Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered Koala - (Phascolarctos cinereus) Population
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Approved NSW
Recovery Plan
Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens
Endangered Koala
(Phascolarctos cinereus)
Population
July 2003© NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2003. This work is copyright. However, material presented in this plan may be copied for personal use or published for educational purposes, providing that any extracts are fully acknowledged. Apart from this and any other use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from NPWS. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation 43 Bridge Street (PO Box 1967) Hurstville NSW 2220 Tel: 02 9585 6444 www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Requests for information or comments regarding the recovery program for the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered Koala Population are best directed to: Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Recovery Co-ordinator Threatened Species Unit, North East Branch NSW Department of Environment and Conservation Locked Bag 914 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Tel 02 6651 9460 Cover illustration: Koala, with the Singing Bridge joining Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens in the background. Illustrator: Lyn Skillings This Recovery Plan should be cited as follows: NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 2003, Approved Recovery Plan for the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) Population, NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, Hurstville. ISBN 0 7313 6700 6
Approved Recovery Plan Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koalas Recovery Plan for the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) Population Foreword This document constitutes the formal New South Wales State Recovery Plan for the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered Koala Population and, as such, considers the conservation requirements of the population. It identifies the actions to be taken to ensure the long-term viability of the population in nature and the parties who will undertake these actions. The Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Population is listed as an Endangered Population under the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Population is known from, and in the immediate vicinity of, the towns of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens in the Great Lakes Local Government Area. Property within the boundary of the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered Koala Population is held under a variety of tenures, including national parks estate, crown reserves and private and freehold land. Some of this land is designated SEPP 14 – Coastal Wetland and SEPP 26 – Littoral Rainforest. The future recovery actions detailed in this Recovery Plan include habitat protection and rehabilitation, protection of existing Koalas and community education and awareness. It is intended that this Recovery Plan will be implemented over a three year period. Actions will be undertaken by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Great Lakes Council with support from the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens community. LISA CORBYN BOB DEBUS MP Director-General Minister for the Environment Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page i
Approved Recovery Plan Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koalas
Table of Contents
Foreword ............................................................................................................................................i
Table of Contents...............................................................................................................................ii
1 Introduction ...............................................................................................................................1
2 Legislative Context......................................................................................................................1
2.1 Legal status .....................................................................................................................................................................1
2.2 Recovery plan preparation and implementation..................................................................................................1
2.3 Relationship to other legislation..............................................................................................................................2
3 Species Information .....................................................................................................................3
3.1 Description and taxonomy.........................................................................................................................................3
3.2 Distribution....................................................................................................................................................................3
3.3 Land tenure ....................................................................................................................................................................5
3.4 Habitat.............................................................................................................................................................................5
3.5 Ecology.............................................................................................................................................................................6
3.6 Ability of population to recover ...............................................................................................................................6
4 Threats and Management Issues ...................................................................................................7
4.1 Current threats..............................................................................................................................................................7
4.2 Potential threats ...........................................................................................................................................................8
5 Previous Recovery Actions...........................................................................................................9
5.1 Tree preservation..........................................................................................................................................................9
5.2 Habitat mapping and environmental studies..................................................................................................... 10
5.3 Dog control.................................................................................................................................................................. 10
5.4 Wildlife rehabilitation groups................................................................................................................................ 10
5.5 Public awareness......................................................................................................................................................... 10
5.6 Catchment management ......................................................................................................................................... 11
6 Proposed Recovery Objectives, Actions and Performance Criteria..................................................11
7 Implementation.........................................................................................................................16
8 Social and Economic Consequences ............................................................................................16
9 Biodiversity Benefits..................................................................................................................16
10 Preparation Details....................................................................................................................16
11 Review Date .............................................................................................................................17
12 Acknowledgments.....................................................................................................................17
13 References.................................................................................................................................17
14 Acronyms Used in this Document ..............................................................................................19
15 Implementation Schedule...........................................................................................................20
Appendix 1 Public Authority Responsibilities ....................................................................................22
Appendix 2 Summary of Advice from the NSW Scientific Committee .................................................23
Appendix 3 Koala Habitat Definitions...............................................................................................24
Figures
Figure 1. Location of the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered Koala Population.............................................4
Figure 2. Recognised road mortality blackspots for the Koala in Hawks Nest...............................................................9
Tables
Table 1. Estimated costs of implementing the actions identified in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens
Endangered Koala Population Recovery Plan..................................................................................................... 20
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page iiApproved Recovery Plan Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koalas
1 Introduction requirements for both the matters to be addressed by
Recovery Plans and the process for preparing
The Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus Goldfuss 1817) is a Recovery Plans. This Recovery Plan satisfies these
large arboreal folivore that occupies a wide but provisions.
fragmented range in eastern Australia. In New
South Wales (NSW) it is listed as a Vulnerable The TSC Act requires that a government agency
Species under the Threatened Species Conservation Act must not undertake actions inconsistent with a
1995 (TSC Act). Recovery Plan. The actions identified in this plan
for the recovery of the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens
The Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Population Endangered Koala Population are the responsibility
is listed as an Endangered Population under the TSC of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Act. Threats to this population include habitat (NPWS) and Great Lakes Council (GLC). Other
destruction and fragmentation, mortalities from public authorities may have statutory
vehicle collisions and attacks by domestic and wild responsibilities relevant to the conservation and
Dogs (Canis familiaris) (NSW Scientific Committee protection of the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens
2000a). This document constitutes the formal Endangered Koala Population. Public authorities
Recovery Plan for the population. It identifies the with core legislative responsibilities relevant to the
actions to be taken to ensure the long-term viability protection and management of the Hawks Nest and
of the population in nature and the parties who will Tea Gardens Endangered Koala Population and its
undertake these actions. habitat are listed in Appendix 1.
The attainment of this Recovery Plan’s objectives is The Threatened Species Conservation Amendment Act
subject to budgetary and other constraints affecting 2002 states that an approved Recovery Plan must
the parties involved. The information in this include a summary of advice given by the Scientific
Recovery Plan is accurate to June 2003. Committee with respect to the plan, details of any
amendments made to the plan to take account of
This Recovery Plan is supplementary to the that advice and a statement of the reasons for any
Statewide Recovery Plan for the Koala (‘the departure from that advice. This summary is
Statewide plan’), which was exhibited in February provided in Appendix 2.
2003, and should be consulted for broader
information regarding recovery of the species in Critical Habitat
NSW. The TSC Act makes provision for the identification
and declaration of Critical Habitat for species,
2 Legislative Context populations and ecological communities listed as
Endangered. Once declared, it becomes an offence
2.1 Legal status
to damage Critical Habitat (unless the action is
The Koala is listed as Vulnerable on the TSC Act specifically exempted by the TSC Act) and a Species
and as Rare on the South Australian National Parks Impact Statement (SIS) is mandatory for all
and Wildlife Act 1972. developments and activities proposed within
Critical Habitat.
The Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Population
was listed as an Endangered Population on the TSC To date, Critical Habitat has not been declared for
Act in 1999. It was the second Koala population to the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered Koala
be listed as Endangered in NSW following the listing Population under the TSC Act. An assessment of
of the Pittwater Local Government Area (LGA) Critical Habitat will be undertaken as part of the
Population in 1998. recovery actions included in this plan.
2.2 Recovery plan preparation and Key Threatening Processes
implementation As of June 2003 there are 16 Key Threatening
The TSC Act and the NSW Threatened Species Processes listed on Schedule 3 of the TSC Act. Of
Conservation Amendment Act 2002 (hereafter referred these, ‘clearing of native vegetation’, ‘high frequency
to jointly as the TSC Act) provide a legislative fire resulting in the disruption of life cycle processes
framework to protect and encourage the recovery of in plants and animal and loss of vegetation structure
Endangered and Vulnerable Species, Endangered and composition’ and ‘invasion of native plant
Populations and Endangered Ecological communities by Chrysanthemoides monilifera (Bitou
Communities in NSW. Under this legislation the Bush)’ are relevant to the Hawks Nest and Tea
Director-General of National Parks and Wildlife has Gardens Koala Population. In addition to these Key
a responsibility to prepare Recovery Plans for all Threatening Processes, a range of other processes are
species, populations and ecological communities recognised as threatening the survival of Koalas in
listed as Endangered or Vulnerable on the TSC Act the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area.
schedules. The TSC Act includes specific
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page 1Approved Recovery Plan Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koalas
Consultation with indigenous people Act) or licensed by the NPWS under the NPW Act
Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Elders and other or TSC Act.
groups representing indigenous people in the areas
Owners of private property with significant habitat
where the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala
values for the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala
Population occurs have been identified and copies of
Population may enter into Voluntary Conservation
the draft Recovery Plan were sent to them. It is the
Agreements (VCAs) under the NPW Act whereby
intention of the NPWS to consider the role and
the NPWS can provide assistance in the protection
interests of these indigenous communities in the
and management of these values on the property.
implementation of the actions identified in this
Properties under VCAs may qualify for rate
plan.
exemptions.
Licensing
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
Any activity not requiring development consent
This Act provides for the consideration of the
under the NSW Environmental Planning and Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Population in
Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) or the NSW land use planning issues. Areas providing important
Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 (NVC Act), habitat for the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala
which is likely to harm the Hawks Nest and Tea Population can be protected under appropriate
Gardens Koala Population, or damage its habitat, environmental zoning in Local Environmental
requires a licence from the NPWS under the Plans prepared under Part 3 of the EP&A Act.
provisions of the TSC Act or NSW National Parks Certain State Environmental Planning Policy
and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW ACT) as a defence Policies (SEPPs) (Part 3 EP&A Act) also affords a
against prosecution. If the impact is likely to be level of protection to some areas of the Hawks Nest
significant, a SIS is required. and Tea Gardens Koala Population habitat. These
include SEPP 14 and SEPP 71.
Other conservation measures
The TSC Act includes provision for other measures Consent and determining authorities are required to
that may be taken to conserve the Hawks Nest and consider potential impacts on the Hawks Nest and
Tea Gardens Koala Population and its habitat, Tea Gardens Koala Population and its habitat when
including the making of a Stop Work Order or Joint considering an activity or development proposal
Management Agreement. under Part 4 or Part 5 of the EP&A Act. An action
included in this Recovery Plan is the preparation
2.3 Relationship to other legislation and dissemination of environmental impact
Additional legislation relevant to the conservation assessment guidelines for the Hawks Nest and Tea
and recovery of the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Gardens Koala Population, to assist consent and
Koala Population in NSW includes the following: determining authorities and environmental
consultants in undertaking tests of significance
• National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974; under Section 5a of the EP&A Act.
• Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979;
Where a consent or determining authority considers
• Local Government Act 1993; that a proposed development or activity may result
• Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997; in a significant effect on the Hawks Nest and Tea
Gardens Koala Population or its habitat, a SIS is
• Rural Fires Act 1997; and required to be provided and approval cannot be
• Rural Fires and Environmental Assessment granted without the concurrence of the Director-
Legislation Amendment Act 2002. General of National Parks & Wildlife.
The interaction of the above legislation with the Clause 2 of Provision 10 of the Great Lakes Local
TSC Act with respect to the Hawks Nest and Tea Environmental Plan (LEP) (Great Lakes Council
Gardens Koala Population is varied. The most 1996) states that a person must not carry out or
significant implications are described below. permit or direct or cause any ringbarking, cutting
down, topping, lopping, removing or wilful
National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 destruction of any tree or trees to which a tree
The NPW Act is administered by the NPWS. Under preservation order applies without the consent of
this Act it is an offence to ‘harm’, or knowingly the Council. Clause 10 of Provision 10 defines a tree
‘damage the habitat of’ the Hawks Nest and Tea as:
Gardens Koala Population. Certain circumstances • vegetation that exceeds three metres in height
may provide a defence from prosecution, including or, in the case of a cabbage tree palm (Livistona
where actions are approved under the EP&A Act or australis), that exceeds 0.5 metres in height; or
NSW Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 (NVC
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page 2Approved Recovery Plan Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koalas
• vegetation with a trunk girth of 0.3 metres or Rural Fires Act 1997
more at one metre above ground level; or The NSW Rural Fires Act 1997 requires that all
• all species of mangrove, regardless of size. parties involved in fire suppression and prevention
must have regard to the principles of ESD when
Local Government Act 1993 exercising their functions and when preparing Plans
The NSW Local Government Act 1993 (LG Act) of Operations and Bush Fire Risk Management
requires councils to have regard for the principles of Plans. Consideration of the principles of ESD must
ecologically sustainable development (ESD). include the conservation of biological diversity and
Section 8(1) of the LG Act requires a council to ecological integrity. Within this, consideration
manage, develop, protect, restore, enhance and must be given to the impact on threatened species
conserve the environment of the area for which it is and their habitats, including the Hawks Nest and
responsible, in a manner that is consistent with and Tea Gardens Koala Population.
promotes the principles of sustainable development.
Rural Fires and Environmental Assessment
This includes the integration of biodiversity
Legislation Amendment Act 2002
considerations into the decision-making process.
The LG Act also requires that Recovery Plans be The NSW Rural Fires and Environmental Assessment
taken into account when preparing management Legislation Amendment Act 2002 amends the RF Act
plans for community land. and several environmental assessment-related Acts.
This Act provides for mapping bush fire prone lands
Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 and the development of a Bush Fire Environmental
The clearing of native vegetation in NSW is subject Assessment Code. This code is aimed at
to consent from the Department of Infrastructure, streamlining the assessment process for hazard
Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) in reduction works. To this end, the code will include
accordance with the NVC Act. This Act is general ameliorative prescriptions and, in some
integrated with the EP&A Act, and requires that cases, species-specific prescriptions. Threatened
threatened species such as the Hawks Nest and Tea species and their habitats are one of the items
Gardens Koala Population are taken into account by considered in the code.
DIPNR when considering clearing applications
under Part 4 of the EP&A Act. 3 Species Information
Where an activity or development that may impact 3.1 Description and taxonomy
upon the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala The Koala is the sole member of the family
Population or its habitat is not subject to approval Phascolarctidae. It is a folivorous arboreal marsupial
under the EP&A Act, an approval may nevertheless with large furry ears and a vestigial tail. Fur colour
be required under the NVC Act or the TSC Act. varies from pale grey in the northern parts of its
These approvals should also take this Recovery Plan range to grey-brown in the south (Martin &
into consideration. Handasyde 1995). The Koala also varies in size
across its range, from an average of approximately 6.5
Exceptions apply where the proposed activity or kilograms in Queensland to approximately 12
development is classed as exempt or is undertaken in kilograms in Victoria. Male Koalas can weigh up to
accordance with previously approved Regional 50% more than females (Martin & Lee 1984).
Vegetation Management Plans or Property
Management Plans. Exemptions not adopted under 3.2 Distribution
a Regional Vegetation Management Plan which may
The Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered Koala
result in the harm or pick of threatened species
Population is known from, and in the immediate
require an approval under the TSC Act.
vicinity of, the towns of Hawks Nest and Tea
The townships of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens fall Gardens in the Great Lakes LGA (Figure 1). The
within the Karuah-Great Lakes Regional Vegetation population extends in the south-east to Yacaaba
Management area. The committee for this Head and in the south-west to the peninsula west of
management area has been formed and a Regional Winda Woppa. The population extends in the west
Vegetation Management Plan is currently in and north-west to the outskirts of the builtup area of
preparation. Tea Gardens, including the Shearwater Estate, where
it is bound by Toonang Drive. The population
Landholders may enter into Property Agreements extends in the north to an east-west line three
with DIPNR whereby government assistance can be kilometres north of the northern boundary of the
provided to protect significant native vegetation. Hawks Nest Golf Course. Occasional sightings have
been made outside these boundaries. The
population is bounded in the south and east by the
ocean (NSW Scientific Committee 2000a).
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page 3Approved Recovery Plan Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koalas
Myall Lakes
National
M
Park
ya
ll
Ro
ad
ad
D ri ve
an g
Ro
on
To
R i ver
hus
Br
go
Mun
l
al
y
M
Hawks
Tea
Gardens Nest
Corrie Island
Nature
Reserve
Winda
Woppa
Po r t
Stephens
N
Yacaaba Head
(Myall Lakes
National Park)
1 0 1 Kilometres
Figure 1. Location of the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered Koala Population
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page 4Approved Recovery Plan Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koalas
The Myall River represents a major barrier to the • soil nutrients;
movement of Koalas between the eastern Hawks • climate and rainfall; and
Nest side of the river and the western Tea Gardens
side. There are historic records of Koalas swimming • patch size, patch isolation and disturbance
the Myall River at Pipers Creek, and animals have history.
been recorded crossing the Singing Bridge at night
Possibly the most important factor influencing
(Myall Koala and Environmental Support Group
Koala occurrence in an area is the suite of tree
unpublished data). This indicates that some
species available as habitat. In any one area Koalas
movement of Koalas between Hawks Nest and Tea
rely predominantly on varying combinations of
Gardens may occur.
primary and/or secondary habitat (see Appendix 3).
Some limited movement may also be occurring
Because of the extent of loss of Koala habitat, all
between the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala
remaining areas of primary habitat are of high
population and other populations nearby. Myall
conservation value. Remnant Koala populations
Lakes National Park to the north of Hawks Nest and
may rely heavily on secondary habitat in areas where
the Fame Cove area to the west of Tea Gardens
primary habitat has been removed or is naturally
represent a potential source of Koalas, although the
very localised.
level of interaction is unknown.
Favoured feed tree species (primary feed trees)
There is evidence that Koala populations in the
within Koala habitat are of great importance for the
lower Hunter, including the Hawks Nest and Tea
conservation of Koala populations. Koalas will utilise
Gardens Population, are declining due to pressures of
other tree species (secondary feed trees) if primary
clearing of habitat, habitat fragmentation, sand
feed tree species are not present or occur at low
mining, urban development, road kills, Dog attacks
densities. However, the carrying capacity of an area
and disease (Knott et al. 1998; Lunney et al. 1998;
with only secondary feed tree species present is
NSW Scientific Committee 2000a).
inevitably lower (Reed et al. 1990). Primary and
3.3 Land tenure secondary feed trees are fundamental to Koala
survival.
Property within the boundary of the Hawks Nest
and Tea Gardens Endangered Koala Population is Previous studies indicate that several tree species are
held under a variety of tenures. These include some used to varying degrees by Koalas in the urban and
areas of national parks estate and crown reserves, rural areas of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens. In
however the majority of the land is held under particular, Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta)
private and freehold tenure. and Tallowwood (E. microcorys) are species identified
as being of primary importance to the Koala
Some of the land within the boundary of the Hawks population. Other tree species native to the area
Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Population is utilised to a lesser extent by Koalas include Broad-
designated SEPP 14 – Coastal Wetland, SEPP 26 – leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Blackbutt
Littoral Rainforest and SEPP 71 – Coastal (E. pilularis), Red Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera),
Protection. This may afford certain areas of Koala Flooded Gum (E. grandis) and Smooth-barked Apple
habitat a degree of formal protection. (Angophora costata) (see Wildthing Environmental
Consultants 1997; EcoPro 1998; ERM Mitchell
3.4 Habitat
McCotter 1998; Phillips & Callaghan 1998; Myall
Koalas inhabit a broad range of eucalypt forest and Koala and Environmental Support Group pers.
woodland communities including coastal forests, comm.).
woodlands of the tablelands and western slopes and
riparian communities of the western plains (Phillips Koalas in Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens have been
2000). Other communities with eucalypt emergents recorded utilising tree species that are not native to
such as rainforest, swamp sclerophyll forest, heath the local area but are present in the landscape as
and shrubland can also be important habitat to horticultural introductions. Species recorded include
remnant Koala populations (C. Moon pers. comm.). Mugga Ironbark (E. sideroxylon), Lemon-scented
The likely importance of such communities for Gum (Corymbia citriodora) and Narrow-leaved Black
shelter and movement is accentuated in a highly Peppermint (E. nicholii).
fragmented landscape (J. Callaghan pers. comm.).
The importance of Swamp Mahogany to Koalas in
A variety of factors influence the quality of forest the Hawks Nest area is supported by studies on the
and woodland communities as habitat for Koalas population of Koalas on Tilligerry Peninsula on the
(Reed et al. 1990) including: southern side of Port Stephens (Berghout, Cork &
Clulow unpublished data; Berghout 1993) and by the
• the species and size of trees present;
Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) on the
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page 5Approved Recovery Plan Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koalas
Quaternary deposits in Port Stephens LGA (Phillips Young reach independence at about 12 months,
et al. 2000). In many respects, the habitat (eucalypt although they can remain in the mother’s home
forest associations) on Tilligerry Peninsula is very range for a further two to three years (Mitchell &
similar to the systems in and around Hawks Nest. Martin 1990). After this period, young animals
The Tilligerry Peninsula study showed a strong disperse to establish their own home range.
correlation between Koalas and Swamp Mahogany in Dispersal distances generally range from 1-11
swamp forests and Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis) in kilometres (Gall 1980; Mitchell & Martin 1990),
small habitat patches on more fertile sites along although movements in excess of 50 kilometres have
drainage lines. This study concluded that the been recorded (S. Phillips unpublished data).
viability and survival of the Koala population on
Tilligerry Peninsula is dependent on these two Koalas have been recorded surviving for up to 18
species, with other species acting as marginal food years in the wild (Martin & Handasyde 1990).
species. The AKF studies in Port Stephens LGA
concluded that E. parramattensis was a primary food 3.6 Ability of population to recover
tree for Koalas in that study area (Phillips et al. Extinction is largely a population-level process,
2000). whereby cumulative loss of all populations of a
species occurs over its entire range (Clark et al.
In general, vegetation on more fertile soils provides 1990). Many Koala populations in coastal NSW are
the most suitable habitat for Koalas, because of the under threat from activities associated with urban
greater availability of nutrients within leaves. Small, development. Evidence from other small coastal
fragmented or highly disturbed habitats are less populations provide a similar scenario to the Hawks
likely to be able to support Koalas in the long-term Nest and Tea Gardens Population, where declines
(Reed et al. 1990). have been occurring over long periods of time due to
a slow process of attrition (see Moon 1990; Smith &
3.5 Ecology Smith 1990; Lunney et al. 1996, 2002).
The Koala diet consists primarily of eucalypt leaves.
These leaves are low in nutrients and energy but Declines can initially be linked to a long history of
high in indigestible components such as lignin and habitat destruction and modification through such
cellulose, and toxic compounds such as essential oils agents as urban development, sand mining,
and tannins (Cork & Sanson 1990). Koalas are able inappropriate fire regimes, weed invasion, tree
to cope with this diet because they have a low dieback and golf course construction. Factors linked
metabolic rate, low nutrient requirements and a to urban development lead to an increase in
complex digestive tract. A preference is shown for mortality and a decline in habitat quality and
juvenile leaves, which contain less tannin, phenolics quantity. The population remains vulnerable to the
and fibre and more moisture and nitrogen (Pahl & cumulative impacts of further clearing and
Hume 1990; Cork & Sanson 1990). Koalas save degradation of habitat and corridors in the area. If
energy by remaining relatively inactive, resting for not managed, such clearing and degradation can
much of the day and generally becoming most active restrict Koala movement and reduce the viability of
in the first few hours following sunset (Mitchell & the population even further by preventing
Martin 1990). recruitment of individuals from other areas.
Each Koala has an established home range, the size Population viability analysis of the Iluka Koala
of which will vary according to the quality of the Population by Lunney et al. (2002) suggested that
habitat, the number of feed trees and social factors managing a small Koala population solely with the
(Sharp 1995). In a stable Koala population breeding aim of increasing survivorship and breeding rates is
associations exists in which the home ranges of not enough to ensure recovery. Once identified
individuals overlap (Martin & Handasyde 1995). threats are managed, immigration is of considerable
Koalas maintain fidelity to their home range that importance in maintaining and rebuilding the
may last throughout their life (Sharp 1995). population. The ability of the Hawks Nest and Tea
Gardens Koala Population to recover ultimately lies
The breeding season for Koalas on the lower north with the protection and restoration of suitable
coast of NSW is approximately August to February habitat and linkages within the defined population
(Leathley et al. 2001a), with a peak in Koala area and surrounding areas. This would enhance the
movement occurring from September to October (C. effectiveness of natural dispersal processes, leading
Moon pers. comm.). to a larger, integrated population that is not
physically or genetically isolated from other
The gestation period for the Koala is 35 days. populations in the surrounding region.
Following birth, the young remains in the pouch for
six months. On leaving the pouch it remains Therefore, successful recovery requires management
dependent on its mother for several months and of the Koalas at the regional level. If the probability
rides on her back. of recruitment is very low or non-existent, the
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page 6Approved Recovery Plan Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koalas
population may persist in the short to medium term the past, provided the most valuable habitat for
because of the relative longevity of individual Koalas. The ongoing loss of habitat areas has forced
Koalas, rather than the maintenance of a stable Koalas into areas of lower quality habitat which are
population. However, the population remains unable to support equivalent densities of animals.
extremely vulnerable to localised extinction in the
medium to long term. Land clearing in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens
area has led to the fragmentation of much of the
A population in decline requires management before remaining Koala habitat. Such fragmentation results
it reaches the point where such management is in Koalas spending an increased amount of time
ineffective and recovery not possible (see Lunney et travelling over open ground, leaving them more
al. 2002). For the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens susceptible to Dog attack.
Koala Population to recover the understanding and
support of the broader community is required. Habitat loss and fragmentation due to road
Given that community perception of population construction not only decreases available habitat,
decline will often lag significantly behind the actual but also leads to an increase in road mortality and
decline event (Lunney et al. 2002), the broader injury (Sharp 1995; Lunney et al. 1996; ANZECC
Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens community may not 1998).
yet fully recognise the extent to which the
Where fragmentation reduces or prevents successful
population has actually declined.
dispersal between populations, the number of
The Public Inquiry held into the ecological animals in a population may decrease over time.
significance of north Hawks Nest (Carleton 2002) This can lead to a genetic bottleneck and potential
identified this area as having significant importance inbreeding depression. It also leaves a population
to the local Koala population and a loss of important more susceptible to extinction from chance events
habitat in the area would likely result in local such as wildfire or extreme weather conditions.
extinction of the population.
Habitat degradation
4 Threats and Management Issues Degradation of Koala habitat can occur through
underscrubbing, alteration of forest structure, weed
4.1 Current threats invasion, tree dieback or senescence, and bushfire.
The Statewide plan (NPWS 2003) outlines the Underscrubbing, or the clearing of understorey while
threats facing the Koala across NSW. Details on the retaining the tree overstorey, leaves Koalas
threats relevant to the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens vulnerable to Dog attack when moving along the
Population are outlined below. ground. Underscrubbing can also stimulate growth
of weed species, which can, in turn, degrade habitat
The Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Population
and impede recruitment of new canopy vegetation.
has declined from at least 21 individuals in 1989 to
as few as 12 in 1998 and is now in immediate danger In the Hawks Nest area, Bitou Bush invasion is
of extinction (NSW Scientific Committee 2000a). considered a major problem. The dense habit of this
This decline has been primarily attributed to invasive weed reduces the ability of Koalas to move
continuing urban development of the area, on the ground and access trees, as well as severely
particularly the associated removal of habitat. impacting on the regrowth of eucalypts.
Urban development creates barriers to movement
and introduces additional threats such as road Dog attacks
mortality and attacks by Dogs, which have been Attacks by domestic and wild Dogs are a significant
identified as major factors in the decline of the cause of Koala death and injury throughout their
population. distribution. Records of domestic Dog attacks on
Koalas indicate that attacks are often associated with
Habitat loss and fragmentation
fenced yards within urban and rural-residential
Historically, habitat loss and fragmentation has been areas. Attacks can also be linked to irresponsible
a significant factor in the decline of Koalas, and this Dog ownership, aggressive Dog breeds, and roaming
remains the most serious threat facing Koalas today. Dog packs (ANZECC 1998). Records from Port
Stephens LGA confirm that Dogs can kill
As far back as 1988, concern was being expressed for
substantial numbers of Koalas (Lunney et al.
the slow and gradual decline of small coastal Koala
1999),with the highest number of attacks coinciding
populations due to coastal urban growth (see Lunney
with the Koala breeding season from August to
et al. 2002). Loss and fragmentation of habitat as a
February (Leathley et al. 2001a).
result of clearing for agriculture, urban development,
roads and other infrastructure has been particularly The number of registered Dogs in the Hawks Nest
evident on the more fertile soils, particularly coastal and Tea Gardens area in 1998/1999 was 246,
floodplains and valleys. These coastal areas have, in
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page 7Approved Recovery Plan Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koalas
although the actual number of domestic Dogs regular assessment of records is required so that
present in the area is probably higher. During peak ongoing identification of blackspots occurs.
holiday season in the summer months, which
coincides with the Koala breeding season, this Koalas are likely to be most active during the
number can increase significantly (C. Davies pers. breeding season from approximately August to
comm.). February, which coincides with peak holiday periods
in NSW. Records from the Port Stephens LGA
Seven attacks by Dogs on Koalas were recorded in indicate that during this period the number of
the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area from 1992 to Koalas hit by cars increases (Leathley et al. 2001b).
2000, resulting in four deaths (Myall Koala and
Environmental Support Group unpublished data). It Fire
is likely that a number of attacks and deaths go Wildfires, particularly crown fires, kill and injure
unreported. Koalas. Fires may also reduce or remove shelter and
available food resources, which can exacerbate the
Road kills impact of other threats such as Dog attack and
Collision with vehicles is a significant cause of death collision with cars. The presence of refuge habitat
and injury of Koalas throughout their distribution enables Koalas to escape fires and may provide
(Andrews 1990; Hume 1990; Moon 1995). As more alternative habitat until the burnt areas have
major roads have been constructed through Koala regenerated.
habitat this threat has increased. This is of concern
not just in urban areas but at any location where a Inappropriate fire regimes, such as regular low
regularly used Koala movement path is bisected by a intensity fuel reduction burns, can alter vegetation
traffic corridor. Busy roads can act as sinks, where structure and floristics by promoting the growth of
dispersing healthy Koalas move into areas of habitat fire resistant shrubby species and by reducing
from which the previous occupant has been removed eucalypt regrowth. In areas where dispersal barriers
by road kill, only to be killed by vehicles themselves exist and wildfire destroys remnant habitat, local
(Moon 1998). extinction can result.
Whilst data collected by the Myall Koala and Sustained high frequency fire affects the ability of
Environmental Support Group has led to three plant and animal species to maintain life cycle
specific areas of Hawks Nest being recognised as road processes. This can alter the structure of plant
mortality blackspots, all roads within Hawks Nest communities, thus reducing the quality and
and Tea Gardens are a potential threat to Koalas. availability of Koala habitat. In particular, high
This is due to the pattern of dispersal of large mature frequency fire can alter habitat structure and reduce
trees throughout the townships. Recognised the regeneration of eucalypt species. In NSW,
blackspots in Hawks Nest are shown in Figure 2, and coastal and urban areas have been identified as
include: having the greatest likelihood of sustained high
frequency fire regimes (NSW Scientific Committee
• the Singing Bridge over the Myall River between 2000b).
Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens. Koalas may
utilise this bridge as a link for moving from one The known fire history of Myall Lakes National Park
side of the river to the other, although this is indicates a high fire frequency in the southern
likely to be a rare occurrence; section of the park. In the twenty two year period
between 1980 and 2002 there were eight fires in the
• Kingfisher Avenue, Hawks Nest. An identified
southern-most section of the park. The high fire
Koala reserve occurs to the north of Kingfisher
frequency in this section may have led to an
Avenue as it approaches the Singing Bridge.
alteration of vegetation types present and increased
Vegetation from the Koala reserve occurs to the
the isolation of the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens
shoulder of the road, which can lessen visibility
Koala Population.
and reaction time of a driver if a Koala attempts
to cross the road. A Koala movement corridor 4.2 Potential threats
has been identified from the intersection of
Kingfisher Avenue and Ibis Avenue for a Disease
distance of 100 metres towards the bridge; and Current information indicates that wild Koala
populations generally carry Chlamydia bacteria,
• Mermaid Avenue, which runs parallel to although many infected animals do not show any
Kingfisher Avenue. clinical signs of illness. The development of clinical
Koala mortalities due to collisions with cars have signs of infection may be induced by stress from
also occurred at a number of other locations within factors such as habitat clearing or disturbance.
the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area. Therefore, Therefore, as urban development encroaches into
areas of Koala habitat the incidence of stress-related
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page 8Approved Recovery Plan Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koalas
diseases associated with Clamydia infection, such Disease associated with infection by Chlamydia is one
conjunctivitis or urogential tract infection, may of the more prevalent problems leading to Koalas
increase. being taken into rehabilitative care in NSW.
Clinical signs of infection with this disease include
One of the major consequences of Chlamydia wet bottom and conjunctivitis.
infection can be infertility in females, which results
in reduced reproduction (Martin & Handasyde Swimming pools
1990). This appears to be the case for a number of Although Koalas are able to swim, backyard
isolated populations surviving in degraded habitat swimming pools represent a potential threat. If a
where low female fertility, in association with other Koala falls into a swimming pool it may be unable to
threats and barriers to immigration and climb out and may drown (Sharp 1995). Currently,
recolonisation, may lead to local extinction of the no Koala deaths due to drowning in pools have been
population over time. recorded for Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens.
Koala
e
Ibi s Av
Reserve
Hawks Nest
Golf Course
Av e
f is her
g
Kin
dge
g Bri M erm a
id A ve
g in Hawks
Sin
Nest
er
iv
R
ll
a
y
M
N
Identified blackspot
0 500 Metres
Figure 2. Recognised road mortality blackspots for the Koala in Hawks Nest
5 Previous Recovery Actions Great Lakes Council is currently in the process of
reviewing the TPO and its application. This review
5.1 Tree preservation should consider the protection and management of
those tree species recognised as Koala food trees
The GLC LEP provides for Tree Preservation Orders
within the urban areas of Hawks Nest and Tea
(TPOs) as a mechanism to protect trees in the Great
Gardens as well as those trees that may provide
Lakes Council area. Under the LEP, a person must
refuge or shelter values for local Koalas.
not carry out or permit or direct or cause
Furthermore, it should enact provisions for requiring
ringbarking, cutting down, topping, lopping,
the sustainable replacement of food or shelter trees
removing or wilful destruction of a tree or trees to
that require removal because of public and property
which a TPO applies without the prior written
safety such that a net gain of Koala trees occurs over
approval of Council (Great Lakes Council 1996).
time.
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page 9Approved Recovery Plan Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koalas
5.2 Habitat mapping and environmental 5.3 Dog control
studies The GLC is responsible for enforcing the Companion
Several studies have been undertaken to map Animals Act 1998 (CA Act) in the Hawks Nest and
vegetation and to investigate threatened species Tea Gardens area. Under the CA Act, Dogs must be
issues in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area (see contained within the boundaries of the owner’s
Wildthing Environmental Consultants 1997; property or be under effective control by means of a
EcoPro 1998; ERM Mitchell McCotter 1998; chain, cord or leash when in a public place. Despite
Phillips & Callaghan 1998). Based on these studies this legislation and the release of press reports
there have been several attempts to identify Koala outlining the implications of the CA Act and
habitat and Koala feed tree species. However, a regular GLC Ranger patrols, many Dogs are not
definitive description of Koala habitat usage in the appropriately managed.
area has not been made. Despite this, several trends
have emerged from the studies, including: The GLC currently has a program in place that
targets the appropriate control of feral Dogs in the
• the importance of Swamp Mahogany as a Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area.
primary feed tree species;
Since 1998 the NPWS has implemented a strategic
• the importance of vegetation communities plan for the control of feral Dogs and Dingoes (Canis
containing Swamp Mahogany and/or Broad- lupus dingo) within Myall Lakes National Park.
leaved Paperbark; and
• the importance of the swamp sclerophyll forest 5.4 Wildlife rehabilitation groups
communities along the Myall River in north Wildlife rehabilitation groups throughout NSW play
Hawks Nest as Koala habitat and as a link a vital role in the rescue and rehabilitation of injured
between Myall Lakes National Park and Hawks and diseased Koalas. Wildlife rehabilitation groups
Nest township. also play an important role in community education
and raising awareness. These groups operate under
A Public Inquiry was held in 2001 to examine and the NPWS guidelines and must be accredited to care
report on the ecological significance of land covered for Koalas.
by the north Hawks Nest Draft Local
Environmental Study. This area represents most of The Native Animal Trust Fund and the Great Lakes
the land situated to the east of the Myall River, Rescue group provide rescue and rehabilitation for
between the builtup area of Hawks Nest township Koalas in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area.
and Myall Lakes National Park. The inquiry
determined that a substantial area of north Hawks 5.5 Public awareness
Nest is important Koala habitat, and that loss of this The GLC and the NPWS have prepared an
area would likely result in the extinction of the information brochure on the Hawks Nest and Tea
Koala population (Carleton 2002). Gardens Koala Population. This brochure contains
information that enables members of the
Key to the findings of this Inquiry was a draft map community to become involved in the recovery of
produced by the AKF identifying: the population.
• a strip of core Koala habitat to the west of
Mungo Brush Road; An interpretative sign at the Koala reserve on the
corner of Kingfisher Avenue and Ibis Avenue
• secondary Koala habitat in association with core outlines the threats to Koalas in the Hawks Nest and
habitat; Tea Gardens area and also explains the importance
• a small area of core habitat extending to the east of feed trees.
of Mungo Brush Road; and A regular newspaper column entitled Koala Report is
• habitat linkages. printed in the Myall Coast Nota, a weekly newspaper
circulated in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area.
In this instance ‘core’ habitat represents Koala This column includes reports of Koala sightings and
habitat that has been identified by the AKF as general information on Koalas in the area. The
‘preferred’ or ‘supplementary’ habitat. This Recovery column is written by the Koala co-ordinator for the
Plan uses the terms ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ Koala Myall Koala and Environmental Support Group
habitat as defined in the Statewide plan (Appendix
3; see also Phillips 2000). The Native Animal Trust Fund conduct training in
Koala rescue and care, as well as public awareness and
The Public Inquiry also recommended that 70% of educational talks throughout the Hunter region.
mature Blackbutt forest in the area be retained to
provide habitat linkages for threatened species.
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page 10Approved Recovery Plan Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koalas
5.6 Catchment management Performance Criterion: A KWG is developed within
Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens fall within the Lower three months of the commencement of this
North Coast Catchment Management area. The Recovery Plan.
Integrated Catchment Management Plan for this Action 1.3: The KWG will co-ordinate the development
management area was approved in 2002. A first and implementation of a monitoring program to determine
order objective identified in the plan is the the effectiveness of management actions.
maintenance and enhancement of viable native
plant and animal populations and communities The development and implementation of a
(Lower North Coast Management Board 2003). monitoring program will allow the ongoing
effectiveness of management actions to be assessed,
6 Proposed Recovery Objectives, Actions and management revised if considered necessary.
and Performance Criteria
Assessing the status of the population will also be
The initial focus of the actions included in this incorporated into this monitoring program.
Recovery Plan will be on planning and vegetation Techniques utilised must be non-contact
mapping. This will establish a framework for techniques, in order to cause minimal disturbance
ongoing protection and rehabilitation through and stress to the Koalas.
onground works and further planning.
Performance Criterion: The monitoring program is
The overall objective of this Recovery Plan is to developed within six months of the commencement
arrest the decline of the Hawks Nest and Tea of this Recovery Plan.
Gardens Endangered Koala Population and to return
the population to a position of viability in nature. Objective 2: To identify and map the distribution
This is expected to take longer than the three year of Koala habitat in the Hawks Nest and Tea
life of the Recovery Plan. Gardens area
Specific objectives of the Recovery Plan are listed Action 2.1: The NPWS, with support from GLC, will co-
below. For each of these objectives a number of ordinate the identification and mapping of Koala habitat in
recovery actions have been developed, each with a the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area, and produce a
justification and performance criterion. supporting document.
Objective 1: To co-ordinate the recovery of the Identification and mapping of urban and rural Koala
Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Population habitat is fundamental to the effective management
of the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala
Action 1.1: The NPWS, with the support of GLC, will Population.
co-ordinate the implementation of the actions outlined in
this Recovery Plan. This mapping should identify and account for:
• primary and secondary Koala habitat (as defined
The effective implementation of a recovery program in Appendix 3);
for a threatened species, population or ecological
community is a complex task. A co-ordinated • individual primary and secondary Koala food
approach is essential to oversee and assist in the trees outside of mapped primary and secondary
implementation of the actions outlined in this habitat;
Recovery Plan in a timely, cost-effective and • existing and potential linkages between Koala
efficient manner. habitat within the population boundary;
Performance Criterion: The NPWS, with support • existing and potential linkages between the
from GLC, co-ordinates the recovery actions Endangered Koala Population and areas of likely
included in this Recovery Plan. habitat external to the population boundary;
Action 1.2: The NPWS and the GLC will develop a • habitat buffers where considered necessary;
Koala Working Group (KWG). • areas of potential Critical Habitat; and
The KWG will consist of a member of the NPWS • areas suitable for habitat rehabilitation.
and GLC, and also include two members of the
Hawks Nest and Tea Garden community. The role Performance Criterion: Koala habitat is identified
of the KWG will be to assist in the implementation and mapped, and a supporting draft document
of this Recovery Plan, including the identification of prepared within nine months of the commencement
potential funding sources. of this Recovery Plan.
Objective 3: To conserve the Hawks Nest and Tea
Gardens Koala Population in its existing habitat
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page 11Approved Recovery Plan Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koalas
Action 3.1: Areas of Koala habitat identified through external populations is developed and underway
Action 2.1 will be prioritised for active management and within 10 months of the commencement of this
monitoring and/or conservation by the KWG in Recovery Plan.
consultation with the local community. This will include
an assessment of the need for a Critical Habitat Action 3.3: The NPWS, with support from GLC, will
declaration in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area. prepare survey and assessment guidelines for the Hawks
Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Population and distribute
Within the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area them to relevant authorities.
habitat exists that is critical to the survival of the
Koala population. These areas of habitat, and the A standard methodology with sufficient survey effort
Koalas they support, are priorities for active should be undertaken when determining if Koala
management and monitoring. Key areas of habitat habitat is present on or adjacent to an area of
occurring on private land will be considered for potential development. Presence of the species or its
conservation through such means as Environmental habitat should trigger implementation of effective
Protection Zones in the Great Lakes LEP, Voluntary mitigation measures, including protection of
Conservation Agreements, Wildlife Refuges, or identified habitat, to reduce direct or indirect
through the declaration of Critical Habitat. All of impacts of any proposed urban development.
these mechanisms are site-specific. The Public
The survey and assessment guidelines will focus on
Inquiry (Carleton 2002) identified the swamp
the identification of potential Koala habitat and
sclerophyll communities in north Hawks Nest as
faecal pellet evidence of habitat use rather than
essential to the continued existence of the Koala
relying solely on recorded sightings of the species.
population. This should be reflected in appropriate
zoning and management. Performance Criterion: Standard survey and
environmental assessment guidelines are developed,
Performance Criterion: Key areas of Koala habitat in
distributed and in use within six months of the
the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area are identified
commencement of this Recovery Plan.
and strategies for management developed; An
assessment to determine the need for declaration of Action 3.4: The KWG will establish an ongoing program
Critical Habitat has been completed. This process of blackspot identification (refer Figure 2).
will be initiated within 12 months of the
commencement of this Recovery Plan. Death and injury of Koalas on roads often occurs
where a road bisects the habitat and home range
Action 3.2: The NPWS and GLC will establish a survey areas of one or more Koalas dispersal corridor.
program to determine if areas to the north and west of
Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens represent a source of new Performance Criterion: A blackspot identification
individuals into the Endangered Koala Population. program is developed and management measures
Methods utilised will be low impact and involve the local discussed within six months of the commencement
community. of this Recovery Plan.
Immigration is vital in maintaining small Koala Action 3.5: Subsequent to Action 3.4, the KWG will
populations. Therefore, appropriate monitoring of develop and implement of a program of works that
the population is essential in order to measure the integrates strategic streetscaping and traffic calming.
degree of successful immigration and dispersal, as
well as population trends over time. This process will be guided by a set of principles
aimed at increasing the number of feed trees or
If populations external to the Hawks Nest and Tea habitat in the townships whilst minimising the risk
Gardens Koala Population are a source of of vehicle collisions and Dog attacks. These
recruitment of dispersing sub-adults, it is important principles shall include:
that the movement corridors utilised by these Koalas
• planting of appropriate trees in strategic
are protected in order to maintain the Hawks Nest
positions so as to encourage Koalas towards areas
and Tea Gardens Population.
where traffic calming devices have been
If populations external to the Hawks Nest and Tea established;
Gardens Koala Population prove not to be a source • using Koala-proof fencing to guide Koalas away
of individuals, it is important that linkages be from blackspots and toward less hazardous
established in order to return the Hawks Nest and crossing areas;
Tea Gardens Population to a state of long-term
viability. • trialing of structures such as knotted overhead
rope crossings;
Performance Criterion: A monitoring and research
• accounting for driver safety and ensuring that
program to determine the degree of isolation of the
driver vision is not impaired;
Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Population from
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page 12You can also read
