

Springbrook Forest Reserve and provides a corridor 

through GCCC Numinbah Conservation Area to 

Numinbah Forest Reserve. 

Numinbah Nature Reserve in Northern NSW extends 

along most of the southern boundary of Springbrook 

National Park. This reserve forms an important link in the 

northern section of the Gondwana Rainforests (QPWS, 

1999). As it is mostly wet sclerophyll and rainforest, crossborder 

fire management will be limited to coordinated 

control of wildfires as required. 

The Springbrook Plateau, Austinville and Numinbah 

Valleys are experiencing rapid residential growth and 

many private residences and farms directly border the 

planning area. In recent years, houses have been built 

on ridgelines that have, historically, been vulnerable to 

wildfires. Fires that originate in more highly populated 

lowland areas and pass through the planning area can 

develop into severe wildfires by the time they reach the 

Springbrook Plateau. It is therefore important to focus 

wildfire mitigation efforts in dry sclerophyll communities 

around the base of the plateau to reduce the 

opportunities for wildfire to spread up into wet sclerophyll 

and rainforest communities and the populated ridges on 

Springbrook Plateau. 

The Cougals section of Springbrook National Park is 

surrounded by rural properties such as banana growers 

and cattle graziers. A commune and health retreat is 

situated along the eastern section of the Cougals section 

of Springbrook National Park. 

The planning area also forms part of the catchment area 

for SEQ Water supply so care needs to be taken to ensure 

that planned burns and construction of fire lines do not 

result in erosion and silting of the drinking water supply. 

Planned burns are recommended to reduce the risk of 

too frequent high intensity wildfires, which leave the dam 

catchment vulnerable to erosion and siltation. 


guidelines 

The primary objective is to minimise the risk of fire leaving 

or entering the planning area, risking human life, and 

damaging or destroying neighbouring infrastructure, 

biodiversity values and other resources. 

This will be achieved primarily by establishing and/ 

or maintaining an integrated system of control lines, 

protection zones and wildfire mitigation zones. 

Control lines are to be used to burn from during 

wildfire suppression and planned burn operations. 

Protection zones are small areas adjacent to susceptible 

infrastructure where fire hazard will be substantially 

reduced to minimise impacts on infrastructure, using 

a range of means (e.g. slashing, mowing, fire etc). 

Wildfire mitigation zones (see Table 6) are areas of 

forest in strategic locations where regular planned burns 

(generally 3-6 years) will be used to reduce fire hazards 

and decrease the intensity of a wildfire. Therefore, the 

likelihood of control during a wildfire is increased. This 

multi-faceted approach is designed to reduce the threat 

posed by fire to neighbouring resources. 

No amount of hazard reduction or construction of 

‘control lines’ can eliminate the risk of wildfire in natural 

areas. Often native vegetation is fire-prone, and in 

many cases fire-promoting. Fuel in some vegetation 

communities can build up to a level capable of sustaining 

fire within months of being burnt, although the intensity 

of a subsequent fire is likely to be lower. Under extreme 

fire weather conditions many fire-adapted vegetation 

types, even if recently subjected to a low intensity 

‘hazard reduction burn,’ may carry a fire. It is reasonable, 

however, to manage natural areas to minimise the risk 

of fires leaving or entering under ‘normal’ fire season 

conditions. 

Numerous adjoining residential areas, especially the small 

subdivisions around Purling Brook, The Canyon and 

Apple Tree Flat and northern areas of the Springbrook 

plateau are particularly at risk from wildfire. In addition, 

any dwelling in proximity to eucalypt forest is potentially 

at risk from bushfire and ember attack may threaten any 

house on the Springbrook Plateau (ember attack may 

threaten houses several kilometres from the fire front). 

Many houses are located amongst highly combustible 

forest types on steep slopes. Houses situated on ridge 

tops are a major fire risk (Hall, 1996). While GCCC and 

QPWS have a duty of care to reduce the risk of wildfire 

on neighbouring properties, the nature of the terrain on 

Springbrook limits opportunities to undertake wildfire 

mitigation works on council or state managed land. 


Prescribed fuel reduction burning cannot be safely 

undertaken in areas where steep topography prevents the 

control of fire and the construction of control lines. This 

may lead to wildfire situations where property is at risk 

such as the 1981 and 1994 fires (Hall, 1996). 

Where prescribed fuel reduction burning around 

residential areas is unsafe, impractical or otherwise 

inappropriate, community education initiatives are critical 

in minimising risk to life, property and biodiversity values. 

Studies in bushfire prone areas in Australia and overseas 

have shown that a community that is prepared and 

educated on the risk of wildfires has a higher survival 

rate then an un-prepared community. Because of the 

limited access to the Springbrook Plateau, it is possible 

that the Springbrook Community will be isolated from 

outside assistance during wildfire events and therefore the 

community needs to be prepared to be self sufficient for 

a period of time in the areas of property protection and 

wildfire response. 

A trial ‘bushfire readiness’ survey of 150 properties 

located within high risk areas of Springbrook, conducted 

in July of 2006 by Springbrook Rural Fire Brigade (Bushfire 

Risk Reducers, 2006) identified key risks and opportunities 

to improve fire defences amongst home owners, and 

suggested that almost half of the properties surveyed 

could be made relatively defendable with minimal 

effort. The results of this study were disseminated to the 

community through local publications, community group 

meetings and the local rural fire brigade, to encourage 

better bushfire preparedness on the mountain. Whilst 

staying to defend may be an appropriate strategy for 

some property owners, other properties at Springbrook 

are not safe to defend. An evacuation strategy is required 

to ensure that people have left these properties well in 

advance of any fire threat. Ideally such properties should 

be evacuated on extreme weather days even if no fires 

are burning in the district. 

QPWS, QFRS and GCCC, in conjunction with local rural 

fire brigades, should continue to work to encourage 

the local community to be more prepared during high 

fire danger periods, as education and preparation of 

the community is central to minimising the impact of 

wildfires on life and property. Community initiatives to be 

implemented by QFRS and GCCC include: 

■ ■ A “Community Fire Plan” for the Springbrook Plateau 

which includes an education strategy and evacuation 

strategy, and may include an early warning system; 

■ ■ In partnership with Rural Fire Brigades and South 

East Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium, 

repeat bushfire readiness surveys in high fire risk areas 

periodically, to review current threats and continue to 

support RFS Bushfire Prepared Communities Program; 

■ ■ Implement a support and education program for 

residents in extremely high risk areas along Apple Tree 


Flat, to maximise opportunities to improve fire safety 

for all residents; 

■ ■ Encourage and assist residents in Springbrook to 

develop Bushfire Protection plans; 

■ ■ Encourage and assist local businesses to develop 

Bushfire Protection and evacuation plans; 

■ ■ Upgrade dedicated fire fighting water supplies for the 

Springbrook Plateau area (Table 12); 

■ ■ Negotiate agreements with private property owners 

to facilitate access to upgrade fire infrastructure on 

Council lands where the only access is via private 

property; 

■ ■ Develop and supply maps to the Rural Fire Brigades, 

outlining accessibility and defence of private 

residences; and 

■ ■ In partnership with Rural Fire Brigades, conduct 

Bushfire Prepared Community Education sessions 

and Community Bushfire Preparedness surveys at the 

community and street side level on an annual basis. 

The planning area is divided into Fire Management Zones 

(as detailed in Section 9) providing for hazard reduction 

measures. Maintenance of the access tracks and fire 

lines defined in Section 11 will be undertaken by QPWS, 

QFRS, GCCC, SEQ Water and Springbrook Rural Fire 

Brigade prior to each wildfire season. These measures, 

in conjunction with mosaic burning of fire-adapted 

vegetation communities (guidelines provided in Section 

9) will help reduce the risk of fire entering or leaving the 

planning area.

8 Factors affecting fire behaviour and 

management 

The general pattern of fire history indicates that the 

planning area has been subjected to a series of wildfires 

predominantly arising from the northern lowlands and 

subsequently moving up onto the Springbrook plateau. 

Examination of fire history records indicates that these 

wildfires have escaped from private property (Novello & 

Klohs, 1999) and the Hinze dam area. 

A significant issue across the Numinbah and Austinville 

areas is an ongoing shift in landuse from rural to rural 

residential and residential. Areas that were previously 

grazed are quickly increasing in fuel hazard, as their 

vegetation communities become denser with ground 

and elevated fuels. At the same time, as residences are 

developed, the risk to life and property increases. 

Much of the attraction of Springbrook arises from 

its relative isolation at least 20km from the nearest 

other concentrations of people. The isolated nature 

of the plateau and its topography, aspect, vegetation, 

accumulating fuel hazard and vulnerable human 

habitation combine to make Springbrook a community at 

high risk of bushfire (Hill, 2006). 

The elevated parts of the plan area have a high proportion 

of deeply cut gorges and cliffs. The steep slopes on the 

northern, eastern and western parts of Springbrook allow 

a wildfire to move rapidly when there are large amounts 

of available fuel, as the fire history of fast moving crown 

fires demonstrates (Hall, 1996). While much of this area 

is wet for most of the year, it contains high volumes of 

volatile fuel, which becomes available during severe dry 

conditions (D. Kington pers. com. 2008). Establishment or 

maintenance of Wildfire Mitigation Zones and fire control 

lines is far more practical in the less steep, lower parts of 

the plan area including Numinbah and Austinville. The 

Fire Strategy reflects this. 

In the plan area ignition sources have typically arisen from 

arson, burnt cars, lightning strikes and escaped permit 

burns, especially in the following areas: 

■■ Mt Nimmel Road; 

■■ Nerang Murwillumbah Road; 

■■ Pine Creek Road; and 

■■ Austinville Road 

The history of wildfires indicates that the following areas 

have the potential to be conduits of fire: 

■■ The area between the end of Chester’s Rd, Horseshoe 

Falls, Apple Tree Park and Springbrook Rd presents 

serious risks due to its position west of habitation, its 

topography, and its vegetation communities; 

■■ The dry ridgeline that runs from the southern end of 

Chester’s Road, eastwards across private property (lot 2 

RP868833) to Horseshoe Falls is also a particular threat 

as it can act as a dry forest conduit for fire to enter 

Springbrook from the Numinbah Valley; 

■■ The ridgeline between Mt Nimmel Rd and Little Nerang 

Creek, and northwest and south-eastern parts of the 

Hinze Dam catchment reserve; 

■■ The ridge ascended by Pine Creek Road is a risk in 

terms of carrying fire into Springbrook from Nerang 

Murwillumbah Road; and 

■■ The Cougal section of the park consists of two steep 

peaks, which will carry a rapidly moving fire although 

they are ringed by rainforest. The drier north and west 

facing slopes support islands of eucalypt forest. 


9 Fire Management Zones 

9.1 Introduction 

Fire management zones are a means of identifying, 

planning and implementing the wide variety of fire 

management aims that apply to the plan area. Whilst 

each zone has a primary purpose, the zones and their 

management should be complementary and provide a 

cumulative benefit to management of the landscape as a 

whole. Strategic Fire management zones are used in an 

integrated manner in the Springbrook planning area in 

conjunction with fire control lines and hazard reduction 

methods to achieve the identified objectives for fire 

management outlined in section 1.4. 

The fire management zones used in this Strategy include: 

■ ■ Protection Zone (P) 

■ ■ Wildfire Mitigation Zone (W) 

■ ■ Conservation Zone (C) 

■ ■ Special Conservation Zone (SC) 

■ ■ Rehabilitation Zone (Rh) 

The placement of strategic fire management zones is 

informed by analysis of existing information sources 

including fire history and knowledge of local conditions 

such as fire season and direction of fire weather. 

Through reviewing fire history, land managers are able to 

determine where wildfires have predominately originated 

from and develop an understanding of how changing 

landuse and prevailing weather conditions affect the 

pattern of wildfires in a particular area. 

A general discussion about QPWS fire management zones 

is provided in Appendix 6, a description of the fire zones 

used in this fire strategy, together with their associated 

fire management recommendations is provided below. 


9.2 Fire Management Zones 

Fire Management Zones for the planning area are 

shown on Map 4a and 4b. Details of access tracks and 

neighbouring properties are shown on Map 1a. Details of 

each Fire Management Zone are given below. Note that 

a Fire Association is an area within a Zone that requires a 

particular fire management regime.

9.2.1 Protection Zone 

Protection Zones are located as described in Table 5. 

Table 5 Location and description of Protection Zones and associated management regimes. 

Numbers relate to the Zoning Map (Map 4a-4b) 

Fire 

association 

Location & description Management regime 

P1 QPWS – Numinbah Day Use Area 

situated on Nerang – Murwillumbah 

Rd – infrastructure includes picnic tables, 

amenities block and water tank. 

P2 QPWS – Numinbah Environmental 

Education Centre situated on Nerang – 

Murwillumbah Rd, is on a Special Lease 

within the FR – group of timber buildings 

within a forested area. 

P3 QPWS – QPWS offices, The Settlement, 

Campsite, day use area and associated 

structures. 

P4 Private property east of Numinbah Valley 

township, adjoining southwest corner of 

Numinbah FR. 

P5 QPWS –GCCC. Waterfall creek campsite- 

Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk. 

Numinbah Conservation Area. 

P6* GCCC – Apple Tree Park, mown grass 

area. 

Fuel loads will be kept low around picnic grounds by maintenance of mown areas to a 

maximum height of 100mm. Manual / mechanical removal of accumulated large fuel such 

as fallen trees, branches and lantana within and surrounding the day use area will also be 

carried out before each fire season (Sep – Jan). 

Maintenance of slashed access tracks and removal of accumulated fuels from roofs and 

surrounds of structures, by Education Queensland grounds keeper. 

Burn grassy strip (500 x 30m) between the Centre and the Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd 

approximately every 2 years. 

Meeting with Ed Centre staff each August to complete a wildfire preparedness audit 

focussing on accumulation of fuels in building gutters, fuel build up around and under 

structures, maintenance of the slashed breaks and ensuring that access to the site is 

maintained through sharing of gate keys. 

Fuel loads will be kept low around campground and office by maintenance of mown areas 

to a maximum height of 100mm. Manual / mechanical removal of accumulated large fuel 

such as fallen trees, branches and lantana within and surrounding the day use area will 

also be carried out before each fire season (Sep – Jan). 

Cooperative burn (QPWS with rural fire brigade and landholder) approximately every 

2 years to maintain low fuel levels. 

Management (by QPWS) will be in accordance with the fire management plan being 

prepared for this campsite. 

Maintain mown grass area. 

*Note: Planned protection and mitigation zones within Apple Tree Flat supersede the Interim Bushfire Management Plan for Apple Tree Flat Park, 

produced by Queensland Fire and Rescue Service in October 2002. New information regarding threatened species requirements (Phillips & Hopkins, 

2006) and appropriate burning regimes for wet sclerophyll communities (Watson, 2001) required a revision of the burn regimes proposed in the Interim 

Bushfire Management Plan. The Springbrook Public Conservation Estate Fire Strategy addresses fire management at a landscape scale, across the entire 

Springbrook conservation estate, therefore allowing fire protection measures for Apple Tree Flat to be implemented not only at the immediate locality, but 

also throughout the Springbrook Plateau. 


9.2.2 Wildfire Mitigation Zone 

Wildfire Mitigation Zones are located as described below. The fire regimes applied within this zone should be within 

ecological requirements, but at the more frequent end of the range of acceptable frequencies. These zones are placed 

strategically to reduce the intensity and increase the controllability of wildfire. 

Table 6 Location and description of Wildfire Mitigation Zones and associated management regimes 



association 


W1 QPWS – Austinville FR 2 – northern 

section bound by Bonogin Rd to the east, 

Tallowwood Rd to the west and a fire 

line to the south. Mitigation for housing 

estate to the north. A new fire line 

between housing and the forest reserve 

is required in support of this zone (see 

section 11). 

W2 QPWS – Austinville FR 3 – bound by fire 

lines to the west and east. Mitigation 

for housing estates to the north and 

west. A new fire line between housing 

and the forest reserve on the NW corner 

is required in support of this zone (see 

section 11). 

W3 QPWS – Southern end of Numinbah FR, 

east of Chester’s Rd to Waterfall Creek 

W4 QPWS – Southern end of Numinbah FR, 

west of Pine Ck Rd to Waterfall Creek. 

W5 QPWS – East of Pine Ck Rd to Wunburra 

Range 

W6 QPWS – West of Springbrook/ 

Mudgeeraba Rd 


Planned burns at a range of frequencies between 3 and 6 years (in dry sclerophyll forest 

component) to maintain a simplified fuel structure and reduced fuel hazard, to reduce the 

intensity of wildfire and increase manageability of wildfire to help protect life and property 

and fire sensitive vegetation communities. 

Season of burn should vary, and burning done under conditions that minimise impact on 

non-target moist communities (good soil moisture and moisture in the fuel of non-target 

communities). 







communities) 






non-target moist gully and riparian communities, particularly along Waterfall Creek (good 

soil moisture and moisture in the fuel of non-target communities). 







communities). 







communities). 







communities).


association 


W7 QPWS/SEQ Water – Between Little 

Nerang Dam and Mt Nimmel Rd 

W8 QPWS/SEQ Water – area between 

protection zone P2 and the Nerang river. 

W9 GCCC – NW Corner of Numinbah 

Conservation Area, degraded areas on lot 

128 WD3516, on east and west sides of 

Chester’s Rd. Area dominated by grassy 

and herbaceous weeds, with scattered 

eucalypt regrowth. 

W10 GCCC – Numinbah Conservation Area, 

western side of Chester’s Rd, lots 

128 WD3516, 127 WD3516 and 126 

WD3515. Ridgeline of open eucalypt 

woodland with a grassy understorey 

dominated by kangaroo grass. 

Southern part of zone contains important 

glossy black cockatoo feeding groves 

(Allocasuarina torulosa). 

Grassy ridges provide habitat for New 

Holland mouse. 

W11* GCCC – Springbrook Road opposite 

Apple Tree Park – approx 1.4km section 

of Springbrook Conservation Area 

including cleared firebreak beneath 

power line and vegetated area between 

this firebreak and Springbrook Road. 

W12 GCCC – Numinbah Conservation 

Area, eastern side of Chester’s Rd, lots 

128 WD3516, 127 WD3516 and 126 

WD3515. Ridgeline of open eucalypt 

woodland with a grassy understorey 

dominated by kangaroo grass. 

Southern part of zone contains important 

glossy black cockatoo feeding groves 

(Allocasuarina torulosa). 

Grassy ridges provide habitat for New 

Holland mouse. 







communities). 







communities). 


component) to maintain a simplified fuel structure and reduce fuel hazard. Slashing may 

be more appropriate initially to control ground fuel in open areas, until canopy regrowth 

has become better established. 

During restoration planning, review management of this zone, and incorporate new fire 

control lines where necessary into restoration plans. 


component) to maintain grassy understorey and simplified fuel structure, which will reduce 

intensity of wildfire and protect adjacent fire sensitive communities. 

Season of burn should vary, and burning should be done during cool conditions starting 

from the crest of the ridge, so that fire trickling down slope burns out in moister gullies at 

lower parts of slope. 

Where necessary for safety the addition of fire lines is recommended. 

Lower slopes of the southern part of this zone contains glossy black cockatoo feeding 

groves and should be managed to prevent a severe wildfire entering this area. 

Liaise with Energex to ensure maintenance of cleared firebreak beneath power lines. 

Planned burns of vegetated area between road and power line to maintain a low fuel 

hazard according to the Overall Fuel Hazard Guide (DSE, 2003). Monitor fuel hazard 

annually to determine necessary burn frequency. 

In order to maintain a low fuel hazard in this zone, it may be necessary for planned 

burning to be outside the recommend fire regime for moist sclerophyll forests. 


component) to maintain grassy understorey and simplified fuel structure, which will reduce 

intensity of wildfire and protect adjacent fire sensitive communities. 

Season of burn should vary, and burning should be done during cool conditions starting 

from the crest of the ridge, so that fire trickling down slope burns out in moister gullies at 

lower parts of slope. 

Where necessary for safety the addition of fire lines is recommended. 

Lower slopes of the southern part of this zone contains glossy black cockatoo feeding 

groves and should be managed to prevent a severe wildfire entering this area. 

*Note: Planned protection and mitigation zones within Apple Tree Flat supersede the Interim Bushfire Management Plan for Apple Tree Flat Park, 

produced by Queensland Fire and Rescue Service in October 2002. New information regarding threatened species requirements (Phillips & Hopkins, 

2006) and appropriate burning regimes for wet sclerophyll communities (Watson, 2001) required a revision of the burn regimes proposed in the Interim 

Bushfire Management Plan. The Springbrook public Conservation Estate Fire Strategy addresses fire management at a landscape scale, across the entire 

Springbrook conservation estate, therefore allowing fire protection measures for Apple Tree Flat to be implemented not only at the immediate locality, but 

also throughout the Springbrook Plateau. 


9.2.3 Conservation Zone 

The majority of the planning area falls within the Conservation Zone. 

A quick-reference guide for Fire Associations (see Section 2.1) within the Conservation Zone is given in Table 7. This 

table brings together the fire management requirements of all ecological values described in previous sections (notably 

Tables 1, 2 and 3), and highlights significant species likely to be affected by fire management and provides specific 

guidelines for fire management in each Fire Association. Cultural resources within conservation zones are to be 

managed as described in Section 4 of this strategy. 

Table 7 Quick reference guide for fire management requirements in the Conservation Zone and 

associated management regimes 



association 

C1: Dry 

sclerophyll 

associations 

Includes 

REs: 12.3.11, 

12.8.14, 

12.8.20, 

12.11.5a, 

12.11.9, 

12.12.15 (part), 

12.12.14 

Location and description Management regime 

– Persoonia volcanica – rare shrub found in the 

understorey of Eucalyptus acmenoides forest, Mt 

Cougal section – ensure mosaic burning retains areas 

of >7-10 years. 

– Allocasuarina torulosa or A. littoralis known to be 

feeding sites for glossy black cockatoo are vulnerable 

to fire but also require it for recruitment. Mosaic 

burning should remove high fuel hazard around trees 

to reduce frequency of premature loss of mature 

trees in wildfire, while at the same time provide 

opportunity for new trees to emerge. 

– Grey goshawk – low intensity burning with good soil 

moisture to protect habitat trees. Avoid burning near 

trees actively being used for nests. 

– Red goshawk – breeds Aug to Nov in 20m+ tall trees 

often in riparian forests. Avoid burning near known 

nest sites during breeding. 

– Red-browed treecreeper – low intensity burning with 


– Marbled frogmouth – low intensity burning with 

good soil moisture to protect habitat trees and reduce 

fuel. 

– Red-necked wallaby – presence of small groups an 

indicator of appropriate fire management in open 

eucalypt forest with grassy understorey. Populations 

may be under threat by increase in woody 

understorey and reduction of available fresh grass 

after fire. 

– Brush-tailed rock wallaby – requires fire management 

to maintain grassy food source. 

– Koala – can be killed by severe intensity fire. Ensure 

mosaic burning at a low to moderate intensity to 

reduce combustibility of forests. 

– Long-nosed potoroo – mosaic burning required to 

ensure retention of some understorey cover but to 

ensure shrubs do not overtake grasses in foraging 

areas. 

– New Holland mouse – requires frequently burned, 

open grassy areas for foraging. Presence is an 

indicator of appropriate fire management of open 

grassy eucalypt forest. 

– Common death adder – retain at least 25% of 

groundcover unburnt during mosaic burns. 


Mosaic planned burns in appropriate conditions and with soil 

moisture. 

In open forest with a grassy understorey, vegetation communities should 

be burnt at low to moderate intensity in a mosaic pattern that ensures a 

representative age-class structure of vegetation between 3 and 6 years. 

In open forest with a shrubby understorey, vegetation communities should 

be burnt at low to moderate intensity in a mosaic pattern that ensures a 

representative age-class structure of vegetation between 7 and 25 years. 

Topographic variability frequently results in development of isolated 

mesophyllous vegetation communities in steep gullies. Burn on variable 

seasons and with good soil moisture to minimise impacts on fire shadow 

areas, soil biota and habitat trees. Burning at low to moderate intensity in 

appropriate weather conditions will create a mosaic (patchiness) containing 

unburnt areas. 

Simple Indicators: 

– Expansion of blady grass is an indicator of fire which is too intense and 

or during too dry soil conditions; 

– Decline in health and vigour of Themeda clumps indicates need for fire in 

grassy understorey forests and woodlands; 

– An overabundance of one species (such as a whip-stick thicket of wattle) 

can reduce the health or diversity of the understorey of forests and 

woodlands; and 

– Grass trees exhibiting decline and death may indicate need for fire in 

shrubby understorey forests and woodlands. 

Regenerating areas: 

– In previously cleared regenerating areas, do not burn until vegetation 

is of sufficient age to tolerate fire, and then burn during cool, moist 

conditions to reduce fuel hazard and protect regenerating trees from 

wildfire. Where practicable remove woody weeds to facilitate regrowth 

of native vegetation. 

Lantana infested areas: 

– Low to moderate intensity fire during active growth with good soil 

moisture will kill and/or reduce density of both adult and immature 

lantana plants while stimulating native regeneration. Although high 

intensity fires may kill lantana, they also disadvantage establishment 

of native vegetation and favour woody plants such as wattle or more 

lantana. 

– Application or reinstatement of fire regimes appropriate for dry 

sclerophyll forests is effective in reducing the density of lantana in these 

communities over time. In situations where lantana needs more active 

control: 

– Conduct repeated burning at the lower end of the ecological fire 

regime until monitoring indicates that lantana abundance is reduced. 

Use cautiously and ensure fire regime used is appropriate to facilitate 

regeneration of native species.


association 

C2: Wet 

sclerophyll 

associations 

Includes 

REs: 12.8.1, 

12.8.2, 12.8.8a, 

12.11.3, 

12.11.3a 

C3: Moist 

Sclerophyll 

Includes 

REs: 12.8.1, 

12.8.2, 12.8.8a, 

12.11.3, 

12.11.3a, 

12.12.15 (part). 


Although wildfire has a role in wet sclerophyll forests, 

too frequent, intense wildfire may have undue impact 

on the below species. Therefore it is important that 

the frequency and intensity of wildfire be mitigated 

through the application of wildfire mitigation zones, 

fire control lines and mosaic burning of nearby fire 

adapted ecosystems (in appropriate conditions 

that limit encroachment into this ecosystem), as 

recommended by this plan. Refer to Tables 1 and 4 for 

detailed species information. 

– Ricinocarpos speciosus 

– Grey goshawk 

– Powerful owl 

– Red goshawk 

– Sooty owl 

– Red-browed treecreeper 

– Marbled frogmouth 

– Albert’s lyrebird 

– Spotted-tail quoll 

– Long-nosed potoroo 

– Common death adder 

– Stephen’s Banded Snake 

– Burrowing skink 

– Rare and Threatened Frog Species 

– Lepidozamia peroffskyana – susceptible to being 

smothered by epiphytes and lantana in the longterm 

absence of fire. Moderate intensity fire 

is important to retain plant health and reduce 

smothering. Plants recover readily from moderate 

intensity fire. 

– Ricinocarpos speciosus – likely to be impacted 

upon by too intense or frequent fires and wildfire. 

Maintain appropriate mosaic burn regime to reduce 

risk of wildfire. 

– Allocasuarina torulosa or A. littoralis known to 

be feeding sites for glossy black cockatoo are 

vulnerable to fire but also require it for recruitment. 

Mosaic burning should remove high fuel hazard 

around trees to reduce frequency of premature loss 

of mature trees in wildfire, while at the same time 

provide opportunity for new trees to emerge. 

– For Grey goshawk, Red goshawk, Powerful Owl, 

Red-browed treecreeper, Marbled frogmouth, 

Stephen’s Banded Snake, Eastern pygmy-possum, 

Golden-tipped bat – Low intensity burning with 


– Red goshawk – Breeds Aug to Nov in 20m+ tall 

trees often in riparian forests. Avoid burning near 

known nest sites during breeding. 

– Spotted-tail quoll – Mosaic burning required 

reducing fuel, ensuring retention of some unburnt 

logs, dense understorey vegetation and rock crevices 

for habitat. 

– Long-nosed potoroo – Mosaic burning required to 

ensure retention of some understorey cover but to 

ensure shrubs do not overtake grasses in foraging 

areas. 

– Koala – Ensure mosaic burning at a low to moderate 

intensity to reduce combustibility of forests. 

Infrequent Wildfire. 

Wildfire at intervals between 20 and >100 years. Infrequent wildfire 

is necessary for regeneration of some eucalypt canopy species. Current 

research indicates that mesophyllous understorey species recover well 

from infrequent high intensity fires. 

To allow canopy and understorey to reach reproductive maturity, fire return 

intervals of below 20 years are not recommended. 

Brush box dominated wet sclerophyll forests in this region can regenerate 

in the absence of fire, but are able to tolerate occasional wildfires at 

very long fire return intervals. Planned burning is not recommended and 

appropriate fire return intervals (50-300 years) are likely to be provided 

through occasional wildfires. 

Proactive management of fuel hazard in surrounding fire adapted 

ecosystems and management of lantana infested areas to reduce fuel 

hazard, are important to protect wet sclerophyll ecosystems from the 

threat of frequent intense wildfires. 

Fire and mechanical/chemical weed control methods may be applied 

to areas heavily infested with lantana. Initial overspraying of lantana, 

followed by knocking the lantana down to reduce elevated fuel hazard, 

and then burning dead material which will also stimulate growth of 

natives, has been shown to be effective. Due to increased light, follow up 

weed maintenance is essential for ongoing success. 

Infrequent wildfire combined with planned burns that maintain diverse 

understorey characteristics 

A diversity of fire return intervals is recommended to create variable 

understorey conditions to support a wide range of species: 

– Vine forest understorey: Occasional wildfires at long (20->100 year) 

intervals. 

– Shrubby/heath understorey: low to moderate intensity burns at 

intervals of 12-25 years to ensure a representative age class structure 

of sclerophyllous species and prevent a transition into mesophyllous 

vegetation. 

– Grassy understorey: low to moderate intensity understorey fires of 4-12 

years are required for the maintenance of a grassy understorey. 

Infrequent (generally every 20->100 yrs) high intensity wildfires will 

stimulate eucalypt regeneration. 

In Blue Mountains ash (Eucalyptus oreades) tall open forest, low intensity 

fire may not provide favourable conditions for canopy regeneration and 

high intensity fires at approximately 50 year intervals are recommended. 

An overabundance of one species (such as a whip-stick thicket of wattle) 

can reduce the health or diversity of the understorey of forests and 

woodlands and can eventually affect canopy health. 

The ecotone between moist and dry sclerophyll ecosystems is changeable 

and over time it is natural for there to be fluctuations in these boundaries, 

with moist sclerophyll species expanding into dry sclerophyll areas and the 

burning of drier ecosystems sometimes penetrating moister areas. 

Fire and mechanical/chemical weed control methods may be applied 

to areas heavily infested with lantana. Initial overspraying of lantana, 

followed by knocking the lantana down to reduce elevated fuel hazard, 

and then burning dead material which will also stimulate growth of 

natives, has been shown to be effective. Due to increased light, follow up 

weed maintenance is essential for ongoing success. 



association 

C3: Moist 

Sclerophyll 

(cont.) 

C4: 

Heathland 

Includes 

RE: 12.8.19 

C5: Rock 

Pavement 

Includes 

rocky areas of 

RE: 12.8.19 

C6: Riparian 

Includes REs: 

12.3.1, 12.3.7 

C7: Rainforest 

Includes 

REs: 12.8.6, 

12.8.5, 12.8.3, 

12.8.13, 12.8.4, 

12.12.16, 

12.11.1, 

12.8.18 


– Eastern bristle bird – In areas of potential habitat 

regular mosaic burning to retain grass tussocks, 

avoid shrubs taking over and reduce combustibility 

of the forest. No more than 25% burnt at any one 

time. Also mosaic burning in nearby areas to reduce 

combustibility of forest. 

– Hastings River mouse – Limit burning from August to 

March. Mosaic burning retaining age stands between 

five to ten years and ensure a mosaic of only 1/3 

of the site burnt at anyone time, with 1/3 always 

unburnt for at least five years. Also mosaic burning in 

nearby areas to reduce combustibility of forest. 

– New Holland mouse – Requires relatively frequent 

fire to maintain open, grassy habitat structure. 

– Common death adder – Retain at least 25% of 

groundcover unburnt during mosaic burns. 

Too frequent or infrequent fire will reduce species 

diversity. 

– Callitris monticola requires a minimum fire return 

interval of 16 years. 

– Eastern pygmy possum – Protect habitat trees 

where possible. 

– Pouched Frog- Too frequent fire regimes may cause 

a decline in population numbers. 

These ecosystems contain fire sensitive species and are 

quite erodable if disturbed. 

Fire can penetrate riparian zones, damaging fire 

sensitive vegetation and frog habitat, and increasing 

edge effects and weed encroachment along narrow 

riparian communities. 

Avoid burning adjacent to or into riparian areas where 

red goshawk is breeding Aug-Nov. 

The management objective is to avoid burning, 

therefore affording protection to the various rare and 

threatened species potentially harmed by fire in this 

zone. 

Dry rainforest communities are susceptible to fire 

during drought periods. 

Black-breasted button quail – Can be affected by 

repeated burning of rainforest margins during drought 

periods. 

The management objective is to not burn, therefore 

affording protection to the various rare and threatened 

species potentially harmed by fire in this zone. 


In situations where lantana needs more widespread control: 

– Repeated burning at the lower end of the ecological fire regime could 

be utilised provided that the results are carefully monitored, as the 

use of this approach in moist sclerophyll is not as well established. 

Use cautiously and ensure fire regime used is appropriate to facilitate 

regeneration of native species. 

These vegetation communities should be burnt with a fire return interval of 

between 16 and 25 years. 

Heathland tends to burn with at least moderate intensity, some areas, 

where there are expanses of bare rock, usually burn more patchily. 

Do not deliberately burn these areas, but where they merge with 

flammable ecosystems, some of the species will be adapted to occasional 

fire. 

Avoid burning. 

Planned burns in adjacent fire adapted communities are important to 

protect riparian areas, but should only be carried out when there is good 

soil moisture and at a time when fuel is sufficiently moist that fire is 

unlikely to penetrate the riparian edges. 

These narrow communities are susceptible to woody weed invasion, which 

may increase flammability during dry conditions. 

Do not burn. 

Though fire resistant, fire can damage these ecosystems. 

Planned burning in adjacent fire adapted areas is necessary to protect 

rainforests, however should only be conducted when there is sufficient 

moisture in the fuel of non-target communities. This can be determined 

from using: “Fuel Moisture Meter”, “Fuel Crunch Test”, “Leaf Test” or a 

small test burn in nearby areas. 

It is essential to ensure weather conditions are appropriate so that fire 

does not encroach into rainforests areas. 

Use of ignition techniques to manage the intensity and spread of fire near 

to rainforests if required. 

Strategic ignition of adjacent fire adapted communities is required where 

rainforest is found up-slope of dry sclerophyll vegetation to help avoid 

upslope runs of fire into the rainforest edges.

9.2.4 Special Conservation Zone 

The following vegetation types/areas have been placed in a Special Conservation Zone. These zones are highlighted to 

achieve particular fire management for specific conservation outcomes. Highlighting these zones within the fire strategy, 

will alert on ground staff that they are a high priority to attend to. 

Table 8 Location and description of Special Conservation Zones and associated management 

regimes 



association 


SC1 Lepidozamia understorey north of the Pinnacle Monitor condition of Lepidozamia for epiphyte infestation and lantana 

dominance and burn to retain plant health. 


9.2.5 Rehabilitation Zone 

Rehabilitation Zones within the planning area are located as described below. All restoration works described on GCCC 

managed land are to be carried out in accordance with Restoration Plan for Numinbah Conservation Area (in prep.). 

Table 9 Location and description of Rehabilitation Zones and associated management regimes 



association 


Rh1 QPWS – Settlement grass paddocks Manage to control weed infestations (predominantly kikuyu grass and lantana) 

and encourage further regenerating rainforest which will reduce long term fire risk. 

Maintain protection zone and establish slashed breaks through the area so that it can 

be sectioned off to increase controllability of fire. 

Rh2 QPWS – Austinville Forest Reserve 1 – mature 

rose gum plantations 

Rh3 QPWS – Bordered to the east by Pine Creek 

Rd, east of the Pine Creek Rd and Nerang 

Murwillumbah Rd intersection. Bounded in the 

south by the first fire break. Area burnt in high 

intensity wildfire in 2002. 

Rh4 GCCC – Numinbah Conservation Area, eastern 

side of Chester’s Rd on Lots 127 WD3516, 

126 WD3515, 172 WD3515. Mosaic of vine 

scrub and disturbed wet sclerophyll regrowth 

with regenerating vine scrub understorey and 

widespread lantana. 

Rh5 GCCC – Numinbah Conservation Area, eastern 

side of Chester’s Rd, old banana plantations on 

lots 126 WD3515 and 172 WD3515. 

Plantations heavily cleared in places, with very 

patchy vine scrub regrowth in others. 

Rh6 GCCC – Numinbah Conservation Area, 

northern and central cleared areas. 

Open pasture with areas of weed-infested 

regrowth around edges. Cleared areas 

presently grazed by cattle. 

Rh7 GCCC – South-eastern side of Numinbah 

Conservation Area: degraded notophyll vine 

forest on northwest-facing slope below Apple 

Tree Flat escarpment. 


Low to moderate intensity fire during active growth with good soil moisture to kill 

and/or reduce density of lantana plants. Although high intensity fire may kill lantana, 

they also disadvantage establishment of native vegetation and favour woody plants 

such as wattle or more lantana. 

Repeated burning at the lower end of the ecological fire regime until monitoring 

indicates that lantana abundance is reduced. Use cautiously and ensure fire regime 

used is appropriate to facilitate regeneration of native species. 

Apply low intensity mosaic burns to encourage diversity of age class structure in the 

understorey, and reduce the likelihood of successive, damaging, wildfires, in order to 

avoid further loss of over storey and structure. This should be done in accordance with 

the ecological requirements for grassy understorey dry sclerophyll forests, at the lower 

end of the range. 

Do not burn to encourage regeneration of vine scrub, which will reduce long-term 

fire risk. Minimise risk of unplanned fire entering this area through appropriate 

management of wildfire mitigation zones on the western side of Chesters Rd 

Manage lantana infestations using appropriate techniques as described in Numinbah 

Conservation Area Restoration Site Action Plan (GCCC, in prep.). Carry out regular 

follow up weed control to facilitate regeneration. 

Fire should not be used to restore these areas due to risks to adjacent vegetation. 

Remove weeds by using appropriate techniques as described in Numinbah 

Conservation Area Restoration Site Action Plan (GCCC, in prep.), working outward 

from existing clumps of native vegetation. Carry out regular follow up weed control 

to facilitate regeneration. 

Slash fire control lines in cleared land around perimeter of regenerating area to 

reduce risk of unplanned fire entering these areas. 

Cattle will be gradually fenced out of this area and the regeneration of native species 

encouraged by a program of strategic weed control, with regular follow up. Some 

replanting may also be necessary in areas where the potential for native regeneration 

is reduced. Refer to Numinbah Conservation Area Restoration Site Action Plan (GCCC 

in prep) for full details. 

Where conditions are appropriate, retain existing tracks and cleared access way 

around fence lines for maintenance access and to provide additional fire control lines. 

Flammability of the vegetation will be reduced through the strategic control of 

lantana and subsequent regeneration of native vine scrub species. 

Manage lantana infestations using appropriate techniques as described in Numinbah 

Conservation Area Restoration Site Action Plan (GCCC in prep.). Carry out regular 

follow up weed control to facilitate regeneration. 

Where existing disused tracks are identified, these may be reopened, where 

conditions are appropriate, to provide maintenance access and fire control lines.

10 Fire research and monitoring 

All QPWS and GCCC planned burns will be conducted in accordance with stated objectives (see Appendix 2). 

Evaluation of management objectives will be undertaken for all burns, in order to test the objectives of the burn, so that 

management can be adapted if objectives are not being achieved. The results of such evaluations will be recorded in 

QPWS or GCCC fire reporting systems. 

Many issues are more complicated than testing the objectives of a single burn. For example, testing the objectives of an 

entire fire strategy may require many replicated experiments over a large area and over many burns. Where there are 

significant issues to evaluate, a more rigorous approach is taken, where a formal monitoring program is established often 

involving statistical analysis and formal reporting of results. Also, where there are serious gaps in scientific knowledge, 

QPWS and GCCC will work with researchers where possible (internal staff or external cooperation with universities) in 

order to help fill these gaps. See the below list (table 10) for existing formal monitoring projects in Springbrook. 

Table 10 summarises only monitoring programs undertaken to date. Although these monitoring programs have been 

useful, they are now being reviewed, so that future monitoring undertaken in Springbrook by QPWS and GCCC reflects 

this fire strategy. It is important that the monitoring undertaken for fire focuses on testing the objectives of this fire 

strategy so that the appropriateness of the recommendations of this fire strategy can be tested and the management 

approach adapted if required. The monitoring proposed in support of this fire strategy is still in development, but will 

reflect the objectives stated in section 1.4 as well as the recommendations of the zoning plan (section 9). 

Table 10 Summary of Existing Fire Monitoring programs conducted by QPWS and GCCC in the 

planning area 

Location Date established Vegetation description 

The Pinnacle 

250m north of The Pinnacle, 

500m south of Fairview 

Mountain. Accessed via 

Mt Nimmel Rd 

Purling Brook 

Located adjacent to the 

Purling Brook Walking Track 

Old Dam Road 

Warm temperate rainforest 

2 sites 1993 pre fire 

2 sites 1994 post control burn 

QPWS Monitoring Programs 

Tall open eucalypt forest, canopy of Eucalyptus microcorys, E. saligna and 

Lophostemon confertus, a mid stratum of mixed rainforest species and a 

lower stratum of Lepidozamia peroffskyana and Alpinia caerulea. 

2 sites – established December 1994 Very tall open forest with canopy species such as Eucalyptus 

campanulata, Syncarpia glomulifera with Daviesia arborea, Acacia orites 

and Persoonia media in the understorey and ferns such as Blechnum 

cartilagineum and Calochlaena dubia in the ground layer. 

Established December 1994 Simple notophyll vine forest of Ceratopetalum apetalum with rainforest 

species including tree ferns in the understorey and fern and seedlings in 

the ground layer. 

Carrick’s Rd Established December 1994 

Last monitored February 1996 – several 

unsuccessful attempts were made to locate 

this site after the first monitoring event. It is 

likely that steel stakes were buried beneath 

fallen canopy trees after the fire. 

Apple Tree Flat 

Wildfire Mitigation Zone 

GCCC Monitoring Programs 

Very Tall Open Eucalypt Forest with Eucalyptus campanulata, Eucalyptus 

and Syncarpia glomulifera. The understorey pre fire consisted of 

Xanthorrhoea sp. It is likely that the ground layer included grass species 

such as Themeda triandra. 

Established August 2006 Eucalyptus saligna or E. grandis tall open-forest often with vine forest 

understorey (‘wet sclerophyll’). Other species include Eucalyptus 

microcorys, E. acmenoides, Lophostemon confertus, Syncarpia glomulifera 

subsp. glomulifera. 

Eucalyptus campanulata, New England blackbutt very tall open forest 

with shrubby to grassy understorey (moist sclerophyll). This community 

often grows in pure stands or with less frequent canopy species of 

Lophostemon confertus, E. saligna, E. microcorys, Syncarpia glomulifera, 

E. acmenoides, Corymbia intermedia, E. carnea and E. resinifera. 


11 Access track system 

A network of annually slashed fire trails is located in 

Springbrook. These are situated on both National Park 

and surrounding Council and private property. Most of 

Springbrook is remote and almost inaccessible in the 

event of a wildfire. It is therefore difficult to undertake 

prescribed burning on these areas. There are very few 

permanent fire trails in Springbrook National Park; rather, 

roads, walking tracks and natural features are used to 

manage fire. Generally, the Forest Reserve sections of the 

planning area contain fire trails, which will be maintained 

for their intended purpose. 

The tracks within Apple Tree Park (GCCC) are to be 

maintained in their current state (trafficable by light 4WD 

vehicles) but not widened. They may provide a means 

of back-burning for wildfire control purposes in some 

circumstances. The primarily control lines however will be 

Springbrook Road and the power easement to the east. 

The existing track system is shown on Map 1. Where new 

access tracks are required, these are described in Table 

11. Once the proposed changes have been made it will 

only be under exceptional circumstances that the system 

will be changed, particularly if the changes are to be 

permanent. 

11.1 New access tracks 

Two new access tracks are recommended on the 

boundary of Austinville Forest Reserve to improve the 

controllability of fire adjacent to housing, and in support 

of Wildfire Mitigation Zone 1 and 2. The first track is 

recommended on the western boundary of Austinville 

Forest Reserve 2 and the second is along the north west 

corner of Austinville Forest Reserve 3 (see T7 and T8 on 

Map 2). 

Construction of new tracks within GCCC Conservation 

Areas is not considered necessary, although minor 

extensions and upgrades are required to some existing 

tracks (Table 11). Additionally, the Conservation Areas 

contain a number of old tracks that were previously 

utilised as access for timber cutting operations and 

have since been overgrown. Where subsequent fire 

management and/or restoration activities uncover old 

logging tracks, these may be reopened where they are 

suitably located to provide safe opportunities for wildfire 

mitigation or to act as fire control lines. 

There are two tracks on private land (near Horseshoe 

Falls) on the Springbrook Plateau that can act as strategic 

fire control lines. Residents need to be encouraged to 

maintain these trails by regular inspection by the Rural 


Fire Brigade and Council as part of the community 

education process (see Table 11 below). There is also 

a track on Council managed land at Apple Tree Flat to 

the east of Springbrook Rd (Lot 100 SP131744) that can 

only be accessed via private land (Lots 1-4 RP78124). It is 

recommended that: 

■■ Springbrook Rural Fire Brigade inspects fire trails on 

private land in June, assists with minor maintenance 

works as part of their community activities and 

encourages private property owners to maintain their 

infrastructure; and 

■■ Council seeks formal agreement from the individual 

property owners to access private land on a regular 

basis (2 to 4 times a year) in order to inspect and 

maintain fire trails on Council land that can only be 

accessed by private property. 

Details of new tracks that are required are provided in 

Table 11 and shown on Map 2. 

11.2 Existing access tracks 

All existing trails (Map 1) will be retained and assessed 

on an ‘as needs’ basis for upgrading and ongoing 

programmed maintenance to facilitate planned burn 

operations and general estate maintenance functions 

(weed control, restoration works, patrols). Overgrown 

logging tracks will be reopened where these provide 

opportunities for fire control. 

11.3 Strategic tracks 

Several tracks across a range of tenures are of strategic 

importance in the management of landscape scale 

wildfires threatening houses in Springbrook. 

These tracks should be clearly marked and well 

maintained (See Table 11 below). These tracks are also 

shown on Map1a and will be managed and maintained 

in conjunction with other tracks to ensure an integrated 

access track network within the planning area.

Table 11 Strategic Fire Management Tracks 

Numbers relate to the Strategic Fire Management Tracks Map 1b 

Track identifier Description Maintenance 

T1 GCCC - Degraded logging track on eastern 

side of Springbrook Road from lot 21 

RP77863 heading east towards Little Nerang 

Creek. 

T2 GCCC - Track leading from Springbrook Rd, 

westwards towards Horseshoe Falls, via lot 

1 RP868832 (Theosophical Centre) and lot 2 

RP868833. 

T3 GCCC - Springbrook Chalets, lot 1 RP119621 

Springbrook Rd & adjacent GCCC Springbrook 

Conservation Area on lot 5 RP800209. 

T4 QPWS. Southern boundary of Numinbah off 

Pine Ck Rd. 

T5 GCCC/ FREEHOLD. Waterfall Ck (Numinbah 

Conservation Area). Proposed fire control line. 

T6 QPWS. From the old settlement Break East to 

rain forest gully. 

T7 QPWS. North West corner of Austinville Forest 

Reserve 2. 

T8 QPWS. From the old settlement Break East to 

rain forest gully. 

T9 QPWS. North West corner of Austinville Forest 

Reserve 2. 

T10 QPWS. Western boundary of Austinville Forest 

Reserve 3. 

11.4 Track closures 

There are currently no track closures in the planning area. 

Old logging track to be upgraded to a minimum 2-metre trafficable width with 

passing bays and turning around area. From the eastern end of the track, a 1m 

mineral earth control line is to be constructed heading north to into moist gulley 

to act as a fire mitigation anchor point. 

This track (and the parallel track running through lot 2 RP114636) may be used 

as a strategic fire control line for back-burning operations to prevent the spread 

of wildfire in a northerly or southerly direction. Both tracks are largely on private 

land, although they run alongside an un-formed road reserve. 

The western end of the upper track is to be extended for approximately 50m into 

the existing road reserve, to where it can be tied off at the cliffs at Horseshoe falls. 

This control line will require a maximum of 2m-width understorey clearing. 

Fire trail on lot 5 RP800209, to the north of the Chalets to be extended by 

approximately 20 metres to the south, to facilitate vehicle access through to the 

Chalets access road. Access gates. 

New access tracks to be constructed around chalet buildings on lot 1 RP119621. 

Annual inspection in June, with maintenance as required to ensure tracks are 

cleared and control lines are functional 














12 Fire Fighting Infrastructure 

Sufficient resource infrastructure needs to be in place to support operational activities, including planned burns and 

fighting wildfire. The location and placement of water tanks plays a vital support role and tanks need to be strategically 

located to ensure sufficient supply is available in the event of road closures and structural fires. Tanks must also be 

suitably signed to allow quick location by fire response agencies. The location of existing infrastructure is detailed in 

map 1a. 

Recommendations for dedicated fire fighting water tanks at locations in the planning area are summarised in Table 12. 

Table 12 Fire fighting infrastructure required in the planning area* 

*In development. 


13 References 

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study of vertebrates using hollows in Eucalypt branches”. 

PhD thesis, La Trobe University, Melbourne. In Brigham, 

R.M. Debus S. J. S. and Geiser, F. (1998). Cavity selection 

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Australian owlet-nightjars (Aegotheles cristatus). 

Australian Journal of Ecology. 23(5): 424-9. 

BAAM (2006). Conservation Values and Management 

Recommendations – Springbrook Conservation Areas. 

Biodiversity Assessment and Management Pty Ltd, 

Cleveland, Queensland. February 2006. 

Bradley, S. Law and M. Chidel (2004). Roosting and 

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Wildlife Research 31(1) 73-82. 

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(2006). Climate change and its impact on the 

management of bushfire. Fire Note Issue 4, Sept 2006. 

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montane wet sclerophyll forest understorey species to fire: 

evidence from high and low intensity fires. Proceedings of 

the Linnean Society of New South Wales. 127:63-73. 

Chenoweth Environmental Planning and Landscape 

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Ecological Corridor Report. Prepared for Gold Coast City 

Council. 

Clarke, J. (1999). Central Coast Region Fire Planning 

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Appendix 1 Meteorological data for Springbrook, Austinville and Numinbah 

(Bureau of Meteorology site numbers 40192, 40607, 40197 and 40584) 

METEOROLOGICAL DATA FOR MT TAMBORINE FERN ST SITE NO. 40197 

Commenced: 1938; Last record:1978; Latitude (deg S) -27.9694; Longitude (deg E) 153.1953; Elevation 525 m 

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec No. of years % complete 

Mean daily maximum temperature - deg C 25.7 25.3 24.4 22.6 19.8 17.7 17.1 18.3 20.3 22.6 24.6 25.9 30 96 

Mean daily minimum temperature - deg C 17.1 17.3 16.4 14 11.2 9.1 8 8.6 10.4 12.8 14.8 16.3 30 96 

Mean 9am relative humidity - % 77 80 79 74 71 69 65 63 65 67 69 72 30 96 


Mean 3pm relative humidity - % 72 75 75 67 65 61 56 54 56 61 64 67 30 96 

METEOROLOGICAL DATA FOR SPRINGBROOk FORESTRy SITE NO. 40192 

Commenced: 1914; Last record: 2003; Latitude (deg S) -28.2264; Longitude (deg E) 153.2786; Elevation 806 m 

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec No. of years % complete Annual 

Mean monthly rainfall mm 418.4 480.9 466.6 283.9 248.4 185.1 146.4 94 92.1 161.9 212.1 272.7 89 90 3077.5 

METEOROLOGICAL DATA FOR SPRINGBROOk ROAD SITE NO. 40607 

Commenced: 1981; Last record: 2005; Latitude (deg S) -28.2031; Longitude (deg E) 153.2719; Elevation 681 m 

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec No. of years % complete Annual 

Mean monthly rainfall mm 214 268.9 243.2 237.5 208.7 103.4 79.7 67.2 53.1 109.3 173.9 230 24 93 1932.6 

METEOROLOGICAL DATA FOR HINzE DAM SITE NO. 40584 

1994 to 2004; Latitude (deg S) -28.0481; Longitude (deg E) 153.2875 ; Elevation 110 m 

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec No. of years % complete 

Mean daily maximum temperature - deg C 29 28.7 27.8 25.5 23 21.1 20.8 21.9 25.1 26.4 27.4 31.6 11 92 

Mean daily minimum temperature - deg C 20 20.4 19.2 16.7 14 11.6 10.1 10.7 13 15.2 17.2 19.2 11 92 

Mean 9am relative humidity - % 68.4 72 73.1 71.2 73.2 73.8 69.5 66.4 60.5 61.3 62.9 66.1 11 92 

Mean 3pm relative humidity - % 63.3 67.7 65.1 50.1 59.4 55.3 50.4 50.1 49.5 57.4 59.7 62.2 11 85

Appendix 2 The process of a QPWS planned burn 

A burn program is a series of burn proposals that 

collectively aim to achieve objectives of the fire strategy. 

All planned burns on QPWS estate require a burn 

proposal, written by local ranger staff in accordance 

with the recommendations of the fire strategy. Each 

burn proposal contains its own objectives followed by 

operational guidelines to achieve the objectives. The 

process is outlined below: 

■■ A desktop assessment to compare the requirements 

of ecosystems and species, as stated within the fire 

strategy, with the history of fires that have occurred 

within the plan area, identifying potential fire 

management needs; 

■■ Local information from rangers, monitoring, experts 

and scientists known to be conducting relevant 

ecological research in the area is then brought to 

this assessment, refining an understanding of fire 

management needs; 

■■ Rangers prepare burn proposals with reference 

to mapping layers such as topography, assets, 

neighbours, gates, water access, ecosystems, rare 

and threatened species etc. and by ground truthing 

information to consider the best approach for 

managing fire on the ground; and 

■■ The planned burn program (series of burn proposals) 

is submitted to the fire referral group (consisting of 

technical and management staff) who check that the 

burn program is ecologically sound, safe to implement 

and consistent with the fire strategy. 

■■ Burn proposals have objectives that require evaluation. 

A variety of simple monitoring techniques are utilised 

to evaluate the effectiveness of the burn and the 

results are noted in fire reports. For issues requiring 

more attention, a more structured monitoring 

program may be developed (refer to chapter 10 of 

this document). 

Fire strategies give broad guidance to fire managers. 

Additionally, these fire managers are supported by various 

data systems that are constantly being updated (refer 

to Appendix 2), and therefore emerging data is readily 

incorporated into the fire planning process. The main 

systems are outlined below: 

■■ ParkInfo: A QPWS GIS designed to support land 

management activities, and in particular natural 

resource management. ParkInfo provides up to 

date mapping layers to rangers undertaking land 

management and traps data about fire and pests. 

Information trapped about fire is rolled up across the 

state into a statewide fire history; 

■■ WildNet and Wildlife Online: The Environmental 

Protection Agency’s corporate wildlife application 

with information on wildlife sightings, species 

lists, taxonomy, distribution, habitat needs and 

management; 

■■ Ecosystem® comprises the suite of information tools 

to support corporate environmental decision-making 

as part of the Ecoaccess initiative; 

■■ Ecomaps is a user friendly GIS providing information to 

support environmental decision making; 

■■ Conservation Profiles: The profiles provide best-practice 

management guidance for cultural heritage, species 

and ecosystems (terrestrial and wetland) and include 

information such as descriptions, locations and extent, 

status, threats or pressures, and further sources of 

information; 

■■ Species Management Profiles: The profiles are 

developed by the Environmental Management 

Unit (Conservation Services Division) for a range of 

threatened species and include information such as 

descriptions, locations and extent, status, threats or 

pressures and suggested best-practice management 

advice; 

■■ Regional Ecosystem Description Database (REDD) a 

database to accompany the Queensland Herbarium 

regional ecosystem mapping. Lists all regional 

ecosystems and their status. Regularly updated; 

■■ Biodiversity Assessment and Mapping Methodology 

(BAMM). BAMM has been prepared to provide a 

consistent approach for assessing biodiversity values 

at the landscape scale in Queensland using vegetation 

mapping data generated or approved by the 

Queensland Herbarium. It is being used by the EPA to 

generate Biodiversity Planning Assessments (BPAs for 

each of Queensland’s bioregions); 

■■ CHIMS: Cultural Heritage Information System; and 

■■ EPA Library has subscriptions to various ecological and 

environmental journals and periodicals. 


Appendix 3 Flora species recorded in Springbrook National Park, Numinbah 

Forest Reserve and Austinville Forest Reserve 

Springbrook National Park 

Family Scientific name Common name NCA status EPBC 

Acanthaceae Brunoniella spiciflora white brunoniella C 

Acanthaceae Pseuderanthemum variabile love flower C 

Adiantaceae Adiantum aethiopicum common maidenhair fern C 

Adiantaceae Adiantum diaphanum filmy maidenhair fern C 

Adiantaceae Adiantum formosum giant maidenhair fern C 

Adiantaceae Adiantum hispidulum rough maidenhair fern C 

Adiantaceae Adiantum silvaticum silver maidenhair fern C 

Adiantaceae Cheilanthes distans bristly cloak fern C 

Adiantaceae Cheilanthes sieberi mulga fern C 

Adiantaceae Pellaea nana a sickle fern C 

Akaniaceae Akania bidwillii turnip wood C 

Alangiaceae Alangium villosum subsp. polyosmoides muskwood C 

Amaranthaceae Deeringia amaranthoides redberry C 

Anacardiaceae Euroschinus falcatus ribbonwood C 

Anacardiaceae Rhodosphaera rhodanthema tulip satinwood C 

Annonaceae Meiogyne stenopetala fissistigma C 

Annonaceae Melodorum leichhardtii zig-zag vine C 

Apiaceae Hydrocotyle acutiloba pennywort C 

Apiaceae Hydrocotyle pedicellosa large pennywort C 

Apiaceae Platysace lanceolata C 

Apiaceae Trachymene incisa subsp. incisa C 

Apiaceae Xanthosia pilosa woolly xanthosia C 

Apocynaceae Alyxia ruscifolia chainfruit C 

Apocynaceae Melodinus acutiflorus bellbird vine C 

Apocynaceae Melodinus australis southern melodinus C 

Apocynaceae Neisosperma poweri milkbush C 

Apocynaceae Ochrosia moorei southern ochrosia E E 

Apocynaceae Parsonsia fulva furry silkpod C 

Apocynaceae Parsonsia induplicata thin-leaved silkpod C 

Apocynaceae Parsonsia latifolia green-leaved silkpod C 

Apocynaceae Parsonsia longipetiolata C 

Apocynaceae Parsonsia rotata veinless silkpod C 

Apocynaceae Parsonsia straminea monkey rope C 

Apocynaceae Parsonsia tenuis slender silkpod R 

Apocynaceae Parsonsia velutina hairy silkpod C 



Apocynaceae Tabernaemontana pandacaqui banana bush C 

Apocynaceae Vinca major blue periwinkle weed 

Araceae Alocasia macrorrhizos cunjevoi C 

Araceae Gymnostachys anceps settler’s flax C 

Araceae Pothos longipes pothos C 

Araliaceae Astrotricha latifolia C 

Araliaceae Cephalaralia cephalobotrys climbing panax C 

Araliaceae Polyscias elegans celery wood C 

Araliaceae Polyscias murrayi pencil cedar C 

Araliaceae Polyscias sambucifolia elderberry panax C 

Araucariaceae Araucaria cunninghamii hoop pine C 

Arecaceae Archontophoenix cunninghamiana piccabeen palm C 

Arecaceae Calamus muelleri lawyer vine C 

Arecaceae Linospadix monostachya walking stick palm C 

Aristolochiaceae Aristolochia elegans calico-flower weed 

Aristolochiaceae Pararistolochia laheyana native dutchman’s pipe R 

Asclepiadaceae Araujia sericifera moth plant weed 

Asclepiadaceae Asclepias curassavica red-head cottonbush weed 

Asclepiadaceae Gomphocarpus physocarpus balloon cottonbush weed 

Asclepiadaceae Hoya australis native hoya C 

Asclepiadaceae Marsdenia longiloba slender marsdenia V V 

Asclepiadaceae Marsdenia rostrata common mild vine C 

Asclepiadaceae Sarcostemma viminale subsp. australe caustic vine C 

Asclepiadaceae Tylophora paniculata thin-leaved tylophora C 

Asparagaceae Asparagus africanus asparagus fern weed 

Asphodelaceae Bulbine bulbosa golden lily C 

Aspleniaceae Asplenium australasicum crows nest fern C 

Aspleniaceae Asplenium harmanii C 

Aspleniaceae Asplenium polyodon mare’s tail fern C 

Asteraceae Adenostemma macrophyllum C 

Asteraceae Ageratina adenophora crofton weed weed 

Asteraceae Ageratina riparia mistflower weed 

Asteraceae Ageratum houstonianum blue billygoat weed weed 

Asteraceae Baccharis halimifolia groundsel bush weed 

Asteraceae Bidens pilosa cobbler’s pegs weed 

Asteraceae Bracteantha bracteata golden everlasting C 

Asteraceae Cassinia compacta tall cassinia C 

Asteraceae Cassinia subtropica C 

Asteraceae Chrysocephalum apiculatum yellow buttons C 



Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare spear thistle weed 

Asteraceae Conyza leucantha C 

Asteraceae Conyza sumatrensis tall fleabane weed 

Asteraceae Crassocephalum crepidioides thickhead weed 

Asteraceae Cyanthillium cinereum vernonia C 

Asteraceae Cynara cardunculus subsp. flavescens artichoke thistle weed 

Asteraceae Erechtites valerianifolius C 

Asteraceae Euchiton involucratus C 

Asteraceae Euchiton sp. (Indooroopilly) C 

Asteraceae Euchiton sphaericus C 

Asteraceae Gamochaeta calviceps weed 

Asteraceae Gynura drymophila C 

Asteraceae Helichrysum elatum white everlasting C 

Asteraceae Hypochaeris radicata catsear weed 

Asteraceae Lagenifera gracilis C 

Asteraceae Olearia canescens grey olearia C 

Asteraceae Olearia elliptica subsp. elliptica sticky daisy bush C 

Asteraceae Olearia heterocarpa nightcap daisy bush R 

Asteraceae Olearia nernstii Ipswich daisy C 

Asteraceae Ozothamnus diosmifolius white dogwood C 

Asteraceae Ozothamnus rufescens soft dogwood C 

Asteraceae Ozothamnus vagans V V 

Asteraceae Ozothamnus whitei R 

Asteraceae Rhodanthe anthemoides white paper daisy C 

Asteraceae Senecio amygdalifolius C 

Asteraceae Senecio lautus subsp. lanceolatus C 

Asteraceae Senecio madagascariensis fireweed weed 

Asteraceae Senecio vulgaris common groundsel weed 

Asteraceae Sigesbeckia orientalis Indian weed C 

Asteraceae Tagetes minuta stinking roger weed 

Asteraceae Youngia japonica C 

Athyriaceae Deparia petersenii subsp. congrua Japanese lady fern C 

Athyriaceae Diplazium dilatatum C 

Balsaminaceae Impatiens walleriana balsam weed 

Bignoniaceae Pandorea baileyana large-leaved wonga vine R 

Bignoniaceae Pandorea jasminoides C 

Bignoniaceae Pandorea pandorana wonga vine C 

Bignoniaceae Pandorea sp. (Mt Maroon) C 

Blechnaceae Blechnum camfieldii C 



Blechnaceae Blechnum cartilagineum gristle fern C 

Blechnaceae Blechnum nudum fishbone water fern C 

Blechnaceae Blechnum patersonii strap water fern C 

Blechnaceae Blechnum wattsii hard water fern C 

Blechnaceae Doodia aspera prickly rasp fern C 

Blechnaceae Doodia caudata var. caudata small rasp fern C 

Blechnaceae Doodia media subsp. australis common rasp fern C 

Boraginaceae Austrocynoglossum latifolium sweet hound’s tooth C 

Boraginaceae Ehretia acuminata koda C 

Buddlejaceae Buddleja madagascariensis buddleia weed 

Burseraceae Canarium australianum mangobark C 

Caesalpiniaceae Caesalpinia subtropica corky pricklevine C 

Caesalpiniaceae Cassia brewsteri var. marksiana leichhardt bean C 

Caesalpiniaceae Senna pendula var. glabrata Easter cassia weed 

Campanulaceae Lobelia gibbosa native lobelia C 

Campanulaceae Lobelia purpurascens white root C 

Campanulaceae Lobelia trigonocaulis forest lobelia C 

Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia scopulicola R 

Capparaceae Capparis arborea brush caper berry C 

Caprifoliaceae Lonicera japonica Japanese honeysuckle weed 

Caprifoliaceae Sambucus australasica native elderberry C 

Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina littoralis black she oak C 

Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina rigida rigid she oak C 

Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina torulosa forest oak C 

Celastraceae Denhamia celastroides broad-leaved boxwood C 

Celastraceae Denhamia pittosporoides veiny denhamia C 

Celastraceae Elaeodendron australe var. australe red olive plum C 

Celastraceae Hedraianthera porphyropetala hedrianthera C 

Celastraceae Maytenus bilocularis orangebark C 

Celastraceae Maytenus silvestris narrow-leaved orange bark C 

Colchicaceae Tripladenia cunninghamii kreysigia C 

Commelinaceae Aneilema acuminatum C 

Commelinaceae Commelina diffusa wandering jew C 

Commelinaceae Pollia crispata pollia C 

Commelinaceae Tradescantia albiflora white wandering jew C 

Convolvulaceae Calystegia marginata forest bindweed C 

Convolvulaceae Ipomoea cairica mile-a-minute weed 

Convolvulaceae Ipomoea indica blue morning glory weed 

Convolvulaceae Ipomoea purpurea common morning glory weed 



Corynocarpaceae Corynocarpus rupestris subsp. arborescens southern corynocarpus R 

Crassulaceae Bryophyllum delagoense mother-of-millions weed 

Crassulaceae Bryophyllum pinnatum resurrection plant weed 

Crassulaceae Crassula sieberiana subsp. sieberiana Australian crassula C 

Cucurbitaceae Diplocyclos palmatus native bryony C 

Cucurbitaceae Sicyos australis star cucumber C 

Cucurbitaceae Trichosanthes subvelutina silky cucumber C 

Cucurbitaceae Zehneria cunninghamii slender cucumber C 

Cunoniaceae Ackama paniculata rose-leaf marara C 

Cunoniaceae Aphanopetalum resinosum gumvine C 

Cunoniaceae Callicoma serratifolia callicoma C 

Cunoniaceae Ceratopetalum apetalum coachwood C 

Cunoniaceae Eucryphia jinksii Springbrook pinkwood E 

Cunoniaceae Geissois benthamii red carabeen C 

Cunoniaceae Pseudoweinmannia lachnocarpa rose marara C 

Cunoniaceae Schizomeria ovata white cherry C 

Cupressaceae Callitris macleayana stringybark pine C 

Cupressaceae Callitris monticola R 

Cyatheaceae Cyathea australis rough tree fern C 

Cyatheaceae Cyathea cooperi straw tree fern C 

Cyatheaceae Cyathea leichhardtiana prickly tree fern C 

Cyperaceae Carex appressa tall sedge C 

Cyperaceae Carex polyantha C 

Cyperaceae Cyperus disjunctus C 

Cyperaceae Cyperus enervis C 

Cyperaceae Cyperus laevis C 

Cyperaceae Cyperus semifertilis V V 

Cyperaceae Cyperus tetraphyllus C 

Cyperaceae Exocarya scleroides C 

Cyperaceae Gahnia aspera saw sedge C 

Cyperaceae Gahnia insignis R 

Cyperaceae Gahnia melanocarpa black-fruited saw sedge C 

Cyperaceae Gahnia sieberiana sword grass C 

Cyperaceae Lepidosperma elatius tall swordsedge C 

Cyperaceae Lepidosperma laterale variable saw sedge C 

Cyperaceae Lepidosperma laterale var. laterale C 

Cyperaceae Schoenus maschalinus C 

Cyperaceae Schoenus melanostachys C 

Cyperaceae Tetraria capillaris C 



Davalliaceae Davallia pyxidata hare’s foot fern C 

Dennstaedtiaceae Dennstaedtia davallioides lacy ground fern C 

Dennstaedtiaceae Histiopteris incisa bats-wing fern C 

Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum common bracken C 

Dicksoniaceae Calochlaena dubia false bracken fern C 

Dicksoniaceae Dicksonia antarctica soft tree fern C 

Dicksoniaceae Dicksonia youngiae bristly tree fern C 

Dilleniaceae Hibbertia aspera C 

Dilleniaceae Hibbertia dentata trailing guinea flower C 

Dilleniaceae Hibbertia hexandra R 

Dilleniaceae Hibbertia linearis var. obtusifolia a guinea flower C 

Dilleniaceae Hibbertia scandens snake vine C 

Dioscoreaceae Dioscorea transversa native yam C 

Doryanthaceae Doryanthes palmeri giant spear lily C 

Droseraceae Drosera peltata pale sundew C 

Droseraceae Drosera spatulata spoon-leaved sundew C 

Dryopteridaceae Arachniodes aristata prickly shield fern C 

Dryopteridaceae Lastreopsis acuminata shiny shield fern C 

Dryopteridaceae Lastreopsis decomposita trim shield fern C 

Dryopteridaceae Lastreopsis marginans glossy shield fern C 

Dryopteridaceae Lastreopsis microsora subsp. microsora creeping shield fern C 

Dryopteridaceae Lastreopsis munita naked shield fern C 

Dryopteridaceae Lastreopsis silvestris R 

Ebenaceae Diospyros pentamera myrtle ebony C 

Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus grandis blue quandong C 

Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus kirtonii silver quandong C 

Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus obovatus blueberry ash C 

Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus reticulatus ash quandong C 

Elaeocarpaceae Sloanea australis maiden’s blush C 

Elaeocarpaceae Sloanea woollsii yellow carrabeen C 

Epacridaceae Acrotriche aggregata red cluster heath C 

Epacridaceae Epacris longiflora fuchsia heath C 

Epacridaceae Epacris obtusifolia common heath C 

Epacridaceae Leucopogon juniperinus prickly heath C 

Epacridaceae Leucopogon lanceolatus var. lanceolatus C 

Epacridaceae Leucopogon melaleucoides snow bush C 

Epacridaceae Monotoca scoparia prickly broom heath C 

Epacridaceae Trochocarpa laurina tree heath C 

Epacridaceae Woollsia pungens C 



Euphorbiaceae Actephila lindleyi actephila C 

Euphorbiaceae Alchornea ilicifolia native holly C 

Euphorbiaceae Austrobuxus swainii pink cherry R 

Euphorbiaceae Baloghia inophylla scrub bloodwood C 

Euphorbiaceae Beyeria lasiocarpa C 

Euphorbiaceae Breynia oblongifolia coffee bush C 

Euphorbiaceae Bridelia exaltata scrub ironbark C 

Euphorbiaceae Cleistanthus cunninghamii omega C 

Euphorbiaceae Croton acronychioides thick-leaved croton C 

Euphorbiaceae Croton verreauxii green cascarilla C 

Euphorbiaceae Dissiliaria baloghioides hauer C 

Euphorbiaceae Drypetes deplanchei yellow tulip C 

Euphorbiaceae Fontainea australis southern fontainea V V 

Euphorbiaceae Glochidion ferdinandi cheese tree C 

Euphorbiaceae Homalanthus populifolius bleeding heart C 

Euphorbiaceae Homalanthus stillingiifolius C 

Euphorbiaceae Macaranga tanarius macaranga C 

Euphorbiaceae Mallotus philippensis red kamala C 

Euphorbiaceae Phyllanthus subcrenulatus C 

Euphorbiaceae Poranthera microphylla small poranthera C 

Euphorbiaceae Ricinocarpos speciosus V 

Euphorbiaceae Ricinus communis castor oil bush weed 

Eupomatiaceae Eupomatia bennettii small bolwarra C 

Eupomatiaceae Eupomatia laurina bolwarra C 

Fabaceae Austrosteenisia blackii bloodvine C 

Fabaceae Austrosteenisia glabristyla giant blood vine C 

Fabaceae Callerya australis austral wisteria R 

Fabaceae Callerya megasperma native wisteria C 

Fabaceae Castanospermum australe black bean C 

Fabaceae Chorizema parviflorum eastern flame pea C 

Fabaceae Crotalaria linifolia rattlepod C 

Fabaceae Daviesia arborea golden pea tree C 

Fabaceae Daviesia ulicifolia native gorse C 

Fabaceae Daviesia wyattiana long-leaved bitter pea C 

Fabaceae Derris involuta native derris C 

Fabaceae Desmodium gunnii clover-leaf trefoil C 

Fabaceae Erythrina vespertilio bat’s wing coral tree C 

Fabaceae Glycine clandestina twining glycine C 

Fabaceae Glycine microphylla C 



Fabaceae Goodia lotifolia golden tip C 

Fabaceae Hardenbergia violacea native sarsaparilla C 

Fabaceae Hovea acutifolia pointed-leaved hovea C 

Fabaceae Hovea lanceolata C 

Fabaceae Indigofera australis native indigo C 

Fabaceae Jacksonia scoparia dogwood C 

Fabaceae Kennedia rubicunda red Kennedy pea C 

Fabaceae Podolobium ilicifolium netted shaggy pea C 

Fabaceae Pueraria montana var. lobata weed 

Fabaceae Pultenaea daphnoides C 

Fabaceae Pultenaea petiolaris C 

Fabaceae Pultenaea retusa blunt-leaf pea C 

Fabaceae Pultenaea villosa hairy bush pea C 

Fabaceae Swainsona galegifolia smooth Darling pea C 

Fagaceae Nothofagus moorei Antarctic beech C 

Flacourtiaceae Scolopia braunii flintwood C 

Flacourtiaceae Streptothamnus moorei coastal redberry vine C 

Flagellariaceae Flagellaria indica whip vine C 

Geraniaceae Geranium solanderi native geranium C 

Gesneriaceae Fieldia australis fieldia C 

Gleicheniaceae Gleichenia dicarpa pouched coral fern C 

Gleicheniaceae Gleichenia rupestris C 

Gleicheniaceae Sticherus flabellatus shiny fan fern C 

Gleicheniaceae Sticherus lobatus spreading fan fern C 

Goodeniaceae Goodenia hederacea C 

Goodeniaceae Goodenia rotundifolia round-leaf goodenia C 

Grossulariaceae Abrophyllum ornans native hydrangea C 

Grossulariaceae Anopterus macleayanus Macleay laurel C 

Grossulariaceae Argophyllum nullumense silver leaf R 

Grossulariaceae Cuttsia viburnea cuttsia C 

Grossulariaceae Polyosma cunninghamii featherwood C 

Grossulariaceae Quintinia sieberi rough possumwood C 

Grossulariaceae Quintinia verdonii grey possumwood C 

Gyrostemonaceae Codonocarpus attenuatus bell fruit C 

Haloragaceae Gonocarpus humilis C 

Haloragaceae Gonocarpus teucrioides C 

Hemerocallidaceae Dianella caerulea C 

Hemerocallidaceae Dianella revoluta C 

Hemerocallidaceae Geitonoplesium cymosum scrambling lily C 



Hymenophyllaceae Cephalomanes caudatum C 

Hymenophyllaceae Cephalomanes obscurum C 

Hymenophyllaceae Crepidomanes vitiense C 

Hymenophyllaceae Crepidomanes walleri C 

Hymenophyllaceae Hymenophyllum australe austral filmy fern C 

Hymenophyllaceae Hymenophyllum cupressiforme common filmy fern C 

Hymenophyllaceae Hymenophyllum flabellatum shiny filmy fern C 

Icacinaceae Citronella moorei churnwood C 

Icacinaceae Pennantia cunninghamii brown beech C 

Iridaceae Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora Montbretia lily weed 

Iridaceae Libertia paniculata C 

Iridaceae Patersonia glabrata native iris C 

Juncaceae Juncus planifolius broad-leaved rush C 

Lamiaceae Ajuga australis Australian bugle C 

Lamiaceae Callicarpa pedunculata velvet leaf C 

Lamiaceae Clerodendrum floribundum lolly bush C 

Lamiaceae Clerodendrum tomentosum hairy lolly bush C 

Lamiaceae Gmelina leichhardtii white beech C 

Lamiaceae Plectranthus argentatus C 

Lamiaceae Plectranthus congestus C 

Lamiaceae Plectranthus graveolens flea bush C 

Lamiaceae Plectranthus nitidus shining plectranthus E E 

Lamiaceae Plectranthus parviflorus C 

Lamiaceae Prostanthera ovalifolia mint bush C 

Lamiaceae Prostanthera phylicifolia C 

Lamiaceae Prunella vulgaris self heal weed 

Lamiaceae Vitex lignum-vitae lignum-vitae C 

Lamiaceae Westringia blakeana R 

Lamiaceae Westringia rupicola V V 

Lauraceae Beilschmiedia elliptica grey walnut C 

Lauraceae Beilschmiedia obtusifolia hard bolly gum C 

Lauraceae Cinnamomum camphora camphor laurel weed 

Lauraceae Cinnamomum oliveri Oliver’s sassafras C 

Lauraceae Cinnamomum virens red-barked sassafras C 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya erythroxylon pigeonberry ash C 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya foveolata mountain walnut C 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya glaucescens silver sycamore C 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya laevigata red-fruited laurel C 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya meisneriana thick-leaved cryptocarya C 



Lauraceae Cryptocarya obovata pepperberry C 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya rigida rose maple C 

Lauraceae Endiandra crassiflora Dorrigo maple C 

Lauraceae Endiandra discolor domatia tree C 

Lauraceae Endiandra hayesii rusty rose walnut V V 

Lauraceae Endiandra introrsa Dorrigo plum R 

Lauraceae Endiandra muelleri green-leaved rose walnut C 

Lauraceae Endiandra pubens hairy walnut C 

Lauraceae Endiandra virens white apple C 

Lauraceae Litsea leefeana brown bolly gum C 

Lauraceae Litsea reticulata bolly gum C 

Lauraceae Neolitsea australiensis green bolly gum C 

Lauraceae Neolitsea dealbata white bolly gum C 

Laxmanniaceae Cordyline congesta Boonah palm lily C 

Laxmanniaceae Cordyline petiolaris large-leaved palm lily C 

Laxmanniaceae Cordyline rubra red-fruited palm lily C 

Laxmanniaceae Cordyline stricta narrow-leaved palm lily C 

Laxmanniaceae Eustrephus latifolius wombat berry C 

Laxmanniaceae Lomandra longifolia mat rush C 

Laxmanniaceae Lomandra spicata jungle matrush C 

Laxmanniaceae Thysanotus tuberosus fringed lily C 

Liliaceae Lilium formosanum Formosa lily weed 

Lindsaeaceae Lindsaea linearis screw fern C 

Lindsaeaceae Lindsaea microphylla lacy wedge fern C 

Loganiaceae Logania albiflora logania C 

Loranthaceae Amyema congener subsp. congener C 

Loranthaceae Amyema pendulum pink mistletoe C 

Loranthaceae Amylotheca dictyophleba red-flowering mistletoe C 

Loranthaceae Benthamina alyxifolia shiny-leaved mistletoe C 

Luzuriagaceae Drymophila moorei orange berry C 

Lycopodiaceae Huperzia varia long clubmoss R 

Lycopodiaceae Lycopodium deuterodensum bushy clubmoss C 

Malvaceae Hibiscus heterophyllus subsp. heterophyllus native rosella C 

Malvaceae Hibiscus splendens pink hibiscus C 

Malvaceae Modiola caroliniana red-flowered mallow weed 

Malvaceae Sida subspicata spiked sida C 

Meliaceae Dysoxylum fraserianum rose mahogany C 

Meliaceae Dysoxylum mollissimum subsp. molle miva mahogany C 

Meliaceae Dysoxylum rufum hairy rosewood C 



Meliaceae Melia azedarach white cedar C 

Meliaceae Synoum glandulosum scentless rosewood C 

Meliaceae Toona ciliata red cedar C 

Menispermaceae Carronia multisepalea carronia C 

Menispermaceae Legnephora moorei round-leaf vine C 

Menispermaceae Sarcopetalum harveyanum pearl vine C 

Menispermaceae Stephania japonica var. discolor snake vine C 

Mimosaceae Acacia bakeri marblewood C 

Mimosaceae Acacia binervata two-veined hickory C 

Mimosaceae Acacia disparrima subsp. disparrima hickory wattle C 

Mimosaceae Acacia falcata sickle wattle C 

Mimosaceae Acacia irrorata subsp. irrorata green wattle C 

Mimosaceae Acacia longissima long-leaved wattle C 

Mimosaceae Acacia melanoxylon blackwood C 

Mimosaceae Acacia obtusifolia C 

Mimosaceae Acacia orites mountain wattle R 

Mimosaceae Acacia oshanesii C 

Mimosaceae Acacia suaveolens sweet wattle C 

Mimosaceae Acacia ulicifolia prickly Moses C 

Mimosaceae Acacia viscidula sticky wattle C 

Mimosaceae Archidendron grandiflorum lace flower tree C 

Mimosaceae Archidendron muellerianum veiny lace flower R 

Mimosaceae Pararchidendron pruinosum snow wood C 

Monimiaceae Daphnandra sp. (McPherson Range) socketwood C 

Monimiaceae Daphnandra tenuipes red-flowered socketwood C 

Monimiaceae Doryphora sassafras sassafras C 

Monimiaceae Hedycarya angustifolia native mulberry C 

Monimiaceae Palmeria scandens anchor vine C 

Monimiaceae Wilkiea austroqueenslandica smooth wilkiea C 

Monimiaceae Wilkiea huegeliana veiny wilkiea C 

Monimiaceae Wilkiea macrophylla large-leaved wilkiea C 

Moraceae Ficus coronata creek sandpaper fig C 

Moraceae Ficus fraseri white sandpaper fig C 

Moraceae Ficus macrophylla Moreton Bay fig C 

Moraceae Ficus obliqua small-leaved fig C 

Moraceae Ficus rubiginosa rusty fig C 

Moraceae Ficus virens var. sublanceolata white fig C 

Moraceae Ficus watkinsiana green-leaved Moreton Bay fig C 

Moraceae Maclura cochinchinensis cockspur thorn C 



Moraceae Streblus brunonianus whalebone tree C 

Moraceae Trophis scandens subsp. scandens burny vine C 

Myoporaceae Myoporum acuminatum coastal boobialla C 

Myoporaceae Myoporum montanum boobialla C 

Myrsinaceae Ardisia bakeri ardisia R 

Myrsinaceae Ardisia crenata weed 

Myrsinaceae Embelia australiana embelia C 

Myrsinaceae Myrsine howittiana brush muttonwood C 

Myrsinaceae Myrsine subsessilis red muttonwood C 

Myrsinaceae Myrsine variabilis muttonwood C 

Myrsinaceae Tapeinosperma pseudojambosa tapeinosperma C 

Myrtaceae Angophora leiocarpa rusty gum C 

Myrtaceae Angophora subvelutina broad-leaved apple C 

Myrtaceae Archirhodomyrtus beckleri rose myrtle C 

Myrtaceae Babingtonia virgata twiggy myrtle C 

Myrtaceae Backhousia myrtifolia carrol C 

Myrtaceae Baeckea linifolia C 

Myrtaceae Callistemon comboynensis cliff bottlebrush C 

Myrtaceae Callistemon montanus mountain bottlebrush C 

Myrtaceae Callistemon pallidus lemon bottlebrush C 

Myrtaceae Callistemon viminalis weeping bottlebrush C 

Myrtaceae Choricarpia leptopetala brown myrtle C 

Myrtaceae Corymbia citriodora spotted gum C 

Myrtaceae Corymbia gummifera red bloodwood C 

Myrtaceae Corymbia intermedia pink bloodwood C 

Myrtaceae Corymbia tessellaris Moreton Bay ash C 

Myrtaceae Corymbia trachyphloia brown bloodwood C 

Myrtaceae Decaspermum humile silky myrtle C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus acmenoides white mahogany C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus andrewsii New England blackbutt C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus campanulata New England ash C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus carnea broad-leaved white mahogany C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus codonocarpa mallee ash R 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus crebra narrow-leaved red ironbark C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus dura gum-topped ironbark C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus grandis flooded gum C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus melanophloia silver-leaved ironbark C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus microcorys tallowwood C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus oreades Blue Mountains ash C 



Myrtaceae Eucalyptus propinqua small-fruited grey gum C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus resinifera red mahogany C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus saligna Sydney blue gum C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus siderophloia grey ironbark C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus tereticornis forest red gum C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus tindaliae Queensland white stringybark C 

Myrtaceae Gossia punctata dotted myrtle C 

Myrtaceae Kunzea ericoides burgan C 

Myrtaceae Lenwebbia prominens velvet myrtle C 

Myrtaceae Leptospermum microcarpum small-fruited tea-tree C 

Myrtaceae Leptospermum petersonii lemon-scented tea-tree C 

Myrtaceae Leptospermum polygalifolium tantoon C 

Myrtaceae Leptospermum trinervium woolly tea-tree C 

Myrtaceae Leptospermum variabile C 

Myrtaceae Lophostemon confertus brush box C 

Myrtaceae Pilidiostigma glabrum plum myrtle C 

Myrtaceae Rhodamnia argentea white myrtle C 

Myrtaceae Rhodamnia maideniana smooth scrub turpentine R 

Myrtaceae Rhodamnia rubescens scrub turpentine C 

Myrtaceae Rhodomyrtus psidioides native guava C 

Myrtaceae Syncarpia glomulifera turpentine C 

Myrtaceae Syzygium australe scrub cherry C 

Myrtaceae Syzygium corynanthum sour cherry C 

Myrtaceae Syzygium crebrinerve purple cherry C 

Myrtaceae Syzygium francisii giant watergum C 

Myrtaceae Syzygium hemilampra broad-leaved lilly pilly C 

Myrtaceae Syzygium hodgkinsoniae red lilly pilly V V 

Myrtaceae Syzygium ingens southern satinash C 

Myrtaceae Syzygium moorei Durobby V V 

Myrtaceae Syzygium oleosum blue cherry C 

Myrtaceae Syzygium smithii lilly pilly satinash C 

Myrtaceae Tristaniopsis collina mountain water gum C 

Myrtaceae Tristaniopsis laurina water gum C 

Myrtaceae Waterhousea floribunda weeping lilly pilly C 

Nephrolepidaceae Arthropteris beckleri C 

Nephrolepidaceae Arthropteris tenella climbing fern C 

Nephrolepidaceae Nephrolepis cordifolia fishbone fern C 

Oleaceae Jasminum dallachii soft jasmine C 

Oleaceae Jasminum simplicifolium subsp. australiense x J. suavissimum C 



Oleaceae Ligustrum lucidum large-leaved privet weed 

Oleaceae Notelaea johnsonii veinless mock-olive C 

Oleaceae Notelaea longifolia forma glabra large mock-olive C 

Oleaceae Olea paniculata native olive C 

Onagraceae Epilobium billardierianum subsp. cinereum willow herb C 

Ophioglossaceae Botrychium australe parsley fern C 

Orchidaceae Acianthus fornicatus pixie caps C 

Orchidaceae Bulbophyllum bracteatum C 

Orchidaceae Bulbophyllum exiguum C 

Orchidaceae Bulbophyllum schillerianum red rope orchid C 

Orchidaceae Bulbophyllum shepherdii wheat-leaved orchid C 

Orchidaceae Caladenia carnea pink fingers C 

Orchidaceae Calanthe triplicata Christmas orchid C 

Orchidaceae Calochilus campestris copper beard orchid C 

Orchidaceae Chiloglottis reflexa autumn bird orchid C 

Orchidaceae Chiloglottis sylvestris C 

Orchidaceae Corybas aconitiflorus spurred helmet orchid C 

Orchidaceae Corybas fimbriatus fringed helmet orchid C 

Orchidaceae Cryptostylis erecta bonnet orchid C 

Orchidaceae Cryptostylis subulata large tongue orchid C 

Orchidaceae Cymbidium suave snake orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dendrobium aemulum ironbark orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dendrobium falcorostrum beech orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dendrobium gracilicaule slender orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dendrobium kingianum pink rock orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dendrobium monophyllum lily-of-the-valley orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dendrobium speciosum king orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dendrobium tetragonum tree spider orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dipodium punctatum C 

Orchidaceae Diuris sulphurea tiger orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dockrillia linguiformis tongue orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dockrillia mortii C 

Orchidaceae Dockrillia pugioniformis dagger orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dockrillia schoenina pencil orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dockrillia teretifolia rat’s tail orchid C 

Orchidaceae Epipogium roseum leafless nodding orchid C 

Orchidaceae Gastrodia sesamoides cinnamon bells C 

Orchidaceae Liparis coelogynoides fairy tree orchid C 

Orchidaceae Liparis swenssonii rock orchid C 



Orchidaceae Microtis unifolia common onion orchid C 

Orchidaceae Plectorrhiza tridentata tangle orchid C 

Orchidaceae Pterostylis baptistii king greenhood C 

Orchidaceae Pterostylis bicornis horned greenhood V V 

Orchidaceae Pterostylis curta blunt greenhood C 

Orchidaceae Pterostylis daintreana C 

Orchidaceae Pterostylis grandiflora cobra greenhood C 

Orchidaceae Pterostylis hildae rainforest greenhood C 

Orchidaceae Pterostylis longifolia tall greenhood C 

Orchidaceae Pterostylis nutans nodding greenhood C 

Orchidaceae Pterostylis parviflora tiny greenhood C 

Orchidaceae Pterostylis pedunculata maroonhood C 

Orchidaceae Pterostylis rufa rusty hood C 

Orchidaceae Rhinerrhiza divitiflora raspy root C 

Orchidaceae Sarcochilus falcatus orange blossom orchid C 

Orchidaceae Sarcochilus fitzgeraldii ravine orchid E V 

Orchidaceae Sarcochilus hartmannii V V 

Orchidaceae Sarcochilus olivaceus lawyer orchid C 

Orchidaceae Spiranthes sinensis austral ladies tresses C 

Orchidaceae Taeniophyllum muelleri C V 

Orchidaceae Thelymitra aristata great sun orchid C 

Orchidaceae Thelymitra nuda scented sun orchid C 

Orchidaceae Thelymitra pauciflora slender sun orchid C 

Osmundaceae Todea barbara king fern C 

Oxalidaceae Oxalis corniculata weed 

Pandanaceae Freycinetia excelsa climbing pandanus C 

Passifloraceae Passiflora edulis edible passionfruit 

Passifloraceae Passiflora herbertiana subsp. herbertiana native passionfruit C 

Passifloraceae Passiflora subpeltata white passion flower weed 

Petermanniaceae Petermannia cirrosa petermannia C 

Philydraceae Helmholtzia glaberrima stream lily R 

Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca octandra inkweed weed 

Phytolaccaceae Rivina humilis coral berry weed 

Pinaceae Pinus elliottii slash pine weed 

Pinaceae Pinus radiata radiata pine weed 

Piperaceae Peperomia tetraphylla small-leaved peperomia C 

Piperaceae Piper novae-hollandiae giant pepper vine C 

Pittosporaceae Billardiera scandens var. scandens common apple-berry C 

Pittosporaceae Billardiera scandens var. sericata common apple-berry C 



Pittosporaceae Bursaria spinosa black thorn C 

Pittosporaceae Citriobatus lancifolius narrow-leaved orange thorn C 

Pittosporaceae Hymenosporum flavum native frangipani C 

Pittosporaceae Pittosporum multiflorum orange thorn C 

Pittosporaceae Pittosporum revolutum yellow pittosporum C 

Pittosporaceae Pittosporum rhombifolium diamond pittosporum C 

Pittosporaceae Pittosporum viscidum black-fruited thornbush C 

Pittosporaceae Pittosporum undulatum sweet pittosporum C 

Poaceae Agrostis aemula C 

Poaceae Agrostis avenacea C 

Poaceae Danthonia induta C 

Poaceae Deyeuxia parviseta var. parviseta C 

Poaceae Dichelachne micrantha shorthair plumegrass C 

Poaceae Digitaria violascens bastard summergrass weed 

Poaceae Entolasia marginata bordered panic C 

Poaceae Entolasia stricta wiry panic C 

Poaceae Imperata cylindrica blady grass C 

Poaceae Melinis minutiflora molasses grass weed 

Poaceae Melinis repens red Natal grass weed 

Poaceae Notodanthonia longifolia C 

Poaceae Oplismenus aemulus creeping shade grass C 

Poaceae Panicum pygmaeum dwarf panic C 

Poaceae Paspalidium distans shotgrass C 

Poaceae Paspalum dilatatum paspalum weed 

Poaceae Paspalum urvillei vasey grass weed 

Poaceae Pennisetum clandestinum kikuyu grass weed 

Poaceae Phyllostachys aurea fishpole bamboo weed 

Poaceae Poa sieberiana var. sieberiana tussock grass C 

Poaceae Setaria palmifolia palm grass weed 

Poaceae Tetrarrhena juncea wiry ricegrass C 

Poaceae Themeda triandra kangaroo grass C 

Poaceae Tripogon loliiformis five minute grass C 

Podocarpaceae Podocarpus elatus she pine C 

Polygalaceae Comesperma esulifolium match heads C 

Polygalaceae Comesperma hispidulum C 

Polygalaceae Comesperma volubile love creeper C 

Polygonaceae Persicaria capitata weed 

Polypodiaceae Dictymia brownii strap fern C 

Polypodiaceae Drynaria rigidula basket fern C 



Polypodiaceae Microsorum scandens fragrant climbing fern C 

Polypodiaceae Platycerium bifurcatum elkhorn fern C 

Polypodiaceae Platycerium superbum staghorn fern C 

Polypodiaceae Pyrrosia confluens robber fern C 

Polypodiaceae Pyrrosia rupestris rock felt fern C 

Primulaceae Anagallis arvensis blue pimpernel weed 

Proteaceae Alloxylon pinnatum Dorrigo waratah R 

Proteaceae Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar coastal banksia C 

Proteaceae Banksia spinulosa var. collina golden candlesticks C 

Proteaceae Banksia spinulosa var. cunninghamii C 

Proteaceae Floydia praealta ball nut V V 

Proteaceae Grevillea robusta silky oak C 

Proteaceae Hakea dactyloides finger hakea C 

Proteaceae Hakea eriantha C 

Proteaceae Hakea salicifolia willow-leaved hakea C 

Proteaceae Hakea salicifolia subsp. salicifolia C 

Proteaceae Helicia ferruginea rusty oak R 

Proteaceae Helicia glabriflora pale oak C 

Proteaceae Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia red bopple nut V 

Proteaceae Lomatia arborescens tree lomatia C 

Proteaceae Lomatia silaifolia crinkle bush C 

Proteaceae Macadamia integrifolia macadamia nut V V 

Proteaceae Macadamia tetraphylla Queensland nut V V 

Proteaceae Orites excelsus white beefwood C 

Proteaceae Persoonia lanceolata geebung C 

Proteaceae Persoonia media geebung C 

Proteaceae Persoonia stradbrokensis x P. virgata geebung C 

Proteaceae Stenocarpus salignus scrub beefwood C 

Proteaceae Stenocarpus sinuatus wheel of fire C 

Proteaceae Triunia youngiana spice bush C 

Psilotaceae Psilotum nudum skeleton fork fern C 

Pteridaceae Pteris tremula tender bracken C 

Pteridaceae Pteris umbrosa jungle bracken C 

Ranunculaceae Clematis aristata var. longiseta toothed clematis C 

Ranunculaceae Clematis glycinoides forest clematis C 

Rhamnaceae Alphitonia excelsa soap tree C 

Rhamnaceae Alphitonia petriei pink ash C 

Rhamnaceae Pomaderris argyrophylla C 

Rhamnaceae Pomaderris ferruginea C 



Rosaceae Rubus moluccanus molucca bramble C 

Rosaceae Rubus moorei bush lawyer C 

Rosaceae Rubus nebulosus green-leaved bramble C 

Rosaceae Rubus parvifolius pink-flowered native raspberry C 

Rosaceae Rubus rosifolius rose-leaf bramble C 

Rubiaceae Atractocarpus benthamianus subsp. benthamianus native gardenia C 

Rubiaceae Atractocarpus benthamianus subsp. glaber C 

Rubiaceae Atractocarpus chartaceus narrow-leaved gardenia C 

Rubiaceae Cyclophyllum coprosmoides coast canthium C 

Rubiaceae Cyclophyllum longipetalum brush canthium C 

Rubiaceae Hodgkinsonia ovatiflora golden ash C 

Rubiaceae Ixora beckleri brown coffeewood C 

Rubiaceae Morinda jasminoides morinda C 

Rubiaceae Opercularia aspera coarse stinkweed C 

Rubiaceae Pomax umbellata C 

Rubiaceae Psychotria loniceroides hairy psychotria C 

Rubiaceae Psychotria simmondsiana var. exigua small psychotria C 

Rubiaceae Psychotria simmondsiana var. simmondsiana small psychotria C 

Rubiaceae Psydrax lamprophylla large-leaved canthium C 

Rubiaceae Richardia brasiliensis white eye weed 

Rubiaceae Spermacoce brachystema C 

Rutaceae Acradenia euodiiformis yellow satinheart C 

Rutaceae Acronychia baeuerlenii Byron Bay acronychia R 

Rutaceae Acronychia laevis glossy acronychia C 

Rutaceae Acronychia octandra doughwood C 

Rutaceae Acronychia pubescens hairy acronychia C 

Rutaceae Acronychia suberosa corky acronychia C 

Rutaceae Bosistoa pentacocca var. pentacocca ferny-leaved bosistoa C 

Rutaceae Bosistoa transversa three-leaved bosistoa C V 

Rutaceae Bouchardatia neurococca union nut C 

Rutaceae Citrus australasica finger lime C 

Rutaceae Correa lawrenciana var. glandulifera tree correa C 

Rutaceae Flindersia australis crow’s ash C 

Rutaceae Flindersia bennettiana Bennett’s ash C 

Rutaceae Flindersia schottiana bumpy ash C 

Rutaceae Flindersia xanthoxyla yellow-wood C 

Rutaceae Geijera salicifolia brush wilga C 

Rutaceae Halfordia kendack saffron heart C 

Rutaceae Leionema elatius subsp. beckleri tall phebalium E 



Rutaceae Melicope hayesii small-leaved doughwood C 

Rutaceae Melicope micrococca white evodia C 

Rutaceae Nematolepis squamea subsp. squamea satinwood C 

Rutaceae Pentaceras australe bastard crow’s ash C 

Rutaceae Sarcomelicope simplicifolia subsp. simplicifolia yellow aspen C 

Rutaceae Zanthoxylum brachyacanthum thorny yellowwood C 

Rutaceae Zieria arborescens tall zieria C 

Rutaceae Zieria smithii Sandfly zieria C 

Rutaceae Zieria southwellii Southwell’s zieria C 

Salicaceae Salix babylonica weeping willow weed 

Santalaceae Exocarpos cupressiformis native cherry C 

Sapindaceae Alectryon tomentosus hairy alectryon C 

Sapindaceae Arytera distylis twin-leaved coogera C 

Sapindaceae Arytera divaricata coogera C 

Sapindaceae Cardiospermum grandiflorum balloon vine C 

Sapindaceae Castanospora alphandii brown tamarind C 

Sapindaceae Cupaniopsis baileyana narrow-leaved tuckeroo C 

Sapindaceae Cupaniopsis flagelliformis brown tuckeroo C 

Sapindaceae Cupaniopsis foveolata narrow-leaved tuckeroo C 

Sapindaceae Cupaniopsis newmanii long-leaved tuckeroo R 

Sapindaceae Cupaniopsis parvifolia small-leaved tuckeroo C 

Sapindaceae Cupaniopsis serrata smooth tuckeroo C 

Sapindaceae Diploglottis australis native tamarind C 

Sapindaceae Dodonaea megazyga C 

Sapindaceae Dodonaea triquetra large-leaved hop bush C 

Sapindaceae Elattostachys nervosa green tamarind C 

Sapindaceae Elattostachys xylocarpa white tamarind C 

Sapindaceae Guioa semiglauca guioa C 

Sapindaceae Harpullia alata wing-leaved tulip C 

Sapindaceae Jagera pseudorhus foambark tree C 

Sapindaceae Lepiderema pulchella fine-leaved tuckeroo R 

Sapindaceae Mischocarpus australis red pear-fruit C 

Sapindaceae Mischocarpus lachnocarpus woolly pear-fruit C 

Sapindaceae Mischocarpus pyriformis yellow pear-fruit C 

Sapindaceae Sarcopteryx stipata steelwood C 

Sapindaceae Toechima dasyrrhache blunt-leaved steelwood C 

Sapotaceae Amorphospermum whitei rusty plum C 

Sapotaceae Pouteria australis black apple C 

Scrophulariaceae Veronica serpyllifolia thyme speedwell weed 



Selaginellaceae Selaginella andrewsii C 

Simaroubaceae Quassia sp. (Mt Nardi) southern quassia C 

Smilacaceae Ripogonum album white supplejack C 

Smilacaceae Ripogonum discolor prickly supplejack C 

Smilacaceae Ripogonum elseyanum hairy supplejack C 

Smilacaceae Ripogonum fawcettianum small supplejack C 

Smilacaceae Smilax australis barbed-wire vine C 

Smilacaceae Smilax glyciphylla sweet sarsaparilla C 

Solanaceae Cestrum elegans red cestrum weed 

Solanaceae Duboisia myoporoides corkwood C 

Solanaceae Nicotiana forsteri C 

Solanaceae Physalis peruviana weed 

Solanaceae Solanum aviculare kangaroo apple C 

Solanaceae Solanum capsicoides devil’s apple weed 

Solanaceae Solanum ditrichum Mt Maroon nightshade C 

Solanaceae Solanum inaequilaterum gin’s whiskers C 

Solanaceae Solanum mauritianum wild tobacco weed 

Solanaceae Solanum prinophyllum forest nightshade C 

Solanaceae Solanum semiarmatum prickly nightshade C 

Solanaceae Solanum stelligerum devil’s needles C 

Sterculiaceae Argyrodendron actinophyllum black booyong C 

Sterculiaceae Argyrodendron trifoliolatum booyong C 

Sterculiaceae Brachychiton acerifolius flame tree C 

Sterculiaceae Brachychiton discolor lacebark tree C 

Sterculiaceae Brachychiton populneus kurrajong C 

Sterculiaceae Commersonia bartramia brown kurrajong C 

Sterculiaceae Commersonia fraseri brush kurrajong C 

Sterculiaceae Rulingia dasyphylla kerrawang C 

Sterculiaceae Rulingia salviifolia sage-leaved rulingia R 

Sterculiaceae Seringia arborescens C 

Sterculiaceae Sterculia quadrifida peanut tree C 

Stylidiaceae Stylidium graminifolium grassy-leaved trigger-flower C 

Symplocaceae Symplocos baeuerlenii small-leaved hazelwood V V 

Thelypteridaceae Christella dentata creek fern C 

Thelypteridaceae Christella parasitica C 

Thymelaeaceae Phaleria chermsideana scrub daphne C 

Thymelaeaceae Pimelea latifolia subsp. latifolia broad-leaved rice flower C 

Thymelaeaceae Pimelea ligustrina subsp. ligustrina tall rice flower C 

Thymelaeaceae Wikstroemia indica tie bush C 



Tmesipteridaceae Tmesipteris ovata C 

Ulmaceae Aphananthe philippinensis native elm C 

Ulmaceae Trema tomentosa var. viridis native peach C 

Urticaceae Dendrocnide excelsa giant stinging tree C 

Urticaceae Dendrocnide photinophylla shiny-leaved stinging tree C 

Urticaceae Elatostema reticulatum rainforest spinach C 

Urticaceae Elatostema stipitatum soft nettle C 

Urticaceae Pipturus argenteus white nettle C 

Verbenaceae Lantana camara lantana weed 

Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis purple top weed 

Verbenaceae Verbena rigida veined verbena weed 

Violaceae Hybanthus monopetalus lady’s slipper C 

Violaceae Hybanthus stellarioides spade flower C 

Violaceae Viola betonicifolia arrow-leaved violet C 

Violaceae Viola hederacea ivy-leaved violet C 

Vitaceae Cayratia clematidea slender grape C 

Vitaceae Cissus antarctica water vine C 

Vitaceae Cissus hypoglauca five-leaf water vine C 

Vitaceae Cissus sterculiifolia long-leaf water vine C 

Vitaceae Tetrastigma nitens shining grape C 

Vittariaceae Vittaria elongata C 

Winteraceae Tasmannia insipida brush pepperbush C 

Xanthorrhoeaceae Xanthorrhoea glauca subsp. glauca C 

Xanthorrhoeaceae Xanthorrhoea johnsonii forest grass tree C 

Zamiaceae Lepidozamia peroffskyana shining burrawang C 

Zingiberaceae Alpinia arundelliana C 

Zingiberaceae Alpinia caerulea wild ginger C 

Zingiberaceae Hedychium gardnerinum Indian ginger weed 

(Extract from WildNet 29/01/2007) 

Under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 (NCA), E = endangered; V = vulnerable; R = rare and C = common. 

Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC), E = endangered and V = vulnerable. 


Numinbah Forest Reserve 

Family Scientific name Common name NCA status 

Adiantaceae Adiantum formosum giant maidenhair fern C 

Adiantaceae Adiantum hispidulum rough maidenhair fern C 

Adiantaceae Cheilanthes sieberi Mulga fern C 

Anacardiaceae Rhodosphaera rhodanthema tulip satinwood C 

Apocynaceae Parsonsia straminea common silkwood C 

Araliaceae Astrotricha latifolia C 


Asclepiadaceae *Gomphocarpus physocarpus balloon cottonbush W 

Asteraceae *Ageratina adenophora crofton weed W 

Asteraceae *Ageratina riparia mistflower W 

Asteraceae Cassinia subtropica C 

Asteraceae Centratherum punctatum subsp. australianum C 

Asteraceae *Sigesbeckia orientalis Indian weed W 



Blechnaceae Doodia media common rasp fern C 


Caesalpiniaceae Caesalpinia subtropica corky prickle vine C 

Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina torulosa forest oak C 

Celastraceae Denhamia celastroides denhamia C 

Celastraceae Elaeodendron australe red olive plum C 

Celastraceae Maytenus silvestris narrow-leaved orangebark C 

Cunoniaceae Aphanopetalum resinosum gumvine C 

Cunoniaceae Schizomeria ovata white cherry C 

Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum common bracken fern C 

Dicksoniaceae Calochlaena dubia false bracken fern C 


Epacridaceae Monotoca scoparia prickly broom heath C 

Epacridaceae Trochocarpa laurina tree heath C 

Euphorbiaceae Acalypha eremorum soft acalypha C 

Euphorbiacea Breynia oblongifolia coffee bush C 

Euphorbiacea Claoxylon australe brittlewood C 

Euphorbiacea Croton verreauxii green cascarilla C 

Eupomatiaceae Eupomatia bennettii small bolwarra C 

Eupomatiacea Eupomatia laurina bolwarra C 

Fabaceae Desmodium rhytidophyllum hairy trefoil C 

Fabaceae Glycine sp C 




Fabaceae Hovea acutifolia purple pea bush C 


Fabaceae Kennedia rubicunda red kennedy pea C 

Fabaceae Pultenaea villosa hairy pea bush C 

Geraniaceae Geranium solandri native geranium C 

Goodeniaceae Goodenia rotundifolia C 


Lamiaceae Plectranthus parviflorus C 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya microneura murrogun C 



Laxmanniaceae Cordyline congesta Boonah palm lily C 


Laxmanniaceae Lomandra filiformis C 

Laxmanniaceae Lomandra longifolia mat rush C 

Meliaceae Synoum glandulosum scentless rosewood C 


Mimosaceae Acacia concurrens black wattle C 

Mimosaceae Acacia maidenii maiden’s wattle C 

Mimosaceae Archidendron grandiflorum lace flower tree C 


Myrtaceae Backhousia myrtifolia grey myrtle C 





Myrtaceae Eucalyptus propinqua grey gum C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus saligna Sydney blue gum C 



Myrtaceae Syncarpia glomulifera turpentine C 

Oleaceae Notelaea ovata C 


Pittosporaceae Pittosporum revolutum yellow pittosporum C 



Poaceae Aristida calycina wire grass C 

Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus barbed-wire grass C 




Poaceae Oplismenus hirtellus var. imbecillis 



Proteaceae Hakea florulenta three-nerved willow hakea C 


Proteaceae Persoonia stradbrokensis coastal geebung C 

Rhamnaceae Alphitonia excelsa red ash C 

Rubiaceae Morinda jasminoides morinda C 

Rubiaceae Psychotria daphnoides smooth psychotria C 



Sapindaceae Guioa semiglauca guioa C 

Smilacaceae Smilax australis barbed-wire vine C 

Urticaceae Urtica incisa stinging nettle C 

Verbenaceae *Lantana camara lantana W 

Vitaceae Cissus antarctica water vine C 

Vitaceae Cissus hypoglauca five-leaf water vine C 

Zingiberaceae Alpinia caerulea wild ginger C 

Source: From flora surveys conducted in the reserve by EPA botanist (primarily for the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk Flora Survey) 

NCA Status: Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Rare (R), Common (C), Weed (W) 

Austinville 2 Forest Reserve 


Acanthaceae Brunoniella spiciflora white brunoniella C 

Eupomatiaceae Eupomatia laurina bolwarra C 

Flacourtiaceae Streptothamnus moorei redberry vine C 


Lauraceae Cryptocarya meisneriana thick-leaved cryptocarya C 

Lauraceae Litsea australis brown bolly gum C 

Proteaceae* Macadamia tetraphylla Queensland nut V 

Scrophulariaceae Artanema fimbriatum koala bells C 

* Also vulnerable under EPBC Act 

Source: Extracted from Wildnet 25/01/07 

NCA Status: Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Rare (R), Common (C), Weed (W) 


Appendix 4. Flora species recorded from GCCC Numinbah and Springbrook 

Conservation Areas 


Acanthaceae Brunoniella australis blue trumpet C 

Acanthaceae Brunoniella spiciflora white brunoniella LS 

Acanthaceae Pseuderanthemum variabile love flower C 

Adiantaceae Adiantum atroviride common maidenhair C 

Adiantaceae Adiantum diaphanum filmy maidenhair C 

Adiantaceae Adiantum formosum giant maidenhair C 

Adiantaceae Adiantum hispidulum var. hypoglaucum rough maidenhair C 

Adiantaceae Adiantum silvaticum silver maidenhair C 

Adiantaceae Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi mulga fern C 

Adiantaceae Pellaea falcata var. falcata sickle fern C 

Adiantaceae Pellaea falcata var. nana sickle fern C 

Adiantaceae Pellaea paradoxa sickle fern C 

Akaniaceae Akania bidwillii turnipwood C 

Alangiaceae Alangium villosum subsp. polyosmoides muskwood C 

Amaranthaceae Alternanthera denticulata lesser joyweed C 

Anacardiaceae Euroschinus falcata var. falcata ribbonwood C 

Anacardiaceae Mangifera indica mango tree W 

Anacardiaceae Rhodosphaera rhodanthema deep yellowwood C 

Annonaceae Meiogyne stenopetala subsp. stenopetala fissistigma C 

Annonaceae Melodorum leichhardtii zig-zag vine C 

Apiaceae Hydrocotyle pedicellosa large pennywort C 

Apiaceae Trachymene procumbens scrambling parsnip C 

Apocynaceae Alyxia ruscifolia subsp. ruscifolia chain fruit C 

Apocynaceae Carissa ovata currant bush C 

Apocynaceae Melodinus acutiflorus hairy melodinus C 

Apocynaceae Melodinus australis southern melodinus C 

Apocynaceae Parsonsia fulva furry silkpod C 

Apocynaceae Parsonsia lanceolata rough silkpod C 

Apocynaceae Parsonsia lilacina crisped silkpod LS 

Apocynaceae Parsonsia longipetiolata wide-leaved silkpod C 

Apocynaceae Parsonsia rotata veinless silkpod C 

Apocynaceae Parsonsia straminea common silkpod C 

Apocynaceae Parsonsia velutina hairy silkpod C 

Apocynaceae Tabernaemontana pandacaqui banana bush C 

Araceae Alocasia brisbanensis cunjevoi C 

Araceae Gymnostachys anceps settler's flax C 

Araceae Pothos australis pothos C 



Araliaceae Astrotricha latifolia broad-leaf star hair C 

Araliaceae Cephalaralia cephalobotrys climbing panax C 

Araliaceae Polyscias elegans celerywood C 

Araliaceae Polyscias murrayi pencil cedar C 

Araliaceae Polyscias sambucifolia elderberry panax C 


Arecaceae Archontophoenix cunninghamiana Bangalow palm C 

Arecaceae Calamus muelleri southern lawyer vine C 

Arecaceae Linospadix monostachya walking stick palm C 

Asclepiadaceae Gomphocarpus physocarpus balloon cotton bush W 

Asclepiadaceae Hoya australis subsp. australis native hoya C 

Asclepiadaceae Marsdenia rostrata common milk vine C 

Asclepiadaceae Secamone elliptica caustic vine C 

Aspleniaceae Asplenium attenuatum var. attenuatum simple speenwort C 

Aspleniaceae Asplenium attenuatum var. indivisum frilly spleenwort LS 

Aspleniaceae Asplenium australasicum bird's nest fern C 

Aspleniaceae Asplenium flabellifolium necklace fern LS 

Aspleniaceae Asplenium polyodon mare's tail fern C 

Asteraceae Ageratina adenophora crofton weed W 

Asteraceae Ageratina riparia mist flower W 

Asteraceae Ageratum houstonianum blue billygoat weed W 

Asteraceae Ambrosia artemisiifolia annual ragweed W 

Asteraceae Baccharis halimifolia groundsel bush W 

Asteraceae Bidens pilosa var. pilosa cobbler's pegs W 

Asteraceae Centratherum punctatum subsp. australianum C 

Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare spear thistle W 

Asteraceae Conyza bonariensis flaxleaf fleabane W 

Asteraceae Crassocephalum crepidioides thickhead W 

Asteraceae Cyanthillium cinereum vernonia C 

Asteraceae Helichrysum elatum white paper daisy C 

Asteraceae Hypochaeris radicata catsear, flatweed W 

Asteraceae Olearia heterocarpa nightcap daisy bush R 

Asteraceae Olearia nernstii snow bush C 

Asteraceae Ozothamnus diosmifolius sago flower C 

Asteraceae Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum jersey cudweed C 

Asteraceae Senecio amygdalifolius C 

Asteraceae Senecio lautus subsp. lanceolatus C 

Asteraceae Sigesbeckia orientalis Indian weed W 



Asteraceae Sonchus asper rough sowthistle W 

Asteraceae Sonchus oleraceus common sowthistle W 

Asteraceae Youngia japonica C 

Asteraceae Senecio madagascariensis fireweed W 

Asteraceae Xanthium occidentale burr W 

Asteraceae Taraxacum officinale dandelion W 

Asteraceae Tagetes minuta stinking roger W 

Bignoniaceae Pandorea baileyana large-leaved wonga vine R 

Bignoniaceae Pandorea jasminoides bower vine C 


Bignoniaceae Pandorea sp. (Ipswich) C 

Bignoniaceae Tecomanthe sp. (Mt Ernest) C 


Blechnaceae Blechnum patersonii strap water fern C 


Blechnaceae Doodia caudata small water fern C 

Blechnaceae Doodia media common rasp fern C 

Burseraceae Canarium australasicum mango bark C 

Caesalpiniaceae Caesalpinia scortechinii large prickle vine C 

Caesalpiniaceae Caesalpinia subtropica corky prickle vine C 

Caesalpiniaceae Senna pendula var. glabrata smooth senna W 

Campanulaceae Lobelia purpurascens white root C 

Campanulaceae Lobelia trigonocaulis forest lobelia C 

Capparaceae Capparis arborea native caper C 

Caprifoliaceae Sambucus australasica native elderberry C 

Caryophyllaceae Stellaria media chickweed W 

Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina littoralis black she-oak C 

Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina torulosa forest she-oak C 

Celastraceae Celastrus subspicata large-leaf staff vine C 

Celastraceae Denhamia celastroides denhamia C 

Celastraceae Elaeodendron australe var. australe red olive plum C 

Celastraceae Hedraianthera porphyropetala hedraianthera C 

Celastraceae Maytenus bilocularis orange bark C 

Celastraceae Maytenus silvestris narrow-leaved orange bark C 

Celastraceae Siphonodon australis ivorywood C 

Commelinaceae Aneilema acuminatum pointed aneilema C 

Commelinaceae Aneilema biflorum C 

Commelinaceae Commelina diffusa native wandering jew C 

Commelinaceae Pollia crispata pollia C 



Commelinaceae Tradescantia fluminensis wandering jew W 

Convallariaceae Tripladenia cunninghamii kreysigia C 

Convolvulaceae Calystegia marginata C 

Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens kidney weed C 

Convolvulaceae Ipomoea cairica blue morning glory W 

Convolvulaceae Ipomoea purpurea common morning glory W 

Corynocarpaceae Corynocarpus rupestris subsp. arborescens R 

Cucurbitaceae Diplocyclos palmatus subsp. palmatus native bryony C 

Cucurbitaceae Sicyos australis star cucumber C 

Cucurbitaceae Trichosanthes subvelutina silky cucumber C 

Cucurbitaceae Zehneria cunninghamii slender cucumber C 

Cunoniaceae Aphanopetalum resinosum gum vine C 

Cunoniaceae Ackama paniculata rose-leaf marara C 

Cunoniaceae Callicoma serratifolia callicoma, white alder C 

Cunoniaceae Ceratopetalum apetalum coachwood C 

Cunoniaceae Geissois benthamii red carrabeen C 

Cunoniaceae Pseudoweinmannia lachnocarpa rose marara C 

Cunoniaceae Schizomeria ovata crabapple C 

Cyatheaceae Cyathea australis rough treefern C 

Cyatheaceae Cyathea cooperi scaly treefern C 

Cyatheaceae Cyathea leichhardtiana prickly treefern C 

Cyperaceae Carex appressa tall sedge C 

Cyperaceae Carex breviculmis C 

Cyperaceae Carex brunnea C 

Cyperaceae Cyperus exaltatus tall flat-sedge C 

Cyperaceae Cyperus gracilis whisker sedge C 

Cyperaceae Cyperus laevis C 

Cyperaceae Cyperus tetraphyllus rainforest flat-sedge C 

Cyperaceae Cyperus trinervis C 

Cyperaceae Exocarya scleroides C 

Cyperaceae Fimbristylis dichotoma common fringerush C 

Cyperaceae Lepidosperma clipeicola C 

Cyperaceae Lepidosperma elatius tall swordsedge C 

Cyperaceae Lepidosperma laterale variable sword-sedge C 

Cyperaceae Scleria mackaviensis C 

Cyperaceae Schoenus melanostachys C 

Davalliaceae Davallia pyxidata hare's foot fern C 

Dawsoniaceae Dawsonia longiseta moss C 

Dennstaedtiaceae Hypolepis muelleri harsh ground fern C 



Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum bracken C 

Dicksoniaceae Calochlaena dubia common ground fern C 

Dilleniaceae Hibbertia aspera subsp. pilosifolia small-leaf guinea flower C 

Dilleniaceae Hibbertia dentata trailing guinea flower C 


Dryopteridaceae Lastreopsis decomposita trim shield fern C 

Dryopteridaceae Lastreopsis marginans bordered shield fern C 

Dryopteridaceae Lastreopsis microsora subsp. microsora creeping shield fern C 

Dryopteridaceae Lastreopsis munita naked shield fern C 

Ebenaceae Diospyros australis black plum C 

Ebenaceae Diospyros pentamera myrtle ebony C 

Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus grandis blue quandong C 

Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus kirtonii white quandong C 

Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus obovatus hard quandong C 

Elaeocarpaceae Elaeocarpus reticulatus blueberry ash C 

Elaeocarpaceae Sloanea australis subsp. australis maiden's blush C 

Elaeocarpaceae Sloanea woollsii yellow carabeen C 

Epacridaceae Acrotriche aggregata tall ground-berry C 

Epacridaceae Leucopogon juniperinus prickly heath C 

Epacridaceae Monotoca sp. (Fraser Island) tall broom heath C 

Epacridaceae Trochocarpa laurina tree heath, waddywood C 

Epacridaceae Leucopogon lanceolatus C 

Euphorbiaceae Acalypha eremorum common acalypha C 

Euphorbiaceae Acalypha nemorum southern acalypha LS 

Euphorbiaceae Actephila lindleyi actephila C 

Euphorbiaceae Alchornea ilicifolia native holly C 

Euphorbiaceae Baloghia inophylla scrub bloodwood C 

Euphorbiaceae Beyeria lasiocarpa 

Euphorbiaceae Breynia oblongifolia var. oblongifolia coffee bush, breynia C 

Euphorbiaceae Bridelia exaltata scrub ironbark C 

Euphorbiaceae Claoxylon australe brittlewood C 

Euphorbiaceae Cleistanthus cunninghamii cleistanthus C 

Euphorbiaceae Croton acronychioides thick-leaved croton C 

Euphorbiaceae Croton verreauxii native cascarilla C 

Euphorbiaceae Dissiliaria baloghioides lancewood, hauer LS 

Euphorbiaceae Drypetes deplanchei yellow tulip C 

Euphorbiaceae Glochidion ferdinandi var. ferdinandi cheese tree C 

Euphorbiaceae Homalanthus populifolius native bleeding heart C 

Euphorbiaceae Macaranga tanarius macaranga C 



Euphorbiaceae Mallotus discolor yellow kamala C 

Euphorbiaceae Mallotus philippensis red kamala C 

Euphorbiaceae Phyllanthus gunnii C 

Euphorbiaceae Poranthera microphylla small poranthera C 

Euphorbiaceae Ricinocarpos speciosus a wedding bush V 

Euphorbiaceae Tragia novae-hollandiae stinging vine C 

Eupomatiaceae Eupomatia bennettii small bolwara LS 

Eupomatiaceae Eupomatia laurina bolwara C 

Fabaceae Austrosteenisia blackii var. blackii blood vine C 

Fabaceae Austrosteenisia glabristyla giant blood vine LS 

Fabaceae Callerya australis blunt wistaria R 

Fabaceae Callerya megasperma native wistaria C 

Fabaceae Castanospermum australe black bean C 

Fabaceae Daviesia arborea tree daviesia LS 

Fabaceae Derris involuta derris vine C 

Fabaceae Desmodium brachypodum large tick trefoil C 

Fabaceae Desmodium gangeticum C 

Fabaceae Desmodium gunnii clover-leaf trefoil C 

Fabaceae Desmodium rhytidophyllum rusty tick trefoil C 

Fabaceae Erythrina vespertilio batswing coral tree C 

Fabaceae Glycine clandestina var. clandestina twining glycine C 

Fabaceae Glycine tabacina glycine pea C 

Fabaceae Goodia lotifolia golden tip LS 


Fabaceae Hovea acutifolia pointed-leaved hovea C 

Fabaceae Hovea impressinerva long-leaf hovea C 


Fabaceae Kennedia rubicunda dusky coral pea C 

Fabaceae Macroptilium atropurpureum sirato W 

Fabaceae Neonotonia wightii glycine W 

Fabaceae Pultenaea villosa hairy bush pea C 

Fabaceae Rhynchosia acuminatissima LS 

Fabaceae Rhynchosia minima C 

Fabaceae Swainsona galegifolia smooth darling pea C 

Fabaceae Tephrosia bidwillii C 

Fabaceae Tephrosia filipes C 

Fabaceae Vigna vexillata var. angustifolia wild cow pea C 

Fabaceae Pultenaea retusa blunt-leaf pea C 

Flacourtiaceae Scolopia braunii flintwood C 



Flacourtiaceae Streptothamnus moorei coastal redberry vine C 

Flagellariaceae Flagellaria indica whip vine C 

Geraniaceae Geranium solanderi var. solanderi native geranium C 

Gleicheniaceae Gleichenia dicarpa pouched coral fern C 

Gleicheniaceae Sticherus flabellatus var. flabellatus shiny fan fern C 

Gleicheniaceae Sticherus lobatus spreading fan fern C 

Goodeniaceae Goodenia rotundifolia round-leaf goodenia C 

Grossulariaceae Abrophyllum ornans var. ornans native hydrangea C 

Grossulariaceae Anopterus macleayanus macleay laurel LS 


Grossulariaceae Cuttsia viburnea cuttsia C 

Grossulariaceae Polyosma cunninghamii featherwood C 

Grossulariaceae Quintinia sieberi rough possumwood LS 

Grossulariaceae Quintinia verdonii grey possomwood C 

Haloragaceae Gonocarpus oreophilus LS 

Hemerocallidaceae Dianella caerulea var. assera blue flax lily C 

Hemerocallidaceae Dianella caerulea var. caerulea blue flax lily C 

Icacinaceae Citronella moorei chumwood C 

Juncaceae Juncus usitatus common rush C 

Lamiaceae Ajuga australis Australian bugle C 

Lamiaceae Callicarpa pedunculata velvet leaf C 

Lamiaceae Clerodendrum floribundum lolly bush C 

Lamiaceae Gmelina leichhardtii white beech C 

Lamiaceae Plectranthus parviflorus forest plectranthus C 

Lamiaceae Prostanthera ovalifolia oval-leaf mint bush C 

Lamiaceae Teucrium argutum forest germander LS 

Lamiaceae Vitex lignum-vitae lignum-vitae C 


Lauraceae Beilschmiedia obtusifolia blush walnut C 

Lauraceae Cinnamomum camphora camphor laurel W 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya bidwillii C 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya erythroxylon pigeonberry ash C 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya foveolata small-leaved cryptocarya C 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya glaucescens jackwood C 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya laevigata glossy laurel C 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya meisneriana thick-leaved laurel LS 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya microneura murrogun C 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya obovata pepperberry C 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya rigida southern maple C 



Lauraceae Cryptocarya triplinervis var. pubens three-veined cryptocarya C 

Lauraceae Cryptocarya triplinervis var. triplinervis three-veined cryptocarya C 

Lauraceae Endiandra discolor corkwood C 

Lauraceae Endiandra hayesii velvet laurel V 

Lauraceae Endiandra muelleri subsp. bracteata green-leaved rose walnut C 

Lauraceae Endiandra muelleri subsp. muelleri green-leaved rose walnut C 


Lauraceae Litsea australis brown bolly gum C 

Lauraceae Litsea reticulata bolly gum C 


Laxmanniaceae Cordyline congesta palm lily LS 

Laxmanniaceae Cordyline petiolaris broad-leaved palm lily C 


Laxmanniaceae Lomandra confertifolia subsp. pallida a mat-rush LS 

Laxmanniaceae Lomandra filiformis subsp. filiformis fine-leaved mat-rush C 

Laxmanniaceae Lomandra hystrix river mat-rush C 

Laxmanniaceae Lomandra laxa a mat-rush LS 

Laxmanniaceae Lomandra longifolia long-leaved mat-rush C 

Laxmanniaceae Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora many-flowered mat-rush C 

Laxmanniaceae Lomandra spicata rainforest mat-rush C 

Liliaceae Lilium formosanum Formosa lily W 

Loganiaceae Logania albiflora logania LS 

Malvaceae Abutilon oxycarpum forma acutatum native abutilon C 

Malvaceae Hibiscus splendens native rosella C 

Meliaceae Anthocarapa nitidula incense cedar C 

Meliaceae Dysoxylum fraserianum rosewood C 

Meliaceae Dysoxylum mollissimum subsp. molle red bean C 

Meliaceae Dysoxylum rufum hairy rosewood C 

Meliaceae Melia azedarach var. australasica white cedar C 

Meliaceae Synoum glandulosum subsp. glandulosum scentless rosewood C 

Meliaceae Toona ciliata red cedar C 

Menispermaceae Carronia multisepalea carronia C 


Menispermaceae Stephania japonica var. discolor tape vine C 

Menispermaceae Tinospora smilacina C 

Menispermaceae Tinospora tinosporoides arrowhead vine V 

Menispermaceae Echinostephia aculeata prickly tape vine LS 

Mimosaceae Acacia binervata two-veined hickory LS 

Mimosaceae Acacia concurrens late-flowering hickory C 



Mimosaceae Acacia disparrima hickory wattle C 

Mimosaceae Acacia falcata sickle-leaf wattle C 

Mimosaceae Acacia irrorata subsp. irrorata green wattle C 

Mimosaceae Acacia longissima long-leaved wattle C 

Mimosaceae Acacia maidenii maiden's wattle C 

Mimosaceae Acacia melanoxylon blackwood C 

Mimosaceae Acacia myrtifolia myrtle wattle C 

Mimosaceae Acacia orites mountain wattle R 

Mimosaceae Archidendron grandiflorum pink lace flower C 

Mimosaceae Archidendron muellerianum veiny lace flower R 

Mimosaceae Pararchidendron pruinosum var. pruinosum snow wood C 

Monimiaceae Daphnandra sp. (McPherson Range) socketwood C 

Monimiaceae Daphnandra tenuipes red-flowered socketwood C 

Monimiaceae Palmeria scandens anchor vine C 

Monimiaceae Wilkiea austroqueenslandica smooth wilkiea LS 

Monimiaceae Wilkiea huegeliana veiny wilkiea C 

Moraceae Ficus coronata creek sandpaper fig C 

Moraceae Ficus fraseri sandpaper fig C 

Moraceae Ficus macrophylla subsp. macrophylla Moreton Bay fig C 

Moraceae Ficus obliqua var. petiolaris small-leaved fig C 

Moraceae Ficus superba var. henneana deciduous fig C 

Moraceae Ficus watkinsiana strangler fig C 


Moraceae Streblus brunonianus whalebone tree C 

Moraceae Trophis scandens subsp. scandens burny vine C 

Myrsinaceae Embelia australiana embelia C 

Myrsinaceae Myrsine subsessilis red muttonwood C 

Myrsinaceae Myrsine variabilis muttonwood C 

Myrtaceae Syzygium hemilampra broad-leaved lily pilly C 

Myrtaceae Syzygium ingens red apple C 

Myrtaceae Syzygium smithii lilly pilly C 

Myrtaceae Angophora subvelutina broad-leaved apple LS 

Myrtaceae Angophora woodsiana smudgee C 

Myrtaceae Archirhodomyrtus beckleri rose myrtle C 

Myrtaceae Backhousia myrtifolia grey myrtle C 

Myrtaceae Callistemon salignus var. salignus white bottlebrush C 



Myrtaceae Decaspermum humile silky myrtle C 



Myrtaceae Eucalyptus acmenoides white stringybark C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus biturbinata grey gum C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus campanulata New England blackbutt C 


Myrtaceae Eucalyptus crebra narrow-leaved ironbark C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus eugenioides thin-leaved stringybark LS 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus grandis flooded gum, rose gum C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus melliodora yellow box LS 


Myrtaceae Eucalyptus pilularis blackbutt C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus propinqua small-fruited grey gum C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus resinifera red mahogany C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus saligna subsp. saligna Sydney blue gum LS 


Myrtaceae Eucalyptus tereticornis forest red gum C 

Myrtaceae Eucalyptus tindaliae Queensland white stringybark C 

Myrtaceae Gossia acmenoides scrub ironwood C 

Myrtaceae Gossia bidwillii python tree C 

Myrtaceae Lenwebbia prominens R 

Myrtaceae Leptospermum petersonii lemon-scented tea tree C 

Myrtaceae Leptospermum polygalifolium wild may C 


Myrtaceae Pilidiostigma glabrum plum myrtle C 

Myrtaceae Rhodamnia maideniana smooth scrub turpentine R 

Myrtaceae Rhodamnia rubescens scrub turpentine C 

Myrtaceae Syncarpia glomulifera subsp. glomulifera turpentine LS 

Myrtaceae Syzygium australe scrub cherry, brush cherry C 

Myrtaceae Syzygium corynanthum sour cherry C 

Myrtaceae Syzygium francisii giant water gum C 

Myrtaceae Syzygium hemilamprum broad-leaved lilly pilly C 

Myrtaceae Syzygium hodgkinsoniae red lily pilly V 

Myrtaceae Syzygium luehmannii riberry C 

Myrtaceae Syzygium oleosum blue lilly pilly C 

Myrtaceae Tristaniopsis laurina water gum C 

Nephrolepidaceae Arthropteris beckleri a climbing fern C 

Nephrolepidaceae Arthropteris tenella a climbing fern C 

Oleaceae Jasminum simplicifolium subsp. australiense native jasmine C 

Oleaceae Notelaea johnsonii veinless mock olive LS 

Oleaceae Notelaea longifolia long-leaved mock olive C 



Oleaceae Notelaea ovata a mock olive C 


Orchidaceae Acianthus fornicatus a mosquito orchid C 

Orchidaceae Calanthe triplicata Christmas orchid LS 

Orchidaceae Cheirostylis ovata LS 

Orchidaceae Chiloglottis sylvestris a bird orchid LS 

Orchidaceae Chiloglottis trapeziformis broad lip bird orchid LS 

Orchidaceae Cymbidium madidum native cymbidium C 

Orchidaceae Cymbidium suave snake orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dendrobium aemulum ironbark orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dendrobium kingianum pink rock orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dendrobium speciosum var. hillii king orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dipodium pulchellum a hyacinth orchid R 

Orchidaceae Dipodium variegatum blotched hyacinth orchid C 

Orchidaceae Dockrillia schoenina pencil orchid C 

Orchidaceae Oberonia complanata green fan orchid LS 

Orchidaceae Oberonia titania soldier's crest orchid LS 

Orchidaceae Pseudovanilla foliata great climbing orchid LS 

Orchidaceae Pterostylis nutans nodding greenhood C 

Orchidaceae Sarcochilus falcatus orange blossom orchid C 

Orchidaceae Caladenia carnea pink fingers C 

Oxalidaceae Oxalis corniculata var. corniculata creeping oxalis W 

Passifloraceae Passiflora aurantia var. aurantia red passion flower LS 

Passifloraceae Passiflora edulis common passionfruit W 

Passifloraceae Passiflora herbertiana native passion flower LS 

Passifloraceae Passiflora subpeltata white passion flower W 

Petermanniaceae Petermannia cirrosa petermannia LS 

Philesiaceae Eustrephus latifolius wombat berry C 

Philesiaceae Geitonoplesium cymosum scrambling lily C 

Philydraceae Helmholtzia glaberrima giant stream lily R 

Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca octandra inkweed W 

Phytolaccaceae Rivina humilis coral berry W 

Piperaceae Peperomia blanda var. floribunda peperomia C 

Piperaceae Peperomia tetraphylla four-leaf peperomia C 

Piperaceae Piper novae-hollandiae pepper vine C 

Pittosporaceae Auranticarpa rhombifolia diamond-leaf pittosporum C 

Pittosporaceae Billardiera scandens var. scandens common apple-berry LS 

Pittosporaceae Billardiera scandens var. sericata C 

Pittosporaceae Bursaria spinosa var. spinosa prickly pine, black thorn C 



Pittosporaceae Hymenosporum flavum native frangipani C 


Pittosporaceae Pittosporum revolutum hairy pittosporum C 

Pittosporaceae Pittosporum spinescens C 


Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata plantain W 

Poaceae Axonopus compressus broad-leaved carpet grass W 

Poaceae Capillipedium parviflorum scented top C 

Poaceae Capillipedium spicigerum scented top C 

Poaceae Cenchrus caliculatus hillside burrgrass C 

Poaceae Chloris gayana rhodes grass W 

Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus barbwire grass C 

Poaceae Digitaria didactyla Queensland blue couch W 

Poaceae Digitaria parviflora small-flowered fingergrass C 

Poaceae Entolasia discolor bordered panic C 

Poaceae Entolasia stricta wiry panic C 

Poaceae Entolasia whiteana C 

Poaceae Eragrostis parviflora C 

Poaceae Eremochloa bimaculata poverty grass C 


Poaceae Melinis minutiflora molasses grass W 

Poaceae Melinis repens red natal grass W 

Poaceae Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides weeping grass C 

Poaceae Oplismenus aemulus creeping beard grass C 

Poaceae Oplismenus hirtellus subsp. imbecillis pademelon grass C 

Poaceae Ottochloa gracillima graceful grass C 

Poaceae Panicum effusum var. effusum hairy panic C 

Poaceae Panicum pygmaeum dwarf panic C 

Poaceae Paspalum dilatatum paspalum W 

Poaceae Paspalum urvillei vasey grass W 

Poaceae Poa cheelii C 

Poaceae Poa labillardieri var. labillardieri tussock grass C 

Poaceae Sarga leiocladum wild sorghum C 


Poaceae Briza minor shivery grass W 

Poaceae Cynodon dactylon couch grass W 

Poaceae Andropogon virginicus whisky grass W 

Poaceae Paspalum scrobiculatum ditch millett C 

Poaceae Eragrostis tenuifolia elastic grass W 



Poaceae Sporobolus africanus rat’s tail grass W 

Poaceae Setaria sphacelata W 

Podocarpaceae Podocarpus elatus brown pine C 

Polygalaceae Comesperma volubile love creeper C 

Polygonaceae Persicaria decipiens slender knotweed, smartweed C 

Polypodiaceae Microsorum scandens fragrant fern C 

Polypodiaceae Platycerium bifurcatum subsp. bifurcatum elkhorn C 

Polypodiaceae Platycerium superbum staghorn C 

Polypodiaceae Pyrrosia confluens var. confluens horseshoe felt fern C 


Primulaceae Anagallis arvensis scarlet pimpernel W 

Proteaceae Floydia praealta ball nut V 

Proteaceae Grevillea robusta silky oak C 

Proteaceae Hakea florulenta finger hakea C 

Proteaceae Helicia ferruginea rusty helicia R 

Proteaceae Helicia glabriflora smooth helicia C 

Proteaceae Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia red boppel nut V 


Proteaceae Macadamia integrifolia macadamia nut V 

Proteaceae Macadamia tetraphylla macadamia nut V 

Proteaceae Orites excelsus prickly ash LS 

Proteaceae Persoonia adenantha C 

Proteaceae Persoonia media C 

Proteaceae Persoonia stradbrokensis C 

Proteaceae Stenocarpus sinuatus wheel of fire C 

Proteaceae Triunia youngiana spice bush LS 

Pteridaceae Pteris tremula tender brake C 

Ranunculaceae Clematis glycinoides traveller's joy C 

Rhamnaceae Alphitonia excelsa red ash, soap tree C 

Rhamnaceae Alphitonia petriei white ash C 

Rosaceae Rubus moluccanus var. moluccanus moluccan raspberry LS 

Rosaceae Rubus moluccanus var. trilobus molucca bramble C 

Rosaceae Rubus moorei silky bramble C 

Rosaceae Rubus parvifolius native raspberry C 

Rosaceae Rubus rosifolius var. rosifolius rose-leaf raspberry C 

Rosaceae Eriobotrya japonica loquat W 

Rubiaceae Atractocarpus benthamianus native gardenia C 

Rubiaceae Atractocarpus chartaceus narrow-leaved gardenia C 

Rubiaceae Psydrax lamprophylla large-leaved canthium C 



Rubiaceae Cyclophyllum coprosmoides var. coprosmoides coastal canthium C 

Rubiaceae Hodgkinsonia ovatiflora hodgkinsonia C 

Rubiaceae Ixora beckleri native ixora C 

Rubiaceae Morinda jasminoides shiny-leaved morinda C 

Rubiaceae Psychotria daphnoides var. pubescens smooth psychotria C 

Rubiaceae Psychotria loniceroides hairy psychotria C 

Rubiaceae Psychotria simmondsiana var. glabrescens small-leaved psychotria C 

Rubiaceae Psychotria simmondsiana var. simmondsiana small-leaved psychotria C 

Rubiaceae Spermacoce brachystema C 

Rutaceae Acradenia euodiiformis northern acradenia LS 


Rutaceae Acronychia octandra doughwood C 

Rutaceae Acronychia pubescens hairy acronychia C 

Rutaceae Bosistoa pentacocca var. pentacocca native almond LS 

Rutaceae Bosistoa transversa three-leaved bosistoa LS 

Rutaceae Bouchardatia neurococca union nut LS 

Rutaceae Citrus australasica finger lime LS 

Rutaceae Correa lawrenciana var. glandulifera mountain correa LS 

Rutaceae Flindersia australis crow's ash C 

Rutaceae Flindersia bennettiana bennett's ash C 

Rutaceae Flindersia schottiana cudgerie C 

Rutaceae Flindersia xanthoxyla long jack C 

Rutaceae Geijera paniculata axebreaker LS 

Rutaceae Geijera salicifolia var. latifolia green satinheart C 

Rutaceae Medicosma cunninghamii medicosma, pink heart LS 

Rutaceae Melicope hayesii mountain doughwood C 

Rutaceae Melicope micrococca white doughwood C 

Rutaceae Nematolepis squamea subsp. squamea satinwood LS 

Rutaceae Pentaceras australe penta ash C 

Rutaceae Sarcomelicope simplicifolia subsp. simplicifolia baurella C 

Rutaceae Zieria smithii sandfly bush C 

Rutaceae Zieria southwellii LS 

Santalaceae Exocarpos latifolius broad-leaved native cherry C 

Sapindaceae Alectryon subcinereus wild quince LS 

Sapindaceae Alectryon subdentatus C 

Sapindaceae Alectryon tomentosus var. tomentosus hairy alectryon C 

Sapindaceae Arytera distylis twin-leaf coogera C 

Sapindaceae Arytera divaricata coogera C 




Sapindaceae Cupaniopsis serrata smooth tuckeroo LS 

Sapindaceae Diploglottis australis native tamarind C 

Sapindaceae Dodonaea triquetra common hop bush C 

Sapindaceae Elattostachys nervosa green tamarind C 

Sapindaceae Guioa semiglauca wild quince C 

Sapindaceae Harpullia alata white-winged tulip LS 

Sapindaceae Harpullia hillii blunt-leaved tulip C 

Sapindaceae Harpullia pendula tulipwood C 

Sapindaceae Jagera pseudorhus forma pseudorhus foambark C 

Sapindaceae Mischocarpus pyriformis subsp. pyriformis yellow pearfruit C 

Sapindaceae Sarcopteryx stipata steelwood C 

Sapindaceae Toechima tenax pitted-leaf steelwood C 

Sapotaceae Pouteria australis black apple C 

Scrophulariaceae Veronica plebeia trailing speedwell C 

Simaroubaceae Ailanthus triphysa white bean C 

Smilacaceae Ripogonum album white supplejack C 

Smilacaceae Ripogonum discolor prickly supplejack C 

Smilacaceae Smilax australis austral sarsaparilla C 

Smilacaceae Smilax glyciphylla sweet sarsaparilla C 

Solanaceae Duboisia myoporoides duboisia C 

Solanaceae Physalis peruviana gooseberry W 

Solanaceae Solanum corifolium LS 

Solanaceae Solanum mauritianum wild tobacco W 

Solanaceae Solanum nigrum blackberry nightshade W 

Solanaceae Solanum stelligerum gin's whiskers, devil's needles W 

Sterculiaceae Argyrodendron actinophyllum subsp. actinophyllum black booyong C 

Sterculiaceae Argyrodendron trifoliolatum white booyong C 

Sterculiaceae Brachychiton acerifolius flame tree C 

Sterculiaceae Brachychiton discolor LS 

Sterculiaceae Brachychiton populneus kurrajong C 

Sterculiaceae Commersonia bartramia brown kurrajong C 

Sterculiaceae Seringia arborescens seringia LS 

Sterculiaceae Sterculia quadrifida peanut tree C 

Symplocaceae Symplocos thwaitesii buff hazelwood LS 

Thelypteridaceae Christella dentata binung C 

Thymelaeaceae Phaleria gunnii scrub daphne C 

Thymelaeaceae Pimelea latifolia subsp. altior hairy pimelea C 

Thymelaeaceae Pimelea latifolia subsp. latifolia tall pimelea C 

Thymelaeaceae Pimelea ligustrina subsp. ligustrina tall rice flower LS 



Thymelaeaceae Wikstroemia indica tie bush C 

Ulmaceae Aphananthe philippinensis native elm C 

Ulmaceae Trema tomentosa var. viridis native peach C 

Urticaceae Dendrocnide excelsa giant stinging tree C 

Urticaceae Dendrocnide moroides Gympie stinger LS 

Urticaceae Dendrocnide photinophylla shiny-leaved stinging tree C 

Urticaceae Elatostema reticulatum large-leaf rainforest spinach C 

Urticaceae Pipturus argenteus native mulberry C 

Urticaceae Urtica urens small-leaved stinging nettle W 

Verbenaceae Lantana camara var. camara lantana W 

Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis purpletop W 

Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis purple top W 

Violaceae Hybanthus stellarioides yellow spade flower C 

Violaceae Viola hederacea subsp. hederacea native violet C 

Vitaceae Cayratia acris hairy water vine LS 

Vitaceae Cayratia clematidea slender grape C 

Vitaceae Cissus antarctica kangaroo vine C 

Vitaceae Cissus hypoglauca giant water vine C 

Vitaceae Cissus opaca small-leaved water vine C 

Vitaceae Cissus sterculiifolia long-leaved water vine C 

Vitaceae Tetrastigma nitens three-leaved water vine C 

Winteraceae Tasmannia insipida pepper bush LS 

Xanthorrhoea Xanthorrhoea johnsonii forest grass tree C 

Xanthorrhoea Xanthorrhoea latifolia broad-leaved grass tree C 

Zamiaceae Lepidozamia peroffskyana shining burrawang LS 

Zingiberaceae Alpinia arundelliana narrow-leaved native ginger LS 

Zingiberaceae Alpinia caerulea native ginger C 

(Extract from BAAM, 2006, with additions by Millington, 2006) 

Status: Under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006, E = endangered; V= vulnerable; R = Rare and 

C = Common. W refers to weed; LS to locally significant. 


Appendix 5 Fauna species recorded in Springbrook National Park and Numinbah 

Forest Reserve 

Family Scientific name Common name NCA status EPBC S’brook N’bah 

CLASS: AMPHIBIANS 

Bufonidae Bufo marinus cane toad I X X 

Hylidae Litoria caerulea common green tree frog C X 

Hylidae Litoria chloris orange eyed treefrog C X 

Hylidae Klitoria dentata bleating treefrog C X 

Hylidae Litoria fallax eastern sedgefrog C X X 

Hylidae Litoria gracilenta graceful treefrog C X 

Hylidae Litoria lesueuri sensu lato stony creek frog C X X 

Hylidae Litoria nasuta striped rocketfrog C X X 

Hylidae Litoria pearsoniana cascade treefrog E X X 

Hylidae Litoria peronii emerald spotted treefrog C X X 

Hylidae Litoria revelata whirring treefrog R X 

Hylidae Litoria tyleri southern laughing treefrog C X 

Hylidae Litoria verreauxii whistling treefrog C X 

Hylidae Litoria wilcoxii C X 

Myobatrachidae Adelotus brevis tusked frog V X X 

Myobatrachidae Assa darlingtoni pouched frog R X 

Myobatrachidae Crinia signifera clicking froglet C X 

Myobatrachidae Kyarranus loveridgei masked mountainfrog R X 

Myobatrachidae Lechriodus fletcheri black soled frog R X 

Myobatrachidae Mixophyes fasciolatus great barred frog C X 

Myobatrachidae Mixophyes fleayi Fleay's frog E E X 

Myobatrachidae Mixophyes iteratus giant barred frog E E X X 

Myobatrachidae Pseudophryne coriacea red backed broodfrog C X X 

Myobatrachidae Pseudophryne major great brown broodfrog C X 

Myobatrachidae Pseudophryne raveni copper backed broodfrog C X 

CLASS: BIRDS 

Accipitridae Accipiter novaehollandiae grey goshawk R X 

Accipitridae Aquila audax wedge-tailed eagle C X 

Accipitridae Aviceda subcristata Pacific baza C X X 

Accipitridae Circus assimilis spotted harrier C X 

Accipitridae Elanus axillaris black-shouldered kite C X 

Accipitridae Erythrotriorchis radiatus red goshawk E X 

Accipitridae Haliastur sphenurus whistling kite C X 

Accipitridae Hieraaetus morphnoides little eagle C X 

Aegothelidae Aegotheles cristatus Australian owlet-nightjar C X X 

Alcedinidae Alcedo azurea azure kingfisher C X 



Anatidae Anas superciliosa Pacific black duck C X X 

Anatidae Chenonetta jubata Australian wood duck C X 

Apodidae Hirundapus caudacutus white-throated needletail C X 

Ardeidae Ardea pacifica white-necked heron C X 

Ardeidae Egretta novaehollandiae white-faced heron C X 

Artamidae Artamus cyanopterus dusky woodswallow C X 

Artamidae Cracticus torquatus grey butcherbird C X 

Artamidae Cracticus nigrogularis pied butcherbird C X X 

Artamidae Gymnorhina tibicen Australian magpie C X 

Artamidae Strepera graculina pied currawong C X X 

Atrichornithidae Atrichornis rufescens rufous scrub-bird V X 

Cacatuidae Cacatua galerita sulphur-crested cockatoo C X 

Cacatuidae Cacatua roseicapilla galah C X 

Cacatuidae Calyptorhynchus funereus yellow-tailed black-cockatoo C X 

Cacatuidae Calyptorhynchus lathami glossy black-cockatoo V X 

Campephagidae Coracina novaehollandiae black-faced cuckoo-shrike C X 

Campephagidae Coracina tenuirostris cicadabird C X X 

Caprimulgidae Eurostopodus mystacalis white-throated nightjar C X 

Centropodidae Centropus phasianinus pheasant coucal C X X 

Charadriidae Vanellus miles masked lapwing C X 

Cinclosomatidae Cinclosoma punctatum spotted quail-thrush C X 

Cinclosomatidae Psophodes olivaceus eastern whipbird C X X 

Climacteridae Climacteris erythrops red-browed treecreeper R 

Climacteridae Cormobates leucophaeus white-throated treecreeper C X X 

Columbidae Chalcophaps indica emerald dove C X 

Columbidae Columba leucomela white-headed pigeon C X 

Columbidae Geopelia humeralis bar-shouldered dove C X 

Columbidae Geopelia striata peaceful dove C X 

Columbidae Leucosarcia melanoleuca wonga pigeon C X X 

Columbidae Lopholaimus antarcticus topknot pigeon C X 

Columbidae Macropygia amboinensis brown cuckoo-dove C X X 

Columbidae Ocyphaps lophotes crested pigeon C X 

Columbidae Ptilinopus magnificus wompoo fruit-dove C X X 

Columbidae Ptilinopus regina rose-crowned fruit-dove C X 

Columbidae Streptopelia chinensis spotted turtle-dove I X 

Coraciidae Eurystomus orientalis dollarbird C X X 

Corvidae Corvus orru Torresian crow C X X 

Cuculidae Cacomantis flabelliformis fan-tailed cuckoo C X X 

Cuculidae Cacomantis variolosus brush cuckoo C X X 



Cuculidae Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's bronze-cuckoo C X 

Cuculidae Chrysococcyx lucidus shining bronze-cuckoo C X X 

Cuculidae Cuculus pallidus pallid cuckoo C X 

Cuculidae Eudynamys scolopacea common koel C X X 

Dicaeidae Dicaeum hirundinaceum mistletoebird C X X 

Dicruridae Dicrurus bracteatus spangled drongo C X X 

Dicruridae Grallina cyanoleuca magpie-lark C X 

Dicruridae Monarcha melanopsis black-faced monarch C X 

Dicruridae Monarcha trivirgatus spectacled monarch C X X 

Dicruridae Myiagra inquieta restless flycatcher C X 

Dicruridae Rhipidura fuliginosa grey fantail C X X 

Dicruridae Rhipidura leucophrys willie wagtail C X 

Dicruridae Rhipidura rufifrons rufous fantail C X 

Falconidae Falco cenchroides nankeen kestrel C X 

Falconidae Falco peregrinus peregrine falcon C X 

Halcyonidae Dacelo novaeguineae laughing kookaburra C X X 

Hirundinidae Hirundo ariel fairy martin C X 

Hirundinidae Hirundo neoxena welcome swallow C X X 

Hirundinidae Hirundo nigricans tree martin C X 

Maluridae Malurus cyaneus superb fairy-wren C X 

Maluridae Malurus lamberti variegated fairy-wren C X 

Maluridae Malurus melanocephalus red-backed fairy-wren C X 

Megapodiidae Alectura lathami Australian brush-turkey C X X 

Meliphagidae Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris eastern spinebill C X 

Meliphagidae Entomyzon cyanotis blue-faced honeyeater C X 

Meliphagidae Lichenostomus chrysops yellow-faced honeyeater C X X 

Meliphagidae Manorina melanocephala noisy minor C X 

Meliphagidae Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's honeyeater C X X 

Meliphagidae Melithreptus lunatus white-naped honeyeater C X 

Meliphagidae Myzomela sanguinolenta scarlet honeyeater C X X 

Meliphagidae Philemon citreogularis little friarbird C X 

Meliphagidae Philemon corniculatus noisy friarbird C X X 

Meliphagidae Plectorhyncha lanceolata striped honeyeater C X 

Menuridae Menura alberti Albert's lyrebird R X 

Meropidae Merops ornatus rainbow bee-eater C X 

Muscicapidae Zoothera lunulata Bassian thrush C X 

Oriolidae Oriolus sagittatus olive-backed oriole C X 

Oriolidae Sphecotheres viridis figbird C X 

Orthonychidae Orthonyx temminckii logrunner C X X 



Pachycephalidae Colluricincla harmonica grey shrike-thrush C X X 

Pachycephalidae Colluricincla megarhyncha little shrike-thrush C X 

Pachycephalidae Falcunculus frontatus crested shrike-tit C X 

Pachycephalidae Pachycephala pectoralis golden whistler C X 

Pachycephalidae Pachycephala rufiventris rufous whistler C X X 

Paradisaeidae Ptiloris paradiseus (SEQ endemic and of 

concern) 

paradise riflebird C X 

Pardalotidae Acanthiza lineata striated thornbill C X 

Pardalotidae Acanthiza pusilla brown thornbill C X X 

Pardalotidae Acanthiza reguloides buff-rumped thornbill C X 

Pardalotidae Gerygone mouki brown gerygone C X 

Pardalotidae Gerygone olivacea white-throated gerygone C X 

Pardalotidae Pardalotus punctatus spotted pardalote C X X 

Pardalotidae Pardalotus striatus striated pardalote C X X 

Pardalotidae Sericornis citreogularis yellow-throated scrubwren C X 

Pardalotidae Sericornis frontalis white-browed scrubwren C X X 

Pardalotidae Sericornis magnirostris large-billed scrubwren C X 

Passeridae Neochmia temporalis red-browed finch C X 

Passeridae Taeniopygia bichenovii double-barred finch C X 

Petroicidae Eopsaltria australis eastern yellow robin C X X 

Petroicidae Petroica rosea rose robin C X 

Petroicidae Tregellasia capito pale-yellow robin C X 

Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax carbo great cormorant C X 

Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax melanoleucos little pied cormorant C X 

Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax sulcirostris little black cormorant C X 

Pittidae Pitta versicolor noisy pitta C X 

Podargidae Podargus ocellatus plumiferus plumed frogmouth V X X 

Podargidae Podargus strigoides tawny frogmouth C X X 

Psittacidae Alisterus scapularis Australian king-parrot C X 

Psittacidae Cyclopsitta diophthalma coxeni Coxen's fig parrot E E X 

Psittacidae Platycercus adscitus pale-headed rosella C X 

Psittacidae Platycerus eximius eastern rosella C X 

Psittacidae Platycercus elegans crimson rosella C X X 

Psittacidae Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus scaly-breasted lorikeet C X X 

Psittacidae Trichoglossus haematodus haematodus rainbow lorikeet C X X 

Ptilonorhynchidae Ailuroedus crassirostris green catbird C X 

Ptilonorhynchidae Ptilonorhynchus violaceus satin bowerbird C X 

Ptilonorhynchidae Sericulus chrysocephalus regent bowerbird C X 

Rallidae Gallinula tenebrosa dusky moorhen C X 



Rallidae Gallirallus philippensis buff-banded rail C X 

Scolopacid Gallinago hardwickii Latham's snipe C X 

Strigidae Ninox novaeseelandiae southern boobook C X X 

Strigidae Ninox strenua powerful owl V X 

Sturnidae Sturnus vulgaris common starling I X 

Threskiornithidae Threskiornis spinicollis straw-necked ibis C X 

Turnicidae Turnix melanogaster black-breasted button-quail V V X 

Tytonidae Tyto tenebricosa sooty owl R X 

Zosteropidae Zosterops lateralis silvereye C X X 

CLASS: MAMMALS 

Bovidae Bos taurus European cattle I X 

Burramyidae Cercartetus nanus eastern pygmy-possum C X 

Canidae Canis familiaris dog I X 

Canidae Canis lupus dingo dingo C X 

Canidae Vulpes vulpes red fox I X 

Dasyuridae Antechinus flavipes yellow-footed antechinus C X 

Dasyuridae Antechinus subtropicus (SEQ Endemic) C X 

Dasyuridae Dasyurus maculatus maculatus spotted-tailed quoll (southern 

subsp.) 

V E X 

Dasyuridae Planigale maculata common planigale C X 

Felidae Felis catus cat I X 

Macropodidae Petrogale penicillata brush-tailed rock wallaby V X 

Macropodidae Thylogale thetis red-necked pademelon C X 

Macropodidae Macropus dorsalis black-striped wallaby C X 

Macropodidae Macropus parryi whiptail wallaby C X 

Macropodidae Macropus rufogriseus red-necked wallaby C X 

Molossidae Nyctinomus australis white-striped freetail bat C X 

Muridae Hydromys chrysogaster water rat C X 

Muridae Melomys cervinipes fawn-footed melomys C X X 

Muridae Mus musculus house mouse I X 

Muridae Rattus fuscipes bush rat C X X 

Muridae Rattus tunneyi pale field-rat C X 

Ornithorhynchidae Ornithorhynchus anatinus platypus C X 

Peramelidae Perameles nasuta long-nosed bandicoot C X 

Petauridae Petaurus australis australis (SEQ Of Concern) yellow-bellied glider (Southern 

subspecies.) 

Petauridae Petaurus breviceps sugar glider C X X 

Petauridae Petaurus norfolcensis squirrel glider C X 

Phalangeridae Trichosurus caninus short-eared possum C X 

Phalangeridae Trichosurus vulpecula common brushtail possum C X 


C


Phascolarctidae Phascolarctos cinereus (SE Qld bioregion) koala (SE Qld bioregion) V X X 

Potoroidae Potorus tridactylus tridactylus long-nosed potoroo V X 

Pseudocheiridae Pseudocheirus peregrinus common ringtail possum C X 

Pteropodidae Nyctimene robinsoni eastern tube-nosed bat C X 

Pteropodidae Pteropus poliocephalus grey-headed flying-fox C X X 

Pteropodidae Syconycteris australis (SEQ declining) eastern blossom bat C X 

Rhinolophidae Rhinolophus megaphyllus eastern horseshoe-bat C X X 

Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus dwyeri large-eared pied bat R X 

Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's wattled bat C X 

Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus morio chocolate wattled bat C X 

Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus nigrogriseus hoary wattled bat C X 

Vespertilionidae Kerivoula papuensis golden-tipped bat R X 

Vespertilionidae Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis eastern bent-wing bat C X 

Vespertilionidae Myotis sp. X 

Vespertilionidae Nyctophilus bifax bifax northern long-eared bat C X X 

Vespertilionidae Nyctophilus gouldi Gould's long-eared bat C X X 

Vespertilionidae Vespadelus darlingtoni large forest bat C X 

Vespertilionidae Vespadelus pumilus eastern forest bat C X X 

CLASS: REPTILES 

Agamidae Hypsilurus spinipes southern angle-headed dragon C X 

Agamidae Physignathus lesueurii eastern water dragon C X 

Boidae Morelia spilota carpet python C X 

Colubridae Dendrelaphis punctulata common tree snake C X 

Elapidae Acanthophis antarcticus common death adder R X 

Elapidae Cacaophis krefftii dwarf crowned snake C X 

Elapidae Hemiaspis signata black-bellied swamp snake C X 

Elapidae Hoplocephalus stepheni Stephens' banded snake R X 

Elapidae Notechis scutatus eastern tiger snake C X 

Elapidae Pseudechis porphyriacus red-bellied black snake C X X 

Elapidae Rhinoplocephalus nigrescens eastern small-eyed snake C X 

Gekkonidae Saltuarius swaini C X 

Pygopodidae Pygopus lepidopodus common scaly-foot C X 

Scincidae Calyptotis scutirostrum C X X 

Scincidae Carlia vivax lively skink C X 

Scincidae Cryptoblepharus virgatus fence skink, wall skink C X 

Scincidae Cyclodomorphus gerrardii pink-tongued lizard C X 

Scincidae Egernia frerei major skink C X 

Scincidae Egernia major land mullet C X X 

Scincidae Eulamprus martini C X 



Scincidae Eulamprus quoyii eastern water skink C X 

Scincidae Eulamprus sp. 

Scincidae Lampropholis amicula C X 

Scincidae Lampropholis couperi C X 

Scincidae Lampropholis delicata eastern grass skink C X X 

Scincidae Ophioscincus truncatus legless skink R X 

Scincidae Saiphos equalis skink C X 

Scincidae Saproscincus challengeri Challenger skink C X X 

Scincidae Saproscincus rosei skink R X 

Varanidae Varanus varius lace monitor C X X 

CLASS: BONy FISH 

Eleotridae Gobiomorphus coxii Cox gudgeon QA X 

CLASS: INSECTS 

Hesperiidae Hasora khoda haslia narrow-banded awl QA X 

Nymphalidae Danaus plexippus plexippus monarch QAI X 

Nymphalidae Euploea core corinna common crow QA X 

Nymphalidae Melanitis leda bankia common evening-brown QA X 

Nymphalidae Mynes geoffroyi guerini jezebel nymph QA X 

Papilionidae Ornithoptera richmondia Richmond birdwing V X 

Pieridae Delias nigrina black jezebel QA X 

Curculionidae Eurhamphus fasciculatus giant pine weevil U X 

Extract from WildNet 20/6/2006 

Under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 (NCA), E = endangered; V = vulnerable; R = rare and C = common. 

Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC), E = endangered and V = vulnerable. 


Appendix 6. Fauna species recorded in GCCC Springbrook Conservation Area 

Family Genus Species Common name NCA status EPBC 

CICADAS 

CICADIDAE Thopha saccata double drummer 

DRAGONFLIES 

Henicopsaltria eydouxii razor grinder 

Psaltoda claripennis clanger 

Psaltoda brachypennis phantom knight 

Psaltoda plaga black prince 

Abricta curvicosta floury baker 

Cicadetta cf. tristrigata treetop ticker 

Pauropsalta fuscata small bark squeaker 

Pauropsalta aryensis ephemeral squeaker 

Pauropsalta corticinnus bark squeaker 

Birrima castanea red treetricker 

Birrima varians black treeticker 

Chlorocysta citripennis lesser bottle cicada 

Chlorocysta congrua small bottle cicada 

Glaucopsaltria viridis bottle cicada 

MEGAPODAGRIONIDAE Austroargiolestes icteremeles 

Austroargiolestes amabilis 

SyNLESTIDAE Synlestes weyersii 

AMPHIUPTERyGIDAE Diphlebia coerulescens 

ISOSTICTIDAE Neosticta canescens 

Rhadinosticta simplex 

AESHNIDAE Notoaeshna geminata 

Telephlebia sp. 

Austroaeschna pulchra 

GOMPHIDAE Hemigomphus gouldii 

CORDULIIDAE Eusynthemis guttata 

LIBELLULIDAE Diplacodes bipunctrata 

BUTTERFLIES 

Orthetrum sabina 

Orthetrum villosovittatum 

Rhodothemis lieftincki 

Rhyothemis phyllis 

HESPERIIDAE Suniana sunias wide-brand grass-dart C 

Telicota anisodesma Southern large darter C 



Cephrenes augiades orange palm-dart C 

Euschemon rafflesia regent skipper C 

Toxidia peron dingy grass-skipper C 

PAPILIONIDAE Graphium sarpedon blue triangle C 

Graphium eurypylus pale triangle C 

Papilio aegeus orchid swallowtail C 

Papilio demoleus chequered swallowtail C 

Papilio anactus dainty swallowtail C 

Ornithoptera richmondii richmond birdwing V 

Protographium leosthenes four-barred swallowtail C 

PIERIDAE Catopsilia pomona lemon migrant C 

Eurema hecabe large grass yellow C 

Delias nigrina black jezabel C 

Appias paulina yellow albatross C 

Pieris rapae cabbage white I 

NyMPHALIDAE Danaus plexippus monarch C M 

Euploea core common crow C 

Melanitis leda evening brown C 

Polyura sempronius tailed emporer C 

Hypocysta metirius brown ringlet C 

Heteronympha mirifica wonder brown C 

Cynthia kershawi painted lady C 

Doleschallia basaltide australian leafwing C 

Junonia villida meadow argus C 

Acraea andromacha glasswing C 

Cupha prosope bordered rustic C 

LyCAENIDAE Psychonotis caelius small green-banded blue C 

AMPHIBIANS 

Zizina labradus common grass blue C 

Catopyrops florinda speckled line-blue C 

MyOBATRACHIDAE Adelotus brevis tusked frog V 


Crinia signifera clicking froglet C


Limnodynastes peronii striped marshfrog C 

Lechriodus fletcheri black-soled frog R 

Mixophyes fasciolatus great barred frog C 

Mixophyes iteratus giant barred frog E E 

Pseudophryne coriacea red -backed broodfrog C 

Pseudophryne raveni copper-backed broodfrog C 

Uperoleia fusca dusky gungan C 

Uperoleia laevigata Eastern gungan C 

HyLIDAE Litoria chloris orange eyed treefrog C 

Litoria dentata bleating treefrog C 

Litoria fallax Eastern sedgefrog C 

Litoria gracilenta graceful treefrog C 

Litoria latopalmata broad palmed rocketfrog C 

Litoria nasuta striped rocketfrog C 

Litoria pearsoniana cascade treefrog E 

Litoria peronii emerald spotted treefrog C 

Litoria rubella C 

Litoria tyleri Southern laughing treefrog C 

Litoria wilcoxii C 

BUFONIDAE Bufo marinus cane toad I 

REPTILES 

GEkkONIDAE Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's gecko C 

Oedura robusta robust velvet gecko C 

AGAMIDAE Physignathus lesueurii Eastern water dragon C 

PyGOPODIDAE Pygopus lepidopodus common scaly-foot C 

VARANIDAE Varanus varius lace monitor C 

SCINCIDAE Anomalopus verreauxii Verreaux’s worm skink C 

REPTILES (cont.) 

Calyptotis scutirostrum C 

Carlia foliorum leaf-litter skink C 

Carlia vivax C 

Cryptoblepharus virgatus wall skink C 

Egernia frerei major skink C 

Egernia major land mullet C 

Eulamprus quoyii Eastern water skink C 

Eulamprus martini C 

Eulamprus murrayi C 

SCINCIDAE Eulamprus tenuis C 

Lampropholis amicula C 



Lampropholis couperi C 

Lampropholis delicata garden skink C 

Ophioscincus truncatus R 

Saiphos equalis C 

Saproscincus challengeri C 

BOIDAE Morelia spilota carpet python C 

COLUBRIDAE Dendrelaphis punctulatus green tree snake C 

Boiga irregularis brown tree snake C 

ELAPIDAE Acanthophis antarcticus common death adder R 

BIRDS 

Cryptophis nigrescens Eastern small-eyed snake C 

Hoplocephalus stephensii Stephen's banded snake R 

Pseudechis porphyriacus red-bellied black snake C 

Tropidechis carinatus rough-scale snake C 

MEGAPODIIDAE Alectura lathami brush turkey C 

ANATIDAE Anas superciliosa black duck C 

Chenonetta jubata wood duck C 

PHALACROCORACIDAE Phalacrocorax sulcirostris little black cormorant C 

ARDEIDAE Ardea alba great or white egret C M 

ACCIPITRIDAE Aviceda subcristata Pacific baza C 

Accipiter cirrhocephalus collared sparrowhawk C 

Accipiter novaehollandiae grey goshawk R 

Aquila audax wedge-tailed eagle C 

Aviceda subcristata pacific baza C 

RALLIDAE Gallinula tenebrosa dusky moorhen C 

CHARADRIIDAE Vanellus miles masked lapwing C 

COLUMBIDAE Chalcophaps indica emerald dove C 

Columba leucomela white-headed pigeon C 

Geopelia humeralis bar-shouldered dove C 

Leucosarcia melanoleuca wonga pigeon C 

Lopholaimus antarcticus Topknot Pigeon C 

Macropygia amboinensis Brown Cuckoo-Dove C 

Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon C 

Ptilinopus magnificus Wompoo Pigeon C 

Ptilinopus regina Rose-crowned Pigeon C 

CACATUIDAE Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo C 


Calyptorhynchus Funereus Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo C 

Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black Cockatoo V


Eolophus roseicapilla Galah C 

PSITTACIDAE Alisteris scapularis King Parrot C 

Platycercus adscitus Pale-headed Rosella C 

Platycercus elegans Crimson Rosella C 

Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus Scaly-breasted Lorikeet C 

Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet C 

CUCULIDAE Cacomantis flabelliformis Fantail Cuckoo C 

Cacomantis variolosus Brush Cuckoo C 

Chrysococcyx lucidus Shining Bronze-Cuckoo C 

Eudynamys scolopacea Koel C 

Scythrops novaehollandiae Channel-billed Cuckoo C 

CENTROPODIDAE Centropus phasianinus Pheasant Coucal C 

STRIGIDAE Ninox connivens Barking Owl C 

Ninox novaeseelandiae Southern Boobook C 

Ninox strenua Powerful Owl V 

TyTONIDAE Tyto alba Barn Owl C 

Tyto tenebricosa Sooty Owl R 

AEGOTHALIDAE Eurostopodus mystacalis White-throated Nightjar C 

Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet Nightjar C 

PODARGIDAE Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth C 

Podargus ocellatus Marbled Frogmouth V 

ALCEDINIDAE Alcedo azureus Azure Kingfisher C 

HALCyONIDAE Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra C 

Todirhamphus macleayii Forest Kingfisher C 

MEROPIDAE Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater C M 

CORACIIDAE Eurystomus orientalis Dollarbird C 

PITTIDAE Pitta versicolor Noisy Pitta C 

MENURIDAE Menura alberti Albert’s Lyrebird R 

CLIMACTERIDAE Climacteris erythrops red-browed treecreeer R 

Cormobates leucophaea white-throated treecreeper C 

NEOSITTIDAE Daphoenositta chrysoptera varied sittella C 

MALURIDAE Malurus cyaneus superb fairy-wren C 

BIRDS (cont.) 

Malurus lamberti variegated fairy-wren C 

Malurus melanocephalus red-backed fairy-wren C 

PARDALOTIDAE Pardalotus punctatus spotted pardalote C 

Pardalotus Striatus striated pardalote C 

Sericornis frontalis white-browed scrubwren C 



Sericornis magnirostris large-billed scrubwren C 

Gerygone Mouki brown gerygone C 

Gerygone olivacea white-throated gerygone C 

Acanthiza reguloides buff-rumped thornbill C 

Acanthiza lineata striated thornbill C 

Acanthiza pusilla brown thornbill C 

MELIPHAGIDAE Philemon corniculatus noisy friarbird C 

Manorina melanocephala noisy miner C 

Meliphaga lewinii lewin's honeyeater C 

Phylidonyris nigra white-cheeked honeyeater C 

Lichenostomus chrysops yellow-faced honeyeater C 

Melithreptus albogularis white-throated honeyeater C 

Melithreptus lunatus white-naped honeyeater C 

Lichmera indistincta brown honeyeater C 

Eopsaltria australis Eastern spinebill C 

Myzomela sanguinolenta scarlet honeyeater C 

PETROICIDAE Petroica rosea rose robin C 

Eopsaltria australis eastern yellow robin C 

Tregellasia capito pale yellow robin C 

ORTHONyCHIDAE Orthonyx temminckii logrunner C 

CINCLOSOMATIDAE Psophodes olivaceus eastern whipbird C 

PACHyCEPHALIDAE Colluricincla harmonica grey shrike-thrush C 

Colluricincla megarhyncha little shrike-thrush C 

Pachycephala pectoralis golden whistler C 

Pachycephala rufiventris rufous whistler C 

DICRURIDAE Dicrurus bracteatus spangled drongo C 

Monarcha melanopsis black-faced monarch C M 

Monarcha trivirgatus spectacled monarch C M 

Myiagra rubecula leaden flycatcher C 

Grallina cyanoleuca magpie-lark C 

Rhipidura fuliginosa grey fantail C 

Rhipidura leucophrys willie wagtail C 

Rhipidura rufifrons rufous fantail C M 

ORIOLIDAE Oriolus sagittatus olive-backed oriole C 

Sphecotheres viridis figbird C 

CAMPEPHAGIDAE Coracina lineata barred cuckoo-shrike C 


Coracina novaehollandiae black-faced cuckoo-shrike C 

Coracina tenuirostris cicadabird C 

Lalage leucomela varied triller C


ORIOLIDAE Oriolus sagittatus olive-backed oriole C 

Sphecotheres viridis figbird C 

ARTAMIDAE Cracticus nigrogularis pied butcherbird C 

Cracticus torquatus grey butcherbird C 

Gymnorhina tibicen Australian magpie C 

Strepera graculina pied currawong C 

PARADISEAEIDAE Ptiloris paradiseus paradise riflebird C 

CORVIDAE Corvus orru Torresian crow C 

PTILONORHyNCHIDAE Ailuroedus crassirostris green catbird C 

Sericulus chrysocephalus regent bowerbird C 

Ptilonorhynchus violaceus satin bowerbird C 

PASSERIDAE Neochmia temporalis red-browed finch C 

DICAEIDAE Dicaeum hirundinaceum mistletoebird C 

SyLVIIDAE Cisticola exilis golden-headed cisticola C 

zOSTEROPIDAE Zosterops lateralis silvereye C 

MAMMALS 

ORNITHORHyNCHIDAE Ornithorhynchus anatinus platypus S 

TACHyGLOSSIDAE Tachyglossus aculeatus short-beaked echidna S 

DASyURIDAE Dasyurus Maculatus maculatus spotted-tailed quoll V E 

Antechinus flavipes yellow-footed antechinus 

L. subtropicus sub-tropical antechinus C 

Antechinus swainsonii dusky antechinus C 

Planigale maculata common planigale C 

PERAMELIDAE Isoodon macrourus Northern brown bandicoot C 

Perameles nasuta long-nosed bandicoot C 

PHASCOLARCTIDAE Phascolarctos cinereus koala (se qld bioregion) RV 

PHALANGERIDAE Trichosurus Caninus mountain brushtail possum C 

PSEUDOCHEIRIDAE Pseudocheirus peregrinus common ringtail possum C 

ACROBATIDAE Acrobates pygmaeus feathertail glider C 

PETAURIDAE Petaurus australis yellow-bellied glider 

Petaurus breviceps sugar glider C 

Petaurus norfolcensis squirrel glider C 

POTOROIDAE Potorous tridactylus long-nosed potoroo V V 

MAMMALS (cont.) 

MACROPODIDAE Thylogale stigmatica red-legged pademelon C 

Thylogale thetis red-necked pademelon C 

Macropus rufogriseus red-necked wallaby C 

Wallabia bicolor swamp wallaby C 



PTEROPODIDAE Syconycteris australis common blossom-bat C 

Nyctimene robinsoni Eastern tube-nosed bat C 

Pteropus scapulatus little red flying-fox C 

Pteropus alecto black flying-fox C 

Pteropus poliocephalus grey-headed flying-fox C V 

RHINOLOPHIDAE Rhinolophus megaphyllus Eastern horseshoe bat C 

MOLOSSIDAE Tadarida australis white-striped freetail-bat C 

Mormopterus sp 2 Eastern freetail bat C 

VESPERTILIONIDAE Chalinolobus dwyeri large-eared pied bat R V 

Chalinolobus gouldi Gould’s wattle bat C 

Chalinolobus nigrogriseus hoary wattle bat C 

Miniopterus australis little bent-winged bat C 

Miniopterus schreibersii large bent-winged bat C 

Myotis macropus Southern myotis C 

Scotorepens greyii little broad-nosed bat C 

Nyctophilus gouldi Gould’s long-eared bat C 

Vespadelus darlingtoni large forest bat C 

Vespadelus pumilus Eastern forest bat C 

MURIDAE Melomys cervinipes fawn-footed melomys C 

Pseudomys novaehollandiae New Holland mouse C 

Rattus fuscipes bush rat C 

Rattus lutreolus swamp rat C 

Mus musculus house mouse I 

CANIDAE Canis familiaris feral dog I 

Vulpes vulpes red fox I 

FELIDAE Felis catus feral cat I 

LEPORIDAE Lepus capensis brown hare I 

Extract from WildNet 20/6/2005 

NCA Status: Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V), Rare (R), Common (C), Introduced (I), Intranational (QA), Not Endemic to Australia (QAI) 


Appendix 7. Supplementary flora species provided via public submissions 


Cunoniaceae *Eucryphia jinksii E 

Ebenales *Symplocos harroldii hairy hazelwood R 

Euphorbiaceae *Baloghia marmorata jointed baloghia V 

Meliaceae *Owenia cepiodora onion cedar V 

Rubiaceae *Randia moorei spiny gardenia E 

* Provided by David Jinks 


Appendix 8. Fire Management Zones 

This appendix as an extract from the QPWS fire 

management system and is meant to give an overview 

of the purpose of the fire management zones. Therefore 

the examples are not specific to the Springbrook area, 

and are only provided as illustrations of how zones might 

be utilised. 

Vegetation communities and fauna habitats in Australia, 

and/¬or their distribution, have been shaped by fire. 

Natural areas can be managed to maintain the role of fire 

as an ecological process in these communities/¬habitats 

and to thereby restore or maintain their biological 

diversity. 

Some of the most common reasons for managing a 

natural area with fire are listed below. 

■■ Protection of life, property and infrastructure. 

■■ Restoration, regeneration or maintenance of plant 

communities and fauna habitats. 

■■ Enhancement and/¬or maintenance of conditions 

suitable for particular flora/¬fauna species (e.g. rare 

and threatened species). 

■■ Maintenance or maximisation of diversity by 

maintaining a range of ages since fire for each 

vegetation type, including recently burnt areas, long 

unburnt areas and various ages in between. 

■■ Protection of cultural assets and natural assets other 

than those mentioned above. 

■■ Weed management including reducing the risk 

of invasion. 

■■ Minimisation of floristic changes in the ground stratum 

due to grazing by domestic or feral stock. 

To achieve the aforementioned aims requires the 

development of an appropriate spatial and temporal 

mosaic across the reserve. This will not be achieved 

without considerable strategic planning and ongoing 

implementation of the plan/s. Whilst spatial mosaics can 

begin to be created reasonably quickly, the development 

of temporal mosaics requires a long-term strategy and 

commitment. 

The two main levels or units of planning which will 

be used to facilitate the development of spatial and 

temporal mosaics and to manage fire in general are Fire 

Management Zones and Fire Management Areas. These 

are described below. 

Fire Management Zones 

The information presented here (unless otherwise 

referenced) draws on the work of Wouters 1996, Twyford 

1995, Rose et al. 1999 and Clarke 1999. Rose et al. 

(1999) provide a valuable discussion of the importance 

and application of spatial patterns in the management of 


fire regimes for the protection of life and property, and 

the conservation of biodiversity. 

‘Effective fire management requires an appropriate 

spatial and temporal application of fire regimes, and Fire 

Management Zones offer a pragmatic way of identifying, 

planning and managing these patterns’ (Rose et al. 1999). 

Zones show at a glance the principal purpose/s (in terms 

of fire management) for any given part of a reserve and 

therefore the way in which the area will generally be 

managed for fire. Within any one zone there may be one 

to many vegetation communities/habitats and a range of 

appropriate fire regimes depending on the communities/ 

habitats and purpose/s of the zone. Below is an outline 

of the principal purpose/s of each zone, guidelines for 

managing the zone and fire regimes that are appropriate 

within it. The following statement from Rose et al. (1999) 

should be heeded: 

‘It is desirable that most fire management zones 

contribute in some way to both mitigation of 

unplanned fire and biodiversity conservation, even 

though this often involves more complex planning 

than the simpler approach of zones with (primarily) 

a single purpose. When all zones are considered 

complementary, greater recognition is given to 

the cumulative benefits of management of each 

zone (across a landscape) with less reliance on the 

traditional ‘sacrificial areas’ to mitigate fire effects 

on assets.’ 

Note: Not all zones will be necessary in all reserves. 

Protection Zone 

Purpose 

To create an area of reduced fuel to provide a high level 

of protection to life, property and infrastructure. The zone 

therefore typically abuts or surrounds property and key 

infrastructure and in some cases the whole of an area 

may be designated as a Protection Zone (e.g. the whole 

‘yard’ area of the reserve headquarters rather than just 

a ‘strip’ around it). It may also be used along sections of 

a boundary where fires are known to regularly enter or 

leave the reserve. In most cases it will not be possible, 

necessary or desirable to maintain a Protection Zone 

around the entire boundary of a reserve. 

It may sometimes be necessary to create an area of 

reduced fuel around sensitive natural and cultural 

resources for which fire exclusion is critical. For example, a 

fire-sensitive community would be placed in an Exclusion 

Zone but to achieve this it may be appropriate to 

surround it and a buffer area with a Protection Zone. 

Fuel can be reduced by burning or other means 

(e.g. mowing).

Guidelines 

■■ Fuel loads will be managed to enable wildfires to 

be contained under fire weather conditions that are 

typical for a particular area and season. 

■■ Tracks that allow ready access to fire fighting vehicles 

may be maintained in this Zone but the use of 

other features, such as fuel and vegetation moisture 

gradients, to contain fire is encouraged. 

■■ All hazardous fuels that are likely to jeopardise wildfire 

suppression, in particular back-burning operations, 

must be removed from the area or if they are an 

essential part of the work environment they must 

be maintained according to work place health and 

safety standards (e.g. fuel-free zone around flammable 

chemicals). 

Fire regimes 

Intensity: low 

Season: cooler months or any conditions that will 

ensure a low intensity burn 

Frequency: as often as there is sufficient fuel to carry 

a fire 

Wildfire Mitigation Zone 

Purpose 

The location and management of this Zone is aimed 

at increasing the likelihood of controlling a wildfire in 

strategically important areas within the reserve. The 

Zone will often be located adjacent to a Protection Zone 

to provide maximum protection to life and property. 

The Zone may also be used to reduce the potential 

for extensive areas to be burned in a wildfire and the 

likelihood of fires escaping from the reserve. They should, 

therefore act to slow the spread of wildfire and thereby 

facilitate the implementation of wildfire suppression 

operations. They may be established along the boundary, 

particularly where the level of risk is too low to warrant 

a Protection Zone. Where consistent with the primary 

objectives of a Wildfire Mitigation Zone, it should be 

managed to conserve biodiversity. Wildfire Mitigation 

Zones will be most effective when the surrounding fireprone 

vegetation has been burned in a mosaic pattern 

(refer to Conservation Zone). 

Guidelines 

■■ Fuel loads are to be maintained in a mosaic pattern 

ranging from low to moderate. 

■■ As far as possible the Zone should be wider than the 

average spotting-distance to be expected in a ‘normal’ 

fire season. Desirable width will vary from one location 

to another but may need to be up to 1 or 2 km, in 

some sensitive high risk areas. 

■■ Wherever practicable/¬acceptable this Zone will be 

located to take advantage of natural fire control lines. 

■■ The Zone should be burned in sections to generate 

a mosaic burn pattern such that the vegetation is 

not simplified to a single age class but maintains the 

ecological values of a range of age classes (within the 

constraints of the primary purpose of the corridor). 

■■ It is preferable for this Zone to be bordered by well 

defined and accessible vehicle tracks on all sides, 

but in particular the edge along which most wildfire 

suppression activities are likely to be required. 

Fire regime 

Intensity: consistent with the ecological requirements 

of the vegetation communities 

Season: consistent with the ecological requirements 

of the vegetation communities 

Frequency: within the range acceptable for the 

ecological requirements of the vegetation 

communities but generally towards the 

shorter end of that range. 

Conservation Zone 

Purpose 

The purpose of fire management in this Zone is to 

maintain the natural role of fire as an ecological process 

in vegetation communities and fauna habitats. Habitat 

diversity is critical to the maintenance of fauna diversity 

(Recher 1986). In fire-tolerant communities the most 

widely accepted means of achieving this is to burn in 

a highly variable mosaic (or patchwork) pattern. Each 

community needs to be ‘broken up’ into a complex 

system of interlocking patches, each with a different 

fire history. These patches must provide a high degree 

of variation in fire-interval within each vegetation 

community (consistent with its ecological limits). Some of 

each community should be left for the maximum fire free 

interval (consistent with its ecological limits) to facilitate 

formation of tree hollows, accumulation of litter and logs 

and to enhance soil formation and stability. How much 

should be left will depend on the regional context (e.g. 

the reserve may be surrounded by lands burned at short 

intervals), extent of the community and the requirements 

of the flora and fauna comprising the community. To 

establish such a mosaic requires use of natural as well as 

artificial fire control lines, taking advantage of suitable 

weather conditions (such as high soil moisture and dew), 

as well as considerable time and effort. Once established 

however, a mosaic is easier to manage because previously 

burnt patches act as barriers to assist with containment 

of each patch burn (Stanton 1993). Burning in this way 

also allows strategic selection of areas that can remain 

long unburnt without increasing the fire-risk to life and 

property. 

Management of this Zone indirectly supplements the 

objectives of the other zones including the Protection 

Zone and the Wildfire Mitigation Zone. Events/¬practices 

that are likely to promote weed invasion (e.g. lighting off 

road edges) should be avoided. 


Guidelines 

■■ This Zone is usually located in areas remote from assets 

and property. 

■■ The purpose of planned burns is to produce and/or 

maintain a mosaic pattern of vegetation with areas 

of varying age since fire. Ideally, areas of the same or 

similar age will be linked across the landscape to allow 

movement of fauna that may be dependent upon the 

particular habitat type created by a vegetation type of 

that age class. 

■■ Strategically located tracks, natural fire control lines 

and previously burnt vegetation will be used to contain 

planned burns in this Zone. 

■■ As mosaic burning practices become well developed 

the reliance on tracks and other constructed control 

lines should diminish because fires (planned burns or 

wildfires) can be allowed to burn until they reach areas 

where the fuel has previously been reduced and the 

fire can be more easily controlled (Stanton 1993). 

Fire regimes 

The fire regimes applied in this Zone will vary according 

to the ecological requirements of the flora and fauna 

communities present in the Zone and take into account 

the requirements of cultural resources. 

Rehabilitation Zone 

Purpose 

This Zone should encompass areas that are intended to 

be included in another zone (e.g. Conservation Zone, 

Exclusion Zone, Sustainable Production Zone or perhaps 

Wildfire Mitigation Zone) in the future but whose current 

management is aimed at combating a threatening process 

that can not be addressed by the ‘usual’ fire management 

practices used in the other zones to promote and 

maintain biodiversity or production values. Note that a 

Rehabilitation Zone is not used for an area that is being 

managed to promote regeneration for forest production 

purposes. Such an area would be managed as part of a 

Sustainable Production Zone. 

The following hypothetical scenario illustrates the use of a 

Rehabilitation Zone compared to a Conservation Zone. 

Example only 

There are two Eucalyptus tereticornis (blue gum) 

woodland communities on creek banks/flats in Park X. 

The first has a scattered infestation of rubbervine with 

few of the vines reaching the canopy. The infestation 

can be managed by an ongoing programme of spraying. 

The second is heavily infested with rubbervine to the 

point where the canopies are being smothered. The 

infestation is so severe that spraying, on its own, is not a 

viable option. 

In general, the aim of fire management in these 

communities in Park X is to enhance fauna habitat 


by protecting habitat trees and the complex ground 

stratum. Therefore fire is either excluded from sites or 

patchy, infrequent, low intensity burns are used. This fire 

management is appropriate and achievable in the first 

blue gum community and is combined with an annual 

weed programme to control the scattered rubbervine. The 

community is therefore placed in the Conservation Zone. 

The biodiversity values of the second community are 

however, severely compromised by the rubbervine and 

will only get worse if something is not done soon. An 

intense fire or series of fires will ‘set back’ the rubbervine 

to a point that will enable some hope of control through 

ongoing follow up with a spray programme. While 

intense fire will also impact severely on the already 

weakened trees this is considered the better of ‘two 

evils’ since it provides some hope for the community to 

recover over time. The community is therefore placed in a 

Rehabilitation Zone. 

Guidelines 

■■ The Zone will only encompass areas where disturbance 

has resulted in a highly modified environment that 

is to be rehabilitated to its original state (or some 

other more natural state) and where fire exclusion or 

manipulation is required to achieve this aim. 

■■ The Zone should be bounded by fire control lines 

(preferably temporary if not natural) or a surrounding 

buffer should be burnt in such a way so as to minimise 

the risk of the Rehabilitation Zone being burned in an 

inappropriate way. 

Fire regime 

The fire regime will be determined by the particular needs 

of the community or communities within the zone.

References for Appendix 8 

Clarke J. (1999) Central Coast Region Fire Planning 

& Reporting System version 1.2. Queensland Parks & 

Wildlife, Rockhampton. 

Recher H.F. (1986) So many kinds of animals: the study 

of communities. In: A Natural Legacy (2nd ed) (eds 

H.F. Recher, D. Lunney & I. Dunn). Pergamon Press. 

pp. 274-293. 

Rose R., Wiltshire G. & Lang S. (1999) The importance 

and application of spatial patterns in the management 

of fire regimes for the protection of life and property and 

the conservation of biodiversity. In: Proceedings of the 

Australian Bushfire Conference – Bushfire ’99. Albury 

NSW 7-9 July 1999. pp.349-58. 

Stanton J.P. (1993) Common perceptions and 

misconceptions of QDEH fire management programs. 

In: Proceedings of a workshop on fire management 

on conservation reserves in tropical Australia. (eds E.R. 

McDonald and D. Batt). Malanda, Qld 26-30 July 1993. 

pp. 4-8. 

Twyford K.L. (1995) Development of a fire management 

strategy for Fraser Island World Heritage Area. In: 

Working papers from the Sixth Queensland Fire Research 

Workshop. 8-10 March 1995, Bargara, Qld. pp. 22-36. 

Wouters M. (1994) Developing fire management planning 

and monitoring. In: Fire and biodiversity – the effects and 

effectiveness of fire management. Proceedings of the 

conference held 8-9 October 1994, Footscray, Melbourne. 

Biodiversity Series, Paper No. 8, Biodiversity Unit, 

Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories. 

pp. 235-239 


Gold Coast City Council 

PO Box 5042 Gold Coast MC Qld 9729 Australia 

Email: gcccmail@goldcoast.qld.gov.au 

Web: goldcoast.qld.gov.au 

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, 

Conservation Management Unit 

60 Mt Nebo Rd 

The Gap, QLD 4061 

Web: derm.qld.gov.au 

H9 0908-909

Springbrook Public Conservation Estate Fire ... - Gold Coast Parks

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