Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999 - Byron Shire Council

A GREENPRINT FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Ridges in the far north of the Shire still contain areas of eucalypt and Brush Box forests, but the ridges
further south have been largely cleared for dairying and grazing.
2.1.4 Undulating volcanic plateau
An undulating volcanic plateau (altitude 100-250 m above sea level) covers the majority of the southwestern
portion of the Shire. The plateau has resulted from long term erosion of the massive volcanic lava
flows from Mt Warning. The eastern boundary is sharply defined by the coastal escarpment (Planning
Workshop 1983).
2.1.5 Mountain ranges and valleys
Mountains and valleys comprise the north-west of the Shire. The mountain ranges constitute the easterly
portion of the Nightcap Range, the dominant peaks being Mt Jerusalem (800 m), Mt Boogarem (640 m)
and Mt Peak (600 m). Mt Chincogan (307 m) stands isolated, to the north of Mullumbimby.
The Shire includes the catchment of the Brunswick River and its tributaries (Kings Creek, Mullumbimby
Creek, Yankee Creek, Blindmouth Creek, Lacks Creek, Yelgun Creek) and the catchments of the large
coastal creeks, Marshalls Creek, Simpsons Creek, Belongil Creek and Tallow Creek. Coopers Creek and
Wilsons Creek flow out of the Shire and drain into the Richmond River system.
2.2 CLIMATE, TEMPERATURE, RAINFALL AND SEASONALITY
The Shire’s climate is warm subtropical with heavy summer rainfall (January to March) and a dry winter
and spring. Rainfall is high – a result of mountainous topography close to the coast (Forestry Commission
of NSW 1996). The average annual rainfall tends to decrease from east to west across the Shire from 1,868
mm at Cape Byron, 1,856 mm at Newrybar, 1,880 mm at Bangalow, 1,773 mm at Mullumbimby, 1,763
mm at Federal and 1,429 mm at Dunoon. The Nightcap and Koonyum Ranges in the northwestern and
western parts of the Shire experience higher rainfall (Planning Workshop 1983). During the wet season,
heavy mists frequently cover the higher peaks and ranges and in the warmer summer-autumn months,
tropical cyclones often move down the Queensland coast from the Coral Sea and affect Byron Shire, bringing
flood rains and strong winds (Forestry Commission of NSW 1996).
The only weather station that collects systematic temperature readings for Byron Shire is located at Cape
Byron. The mean maximum temperature recorded at Cape Byron in July is 19.3° Celsius and in January
27.5°. The mean minimum temperature recorded at Cape Byron in July is 11.5° and in January 20.8°.
2.3 LAND TENURE, PROTECTED AREAS
National Parks (NP) (which combine conservation with recreational opportunities) and Nature Reserves
(NR) (which are reserved primarily for conservation and research) occupied 2,637.9 ha and made up 4.7%
of the Shire at the commencement of this study. Reserved areas in the hinterland are Nightcap NP (part),
Mt Jerusalem NP and Inner Pocket NR. Small rainforest remnant reserves are Snows Gully NR, Andrew
Johnston Big Scrub NR and Hayters Hill NR. Coastal reserves are Billinudgel NR (part), Brunswick Heads
NR, Tyagarah NR and Broken Head NR. The proclamation of the proposed Arakwal National Park at Byron
Bay had not been finalised at the time of this study. In addition, a small rainforest reserve at Booyong is
administered by a trust.
Up until November 1998 when the State Government legislated its Regional Forest Agreement, State
Forests (SF) occupied 2,551.7 ha and made up 4.5% of the Shire. The Shire’s State Forests were in the
hinterland at higher altitudes and included Whian Whian SF (part), Nullum SF and Goonengerry SF. State
Forests are dedicated for timber production but are also managed for conservation and recreation, and
include specific conservation reserves (Minyon Falls Flora Reserve in Whian Whian SF and Boogarem Falls
Flora Reserve in Nullum SF).
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