Flora & Fauna Survey & Ecological Assessment (pdf. 5MB)

Flora & Fauna Survey & Ecological Assessments – 35 Water Street Wahroonga
areas within Lane Cove National Park and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Therefore the small area
of habitat potentially affected by subdivision potential envisaged under the Proposal (173 sq metres)
is not essential habitat for the species.
(e) “…whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical habitat (either directly or
indirectly)…”
The Subject Property is not listed as critical habitat under Part 3 Division 1 of the TSC Act. Therefore,
no critical habitat would be adversely affected by the draft Proposal.
(f) “…whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or threat
abatement plan…”
No Recovery Plans or Threat Abatement Plans (either finalised or draft) have been prepared for the
Gang-gang Cockatoo. However, DECCW has identified a number of priority actions for these species
(DECCW 2009b).
Actions which may be relevant to the management of habitat for the Gang Gang Cockatoo on the
Subject Property include:
Development of a strategy that includes street tree or other plantings, which include browse
plant species within reserves and private residences.
(g) “…whether the action proposed constitutes or is part of a key threatening process or is likely to result in
the operation of, or increase the impact of, a key threatening process...”
The following key threatened processes as they potentially impact on the Gang Gang Cockatoo may
be applicable to the Subject Property:
Clearing of native vegetation, as this will clear foraging habitat. However, potential nesting sites
and other potential foraging habitat will be retained elsewhere on the Subject Property;
Competition from feral honeybees, as they can form hives in tree hollows that also form
potential nesting habitat for the Gang-gang Cockatoo. The Proposal is not likely to exacerbate
this process;
Ecological consequences of high frequency fires, as fire can destroy tree hollows that form
potential nesting habitat. It is envisaged that fire will not be part of the management of the
BGHF Habitat on the Subject Property;
Infection by Psittacine circoviral (beak and feather) disease affecting endangered psittacine
species and populations, as it can leave Gang-gang Cockatoos prone to other infections.
However, the Proposal will not exacerbate the likelihood of this disease infecting a local
population;
Predation by the European Red Fox as fledglings can become prey items for foxes. Foxes may
occur or visit the Subject Property from time to time (although not recorded), but are not likely
to be increased in number by the Proposal; and
The removal of dead wood and dead trees, as dead trees are often hollow and contain potential
nesting habitat. Some dead trees may be removed but all trees with hollows will be retained on
the Subject Property.
UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd Page 67