GMC ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING HW10 Pacific Highway … · 2017/18 Annual Inspection Report WBKR Project GMC ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING HW10 Pacific Highway Upgrade, Woolgoolga to Ballina

2017/18 Annual Inspection Report WBKR Project

GMC ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING HW10 Pacific Highway Upgrade, Woolgoolga to Ballina – Koala Revegetation, Section 10 2017/18 Annual Inspection Report

Version: Version 1.2 Released: 22 January 2019 Document Owner: Guy Corbett Review Date: Nil


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Contents

1. Revegetation Inspection Report Details 3 2. 2017-18 Project Revegetation Planting 5

2.1 Project plant source 5

2.2 Project Revegetation Planting 6

3. Annual Inspection - Observations 9 4. Project Weed Issues 10

4.1 Project Weed Species 10

4.2 Project Weed Control Strategies Utilised Post-Planting to June 2018 10

5. 2017-18 Maintenance Activities 12 5.1 Replanting 12

5.2 Weed Control 12

5.3 Wallaby Grazing Control 12

6. Upcoming Works – 2018-19 13 7. Appendix 1. 2018 Annual Inspection Record Sheets 14 8. Appendix 2 – Project Weed Species 15 9. Document Control 24


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1. Revegetation Inspection Report Details Site Revegetation Inspection -

o Completed By:

Guy Corbett – Bach.App.Sci. (Resource Management) & Grad.Dip. (Catchment Management) – Director GMC Environmental Consulting PTY LTD

o Inspection Dates:

17 – 22 May 2018

o Aim:

Koala Revegetation Monitoring -

The koala revegetation monitoring was generally undertaken as per the Ballina Koala Revegetation Strategy and Koala Management Plan, specifically section 8.6 Monitoring.

The BKRSKMP asked for monitoring of the success of the revegetation to occur across all field sites monitoring one plot per two hectares of revegetation on each occasion. Monitoring should occur at the same month each year. Each site should be marked with a star picket and flagging tape and the location should also be recorded with a GPS. Annual monitoring should occur at each site from year 1, where the following variables are recorded within a 50 x 20 m (0.1 ha) quadrat . Annual monitoring will occur at each site where the following variables are recorded:

· Density of Koala food trees and shelter trees, their average height and number of visible dead stems.

· Presence and dominance of any environmental weeds, including exotic grasses.

· Presence and condition of Acacia cover-crop, if planted.

· One photo taken at the star picket, facing south (on a 1800 degree bearing).

These observations will identify if any large infestations of environmental weeds are occurring and their location, if any large-scale plant deaths have occurred and if any other environmental issues are developing, such as sheet or gully erosion.

The survey method utilised for this report was undertaken as per the BKRSKMP except that the observations where increased to cover 100% of each revegetation area (in most instances) rather than a plot every 2 hectares of 0.1ha. This was undertaken by the surveyor to provide a more complete picture of the revegetation works progress across all planting sites completed to date.

Timing - Annual monitoring of the success of the plantings will occur at each site. Monitoring will occur at the same month each year. The monitoring should continue for at least five years, and/ or until plantings across 90% of plots have an average height of eight metres (unless otherwise agreed with the EPA). Inspection Sheets –

Completed 2018 Project Site Revegetation Inspection Forms are provided in Appendix 1 of this report.


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Site Revegetation Inspection Report - o Completed by:

Guy Corbett with assistance by Darren Linton (Agronomist).

o Date:

13 June 2018

o Aim:

The results of the annual field surveys to be summarised in an annual report provided within two months of the completion of the field surveys. The monitoring should continue for at least five years, and/ or until plantings across 90% of plots have an average height of eight metres.


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2. 2017-18 Project Revegetation Planting

2.1 Project plant source

Seed collection All seed was collected by Mullum Creek Native Nursery.

Eucalyptus robusta, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus Seeana, Eucalyptus resinifera, and Melaleuca quinquenervia seed was collected around Meerschaum Vale along Wardell Road, Old Bagotville Road, Bogotville Road, and around Wardell along Lumleys Lane, River Drive and around Pimlico along Pimlico Road. This seed was collected from 2010 and stored at the Mullum Creek Nursery. Further project seed was collected from June 2016 onwards to add to the existing seed.

Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus microcory’s and Allocasuarina torulosa was collected from June 2016 onwards for the project. These were collected from the Bagotville/Wardell area at the same locations as above.

A. melanoxylon, A. irrorata and A. fimbriata seed was collected from June 2016 in the Brunswick Heads/Tweed area.

Figure 1. Project seed processing – Mullum Creek Nursery

Project Plant Supply Nursery All project plants were propagated, grown and sourced from Mullum Creek Nursery – 110 Yankee Creek Rd Mullumbimby NSW.


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Figure 2. Project plant propagation

Figure 3. Project plants sun hardening

2.2 Project Revegetation Planting

The project revegetation planting was undertaken from March 2017 through to October 2017. The total area planted was 113 hectares with around 79,000 trees planted as summarised in Table 1. Tree species and numbers of trees planted (not including replanting activities) is summarised in Table 2. The planting areas are illustrated in Figures 4 to 6.

It should be noted that while generally the original planting program was followed, because of the identification of Hairy Joint Grass species in some of the planting areas, some planned revegetation planting was not undertaken. The main areas affected by Hairy Joint Grass presence is in Planting Areas 16, 17.1, and 18.2-4.


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Table 1. Project 2017 Revegetation Planting and Hectares Planted

Koala Food Trees Cover Crop Area

Planted to Date 72,171 6,958 113 Ha

Expected Planting Remaining 11,125 890 18 Ha

Total at Completion 83,296 7,848 131 Ha

Quantity Required under KMP 81,250 6,500 130 Ha

Table 2. Project 2017 Revegetation Species Planted to Date

Project Planted Species Number Planted

Eucalyptus robusta 20,861

Melaleuca quinquenervia 3,911

Eucalyptus tereeticornis 19,891

Eucalyptus seeana 139

Eucalyptus resinifera 3,306

Eucalyptus grandis 2,868

Eucalyptus microcorys 17,980

Allocasuarina torulosa 3,215

Acacia irrorata 3,559

Acacia fimbriata 3,050

Acacia melanoxylon 349

Number of trees (not including replanting activities)

79,129


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Figures 2-4. Project 2017 Revegetation Planting Areas and Identification

Planting Areas along Thurgates Lane, Wardell

Planting Areas along Lumleys Lane Wardell


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Planting Areas around Bagotville

3. Annual Inspection - Observations As detailed in Section 1 of this report, an annual inspection of all the project revegetation planting areas was undertaken. As part of this inspection, an inspection record and site photo were recorded for each planting area. These inspection records are provided in Appendix 1 of this report.

A summary of the main observations from these inspections are discussed below:

Plant Survival and Growth Generally, plant survival across the whole project has been very good. The trees across most planting sites are growing very well with average heights ranging between 0.8m to 2m. Observation during the annual inspection indicated there is a small amount of replacement planting required and the planned undertaking of these works is detailed in Section 6 of this report. Some of the best growth areas include Planting Areas 6-8, 10-15, and 19.

Overall there has been approximately 5% project replanting due to natural causes and a further 8% replanting due to external pressures outside of the control of the project. Section 5.1 of this report details replanting activities that have been undertaken to date.

The annual inspection identified only one planting area where the assessor believed the site has failed (50% survival). This site is Planting Area 16.6. This site is a very steep rocky area where both ground preparation and maintenance activities are difficult. This area has issues with a lack of top soil (i.e. a lot of sub-surface rock) and heavy fleabane weed growth. This area is planned to be replanted in Spring 2018 after weed control activities.

The main issues identified site wide from the annual inspection that were observed to affect plant survival and growth included low area soil saturation, weed competition and site access constraints.

Soil Saturation Soil saturation was observed to be a key feature in regard to plant growth and some species survival. A large portion of the project revegetation area is located in low lying areas that are subject to prolonged soil inundation/saturation. In these areas, project wide, it was observed that acacia survival was non-existent to below average. The acacia cover crop did not respond well to these wet soil conditions. Some eucalypts and Forest Oak also did not grow or survive well within these conditions or took a longer period


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of time to adjust. In planting areas with even a slight elevation that allowed soil drainage, the affected species especially the acacias are doing significantly better and demonstrated strong growth and survival.

Weed Competition The BKRSKMP asks that where woody weeds are present, weeds should be reduced to a density of less than 5% across the revegetation site, while exotic grasses should not be visibly affecting the growth of tube-stock. Weed competition is discussed fully in Section 4 of this report, but generally, weed competition has been an issue in regard to plant growth in some planting areas but constant herbicide spraying, slashing and row mowing now has weeds under control.

Without mulch suppression, project weed control activities have centred on mowing, brush cutting and chemical weed control. The type of weed control has changed a number of times over the last 12 months as the project weed composition has changed and as the planted trees have grown.

Chemical and physical weed control across the sites is now starting to effectively reduce weed competition which has resulted in a noticeable increase in plant growth across all sites. Continued weed control is critical for the next 12 months and details on achieving this is detailed in Section 5 of this report.

Access Issues Access into some planting sites for maintenance activities because of road works has been an issue. The main areas of issue are –

§ Planting areas 13.1-3

§ Planting Area 3-4

§ Planting Areas 1-2.

GMC is liasoning effectively with Lendlease in regard to physical access to these sites, but roadbuilding activities have for a number of months locked out these areas to maintenance. Recently Planting Areas 13.1-3 and 1-2 have had access points installed. Planting Area 3-4 access is being worked through with Lendlease at present.

4. Project Weed Issues

4.1 Project Weed Species

The mid-North Coast climate is very suitable for the growth of competitive weed and grass species especially in disturbed or cultivated soils. Over the last 12 months since project ground preparation and tree planting, the planting areas have experienced a high amount of weed competition from an evolving weed/grass species composition as is detailed in Section 3.2 of this report.

A summary and photographic record of the main competitive weed / grass species the project has being managing is provided in Appendix 2.

4.2 Project Weed Control Strategies Utilised Post-Planting to June 2018

At Project inception its was planned to mulch each tree with project site won-mulch. Prior to revegetation works it was identified that the proposed mulch would not be available. To manage post planting weed issues, GMC and Pacific Complete agreed to a revised maintenance weed strategy involving post planting weed maintenance consisting of hand spraying and increased site mowing/slashing.

To this end GMC has continually modified its weed control activities to suit the revegetation growth and weed species and burden. A summary of the weed control methodologies adopted for the project since post-planting includes:

• Initial weed control post planting – o Type - Tractor slashing between rows and selective brush cutting around planted seedlings

o Focus – General weed and grass control especially sugar cane

o Issues –


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Tractor slashing was and continues to be effective in grass and weed control between planting rows but is ineffective in getting close enough to planted seedlings to control weed and grass growth around the planted seedling.

Brush cutting is a very slow and manual task with the continual risk of physically damaging the planted seedling. Brush cutting proved to be fairly ineffective based on the large planted areas across the project and the fast weed/grass growth that occurs on the Mid-North Coast.

• Initial Chemical Control – o Type – Chemical over-spray

o Focus – General weed and grass control especially sugar cane

o Chemical –

§ Verdict 500 – Active Ingredient: Haloxyfop – Target: Grasses

§ Lontrel Advanced – Active Ingredient: Clopyralid – Target: Broadleaf Weeds

o Method/Issues –

GMC in association with a local agronomist undertook a comprehensive literature review of chemicals capable of safely being over-sprayed on planted native seedlings. GMC then undertook limited over-spraying trial prior to full scale over-spraying across the whole project.

The two chemicals selected were compatible to being over-sprayed as a mixture. The mix was - Lontrel, aimed at broadleaf weeds – Flea Bane, Cobblers Peg, Knotweed and Ragwort and Verdict, aimed at grasses – Sugar Cane and Pasture Grasses.

Initially the combined over-spraying was very effective in controlling identified grasses and broadleaf weeds but over time the weed mix within the planting rows changed to Purple Tops, Wire Weed, Pig Weed, Cotton Bush, Blue Billy Goat, Waxweed, Sedge and Setaria Grass. The Lontrel/Verdict spray over-spraying was found to be generally ineffective against this changed weed/grass composition.

• Row Spraying Chemical Control – o Type – Chemical row spraying around planted trees

o Focus – Changed weed and grass species

o Chemical – Basta - Active Ingredient: Glufosinate Ammonium – Target: Non-Selective Grasses/Weeds

o Methods/Issues –

Again, GMC in association with a local agronomist undertook a comprehensive literature review of the use of Basta spray around native plants and then undertook a limited row spraying trial prior to full scale row spraying across the whole project.

Basta spraying has proved very effective in controlling the changed weed mix that the Project experienced in early 2018. Basta works by killing plants on leaf contact rather than killing the plant by taking up the chemically internally such as Roundup (Glyphosate).

As such the spraying process with Basta was manually spraying around each planted tree as well as row spraying between each tree.

• Row Mowing & Row Spraying Chemical Control – o Type – Row mowing (Razorback Mower) & Chemical row spraying around planted trees

o Chemical – Basta - Active Ingredient: Glufosinate Ammonium – Target: Non-Selective Grasses/Weeds

o Methods/Issues –


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Utilising the Razorback mower to remove weeds/grasses around trees and then Basta spraying around trees and along rows two weeks later. This process allows better Basta application closer to the planted trees.

5. 2017-18 Maintenance Activities

5.1 Replanting

Replanting activities have been on-going since project planting commenced. Replanting has occurred because of –

Natural causes – weed completion, saturated ground, inappropriate species planting and general losses

External Pressures – Cattle grazing, floods and bush fire.

Natural Cause Replanting:

The Project has been undertaking natural cause plant replacement on a monthly basis. To date approximately 4,500 plants have been replanted which is about 5.6% replacement. The main reasons for replacement have been weed completion, saturated soils and species selection.

Weed Competition:

Weed competition is discussed in Section 3 of this report.

Saturated Soils:

The Project area is generally in lower slope areas and in 2017-18 have been subject to prolonged saturated soils. Some tree species have responded well to these conditions - E. robust & M. quinquenervia, and some responding well with time – E. tereeticornis, but some species especially the acacias have not responded well to poorly drained saturated soils but have done well in elevated slopes.

Species Selection:

The main species suffering from poor site selection is Allocasuarina torulosa – Forest Oak. Forest Oak is generally an upper slope species. This species was planted in most of the lower slope areas of the project and the plant species has not survived well in these lower saturated soil situations

External Pressure Replanting:

The Project has been undertaking external pressure plant replacement as required. To date approximately 6,500 plants have been replanted which is about 8% replacement. The main areas for replacement have included:

§ Planting Areas 1 & 2 – Bushfire

§ Planting Areas 6 – 8 – Cattle Grazing

§ Planting Areas 10.1 & 11.1 – Cattle Grazing

§ Planting Areas 13.1-3 – Cattle Grazing

§ Planting Areas 19 -21 – Flooding

5.2 Weed Control

Project weed control issues and controls is detailed in Section 3 of this Report.

5.3 Wallaby Grazing Control

Project wallaby grazing control has been managed utilising either wallaby fencing or application of grazing management control – Sentree.


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Wallaby Fence Generally, there has been little maintenance requirements on the installed 22km of wallaby fence. The main issues have been the replacement of removed fencing by Lendlease in PA13.1-3 and the continual weed and grass growth control at the base of the fences. Weed and grass control has consisted of continual Glyphosate spraying under fence lines.

Sentree Sentree is a commercial grazing control product applied to planted trees. Sentree was applied to trees planted outside of wallaby fence protected areas.

Maintenance activities have consisted of regular re-application of Sentree after heavy rain fall events in the first 6 months after tree planting. Sentree reapplication was not continued after 6 months as the plants reached a size that wallaby grazing was not observed to be an issue.

6. Upcoming Works – 2018-19 Project upcoming works for 2018-19 include continued project maintenance activities, replanting and finalisation of replanting works.

Maintenance Activities Continued weed /grass control will continue as detailed in Section 3 of this report. GMC has a full-time site team undertaking these maintenance works.

Replacement Tree Replanting From the annual inspection, additional tree replacement has been planned to occur in the spring months of 2018. Replacement details are documented in the planting area inspection sheets provided in Appendix 1.

Final Project Replanting Requirements As detailed in Section 2 of this report, of the planned 130 hectares to be revegetated as part of this project only 113 hectares was available for planting. RMS is currently finalising the availability and planning for an additional 18 hectares of land to complete the remaining planting works. It is expected that this additional planting area will be available for planting mid 2019.


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7. Appendix 1. 2018 Annual Inspection Record Sheets


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8. Appendix 2 – Project Weed Species

Biden pilosa (Farmer’s Friend) (Cobblers Peg)

Conyza albida (Fleabane)


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Sida rhombifolia (Paddy’s Lucerne)

Verbena bonariensis (Purpletops)


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Keinus communis (Castor Oil Plant)

Baccharis halimifolia (Groundsel Bush)

Trifolium repens (White Clover)


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Cassia bicapsularis (Butterfly Bush)

Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion)

Polygonum aviculare (Wire Weed)


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Portulaca oleracea (Pigweed)

Persicaria capitata (Knotweed)

Hypochoeris radicata (Catsear)


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Gomplocarpus fruticosa (Cotton Bush)

Ageratum houstonianum (Blue Billy Goat weed)


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Jacobaea vulgaris (Ragwort)

Senecio madagascariensis (Fire weed)


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Tradescantia fluminensis (Wondering Jew)

Cuphea carthagensis (Colombian wax weed)

Cyperus polystachyos (Bunchy Sedge)


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Phragmites spp (Reeds)

Setaria sphacelate (Setaria)

Ludwigia octovalvis - (Willow Primrose)


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9. Document Control

Author (To whom any changes are to be recommended) Project Systems Supervisor Guy Corbett

Stakeholders and other contributors Project Director Guy Corbett

Reviewed by Project Director Guy Corbett 2/7/18

Client - RMS Simon Wilson / Scott Lawrence 6/9/18

Client – RMS/PC Matt Allen / Simon Wilson 21/1/19

Approved by Project Director Guy Corbett 2/7/18

History

Date Author Version Nature of change

29/10/18 Guy Corbett 1.1 Edits as per client review

22/1/19 Guy Corbett 1.2 Final client review

Related documents

Title Review Date

Review Requirements

Nil.

Controlled document location

WBKR Project QA System

This document is an GMC Key Document

WBKR QA Form – Annual Inspection Report -

GMC-QA-Form-02 Released on April 2018 - Version 1.0

Once printed, this is an uncontrolled document unless issued and stamped Controlled Copy. Page 1 of 25

Site 1

Planting Area: GPS Location: Quadrant Area: Planting Date: Date:

Density of Trees: Average Tree Height:

No. of Visible Dead Stems:

Environmental Weeds:

Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 2





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

19.1 -28.55.651S/153.27.265E 4hec 23/3/17 17 May 2018

1/16m2 1.2m 0

Nil at present - good weed control via spraying

Acacia very sparse - not good survival

Good tree growth following good weed control. Tree replacement has been on-going since planting.

Very healthy looking trees especially Tallowood and Swamp Mahogany.

19.2 -28.55.910S/153.27.359E 2 hec 24/3/17 17 May 2018

1/16m2 0.8m 1

Not much weed completion now after spraying. Some Verbena and Cyperus.

Very low survival

Better tree growth over last 2 months following Glufosinate-ammonium weed spraying. Weed completion greatly reduced. Still some Verbena and remnant of Cyperus. Trees have been replaced as required so some trees quite smaller than others but all there.




Site 3





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 4





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

19.3

Trees very healthy but continued presence of sugar cane and other weeds. No obvious dead stems but some replacement planting required

-28.55.873S/153.27.418E 0.3hec 24/3/17 17 May 2017

1/16m2 0.8m 0

Little bit of sugar cane and Conyza but Glufosinate-ammonium spray working well keeping weeds from trees

Very poor survival

19.5 4.5 hec 17/3/17 17 May 2017

1/16m2 1.0m 0

Some areas with heavy sugar cane, Conyza, Verbena and Cyperus. Glufosinate-ammonium spray around trees only - needs to be redone as row spraying to get better weed control

Very poor survival

Very good tree growth even with previous heavy weed burden during the year. Weed spraying is now providing good weed control but further spraying required.No obvious dead stems but some missing trees that need replacing.




Site 5





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 6





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

19.6 -28.55.958S/153.27.585E 2.7 21/3/17 17 May 2018

1/16/m2 1.3m 0

Main weed issue is Cuphea, Cyperus, Gomplocarpus, Conyza and a bit Tradescantia

Very average acacia survival

Very healthy tree growth especially in higher rise areas. Trees in lower/inundated areas are slower growing and not as robust as higher areas.

Tree replacement during the year has been successful with no additional replacement required

20.1 28.55.57S/153.27.35E 1.5 hec 28/3/17 17 May 2018

1/16/m2 1.1m 0

Very good weed control after wiper snipping and Glufosinate-ammonium spraying over last 2 months. Prior to this the site was battling sugar cane, Conyza & Cyperus.

Very average survival

This area now growing really well after heavy weed control to reduce competition. Good survival and replanting has no obvious missing plants. Good paper bark growth.




Site 7





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 8





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

21.1 28.55.55S/153.27.13E 3 hec 29/3/17 17 May 2018

1/16/m2 1.1m 3

Mainly Cyperus with Verbena, Cuphea and grasses. Some Macfadyena also appearing in places.

Some survived but generally very poor survival rate

Very healthy trees growing a lot better now after continual Glufosinate-ammonium spraying. Plants on rises growing a lot stronger than those in low areas which continually have wet roots. Some replacements required after last Glufosinate-ammonium spray - about 10-20 plants

21.3 28.56.1S/153.27.4E 3hec 28/4/17 17 May 2017

1/16/m2 0.9m 0

Cyperus and Tradescantia. Area has been mown and HALOXYFOP/CLOPYRALID sprayed but no Glufosinate-ammonium spray. Heavy weed burden but plants that have survived are coming up through weed mat well.

Very poor

This area is continually wet.and boggy restricting maintenance access. As such no Glufosinate-ammonium spray has occurred which has left heavy weed burden. Plants that have survived are starting to come though weed mat nicely but maintenance activities are required when access is possible. Plant survival in this area is about 70% only as replanting activities difficult with continual wet ground




Site 9





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 10





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

11.8 28.55.40S/153.26.47E 1 hec 4/4/17 17 May 2018

1/m2 1m 0

Cyperus, Cuphea & Verbena but being controlled well - last month had Glufosinate-ammonium spray

Excellent survival in higher areas but poorer growth in lower inundated zones

At start this area had extensive weed issues which has slowed tree growth. Continual maintenance mowing and spraying is now getting on top of this issue.

While no obvious dead stems there is some replacement planting required especially in low areas - 20-30 plants

11.7 28.55.41S/153.26.47E 1.1 hec 10/4/17 17 May 2018

1/4m2 1.0m 0

Weed control very good with no real problem areas at present

Very good survival and growth at higher areas out of inundation

Good weed suppression now and good plant growth especially in higher areas




Site 11





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 12





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

14.2 28.55.47S/153.26.46E 1.4 hec 6/4/17 18 May 2018

1/16/m2 1.2m 0

Phragmites & Cuphea but good weed control has resulted in low weed issues

Good acacia survival in elevated areas but poor survival in lower wet areas

Good weed control has resulted in good strong trees in higher areas, but trees in lower inundated areas are slower growing but they are still present. Very low amount of replanting required - 15-20 plants. No Glufosinate-ammonium spraying occurred as yet, but this should take care of Cuphea ground cover under trees.

14.1 28.55.50S/153.26.46E 2 hec 6/4/17 18 May 2017

1/16/m2 1.2m 0

Only weed issue is Cuphea. Upcoming Glufosinate-ammonium spray will control this weed ground cover.

Very poor survival as planting area in lower ground and constantly inundated

Very healthy tree growth with little or no need for replanting. Very low weed issues. Area in low wet area.




Site 13





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 14





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

14.4 28.55.50S/153.26.46E 0.6 hec 7/4/17 18 May 2018

1/16/m2 1.0m 0

Cyperus, Cuphea, Verbena, Hypochoeris

Average acacia survival in higher areas but not in lower areas

Good tree growth and average weed suppression. No Glufosinate-ammonium spray as yet and the weeds identified in area will be well controlled with this upcoming spray. Very low to nil plant replacements required

14.3 28.55.49S/153.26.50E 0.9 hec 7/4/17 18 May 2018

1/16/m2 1.2m 0

Cuphea, Conyza and grasses

No acacias as area very wet and continually inundated

Excellent plant growth and survival - very few missing trees. Weed control good but no Glufosinate-ammonium spray as yet which will take out current weed ground cover.




Site 15





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 16





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

15.1 28.55.50S/153.26.49E 1 hec 7/4/17 18 May 2018

1/16/m2 1.0m 0

Baccharis, Jacobea, Hypochoeris, Conyza, Verbena and some sugar cane

Good acacia survival - Area is in higher ground

Good survival but tree replacement required - 50-60 as heavy weed burden in places. No Glufosinate-ammonium spray as yet which will take care of current weed issues in this area. Trees look strong where they are above weed burden.

13.5 28.55.51E/153.26.38S 1.2 hec 5/10/17 18 May 2018

1/16/m2 1.2m 0

Cuphea, Tradescantia, Gomplocarpus, - very heavy weed burden in places - a lot of Gomplocarpus

Average acacia survival - heavy weed burden

Very good tree growth and survival where trees have got above weed burden. Good growth especially in higher ground - trees up to 2.5m.

Heavy weed/grass burden has made it difficult for tree growth. Replanting will be required - probably 10-15%.




Site 17





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 18





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

13.4 28.55.53S/153.26.45E 5.1 hec 5/10/17 18 May 2018

1/16/m2 0.6m 0

Heavy weed burden of Tradescantia, Gomplocarpus, Cuphea & grasses

Very poor survival due to very wet ground and continual soaked soil.

Very heavy weed burden and very continually wet soils. Large issue with Gomplocarpus and Cuphea and grasses. Fairly good survival rate but probably a 20% replacement required. Has not had a Glufosinate-ammonium spray which should take out most of the weed burden but probably needs 2/3 sprays.

11.6 28.55.38S/153.26.35E 1.5 hec 10/4/17 18 May 2018

1/16/m2 1.4m 0

Good weed control - Cyperus main remaining issue.

Excellent acacia survival and growth on higher areas but less in wetter areas

Very good tree growth and survival especially on higher slopes. Areas in lower wetter areas trees are growing but are about half the size of higher slopes. Inundation/wet feet is a major factor in plant growth. Good weed control now with good results from Glufosinate-ammonium spraying.




Site 19





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 20





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

11.3 28.55.38S/153.26.35E 3.8 hec 4/4/17 18May 2018

1/16/m2 1.3m 0

Good weed control but have had issue with Conyza, Hypochoeris, and grasses.

Very good survival and growth in higher areas and less so in lower areas

Good growth in higher ground. Very small losses and no replanting required . Area dries out quicker than other sites and weed control is still on-going. Recent Glufosinate-ammonium spray is now controlling weed burden around trees.

10.3/4, 11.4 28.55.43S/153.26.25E 3 hec 5/4/17 18 May 2018

1/16/m2 1.5m 0

Sugar cane and Conyza have been issues but with recent Glufosinate-ammonium spray are now under control - good weed suppression at present.

Very good survival and growth - acacias up to 2.5 m

Very good survival and excellent growth with some trees up to 2.5m tall. Weed control very good with main issue being sugar cane re-growth which is under control with Glufosinate-ammonium spraying




Site 21





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 22





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

10.5 - 11.5 28.55.47S/153.26.35E 0.5 hec 5/4/17 18 May 2018

1/16/m2 1.2m 1

Main weeds are Cyperus but generally good weed control at present

Good acacia survival and growth as planting is on a slope

Good tree growth and survival. Only small amount of replanting required - 10-15 plants

12.1 28.55.56S/153.26.46E 0.4 hec 18/10/17 18 May 2018

1/16/m2 0.5m 0

Heavy grass - Setaria that is still causing issue to plant growth and survival - needs follow up Glufosinate-ammonium spray ASAP

Average acacia growth and survival which matches eucalyptus species

Major issues with Setaria Grass which is causing issues with survival and growth. The issue being that Setaria Grass is more resistant to sprays but continual maintenance will control weed burden. Up to 20% replanting required once grass control in place.




Site 23





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 24





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

12.2 28.55.56S/153.26.46E 1.8 hec 25/9/17 18 May 2018

1/16/m2 0.5m 0

Heavy Setaria Grass completion

Nil survival

Again heavy grass dominance which is restricting tree survival and growth. This area was recently replanted to supplement lost trees so no replanting required but increased herbicide maintenance required.

12.3 28.55.37S/153.26.20E 0.2 hec 25/9/17 18May 2018

1/16/m2 0.5m 0

Conyza and grasses under trees.

Nil

Area is an old quarry & as such the ground is very rocky within limited soil cover. As such planting medium is very poor. Plants planted on edge of site are doing okay as there is greater soil structure. Area was replanted in May 2018 to see if better establishment could occur in the middle of the site.Needs an individual herbicide spray around new planted plants.




Site 25





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 26





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

10.1 28.55.45S/153.26.13S 2.5 hec 10/4/17 18 May 2018

1/16/m2 1.0m 0

Weed control good with Cyperus main issue left after last Glufosinate-ammonium spraying

Good acacia survival and growth

Good plant survival but slow growth. Good weed control with Glufosinate-ammonium spray is not encouraging better plant growth. Over last 2 months there has been a visible improvement in plant growth - need continual weed control to limit plant suppression.

11.1 28.55.45S/153.26.13E 1 hec 11/4/17 18 May 2018

1/16/m2 1.0 m 0

Grass is still causing some suppression issues but also has Conyza and Cuphea that is being controlled by Glufosinate-ammonium.

Good survival

Planting area has good plant survival but slow growth. Continued weed control required to allow plant growth to get above weed issues.




Site 26





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 27





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

11.2 28.55.45S/153.26.13E 1.7 10/4/17 18 May 2018

1/16/m2 1.1m 0

Cuphea control very good now after last Glufosinate-ammonium spray. Still some grass issues.

Acacia survival and growth good.

Good plant survival but plant growth has been slow. Recent weed control has resulted over last 2 months in better plant growth. Plants up close look very good but from a distance the health of the area is hard to assess.

10.2 28.55.41S/153.26.8E 2 hec 10/4/17 18 May 2018

1/16/m2 1.0 0

Good control now after Glufosinate-ammonium spray of Cyperus and Cuphea

Average acacia survival - wetter paddock than 11.1/2

Good survival with recent replant. Better plant growth now being observed after Glufosinate-ammonium spray controlling Cyperus and Cuphea infestations under trees




Site 28





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 29





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

9.1-3 28.55.50S/153.26.7E 2.5 hec 29/3/17 18 May 2018

1/16/m2 1.4m 0

Heavy coverage of Cyperus, Cuphea and grasses - recent Glufosinate-ammonium spray has had good effect but follow up spray required to get right into weed cover

Good acacia survival and growth on upper slopes but less so in wetter areas

Excellent survival and growth on upper slopes but slower growth in lower wet areas. Heavy weed coverage but recent Glufosinate-ammonium spray is reducing weed cover intensity but follow up spray required. Some replanting required in lower areas in middle of planting area.

13.3 28.55.56.85S/153.26.27.60E 1 hec 20/9/17 21/5/18

1/16/m2 1.3m 0

Heavy cover of grass, Cuphea and Tradescantia - has not yet had a Glufosinate-ammonium spray

Very good survival

Even with restricted maintenance access because of road works, the trees are growing and surviving really well. Very few replacement trees required. Glufosinate-ammonium spray and mowing this month will commence to control weed completion but continued maintenance works will be required.




Site 30





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 31





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

13.2 28.55.54.38S/153.26.30.44E 0.75 hec 19/9/17 21/5/18

1/16/m2 1.2m 0

Heavy build up of grasses, Cuphea and Tradescantia. Nil Glufosinate-ammonium spray in Area as yet.

Ok on edges but no survival in middle inundated areas

Very good growth and survival on edges of planting area but in the middle is a swampy area with about an inch of surface water. This low lying area has significantly reduced plant survival and growth. Following this months upcoming Glufosinate-ammonium spraying the area will be prepared for some replacement planting when the swampy area dries out.

13.1 28.55.50.69S/153.26.33.88E 0.5 hec 9/9/17 21/5/18

1/16/m2 1.2m 0

Heavy grass, Cuphea and Tradescantia ground cover

Good acacia survival

Excellent tree growth and survival considering access has been restricted for maintenance activities with road alignment works. Are is on higher ground with less water inundation. Weed control and mowing to occur this month (has not had a Glufosinate-ammonium spray) which will manage weed buildup. Very little replanting required.




Site 32





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 33





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

5.5 28.56.50S/153.26.4E 0.6 hec 1/6/17 21/5/18

1/16/m2 1.0 0

Not much weed except sparse grasses and bracken fern

Poor survival

Very sandy soil and as such very slow growth. No missing trees as recently had maintenance replanting undertaken. Plants look strong but suffer from low moisture due to sandy soils. May look at giving trees another fertiliser tablet to stimulate growth as sandy soils would be nutrient deficient.

5.6-8 28.56.47S/153.26.2E 1.5 hec 27/6/17 21/5/18

1/16/m2 1m 0

Couch grass and some Cyperus

Average survival

Good healthy looking trees. The soil is very sandy so tree growth is slower than other areas but the tree survival is very good with little replacement planting required. The area has not been Glufosinate-ammonium sprayed which is planned for this month which will remove couch weed mat.




Site 34





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 35





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

5.1 28.56.47S/153.26.2E 0.5 hec 27/6/17 21/5/18

1/16/m2 0.6m 0

Bracken & couch grass - only very recent Glufosinate-ammonium spray

Only a few observed

Trees that have survived are looking strung but with sandy soils undersized compared to other areas. Area was recently replacement planted so no missing trees. There have been signs of wallaby damage even with fence around site. Only recently being Glufosinate-ammonium sprayed for the first time.

6.1 28.56.54S/153.25.51E 3 hec 1/5/17 21/5/18

1/16/m2 1.2m 0

Has been issues with Cyperus, Verbena and Cuphea but good Glufosinate-ammonium spray has significantly reduced weed burden

Average acacia survival

This is probably the best planting area of the project. The plants are tall and very healthy. The smaller trees in the area are in the poorer drainage sites but survival is still very good.




Site 36





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 37





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

6.2 28.56.53E/153.25.47S 3 hec 2/5/17 21/5/18

1/16/m2 0.6m 0

Setaria grass and Cyperus

Good survival

Heavy grass cover. Area was recently Glufosinate-ammonium sprayed which is working well to reduce grass competition. This is a wetter planting area and tress are smaller than 6.1 but plant survival and vigour in this area is very good. No tree replacements required, except new rows on western end of planting area that run opposite direction to main rows as there a few few missing.

7.2 28.56.48S/153.25.45E 2.7 hec 8/5/17 21/5/18

1/16/m2 1m 0

Grasses, Cyperus and heavy concentration on Gomplocarpus on western side of planting

Very good survival

Plants have had to compete against a high grass and weed mat but constant maintenance spraying - Glufosinate-ammonium and mowing is now getting on top of this. Plants look very healthy and with reduced weed completion there is a lot of new autumn growth showing on all trees. A few replacements required - 20-25 in higher areas in Gomplocarpus areas.




Site 38





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 39





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

7.3 28.56.49S/153.25.40E 2.4 hec 5/5/17 21/5/18

1/16/m2 1.1m 0

Grasses and Cyperus

Good survival

Again heavy grass completion in the past that has slowed plant growth. Recent mowing and Glufosinate-ammonium spraying is significantly reducing weed completion. Plant survival is good with some replacement required -20/30 plants. Probably needs another follow up Glufosinate-ammonium spray to completely take out grasses

6.3/4 28.56.52S/153.25.36E 0.7 hec 3/5/17 21/5/18

1/16/m2 1.2m 0

Mainly Cyperus- recent Glufosinate-ammonium spray taking effect on this weed

Very few - quite a wet paddock

Good survival and growth. Little need for replacement planting. Another Glufosinate-ammonium application would be helpful to reduce Cyperus further.




Site 40





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 41





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

6.5 28.56.46S/153.25.55E 2.4 hec 3/5/17 21/5/18

1/16/m2 1m 0

Heavy coverage of Setaria grass. Recent Glufosinate-ammonium spray but HALOXYFOP/Glufosinate-ammonium follow up required

Very good

Very good tree survival and growth but are in stiff completion with long Setaria grass. Glufosinate-ammonium spray has recently been undertaken but strong follow up required. Even with Setaria grass competition the plants are doing very well with strong growth and survival.

8.1/2 28.56.40S/153.25.56E 4.4 hec 9/5/17 21/5/18

1/16/m2 1m 0

Cuphea, Cyperus and Setaria grass - has not had Glufosinate-ammonium spray

Very good

Good survival and growth even with a thick grass/weed mat providing competition. There are no obvious missing trees but chemical control and slashing required to open up ground and reduce completion.




Site 42





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 43





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

8.3 28.56.40S/153.25.52E 2.4 hec 11/5/17 21/5/18

1/16/m2 0.8m 0

Cuphea and Cyperus but good Glufosinate-ammonium spray and mow providing good weed control

Below average

Good tree growth and survival even with recent heavy weed concentration. Good Glufosinate-ammonium spray recently has provided good weed control. Some tree replacement in wetter areas required.

7.1 28.56.51S/153.25.30E 7 hec 10-14/10/17 21/5/18

1/16m2 1-1.8m 0

Cotton weed.

Below average

Good tree growth but average survival. This issue has a near neigbour issue that has made continued maintance difficult as well as continual cattle graing by this near neigbour in this area. The trees that have established are growing well, but maintenace and cattle presures have affected tree survival in this area. Re-planting should occur once cattle grazing is positively excluded from this area.




Site 46





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 47





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

8.4 28.56.40S/153.25.45E 2.7 hec 28/8/17 22/5/18

1/16/m2 1.2m 0

Cyperus, Cuphea, Setaria grass & Gomplocarpus in higher areas

Very good

Trees look very strong and have very good growth. Survival rate is very good even with weed completion. No Glufosinate-ammonium spray as yet as such competitive weed cover. Very little replacement requirement. Needs good slash and spray to open up ground cover.

8.5 28.56.40S/153.25.45E 2 hec 28/8/17 22/5/18

1/16/m2 1.2m 0

Cuphea, Cyperus and Setaria grass

Very good

Very good tree growth and survival. Only small amount of replacement planting required in lower inundated areas. Has not been Glufosinate-ammonium sprayed as yet.




Site 44





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 45





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

16.1/2 28.55.34S/153.26.53E 1.4 hec 27/9/17 22/5/18

1/16/m2 0.9m 0

Cyperus, Cuphea and Setaria grass.

Good survival

Area has had some heavy weed cover competing with trees. Tree survival is good but tree replacement necessary - 20/30 trees. Trees are growing well and recent Glufosinate-ammonium spray and mow has reduced weed cover but follow up spraying is required.

16.3/4 28.55.23S/153.26.54E 3 hec 7/9/17 22/5/18

1/16/m2 0.6m 0

Cyperus, Setaria grass, Gomplocarpus, Cuphea

Good

Previous heavy weed completion but is now being controlled with Glufosinate-ammoniumspraying and mowing. No tree replacements required as good survival but weed completion has restricted tree growth especially in lower wetter areas. Continued weed suppression works required. Gomplocarpus needs to be controlled in norther section of planting area.




Site 46





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 47





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

16.5 28.55.34S/153.26.53E 1.9 hec 3/10/17 22/5/18

1/16/m2 0.8m 0

Setaria grass and Cyperus

Very good

Again previous heavy grass/weed completion that is being managed with Glufosinate-ammonium spraying. The spray is opening up the tree canopy and good recent growth observed. Continued Glufosinate-ammonium spraying will be required to remove the Setaria grass with has shown needs a number of sprays to be affected. Little tree replacement required.

16.6/7 28.55.34S153.26.53 2.5 hec 3/9/17 22/5/18

1/16/m2 0.5m 0

Setaria grass, Cyperus, Gomplocarpus

Low survival

This is probably the most disappointing site of the project. Weed completion is high from Gomplocarpus and Setaria grass. There is probably a 30/35% replacement requirement. This area is very steep, rocky and very poor soil depth that made planting and maintenance difficult. No Glufosinate-ammonium spray undertaken. As such weed control and replacement planting required.








Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 47





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 48

2018

17.2 28.55.33S/153.26.53E 0.5 hec 3/10/17 22/5/18

1/16/m2 1m 0

Cyperus and Setaria grass

Low survival - very wet planting area

Very good tree survival and growth even with strong weed completion. This is a very wet planting area. No Glufosinate-ammonium spraying has been undertaken in this area as yet but mowing and spray are planned for latter in May. Low amount of replanting required 20/30 plants.

17.3/4 28.55.34S/153.26.53E 1 hec 18/9/17 22/5/18

1/16/m2 0.8m 0

Setaria grass, Gomplocarpus & Cyperus

Average survival

Area has strong weed / grass completion. Mowing and Glufosinate-ammonium spraying are planned for latter in May. Tree survival and growth is good even with weed completion. Tree replacement will be required - 40-45 trees.




Site 46





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 47





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

18.1 28.55.36S/153.26.58E 0.5 hec 20/10/17 22/5/18

1/16/m2 0.6m 0

Cuphea, Conyza, Gomplocarpus

Poor survival

Reduced planting area because of Hairy Joint grass. Plant survival and growth good. Some tree replacement required. Glufosinate-ammonium spray has been undertaken but follow up required and a mow would be helpful.

3/4 28.57.26S/153.25.42E 3.7 hec 18/917 22/5/18

1/16/m2 1m 0

Cyperus and grasses

Average survival

Heavy grass/weed completion but area trees look very good and strong. Tree survival is very good with only a small amount of replacement required - mainly to south of site amongst established gums. No Glufosinate-ammonium spray as yet




Site 46





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 47





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

2.1 28.58.46S/153.26.9E 0.4 hec 21/9/17 22/5/18

1/16/m2 1.3m 2

Cuphea

None visible

Excellent tree survival and growth. No Glufosinate-ammonium spray as yet which will take out Cuphea. Only a couple of replacement trees required. Scratching evident in Area - maybe rabbits

2.2 28.58.47S/153.26.9 1.2 hec 22/5/18

1/16/m2 1m 0

Cyperus, Setaria grass, Cuphea

Below average

Area has been hard to access with alignment works so no recent Glufosinate-ammonium spray or mowing. Even with competitive weed growth, survival and growth of trees has been good. Small amount of tree replacement required especially in low lying wet areas except on southern end where fire replacements planted needs a good replacement plant. Scars indicate something getting into area.




Site 46





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 47





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

2.3 28.58.40S/153.26.7E 0.7 hec 21/9/17 22/5/18

1/16/m2 1.5m 0

Grass

Good

Excellent tree survival and growth. No Glufosinate-ammonium spray as yet which will take out grasses. No replacement required.

1.2 28.58.47S/153.26.928.58.41S/153.26.10E 1.2 hec 21/9/17 22/5/18

1/16/m2 1.2m 0

Setaria grass, Cuphea

Below average

Excellent tree survival and growth. Good strong trees with only Cuphea under cover. No Glufosinate-ammonium spray has been undertaken. Nil replacement requirements.




Site 46





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

Site 47





Acacia Survival:

Comments:

2018

1.1 28.58.53S/153.26.5E 0.5 hec 21/9/17 22/5/18

1/16/m2 1.3m 0

Cuphea, Setaria grass

None visible

Good growth and survival. A bit of weed competition but Glufosinate-ammonium spray planted this month. Nil replacements identified.

N/A N/A N/A N/A

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Documents

GMC ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING HW10 Pacific Highway … · 2017/18 Annual Inspection Report WBKR Project GMC ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING HW10 Pacific Highway Upgrade, Woolgoolga to Ballina