Part B - Coffs Harbour City Council

COFFS HARBOURBIODIVERSITY ACTION STRATEGYFROM THE OCEAN TO THE RANGESPART B: The Landscapes ofCoffs HarbourAugust 2012THIS IS A LOOKING AFTER OUR ENVIRONMENT PROJECT 51Helping to achieve the 2030 Community Vision

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYTABLE OF CONTENTS52B1. INTRODUCTION 53B1.1 An introduction to thelandscapes of the Coffs Harbour LGA 53B1.2 Landscape connections in the CoffsHarbour LGA 54B2. COASTAL PLAINS 59B2.1 Landform 59B2.2 Geology 59B2.3 Land use 59B2.4 Broad vegetation types 59B2.5 Aquatic ecosystems 60B2.6 Threatened communities, populationsand species 62B2.7 Threats 76B2.8 Landscape connections in the coastalplains 79B3. MIDLAND HILLS 82B3.1 Landform 82B3.2 Geology 82B3.3 Land use 82B3.4 Broad vegetation 82B3.5 Aquatic ecosystems 83B3.6 Threatened communities, populationsand species 83B3.7 Threats 87B3.8 Landscape connections in the midlandhills 90B4. ESCARPMENT RANGES 92B4.1 Landform 92B4.2 Geology 92B4.3 Land use 92B4.4 Broad vegetation 92B4.5 Aquatic ecosystems 93B4.6 Threatened species, populations andcommunities 93B4.7 Threats 94B4.8 Landscape connections In theescarpment ranges 99Front Cover ImageCoffs Coastal landscape - Picture supplied Rob ClearySeen Australia ©FIGURESFigure B1.1: Landscapes as a proportion ofCoffs Harbour LGA 53Figure B1.2: Landscape units in Coffs HarbourLGA 55Figure B1.3: Broad geology groupings in CoffsHarbour LGA 56Figure B1.4: Major land uses in Coffs HarbourLGA 57Figure B1.5: Landscape connections in the CoffsHarbour LGA 58Figure B2.1: Marine parks, estuaries and coastallakes 61Figure B2.2: Endangered coastal Emu population 64Figure B2.3: Little Tern nest sites 65Figure B2.4: Black Grass-dart and CoastalPetaltail distribution in CoffsHarbour LGA 67Figure B2.5: Floyd’s Grass distribution in CoffsHarbour LGA 68Figure B2.6: Moonee Quassia distribution inCoffs Harbour LGA 69Figure B2.7: Coast Headland Pea, Headland Zieriaand Orara Boronia 70Figure B2.8: Flying-fox camp sites 72Figure B2.9: Koala distribution 73Figure B3.1: Giant Barred Frog and StutteringFrog records 85Figure B3.2: Rusty Plum, Orara Boronia, SlenderMardenia records in the CoffsHarbour LGA 86Figure B4.1: Parma Wallaby, Rufous Bettongand Squirrel Glider records 95TABLESTable B2.1: Coastal plains statistics 59Table B2.2: Vegetation formations in the coastalplains 59Table B2.3: Coastal plains threat activities andranking 77Table B3.1: Midland hills statistics 82Table B3.2: Vegetation formations of the CoffsHarbour midland hills 83Table B3.3: Midland hills threat activities andranking 88Table B4.1: Escarpment ranges statistics 92Table B4.2: Vegetation formations of the CoffsHarbour escarpment ranges 92Table B4.3: Escarpment ranges threat activitiesand ranking 96

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBB1. INTRODUCTIONB1.1 An introduction to thelandscapes of the Coffs HarbourLGATo provide a better understanding of past andpresent land-use patterns and threats impactingbiodiversity, the Coffs Harbour LGA has been dividedinto three distinct landscape units:··coastal plains··midland hills··escarpment ranges.100%Total Area (hectares)These landscapes have been based primarily ontopography and elevation. The graphs (Figure B1.1)below show the area and percentages for eachof the landscapes, and Figure B1.2 is a map of thelandscapes.This part of the Strategy details the characteristics,statistics, biodiversity values, landscape connectionsand key threats of each of the three landscapes.Figure B1.1: Landscapes as a proportion ofCoffs Harbour LGA100%% of Total Area90%80%Escarpment Ranges37,632 hectares90%80%Escarpment Ranges32%70%60%50%40%30%20%10%Midland Hills47,587 hectaresCoastal Plains32,152 hectaresTotal: 117,371 hectares70%60%50%40%30%20%10%Midland Hills41%Coastal Plains27%100%0%0%National Park EstateState Forest Estate100%100%90%80%70%60%50%40%30%20%10%0%Escarpment Ranges6,145 hectaresMidland Hills3,287 hectaresCoastal Plains5,403 hectaresTotal: 14,845 hectares90%80%70%60%50%40%30%20%10%0%Escarpment Ranges15,025 hectaresMidland Hills19,172 hectaresCoastal Plains6,051 hectaresTotal: 40,249 hectares53

!.The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBFigure B1.2: Landscape units in Coffs Harbour LGA!.Red Rock!.Arrawarra!.Woolgoolga!.CorambaCoffs Harbour!.Boambee!.!. SawtellCoastal PlainsMidland HillsEscarpment Ranges0 2 4 8 Kilometres!55

!.BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYFigure B1.3: Broad geology groupings in Coffs Harbour LGA!.Red Rock!.Arrawarra!.Woolgoolga!.CorambaCoffs Harbour!.Boambee!.!. SawtellAlluvial SedimentsClaystoneConglomerateGraniteMarine SedimentsMeta-sedimentsMudstoneSandstoneSiltstone0 2 4 8 Kilometres!56

!.The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBConservation Area - OtherCroppingGrazingHorticultureIntensive Animal ProductionMining & QuarryingPower GenerationRiver & Drainage SystemSpecial CategoryTransport & Other CorridorsTree & Shrub CoverUrbanWetlandNational Park EstateState Forest Estate!.!.ArrawarraRed Rock!.Woolgoolga!.CorambaCoffs Harbour!.Boambee!.!. SawtellFigure B1.4: Major land uses in Coffs Harbour LGA0 2 4 8 Kilometres!57

!.BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYCoastalCoastalPlainsPlains(1) Corindi Estuary - Dirty Creek(2) Mullaway – Arrawarra – Darlington(3) Hearnes Lake - Double Crossing Creek(4) Emerald Beach - Moonee Creek - Wedding Bells(5) South Moonee Forest - Wedding Bells(6) Korora - Korora Basin(7) Coffs Creek – racecourse – North Boambee Beach(8) South Boambee Beach - airport – Boambee(9) Bongil Bongil - Bonville - Tuckers Knob(10) Bongil – Pine Creek!.Red Rock1Midland Hills Hills(11) Weddings Bells – Corindi River - Conglomerate(12) Lower Bucca – Bucca Bucca - Sherwood(13) Nana Creek – Coramba – Lower Bucca(14) Orara East – Karangi – Orara West(15) Bongil – Pine Creek – Tuckers Nob1211!.!.Arrawarra2Woolgoolga3171613!.Coramba54191814Coffs Harbour!.76Escarpment Ranges(16) Gundar – Kangaroo River(17) Orara West – Wild Cattle Creek(18) Bindarri – Cascade(19) Dorrigo – Wild Cattle Creek - Cascade(20) Bindarri - Dorrigo20Boambee1510Figure B1.5: Landscape connections in the Coffs Harbour LGA!.98!. Sawtell0 2 4 8 Kilometres!58

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBB2. COASTAL PLAINSB2.1 LandformThe coastal plains landscape (Figure B1.2) is a lowrelieflandscape with little variation in altitude. Theplains gradually rise from sea level to around 50metres elevation (the boundary of the midland hillslandscape) which is usually within 10 kilometres ofthe coast. Slopes are predominantly flat to gentle(0–5°), though there are some small hills withsteeper slopes. The coastal plain is characterised bylow-lying alluvial sediments derived from floodplaindeposits and older weathered metasediments of theCoramba formation. The 80 kilometre-long coastlinefeatures a series of prominent rocky headlands andbeaches.B2.2 GeologyThe coastal plains landscape is dominated bysedimentary geology. The sedimentary units occuras younger Quaternary beach sands, silt, mud andalluvial deposits adjacent to the coastline, creeklines, estuaries and coastal embayments and infills.These overlay older Carboniferous-aged consolidatedclastic sediments of the Coramba and Brooklanaformations which tend to predominate towards thewestern edge of the coastal plains landscape.B2.3 Land useMost urban residential, industrial and ruralresidential land in Coffs Harbour LGA is situatedon the relatively flat and low-lying coastal plain.These land uses cover about 20% of the coastalplain, mostly within 5 kilometres of the coast. Urbanresidential and commercial/industrial land usesoccur on the eastern side of the coastal plain. Ruralresidential allotments are further west, toward themidland hills.The coastal plain also contains a significant numberof small horticultural industries. Bananas aretraditionally the primary horticultural crop, however,some other fruit tree plantations such as blueberrieshave been established. Livestock grazing is alsodistributed throughout the coastal plain with thelargest grazing areas occurring towards the southernend of the LGA around Bonville. National park estateoccupies a significant portion of the coastal plain,with reserves in the south, north and central areas.B2.4 Broad vegetation typesThe vegetation communities in the coastal plainslandscape vary greatly in composition, age andcondition. The coastal plains host 12 differentvegetation formations (Table B2.2). These formationsare based on Keith (2006).Table B2.1: Coastal plains statisticsCoastal PlainsAlmost 40% of the coastal plains landscape has beencleared of vegetation. Another third is covered withdry or wet sclerophyll forests or semi-mesic forests.Table B2.2: Vegetation formations in the coastal plainsFormation% of totalCleared of vegetation 39Dry sclerophyll shrub forests 12Wet sclerophyll forests 11Semi-mesic forests 10Swamp sclerophyll forests 9Plantations 5Dry sclerophyll shrub/grass forests 5Sclerophyll grassy woodlands 4Heathlands 3Freshwater wetlands 1HectaresTotal Area of Coastal Plains 32,152Total Area of EECs 5,564Percentage EECs 17%Endangered Ecological Communities *Coastal Saltmarsh 231Freshwater Wetlands on CoastalFloodplainsLittoral Rainforest 274Lowland Rainforest 87Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest 2,546Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest 216Swamp Sclerophyll Forests on CoastalFloodplainsThemeda grassland on Seacliffs andCoastal HeadlandsAs Listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995Rainforests

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYThe vegetation along the coastal plain is moderatelyfragmented, however, there are still some vegetatedcorridors between the coast and the midland hills.The larger corridors occur in the southern, centraland northern parts of the LGA. Corridors are lessfrequent in areas of higher population density. Thelarger and more contiguous areas of vegetationare located in the northern parts of the LGAwhere the coastal plain is widest and land uses arepredominantly national park, state forest or privateproperty grazing.60B2.5 Aquatic ecosystemsThe coastal plain contains only small- to mediumsizedriver and creek systems that flow eastwardsto the ocean. These systems contain criticallyimportant areas of freshwater wetlands andestuarine habitats. The largest estuaries are in Coffs,Bonville and Pine creeks in the south, and Moonee,Corindi and Saltwater creeks in the north. Theseestuaries provide important habitat for a varietyof waders, shorebirds, fish, crustaceans, otherinvertebrates, and marine and estuarine vegetation.Estuaries are also significant for recreational fishingand the commercial fishing industry.Solitary Islands Marine ParkThe renowned Solitary Islands Marine Park (FigureB2.1) stretches over 75 kilometres, from MuttonbirdIsland in the south to the Sandon River and PloverIsland in the north. The Park incorporates estuariesto their tidal limit, foreshores to the mean highwater mark, and it extends offshore to the 3 nauticalmile state waters boundary. The estuaries and creeksare generally under a Habitat and Protection Zone,and Saltwater Creek near Red Rock is a SanctuaryZone. These zonings are in place to protect andmanage sensitive fish-breeding areas and aquaticnurseries such as seagrass beds and mangroves.Researchers have identified a unique biodiversitywithin the marine park including over 550 species ofreef fish, 90 species of hard coral and 600 speciesof molluscs (shelled animals). Threatened speciesinclude the Grey Nurse Shark Carcharias taurus,Black Cod Epinephilus damelii, sea turtles, whales,seabirds, shorebirds and rare marine algae. The localAboriginal communities within the GumbaynggirrNation maintain cultural links and are activelyinvolved in Marine Park conservation planning.Solitary Islands Marine ReserveThe Solitary Islands Marine Reserve (CommonwealthWaters) is located off the coast between CoffsHarbour and Plover Island. Although not actuallypart of the Coffs Harbour LGA, the reserve andadjacent marine park are considered part of theCoffs community’s environment. The marine reserveextends from the 3 nautical mile state limit seawardto the 50 metre depth contour.Sepia sp.Chromodoris spendidaGreen Turtle Chelonia mydasThe reserve protects and conserves a relativelyundisturbed, distinct and species-rich ecosystemassociated with open ocean, subtidal reef, andsoft sandy habitats. Pimpernel Rock is the mostsignificant feature in the reserve. It is a submergedpinnacle that rises from the seabed to within a fewmetres of the surface, providing habitat for benthiccommunities, pelagic fish, Grey Nurse Sharks, BlackCod, and marine turtles (DSEWPC 2011).

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBLegendMarine ParkZONE NAMEGeneral Use ZoneHabitat Protection ZoneHabitat Protection Zone - Grey Nurse Shark Key HabitatRestriction / Prohibition on Commercial Fish TrappingHabitat Protection Zone (Prohibition on Commercial Fish Trapping)Habitat Protection Zone (Prohibition on Crab Trapping)Sanctuary ZoneSpecial Purpose ZoneMajor Rivers & CreeksMajor Rivers & CreeksSEPP14 WetlandsSEPP14 Wetlands!.Arrawarra!.Woolgoolga!.CorambaCoffs Harbour!.Boambee!.!.SawtellFigure B2.1: Marine parks, estuaries and coastal lakes!0 2 4 8 Kilometers61

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGY62The reserve is important for marine conservationand research as it is located in a mixing zonebetween tropical and temperate environments.Many species in the reserve are at, or are close to,their southern or northern limit. The marine reserveprotects and conserves important features, includinghabitat for a number of species that are listed asendangered or vulnerable under Commonwealthlegislation or international agreements, includingHumpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae, GreyNurse Shark Carcharias taurus, Black Cod Epinephelusdaemelii, Bleekers Devil Fish Paraplesiops bleekeri,dolphins and many seabirds.Coastal lakesPipeclay Creek, Woolgoolga Lake and HearnesLake—all north of Coffs Harbour—are coastal lakesthat have, or are likely to have, high conservationvalues for aquatic flora and fauna.Coastal complex habitatsComplex combinations of wetlands, swamp forests,open forests, coastal heaths, shrublands andsedgelands along Coffs Harbour’s coastal plainssupport important habitats for a diverse biodiversityincluding many threatened species.The Squirrel Glider appears to be most commonnorth of Coffs Harbour. There are known, regionallyimportant glider habitats around the Garby NatureReserve – Arrawarra area and also around StationCreek in southern Yuraygir National Park.The Southern Swamp Orchid Phaius australis andSquare-stemmed Spike-rush Eleocharis tetraquetraare endangered plants that occur in the coastal plain.Coffs Harbour’s coastal complex habitats are alsoimportant for other threatened species, including:Wallum Froglet, Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis,Common Planigale Planigale maculata, CommonBlossom-bat Syconycteris australis, Eastern GroundParrot Pezoporus wallicus wallicus (near Red Rock– Corindi), and raptors like the Osprey Pandionhaliaetus and Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura.B2.6 Threatened communities,populations and speciesThreatened ecological communitiesThe Coffs coastal plain supports 11 threatenedecological communities (TEC). Two of thesecommunities are listed as critically endangeredunder the Environment Protection and BiodiversityConservation Act 1994 (EPBC Act):··Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets ofeastern Australia.··Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia.A further nine TECs are listed as endangeredecological communities (EEC) under the NSWThreatened Species Conservation Act 1997 (TSC Act):··Coastal Saltmarsh in the New South Wales NorthCoast, Sydney Basin and South East CornerBioregions··Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains ofthe New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basinand South East Corner Bioregions··Littoral Rainforest in the New South WalesNorth Coast, Sydney Basin and South East CornerBioregions··Lowland Rainforest in the NSW North Coast andSydney Basin Bioregions··Lowland Rainforest on Floodplain in the NewSouth Wales North Coast Bioregion··Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest of the NewSouth Wales North Coast Bioregion··Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest of the New SouthWales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South EastCorner Bioregions··Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplainsof the New South Wales North Coast, SydneyBasin and South East Corner Bioregions··Themeda Grassland on Seacliffs and CoastalHeadlands in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basinand South East Corner Bioregions.Priority areas for threatened ecologicalcommunitiesA remnant of littoral rainforest that is of statesignificance is located in Bongil Bongil National Parkbetween Bundagen Headland and the southernboundary of the LGA. This remnant is the secondlargest remaining area of littoral rainforest in theState.Lowland Subtropical Rainforest on Floodplain EECoccurs in the LGA mainly within the Orara Valley.Currently the only Lowland Subtropical Rainforestformally conserved is within Coramba NatureReserve.Endangered populationsThe Coffs Harbour coastal plains support two TSCAct endangered populations:··Coastal Emu endangered population (NSW NorthCoast Bioregion and Port Stephens LGA)··Zieria smithii endangered population at DiggersHeadThe southern distribution of the endangered coastalEmu population is located in the northern portionof the LGA mainly within Yuraygir National Parkand Barcoongere and Newfoundland state forests(see Figure B2.2). There are also a small number ofhistoric sightings south of Red Rock, with the latestrecord being 2004. Generally, Emu sightings in theCoffs Harbour LGA are rare with the populationcontracting northwards within Yuraygir NationalPark.

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBCoast Headland Pea Pultenaea maritimaPied Oystercatcher Haematopus longirostrisHeadland Zieria Zieria smithiiWedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificusThe Zieria smithii population found on Diggers Head,Coffs Harbour LGA, is distinct from other forms ofthe species found elsewhere as it is a low growingform. Because of this, it has been listed as anendangered population under the TSC Act.Its habitat consists of low heath and Kangaroo GrassThemeda australis. It is threatened by Bitou Bush, andcan be damaged from trampling. Diggers Head Ziera,Headland Ziera and Coast Headland Pea all occurwithin the Themeda Grassland on Coastal HeadlandsEndangered Ecological Community.Threatened speciesSome 28 of the threatened species that occur inthe Coffs Harbour LGA have the majority of theirhabitat within the coastal plains. These speciesare associated with the marine and estuarineenvironments including beaches, headlands, riversand creeks. Many of these species occur only inthe coastal plains, while others occur primarily inthe coastal area, but can also be found in otherlandscapes.Migratory shorebird habitatsThe coastal plains support a number of shorebirdslisted as migratory species under the EPBC Actand/or others listed under migratory shorebirdinternational agreements (JAMBA and CAMBA).Coffs Harbour LGA includes a number of small- tomedium-sized estuaries that support importantpopulations of migratory shorebirds, includingCorindi River; Station, Arrawarra, Moonee, Boambeeand Bonville creeks; and Hearnes Lake (DECCW2010d).Threatened resident and migratory shorebirdsCoffs Harbour’s rocky headlands, sandy beachesand estuaries provide important habitats for threeresident threatened shorebirds which all breed inthe area: Beach Stone-curlew Esacus neglectus, PiedOystercatcher Haematopus longirostris and SootyOystercatcher H. fuliginosus (DECCW 2010d).Four threatened Little Tern Sterna albifrons breedingsites of state significance (Figure B2.3) occur withinthe LGA: at Station Creek and Red Rock withinYuraygir National Park; Hearnes Lake in the north;and on the sand spit near the entrance to BonvilleCreek within Bongil Bongil National Park in thesouth. This site is one of the most sucessful breedingcolonies. The Coffs overall population representsa significant proportion of the species’ overallbreeding population in north-east NSW.MuttonbirdsWhile not listed as a threatened species, theWedge-tailed Shearwater (or Muttonbird) Puffinuspacificus is a migratory bird which is one of theeight shearwater species found in NSW. These birdstravel thousands of kilometres from South-east Asia,returning from their annual northerly migration eachAugust. Thousands of Muttonbirds return to nesting63

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYFigure B2.2: Endangered coastal Emu population64

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBFigure B2.3: Little Tern nest sites65

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYburrows on Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, CoffsHarbour. While these birds utilise other areas such asthe Lord Howe Island group and sites on Australia’seast coast, Muttonbird Island conserves the onlyaccessible mainland Wedge-tailed Shearwaternesting site in the State. The Muttonbirds are adistinctive local feature over the summer–autumnperiod.Floyds Grass and Black Grass-dart ButterflyFloyds Grass Alexfloydia repens is a highly restrictedgrass with 99% of its known distribution occurringbetween Pine Creek and Diggers Headland, withinthe Coffs Harbour LGA. Currently only about 30hectares of the grass is known to occur. Floyds Grasswas listed as endangered under the TSC Act in 2001.It was first found by local botanist Alex Floyd nearPine Creek in 1987.The Black Grass-dart Butterfly Ocybadistesknightorum, an invertebrate listed as endangeredin NSW in 2002, was only described in 1994 after itwas found next to Boambee Creek near the PacificHighway. It was only in the late 1990s that it wasdiscovered that Floyds Grass and the Black GrassdartButterfly have a special symbiotic relationship.Floyds Grass is the food plant for the caterpillarstage of the butterfly’s life cycle. The Black GrassdartButterfly also has 99% of its known distributionoccurring within the Coffs Harbour LGA.These two endangered species are mostlydistributed patchily through the low-lying swampforests of Pine, Bonville, Boambee and Cordwellscreeks (Figures B2.4 and B2.5). The overstoreyspecies in these areas are often dominated bySwamp Oak and Broad-leaved Paperbark. Floyd’sGrass usually forms a dense understorey and appearsto flower mostly in spring. The Black Grass-dartButterfly is on the wing from about September toMarch and can sometimes be seen in large numbersflying just above the grass.While these species generally occur in either BongilBongil National Park or environmental protectionzones, there are still significant threats to theirsurvival. The most immediate threat is weedinvasion, particularly from Broad-leaved Paspalumand Lantana. In the longer term, however, sea-levelrise poses a greater threat as the preferred habitatis found at only 1.6 metres above the mean tidelevel. Most of the current habitat will thereforebecome too saline should the sea level rise 90 cm, aspredicted to occur by 2100.Crinia speciesThe Wallum Froglet Crinia tinnula is found in suitablelow-lying coastal heaths and sedgelands along CoffsHarbour’s coastal plains. Surveys in the vicinity ofCoffs Creek have identified the presence of a numberof threatened species including the Wallum Frogletand an undescribed Crinia sp. (Coffs Creek Crinia)Black Grass-dart Butterfly Ocybadistes knightorumLittle Tern Sternula albifrons66Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBFigure B2.4: Black Grass-dart and Coastal Petaltail distribution in Coffs Harbour LGA67

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYFigure B2.5: Floyd’s Grass distribution in Coffs Harbour LGA68

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBFigure B2.6: Moonee Quassia distribution in Coffs Harbour LGA69

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYFigure B2.7: Coast Headland Pea, Headland Zieria and Orara Boronia70

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBGreen & Golden Bell Frog Litoria aureaLittle Red Flying-fox Pteropus scapulatusMoonee Quassia Quassia sp. Moonee CreekThe undescribed Crinia sp. was recorded calling inswamp forest to the east of Hogbin Drive on landsbetween the northern bank of Coffs Creek andBrodie Drive. The undescribed Crinia sp. is knownfrom only a small number of records and geneticmaterial collected from individuals has indicatedthat ‘sampling of Crinia signiferia from throughoutits range revealed what may be a new taxon in theCoffs Harbour region of NSW’ (Read et al. 2001).Further work is required to fully describe and analysethis possible new species, including determiningits distribution and conservation status. Furthergenetic and taxonomic work is needed to clarify thisspecies’ status and determine its distribution andconservation status. A potentially new frog speciesis of enormous conservation significance.Giant dragonfliesTwo species of giant dragonfly occur in NSW andboth are listed as endangered: the Giant DragonflyPetalura gigantea and the Coastal Petaltail Petaluralitorea (Figure B2.4). The Coffs Harbour region isthe only area where the two species are known tooccur in close proximity. The Giant Dragonfly can befound in the swamps of Sherwood Nature Reserve,while the Coastal Petaltail occurs in Bongil BongilNational Park. This is the known southern range limitfor the Coastal Petaltail and one of only four knownlocalities for the species in NSW.The giant dragonflies inhabit coastal swamps and itis thought that the larvae may live for 10–30 years inlong, chambered burrows around swamp margins.Adults emerge in October–November and fly untillate January.Green and Golden Bell FrogThe swamps behind the dunes near Station Creek inYuraygir National Park are an important area for thethreatened Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea.A number of populations have been recorded in thefreshwater swamps and small creeks in this area.They appear to be isolated from other populations,with the nearest records being some 12 kilometresto the north (Wilsons Headland and Diggers Camp inthe Clarence Valley Council LGA).Moonee QuassiaMoonee Quassia Quassia sp. Moonee Creek isa primitive flowering plant almost completelyrestricted to the Coffs Harbour area (Figure B2.6).The only other place it is known is a site east ofGrafton. It is an understorey shrub and mostlyoccurs in moist eucalypt forest north from Sapphireto the hinterland around Woolgoolga. It generallyoccurs as scattered small plants. It appears to growvery slowly and dispersal mechanisms are poorlyunderstood. Moonee Quassia is threatened by weedinvasion, in particular Lantana, and urban and ruralresidential development. It is listed as an endangeredspecies under the TSC Act.Coastal Petaltail Dragonfly Petalura litorea71

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYFigure B2.8: Flying-fox camp sites72

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBFigure B2.9: Koala distribution73

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGY74Threatened headland plantsThe grassy headlands along Coffs Harbour’scoastline support important plant communitiesincluding three threatened species (Figure B2.7):··Headland Zieria Zieria prostrata··Austral Toadflax Thesium australe··Coast Headland Pea Pultenaea maritima.The low-growing form of Zieria smithii, is anendangered population and is also restricted to justfour headlands along the Coffs coast. This speciesgrows low to the ground and forms mats withinthe coastal heath and Kangaroo Grass. As withDiggers Head Zieria, it is at risk from trampling, weedinvasion and development.Coast Headland Pea has significant populations onmany headlands in Coffs Harbour. Coast HeadlandPea also occurs on headlands between Newcastleand Byron Bay. It is a low-growing shrub with hairystems and yellow pea flowers and, in the CoffsHarbour LGA, is often found in association withHeadland Zieria. It has only recently been describedand is listed as vulnerable on the TSC Act.Austral Toadflax is found in association with coastalgrasslands and eucalypt woodland where KangarooGrass is the predominant ground cover. AustralToadflax is listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act.Camps and critical coastal habitats of theGrey-headed Flying-foxCoffs Harbour LGA supports significant habitat(including roost and maternity camps) for thenationally threatened Grey-headed Flying-foxPteropus poliocephalus. Important camp sites occurat Coffs Creek and Wooloolga lake (Figure B2.8).Abundant nectar food resources are available withinremnant coastal habitats during the critical autumn–winter period when the vast majority of the northeastNSW population concentrates its foraging alongcoastal plains and foothills.Other coastal threatened speciesOther species strongly associated with the coastalplains are the Squirrel Glider (Figure B4.1), CommonBlossom Bat, Black Bittern and the Swift Parrot.Yellow-bellied Gliders have been recorded in thewestern parts of the coastal plains in and adjoiningOrara East State Forest and the Koala, whilsthistorically occurring throughout the coastal plains,is now largely confined to habitats south of Kororawith its stronghold being in the Bonville area (FigureB2.9).Key faunaSuites of fauna occur within the habitat mosaicsof the coastal plains including a number of specieslisted as endangered or vulnerable under the TSCAct. Certain fauna species are particularly importantwithin the context of high value environmentsand the corridors footprint in the coastal plainsKoala Phascolarctos cinereusBlack-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus australisBlack-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus australisCoastal Rainforest

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBEastern Forest Bat Vespadelus pumilusOsprey Pandion haliaetuslandscape as they occupy habitats that are largelyoutside formal reserves, are often found on privatelands and, for some, their core habitats are locatedin these areas.Key fauna species of the Coffs Harbour coastal plainsinclude:··endangered coastal Emu Dromaiusnovaehollandiae population··Wallum Froglet Crinia tinnula··Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus··Brolga Grus rubicunda··Eastern Ground Parrot Pezoporus wallicus wallicus··Osprey Pandion cristatus··Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura··Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchys lathami··Powerful Owl Ninox strenua··Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa··Common Planigale Planigale maculata··Koala Phascolarctos cinereus··Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis··Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus··Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus··Eastern Blossom-bat Syconycteris australis··Little Bentwing–bat Miniopterus australis··Hoary Bat Chalinolobus nigrogriseus··Coastal Petaltail Petalura litorea.Dispersive fauna (nomads and seasonal migrants)Conservation efforts are typically focussed onspecies that are formally listed as threatened.However, the coastal plains of Coffs Harbour are alsoimportant to a number of nomadic and migratorybirds, bats and flying-foxes which are not listed asthreatened. These species follow seasonally availablefood resources (e.g. nectar and insects associatedwith flowering plants) across regions and landscapes(see Catterall et al. 1998; Gilmore et al. 2007).Although these are mobile species, they are stilllikely to be impacted by habitat loss, degradationand fragmentation which reduce habitat quality andavailability.Some of these species, including the threatenedGrey-headed Flying-fox and Swift Parrot, areextremely vulnerable to the loss of coastal plainshabitats which have traditionally provided foragingresources over the autumn–winter period whenflowering is reduced elsewhere (e.g. Eby et al.1999; Catterall et al. 1998; Gilmore et al. 2007). Theprotection and enhancement of coastal priorityhabitats and linking corridors is critical for thesenomadic and migratory species.Boambee Creek75

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGY76B2.7 ThreatsIn the coastal plains of Coffs Harbour, 64 threatactivities impact on biodiversity. Of these activities,24 are encompassed by key threatening processeslisted under the TSC Act or FM Act. Table B2.3 listseach threat activity and rating (very high to very low)based on the geographical extent of the activity andits impact on biodiversity within the coastal plainslandscape.The coastal plains landscape—in comparison to thetwo other landscapes—has the highest number ofthreat activities and the most number of threatsunique to a landscape. This reflects the relativelyhigh population density and diversity of land-usepractices.The more significant threats in the coastal plainsinclude:··clearing and disturbance of vegetation for urban,rural-residential and industrial development(including setbacks for fire protection)··invasion from introduced plant species··the establishment and spread of Bitou Bush andLantana··competition and predation by the European RedFox··inappropriate fire regimes in some locations··competition, predation and disease by feral Cats.While Cane Toads are not yet established in the LGA,they are a potential threat.The coastal plains provide an attractive ‘seachange’ lifestyle for many people seeking to moveout of capital cities. This shift in demographics isplacing a vastly increased pressure on the naturalenvironment, leading to further clearing andfragmentation of existing vegetation and habitatsto satisfy an increased demand for urban and ruralresidential land, infrastructure and services. As well,there is an increased risk of fire, weed invasion,pollution, and predation on wildlife by domestic Catsand Dogs.European Red Fox Vulpes vulpesCane Toad bufo marniussMany of these threats are cumulative, caused by amultitude of activities. In some cases they are oftenexacerbated by, or are a result of, another threatactivity. For example, invasion by Bitou Bush is theresult of sand mine rehabilitation works along thecoastal foredunes.Additionally, there are a number of significant futurethreats unique to the coastal plains landscape.These include sea level rise, storm surge andpossible increased storm events due to the impactsassociated with climate change. Inundation of lowlyingareas may fundamentally change the characterof the coastline and estuaries, displacing importanthabitats for shorebirds, estuarine species and littoralrainforest. The ecology of freshwater wetlands isalso likely to change dramatically. An increasingnumber of stochastic events—such as cyclones,storms and floods—may alter or destroy importantcoastal habitats.Due to their location in the landscape, riparian areaswithin the coastal plains are constantly reinvadedby weeds carried downstream during floods. Floodsalso increase erosion of degraded stream-banks and,following heavy rain, low-lying swampy areas thathave been drained can discharge acidic waters whichkill fish.Waterways in the coastal plains are also impactedby stormwater run-off and pollution from urbanand industrial lands near estuaries and rivers. Theexpanding population also increases the pressureon the natural environment, for example, fromrecreational activities such as boating and fishing.Many habitats in the coastal plains are highlydisturbed and fragmented, and major roads suchas the Pacific Highway cause significant barriersto the movement of species. This causes geneticisolation of populations and an inability for speciesto recolonise areas after local extinctions. Flyingfoxcamps on the coastal plains are often within oradjoining urban areas, making them vulnerable todisturbances and habitat loss.

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBTable B2.3: Coastal plains threat activities and ranking1 Key Threatening Process listed under EPBC Act 19942 Key Threatening Process listed under TSC Act 19953 Key Threatening Process listed under FM Act 1994Threat group / Threat activityClearing and fragmentation 1,2Clearing for urban and industrial developmentRural residentialAgricultural clearingAsset protection zones (fire)Removal of hollow bearing treesClearing for plantations 2FireInappropriate fire regime 2WeedsWeed invasionInvasion of native plant communities by Bitou Bush & BoneseedInvasion, establishment and spread of Lantana camara 2Invasion and establishment of exotic vines and scramblers 2Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses 2PestsCompetition and predation by the European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) 1, 2Competition, predation and disease from feral Cats 1, 2Competition from introduced birdsCompetition, predation and disease from feral Dogs 2Competition, grazing and land degradation from feral Goats 1, 2Predation by the Plague Minnow (Gambusia holbrooki) 2Competition, grazing and degradation from feral Deer 2Competition, predation, grazing, habitat degradation and disease transmission by feral Pigs (Sus scrofa) 1, 2Competition, land degradation and grazing from Rabbits 1, 2Competition, predation and mortality from ingestion of Cane Toad (significant potential threat) 1, 2Competition and predation from feral fishCompetition from feral Honey Bees 2Predation by introduced rodentsCompetition and predation by Pandanus Plant-HopperForestryForestryRankVery HighHighMediumMediumMediumVery LowHighVery HighVery HighHighMediumMediumVery HighHighMediumLowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowLow77

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGY78Threat group / Threat activityHydrology and water qualityAlteration to the natural flow regimes of floodplains from habitat modification and degradation 2Alteration to the natural flow regimes of wetlands from habitat modification and degradation 2Pollution from stormwaterActivation of acid sulphate soilsHigh nutrient loads, sediment loads, contaminant loads and thermal pollutionAlteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and streams from habitat modification and degradation 2Altered groundwater hydrologySiltation/sedimentationAlteration to the natural flow of coastal lakes and estuaries from habitat modification and degradationDiseases and pathogensInfection of amphibians with chytrid fungus resulting in chytridiomycosis 1, 2Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) 1, 2Human interferenceRemoval of dead wood and dead trees 2Irresponsible ownership of domestic petsRoad mortalityHunting/fishingLoss or degradation of estuarine nursery habitatsRemoval, degradation and disturbance of nests and roostsHuman induced mortalityHuman activity by vehicles off roadImpediments to movement of fishDead wood removal from stream 3Human activity by visitorsCollection of seedVandalismHorse recreational useEntanglement in, or ingestion of anthropogenic debris in marine and estuarine environments 1, 2ElectrocutionBoat mortalityLivestockDomestic livestock grazing, trampling and competitionChemicals and wasteApplication and pollution from urban, industrial and rural chemicalsPoisoning due to pest controlIllegal rubbish dumpingRubbish dumping / landfillDemographic effects and small populationsDemographic effects and small populationsGenetic contamination/hybridisationRankMediumMediumMediumMediumLowLowVery LowVery LowVery LowLowVery LowMediumMediumMediumMediumMediumMediumVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowLowMediumVery LowVery LowVery LowMediumVery Low

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBPigface carpobrotus glaucescensYellow-faced Whipsnake Demansia psammophisPark BeachB2.8 Landscape connections inthe coastal plains(1) Corindi Estuary – Dirty CreekAn area supporting significant estuarine, coastallowland and forest habitats including areas ofSubtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest EEC andSwamp Sclerophyll Forest EEC. Part of this area ismapped as a Regional Priority Conserve and RepairArea in the Northern Rivers Regional BiodiversityManagement Plan (DECCW 2010a).The Corindi Estuary supports important shorebirdsincluding resident species (e.g. Beach Stone-curlew,Pied Oystercatcher) and migratory species (e.g.Red-capped Plover, Whimbrel). The area includesimportant habitats for threatened species likeWallum Froglet, Eastern Ground Parrot, PowerfulOwl, Black-necked Stork, Brolga, Squirrel Glider,Eastern Pygmy-possum, Grey-headed Flying-fox,Common Blossom-bat and Little Bentwing-bat.Known habitat for the endangered coastal Emupopulation extends into this area, but the speciesmay have disappeared locally. The area may be thesouthern range limit for the nationally threatenedOlongburra Frog Litoria olongburensis. Threatenedplant species have been recorded in the areaincluding Scented Acronychia and Slender ScrewFern.(2) Mullaway – Arrawarra – DarlingtonThis area includes Garby Nature Reserve, thenorthern end of Coffs Coast Regional Park, andprivately owned habitat remnants linking across thePacific Highway to Wedding Bells State Forest. Thearea supports EECs including Subtropical CoastalFloodplain Forest and Swamp Sclerophyll Forest.The area also includes coastal wetlands, heathlandsand old-growth open forests. Known populationsof threatened fauna include Wallum Froglet, GlossyBlack-cockatoo, Grey-headed Flying-fox, CommonBlossom-bat, Little Bentwing-bat and HoaryWattled Bat. A regionally important Squirrel Gliderpopulation occupies the swamp forest – open forest– coastal complex habitat mosaics.(3) Hearnes Lake – Double Crossing CreekThis area forms a corridor running from Coffs CoastRegional Park through the Hearnes Lake area toCouncil-owned lands at Double Crossing Creek, andon to Wedding Bells State Forest. The association ofcoastal complex habitats, wetlands and open forestsbecomes fragmented by agricultural lands in thewest.Hearnes Lake is considered a regionally importantcoastal lake in the Northern Rivers RegionalBiodiversity Management Plan (DECCW 2010a) andis likely to support high conservation value aquatichabitats. Other important habitats include SwampSclerophyll Forest EEC, old-growth coastal forests79

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYand known habitats for threatened fauna includingthe Wallum Froglet, Black-necked Stork and Osprey.The Koala and Squirrel Glider may also occur here.An important Little Tern nest site occurs at Flat TopPoint.Threatened plants recorded from the area includeSlender Marsdenia, Rusty Plum and Rainforest Cassiawest of the Pacific Highway, and there is a significantpopulation of the Austral Toadflax closer to thecoast.(4) Emerald Beach – Moonee Creek – Wedding BellsThis area extends from Moonee Beach NatureReserve and links through remnant coastal complexhabitats and open forests to Wedding Bells StateForest. The corridor is fragmented by the settlementof Emerald Beach and clearing associated withMoonee Creek. However, it still supports importantremnant coastal heaths, wetlands, SwampSclerophyll Forest EEC and forest areas that areknown to support threatened species.An important Voluntary Conservation Areasupports a population of the nationally endangeredGiant Barred Frog. A potentially important Koalapopulation may also persist in the western part ofthe area along with plants like the Rusty Plum. TheWallum Froglet, Common Planigale, Squirrel Glider,Grey-headed Flying-fox, Common Blossom-bat andOsprey have all been recorded. Part of the area ismapped as a Regional Priority Conserve and RepairArea in the Northern Rivers Regional BiodiversityManagement Plan (DECCW 2010a).(5) South Moonee Forest – Wedding BellsSouth Moonee Forest is a highly significant forestremnant supporting stands of tall open forest,wetlands and Swamp Sclerophyll Forest EEC andSubtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest EEC. The forestis linked to Wedding Bells State Forest through acorridor of privately owned forest remnants that areknown to support threatened species.The area is core habitat for the threatened plantMoonee Quassia. The Rusty Plum and SlenderMarsdenia also occur locally. Significant faunapopulations also occur including Green-thighedFrog, Black Bittern, Wompoo Fruit-dove, GlossyBlack-cockatoo, Common Blossom-bat, Grey-headedFlying-fox and Eastern Freetail-bat. The nationallythreatened Swift Parrot occurs seasonally whennectar resources are suitably abundant.(6) Korora – Korora BasinThis area is an outlier of Coffs Harbour’s renownedtall moist open forests which extend upslope, westfrom the Basin. It is comprised largely of habitatremnants and riparian-based habitat corridors amidcoastal urban and rural-residential areas, but alsoincludes Kororo Nature Reserve and part of CoffsCoast Regional Park.Mulloway Needle Bush Hakea actitesFungusSundew Drosera spatulata80Boambee Beach

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBThe forests here support a known, small butimportant Koala population which extends to PacificBay resort on the coast but is bisected by the PacificHighway. Other threatened fauna species includeStephens’ Banded Snake and Wompoo Fruit-dove.The Sooty Owl is occasionally heard and threatenedplant species known from the area include RustyPlum and Slender Marsdenia.(7) Coffs Creek – racecourse – North Boambee BeachThis habitat complex comprises important remnantswithin a largely urbanised landscape. Habitatsinclude mosaics of Swamp Sclerophyll Forest EECand tall open forest along with estuarine wetlands,mangroves, coastal heaths and coastal complexareas. The uniquely associated and endangeredFloyd’s Grass and Black Grass-dart Butterfly occuralong with small but important populations of theKoala and Squirrel Glider.The Wallum Froglet is associated with low-lyinghabitats and a potentially new frog species, ‘CoffsCreek Crinia’, has been recorded in the area. AGrey-headed Flying-fox camp is located further upCoffs Creek. Threatened bats, including EasternFalse Pipistrelle and Little Bentwing-bat, haverecently been detected. These and other forestbats may roost in remnant, old eucalypts (especiallyBlackbutts) associated with Coffs Creek and otherremnants. The Common Planigale, Osprey and BlackBittern are also known to occur. Threatened plantspersist within these remnants including SouthernSwamp Orchid, Rusty Plum, Tall Knotweed andScented Acronychia.(8) South Boambee Beach – airport – BoambeeSignificant estuarine, coastal lowland and foresthabitats are found in this area with knownoccurrences of EECs including Subtropical CoastalFloodplain Forest and Swamp Sclerophyll Forest.A mapped habitat corridor extends to the westconnecting these coastal plain remnants with openforest habitats in Boambee State Forest. A locallyimportant Koala population is associated with thehabitat remnants of this area.The uniquely associated and endangered Floyd’sGrass and Black Grass-dart Butterfly are found ata number of sites along Cordwells and Boambeecreeks. The Wallum Froglet is found in low-lyingheaths and sedgelands and a potentially new frogspecies, Coffs Creek Crinia, is known from the area.Known populations of threatened plants includeSouthern Swamp Orchid, Tall Knotweed, ScentedAcronychia and Rusty Plum. Other known faunaspecies include Eastern Grass Owl, Black-neckedStork, Common Planigale, Grey-headed Flying-fox,Common Blossom-bat and Little Bentwing-bat.(9) Bongil Bongil – Bonville – Tuckers KnobThis is an important area of fragmented habitatsincluding a mapped habitat corridor that links thecoastal plains to the hinterland. The area extendsRose Maple Cryptocarya rigidafrom the northern end of Bongil Bongil National Parkto the urban area of Bayldon–Toormina then crossesthe Pacific Highway to Bonville and on to TuckersKnob State Forest.Habitat remnants here support combinations ofproductive tall open forests and Swamp SclerophyllForest and Subtropical Coastal Floodplain ForestEECs. Locally important populations of the Koala andWallum Froglet occur in the area. Other threatenedfauna that have been recorded include Sooty Owl,Masked Owl, Glossy Black-cockatoo, Grey-headedFlying-fox, Greater Broad-nosed Bat and LittleBentwing-bat. The threatened plants Rusty Plum andSlender Marsdenia are also known to occur.(10) Bongil – Pine CreekThis area includes some significant habitat remnantsand an important corridor link from Bongil BongilNational Park to Pine Creek State Forest. Localhabitats include productive tall open forests andSubtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest and SwampSclerophyll Forest EECs.An important Koala population occurs and there isa significant occurrence of the endangered Floyd’sGrass and Black Grass-dart Butterfly associatedwith low-lying flats along Pine Creek. The nationallyendangered Giant Barred Frog is also knownfrom Pine Creek. Other threatened fauna speciesknown to occur include the Osprey, Masked Owl,Glossy Black-cockatoo, Grey-headed Flying-fox andLittle Bentwing-bat. The Cryptic Forest Twiner, athreatened plant species, has also been recorded.81

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGY82B3. MIDLAND HILLSTable B3.1: Midland hills statisticsMidland HillsHectaresTotal Area of Midland Hills 47,587Total Area of EECs 3,772Percent EECs 8%Endangered Ecological Communities *Freshwater Wetlands on coastalfloodplainsLowland Rainforest 3,282Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest 117Swamp Sclerophyll Forests on CoastalFloodplainsAs Listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995B3.1 Landform25349The midland hills include the foothills and low rangesbetween the coastal plains and the escarpmentranges. The western boundary correspondsapproximately to the 250 metre elevation contour.This landscape unit includes geographic featuresassociated with the coastal ranges (includingsandstone escarpments in the north-west), andvalleys, creeks and rivers draining northwards to theClarence River.B3.2 GeologyThe midlands hills encompass a number of geologicalformations which run generally east–west across theLGA. In the north there are areas of Kangaroo CreekSandstone interspersed with Walloon Coal Measures.North-west of Coffs Harbour there are mainlyConglomerate formations, and in the south there aremetasediments, mudstone and siltstone.B3.3 Land useAlthough there a number of small towns and villagesin the midlands hills landscape, the major land usesare rural agriculture and forestry. Small areas ofrural residential allotments are located throughoutthe area. Bananas are traditionally the primaryhorticultural crop, however, blueberries are alsobeing established. Livestock grazing is also widelydistributed throughout the area with most grazingalong the valley floors and mid slopes. Forestry,both on private land and Forests NSW estate, occursthroughout the midland hills.B3.4 Broad vegetationThe vegetation communities in the midland hills(see Table B3.2) vary greatly in composition, age andcondition depending on landform, slope and aspect.On private land, the distribution of vegetationshows that clearing is strongly linked to slope in themidland hills. A significant proportion of vegetationhas been cleared or fragmented within the flatterlower-lying areas of generally less than 5°. Someriparian vegetation still exists along major drainagelines. The width of riparian vegetation is generallynarrow and variable and can completely disappearfrom one property to another. A greater proportionof remaining vegetation is on the moderate tosteeper slopes. These forests are generally semimesicor wet sclerophyll, though there are patchesof rainforest vegetation interspersed through them.Public land in the midland hills landscape tendsto be located on the higher elevation hills andslopes. These areas tend to be dominated by wetsclerophyll forest, semi-mesic forest, rainforest andsome plantation forest in the southern and centralareas. The northern public land areas contain semimesic,wet sclerophyll, plantation timber with drysclerophyll shrub/grass forests occupying the mostnortherly portion of public land.Creek Sandpaper Fig Ficus coronata

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBTable B3.2: Vegetation formations of the Coffs Harbourmidland hillsFormation% of totalWet sclerophyll forests 26Semi-mesic forests 26Cleared of vegetation 25Dry sclerophyll shrub forests 6Plantations 5Rainforests 5Dry sclerophyll shrub/grass forests 4Swamp sclerophyll forests 2Freshwater wetlands

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGY84most significant habitats occur generally south ofSherwood Nature Reserve with the Orara, FridaysCreek, west Bonville and Bongil Bongil NationalPark in the south being the most significant areas.Other species strongly associated with the midlandhills are the Powerful Owl, Spotted-tailed Quoll,Yellow-bellied Glider, Glossy Black-cockatoo and anumber of microbats including the Eastern and LittleBentwing-bats and the Golden-tipped Bat.Mixophyes frogsThe Giant Barred Frog Mixophyes iteratus islisted as endangered at state and national levels.It has declined drastically in distribution andabundance across large parts of its range. TheCoffs Harbour hinterland is a stronghold for thespecies, particularly tall wet and moist open forestsassociated with permanent rivers and creeks (FigureB3.1).A related species, the Stuttering Frog M. balbus,is also threatened at state and national levels andalso occurs within the Coffs Harbour LGA. Thetwo species can be found in close proximity in theBindarri National Park – Urumbilum River – FridaysCreek area (Figure B3.1).Stinky LilyStinky Lily Typhonium sp. aff. brownii occurs mainlyin moist eucalypt forest in the ranges west ofWoolgoolga and Coffs Harbour. It is a very restrictedspecies known from only a few small populations. Itis a deciduous herb about 20 cm tall and it sproutsa few leaves each year from an underground tuber.Timber harvesting, road works and weed invasionare significant threats for this endangered species.Rusty PlumRusty Plum Niemeyera whitei occurs outside theCoffs Harbour LGA, but the species’ stronghold isin the moist forests and rainforests of the CoffsHarbour area (Figure B3.2). It is a medium sized treewith firm textured leaves. Rusty Plum is a vulnerablespecies and is threatened by weed invasion,forestry practises and urban and rural residentialdevelopment.Other threatened plantsOther threatened plants that have significantdistributions in the Coffs Harbour LGA include:··Orara Boronia Boronia umbellata (Figure B3.2)··Dwarf Heath Casuarina Allocasuarina defungens··Milky Silkpod Parsonsia dorrigoensis··Sand Spurge Chamaesyce psammogeton··Scant Pomaderris Pomaderris queenslandica··Slender Marsdenia Marsdenia longiloba (FigureB3.2)··Square-stemmed Spike-rush Eleocharistetraquetra.Giant Barred Frog Mixophyes iteratusStink Lily Typhonium sp. aff. browniiRed Bloodwood & Stringy Bark Heathy dry Sclerophyll Forest

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBFigure B3.1: Giant Barred Frog and Stuttering Frog recordsEmu Dromaius novaehollandiae85

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYFigure B3.2: Rusty Plum, Orara Boronia, Slender Mardenia records in the Coffs Harbour LGA86

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBHabitat simplification - clearing for grazingVine Weed InfestationnB3.7 ThreatsIn the midland hills, 60 threat activities impact onbiodiversity. Of these, 24 are encompassed by keythreatening processes listed under the TSC Act(see Table B3.3) and one is listed under the FisheriesManagement Act 1994 (FM Act).In comparison to the coastal plains, the midland hillslandscape has less overall threat activities reflectingthe relatively lower population density. Land-usepractices are mainly associated with agriculturalactivities, primarily cattle grazing, with some areasof bananas and blueberry crops. Forestry is alsowidespread on both private land and Forests NSWestate.The main threats include:··clearing and disturbance of vegetation foragriculture··invasion from introduced plant species··the establishment and spread of Lantana··competition and predation by the European RedFox··inappropriate fire regimes in some locations··competition, predation and disease by feral Cats.While Cane Toads are not established in the LGA,they are a potential threat. Some areas are alsosubject to urban, rural–residential and industrialdevelopment (including clearing setbacks for fireprotection).Table B3.3 lists each threat activity and rating (veryhigh to very low) based on the geographical extentof the activity and its impact on biodiversity withinthe midland hills landscape.Many of these threats are cumulative, caused by amultitude of activities. In some cases they are oftenexacerbated by, or are a result of, another threatsuch as the invasion of Lantana which results fromclearing and disturbance to native vegetation.The impacts associated with climate change are likelyto be less in the midland hills than in the coastalplains landscape. There may, however, be impactsfrom increased wildfire potential and the invasionof new weeds and pest species such as the CaneToad. Some plant species and the floristics of somevegetation communities may also change as a resultof changes in temperature and rainfall. Increasingstochastic events such as cyclones, storms andfloods may also alter or impact important habitats.Some habitats in the midland hills are highlydisturbed and fragmented and/or have roads orcleared lands that cause significant barriers tothe movement of species. This can cause geneticisolation of populations and an inability for speciesto recolonise areas after local extinctions.Removal of hollow-bearing trees87

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYTable B3.3: Midland hills threat activities and ranking1 Key Threatening Process listed under EPBC Act 19942 Key Threatening Process listed under TSC Act 19953 Key Threatening Process listed under FM Act 1994Threat group / Threat activityClearing and fragmentation 1, 2Agricultural clearingRemoval of hollow bearing treesRural residentialClearing for plantations 2Asset protection zones (fire)Clearing for urban and industrial developmentFireInappropriate fire regime 2WeedsWeed invasionInvasion, establishment and spread of Lantana camara 2Invasion and establishment of exotic vines and scramblers 2Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses 2PestsCompetition and predation by the European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) 1, 2Competition, predation and disease from feral Cats 1, 2Competition, land degradation and grazing from Rabbits 1, 2Competition, predation and disease from feral Dogs 2Competition from feral Honey Bees 2Predation by the Plague Minnow (Gambusia holbrooki) 2Competition, grazing and degradation from feral Deers 2Competition, predation, grazing, habitat degradation and disease transmission by feral Pigs (Sus scrofa) 1, 2Competition, grazing and land degradation from feral Goats 1, 2Competition, predation and mortality from ingestion of Cane Toad (significant potential threat) 1, 2Competition and predation from feral fishCompetition from introduced birdsPredation by introduced rodentsForestryForestryRankHighHighMediumLowLowVery LowMediumHighHighMediumLowHighHighMediumMediumLowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowHigh88

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBThreat group / Threat activityHydrology and water qualityAlteration to the natural flow regimes of wetlands from habitat modification and degradation 2Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and streams from habitat modification and degradation 2Altered groundwater hydrologySiltation/sedimentationDiseases and pathogensInfection of amphibians with chytrid fungus resulting in chytridiomycosis 1, 2Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) 1, 2Infection by Psittacine circoviral (beak & feather) disease affecting endangered psittacine species 1, 2Exotic fungi red pored fungiPhelliuis noxiousLethal yellowingHuman interferenceRemoval of dead wood and dead trees 2Irresponsible ownership of domestic petsRoad mortalityHunting/fishingRemoval, degradation and disturbance of nests and roostsCollection illegallyHuman induced mortalityHuman activity by vehicles off roadRoadside, track and waterway maintenanceImpediments to movement of fishDead wood removal from stream 3Human activity by visitorsBushrock removal 2Collection of seedVandalismHorse recreational useElectrocutionLivestockDomestic livestock grazing, trampling and competitionChemicals and wasteApplication and pollution from urban, industrial and rural chemicalsPoisoning due to pest controlIllegal rubbish dumpingRubbish dumping / landfillDemographic effects and small populationsDemographic effects and small populationsGenetic contamination/hybridisationRankMediumLowVery LowVery LowMediumLowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowMediumMediumLowLowLowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowMediumLowVery LowVery LowVery LowMediumVery Low89

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGY90Green Leaf Tree Frog Litoria phyllochroaSouthern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiaeFairy Paint Brush Archidendron grandiflorumB3.8 Landscape connections inthe midland hills(11) Weddings Bells – Corindi River – ConglomerateLinking two state forests across the upper CorindiValley, this area includes mapped Subtropical CoastFloodplain Forests EEC and tall open old-growthand disturbed old-growth forests. The forestshere provide habitat for many threatened specieslike Giant Barred Frog, Glossy Black-cockatoo,Powerful Owl, Masked Owl, Koala and Grey-headedFlying-fox—all of which are know from the stateforests fringing the valley. The Squirrel Glider mayalso occur. The Corindi River floodplain is knownhabitat for the Black-necked Stork, and the Brolga isoccasionally seen in the area.The threatened plant species Moonee Quassia andOrara Boronia have been recorded at MadmansCreek Flora Reserve which is in Conglomerate StateForest in the midland hills. The Rusty Plum is alsoknown to occur in the general location and otherthreatened plant species are likely to occur along theprivately owned floodplains.(12) Lower Bucca – Bucca Bucca – SherwoodThis habitat corridor is fragmented by clearingadjacent to Bucca Bucca Creek but still provides aseemingly functional and important forest-based linkbetween Sherwood Nature Reserve in the north andLower Bucca State Forest in the south. The southernfall from Sherwood Nature Reserve supportsimportant stands of rainforest and old-growth wetand moist tall open forests.Bucca Bucca Creek is fringed by riparian forest,including tall stands of Cunningham’s Sheoak. Theremainder of the corridor supports tall open forestvariously dominated by Blackbutt, Tallowwood, GreyIronbark and Flooded Gum.Recent clearing and logging have impacted thecorridor in a number of places but it still retainsconnectivity and habitat values for threatenedspecies including Wompoo Fruit-dove, Koala, GlossyBlack-cockatoo, Greater Broad-nosed Bat and LittleBentwing-bat—all of which have been recordednearby in Lower Bucca State Forest. The three largeforest owls—Sooty, Masked and Powerful Owls—have all been recorded in the general area indicatingit to be an important and productive location forforest fauna. The Yellow-bellied Glider has also beenrecorded in the adjacent state forest. The corridorarea is important known habitat for the OraraBoronia, and other threatened plants like MooneeQuassia and Rusty Plum are also likely to occur.(13) Nana Creek – Coramba – Lower BuccaThis habitat corridor is fragmented by large areasof clearing associated with the Orara River but isstill considered an important link across the OraraValley. It includes the Coramba Nature Reserve whichis a known refuge for threatened species including

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBvery high numbers of the nationally threatenedGiant Barred Frog. Subtropical Coastal FloodplainForest EEC, including subtropical rainforest, occursas remnants along the river. The remainder ofthe corridor supports tall open forest variouslydominated by Blackbutt, Tallowwood, Grey Ironbarkand White Mahogany.A number of threatened fauna species have beenrecorded using the remnant habitats of this corridor,including the Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Grey-headedFlying-fox and Koala. It is of great interest that aSpotted-tailed Quoll was sighted in the area not longago. Other species that may occur include Stephens’Banded Snake, Wompoo Fruit-dove and even theParma Wallaby which has been recorded just to thewest of this location.(14) Orara East – Karangi – Orara WestThis important area includes a network of corridorsand habitat remnants linking Bindarri National Park,Ulidarra National Park and Bruxner Flora Reserve inthe north, across Red Hill and Boambee State Forestand on to the Fridays Creek area and Orara WestState Forest in the south. This area is an importantlocation for Coffs Harbour’s signature tall moistforest habitats and supports a high diversity offorest ecosystems including stands of old-growthforest and rainforest.Many records of threatened fauna have comefrom the area, including Stephens’ Banded Snake,Wompoo Fruit-dove, Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, SootyOwl, Koala, Glossy Black-cockatoo and Grey-headedFlying-fox. A known important population of thenationally threatened Giant Barred Frog occurs in theFriday Creek area. There are sporadic reports of theLong-nosed Potoroo occurring here as well. This areaalso appears to be core habitat for the threatenedRusty Plum for which there are many known records.(15) Bongil – Pine Creek – Tuckers NobThis is a privately owned component of a broaderlandscape corridor linking Bongil Bongil NationalPark through Pine Creek State Forest to Tuckers NobState Forest. The area supports mosaics of wet andmoist forest including rainforest patches and standsvariously dominated by Flooded Gum, Tallowwoodand Blackbutt.This corridor is core habitat for the local Koalapopulation. It is also known to be important habitatfor the Masked Owl, Sooty Owl and Yellow-belliedGlider. The nationally threatened Giant Barred Frog isknown from Pine Creek further to the east and fromTuckers Nob State Forest, and it is likely to occupystream habitats in this hotspot. Threatened plantswhich have been recorded from the general vicinityof this hotspot are also likely to occur here, includingRusty Plum and Ravine Orchid Sarcochilus fitzgeraldii.RainforestStephens’ Banded Snake Hoplocephalus stephensiiFungi91

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYB4. ESCARPMENT RANGESTable B4.1: Escarpment ranges statisticsEscarpment RangesHectaresTotal Area of Escarpment Ranges 37,632Total Area of EECs 3,841Percent EECs 10%Endangered Ecological Communities *Lowland Rainforest 3,675White Gum Moist Forest 156As Listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995B4.1 LandformThe escarpment ranges landscape stretches fromthe western boundary of the LGA to roughly the 250metre elevation contour.The escarpment ranges landscape includes strikinggeographic features of the Great Eastern Ranges,including Mount Moombil (at 1042 metres, thehighest point in the LGA), Tuckers Nob (920 metres),and Bonville Peak.Slopes are predominantly moderately steep to verysteep (16–45o) with small areas of precipitous slopesalong some cliffs associated with gorges. Undulatingslopes occur on the elevated plateaus and in theupper river valleys. The southern boundary of theescarpment ranges runs along the ridgeline aroundthe Gleniffer and Crossmaglen valleys.B4.2 GeologyThe geology of the escarpment ranges is complexand variable. Metasediments, mudstones andsiltstones are the predominant geologies. The areato the west of Coffs Harbour and south to Dorrigois characterised by the Carboniferous greywackemetasediments of the Coramba beds, mudstones ofthe Brooklana beds and siltstones of the Moombilbeds.B4.3 Land useThe primary land use on the escarpment rangesis state forest which occupies almost 40%, oraround 15,000 hectares. National parks account forapproximately 16%. Livestock grazing on pastureland occupies another 7400 hectares (19.5%),although some areas under tree cover (9400 ha or25%) may also be used for grazing. Only a very smallproportion of the escarpment ranges is used forhorticulture or cropping pursuits (less than 0.5%).The population of the escarpment ranges is sparsein comparison with the rest of the LGA. Urban orbuilt-up areas cover about 50 of the 37,600 hectaresof the escarpment ranges. These figures reflect thelarge areas of national parks and state forests in thelandscape, together with the rugged topography,difficult access and relatively greater distances fromurban service centres.B4.4 Broad vegetationThe forests in the escarpment ranges tend to befairly contiguous in comparison with the midlandhills and coastal plains, and there is less evidence offragmentation. In the predominantly cleared areasused for grazing, riparian vegetation adjacent tocreeks and drainage lines tends to be narrow anddiscontinuous. Well over half of the vegetation in theescarpment ranges (Table B4.2) is wet sclerophyllforest or rainforest.Table B4.2: Vegetation formations of the Coffs Harbourescarpment rangesFORMATION% of totalWet sclerophyll forests 37Rainforests 28Cleared 17Semi-mesic forests 11Dry sclerophyll shrub/grass forests 4Plantations 3Swamp sclerophyll forests

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBB4.5 Aquatic ecosystemsThe escarpment ranges contain the upper–middlereaches of the major rivers and the headwatersof many small tributaries. Waterfalls, gorges andcascades feature in the more rugged areas.As many of the rivers and streams in the area arewithin state forest or national parks, they areconsidered to have only minimal disturbance andrequire only conservation management strategies.Around a quarter are regarded as having moderatedisturbance and recovery potential. The escarpmentranges contain many barriers to fish passage,including some of high priority for remediation. Mostof the riparian areas are in reasonable condition dueto the steep topography and predominance of publicland in this landscape.The escarpment ranges landscape supports thehabitat of the endangered Eastern Freshwater Cod.Since the late 1960s, only small numbers have beencaught and only from tributaries of the ClarenceRiver where some pristine habitat still exists (suchas the Nymboida, Little Nymboida, Guy Fawkes,Boyd and Mann rivers). The Cod is now consideredextinct in the Richmond River system, and veryrare or absent in the major northern tributaries ofthe Clarence River system (the Clarence, Rocky andCataract rivers). It is also no longer found in theOrara River, where it was once very common (DPI2004).B4.6 Threatened species,populations and communitiesThreatened ecological communitiesThe escarpment ranges contains two threatenedecological communities listed as endangered underthe TSC Act:··Lowland Rainforest on Floodplain in the NewSouth Wales North Coast Bioregion··White Gum Moist Forest in the NSW North CoastBioregionPriority areas for endangered ecologicalcommunitiesThe north-east foothills of the Dorrigo Plateau,extending into the Coffs Harbour LGA to the northwestof Coramba, support important habitat for theWhite Gum Eucalyptus dunnii Moist Forest EEC.Endangered populationsThere are no listed endangered populations in theescarpment ranges landscape.Threatened speciesMany of the species of significance within theescarpment ranges are associated with the largertracts of forests across private lands and in nationalparks and state forests. For example, a significantWaterfallRose Myrtle Archirhodomyrtus beckleriBush-stone Curlew Burhinus grallariusRainforest93

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYGolden Orb Spider Nephila sp.Trailing Guinea Flower Hibbertia dentataPurple Coral Pea Hardenbergia violaceaoutlier population of the Pouched Frog Assadarlingtoni occurs along Frontage Creek within OraraWest State Forest in the south-west of the LGA. Thisspecies has a patchy distribution with about fiveisolated populations, including one in the DorrigoPlateau region. The closest other records are fromDorrigo National Park, Mount Hyland Nature Reserveand Wild Cattle Creek State Forest.The Stuttering Frog also occurs across areas of theescarpment ranges landscape with records in WildCattle Creek, Orara West and Kangaroo Creek stateforests. It has also been recorded in the headwatersof the Urumbilum River in Bindarri National Park(Figure B3.1).The lower sections of the Urumbilum River are alsosignificant habitat for the Giant Barred Frog. Thedensest population of this species was recorded hereduring field surveys for the Urunga – Coffs HarbourForest Management Areas (Smith et al. 1995). A totalof 18 individuals were recorded along a 100 metrestretch of the river.The Parma Wallaby is a rare species which occursas an outlier population in Bindarri National Parkand in Orara West State Forest where it has beenrecorded near Coramba Mountain Road (Figure B4.1).The Rufous Bettong reaches its southern strongholddistributional limit in the Coffs Harbour LGA (FigureB4.1) but is known from a few disjunct locationsfurther south.B4.7 ThreatsIn the escarpment ranges, 29 threat activities impacton biodiversity. Of these, 21 are encompassed bylisted key threatening processes (Table B4.3). Thenumber of threats impacting on this landscape isless than in the midland hills, and significantly lessthan in the coastal plains landscape. Threat ratingsare generally also lower in the escarpment ranges.This reflects the low levels of human settlement,difficulty of the steep terrain for undertakingagriculture, and the relatively large area of nationalparks and state forests.The table below lists each threat activity and rating(very high to very low) based on the geographicalextent of the activity and its impact on biodiversitywithin the escarpment ranges landscape.94Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBFigure B4.1: Parma Wallaby, Rufous Bettong and Squirrel Glider records95

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYTable B4.3: Escarpment ranges threat activities and ranking1 Key Threatening Process listed under EPBC Act 19942 Key Threatening Process listed under TSC Act 19953 Key Threatening Process listed under FM Act 1994Threat group / Threat activityClearing and fragmentation 1,2Agricultural clearingRemoval of hollow bearing treesAsset protection zonesRural residentialClearing for plantations 2RankMediumMediumLowVery LowVery LowFireInappropriate fire regime 2MediumWeedsWeed invasionInvasion, establishment and spread of Lantana camara 2Invasion and establishment of exotic vines and scramblers 2Invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses 2HighMediumLowVery LowPestsCompetition and predation by the European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) 1, 2Competition, predation and disease from feral Cats 1, 2Competition, predation, grazing, habitat degradation and disease transmission by feral Pigs (Sus scrofa) 1, 2Competition, grazing and land degradation from feral Goats 1, 2Competition, predation and mortality from ingestion of Cane Toad 1, 2 (significant potential threat)Competition, grazing and degradation from feral Deers 2Competition, land degradation and grazing from Rabbits 1, 2Competition, predation and disease from feral Dogs 2Competition from feral Honey Bees 2MediumMediumVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowVery LowForestryForestryVery High96

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBThreat group / Threat activityRankDiebackForest eucalypt dieback associated with over-abundant Bell Miners and psyllids 2 (significant potential threat)LowHydrology and water qualityAlteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and streams from habitat modification and degradation 2Alteration to the natural flow regimes of wetlands from habitat modification and degradation 2LowVery LowDiseases and pathogensInfection of amphibians with chytrid fungus resulting in chytridiomycosis 1, 2Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) 1, 2LowVery LowHuman interferenceRemoval of dead wood and dead trees 2Hunting/fishingHuman activity by vehicles off roadLowVery LowVery LowLivestockDomestic livestock grazing, trampling and competitionLow97

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYThe escarpment ranges is a dramatically differentlandscape to the other landscapes in the regiondue largely to the steep, rugged landforms. Thesehave precluded, in many areas, the extensivedevelopment of land uses that are major threats tobiodiversity in the other landscapes. Larger areas arealso within national park.Threats to the conservation lands in this landscape,although much less than threats to other lands,are still present and include inappropriate fireregimes as a result of wildfires. These can result inthe burning of large inaccessible areas, includingrainforest under extreme conditions. Inappropriatefire regimes encompass those that are too frequent,or not frequent enough, dependent on theecosystem. Predation from Foxes, and feral Catsand Dogs can also occur throughout these areas,predominantly in disturbed forest areas, along forestedges and in rural agricultural lands. Feral Goats andDeer may be an emerging issue in some areas.Grazing is one of the major industries in theescarpment ranges. It is limited in area and generallyless intensive than other landscapes. Too-frequentfires may be a problem on some private landwhere graziers burn annually to control shrubsand promote palatable grasses and seasonal greenpick for stock. This frequent burning may also leadto increased erosion if burning occurs just priorto heavy rainfall events. Other threats includeweed invasion, and grazing and trampling of nativevegetation by livestock.Forestry is the other major industry in theescarpment ranges and it occurs on both stateforests and private land. Potential threats includeloss of hollow-bearing trees, increased erosion,inappropriate fire regimes, Bell Miner associateddieback, firewood collection and increased predationand human interference. Plantation establishmentoccurs in only small areas.Overall the escarpment ranges are more likely to beresilient to the potential impacts of climate changebecause of the highly variable topography and themosaic of vegetation communities. Nevertheless,restricted vegetation communities such as uplandwetlands, rocky outcrops, dry rainforest and cooltemperate rainforest will be vulnerable to theconsequences of climate change, including extendeddry periods, increased fire and/or storm intensities.Bell Miner associated dieback is an emerging threaton the escarpment ranges. Chytrid fungus is anotheremerging, serious threat to the frogs that inhabitthe streams and moist forests in the escarpmentranges. Weed invasion is prevalent in the loweraltitudes where Lantana and exotic vines are themost widespread. To the north in the Clarence ValleyLGA, Cane Toads are beginning to colonise theescarpment ranges in the Upper Clarence Valley andmay be an emerging threat over time.98Coastal Carpet Python Morelia spilota mcdowelli

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBCrystal Falls, Dorrigo National ParkB4.8 Landscape connections Inthe escarpment ranges(16) Gundar – Kangaroo RiverThis area is a broad swath of forested ridges andslopes linking state forests in the vicinity of Moleton.The vegetation comprises tall wet and moist forestvariously dominated by Blackbutt, Flooded Gum andBlue Gum. There are also patches of warm temperaterainforest.Many threatened fauna species have been recordedfrom the surrounding state forests, includingStuttering Frog, Giant Barred Frog, Glossy Blackcockatoo,Sooty Owl, Koala, Yellow-bellied Gliderand Golden-tipped Bat. Many of these are likely tooccupy suitable habitats in this area. The endangeredshrub Creek Triplarina has been recorded growingadjacent to the Little Nymboida River in the vicinity.(17) Orara West – Wild Cattle CreekThis is an area of fragmented habitat forming astepping stone corridor linking Orara West and WildCattle Creek state forests across the Little NymboidaValley. The vegetation comprises mosaics of tallwet forest interspersed with important stands ofrainforest including warm temperate rainforest andpatches of cool temperate rainforest.The privately owned forests here are likely toprovide habitats for threatened species such asStuttering Frog, Giant Barred Frog and SpottedtailedQuoll. Others known from the area includethe Sooty Owl, Red-legged Pademelon, Koala andYellow-bellied Glider. Threatened plants that areknown from the surrounding state forests and thatare considered likely to occur in this area include theMilky Silkpod, Slender Marsdenia, Dorrigo Daisy Bushand Rusty Plum.(18) Bindarri – CascadeThe rugged ridges and slopes of this area constitutea habitat corridor linking Bindarri and Cascadenational parks. The vegetation is mainly warmtemperate rainforest with mosaics of wet sclerophyllforest.These wet forests provide habitat for manythreatened species including Glandular Frog,Pouched Frog, Stephens’ Banded Snake, SpottedtailedQuoll, Parma Wallaby, Red-bellied Pademelon,Eastern Pygmy-possum, Golden-tipped Bat andGreater Broad-nosed Bat. Threatened plants that areknown to occur in the vicinity include Dorrigo DaisyBush, Rusty Plum and Milky Silkpod.(19) Dorrigo – Wild Cattle Creek – CascadeThis is an important habitat corridor linking DorrigoNational Park, Wild Cattle Creek State Forest andCascade National Park. It is largely comprised ofwarm temperate rainforest with patches of tall wetforest dominated variously by eucalypts like BlueGum, Flooded Gum and Tallowwood.This area constitutes regional core habitat for faunathat live in wet forest habitats. Examples includeSooty Owl, Pouched Frog, Glandular Frog, SphagnumFrog, Eastern False Pipistrelle. There is also potentialhabitat for eastern tablelands species like the RufousScrub-bird and Olive Whistler. The area is also aregional core habitat area for the threatened DorrigoDaisy Bush.(20) Bindarri – DorrigoThis is a somewhat remote but highly significanttract of rainforest and tall wet forest. It includes oldgrowthforest and contributes to a critical habitatcorridor between Bindarri and Dorrigo nationalparks.This wet forest area provides habitat for a vastsuite of threatened species including PouchedFrog, Stuttering Frog, Wompoo Fruit-dove, RosecrownedFruit-dove, Sooty Owl, Spotted-tailed Quoll,Eastern Pygmy-possum, Parma Wallaby and EasternBentwing-bat. This area is also likely to be corehabitat for many threatened plants including SlenderMarsdenia, Milky Silkpod, Dorrigo Daisy Bush andRusty Plum.99

BIODIVERSITYACTION STRATEGYREFERENCES100

The Landscapes of Coffs HarbourBCatterall, C.P., Kingston, M.K., Park, K., and Sewell,Sven. 1998. Deforestation, urbanisation andseasonality: interacting effects on a regional birdassemblage. Biological Conservation 84: 65 – 81.Department of Environment, Climate Changeand Water NSW 2010a. Northern Rivers RegionalBiodiversity Management Plan, National RecoveryPlan for the Northern Rivers Region. Department ofEnvironment and Climate Change NSW, Sydney.Department of Environment, Climate Change andWater NSW 2010d. Shorebirds of Northern NewSouth Wales, based on a report prepared by D.Rohweder and funded by the Northern RiversCatchment Management Authority, Departmentof Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW,Sydney.Department of Primary Industries, 2004.NSW Fisheries 2004, Eastern (freshwater) Cod(Maccullochella ikei) Recovery Plan, NSW Fisheries,Nelson Bay.Department of Sustainability, Water, Populations,Environment and Communities 2011, Solitary islandsMarine Reserve (Commonwealth Waters). DSEWPCwebsite http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mpa/solitary/index.html. DSEWPC, Canberra.Eby, P., Richards, G., Collins, L., & Parry- Jones, K.,1999, The distribution, abundance and vulnerabilityto population reduction of a nomadic nectarivore,the Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalusin New South Wales, during a period of resourceconcentration, Australian Zoologist 31(1): 240–53.Gilmore, A. and Parnaby, H. 1994. Vertabrate Faunaof Conservation Concern in North-east NSW Forests.North-East Forests Biodiversity Study Report No.3e. Unpublished Report, NSW National Parks andWildlife Service, Coffs Harbour.Gilmore, S., Mackey, B and Berry, S. 2007. The extentof dispersive movement behaviour in Australianvertebrate animals, possible causes, and someimplications for conservation. Pacific ConservationBiology 13(2): 93-103.Keith, D.A. 2006, Ocean Shores to Desert Dune theNative Vegetation of NSW and the ACT, Departmentof Environment and Climate Change, HurstvilleNSW NPWS 1994. Fauna of North-East NSW Forests.North-East Forests Biodiversity Study Report No.3. Unpublished Report, NSW National Parks andWildlife Service, Coffs Harbour.NSW NPWS 1995. Vertebrates of Upper NorthEast New South Wales. Unpublished Report to theNatural Resources Audit Council. NSW National Parksand Wildlife Service, Coffs Harbour.Read, K., Keogh,J.S., Scott, I.A.W., Roberts,D.J.andDoughty, P. 2001, Molecular phylogeny ofthe Australian Frog Genera Crinia, Geocrinia, andallied taxa (Anura: Myobatrachidae). MolecularPhylogenetics and Evolution 21, 294-308.Smith, A. P., Andrews, S. P., Gration, S. Quin, Dand Sullivan, B (1995). Coffs Harbour/UrungaManagement Area EIS, Supporting Document No 4.Description and Assessment of Forestry Impacts onFauna of the Urunga – Coffs Harbour ManagementArea. Report to State Forests of NSW by Austeco PtyLtd, Armidale NSW.101

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