Flora and Fauna. Section 4.9: Flora and Fauna

Transcription

1 Flora and Fauna Section 4.9: Flora and Fauna

2 BACK OF TAB

3 Flora and Fauna Objectives Ensure protection of the significant natural environment in and around Sydney Airport Minimise the propagation and abundance of noxious weeds and feral animals Encourage use of local indigenous species in all landscaping activities Relevant Legislation and Standards Commonwealth Airports (Environment Protection) Regulations 1997 Cl.4.04 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA) NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 Fisheries Management Act 1994 Existing Environment: Flora The area surrounding Sydney Airport supports significant areas of habitat for flora and fauna, including the Botany Wetland System and migratory bird habitats within Botany Bay. The natural environment of the Airport itself has undergone a dramatic change due to development of the area. This has resulted in few areas of native vegetation remaining on or adjacent to the Airport site. The main areas of natural value at the Airport are the Engine Ponds and Mill Stream, which form part of Botany Wetland System, and the marine environment within Botany Bay. The Botany Wetland system is listed as significant on the irectory of Important Wetlands in Australia (Australian Nature Conservation Agency, 1996). uring the construction of General Holmes rive the original Engine Pond was divided into two separate ponds, now commonly known as Engine Pond West and Engine Pond East. SACL manages both these ponds. Small vegetation pockets also exist near Foreshore rive and the fourth Control Tower. Several studies have documented the flora values of areas at the Airport, including the Engine Ponds and Mill Stream. Of the 162 species recorded 79 are native species, with the remaining 83 being introduced flora. Seven of the weed species recorded on site are identified as noxious weeds under the NSW Noxious Weeds Act No threatened flora species are known to exist on the site (Biosis, 2001). In addition to the areas of relatively natural vegetation occurring on site, a number of planted fig trees associated with the former Ascot Racecourse have been identified as significant. These are further discussed in Section 4.10 Heritage. Existing Environment: Fauna ue to the highly modified nature of the airport environment there is limited existence of significant fauna habitats. Nevertheless, the Engine Ponds, vegetated pockets and grassed areas provide an opportunity for a number of species to occur on the airport site, as discussed below. Birds Within the airport grounds and immediate surrounds 166 bird species have been recorded, with 74 species considered to be of high conservation importance (Biosis, 2001). Fifty percent of the listed birds are migratory (English and Predavec, 2001), with 42 species being international migratory species. These species are protected through the migratory provisions of the EPBC Act, as well as the following international and Commonwealth treaties and agreements: Japan Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (JAMBA) China Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (CAMBA), and National Wetlands Program. The Engine Ponds represent the most significant area for fauna habitat at the Airport, which is reflected by the high diversity of bird species occurring in this area. A number of water hens, Black Swans, various ducks and wading birds have been recorded on site, along with other sedentary and migratory species.

4 82 Herpetofauna Although 25 reptile and 12 amphibian species have been recorded on or in the vicinity of Sydney Airport in the past, Biosis Research (2001) concluded that it is unlikely that this number currently exist on site. The main habitats at Sydney Airport supporting reptile and amphibian species are linked with naturally vegetated areas, however grassed areas associated with airside activities and wetlands provide habitat for smaller, common reptile species and amphibians. One species that has been recorded within the Botany Wetlands System and is listed as Endangered on the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and Vulnerable on the Commonwealth EPBC Act is the Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litorea aurea), although it has not been recorded on airport grounds (Biosis, 2001). This could in part be due to the existence of Mosquito Fish (Gambusia holbrookii), which may result in a reduction in amphibian occupancy (Botany Wetlands Ministerial Taskforce, 1991). Mammals There are few records of either native or introduced mammals on the Airport and surrounding areas, likely due to the high modification of habitats. Feral and domestic cats, dogs, bats (including the Grey Headed Flying Fox Pteropus poliochepalus), rabbits, foxes, rats and mice have however been recorded on the Sydney Airport site and the raft EIS for the Proposed Third Runway (Kinhill, 1990) stated that native water rats, Long-nosed Bandicoots and Brushtail and Common Ringtail Possums have been observed in the Sydney Airport area. Fish Within both the freshwater and marine environments associated with the Airport, a number of fish species have been recorded. It is probable that a number of marine species protected under the EPBC Act 1999 may inhabit the area, as determined by epartment of the Environment and Heritage s online database, while the Engine Ponds are suggested to contain species such as the Common Jollytail (Galaxias maculatus), Gudgeons (Hypseleotris galii and/or Gobiomorphus australis) and Eels (Anguilla australis), according to NSW Fisheries. A study by Stricker et al (undated) did however suggest that due to the presence of aquatic floating and littoral weeds, the Engine Ponds were unsuitable for native fish. Introduced species such as Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Mosquito Fish (Gambusia holbrooki) have been recorded in the Ponds (Biosis, 2001). Current Management Potential impacts on Airport flora and fauna can include: irect loss of habitat through development and disturbance Competition with invasive flora species Oxygen limitation for aquatic wetland species. Predation by feral animal species Indirect impact through pollution events Constraints due to operational requirements, eg bird management programs. SACL has implemented a number of measures to manage different aspects of flora and fauna on the airport site, including: Assessment of developments to include consideration of flora and fauna impacts, and conservation of Environmentally Significant Areas such as the Engine Ponds. Weed Eradication Program for the Engine Ponds Wetland weeds are currently managed though a regular spraying and removal program. Some terrestrial species are also targeted as part of this program. Working Group for Bird Hazard Management The Bird Control Working Group was established to ensure activities on and around Sydney Airport do not adversely impact on bird patterns and to determine the most appropriate strategies to manage bird hazards, including development of planting guidelines to reduce attraction of birds. The working group includes representatives from Airport Operations, SACL Environment epartment, SACL s Ornithologist, State Government Agencies, Local Government Authorities and key stakeholders such as Centennial Park Management. Periodic Feral Animal Control Management of feral animal species occurs periodically on-site through a number of means, including a culling program. Performance Targets and KPIs No Net Loss of Habitat Reduction in Abundance of Noxious Weeds and Pest Animals

5 83 Five Year Action Program Management Issues Actions Status Habitat and Biodiversity Preservation Conduct an ecological assessment of Sydney Airport in consultation with relevant authorities. The assessment shall include terrestrial and aquatic (both freshwater and marine) environments, and incorporate vegetation mapping and consideration of threatened species Undertake enhancement program for significant wetlands areas, including riparian vegetation augmentation and aquatic habitat restoration, in consideration of migratory bird habitat and threatened species eg. Green and Golden Bell Frog. evelop the program in consultation with relevant NSW Government agencies evelop a feral animal management strategy, in consultation with relevant agencies Assess potential for seagrass re-establishment in the cove between the runways A A B C Bird and Bat Management Review and update the Approved Plant Species List for Sydney Airport B Weed and Pest Control Maintain a committee to address bird and bat management at the Airport Manage bird and bat habitat to ensure the safety of aircraft operations Monitor bird and bat numbers through regular inspections Review weed management practices, including investigating replacement of herbicide use with mechanical removal techniques Implement an exotic weed removal program within the Engine Ponds and Mill Stream B Landscape Management evelop and implement a tree preservation and compensation policy A Review existing landscape designs/plantings around the airport and develop a concept plan to upgrade and enhance the airport landscape environment. Ensure locally indigenous plant species are incorporated, in accordance with the Sydney Airport Approved Species List. A

6 84