Pre Clearance Vegetation Management Report

Pre Clearance Vegetation Management Report

Smith St Motorway

Olsen Avenue Intersection, Southport

Seymour Whyte June 2014

Pre Clearance Fauna Management Report | Smith St Motorway – Seymour Whyte | May 2014

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Document Status

Version Purpose Author Reviewed By Approved By Date

Rev 0 Final Bruce Thompson Jenny Lunney Erin Davies 3/06/2014

Rev 1 Final Bruce Thompson Jenny Lunney Erin Davies 10/06/2014

Document Control

Copy No. Date Type/Via Issued to Name Purpose

1 3/6/2014 Hard copy/- Naturecall info Chantal File Copy

2 6/6/2014 Electronic/Email Seymour Whyte Jessica Berryman Client Copy

Project Number: FQ716

Our Document Reference: 20140529_FQ716_Seymour Whyte_Smith St Parkland Dr_PreClr

This document has been prepared to the requirements of the client identified on the cover page and no representation is made to any third party. It may be cited for the purposes of scientific research or other fair use, but it may not be reproduced or distributed to any third party by any physical or electronic means without the express permission of the client for whom it was prepared or Biodiversity Australia Pty Ltd.


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Contents

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1. Background 1

1.2. Site Location and Description 1

Photo Plate 1: Vegetation type on site and surrounding areas 23rd May 2014 .............. 1

1.3. Legislation and Permits 2

2.0 Methodology 3

2.1. Pre Clearance Survey - Vegetation on Site 3

The methodology for the pre clearance survey included observation and an online literature search of ecological communities known to exist in the Gold Coast region. 3

3.0 Results 3

3.1. Vegetation on Site 3

3.2. Vegetation on Site - Southern Verge of Smith Street Motorway and Kumbari Avenue 3

Photo Plate 2: Xanthorhoea fulva on site, Kumbari Avenue verge .................................. 4

Photo Plate 3: Xanthorhoea fulva on site, Kumbari Avenue verge .................................. 5

Photo Plate 4: Xanthorhoea fulva on site, Kumbaria Avenue verge ................................ 6

3.3. Vegetation on Site - Southern Verge of Smith Street Motorway and Olsen Avenue 6

Photo Plate 5: Xanthorhoea fulva plant community on site, Olsen Avenue verge .......... 7

Photo Plate 6: Xanthorhoea fulva plant community on site, Olsen Avenue verge .......... 8

3.4. Other Vegetation on Site - Smith Street Motorway Between Kumbari Avenue and Olsen Avenue 8


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.................................................................................................................................. 9

Photo Plate 7: Dense understory growth on site ............................................................... 9

4.0 Weed Management Options 10

Table 2: Weed Species on Site 10

4.1. Chemical Treatment 21

Foliar spraying .................................................................................................................. 21

Cut scrape and paint (CSP) ............................................................................................. 21

Cut stump ......................................................................................................................... 21

Drill and fill ......................................................................................................................... 21

Quick spray ....................................................................................................................... 22

Skirting .............................................................................................................................. 22

Splatter gun....................................................................................................................... 22

Spot spraying .................................................................................................................... 22

4.2. Manual Removal 22

Brush cutting ..................................................................................................................... 22

Hand removal ................................................................................................................... 23

Manual Breakdown .......................................................................................................... 23

4.3. Planting Error! Bookmark not defined.

Species selection .............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.


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5.0 References 25


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1.0 Introduction

1.1. Background

Biodiversity Australia Pty Ltd Trading as Naturecall Environmental (hereafter referred to as ‘Naturecall’) was commissioned by Seymour Whyte (‘the client’) to produce a Pre Clearing Fauna Management Report as part of the development of the Smith St Motorway, Southport (‘the site’). It was determined on 3rd June 2014 that due to the size of the site, it was necessary that a separate vegetation report be written due to concerns with regards to grass trees that were identified as being on site by Naturecall following a site survey conducted on 23rd May 2014.

1.2. Site Location and Description

The Seymour Whyte project site is located at the intersection of Olsen Avenue and the Smith St Motorway and stretches along the road side of Smith St in both directions. Clearing works on this site are to allow for an upgrade of the entry and exit ramps onto the motorway. Due to the layout of the site and the nature of the works to be carried out, the site has been split into 12 sections (Figure 1). This report, specific to vegetation, covers 2 of these sections that were re-surveyed on 3rd June 2014 with regards to the grass trees identified on site by Naturecall on 23rd May 2014.

Photo Plate 1: Vegetation type on site and surrounding areas 23rd May 2014


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1.3. Legislation and Permits

Naturecall holds a current EPA Rehabilitation Permit (Permit No. WIRP12411213), allowing for the handling and relocation of native fauna. Relevant legislation applicable to land clearing and vegetation removal is governed by Local, State and Federal authorities. This includes:

• Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) and associated regulations;

• Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act);

• Environmental Protection Act 1994;

• Animal Care and Protection Act 2011; and

• Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006


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2.0 Methodology

2.1. Pre Clearance Survey - Vegetation on Site

The methodology for the pre clearance survey included observation and an online literature search of ecological communities known to exist in the Gold Coast region.

3.0 Results

3.1. Vegetation on Site

There was a wide variety of vegetation types found on site, including both native and exotic species. Trees present on site included species of Melaleuca, Casurina, Eucalyptus and Acacia, and there are several areas of the site was covered in a dense understory made up of Lantana, fern species and a mixture of grasses (Photo Plate 2).

3.2. Vegetation on Site - Southern Verge of Smith Street

Motorway and Kumbari Avenue

The southern verge of the Smith Street Motorway and Kumbari Avenue intersection has a mixed understorey dominated by the weeds Schefflera actinophylla and Syagrus romanzoffiana. Approximately 10 grass trees, Xanthorrhoea fulva, were identified at the southern verge of the Smith Street Motorway and Kumbari Avenue intersection. X. fulva was previously recognised as a sub-species of X. resinosa. It is evident that a minor fire occurred in a small section of this verge, probably caused by a cigarette being thrown from a passing motor vehicle which burnt the understorey providing an opportunity for the grass trees to germinate. Photos 2, 3 and 4 show the X. fulva at this location. The yellow paint represents plants to be retrained through transplanting.


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Photo Plate 2: Xanthorhoea fulva on site, Kumbari Avenue verge


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Photo Plate 3: Xanthorhoea fulva on site, Kumbari Avenue verge


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Photo Plate 4: Xanthorhoea fulva on site, Kumbaria Avenue verge

3.3. Vegetation on Site - Southern Verge of Smith Street

Motorway and Olsen Avenue

The southern verge of the Smith Street Motorway and the exit to Olsen Avenue intersection is partly mixed understorey dominated by the weeds Schefflera actinophylla and Syagrus romanzoffiana.

However, there is a large section of this area that has an understorey dominated by grass trees, X.

fulva, It is evident that a fire occurred in this section of the verge, probably caused by a cigarette being


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thrown from a passing motor vehicle which burnt the understorey providing an opportunity for the grass trees to germinate. The fire event has resulted in approximately 300 to 600 X. fulva germinating. This site represents a grass tree plant community and is a significant stand of X. fulva at this location. Photos

5 and 6 show the X. fulva at this location. The yellow paint represents plants to be retrained through transplanting.

Photo Plate 5: Xanthorhoea fulva plant community on site, Olsen Avenue verge


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Photo Plate 6: Xanthorhoea fulva plant community on site, Olsen Avenue verge

3.4. Other Vegetation on Site - Smith Street Motorway Between

Kumbari Avenue and Olsen Avenue

Previously cleared areas are predominantly covered by exotic grasses such as Buffel species.

For the purpose of this report the site will be treated as a whole entity, with specific details included about individual areas where necessary. Areas to be cleared on site consist predominantly of roadside


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strips approximately 5m wide either side of the road, and the survey area covered a stretch of road 1.7km long. Vegetation to be cleared ranges from areas of dense trees and undergrowth to open strips of grass. The site is boarded by a mixture of undeveloped bush land and developed suburban areas (Photo Plate 1).

Photo Plate 7: Dense understory growth on site


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4.0 Weed Management Options

Table 2: Weed Species on Site

Common Name Scientific Name Weed Management

Annual ragweed Ambosia artemisiifolia Foliar Spray

Spray with 100ml glyphosate per 10 litres such as Weedmaster Duo

Bigfoot (Dye) – Sulphonated Aromatic 30ml per 10 litres

Prosil – Polyether Modified Polysiloxane 20ml per 10 litres

Bird of paradise flower Strelitzia sp. Stem Injection

Inject with glyphosate eg Weedmaster Duo, ratio 1 Litre water to 1 Litre glyphosate

Bigfoot (Dye) – Sulphonated Aromatic, 10ml per 1 litre glyphosate

Prosil – Polyether Modified Polysiloxane, 10ml per 1 litre of glyphosate

Blue billygoat weed Ageratum houstonianum Foliar Spray


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Brazilian nightshade Solanum seaforthianum Foliar Spray




Broad-leaved pepper Schinus terebinthifolius Stem Injection/Cut and Paint

Inject or paint with glyphosate eg Weedmaster Duo, , ratio 1 Litre water to 1 Litre glyphosate



Cadaghi Corymbia torelliana Stem Injection/Cut and Paint

Inject or paint with glyphosate eg Weedmaster Duo, , ratio 1 Litre water to 1 Litre glyphosate



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Camphor laurel Cinammomum camphora Stem Injection/Cut and Paint

Inject or paint with glyphosate eg Weedmaster Duo, ratio 1 Litre water to 1 Litre glyphosate



Cocos palm Syagrus romanzoffiana Stem Injection/Cut and Paint




Common sowthistle Sonchus oleraceus Foliar Spray




Corky passionflower Passiflora suberosa Foliar Spray


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Crucifix orchid Epidendrum secundum Foliar Spray




Devil's fig Solanum torvum Stem Injection/Cut and Paint




Easter cassia Senna pendula var. glabrata Stem Injection/Cut and Paint




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Fishbone fern Nephrolepis cordifolia Foliar Spray




Flatweed Hypochoeris radicata Foliar Spray




Fleabane Conyza spp. Foliar Spray




Frangipani Plumeria sp. Stem Injection/Cut and Paint



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Glycine Neonotonia wightii Foliar Spray




Ground asparagus Asparagus aethiopicus Stem Injection into Corm




Groundsel bush Bachharis halimifolia Foliar Spray





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Guava Psidium guajava Stem Injection/Cut and Paint




Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia Stem Injection/Cut and Paint




Lantana Lantana camara Stem Injection/Cut and Paint




Mile-a-minute Ipomoea cairica Stem Injection/Cut and Paint


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Molasses grass Melinis minutiflora Foliar Spray




Ochna Ochna serrulata Stem Injection/Cut and Paint




Rattlepod Crotalaria sp. Foliar Spray




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Red Natal grass Melinis repens Foliar Spray




Rhodes grass Chloris gayana Foliar Spray




Sagittaria Sagittaria platypylla Foliar Spray




Silver leaf desmodium Desmodium uncinatum Foliar Spray



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Singapore daisy Sphagneticola trilobata Foliar Spray




Slash pine Pinus elliottii Stem Injection/Cut and Paint




Stinking passion flower Passiflora foetida Foliar Spray




Thickhead Crassocephalum crepidioides Foliar Spray


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Umbrella tree Schefflera actinophylla Stem Injection/Cut and Paint




Wild tobacco Solanum mauritanium Cut and Paint





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4.1. Chemical Treatment

Foliar spraying

A knapsack spray unit or vehicle mounted unit is used to apply a water diluted glyphosate and dye

mixture (1L:100L) over all the foliage of a plant. It is essential that as much of the foliage is covered as

possible to ensure an effective treatment.

This method kills the invasive species but leaves the majority of the plant standing. This is effective

when treating stands of Lantana (Lantana camara) or other woody weeds. The standing remains of

these weeds provide shelter for establishing native species by reducing the effects of adverse weather

conditions and preventing physical damage by reducing access to the area.

Description of Weed Treatment Methodologies

Cut scrape and paint (CSP) Cut and scrape the bark of vines and saplings along one side only for up to 100 cm if possible before

continuing on the other side moving up the stem leaving a 5 cm gap between each scrape. Within 7

seconds of scraping the stem a spray or applicator bottle is used to administer a concentrated herbicide

solution (1:1) to the sap wood.

Various vine and creeper species can be treated using this method with the vines being left to die in the

tree canopy before being pulled down and removed if required.

Cut stump

This method involves the felling of the entire plant with the remaining root stock and stump treated with

herbicide. The plant is felled at ground level to avoid potential trip or puncture wound hazards to

individuals moving within the site. A concentrated herbicide solution is applied immediately to the

exposed surface at a ratio of generally 1:1 with water. The remainder of the plant should die in place if

treatment has been effective. Stumps can be left in place to reduce erosion and maintain soil structure

and stability; or be removed once the plant is dead.

Drill and fill

A cordless drill is used to drill holes around the base of the stem. The holes are placed between 5 and

10 cm apart and are angled at 45 degrees into the sapwood approximately 4 cm deep. Immediately after

drilling each hole a concentrated glyphosate mixture (1:1) is injected into the hole to be taken up by the

plant. Visible effects of this treatment may not be immediately apparent with the tree slowly dying over

weeks or months depending on size and species.


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This treatment is effective for large woody weeds particularly mature trees where felling is inappropriate

such as areas prone to erosion. Treated plants tend to drop individual limbs and treatment should not

be conducted where this may be a WHS issue.

Quick spray

The quick spray unit is an effective spray method used for large areas requiring extensive foliar spray

application. The unit consists of a 600L tank of mixed solution at rate of 1:100 (glyphosate to water) that

is applied manually from a high distribution spray gun connected to a petrol driven water pump producing

a high pressure spray extending 10m+ with adjustable delivery. The increased herbicide coverage area

provided by this method makes it preferable for the treatment of grasses and broadleaf weed species.

Skirting Vine stems are cut using loppers or secateurs approximately 30cm from the ground. These stems are

treated using the CSP method. The remainder of the vine is left in place and will die in the tree or shrub

canopy. Some species of vine support aerial tubers which may need to be collected at the time of

treatment to prevent further spread.

Splatter gun A splatter gun is a modified spray unit which produces a solid stream of large droplets of concentrated

herbicide mixture. This unit can be sprayed 6-10 metres from the area which requires treatment. Due to

the concentrated nature of the herbicide (1:9) only a small fraction of the total foliage of each plant

requires treatment to provide an effective result. This method is employed in dense woody weed thickets

and other areas of limited access.

Spot spraying

Spot spraying is conducted using a low pressure spray 15 Litre knapsack. Each knapsack is only filled

to 10 Litres to comply with WHS weight recommendations. A water diluted glyphosate and dye mixture

(1:100) in short bursts is applied to small herbaceous plants and juvenile woody weeds. Regrowth areas

where isolated plants have established are best treated using this method.

4.2. Manual Removal

Brush cutting A brush cutter with a metal star blade is used. The blade is held just above the ground and swept back

and forth repeatedly to clear an area of vegetation. These works are conducted on foot with clippings

left on the ground.


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Herbaceous weeds and introduced grasses can be successfully treated using this method however a

secondary treatment is required to prevent the regrowth of these introduced species. This treatment is

useful when dealing with invasive species monocultures beneath mature native species.

Hand removal

The plant is grasped firmly at the base close to the soil surface and gently but firmly pulled from the soil

ensuring that tap roots or tubers are removed to reduce the potential for regrowth. Herbaceous weeds

and grasses are most effectively treated using this method. Once the weed is removed it is left exposed

on the soil where it dies. No vegetatively reproducing species are treated in this manner. If one of these

species is removed it is placed in a heavy duty plastic bag and disposed of through council waste

disposal.

This method is employed when working in close proximity with native species when chemical treatments

are unacceptable due to the risk of spray drift. The hand removal method allows for the selective clearing

of weeds within rehabilitation plantings and natural rehabilitation areas. This treatment is often employed

during rain when chemical treatments are ineffective.

Manual Breakdown

Manual breakdown of established woody weed thickets can be completed when the plants are alive or

dead. Loppers and saws are used to cut the plant into smaller manageable pieces. These pieces can

be left on site or collected and disposed of into council landfill. This method is recommended if the plants

have not been treated with herbicide and support fruiting bodies.

4.3. Recommendations

4.4. Weed Management and Grass Trees and Ground Orchids

The grass trees, Xanthorrhoea fulva, identified on site, whilst not classified under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) as an Endangered Ecological Community represent a significant stand of X. fulva. Noting that Section 89 of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and Section 42 (1) (a) (ii) of the Nature Conservation (Protected Plants) Conservation Plan 2000 with regards to protected plant exemptions as per the document “An approval for taking a protected plant in the course of an activity under a roads implementation program approved under section 11 of the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 By the Chief Executive, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, May 2013” the X. fulva at this site is defined as being a “least concern plant” under the Act. On Page 9 of this document by the Chief Executive, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, May 2013 it is stated that “Genus Xanthorrhoea is a Type A restricted plant. Similarly, the ground orchids, Pterostylis spp

found at the site which are Family Orchidaceeae is a Type A restricted plant. This therefore requires that an ecological assessment and desk-top analysis occur by a suitably qualified and experienced person as per the Act. It is required under the Act that the damage be mitigated to least concern plants by use of the following means: (i) utilising native endemic species in revegetation, (ii) promoting natural regeneration by


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ongoing weed control and soil erosion management and (ii) making reasonable and practicable efforts to salvage or utilise in replanting least concern Type A restricted plants.

Noting the above, it is recommended that the weed species at the site be treated with glyphosate to eradicate them and reduce their level of infestation. Foliar spraying is recommended for non-woody weed species and cut and paint or stem injection depending on the girth of the woody stem is to be used for woody weeds.

It is recommended that translocation of the ground orchids and grass trees occur with every effort being made to translocate as many plants as is reasonable and practicable.

It is recommended that a senior suitably qualified horticulturist be employed for ONE WHOLE DAY to translocate the ground orchids and grass trees at the site.

It is recommended that, due to the mycorrhizal associations that are known to be vital for the health of Xanthorrhoea growing in a plant community, that the X. fulva and Pterostylis spp be translocated behind the designated pink ribbon at the site. Due to the fact the majority of the X. fulva are located at the Olsen Street end of Smith Street Motorway, it is recommended that, being reasonable and practicable, only the X.

fulva at this site be relocated given that only ONE WHOLE DAY is practicable for translocation.

For translocation of the Pterostylis spp, these need to have the flowers cut back to the base, be mattocked out and then moved to behind the pink ribbon. They are then to be thoroughly watered in. The brown sugar and water mixture described below for X. fulva is also to be used.

For translocation of X. fulva, the following methodology is recommended:

Mattock as much as root ball as possible of the larger X. fulva, namely a diametre of the foloiage being 400mm and/or a height from the base of 200mm or greater.

Mattock out a hole that is twice the size of the root ball located behind the pink ribbon and wet the hole before planting to ensure air pockets do not exist.

Plant the X. fulva in at the same soil depth as where it was growing.

Cut foliage back to 100mm.

Spray the foliage with anti-transpirant (eg Yates brand).

Water the root zone with anti-rot (eg Yates brand).

Water the root zone with a mixture of 1 cup of brown sugar per one bucket of water or one standard watering can and water this onto the grass trees. This encourages the mycorrhizal relationships essential for the grass tree plant community’s survival. This watering regime with the cup of brown sugar and water should be carried out twice per week for the first two weeks with intervals of 4 days between each watering. After the first two weeks, this needs to be carried out once per week for the standard establishment period of 12 weeks or until new foliage emerges from the grass trees.


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5.0 References

Cogger, H. G. (2000). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia (6th ed.). Sydney, Australia: Reed New Holland Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Leiper, G., Glazebrook, J., Cox, D. & Rathie, K. (2008) Mangroves to Mountains (revised ed.). Queensland, Australia: Logan River Branch – Society for Growing Australian Plans (Queensland Region) Inc.

Queensland Museum. (2007). Wildlife of Greater Brisbane: A Queensland Museum Wild Guide (2nd ed.). South Brisbane, Australia: Queensland Museum.

Queensland Museum. (2010). Wild Plants Greater Brisbane: A Queensland Museum Guide (revised ed.). South Brisbane, Australia: Queensland Museum.

Van Dyck. S. and Straham. R. (2008). The Mammals of Australia (Third Edition). Sydney, Australia: New Holland Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd

*All weed treatment methodologies have been adapted from those outlined by Fiedler, L. et al., (2011)

and Big Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group (2008)

Documents

Pre Clearance Vegetation Management Report