Tree Maintenance at Station Street, Rooty Hill · Roads and Maritime Services region: Sydney...

WestLink services

Tree Maintenance at Station Street, Rooty Hill

Review of Environmental Factors

November 2015

WestLink services

Contents 1. Introduction 1

2. The Proposal 2

2.1. Description 2

2.2. Need and Options 7

2.3. Statutory and planning framework 8

2.4. Community and agency consultation 9

3. Environmental assessment 11

3.1. Soil 11

3.2. Waterways and water quality 12

3.3. Noise and vibration 12

3.4. Air quality 13

3.5. Non-Aboriginal Heritage 13

3.6. Aboriginal Heritage 14

3.7. Biodiversity 16

3.8. Trees 19

3.9. Traffic and transport 21

3.10. Socio-economic 22

3.11. Landscape character and visual amenity 23

3.12. Waste 26

4. Consideration of State and Commonwealth environmental factors 27

4.1. Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 checklist 27

4.2. Matters of national environmental significance checklist 30

5. Summary of safeguards and environmental management measures 31

5.1. Licensing and approvals 34

6. Appendices 34

7. Certification, review and decision 35

7.1. Certification 35

7.2. Environment staff review 36

7.3. Environment staff recommendation 36

7.4. Determination 37

WestLink services Minor Works REF

1. Introduction

Westlink Services have prepared this Minor Works REF for proposed works to be carried out

in accordance with the Western Sydney Orbital Operations and Maintenance Deed with

WS0 Co Pty Limited. For the purposes of these works Roads and Maritime Services is the

determining authority under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

(EP&A Act).

The purpose of the Minor Works REF is to describe the proposal, to document the likely

impacts of the proposal on the environment, to detail mitigation measures to be

implemented and to determine whether the project can proceed.

The description of the proposed works and associated environmental impacts have been

undertaken in the context of clause 228 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment

Regulation 2000, the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act), the Fisheries

Management Act 1994 (FM Act) and the Australian Government's Environment Protection

and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). In doing so the REF helps to fulfil the

requirements of section 111 of the EP&A Act, which Roads and Maritime Services examine

and take into account to the fullest extent possible all matters affecting or likely to affect

the environment by reason of the activity.

The findings of the REF would be considered when assessing:

• Whether the proposal is likely to have a significant impact on the environment and

therefore the necessity for an environmental impact statement to be prepared and approval

to be sought from the Minister for Planning under Part 5.1 of the EP&A Act.

• The significance of any impact on threatened species as defined by the TSC Act and/or FM

Act, in section 5A of the EP&A Act and therefore the requirement for a Species Impact

Statement.

• The potential for the proposal to significantly impact a matter of national environmental

significance or Commonwealth land and the need to make a referral to the Australian

Government Department of Environment for a decision by the Commonwealth Minister for

the Environment on whether assessment and approval is required under the EPBC Act.

Minor Works REF - Tree Maintenance at Station Street Rooty Hill rev3 Page 1 of 39


2. The Proposal

2.1. Description Title: Tree Maintenance at Station Street, Rooty Hill

Road name and number: M7 Motorway —Shared Path

Closest cross road(s): Station Street, Woodstock Avenue

Chainage of works: 23900 — 24200

Local government area: Blacktown City Council

Roads and Maritime Services region: Sydney Metropolitan

Description of works: Roads and Maritime Services propose to:

It is proposed to:

• Remove 7 dead trees that are in close proximity to the shared path (see arborist

report, tree numbers 9, 15, 16, 17, 19, 30, 34).

• Reduce the height and spread of 7 trees that are located >lm from the shared

path, to retain as habitat trees (tree numbers 10, 12, 14, 18, 22, 27 and 35). Of

these trees all are dead, apart from Tree 27, which has a large dead section

extending down the trunk and minor basal decay, and is in close proximity to

electrical equipment. If, during the works, any of these trees are deemed to be

too unsafe to leave as habitat trees, they will also be removed.

• Prune 17 trees (tree numbers 1, 2, 4-7, 11, 20, 21, 23-26, 29, 31-33) to remove

dead wood, mistletoe and branches that are likely to fail. Details including the

size of the trees and recommended extent of pruning are provided in the

attached arboricultural assessment in Appendix A.

• The canopy cover of the trees to be pruned will not be affected as only dead

wood will be removed.

• The site, located near the Shared Path and Woodstock Avenue off-ramp, is not

within a mapped Environmentally Sensitive Area.

• Four Eucalyptus tereticornis are to be planted in areas where dead trees are

proposed to be removed, along with a mix of understorey plants that belong to

the Cumberland Plains Woodland community.

• Install a microbat nest box on four of the trees that are proposed to be retained

as habitat trees.

• Electrical cabinets owned by Westlink M7 and Endeavour Energy are located

near subject trees 5 and 26-29. Tree maintenance work carried out near

electrical equipment



Location: The location of the subject trees is shown in Figure 1 below.

The subject trees along Station Street are on the eastern side of the street, while the

nearest residences are along the western side. The subject trees are identified and

numbered on aerial photos in Figure 2 to Figure 5. Further photographs of the trees are

shown in Appendix D.

Figure 1- Location of site area at Station Street, Rooty Hill



Figure 2 - Subject trees 34 -37

Figure 3 - Subject trees 23 - 34


festLink • §ervices Minor Works REF

Figure 4 - Subject trees 7- 25

Figure 5- Subject trees 1 - 7



Equipment/machinery to be used:

• Chainsaw

• Small excavator (3 tonne)

• Chipper, parked outside fenced area

Truck (5 tonne)

Elevated work platform

Crane if required

Duration and hours of work:

3 days

Between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm Monday to Friday

• Between 8 am and 1 pm Saturday

• No work on Sundays or public holidays

Storage and disposal of waste material:

Waste material (wood chip mulch) will be stored on site or transported to the Westlink M7

Depot for storage and reuse.

Objectives of works:

The proposed works are a part of the routine tree maintenance works program that is

carried out to ensure a safe driving environment for motorists on the M7.

The trees that are the subject of the proposed works pose a potential hazard to members of

the public using the shared path and Station Street, parked cars on Station Street,

residences and M7 motorway assets. Performing the proposed tree maintenance activities

would reduce the likelihood and impact of the hazards.

The proposed works would be consistent with the M7 environmental objective of

minimising environmental impacts, including impacts to the community, and the safety

objective of zero harm.

Ancillary facilities:

Will the proposed works require the use or installation of a

compound site?

The mulch produced from the proposed tree maintenance works

would be stockpiled at an existing compound site located adjacent

to the Westlink M7 Eastern Creek Control Centre on Wallgrove

Road, Eastern Creek. The location and chainage of the compound

site is shown below in Figure 6.

ElYes • No

Will the proposed works require the use or installation of a

stockpile site?

• Yes El No


imagery Date: 1 1,2009 33r48'.23:,41" S 150.0


Are any other ancillary facilities required (e.g. temporary plants,

parking areas, access tracks)?

• Yes El No

Figure 6- Location of West/ink M7 compound site

Proposed date of commencement:

2015

2.2. Need and Options

Options considered:

The options considered for the proposed works included:

1. Perform tree maintenance works

2. Do nothing

Justification for the proposed works.

The area of vegetation is highly disturbed and the health of the trees in this stand has

declined markedly in recent years. Branches have been observed on the shared path and

road that have fallen from the subject trees.

The trees that are the subject of the proposed works pose a hazard to members of the

public, M7 employees, assets and property. Performing the proposed tree maintenance

activities will remove or significantly reduce the likelihood and impact of the hazards. The



proposed works will contribute the M7 environmental objective of minimising

environmental impacts, including impacts to the community, and the safety objective of

zero harm.

2.3. Statutory and planning framework State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (ISEPP)

ISEPP aims to facilitate the effective delivery of infrastructure across the state, including for

roads and road infrastructure facilities. Clause 94 of the ISEPP permits development on any

land for the purpose of a road or road infrastructure facilities to be carried out by or on

behalf of a public authority without consent.

As the proposed works are appropriately characterised as development for the purposes of

a road or road infrastructure facilities, and is to be carried out by or on behalf of Roads and

Maritime Services, it can be assessed under Part 5 of the EP&A Act. Development consent

from council is not required.

The proposal is not located on land reserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974

and does not affect land or development regulated by State Environmental Planning Policy

No. 14— Coastal Wetlands, State Environmental Planning Policy No. 26 — Littoral Rainforests

or State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005.

Other relevant legislation and environmental planning instruments:

• Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

• Heritage Act 1977

• National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974



2.4. Community and agency consultation ISEPP consultation:

Part 2 of the ISEPP contains provisions for public authorities to consult with local councils and other

public authorities prior to the commencement of certain types of development. This is detailed below:

Is consultation with council required under clauses 13-15 of the Infrastructure SEPP?

Are the works likely to have a substantial impact on the

stormwater management services which are provided by

council?

11Yes No

Are the works likely to generate traffic to an extent that will

strain the existing road system in a local government area?

111Yes No

Will the works involve connection to a council owned sewerage

system? If so, will this connection have a substantial impact on

the capacity of the system?

EYes No

Will the works involve connection to a council owned water

supply system? If so, will this require the use of a substantial

volume of water?

• Yes No

Will the works involve the installation of a temporary structure

on, or the enclosing of, a public place which is under local

council management or control? If so, will this cause more than

a minor or inconsequential disruption to pedestrian or vehicular

flow?

• Yes No

Will the works involve more than a minor or inconsequential

excavation of a road or adjacent footpath for which council is

the roads authority and responsible for maintenance?

MYes No

Are the works located on flood liable land? If so, will the works

change flooding patterns to more than a minor extent?

If yes consultation with the relevant local council(s) is required.

• Yes No

Is there a local heritage item (that is not also a state heritage

item) or a heritage conservation area in the study area for the

works? If yes, does a heritage assessment indicate that the

potential impacts to the item/area are more than minor or

inconsequential?

• Yes No

Is consultation with other agencies required under clause 16 of the Infrastructure SEPP?

Are the works adjacent to a national park, nature reserve or

other area reserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act

1974?

• Yes No

Are the works adjacent to a declared aquatic reserve under the

Fisheries Management Act 1994?

• Yes El No

Are the works adjacent to a declared marine park under the

Marine Parks Act 1997?

• Yes No

Are the works in the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Area as defined

by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority Act 1998?

• Yes No



Do the works involve the installation of a fixed or floating

structure in or over navigable waters?

• Yes No

Are the works for the purpose of residential development, an

educational establishment, a health services facility, a

correctional facility or group home in bush fire prone land?

• Yes El No

Consultation undertaken

Consultation was undertaken with Endeavour Energy and Telstra due to the proximity of

assets to the subject trees.

The following safeguards are to be applied to the works:

1. Work crews not to drop branches or trees onto the Endeavour Energy padmount

substation or shared path light columns.

2. Do not to dig or pull stumps out, as there are underground cables in the vicinity.

3. No machines are permitted within the area within 1m either side of the network

protection zone around Telstra cables.

4. Ensure that no load is placed on the overhead Telstra cable as it is fragile and it will

break/ crack the copper wires within the cable surround.

5. Please keep all branches supported and lowered away from the overhead Telstra cable

asset, therefore no disturbing it or damaging it.

6. Damage to Telstra's network must be reported to 132203 immediately.

Growth Centres SEPP consultation:

The site is not within a Growth Centre.



3. Environmental assessment

This section provides a detailed description of the potential environmental impacts

associated with the construction and operation of the proposal. All aspects of the

environmental potentially impacted upon by the proposal are considered. This

includes consideration of the factors specified in the guidelines Is an EIS required?

(DUAP 1999) and Roads and Related Facilities (DUAP 1996). The factors specified in

clause 228(2) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 and

the matters of national environmental significance under the Federal Environment

Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1995 are also considered in section 5.

Site-specific safeguards are provided to ameliorate the identified potential impacts.

3.1. Soil Description of existing environment and potential impacts:

Are there any known occurrences of salinity or acid sulphate

soils in the area? • Yes No

Does the project involve the disturbance of large areas (e.g.

>2ha) for earthworks? • Yes El No

Does the site have constraints for erosion and sedimentation

controls such as steep gradients or narrow corridors? • Yes No

Are there any sensitive receiving environments that are located

in or nearby the likely project footprint or that would likely

receive stormwater discharge from the project?

Sensitive receiving environments include (but are not limited to)

wetlands, state forests, national parks, nature reserves,

rainforests, drinking water catchments).

• Yes No

Is there any evidence within or nearby the likely footprint of

potential contamination?

• Yes No

Is the likely project footprint in or nearby highly sloping

landform? • Yes No

Are the works likely to result in more than 2.5ha (area) of

exposed soil? MYes El No

The proposed works include planting four new tree saplings, which will involve minor soil

disturbance. Safeguards that apply to this proposed soil disturbance are included below.

Safeguards

Safeguards to be implemented are:

7. El. Erosion and sediment control measures are to be implemented and maintained to:

o Prevent sediment moving off-site and sediment laden water entering any

watercourse, drainage lines or drain inlets.

o Reduce water velocity and capture sediment on site.

o Minimise the amount of material transported from site to surrounding pavement

surfaces.

o Divert clean water around the site.



(In accordance with the Landcom/Department of Housing Managing Urban

Storm water, Soils and Construction Guidelines (the Blue Book)).

8. E3. Erosion and sediment control measures are not to be removed until the works are

complete and areas are stabilised.

9. E4. Works areas are to be stabilised progressively during the works.

3.2. Waterways and water quality Description of existing environment and potential impacts:

Are the works located within, adjacent to or near a waterway? • Yes IMI No

Is the location known to flood or be prone to water logging? M Yes • No

Are the proposed works located within or immediately adjacent to the

area managed by Sydney Catchment Authority covered by State

Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Drinking Water Catchment)

2011?

• Yes No

Will the proposed works be undertaken on a bridge or ferry? • Yes • No

Are the works likely to require the extraction of water from a local

water course (not mains)? • Yes • No

3.3. Noise and vibration Description of existing environment and potential impacts:

Are there any residential properties or other noise sensitive areas near the location of the

proposed works that may be affected by the works (i.e. church, school, hospital):

During construction?

The nearest sensitive receivers are residences located on the

western side of Station Street, as shown in Figure 1. During

construction, use of equipment include chainsaws, excavator

and chipper will cause construction noise to affect nearby

residences. Potential impacts will be short term and limited due

to works being undertaken during standard working hours over

a period of three days. Safeguards will be implemented to

ensure the community is informed of the works prior to works

starting and to provide a process for receiving and managing

complaints (refer to section 3.10).

IYes • No

During operation? • Yes No

Are the proposed works going to be undertaken only during

standard working hours?

Standard working hours are

Monday-Friday: 7:00am to 6.00pm

Saturday: 8.00am to 1.00pm

Sunday and Public Holidays: no work

IZYes • No

Is any explosive blasting required for the proposed works? • Yes El No

Will operation of the works alter the noise environment for

sensitive receivers? This might include, but not be limited to,

• Yes No



altering the line or level of an existing carriageway, changing

traffic flow, increasing traffic speeds by more than 10km/hr or

installing audio-tactile line markings.

Will the works result in vibration being experienced by any

surrounding properties or infrastructure (during either

construction or operation)?

• Yes El No

Safeguards


10. Ni. Works to be carried out during normal work hours (i.e. 7am to 6pm Monday to

Friday; Barn to 1pnn Saturdays). Any work that is performed outside normal work hours

or on Sundays or public holidays is to minimise noise impacts.

3.4. Air quality Description of existing environment and potential impacts:

Are the proposed works likely to result in large areas (>2ha) of

exposed soils? EYes el No

Will there be any dust sensitive receptors located within the

vicinity of the proposed works during the construction period?

The nearest dust sensitive receptors are residences on the

western side of Station Street, shown in Figure 1.

WIYes IIII No

Is there likely to be an emission to air during construction?

There would be a small amount of localised dust and wood

particles generated during chainsaw and chipper operation.

IZIYes • No

Safeguards


11. A2. Works are not to be carried out during strong winds or in weather conditions where

high levels of dust or air borne particulates are likely.

12. A3. Vegetation or other materials are not to be burnt on site.

13. A4. Vehicles transporting waste or other materials that may produce odours or dust are

to be covered during transportation.

3.5. Non-Aboriginal Heritage Description of existing environment and potential impacts:

Have online heritage database searches been completed? ElYes • No

The following searches have been completed:

• RTA section 170 register



• NSW Heritage database

• Commonwealth EPBC heritage list

• Australian Heritage Places Inventory

• Blacktown Local Environmental Plan 1988, Schedule 2

Heritage items

• NSW ePlanning Viewer

Are there any items of non-Aboriginal heritage or heritage

conservation areas located within the vicinity of the proposed

works?

• Yes • No

Are there any items of potential non-Aboriginal heritage

significance within the vicinity of the works?

• Yes No

Are works likely to occur in or near features that indicate

potential archaeological remains?

• Yes • No

Safeguards


14. H2. If unexpected archaeological remains are uncovered during the works, all works

must cease in the vicinity of the material/find and the steps in the RTA Standard

Management Procedure: Unexpected Heritage Finds (2015) must be followed. Roads and

Maritime Services Senior Environmental Officer must be contacted immediately.

15. H3. If any items defined as relics under the NSW Heritage Act 1977 are uncovered during

the works, all works must cease in the vicinity of the find and the Roads and Maritime

Services Senior Environmental Officer contacted immediately.

16. Unexpected heritage finds are to be recorded using the Westlink Services form FRM-EN-

008 Unknown Heritage Items Management Checklist.

3.6. Aboriginal Heritage Description of existing environment and potential impacts:

Would the works involve disturbance in any area that has not been

subject to previous ground disturbances?

I•Yes MI No

Have online AHIMS search been completed?

Yes, basic and extensive AHIMS searches were carried out for the site.

The extensive search results are shown in Appendix B. Items were found

near Station Street, away from the subject trees as shown in Figure 7

below.

IZIYes IN No



QIIk, . .. •-• k, ) i

/ I ..-.-., i

,.4---,:,--- mS.Stat;on Sol

. r f-- -

,

. .i. - v.,. •e. .

s •

i t, ,.. , r

_ , 1

. v i .i._ : t

• -

. , ' mo n! • . 64* . .4.' % II. . • • . , ..

4riti .1 ' • HA'S 'Act 1 il • 4 *

1 . •

. .1

c, •e• , '

. i ,, , , 1-

... L ••• .

•

.,:t .....1

-...14

1 ' - , I

. — .° •No4, i i Figure 7 - Location of AHIMS items near Station Street, Rooty Hill

Is there potential for the proposed works to impact on any items of

Aboriginal heritage? • Yes • No

Would the works involve the removal of mature native trees? IZYes • No

Would the works impact on any features that may indicate any potential

archaeological remains? M Yes • No

Are the works consistent with the requirements of the RTA Procedure for

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Consultation and Investigation?

A Stage 1 Initial Assessment has been carried out for each of the sites

due to the proposed works involving mature vegetation.

There were no relevant items on the Register of Aboriginal Lands.

However, a search of the AHIMS found items near the location. Extensive

searches were carried out for the site. The results and project

information were provided to the RMS Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

Advisor and Senior Environmental Staff. The response is provided in

Appendix B.

ElYes • No

Safeguards




17. Bl. If Aboriginal heritage items are uncovered during the works, all works in the vicinity

of the find must cease and the RMS Aboriginal cultural heritage advisor and the senior

regional environmental officer contacted immediately. Steps in the RMS Standard

Management Procedure: Unexpected Heritage Finds (2015) must be followed.

3.7. Biodiversity

Description of existing environment and potential impacts:

Have relevant database searches been carried out?

OEH Wildlife Atlas and Commonwealth EPBC Database

(Protected Matters Search Tool) searches carried out 16th

January 2015. Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are

mapped along the M7 corridor based on flora and fauna studies

carried out for and detailed in the Western Sydney Orbital EIS.

The Westlink M7 ESA maps were checked for each site.

• Yes • No

Did the database searches identify any endangered ecological

communities, threatened flora and/or threatened or protected

fauna within the vicinity of the proposed works?

The Commonwealth EPBC Database search, provided in full in

Appendix C, listed the following threatened species that could

occur in or near the site:

2Yes I• No

Listed Threatened

Ecological Cornmunities

Listed Threatened

Species

Listed Migratory

Species

2 22 11

A field survey was carried out at the site by Cumberland Ecology

on 8th April 2015. An ecological assessment is attached to this

REF in Appendix E.

Vegetation on site was found to be consistent with low

condition Cumberland Plain Woodland as listed under the TSC

Act, but does not conform to the EPBC's listing of Cumberland

Plain Woodland due to its small size and lack of native

groundcover species. An assessment of significance was

undertaken for this ecological community, and is included in

Appendix E. The assessment of significance found there would

be no significant impact on this community as a result of the

proposal.

Will the proposed works require the removal of any other

vegetation?

• Yes El No

Will the proposed works affect any tree hollows or hollow logs? IYes • No



Small hollows were observed in two of the trees to be pruned

(trees 6 and 7), and one tree to be removed (tree 35). A

qualified ecologist will be present on site during the proposed

works to inspect the trees for any signs of fauna prior to the

works, and the tree to be removed is to be agitated prior to

felling to promote fauna self-relocation. Captured fauna will be

relocated within the subject site if suitable habitat is present, or

otherwise relocated to similar habitat within Nurragingy

Reserve, 1.2 km to the east of the site.

Are there any known areas of critical habitat, SEPP 14 wetland

area or SEPP 26 littoral rainforest area within the vicinity of the

proposed works?

• Yes El No

Will the proposed works provide any additional barriers to the

movement of wildlife?

IllYes El No

Will the proposed works disturb any natural waterways or

aquatic habitat? • Yes No

Will the proposed works disturb any crevices or other locations

(such as on bridges and culverts) for potential bat habitat?

An inspection of the subject site was undertaken on 8 April 2015

by a qualified botanist and an ecologist. Tree 18 was found to

have loose bark, as well as the small hollows observed in two of

the trees to be pruned (trees 6 and 7), and one tree to be

removed (tree 35), all of which may provide potential

microchiropteran bat habitat. A threatened species assessment

has been prepared by the ecologist. The initial ecology

assessments and the threatened species assessment are both

attached in Appendix E.

A qualified ecologist would be present on site during the

proposed works to inspect the trees for any signs of fauna prior

to the works, and the tree to be removed is to be agitated prior

to felling to promote fauna self-relocation. Captured fauna will

be relocated within the subject site if suitable habitat is present,

or otherwise relocated to similar habitat within Nurragingy

Reserve, 1.2 km to the east of the site.

• Yes • No

Will there be impact on any vegetation or land that is part of an

offset or is protected under a condition of approval from a

previous project?

NYes No

Safeguards


18. Fl. There is to be no disturbance or damage to Threatened species or Critical Habitat.



19. F2. Works are not to harm Threatened fauna (including where they inhabit bridges or

other structures e.g. timber fence posts).

20. F5. All pathogens (e.g. Chytid, Myrtle Rust and Phytophthora) are to be managed in

accordance with the RTA Biodiversity Guidelines - Guide 7 (Pathogen Management) and

DECC Statement of Intent 1: Infection of native plants by Phytophthora cinnamomi (for

Phytophthora).

21. F6. Declared noxious weeds are to be managed according to requirements under the

Noxious Weeds Act (1993) and Guide 6 (Weed Management) of the RTA Biodiversity

Guidelines (2011).

22. Pre-clearing, tree removal and fauna handling would be undertaken in accordance with

the guidance provided in Guide 1, Guide 4 and Guide 9 of the RMS Biodiversity

Guidelines 2011.

23. For the subject trees identified as habitat trees (trees 6, 7, 18 and 35) that are to be

felled or pruned:

• A qualified ecologist is to be present on site during the proposed works;

• The ecologist is to inspect all hollows and loose bark (aerially if possible) for any signs

of fauna prior to felling or pruning works;

• Trees to be removed are to be agitated prior to felling to promote fauna self-

relocation; and

• A licensed fauna ecologist or wildlife carer will carry out any fauna handling.

Captured fauna will be relocated within the subject site if suitable habitat is present.

If no suitable habitat is present, fauna will be relocated into similar habitat located

within Nurragingy Reserve, located 1.2 km to the east or as directed by the licensed

fauna ecologist or wildlife carer.



3.8. Trees Description of existing environment and potential impacts:

Do the proposed works involve pruning, trimming or removal of any

tree/s?

The tree maintenance works proposed for each of the subject trees is

shown in Table 1 below. Photographs of the trees are shown in

Appendix D. All trees recommended for removal are dead, apart from

Tree 19 and Tree 27, which has a large dead section extending down the

trunk and minor basal decay, and is in close proximity to electrical

equipment.

Table 1 - Proposed maintenance work for subject trees

1Yes • No

Tree No.

Tree type Height

(m)

DBH

(mm)

Details of removal or trimming

1 Eucalyptus moluccana 18 560 Trim dead wood >20mm in

diameter.


diameter.


diameter.


diameter.


diameter.


diameter.

9 Eucalyptus moluccana 14 220 Remove



diameter and remove

mistletoe.









diameter and remove

mistletoe.


diameter.



diameter.


diameter.


diameter.




diameter.

27 Eucalyptus sideroxylon 10 210 Remove


diameter.


31 Eucalyptus sideroxylon 10 310 Trim dead wood >20mm in

diameter.


diameter.

33 Acacia decurrens 10 240 Trim dead wood >20mm in

diameter and remove

mistletoe.

34 Eucalyptus spp. 17 550 Remove


Do the trees form part of a streetscape, an avenue or roadside planting? • Yes No

Have the trees been planted by a community group, Landcare group or

by council or is the tree a memorial or part of a memorial group e.g. has

a plaque?

• Yes MI No

Do the trees form part of a heritage listing or have other heritage value? • Yes • No

Safeguards


24. All pruning shall be performed:

• By an arborist with a minimum qualification of AQF 3 in arboriculture;

• Without the use of climbing spikes; and

• In accordance with AS 4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees and the

WorkCover Amenity Tree Industry Code of Practice, 1998.



3.9. Traffic and transport Description of existing environment and potential impacts:

Are the proposed works likely to result in detours or disruptions to traffic

flow (vehicular, cycle and pedestrian) or access during construction?

Yes. The proposed works will be adjacent to a shared cycle and

pedestrian pathway.

Part of Station Street will be used for parking with safety cones set out

along the parking area. A traffic control crew will control access and flow

on the shared path using a stop slow bat. Path users will be stopped for a

short period until the path is clear, then allowed to pass through safely.

Vehicles parking during works will include:

• Small excavator (3 tonne) to move large branches

• Truck (5 tonne) with chipper

• Elevated work platform

• Crane if required

• Auger

ElYes III No

Are the proposed works likely to result in detours or disruptions to traffic

flow (vehicular, cycle and pedestrian) or access during operation?

M Yes No

Are the proposed works likely to affect any other transport nodes or

transport infrastructure (e.g. bus stops, bus routes) in the surrounding

area? Result in detours or disruptions to traffic flow (vehicular, cycle and

pedestrian) or access during operation?

1111Yes No

Safeguards


25. Ti. Where possible, current traffic movements are to be maintained during the works.

Any disturbance is to be minimised to prevent unnecessary traffic delays.

26. Prior to works commencing, a Traffic Control Plan will be prepared in accordance with

the RTA Traffic Control at Works Sites Manual Version 4. This plan will be implemented

during works and will include measures for the safe management of vehicles,

pedestrians and cyclists during construction.



3.10. Soda-economic Description of existing environment and potential impacts:

Are the proposed works likely to impact on local business?

There is one business that operates on the northern section of Station

Street, which is a mechanic (car repair) service. Patron parking and

vehicles to be serviced are parked within the property boundary.

For the proposed works, up to five vehicles will be parked on the street

during the day while works are in progress. Work vehicles would park

opposite from the mechanic to maintain the trees at this location, and

will move along the street as works progress. Access will be maintained

to all driveways on Station Street.

• Yes No

Are the proposed works likely to require any property acquisition? • Yes IMI No

Are the proposed works likely to alter any access for properties (either

temporarily or permanently)?

• Yes MI No

Are the proposed works likely to alter any on-street parking

arrangements (either temporarily or permanently)?

Up to five vehicles will be parked at the northern end of Station Street on

the southbound side of the street during the day while works are in

progress, which will be approximately three days. The nearby Rooty Hill

railway station is located approximately 1.kni to the south, and

commuter parking is concentrated at the southern end of Station Street.

Street parking at the northern end of Station street is lightly used.

Considering the available parking and the short time frame, the

proposed works are unlikely to noticeably alter the on-street parking

arrangements in the short term.

Currently the large number of dead branches overhanging the road are a

deterrent to parking on the eastern side of Station Street. Removing the

hazardous dead trees and branches would encourage greater use of the

available parking area. In the long term, the proposed works would

improve the available parking on the eastern side of the street by

removing the hazard of falling dead branches.

M Yes E No

Are the proposed works likely to change pedestrian movements or

pedestrian access (either temporarily or permanently)?

A traffic control crew will control access and flow on the shared path

using a stop slow bat and in accordance with the Traffic Control Plan.

Path users will be stopped for a short period while branches are

removed until the path is clear, then allowed to pass through safely.

ZYes • No

Are the proposed works likely to impact on any items or places of social

value to the community (either temporarily or permanently)?

IlVes El No



Are the proposed works likely to reduce or change visibility of any

businesses, farms, tourist attractions or the like (either temporarily or

permanently)?

• Yes No

Safeguards


27. Cl. Community consultation is to be undertaken in accordance with the RTA's

Community Involvement Practice Notes and Resource Manual.

28. C2. Complaints received are to be recorded and attended to promptly in accordance

with the RTA's Community Involvement Practice Notes and Resource Manual.

29. Nearby residents will be informed of the proposed works at least 5 days before

commencement

30. Record all community contacts in the Westlink M7 Community Liaison Database

31. Make available the 24 hour phone contact line —(02) 9834 9200

3.11. Landscape character and visual amenity Description of existing environment and potential impacts:

The locality of the proposed works is within the residential community of Rooty Hill.

Vegetation along Station Street between the shared path and the motorway is a

combination of remnant vegetation and the landscaping treatments applied after

construction of the M7 motorway. The planting was carried out in association with two

roadside noise control barriers — one existing prior to M7 construction and one that was

built to further mitigate the noise impacts of the motorway. The stand of vegetation creates

visual amenity and screening of the motorway. It also provides a soft and natural landscape

to minimise the visual impact of the noise barriers.

Are the proposed works over or near an important physical or

cultural element or landscape? (Heritage items and areas,

distinctive or historic built form, National Parks, conservation

areas, scenic highways etc.)?

• Yes No

Would the proposed works obstruct or intrude upon the

character or views of a valued landscape or urban area. For

example locally significant topography, a rural landscape or a

park, a river, lake or the ocean or a historic or distinctive

townscape or landmark?

• Yes El No

Would the proposal require the removal of mature trees or

stands of vegetation, either native or introduced?

It is proposed to remove 7 trees (9, 15, 16, 17, 19, 30, 34) and

reduce the height and spread of 7 trees to retain as habitat

trees (tree numbers 10, 12, 14, 18, 22, 27 and 35)

RIYes • No

Would the proposal result in large areas of shotcrete visible

from the road or adjacent properties?

III1Yes No



Would the proposal involve new noise walls or visible changes

to existing noise walls?

• Yes IMI No

Would the proposal involve the removal or reuse of large areas

of road corridor, landscape, either verges or medians?

• Yes IMI No

Would the proposal involve substantial changes to the

appearance of a bridge (including piers, girders, abutments and

parapets) that are visible from the road or residential areas?

• Yes No

If involving lighting, would the proposal create unwanted light

spillage on residential properties at night (in construction or

operation)?

M Yes No

Would any new structures or features being constructed result

in over shadowing to adjoining properties or areas?

MYes El No

The proposed works will require the removal of mature native trees, as per the scope of

works in Section 2.1. As mature trees are to be removed, a visual impact assessment has

been carried out in accordance with section 6 of the RMS EIA-N04 Environmental Impact

Assessment Practice Note: Guideline for Landscape Character and Visual Impact Assessment

2013.

Viewers and viewpoints

Viewers of the subject trees include pedestrians and cyclists on the shared path, motorists

on the northbound exit ramp to Woodstock Avenue, and motorists driving on Station Street.

The main viewpoints are a small business (mechanic workshop) and residences on the

western side of Station Street, as well as the shared path, Station Street itself and the M7.

There are 11 residential dwellings and one business on the western side of Station Street

which currently look east towards the subject trees. This view is predominantly at ground

level, with little variation in grade.

Visibility of the proposal

The subject trees are partially screened from the residential viewpoints by street tree

plantings on the western side of Station Street.

Photographs of the site and the subject trees are attached in Appendix D. Beyond the trees

to be removed is an embankment that has been landscaped with tree and shrub cover.

Behind the embankment is a low green coloured noise wall. To the east of the noise wall

exists a row of vegetation which form a visual buffer to the primary noise wall to the

motorway. Behind the noise wall, the canopies of trees planted between the northbound

off-ramp and main carriageway of the M7 can be seen.

Sensitivity of the viewpoints to change

The visual sensitivity at the site is considered low, as the view is a common suburban

streetscape with low complexity, and limited views are constrained by street tree planting

and the vegetation surrounding and beyond the subject trees.


Legend PnvosedTtees

Aeriai Photo - tiearmag


Level of impact

Given the secondary plantings on the embankment, green coloured noise wall and the

vegetation between and beyond the secondary and primary noise walls, the visual impact of

the proposed removal and trimming of the trees is considered to be low. The character of

the stand of trees will remain the same as the majority of live mature trees are to be

retained, and several dead trees are to be retained as habitat trees. Replacement plantings

will, over time, ameliorate any impact.

Mitigation strategy

Two gaps in the canopy will be created by removing trees in the area opposite the residents

at 112 and 114 Station Street (Chainage 24050 approximately) and near subject trees 34 and

35 (Chainage 24150). To mitigate the impact of the gaps created by removing these trees,

replacement landscaping is proposed, comprising three Eucalyptus tereticornis and one

Eucalyptus crebra, a total of four trees. Eucalyptus tereticornis, which has a mature height

of 50m and spread of 10m, was specified in the M7 Motorway landscape design at this

location. Eucalyptus crebra typically has a height of 30m and a spread of 10m. The proposed

species would be able to grow to fill the space currently occupied by the dead tree stags. A

proposed planting plan is shown below in Figure 9 and Figure 10.

The understorey will be planted with a mix of Cumberland Plain vegetation, in alignment

with the original landscape plan for the site. Mulch will be applied around the base of the

planted trees, which will also benefit existing vegetation. Mulch would be applied in

compliance with AS 4454-2012 Composts, soil conditioners and mulches.

Figure 8 - Proposed planting plan near subject trees 9-19



Figure 9 - Proposed planting plan near subject trees 34 and 35

Safeguards


32. Three Eucalyptus tereticornis and one Eucalyptus crebra are to be planted according to

the proposed planting plan. A mix of Cumberland Plain understorey vegetation is to be

planted.

33. Mulch is to be applied around the base of the planted trees in compliance with AS 4454-

2012 Composts, soil conditioners and mulches.

3.12. Waste Description of existing environment and potential impacts:

Are the proposed works likely to generate >200 tonnes of waste

material (contaminated and /or non-contaminated material)?

• Yes El No

Are the proposed works likely to require a licence from OEH? • Yes No

Safeguards


34. M7. Waste material, other than vegetation and tree mulch, is not to be left on site once

the works have been completed.

35. M8. Working areas are to be maintained, kept free of rubbish and cleaned up at the end

of each working day.



4. Consideration of State and Commonwealth environmental

factors

4.1. Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 checklist

In addition to the requirements of the 'Is an EIS required?' guideline as detailed in the REF,

the following factors listed in clause 228(2) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment

Regulation, 2000 have also been considered to assess the likely impacts of the proposal on

the natural and built environment. This consideration is required to comply with sections

111 and 112 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Environmental Factor Impacts

(a) Any environmental impact on a community?

The proposed works may cause short term low level noise impacts,

however the potential impacts would be minimised with the

implementation of the safeguards as detailed in this REF.

The pruning/removal of hazardous trees that pose a risk to

residential properties will bring a long term benefit to the

community.

Short term;

negative.

Long term;

positive.

(b) Any transformation of a locality?

The proposed works would not transform the localities, as the trees

to be removed are adjacent to other trees and vegetation which will

remain unchanged. The proposed works are all within the motorway

corridor.

None

(c) Any environmental impact on the ecosystems of a locality?

The proposed works would not have environmental impacts on the

ecosystems of a locality due to the limited scope of works the

implementation of the safeguards given in Section 3 in this REF.

None

(d) Any reduction of the aesthetic, recreational, scientific or other

environmental quality or value of a locality?

The proposed works would improve the aesthetic, recreational,

scientific or other environmental quality or value of the locality, as

i the works comprise removing or pruning trees that are hazardous, n

poor health, or dead.

Long term;

positive

(e) Any effect on a locality, place or building having aesthetic,

anthropological, archaeological, architectural, cultural, historical,

scientific or social significance or other special value for present

generations?

The proposed works at some of the sites are located near items of

Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage, however the proposed

works would not affect any of these heritage items.

None



The potential for unforseen impacts would be minimised with the

implementation of the safeguards given in Section 3 in this REF.

(f) Any impact on habitat of any protected fauna (within the

meaning of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974)?

The proposed works would not have any impact on the habitat of

any protected or endangered fauna due to the limited scope of

works for the proposed activities and the implementation of the

safeguards given in Section 3 of this REF.

None

(g) Any endangering of any species of animal, plant or other form of

life, whether living on land, in water or in the air?

The proposed works would not endanger any species of animal,

plant or other form of life, whether living on land, in water or in the

air due to the limited scope of works for the proposed activities and

the implementation of the safeguards given in Section 3 of this REF.

None

(h) Any long-term effects on the environment?

The proposed works would have positive long-term effects on the

environment due to improved safety for residents and the public

accessing Station Street and the shared path. There are no

anticipated negative long-term effects on the environment from the

maintenance works due to the limited scope of these works and the

implementation of the safeguards given in Section 3 of this REF.

Long term;

positive

(i) Any degradation of the quality of the environment?

The proposed works would be unlikely to degrade the quality of the

environment. Any potential minor impacts would be minimised with


None

(j) Any risk to the safety of the environment?

The proposed tree maintenance works would improve the safety of

the environment due to the removal of hazards posed by the subject

trees. Any potential adverse safety impacts would be minimised with

the implementation of the safeguards given in Section 3 in this REF.

Long term;

positive.

(k) Any reduction in the range of beneficial uses of the environment?

The proposed works would not cause a reduction in the range of

beneficial uses of the environment.

None

(I) Any pollution of the environment?

The proposed works are unlikely to cause pollution of the

environment. The potential for pollution would be minimised with


None



(m) Any environmental problems associated with the disposal of

waste?

Waste material from pruning and removing trees will be mulched

and reused as required in the motorway corridor. All waste materials

will be managed in accordance with the safeguards in Section 3 of

this REF. No environmental problems are anticipated for the disposal

of waste.

None

(n) Any increased demands on resources, natural or otherwise which

are, or are likely to become, in short supply?

The proposed works would not significantly increase demands on

resources, which are, or are likely to become, in short supply.

Relatively small amounts of materials would be required for the

proposed works. The safeguards listed in Section 3 of this REF would

be implemented to minimise any impacts.

None

(o) Any cumulative environmental effect with other existing or likely

future activities?

The proposed activities are unlikely to have cumulative

environmental effects with other existing or likely future activities,

due to the limited scope of works for the activities covered in this

REF, and the implementation of the safeguards given in Section 3 in

this REF.

None

(p) Any impact on coastal processes and coastal hazards, including

those under projected climate change conditions?

The proposed works will not impact coastal processes or coastal

hazards. None



4.2. Matters of national environmental significance checklist Under the environmental assessment provisions of the Environment Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the following matters of national environmental

significance are required to be considered to assist in determining whether the proposal

should be referred to the Australian Government Department of Sustainability,

Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

Factor Impact

a. Any impact on a World Heritage property? Nil

b. Any impact on a National Heritage place? Nil

c. Any impact on a wetland of international importance? Nil

d. Any impact on a listed threatened species or communities? Nil

e. Any impacts on listed migratory species? Nil

f. Any impact on a Commonwealth marine area? Nil

g. Does the proposal involve a nuclear action (including uranium mining)? Nil

Additionally, any impact (direct or indirect) on Commonwealth land? Nil



5. Summary of safeguards and environmental management

measures

This section provides a summary of the site specific environmental safeguards and

management measures identified in described in section 3 and 4 of this REF. These

safeguards will be implemented to reduce potential environmental impacts throughout

construction and operation. A framework for managing the potential impacts is provided

with reference to environmental management plans and relevant Roads and Maritime

Services QA specifications. Any potential licence and/or approval requirements required

prior to construction are also listed.

Table 5.1: Summary of site-specific safeguards for proposed works.

General 1. Work crews not to drop branches or trees onto the

Endeavour Energy padmount substation or shared path light

columns.

2. Do not to dig or pull stumps out, as there are underground

cables in the vicinity.

3. No machines are permitted within the area within 1m either

side of the network protection zone around Telstra cables.

4. Ensure that no load is placed on the overhead Telstra cable

as it is fragile and it will break/ crack the copper wires

within the cable surround.

5. Please keep all branches supported and lowered away from

the overhead Telstra cable asset, therefore no disturbing it

or damaging it.

6. Damage to Telstra's network must be reported to 132203

immediately.

Soil 7. El. Erosion and sediment control measures are to be

implemented and maintained to:

o Prevent sediment moving off-site and sediment

laden water entering any watercourse, drainage

lines or drain inlets.

o Reduce water velocity and capture sediment on site.

o Minimise the amount of material transported from

site to surrounding pavement surfaces.

o Divert clean water around the site.

(In accordance with the Landcom/Department of

Housing Managing Urban Storm water, Soils and

Construction Guidelines (the Blue Book)).

8. E3. Erosion and sediment control measures are not to be

removed until the works are complete and areas are

stabilised.



9. E4. Works areas are to be stabilised progressively during the

works.

Waterways and water

quality

-

Noise and vibration 10. Ni. Works to be carried out during normal work hours (i.e.

7am to 6pm Monday to Friday; 8am to 1pm Saturdays). Any

work that is performed outside normal work hours or on

Sundays or public holidays is to minimise noise impacts.

Air quality 11. A2. Works are not to be carried out during strong winds or

in weather conditions where high levels of dust or air borne

particulates are likely.

12. A3. Vegetation or other materials are not to be burnt on

site.

13. A4. Vehicles transporting waste or other materials that may

produce odours or dust are to be covered during

transportation.

Non-Aboriginal

Heritage 14. H2. If unexpected archaeological remains are uncovered

during the works, all works must cease in the vicinity of the

material/find and the steps in the RTA Standard

Management Procedure: Unexpected Archaeological Finds

must be followed. Roads and Maritime Services Senior

Regional Environmental Officer must be contacted

immediately.

15. H3. If any items defined as relics under the NSW Heritage

Act 1977 are uncovered during the works, all works must

cease in the vicinity of the find and the Roads and Maritime

Services Senior Regional Environmental Officer contacted

immediately.

16. Unexpected heritage finds are to be recorded using the

Westlink Services form FRM-EN-008 Unknown Heritage

Items Management Checklist.

Aboriginal Heritage 17. Bl. If Aboriginal heritage items are uncovered during the

works, all works in the vicinity of the find must cease and

the RTA's Aboriginal cultural heritage advisor and the senior

regional environmental officer contacted immediately.

Steps in the RTA Standard Management Procedure:

Unexpected Archaeological Finds must be followed.

Biodiversity 18. Fl. There is to be no disturbance or damage to Threatened

species or Critical Habitat.



19. F2. Works are not to harm Threatened fauna (including

where they inhabit bridges or other structures e.g. timber

fence posts).

20. F3. If unexpected threatened fauna or flora species are

discovered, stop works immediately and follow the RTA

Unexpected Threatened Species Find Procedure in the RTA

Biodiversity Guidelines 2011 — Guide 1 (Pre-clearing process).

21. F5. All pathogens (e.g. Chytid, Myrtle Rust and

Phytophthora) are to be managed in accordance with the

RTA Biodiversity Guidelines - Guide 7 (Pathogen Management) and DECC Statement of Intent 1: Infection of native plants by Phytophthora cinnamomi (for

Phytophthora).

22. F6. Declared noxious weeds are to be managed according to

requirements under the Noxious Weeds Act (1993) and

Guide 6 (Weed Management) of the RTA Biodiversity Guidelines (2011).

23. For the subject trees identified as habitat trees (trees 6, 7,

18 and 35) that are to be felled or pruned:

• A qualified ecologist is to be present on site during the

proposed works;

• The ecologist is to inspect all hollows and loose bark

(aerially if possible) for any signs of fauna prior to felling

or pruning works;

• Trees to be removed are to be agitated prior to felling to

promote fauna self-relocation; and

• Captured fauna will be relocated within the subject site

if suitable habitat is present. If no suitable habitat is

present, fauna will be relocated into similar habitat

located within Nurragingy Reserve, located 1.2 km to

the east.

Trees 24. All pruning shall be performed:

• By an arborist with a minimum qualification of AQF 3 in

arboriculture;

• Without the use of climbing spikes; and

• In accordance with AS 4373-2007 Pruning of amenity

trees and the WorkCover Amenity Tree Industry Code of Practice, 1998.

Traffic and transport 25. Ti. Where possible, current traffic movements are to be

maintained during the works. Any disturbance is to be

minimised to prevent unnecessary traffic delays.

26. Prior to works commencing, a Traffic Control Plan will be

prepared in accordance with the RTA Traffic Control at



Works Sites Manual, Version 4. This plan will be

implemented during works and will include measures for

the safe management of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists

during construction.

Socio-economic 27. Cl. Community consultation is to be undertaken in

accordance with the RTA's Community Involvement Practice

Notes and Resource Manual.

28. C2. Complaints received are to be recorded and attended to

promptly in accordance with the RTA's Community

Involvement Practice Notes and Resource Manual.

29. Nearby residents will be informed of the proposed works at

least 5 days before commencement

30. Record all community contacts in the Westlink M7

Community Liaison Database

31. Make available the 24 hour phone contact line — (02) 9834

9200

Landscape character

and visual amenity

32. Three Eucalyptus tereticornis and one Eucalyptus crebra are

to be planted according to the proposed planting plan. A

mix of Cumberland Plain understorey vegetation is to be

planted.

33. Mulch is to be applied around the base of the planted trees

in compliance with AS 4454-2012 Composts, soil

conditioners and mulches.

Waste 34. M7. Waste material, other than vegetation and tree mulch,

is not to be left on site once the works have been

completed.

35. M8. Working areas are to be maintained, kept free of

rubbish and cleaned up at the end of each working day.

5.1. Licensing and approvals

No licences and / or approvals are required for the proposed works.

6. Appendices

The following appendices are attached to this REF:

• Appendix A: Arboricultural Assessment —Station St, Rooty Hill

• Appendix B: AHIMS Heritage database search and Clearance Letter

• Appendix C: Threatened Species Database Search Results

• Appendix D: Site photographs of subject trees

• Appendix E: Ecological Assessment for Station Street



7. Certification, review and decision

7.1. Certification

The certification should be signed by the primary author of the REF and certified by a senior

staff member to the REF preparer prior to being submitted to the Roads and Maritime

Services project manager. If the project manager prepares the REF, it should be reviewed by

another Roads and Maritime Services staff member prior to being submitted to

environment staff for review.

This minor works review of environmental factors provides a true and fair review of the

proposal in relation to its potential effects on the environment. It addresses to the fullest

extent possible all matters affecting or likely to affect the environment as a result of the

proposal.

Prepared by:

Eloise Doyle

Environmental and Landscaping Officer

Westlink Services

Date: 22/7/2015

Minor Works REF reviewed by:

Daniel Lovett

Safety, Environment and Stakeholder Manager

WS0 Co. Pty. Ltd.

27/7/2015



7.2. Environment staff review

The Minor Works REF has been reviewed and considered against the requirements of

sections 111 and 112 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

In considering the proposal this assessment has examined and taken into account to the

fullest extent possible, all matters affecting or likely to affect the environment by reason of

that activity as addressed in the Minor Works REF and associated information. This

assessment is considered to be in accordance with the factors required to be considered

under clause 228 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.

The proposal described in the Minor Works REF will have some environmental impacts

which can be ameliorated satisfactorily. Having regard to the safeguard and management

measures proposed, this assessment has considered that these impacts are unlikely to be

significant and therefore an approval for the proposal does not need to be sought under

Part 5.1 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

The assessment has considered the potential impacts of the activity on critical habitat and

on threatened species, populations or ecological communities or their habitats for both

terrestrial and aquatic species as defined by the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

and the Fisheries Management Act 1994.

The proposal described in the Minor Works REF will not affect declared critical habitat. The

activity described in the Minor Works REF will not significantly affect threatened species,

populations or ecological communities or their habitats. Therefore a species impact

statement is not required.

The assessment has also addressed the potential impacts on the activity on matters of

national environmental significance and any impacts on Commonwealth land and concluded

that there will be no significant impacts. Therefore there is no need for a referral to be

made to the Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water,

Population and Communities for a decision by the Commonwealth Minister for the

Environment, Heritage and Water on whether assessment and approval is required under

the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The REF is considered to meet all relevant requirements.

7.3. Environment staff recommendation

It is recommended that the proposal to remove and trim trees at Station Street Rooty Hill as

described in this Minor Works REF proceed subject to the implementation of all safeguards

identified in the Minor Works REF and compliance with all other relevant statutory

approvals, licences, permits and authorisations. The Minor Works REF has examined and

taken into account to the fullest extent possible all matters likely to affect the environment

by reason of the activity and established that the activity is not likely to significantly affect

the environment. The REF has concluded that there will be no significant impacts on matters

of national environmental significance or any impacts on Commonwealth land.


Recommended by:

Joseph Fanous

Environme

Noted by:

7.4. termination


The REF determination will remain current for five years until [Sept 2020] at which time it

shall lapse if works have not been physically commenced. The pre-construction checklist

must be completed prior to the commencement of any works.

In accordance with the above recommendation and sections 111 and 112 of the

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, I determine that Roads and Maritime

Services may carry out the proposal.

Henry Larrea

Project Manager Motorway Operations

2/ 247 /5— ..


CONCEPT ARBOR CONSULTING

Arboricultural Assessment Station Street, Rooty Hill

Prepared for Shannon Brown Maintenance Supervisor - Westlink Services

101 Wallgrove Road Eastern Creek, NSW 2766

Prepared By Isaac Dale on August 20, 2014

REF: CACAA087 ©2013

ABN: 30 105 907 481 633A COME E ROY ROAD KURRAIONG. NSW 2758

TEL: 0410 479 967 E: ISAAC.DALEVNGPOND.COM

Disclaimer

This report has been prepared exclusively for use by the client. All information and images contained in this report are protected by copyright, and remain

the property of Concept Arbor Consulting; unless stated otherwise. The client is purchasing permission to use this document for the purpose in which it is intended. Concept Arbor Consulting accepts no responsibility for the misuse of this document, and use by unauthorised persons.

By accepting this report, the client acknowledges that the information, opinions, recommendations and advice herewith in, are based on information supplied by the client and on the observations and inspections by Concept Arbor Consulting. No part of this report is to be reproduced without the written consent of the author.

Concept Arbor Consulting acknowledges that trees are living, self-optimising structures that sometimes fail in ways that are not yet fully understood and

cannot be predicted. Conditions are often concealed below ground level or within the structure itself; therefore, Concept Arbor Consulting cannot guarantee the health, safety or structural integrity of any tree. Similarly, we cannot guarantee any remedial treatments or recommendations. We are able to effectively manage trees and the risks associated but we cannot control them.

CACAA087 - Station St. Rooty Hill

MIN: 30 105 907 481 633A COME E ROY ROAD KURRA1ONG. NSW 2758

TEL: 0410 479 967 iSAAC.DAtEWBIGPOND.COM

1.0 Brief 1.0.1 Concept Arbor Consulting, on behalf of TreeServe Pty Ltd., was commissioned by Westlink Services to provide an arboricultural assessment of the stand of trees, adjacent to the shared path, between 100 — 130 Station Street, Rooty Hill; NSW 2766.

1.0.2 Works are to include... • Assess the tree's health, structural integrity & habitat value. • Tag the trees for ease of identification and future reference. • Provide recommendations for their management in terms of health and safety. • Prioritise remedial works.

2.0 Methodology a limitations 2.0.1 All tree data contained within this report is based on observations by the author, obtained during the site inspection conducted on Saturday, August 16th, 2014. The subject trees were inspected visually (VTA1), from ground level only.

2.0.2 Information in this report is limited to the subject trees and reflects their condition at the time of inspection only. No invasive or diagnostic testing was undertaken.

2.0.3 A Thorex® 710 nylon hammer was used to sound2 the base of trees with suspected decay.

2.0.4 The height and canopy spread measurements are visually estimated. Trunk diameter is measured at breast height (DBH); which is defined as 1.4m above ground level, or 1.4m from the uphill side of a slope.

2.0.5 The identification of genus and species is based on broad features, visible from ground level at the time of inspection only and have not been compared to an herbarium specimen.

2.0.6 For ease of identification, the trees assessed, have been tagged with a numbered, aluminum tag and plotted on an aerial image; for the purpose of this report, they shall be referred to as the subject trees.

1 VTA is a commonly used method of assessing trees, it is accepted by the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) and is described by Claus Mattheck in The body language of trees - A handbook for failure analysis (1994). Pages 144-145. The Stationary Office. London.

2 Sounding is commonly used by arborists during initial inspections of urban trees to determine the (NI presence of hollows or advanced decay. Striking the trunk produces sound waves the radiate through the

on wood, which in turn, generates characteristic audible sounds. a.


ci TI T ATUKTIT

ABN: 30 105 907 481 3 3 A COMLE ROY ROAD

KURRAIONG. NSW 2758 TEL: 0410 479 967

E: ISAAC DALEeBIGPOND.COM

3.0 Observations 3.0.1 The subject trees are situated on the eastern side of Station Street, in between the shared path and the M7 off ramp for Woodstock Avenue. The area assessed extends north from 100-102 Station Street, up to 130 Station Street.

3.0.2 Eucalyptus moluccana dominates the canopy space and is interspersed with sparse plantings of Eucalyptus tereticomis and Eucalyptus sideroxylon. The understory is comprised largely of Melaleuca styphelioides, Acacia melanoxylon and Acacia decurrens. The majority of the subject trees displayed relatively poor health at the time of inspection.

Figure 01: The subject site (approximate outline in blue).

3.0.3 Details of the subject trees have been compiled into a tree schedule, listed below as table 01.

Table 01: Tree schedule. Tree Genus & species Common Height DBH Canopy Health Form No. name (m) (mm) spread (m) 1. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 18 560 N — S: 14 Fair Fair

E — W: 12 2. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 12 410 N — S: 7 Fair Poor

E — W: 5 3. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 10 280 N — S:4 Fair Poor

E — W: 3 4. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 18 410 N — S:6 Fair— Good

nr) CU 05.

E — W: 5 Poor Good Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 17 470 N — S: 6 Fair—

On CO E — W: 8 Poor - Fair


ABN: 30 105 907 481 633A COM 1. E ROY ROAD KU RRA1ONG. NSW 2758

TEL: 0410 479 967 ' DALEeB1GPOND.COM

Table 01: continued. Tree Genus & species Common Height DBH Canopy Health Form No. name (m) (mm) spread (m) 07. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 17 590 N — S: 11 Fair— Good

E — W: 16 Good 08. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 18 480 N — S: 7 Fair Good

E — W: 7 09. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 15 300 N — S: N/A Dead Poor

E — W: N/A 10. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 14 220 N — S: N/A Dead Poor

E — W: N/A 11. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 18 400 N — S: 7 Poor Good

E — W: 8 12. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 12 220 N — S: N/A Dead Poor

E — W: N/A 13. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 18 300 N — S: 6 Fair Fair

E — W: 5 14. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 18 410 N — S: N/A Dead Fair -

E — W: N/A Good 15. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 17 210 N — S: N/A Dead Poor



E — W: N/A 18. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 18 450 N — S: N/A Dead Fair

E — W: N/A 19. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 16 400 N — S: N/A Poor Poor

E — W: N/A 20. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 18 460 N — S: 8 Fair Good

E — W: 10 21. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 18 340 N — S: 7 Fair— Fair

E — W: 7 Poor 22. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 6 250 N — S: N/A Dead Poor

E — W: N/A 23. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 20 560 N — S: 11 Fair — Fair

E — W: 11 Poor 24. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 20 570 N — S: 12 Fair— Fair

E — W: 12 Poor 25. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 15 410 N — S: 7 Fair— Fair

E — W: 5 Poor 26. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 12 210 N — S: 4 Fair Fair

E — W: 4 27. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 12 380 N — S: 4 Fair Poor

E — W: 3 28. Eucalyptus sideroxylon Red lronbark 10 210 N — S: 3 Good Good

E — W: 4


Lfl On

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Table 01: continued. Tree Genus & species Common Height DBH Canopy Health Form No. name (m) (mm) spread (m) 29. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 18 680 N — S: 10 Fair Good

E — W: 15 30. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 14 400 N — S: N/A Dead Fair

E — W: N/A 31. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 20 520 N — S: 11 Fair Good

E — W: 10 32. Eucalyptus sideroxylon Red lronbark 10 310 N — S: 4 Good Fair

E —W: 3 33. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 18 410 N — S: 10 Good Good

E — W: 10 34. Acacia decurrens Black wattle 10 240 N — S: 3 Poor Good

E — W: 3 35. Eucalyptus sp. Unknown 17 550 N — S: N/A Dead Poor

E — W: N/A 36. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 17 460 N — S: 10 Good Good

E — W: 10 37. Eucalyptus moluccana Grey box 14 360 N — S: 5 Fair Fair

E — W: 5

Notes: Health - Is an indication of the trees overall vigour at the time of inspection. Consideration is given

to the canopy density, foliage colour and size, twig die-back, seasonal variation, etc.; and is expressed as good, fair, poor or dead.

• Good — appears healthy, typical foliage colour and size for the species (if known), good canopy density; requiring little or no maintenance.

• Fair — appears relatively healthy, may have minor health problems that are generally able to be managed; not likely to cause short-term problems.

• Poor — significant health problems, sparse canopy density, poor foliage color, extensive die-back or epicormic growth; generally requires extensive maintenance or removal.

• Dead — no obvious signs of life; generally require removal, consideration is given to habitat value.

Form - Is an indication of the trees structural condition at the time of inspection. Consideration is given to significant defects or faults, structural integrity, soil and root disturbance, and is expressed as good, fair or poor.

• Good — free from any major structural defects; form typical of the species (if known). • Fair — minor or moderate structural defects can usually be managed or tolerated. • Poor — significant structural defects, extensive decay. Consideration is given to the target

value, retention value and cost of remediation or removal.

3.0.4 At the time of inspection, none of the subject trees displayed any evidence of hollows or nests, nor was any native fauna observed.

3.0.5 The shared path, adjacent to the subject trees, is used fairly extensively; predominantly by cyclists, of which the author observed approximately 30 per hour, at the time of inspection.


iI com(Irr MK* GOrayitATING

ARN: 30 105 907 481 633A COM E ROY ROAD KU RRAIONG. NSW 2758

TEL: 0410 479 967 E: ISAAC.DALEMGPOND.COM

3.1 The subject trees 3.1.1 The following table (table 02) outlines a few, general observations of the subject trees.

Table 02: Observations. Tree Comments No. 2. Previously lopped to maintain clearance from overhead telecommunications lines. Minor

dead wood retained. 3. Suppressed beneath adjacent canopies. 4. Significant epicormic growth and dead wood. 5. Co-dominant leaders; moderate amount of dead wood retained within the canopy; reduced

foliage size for the species. 9. Dead tree, little or no habitat value. 10. Dead tree, little or no habitat value. 11. Significant dead wood; sparse canopy, moderate epicormic growth. Minor mistletoe

infestation. 12. Dead tree, little or no habitat value. 14. Dead tree, little or no habitat value. Proximity to shared path. 15. Dead tree, little or no habitat value. 16. Dead tree, little or no habitat value. 17. Dead tree, little or no habitat value. 18. Dead tree, little or no habitat value. Proximity to shared path. 19. Irreversible decline. 20. Minor mistletoe infestation. 21. Moderate amount of dead wood retained. Sparse canopy. 22. Dead tree, little or no habitat value. Suppressed beneath the canopy of tree 21. 23. Significant dead wood; sparse canopy, moderate epicormic growth. Proximity to shared

path. Previous termite infestation, no signs of current activity. 24. Significant dead wood; sparse canopy, moderate epicormic growth. Proximity to shared

path. Previous termite infestation, no signs of current activity. 25. Co-dominant leaders. Significant dead wood; sparse canopy, moderate epicormic growth.

Previous termite infestation, no signs of current activity. 27. Minor basal decay. Proximity to pad mount sub and main switch boards. Large dead

section extending down the trunk. 29. Proximity to pad mount sub and main switch boards. Moderate amount dead wood

retained. Co-dominant leaders; evidence of borer damage at the base of the first order lateral on the western side, over the shared path.

30. Dead tree, little or no habitat value. Proximity to shared path. 31. Minor basal wound, possible previous termite activity. Sparse canopy with a moderate

amount of small diameter dead wood retained within. 32. Moderate lean to the east, over the shared path; appears largely phototropic as no signs

of instability were observed. Suppressed beneath tree 31. 33. Minor dead wood and mistletoe.

• C) a) 34. Irreversible decline. on Co

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ABN: 30 105 907 481 633A COMLERON ROAD KURRAJONG. NSW 2758

TEL: 0410 479 967 E: ISAAC DALEeBIGPOND.COM . ”.(111 AMNON CONSIATING

Table 02: continued. Tree No. 35. Dead tree, little or no habitat value. Significant decay. 37. Moderate lean to the north; no signs of instability. Minor basal wound.

4.0 Discussion 4.0.1 Eucalyptus moluccana is tall, durable tree that is indigenous to much of the area that encompasses the Cumberland Plain Woodland. It is often the dominant canopy species along with E. tereticomis & E. fibrosa. Eucalyptus moluccana is not listed as threatened; however, the Cumberland Plain Woodland is listed as a Critically Endangered Ecological Community (CEEC) under both the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

4.0.2 Over the past several years, there has been a steady decline in the Eucalyptus moluccana population around the Penrith, Blacktown and surrounding areas. This is due largely in part to an outbreak of a tiny insect called a psyllid. It is thought to have started in the Rooty Hill & Plumpton area, and over the last eight (8) years has spread to now infect an area more than 1,000Km2.

4.0.3 Psyllids are small, sap-sucking insects that belong to the order Hemiptera, the group that encompasses all sap-sucking insects. This species of psyllid forms an intricate, lacy covering called a lerp, which enables us to classify it in the genus Cardiaspina.

4.0.4 Cardiaspina spp. are monophagous (i.e., attack a single-host species) or occasionally oligophagous (i.e., attack a few species, often within the same or closely related genus). It is this characteristic, along with the shape or form of the lerp that enables identification of the species. The fact that there is no recorded relationship between Eucalyptus moluccana and any species of Cardiaspina suggests that this is a new species that has previously gone unnoticed.

4.0.5 Research by entomologists is currently being conducted on the microscopic features of this insect that should allow a complete description and the acceptance of this psyllid as a new species of Cardiaspina. Until such time, it is simply referred to as the Grey box psyllid (Cardiaspina sp.).

4.0.6 Adult, female Grey box psyllids will lay their eggs on mature leaves, and in particular leaves that have already been damaged, as this seems to be their preferred source of food. As the levels of infestation increase, the continued feeding results in severe leaf damage, and eventually the damaged leaves are shed. Heavy infestations, such as we have just witnessed, will result in entire trees being defoliated.

4.0.7 The psyllids impact upon the trees physiology in several ways; first, is a reduction of carbohydrates in the affected foliage. Psyllids, among other sap-sucking insects, feed through a microscopic, needle-like mouthpart called a stylet.


Comments

ABN: 30 105 907 481 633A COMLEROY ROAD KURRA1ONG. NSW 2758

TEL: 0410 479 967 1: ISAAGOALECOBIGPOND.COM :*.S1 flt4filet.i.( 4..."1411%C.

4.0.8 Their stylet pierces into the cells of the host plant and extracts nitrogen and carbohydrates; however, psyllids are not very efficient feeders, and in order to extract sufficient amounts of nitrogen, a large volume of carbohydrates (the trees energy) is extracted. A significant portion of the carbohydrates that the insect extracts are secreted as a waste product called honeydew; a small percentage of this sugary exudate is used to create the insect's lerp, which it will use as a protective shelter whilst it feeds. The loss of photosynthates, in the form of carbohydrates, will affect the trees ability to sustain itself and meet its demand for energy.

Figure 02: Lerps on the leaf surface. Figure 03: Grey box psyllid lerp

4.0.9 The insect also causes the area around where it is feeding to die off (necrosis). This is possibly a result of cells that have been ruptured by the insect's stylet releasing their contents into the area surrounding adjacent cells, increasing the acidification, causing the adjacent cells to break down. It is thought that once the tree is stressed; the nitrogen content of the foliage is increased, thus increasing the likelihood of continued and prolonged attack.

4.1 Tree's ability to respond 4.1.1 Stress, in plant physiology, is a condition under which one or more physiological functions are operating at, or near, the limits for what they were designed. If trees are repeatedly stressed, this often leads to strain, and ultimately death. Strain can be defined as disorder or disruption beyond the limits of stress.

4.1.2 Stress can be due to environmental conditions such as drought, fire, flood, etc., or it can be caused by abiotic (non-living) or biotic (living) influences, or a combination of different factors. The ability of a stressed tree to recover depends on its vigour, vitality, environmental conditions and whether or not it is repeatedly attacked.

4.1.3 A common indication that trees are stressed is the presence of epicormic growth. Eucalypts, among many other trees, possess dormant buds, just below their bark, that are suppressed by

00 hormones and remain inactive until the tree becomes stressed; at which stage the buds sprout and aJ on will appear as random growth arising from the trunk, branches and even the root system.

0_ CACAA087 - Station St. Rooty Hill

ABN: 30 105 907 481 633A COMLEROV ROAD KURRAIONG. NSW 2758

TEL 0410 479 967 NCLMLE€0111GPOND.COM

4.1.4 What we are now seeing is that the affected Grey box (Eucalyptus moluccana) have responded to the psyllid outbreak by producing this epicormic growth, and unless they are attacked again the majority seem likely to recover. In general, the mortality rate appears to be approximately 10% by the 31d or 4th year of infestation, although higher in some areas.

4.1.5 The mortality rate of the subject trees appears to be substantially higher, somewhere closer to 30%. This is likely due to other contributing factors, such as environmental conditions, and perhaps, the addition of secondary pathogens. The trees on the subject site that are re-shooting are likely to recover. Appropriate care and preventative maintenance can greatly enhance the likelihood of long-term survival.

Figure 04: An adult Grey box psyllid, they are Figure 05: A young psyllid nymph) beneath its approx. 3mm in length, and resemble Cicadas. lerp.

4.2 Mistletoe 4.2.1 Mistletoe is a hemiparasitic plant, which is able to photosynthesise, but has to obtain water and minerals from the host plant. It connects to the host plant, on a branch or stem, using a modified root system called a haustoria, which invade the host and connect via the xylem or phloem allowing it to absorb water and nutrients. The growth of the haustorium often restricts the flow of nutrients past the mistletoe, causing the branch ends to die, leaving the parasite in a terminal position

4.2.2 Severe infestations may kill the host plant although it is rare because mistletoe depends on the host for its own survival. Dispersal is mainly by birds ingesting the fleshy fruit and depositing the undigested seed directly on a branch. Epicortical runners allow the mistletoe to spread along the branch or stem, much the same as root 'suckers.' Mistletoes are an important source of food for many species of butterflies (Lepidoptera).

4.2.3 There are approximately 1500 known species of mistletoe. Australia is home to 91 of these species; 66 of which are endemic, the remaining 25 species are shared with various parts of South-

ON East Asia, the Philippines, New Guinea and New Caledonia. on

a_ CACAA087 - Station St. Rooty Hill

03 03

02 02

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ABN: 30 105 907 481 633A COM LEROY ROAD KURRAIONG. NSW 2758

TEL: 0410 479 967 IS,VkC.DAtEOPB1(

4.2.4 Mistletoe would not usually be considered a problem, however, with trees that are already stressed; it should be quite clear how the presence of mistletoe could exacerbate the situation, by absorbing resources greatly needed for the trees defense, recovery, and in fact, its very survival.

Figure 06: Mistletoe on Tree 31. Figure 07: Mistletoe haustoria.

5.0 Recommendations 5.0.1 The following table (table 03) outlines the author's recommendations, which are based on reducing the risks associated with the subject trees, whilst retaining the trees that are likely to recover.

Table 03: Recommendations. Tree Recommendations Priority No. 1. Retain & monitor. Remove dead wood >20mm in diameter. 2. Retain & monitor. Remove dead wood >20mm in diameter. 3. Retain & monitor. N/A 4. Retain & monitor. Remove dead wood >20mm in diameter. 03 5. Retain & monitor. Remove dead wood >20mm in diameter. 03 6. Retain & monitor. Remove dead wood >20mm in diameter. 03 7. Retain & monitor. Remove dead wood >20mm in diameter. 03 8. Retain & monitor. N/A 9. Remove. 10. Remove, or reduce the height and spread to retain as a habitat tree. 11. Retain & monitor. Remove mistletoe and dead wood >20mm in diameter. 03 12. Remove, or reduce the height and spread to retain as a habitat tree. 02 13. Retain & monitor. N/A 14. Remove, or reduce the height and spread to retain as a habitat tree. 02

a) 15. Remove. 16. Remove.

02 02


AIN: 30 105 907 481 633A COML. E ROY ROAD KURRAIONG. NSW 2758

TEL: 0410 479 967 1: ISAAC.DAlEkt1BIGPOND.00k

Table 03: continued. Tree Recommendations Priority No. 17. Remove. 02 18. Remove, or reduce the height and spread to retain as a habitat tree. 02 19. Unlikely to benefit from remedial pruning. Remove. 02 20. Retain & monitor. Remove mistletoe and dead wood >20mm in diameter. 21. Retain & monitor. Remove dead wood >20mm in diameter. 22. Remove, or reduce the height and spread to retain as a habitat tree. 02 23. Retain & monitor. Remove dead wood >20mm in diameter. 03 24. Retain & monitor. Remove dead wood >20mm in diameter. 03 25. Retain & monitor. Remove dead wood >20mm in diameter. 03 26. Retain & monitor. Remove dead wood >20mm in diameter. 03 27. Remove, or reduce height & spread to retain as a habitat tree. 03 28. Retain & monitor. N/A 29. Retain & monitor. Remove dead wood >20mm in diameter and prune to remove 02

the lowest, first order lateral on the western side (over the shared path). 30. Remove. 01 31. Retain & monitor. Remove dead wood >20mm in diameter. 03 32. Retain & monitor. Remove dead wood >20mm in diameter. 03 33. Retain & monitor. Remove mistletoe and dead wood >20mm in diameter. 03 34. Remove. 03 35. Remove or substantially reduce height & spread. 01 36. Retain & monitor. N/A 37. Retain & monitor. N/A

Notes: Priority 01: As soon as is reasonably practicable. Priority 02: Not urgent, but should be carried out within three (3) months, unless specified otherwise. Priority 03: When budget allows.

5.0.2 Tree pruning, including the removal of dead branches, shall be performed by an arborist with a minimum qualification of AQF 3 in arboriculture. It shall also be performed without the use of climbing spikes and in accordance with AS 4373 - 2007 Pruning of amenity trees.

5.0.3 Re-inspect in 12 — 18 months. Wooden, nesting boxes, suitable for micro-bats, could be installed on trees to be reduced but retained as potential habitat. Replanting with endemic species would be beneficial.

6.0 Conclusion 6.0.1 Of the thirty seven (37) trees that were assessed, fourteen (14) are recommended for removal, several of which could be retained and reduced to create habitat trees; seventeen (17) are recommended to be pruned to remove dead wood, mistletoe or branches likely to fail; the remaining six (6) trees do not require any remedial work. a)

or) a_


03 03

ABN: 30 105 907 481 633A COM t E ROY ROAD KURRAJONG. NSW 2758

TEL 0410 479 967 E: ISAAC.DALEeBIGPOND.COM

6.0.2 The health of the trees that are to be retained is likely to improve over the next 12 — 18 months; of course this depends on environmental conditions and whether or not there is a re-emergence of the grey box psyllid.

If you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

Isaac Dale

AQF V Diploma of Arboriculture (with distinction) AQF III Horticulture (Arboriculture) AQF IV Training & Assessment ISA Certified Arborist No. AU-0336A ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified QTRA (Quantified Tree Risk Assessment) Licence No. 2631 Member of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)


Figure 08:

Figure 09:

ABN: 30 105 907 481 633A COMLEROY ROAD KURRA1ONG. NSW 2758

TEL 0410 479 967 E: ISAAC.DALE€M1GPOND.COM CIVICIP1 ARIO0111,100011)111%*

Appendix 01: Site Photographs


re)

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ABN: 30 105 907 481 633A COM L E ROY ROAD KURRAIONG, NSW 2758

TEL 0410 479 967 E: [email protected] CON(IPT AMOR COMBATING

Figure 10:


ABN: 30 105 907 481 633A COMLEROY ROAD KuRRAJONG. NSW 2758

TEL; 0410 479 967 E: 1SAAC.DALEeBIGPOND.COM tv...mm AMOR COMA TIVCA

Figure 12: The subject site (north). Figure 13: The subject site (south).

Figure 14: Trees recommended for removal have been marked with pink surveyor's tape.


%Or NSW

Off ice of Environment & Heritage

AHIMS Web Services (AWS) Extensive search - Site list report

Purchase Order/Reference : Station Street

Client Service ID: 160078

adja SiteName Datum Zone Easting Northing Context Site Status SiteFeatures SiteTypes Reports

45-5-0747 RH 1 AGD 56 300480 6262100 Open site Valid Artefact: - Open Camp Site 1547

Contact Recorders Margrit Koettig Permits 1398

45-5-3698 Phillip Pwy GDA 56 300600 6262120 Open site Valid Artefact: -

Loa= Recorders Michael Guider Permits

Report generated by AHIMS Web Service on 14/01/2015 for Eloise Doyle for the following area at Lot: 2071, DP:DP792797 with a Buffer 01 200 meters. Additional Info : Environmental assessment for pruning and removal of trees.. Number of Aboriginal sites and Aboriginal objects found is 2 This information is not guaranteed to be free from error omission. Office of Environment and Heritage (NSW) and its employees disclaim liability for any act done or omission made on the information and consequences of such

acts or omission.

Page 1 of 1

talitO

GOVEF§MENT

Transport Roads & Maritime Services

2/04/2015

Alison Nash Environment Officer Level 11, 27-31 Argyle Street Parramatta NSW 2150

Dear Alison

Re: Preliminary assessment results for the Tree Maintenance at Station Street, Rooty Hill, based on Stage 1 of the Procedure for Aboriginal cultural heritage consultation and investigation (the procedure).

The project, as described in the Stage 1 assessment checklist, was assessed as being unlikely to have an impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage. The assessment is based on the following due diligence considerations:

• The project is unlikely to harm known Aboriginal objects or places. • The AHIMS search did not indicate any known Aboriginal objects or places in the

immediate study area. • The study area does not contain landscape features that indicate the presence of

Aboriginal objects, based on the Office of Environment and Heritage's Due diligence Code of Practice for the Protection of Aboriginal objects in NSW and the Roads and Maritime Services' procedure.

• The Aboriginal cultural heritage potential of the study area appears to be severely reduced due to past disturbance.

• There is an absence of sandstone rock outcrops likely to contain Aboriginal art.

Your project may proceed in accordance with the environmental impact assessment process, as relevant, and all other relevant approvals.

Please Note: If the scope of your project changes, you must contact me and your regional environmental staff to reassess any potential impacts on Aboriginal cultural heritage.

If any potential Aboriginal objects (including skeletal remains) are discovered during the course of the project, all works in the vicinity of the find must cease. Follow the steps outlined in the Roads and Maritime Services' Unexpected Archaeological Finds Procedure.

For further assistance in this matter do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Mark Lester Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Officer (ACHO) — Sydney Region

Australian Government

Department of the Environment

EPBC Act Protected Matters Report

This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other matters protected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected.

Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are contained in the caveat at the end of the report.

Information is available about Environment Assessments and the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process details.

Report created: 16/01/15 16:48:56

Summary Details

Matters of NES Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act Extra Information

Caveat Acknowledgements

This map may contain data which are ©Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), @PSMA 2010

Coordinates Buffer: 0.0Km

Summary

Matters of National Environmental Significance

This part of the report summarises the matters of national environmental significance that may occur in, or may relate to, the area you nominated. Further information is available in the detail part of the report, which can be accessed by scrolling or following the links below. If you are proposing to undertake an activity that may have a significant impact on one or more matters of national environmental significance then you should consider the Administrative Guidelines on Significance.

World Heritage Properties: None

National Heritage Places: None

Wetlands of International Importance: None

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: None

Commonwealth Marine Areas: None

Listed Threatened Ecological Communities: 1

Listed Threatened Species: 21

Listed Migratory Species: 11

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area you nominated. Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the environment on Commonwealth land, when the action is outside the Commonwealth land, or the environment anywhere when the action is taken on Commonwealth land. Approval may also be required for the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agencies proposing to take an action that is likely to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere.

The EPBC Act protects the environment on Commonwealth land, the environment from the actions taken on Commonwealth land, and the environment from actions taken by Commonwealth agencies. As heritage values of a place are part of the 'environment', these aspects of the EPBC Act protect the Commonwealth Heritage values of a Commonwealth Heritage place and the heritage values of a place on the Register of the National Estate.

This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area you nominated. Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the environment on Commonwealth land, when the action is outside the Commonwealth land, or the environment anywhere when the action is taken on Commonwealth land. Approval may also be required for the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agencies proposing to take an action that is likely to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere.

A permit may be required for activities in or on a Commonwealth area that may affect a member of a listed threatened species or ecological community, a member of a listed migratory species, whales and other cetaceans, or a member of a listed marine species.

Commonwealth Land: None

Commonwealth Heritage Places: None

Listed Marine Species: 13

Whales and Other Cetaceans: None

Critical Habitats: None

Commonwealth Reserves Terrestrial: None

Commonwealth Reserves Marine None

Extra Information

This part of the report provides information that may also be relevant to the area you have nominated.

Place on the RNE: None

State and Territory Reserves: None

Regional Forest Agreements: None

Invasive Species: 50

Nationally Important Wetlands: None

Key Ecological Features (Marine) None

Details

Matters of National Environmental Significance

Listed Threatened Ecological Communities j Resource Information 1 For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location data are used to produce indicative distribution maps.

Name Status Type of Presence Western Sydney Dry Rainforest and Moist Critically Endangered Community may occur Woodland on Shale within area

Listed Threatened Species I Resource Information] Name Status Type of Presence Birds

Endangered

Endangered

Endangered

Endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Vulnerable

Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater [82338]

Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern [1001]

Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot [744]

Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe [77037]

Fish Macquaria australasica Macquarie Perch [66632]

Prototroctes maraena Australian Grayling [26179]

Frogs Heleioporus australiacus Giant Burrowing Frog [1973]

Species or species habitat known to occur within area

Species or species habitat likely to occur within area

Species or species habitat may occur within area





Name Status Type of Presence Litoria aurea Green and Golden Bell Frog [1870] Vulnerable Species or species

habitat may occur within area

Mammals Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat, Large Pied Bat [183] Vulnerable Species or species

habitat likely to occur within area

Dasyurus maculatus nnaculatus (SE mainland population). Spot-tailed QuoII, Spotted-tail QuoII, Tiger QuoII Endangered (southeastern mainland population) [75184]

Phascolarctos cinereus (combined populations of Qld, NSW and the ACT) Koala (combined populations of Queensland, New Vulnerable South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) [85104] Pseudomys novaehollandiae New Holland Mouse, Pookila [96] Vulnerable

Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox [186] Vulnerable




Foraging, feeding or related behaviour known to occur within area

Endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Endangered

Endangered

Endangered

Vulnerable

Vulnerable

Plants Allocasuarina glareicola [21932]

Genoplesium baueri Yellow Gnat-orchid [7528]

Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora [4182]

Pimelea spicata Spiked Rice-flower [20834]

Pterostylis saxicola Sydney Plains Greenhood [64537]

Streblus pendulinus Siah's Backbone, Sia's Backbone, Isaac Wood [21618]

Thesium australe Austral Toadflax, Toadflax [15202]

Reptiles Hoplocephalus bungaroides Broad-headed Snake [1182]









_isted Migratory Species [ Resource Information] ' Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Migratory Marine Birds ALDUS pacificus Fork-tailed Swift [678]

Migratory Terrestrial Species Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle [943]

Threatened

Type of Presence


Species or species habitat likely to occur

Name Threatened Type of Presence within area

Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail [682]

Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater [670]

Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch [609]

Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher [612]

Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail [592]

Migratory Wetlands Species Ardea alba Great Egret, White Egret [59541]

Ardea ibis Cattle Egret [59542]

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe [863]

Rostratula benghalensis (sensu lato) Painted Snipe [889] Endangered*










Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act

Listed Marine Species 1 Resource Information 1 * Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. Name Threatened Type of Presence Birds APLIS pacificus Fork-tailed Swift [678]

Ardea alba Great Egret, White Egret [59541]

Ardea ibis Cattle Egret [59542]

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe [863]

Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle [943]

Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail [682]







Name Threatened Type of Presence within area

Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot [744] Endangered Species or species


Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater [670]

Monarcha nnelanopsis Black-faced Monarch [609]

Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher [612]

Pandion haliaetus Osprey [952]

Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail [592]






Rostratula benghalensis (sensu lato) Painted Snipe [889] Endangered* Species or species


Extra Information

Invasive Species

[ Resource Information 1

Weeds reported here are the 20 species of national significance (WoNS), along with other introduced plants that are considered by the States and Territories to pose a particularly significant threat to biodiversity. The following feral animals are reported: Goat, Red Fox, Cat, Rabbit, Pig, Water Buffalo and Cane Toad. Maps from Landscape Health Project, National Land and Water Resouces Audit, 2001.

Name Type of Presence

Birds Acridotheres tristis Common Myna, Indian Myna [387]

Alauda arvensis Skylark [656]

Anas platyrhynchos Mallard [974]

Carduelis carduelis European Goldfinch [403]




Status


Name Status Type of Presence Carduelis chloris European Greenfinch [404] Species or species

habitat likely to occur within area

Columba livia Rock Pigeon, Rock Dove, Domestic Pigeon [803]

Lonchura punctulata Nutmeg Mannikin [399]

Passer domesticus House Sparrow [405]

Passer montanus Eurasian Tree Sparrow [406]

Pycnonotus jocosus Red-whiskered Bulbul [631]

Streptopelia chinensis Spotted Turtle-Dove [780]

Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling [389]

Turdus merula Common Blackbird, Eurasian Blackbird [596]

Frogs RhineIla marina Cane Toad [83218]

Mammals Bos taurus Domestic Cattle [16]

Canis lupus fanniliaris Domestic Dog [82654]

Felis catus Cat, House Cat, Domestic Cat [19]

Lepus capensis Brown Hare [127]

Mus musculus House Mouse [120]

Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit, European Rabbit [128]

Rattus norvegicus Brown Rat, Norway Rat [83]

Rattus rattus Black Rat, Ship Rat [84]


















Name Status Type of Presence within area

Vulpes vulpes Red Fox, Fox [18]

Plants Alternanthera philoxeroides Alligator Weed [11620]

Anredera cordifolia Madeira Vine, Jalap, Lamb's-tail, Mignonette Vine, Anredera, Gulf Madeiravine, Heartleaf Madeiravine, Potato Vine [2643] Asparagus aethiopicus Asparagus Fern, Ground Asparagus, Basket Fern, Sprengi's Fern, Bushy Asparagus, Emerald Asparagus [62425] Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper, Bridal Veil Creeper, Smilax, Florist's Smilax, Smilax Asparagus [22473]

Asparagus plumosus Climbing Asparagus-fern [48993]

Cabomba caroliniana Cabomba, Fanwort, Carolina Watershield, Fish Grass, Washington Grass, Watershield, Carolina Fanwort, Common Cabomba [5171] Chrysanthemoides monilifera Bitou Bush, Boneseed [18983]

Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera Boneseed [16905]

Cytisus sPoparius Broom, English Broom, Scotch Broom, Common Broom, Scottish Broom, Spanish Broom [5934]

Dolichandra unguis-cati Cat's Claw Vine, Yellow Trumpet Vine, Cat's Claw Creeper, Funnel Creeper [85119]

Eichhornia crassipes Water Hyacinth, Water Orchid, Nile Lily [13466]

Genista nnonspessulana Montpellier Broom, Cape Broom, Canary Broom, Common Broom, French Broom, Soft Broom [20126] Genista sp. X Genista monspessulana Broom [67538]

Lantana camara Lantana, Common Lantana, Kamara Lantana, Large-leaf Lantana, Pink Flowered Lantana, Red Flowered Lantana, Red-Flowered Sage, White Sage, Wild Sage [10892] Lycium ferocissimum African Boxthorn, Boxthorn [19235]

Nassella neesiana Chilean Needle grass [67699]


















Nassella trichotoma Serrated Tussock, Yass River Tussock, Yass Species or species

Name Status Tussock, Nassella Tussock (NZ) [18884]

Opuntia SOD.

Prickly Pears [82753]

Pinus radiata Radiata Pine Monterey Pine, Insignis Pine, Wilding Pine [20780]

Protasparagus plumosus Climbing Asparagus-fern, Ferny Asparagus [11747]

Rubus fruticosus aggregate Blackberry, European Blackberry [68406]

Sagittaria platyphylla Delta Arrowhead, Arrowhead, Slender Arrowhead [68483]

Salix sop. except Sidabylonica. S.x calodendron & S.x reichardtii Willows except Weeping Willow, Pussy Willow and Sterile Pussy Willow [68497]

Salvinia molesta Salvinia, Giant Salvinia, Aquarium Watermoss, Kariba Weed [13665]

Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed, Madagascar Ragwort, Madagascar Groundsel [2624]

Ulex europaeus Gorse, Furze [7693]

Reptiles Hemidactylus frenatus Asian House Gecko [1708]

Type of Presence habitat likely to occur within area











Coordinates -33.76014 150.84453,-33.76014 150.84692,-33.76513 150.84692,-33.76513 150.84453, -33.76014 150.84453

Caveat The information presented in this report has been provided by a range of data sources as acknowledged at the end of the report.

This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant in determining obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It holds mapped locations of World Heritage and Register of National Estate properties, Wetlands of International Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory and marine species and listed threatened ecological communities. Mapping of Commonwealth land is not complete at this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at various resolutions.

Not all species listed under the EPBC Act have been mapped (see below) and therefore a report is a general guide only. Where available data supports mapping, the type of presence that can be determined from the data is indicated in general terms. People using this information in making a referral may need to consider the qualifications below and may need to seek and consider other information sources.

For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location data are used to produce indicative distribution maps.

For species where the distributions are well known, maps are digitised from sources such as recovery plans and detailed habitat studies. Where appropriate, core breeding, foraging and roosting areas are indicated under 'type of presence'. For species whose distributions are less well known, point locations are collated from government wildlife authorities, museums, and non-government organisations; bioclimatic distribution models are generated and these validated by experts. In some cases, the distribution maps are based solely on expert knowledge.

Only selected species covered by the following provisions of the EPBC Act have been mapped:

- migratory and

- marine

The following species and ecological communities have not been mapped and do not appear in reports produced from this database:

- threatened species listed as extinct or considered as vagrants

- some species and ecological communities that have only recently been listed

- some terrestrial species that overfly the Commonwealth marine area

- migratory species that are very widespread, vagrant, or only occur in small numbers

The following groups have been mapped, but may not cover the complete distribution of the species:

- non-threatened seabirds which have only been mapped for recorded breeding sites

- seals which have only been mapped for breeding sites near the Australian continent

Such breeding sites may be important for the protection of the Commonwealth Marine environment.

Acknowledgements This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The department acknowledges the following custodians who have contributed valuable data and advice:

-Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, New South Wales -Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria -Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania -Department of Environment and Natural Resources, South Australia -Parks and Wildlife Service NT, NT Dept of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts -Environmental and Resource Management, Queensland -Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia -Department of the Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water -Birds Australia -Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme -Australian National Wildlife Collection -Natural history museums of Australia -Museum Victoria -Australian Museum -SA Museum -Queensland Museum -Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums -Queensland Herbarium -National Herbarium of NSW -Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria -Tasmanian Herbarium -State Herbarium of South Australia -Northern Territory Herbarium -Western Australian Herbarium -Australian National Herbarium, Atherton and Canberra -University of New England -Ocean Biogeographic Information System -Australian Government. Department of Defence -State Forests of NSW -Geoscience Australia -CSIRO -Other groups and individuals

The Department is extremely grateful to the many organisations and individuals who provided expert advice and information on numerous draft distributions.

Please feel free to provide feedback via the Contact Us page.

© Commonwealth of Australia

Department of the Environment

GPO Box 787

Canberra ACT 2601 Australia

+61 2 6274 1111

Appendix D - Station Street Site Photographs

Site Photo 1 - Subject Tree 1 2

Site Photo 2 - Subject Trees 2-5 3

Site Photo 3 - Subject trees 2-5 4

Site Photo 4 - Subject tree 3 5


Site Photo 6 - Subject tree 5 trunk 7

Site Photo 7 - Subject tree 5 branches 8

Site Photo 8 - Subject tree 5 branches 9

Site Photo 9 - Subject trees 6 & 7 10

Site Photo 10 - Subject trees 6 & 7 canopy 11



Site Photo 13 - Subject trees 13 - 20 14





Site Photo 18 - Subject trees 26 and 27 19








Site Photo 1 - Subject Tree I

Site Photo 2 - Subject Trees 2-5

Site Photo 3 - Subject trees 2-5

Site Photo 4 - Subject tree 3

Site Photo 5- Subject tree 4

Site Photo 6- Subject tree 5 trunk

.e7 ;14 ••••42. •

•4̀C : •

1:7 .1* '

4

•

•5= 4.1

6 : •

Site Photo 7- Subject tree 5 branches

Site Photo 8- Subject tree 5 branches

Site Photo 9 - Subject trees 6 & 7

i

Site Photo 10- Subject trees 6 & 7 canopy

Site Photo 12- Subject trees 8-12

Site Photo 13 - Subject trees 13 - 20

Site Photo 18 - Subject trees 26 and 27

•

• ,14,

14.

."‘'.

11" - • 7'

-:#7ft,1111bg.trial114--


0111BERLAND '• t [(01.06Y

14 April 2015

Eloise Doyle

Environment & Landscapes Officer

Westlink Services Pty Limited

PO Box 238

Horsely Park, NSW 2175

ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR TREE MAINENANCE WORK

AT STATION STREET, ROOTY HILL

Dear Eloise,

Cumberland Ecology

PO Box 2474

Carlingford Court 2118

NSW Australia

Telephone (02) 9868 1933

Mobile 0425 333 466

Facsimile (02) 9868 1977

Email: [email protected]

Cumberland Ecology was engaged by Westlink Services Pty Limited to conduct an

ecological assessment to support a Minor Works Review of Environmental Factors

(REF) required for tree maintenance works along Station Street, Rooty Hill.

The findings of the ecological assessment are provided in the appendices of this

letter and include:

• Ecological assessment background, methodology, results and discussion

(Appendix A);

• Assessment of significance for the Critically Endangered Ecological

Community Cumberland Plain Woodland (Appendix B);

• List of recorded flora species (Appendix C); and

• Concept Arbor Consulting's Arboriculture Assessment (CAC 2014)

(Appendix D).

Yours sincerely

David Robertson

Director

david.robertsoncumberlandecolowcom.au

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY - 15039- LET2 14 APRIL 2015

alilIERLAND:.t NOSY

A.1 Background

Westlink Services is proposing to conduct tree maintenance works for a section of trees at

Station Street, Rooty Hill between the street and the noise wall, adjacent to the shared path

(hereby referred to as 'the subject site')(see Figure 1). An arborist assessment was undertaken

of the subject site in August 2014 by Concept Arbor Consulting (CAC 2014) which details the

works to be performed (Appendix D). The proposed works will result in the removal of 14 trees

and the pruning of dead wood of an additional 17 trees.

A Minor Works REF was submitted to Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) for the proposed

works outlined in the arborist assessment. RMS requested an ecological assessment be

included within a revised Minor Works REF. In response to RMS request, Westlink Services

engaged Cumberland Ecology to conduct an ecological assessment of the subject site to

determine the following:

• The vegetation present within the subject site and determine if it conforms to a

threatened ecological community (TEC) listed under the NSW Threatened Species

conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) and/or the Commonwealth Environment Protection

and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

• Any relevant impact assessments for any TEC's identified; and

• The presence of hollowing-bearing trees within the subject site and their suitability to

provide habitat for threatened fauna species.

A.2 Methodology

A.2.1 Desktop Assessment

Prior to the field survey, a desktop assessment was undertaken to determine if any threatened

species, populations and/or communities are known to occur from the locality. The desktop

assessments utilised the following databases:

• The Atlas of NSW Wildlife (OEH 2014);

Protected Matters Search Tool (DotE 2014); and

• NSW Vegetation Map Viewer (NSW Department of Land and Property Information

2015).

A.2.2 Field survey

An inspection of the subject site was undertaken on 8 April 2015 by a qualified botanist and an

ecologist. The inspection included a vegetation assessment and fauna habitat assessment as

outlined below.

i. Vegetation

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY - 5039- LET2 3 4 APRIL 2015

allIIERLAND :41 ECOLOGY

To determine the vegetation of the subject site, a qualified botanist undertook a random

meander of the entire site identifying all flora species present and photographs were taken to

record vegetation conditions. Due to the highly degraded nature of the site, flora plots were

deemed unnecessary.

Fauna Habitat

To determine whether any hollow-bearing trees were present, a qualified ecologist assessed all

trees within the subject site, identifying any suitable habitat for native fauna. Any suitable habitat

identified was recorded using a hand held Geographic Positioning System (GPS) unit, and its

details such as DBH, and number and size of hollows were recorded.

A.3 Results

A.3.1 Vegetation

The results of the site inspection found the vegetation of the subject site to be heavily disturbed

as it is bounded by the M7 and Station Street (Figure 1). The dominant canopy species

included Eucalyptus moluccana (Grey Box), Eucalyptus tereticomis (Forest Red Gum), and

Eucalyptus sideroxylon (Mugga Ironbark). The E. molucanna have the potential to be remnant

trees, however the E. tereticomis and E. sideroxylon are likely planted. A large percentage of

the canopy species are in poor health, likely due to psyllids (see section 4 in Appendix D).

The mid-storey of the subject site is comprised of the following small trees: E. tereticomis

(Forest Red Gum), E. sideroxylon (Mugga Ironbark), Casuarina glauca (Swamp Oak), Acacia

decurrens (Black Wattle) and Acacia binervata (Two-veined Hickory). The shrub layer appears

to be primarily planted as little variation in heights occurs within species. Common shrub

species found were Melaleuca styphelioides (Prickly-leaved Tea Tree), Lomandra longifolia

(Spiny-headed Mat-rush), and Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia (Sticky Hop-bush).

The ground layer of the subject site is heavily degraded and dominated by exotic species

including Bidens pilosa (Cobblers Pegs), Sida rhombifolia (Paddy's Lucerne), Chloris gayana

(Rhodes Grass), and Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass). A complete list of all flora identified

within the subject site is provided in Appendix C.

A.3.2 Fauna Habitat

The assessment of all trees within the subject site found four trees with the potential to provide

habitat for native fauna in the form of hollows or loose bark. Details of all habitat trees identified

are provided in Table 1. The location of these habitat trees is provided in Figure 1.

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY © - 15039 - LET2 4 14 APRIL 2015

CUMICI1M111'.1 ECOLOGY

Table 1 Habitat Tree Details

Tree Number Species DBH (cm) Habitat Features

35 Stag 35 3 small hollows

18 Eucalyptus moluccana 45 Loose Bark

7 Eucalyptus moluccana 55 2 small hollows

6 Eucalyptus moluccana 35 1 small hollow

*Note: Tree numbers are from CAC arboricultural assessment

A.4 Discuss ion

A.4.1 Ecological Communities of the Subject Site

The results of the site inspection found the vegetation of the site to be consistent with low

condition Cumberland Plain Woodland. The presence of E. tereticomis and E. moluccana are

indicative of Cumberland Plain Woodland as identified in the NSW Scientific Committee Final

Determination (2011). Additional species commonly found in Cumberland Plain Woodland such

as Acacia decurrens and Dichondra repens were also recorded within the subject site. All the

diagnostic Cumberland Plain Woodland species recorded on the subject site are identified in

Appendix C.

The low condition of this ecological community within the subject site is evidenced by its highly

degraded understorey and the likelihood that much of the mid-storey has been planted. While

the community present within the subject site conforms to a low condition version of

Cumberland Plain Woodland as listed under the TSC Act, the community does not conform to

the EPBC's listing of Cumberland Plain Woodland due to its' small size and lack of native

groundcover species.

A.4.2 Fauna Habitat within the Subject Site

The four trees identified as having potential to provide habitat for threatened species are most

likely to be suitable habitat for microchiropteran bats (microbats), as these trees offer only small

hollows and loose bark. These habitat characteristics are commonly utilised by micro bats,

including threatened species. Threatened bat species known to occur within 10 km of the

subject site include: Mormopterus norfolkensis (Eastern Freetail-bat), Falsistrellus tasmaniensis

(Eastern False Pipistrelle), Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis (Eastern Bentwing-bat), Myotis

macropus (Southern Myotis), and Scoteanax rueppeffii (Greater Broad-nosed Bat) OEH Atlas

Search (2015)

A.4.3 Impact Assessments

As the vegetation on the subject site conforms to the Critically Endangered Ecological

Community Cumberland Plain Woodland under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act


E(DLOGY

1995, an assessment of significance was undertaken for this ecological community (Appendix

B).

The conclusion of the assessment of significance is that the proposed works will not have a

significant impact on the Cumberland Plain Woodland within the subject site, or the locality. The

proposed works are removing only trees in poor condition with limited fauna habitat. Larger and

better condition areas of Cumberland Plain Woodland will be conserved within the Nurragingy

Reserve, located 1.2 km to the east (see Appendix B).

A.4.4 Recommendations

As potential habitat for micro-bats is present within the subject site, the following

recommendations should be applied to any habitat trees identified in Figure 1 that are to be

felled or pruned:

• A qualified ecologist is to be present on-site;

• The ecologist is to inspect all hollows and loose bark (aerially if possible) for any signs

of fauna prior to felling or pruning works;

• Trees to be removed are to be agitated prior to felling to promote fauna self-relocation;

and

• Captured fauna will be relocated within the subject site if suitable habitat is present. If

no suitable habitat is present, fauna will be relocated into similar habitat located within

Nurragingy Reserve, located 1.2 km to the east.

A.5 References

CAC (2014). Arboricultural Assessment: Station Street, Rooty Hill.

DotE (2014). EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool. Commonwealth Department of the Environment. Canberra.

NSW Department of Land and Property Information (2015). "Spatial Information Exchange Maps - Vegetation Map Viewer." 2015, from http://maps.six.nsw.qov.au/apps/channels 3.5/landinq/veqetation/veqetation.html.

OEH (2011). Cumberland Plain Woodland in the Sydney Basin Bioregion - critically endangered ecological community listing: NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

OEH (2014). "BioNet." 2014, from http://www.bionet.nsw.qov.au.

OEH (2015). "Atlas Search." from http://www.environment.nsw.qov.au/atlaspublicapp/Ul Modules/ATLAS /atlasreport.aspx.

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY 0- 15039- LET2 6 14 APRIL 2015

Coordinate System: MGA Zone 56 GDA 94)

1 I '

, t , • ,

Legend

7-1 Subject Site

0 Habitat Tree Location*

Note: Habitat Thee number's are taken from CAC Arbonattars Assessment 2014

Figure 1. Subject Site and Habitat Tree Locations

Image Source' Image 02015 Sinclair Knight Merl

(UMBERLAND ECOLOGY

.-/ •,

i . , .

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iI

;

6:

10 0 10 20 30 40m

alMIERLAND ',I MOO'

Appendix B

Assessment of Significance

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY @ - 15039- LET2 8 14 APRIL 2015

alkIERIAND

B.1 Cumberland Plain Woodland

Cumberland Plain Woodland is a Critically Endangered Ecological Community under the

Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and is addressed in this assessment of

significance. The community occurs on the Cumberland Plain on clay soils derived from

Wianamatta Group geology. Cumberland Plain Woodland is characterised by a canopy

dominated by E. moluccana and E. tereticomis, an open stratum of small trees, and an

understorey comprised of scattered shrubs and a diverse range of grasses (OEH 2011). The

presence of this community within the subject site is evidenced by the presence of both E.

tereticomis and E. moluccana. The understorey is highly degraded as it is dominated by exotic

species and lacks a diverse range of native grasses. Current threats to this community on the

Cumberland Plain include clearing for development, grazing, mowing, and weed invasion.

a) In the case of a threatened species, whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse

effect on the life cycle of the species such that a viable local population of the species is likely to

be placed at risk of extinction,

Not applicable

b) In the case of an endangered population, whether the action proposed is likely to have an

adverse effect on the life cycle of the species that constitutes the endangered population such

that a viable local population of the species is likely to be placed at risk of extinction,

Not applicable

c) In the case of an endangered ecological community or critically endangered ecological

community, whether the action proposed:

(i) is likely to have an adverse effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its

local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction, or

Assuming the proposed maintenance works will result in the removal of 14 trees as identified in

Section 5 of the Arboriculture Assessment, the proposed works would not have an adverse

effect on the extent of the ecological community such that its local occurrence would likely be

placed at risk of extinction. Although 14 trees are proposed to be removed, other trees and the

entire understorey will be retained, allowing for the community to persist in the locality.

(ii) is likely to substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological

community such that its local occurrence is likely to be placed at risk of extinction


Section 5 of the Arboriculture Assessment, the proposed works would not be likely to

substantially and adversely modify the composition of the ecological community such that its

local occurrence would likely be placed at risk of extinction. Although 14 trees are proposed to


CUMICILAND ECOLOGY

be removed, these trees are in poor condition, and trees and the entire understorey will be

retained, allowing for the community to persist in the locality.

d) In relation to the habitat of a threatened species, population or ecological community:

(0 the extent to which habitat is likely to be removed or modified as a result of the action

proposed, and


Section 5 of the Arboriculture Assessment, the proposed works will result in the removal of 14

trees. Additional modifications will occur to 17 trees not to be removed in the form of pruning

dead wood from branches.

(ii) whether an area of habitat is likely to become fragmented or isolated from other areas of

habitat as a result of the proposed action, and

The Cumberland Plain Woodland within the subject site is currently fragmented and isolated

from other areas of Cumberland Plain Woodland as it is bounded by the M7 and Station Street.

The proposed works would not further fragment or isolate the community.

iii) the importance of the habitat to be removed, modified, fragmented or isolated to the long-

term survival of the species, population or ecological community in the locality.

The removal of the 14 trees from the subject site is not important to the long-term survival of the

ecological community in the locality. Although 14 trees of the ecological community will be

removed, the healthiest trees are to be retained. Furthermore, a much larger and healthier area

of Cumberland Plain Woodland is located approximately 1.2 km east of the subject site within

the Nurragingy Reserve. The presence of this reserve will ensure the long-term survival of this

ecological community in the locality.

e) Whether the action proposed is likely to have an adverse effect on critical habitat (either

directly or indirectly),

No critical habitat.for this community has currently been identified by the Director-General of the

OEH

f) Whether the action proposed is consistent with the objectives or actions of a recovery plan or

threat abatement plans

Cumberland Plain Woodland is included in the Cumberland Plain Recovery Plan and the

relevant objectives are:

1. To build a protected area network, comprising public and private lands, focused on the priority conservation lands; and

2. To deliver best practice management for threatened species, populations and ecological communities across the Cumberland Plain, with a specific focus on the priority conservation lands and public lands where the primary management objectives are compatible with conservation.

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY © - 15039 - LET2 10 14 APRIL 2015

• 01111ERLAND E(01.06Y


Section 5 of the Arboriculture Assessment, the proposed works are consistent with the relevant

recovery plan objectives. Although 14 Cumberland Plain Woodland trees will be removed, the

trees being removed are individuals in poor health, with the most decorticating wood. The

removal of the aforementioned trees will not compromise the survival of any priority

conservation lands or reduce connectivity.

No threat abatement plan exists for Cumberland Plain Woodland.

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

Assuming the proposed maintenance works will result in the removal of 14 trees and the

pruning of an additional 17 trees, the following key threatening processes will occur:

• Clearing of native vegetation;

• Loss of hollow-bearing trees; and

• Removal of dead wood and dead trees.

Although three key threatening processes will occur as a result of the proposed works, they are

not deemed to be significant. The native vegetation to be cleared is in poor condition and the

better condition vegetation is to be retained. Hollow bearing trees and dead wood and trees will

be removed, but the hollows present are small in size and experience high levels of disturbance

due to the adjacent traffic. Additionally, the habitat is a small isolated fragment not connected to

other vegetation, therefore limiting its habitat value.

Conclusion

The proposed maintenance works will result in the removal of 14 trees and the pruning of an

additional 17 trees. This removal of vegetation within the low condition Cumberland Plain

Woodland on the subject site is not important to the long-term survival of this ecological

community in the locality. The Cumberland Plain Woodland within the subject site is highly

disturbed and degraded being bounded by a major motorway (M7) and Station Street. The

result of the proposed works will allow for Cumberland Plain Woodland to remain on-site and

will not adversely impact its long-term survival within the subject site. Furthermore, a larger and

better condition area of Cumberland Plain Woodland will be conserved within Nurragingy

Reserve, located —1.2 km to the east. The proposed works will not have a significant impact on

Cumberland Plain Woodland within the locality.


• • 01111E1LAND '•1 ECOLOGY

Appendix C

Flora List

CUMBEPLA ND ECOLOGY - 15039- LET2 12 14 APRIL 2015

• 0.1111ERLAND ECM

Table 2 Flora list

Characteristic

Exotic/non Cumberland Plain

Form Species -endemic Woodland Species

Trees Eucalyptus moluccana Yes

Trees Eucalyptus sideroxylon

Trees Eucalyptus tereticomis Yes

Small Trees Acacia binervata

Small Trees Acacia decurrens Yes

Small Trees Casuarina glauca

Small Trees Eucalyptus sideroxylon

Small Trees Eucalyptus tereticomis Yes

Shrubs Acacia binervata

Shrubs Chenopodium album

Dodonaea viscosa subsp.

Shrubs angustifolia

Shrubs Lomandra longifolia

Shrubs Melaleuca styphelioides

0/ea europaea subsp.

Shrubs cuspidata

Dicots Altemanthera pun gens

Dicots Atriplex semibaccata

Dicots Bidens pilosa

Dicots Bidens subaltemans

Dicots Bryophyllum delagoense

Dicots Dichondra repens Yes

Dicots Einadia nutans Yes

Dicots Einadia polygonoides Yes

Dicots Einadia trigonos Yes

Dicots Lepidium africanum

Dicots Malva parviflora

Dicots Modiola caroliniana

Dicots Plantago lanceolata

Dicots Portulaca oleracea

Dicots Senecio madagascariensis

Dicots Sida rhombifolia


014IERLAND ECOLOGY

Table 2 Flora list

Characteristic

Exotic/non Cumberland Plain

Form Species -endemic Woodland Species

D i cots

D i cots

Dicots

Monocots (grasses)

Monocots (grasses)

Monocots (grasses)

Monocots (grasses)

Monocots (grasses)

Monocots (grasses)

Monocots (grasses)

Monocots (grasses)

Monocots (grasses)

Monocots (grasses)

Monocots (grasses)

Monocots (grasses)

Monocots (other)

Monocots (other)

Climbers

Climbers

Climbers

Climbers

Climbers

Sonchus asper

Verbena officinalis

Vittadinia cuneata

Bromus catharticus

Chloris gayana

Cynodon dactylon

Digitaria sanguinalis

Ehrharta erecta

Era grostis curvula

Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha

Panicum maximum

Paspalum dilatatum

Pennisetum clandestinum

Setaria parviflora

Sporobolus africanus

Commelina cyanea

Cyperus grad/is

Anredera cordifolia

Araujia sericifera

Con volvulus erubescens

Glycine microphylla

1pomoea id/ca

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes


CUNIERLAND ''.1 ECOLOGY

1

Appendix D

Arboricultural Assessment

CUMBERLAND ECOLOGY 0 - 15039- LET2 15 14 APRIL 2015

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