Biodiversity Strategy - Gosford City Council - NSW Government

Council received funding for developing a web based guide for threatened species in the
Central Coast region. This will be based on a number of existing sources such as the
Commonwealth and state species profiles and the Gosford Council profiles. Council is also
preparing a compact disc containing nocturnal animal calls to assist residents to more easily
identify animals that they hear calling around their properties. Council has been involved in a
number of specific threatened species Recovery Plans as described below:
Somersby Mintbush Prostanthera junonis
The Somersby Mintbush is a low growing plant with small pale mauve flowers only known
from the Somersby area near Gosford. The species is listed as endangered at both state
and federal level. A Recovery Plan has been approved that identifies nine populations and
provides management actions for Council. Council has worked with the Premier's
Department, Department of Environment and Conservation and landholders to develop a
management plan for the Somersby Industrial Estate that seeks to resolve development
issues and possible conflicts with the conservation of a number of the populations.
Tranquillity Mintbush Prosthanthera askania
The Tranquillity Mintbush is known only from the Wyong and Gosford LGAs and is listed
as
endangered at both state and federal levels. A draft Recovery Plan has been prepared
(DEC 2004) that identifies actions for Council including the preparation of a Plan of
Management for the Council owned reserve where it is known to occur. Council has
recommended support for the draft plan with some minor amendments. Property owners
known to have P.askania specimens on their properties were contacted in writing and the
affected properties now have Section 149 certificate message that alerts current and
potential property owners of the presence of the species. Funding is being sought for the
preparation of a Plan of Management for the identified Council owned lands.
Figure 3.8 The Somersby Mintbush is a low growing plant and is difficult to suvey for outside of its
flowering period. Figure 3.9 (on right) The Tranquillity Mintbush has soft felt like leaves
and is easier to identify although it can be confused with other mintbushes. (R. Lonie).
Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea)
The Green and Golden Bell Frog was once widespread but is now considered to be
endangered at both State and Federal levels. A draft Recovery Plan has been prepared
for the Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea) (DEC 2004). Council participates in the
ongoing monitoring program for the Green and Golden Bell Frog undertaken by Dr
Graham Pyke of the Australian Museum at North Avoca. A monitoring program has also
commenced in Davistown and is being co-ordinated by the Australian Reptile Park and
Biodiversity - Technical Report Page 64