nsw recovery plan - hawkes nest and tea gardens endangered ... · the hawks nest and tea gardens...

Approved NSW

Recovery Plan

Hawks Nest and Tea GardensEndangered 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 educationalpurposes, providing that any extracts are fully acknowledged. Apart from this and any other use as permitted under theCopyright 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 2220Tel: 02 9585 6444www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Requests for information or comments regarding the recovery program for the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered KoalaPopulation are best directed to:

Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Recovery Co-ordinatorThreatened Species Unit, North East BranchNSW Department of Environment and ConservationLocked Bag 914Coffs Harbour NSW 2450Tel 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

D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n ( N S W ) P a g e i

Recovery Plan for the Hawks Nestand Tea Gardens Endangered Koala(Phascolarctos cinereus) Population

Foreword

This document constitutes the formal New South Wales State Recovery Plan for the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Endangered Koala Population and, as such, considers the conservation requirements of thepopulation. It identifies the actions to be taken to ensure the long-term viability of the population in natureand the parties who will undertake these actions.

The Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Population is listed as an Endangered Population under the NewSouth Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Populationis known from, and in the immediate vicinity of, the towns of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens in the GreatLakes Local Government Area. Property within the boundary of the Hawks Nest and Tea GardensEndangered Koala Population is held under a variety of tenures, including national parks estate, crownreserves and private and freehold land. Some of this land is designated SEPP 14 – Coastal Wetland andSEPP 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 beundertaken by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Great Lakes Council with support fromthe Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens community.

LISA CORBYN BOB DEBUS MPDirector-General Minister for the Environment


D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n ( N S W ) P a g e i i

Table of Contents

Foreword ............................................................................................................................................ iTable of Contents............................................................................................................................... ii1 Introduction ...............................................................................................................................12 Legislative Context......................................................................................................................1

2.1 Legal status .....................................................................................................................................................................12.2 Recovery plan preparation and implementation..................................................................................................12.3 Relationship to other legislation..............................................................................................................................2

3 Species Information .....................................................................................................................33.1 Description and taxonomy.........................................................................................................................................33.2 Distribution....................................................................................................................................................................33.3 Land tenure ....................................................................................................................................................................53.4 Habitat.............................................................................................................................................................................53.5 Ecology.............................................................................................................................................................................63.6 Ability of population to recover ...............................................................................................................................6

4 Threats and Management Issues ...................................................................................................74.1 Current threats..............................................................................................................................................................74.2 Potential threats ...........................................................................................................................................................8

5 Previous Recovery Actions...........................................................................................................95.1 Tree preservation..........................................................................................................................................................95.2 Habitat mapping and environmental studies.....................................................................................................105.3 Dog control..................................................................................................................................................................105.4 Wildlife rehabilitation groups................................................................................................................................105.5 Public awareness.........................................................................................................................................................105.6 Catchment management .........................................................................................................................................11

6 Proposed Recovery Objectives, Actions and Performance Criteria..................................................117 Implementation.........................................................................................................................168 Social and Economic Consequences ............................................................................................169 Biodiversity Benefits..................................................................................................................1610 Preparation Details....................................................................................................................1611 Review Date .............................................................................................................................1712 Acknowledgments.....................................................................................................................1713 References.................................................................................................................................1714 Acronyms Used in this Document ..............................................................................................1915 Implementation Schedule...........................................................................................................20Appendix 1 Public Authority Responsibilities ....................................................................................22Appendix 2 Summary of Advice from the NSW Scientific Committee .................................................23Appendix 3 Koala Habitat Definitions...............................................................................................24

FiguresFigure 1. Location of the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered Koala Population.............................................4Figure 2. Recognised road mortality blackspots for the Koala in Hawks Nest...............................................................9

TablesTable 1. Estimated costs of implementing the actions identified in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens

Endangered Koala Population Recovery Plan.....................................................................................................20


D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n ( N S W ) P a g e 1

1 Introduction

The Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus Goldfuss 1817) is alarge arboreal folivore that occupies a wide butfragmented range in eastern Australia. In NewSouth Wales (NSW) it is listed as a VulnerableSpecies under the Threatened Species Conservation Act1995 (TSC Act).

The Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Populationis listed as an Endangered Population under the TSCAct. Threats to this population include habitatdestruction and fragmentation, mortalities fromvehicle collisions and attacks by domestic and wildDogs (Canis familiaris) (NSW Scientific Committee2000a). This document constitutes the formalRecovery Plan for the population. It identifies theactions to be taken to ensure the long-term viabilityof the population in nature and the parties who willundertake these actions.

The attainment of this Recovery Plan’s objectives issubject to budgetary and other constraints affectingthe parties involved. The information in thisRecovery Plan is accurate to June 2003.

This Recovery Plan is supplementary to theStatewide Recovery Plan for the Koala (‘theStatewide plan’), which was exhibited in February2003, and should be consulted for broaderinformation regarding recovery of the species inNSW.

2 Legislative Context

2.1 Legal statusThe Koala is listed as Vulnerable on the TSC Actand as Rare on the South Australian National Parksand Wildlife Act 1972.

The Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Populationwas listed as an Endangered Population on the TSCAct in 1999. It was the second Koala population tobe listed as Endangered in NSW following the listingof the Pittwater Local Government Area (LGA)Population in 1998.

2.2 Recovery plan preparation andimplementation

The TSC Act and the NSW Threatened SpeciesConservation Amendment Act 2002 (hereafter referredto jointly as the TSC Act) provide a legislativeframework to protect and encourage the recovery ofEndangered and Vulnerable Species, EndangeredPopulations and Endangered EcologicalCommunities in NSW. Under this legislation theDirector-General of National Parks and Wildlife hasa responsibility to prepare Recovery Plans for allspecies, populations and ecological communitieslisted as Endangered or Vulnerable on the TSC Actschedules. The TSC Act includes specific

requirements for both the matters to be addressed byRecovery Plans and the process for preparingRecovery Plans. This Recovery Plan satisfies theseprovisions.

The TSC Act requires that a government agencymust not undertake actions inconsistent with aRecovery Plan. The actions identified in this planfor the recovery of the Hawks Nest and Tea GardensEndangered Koala Population are the responsibilityof the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service(NPWS) and Great Lakes Council (GLC). Otherpublic authorities may have statutoryresponsibilities relevant to the conservation andprotection of the Hawks Nest and Tea GardensEndangered Koala Population. Public authoritieswith core legislative responsibilities relevant to theprotection and management of the Hawks Nest andTea Gardens Endangered Koala Population and itshabitat are listed in Appendix 1.

The Threatened Species Conservation Amendment Act2002 states that an approved Recovery Plan mustinclude a summary of advice given by the ScientificCommittee with respect to the plan, details of anyamendments made to the plan to take account ofthat advice and a statement of the reasons for anydeparture from that advice. This summary isprovided in Appendix 2.

Critical HabitatThe TSC Act makes provision for the identificationand declaration of Critical Habitat for species,populations and ecological communities listed asEndangered. Once declared, it becomes an offenceto damage Critical Habitat (unless the action isspecifically exempted by the TSC Act) and a SpeciesImpact Statement (SIS) is mandatory for alldevelopments and activities proposed withinCritical Habitat.

To date, Critical Habitat has not been declared forthe Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered KoalaPopulation under the TSC Act. An assessment ofCritical Habitat will be undertaken as part of therecovery actions included in this plan.

Key Threatening ProcessesAs of June 2003 there are 16 Key ThreateningProcesses listed on Schedule 3 of the TSC Act. Ofthese, ‘clearing of native vegetation’, ‘high frequencyfire resulting in the disruption of life cycle processesin plants and animal and loss of vegetation structureand composition’ and ‘invasion of native plantcommunities by Chrysanthemoides monilifera (BitouBush)’ are relevant to the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Koala Population. In addition to these KeyThreatening Processes, a range of other processes arerecognised as threatening the survival of Koalas inthe Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area.



Consultation with indigenous peopleLocal Aboriginal Land Councils, Elders and othergroups representing indigenous people in the areaswhere the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens KoalaPopulation occurs have been identified and copies ofthe draft Recovery Plan were sent to them. It is theintention of the NPWS to consider the role andinterests of these indigenous communities in theimplementation of the actions identified in thisplan.

LicensingAny activity not requiring development consentunder the NSW Environmental Planning andAssessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) or the NSWNative Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 (NVC Act),which is likely to harm the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Koala Population, or damage its habitat,requires a licence from the NPWS under theprovisions of the TSC Act or NSW National Parksand Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW ACT) as a defenceagainst prosecution. If the impact is likely to besignificant, a SIS is required.

Other conservation measuresThe TSC Act includes provision for other measuresthat may be taken to conserve the Hawks Nest andTea Gardens Koala Population and its habitat,including the making of a Stop Work Order or JointManagement Agreement.

2.3 Relationship to other legislationAdditional legislation relevant to the conservationand recovery of the Hawks Nest and Tea GardensKoala Population in NSW includes the following:

• National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974;

• Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979;

• Local Government Act 1993;

• Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997;

• Rural Fires Act 1997; and

• Rural Fires and Environmental AssessmentLegislation Amendment Act 2002.

The interaction of the above legislation with theTSC Act with respect to the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Koala Population is varied. The mostsignificant implications are described below.

National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974The NPW Act is administered by the NPWS. Underthis Act it is an offence to ‘harm’, or knowingly‘damage the habitat of’ the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Koala Population. Certain circumstancesmay provide a defence from prosecution, includingwhere actions are approved under the EP&A Act orNSW Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 (NVC

Act) or licensed by the NPWS under the NPW Actor TSC Act.

Owners of private property with significant habitatvalues for the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens KoalaPopulation may enter into Voluntary ConservationAgreements (VCAs) under the NPW Act wherebythe NPWS can provide assistance in the protectionand management of these values on the property.Properties under VCAs may qualify for rateexemptions.

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979This Act provides for the consideration of theHawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Population inland use planning issues. Areas providing importanthabitat for the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens KoalaPopulation can be protected under appropriateenvironmental zoning in Local EnvironmentalPlans prepared under Part 3 of the EP&A Act.Certain State Environmental Planning PolicyPolicies (SEPPs) (Part 3 EP&A Act) also affords alevel of protection to some areas of the Hawks Nestand Tea Gardens Koala Population habitat. Theseinclude SEPP 14 and SEPP 71.

Consent and determining authorities are required toconsider potential impacts on the Hawks Nest andTea Gardens Koala Population and its habitat whenconsidering an activity or development proposalunder Part 4 or Part 5 of the EP&A Act. An actionincluded in this Recovery Plan is the preparationand dissemination of environmental impactassessment guidelines for the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Koala Population, to assist consent anddetermining authorities and environmentalconsultants in undertaking tests of significanceunder Section 5a of the EP&A Act.

Where a consent or determining authority considersthat a proposed development or activity may resultin a significant effect on the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Koala Population or its habitat, a SIS isrequired to be provided and approval cannot begranted without the concurrence of the Director-General of National Parks & Wildlife.

Clause 2 of Provision 10 of the Great Lakes LocalEnvironmental Plan (LEP) (Great Lakes Council1996) states that a person must not carry out orpermit or direct or cause any ringbarking, cuttingdown, topping, lopping, removing or wilfuldestruction of any tree or trees to which a treepreservation order applies without the consent ofthe Council. Clause 10 of Provision 10 defines a treeas:

• vegetation that exceeds three metres in heightor, in the case of a cabbage tree palm (Livistonaaustralis), that exceeds 0.5 metres in height; or



• vegetation with a trunk girth of 0.3 metres ormore at one metre above ground level; or

• all species of mangrove, regardless of size.

Local Government Act 1993The NSW Local Government Act 1993 (LG Act)requires councils to have regard for the principles ofecologically sustainable development (ESD).Section 8(1) of the LG Act requires a council tomanage, develop, protect, restore, enhance andconserve the environment of the area for which it isresponsible, in a manner that is consistent with andpromotes the principles of sustainable development.This includes the integration of biodiversityconsiderations into the decision-making process.The LG Act also requires that Recovery Plans betaken into account when preparing managementplans for community land.

Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997The clearing of native vegetation in NSW is subjectto consent from the Department of Infrastructure,Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) inaccordance with the NVC Act. This Act isintegrated with the EP&A Act, and requires thatthreatened species such as the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Koala Population are taken into account byDIPNR when considering clearing applicationsunder Part 4 of the EP&A Act.

Where an activity or development that may impactupon the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens KoalaPopulation or its habitat is not subject to approvalunder the EP&A Act, an approval may neverthelessbe required under the NVC Act or the TSC Act.These approvals should also take this Recovery Planinto consideration.

Exceptions apply where the proposed activity ordevelopment is classed as exempt or is undertaken inaccordance with previously approved RegionalVegetation Management Plans or PropertyManagement Plans. Exemptions not adopted undera Regional Vegetation Management Plan which mayresult in the harm or pick of threatened speciesrequire an approval under the TSC Act.

The townships of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens fallwithin the Karuah-Great Lakes Regional VegetationManagement area. The committee for thismanagement area has been formed and a RegionalVegetation Management Plan is currently inpreparation.

Landholders may enter into Property Agreementswith DIPNR whereby government assistance can beprovided to protect significant native vegetation.

Rural Fires Act 1997The NSW Rural Fires Act 1997 requires that allparties involved in fire suppression and preventionmust have regard to the principles of ESD whenexercising their functions and when preparing Plansof Operations and Bush Fire Risk ManagementPlans. Consideration of the principles of ESD mustinclude the conservation of biological diversity andecological integrity. Within this, considerationmust be given to the impact on threatened speciesand their habitats, including the Hawks Nest andTea Gardens Koala Population.

Rural Fires and Environmental AssessmentLegislation Amendment Act 2002The NSW Rural Fires and Environmental AssessmentLegislation Amendment Act 2002 amends the RF Actand several environmental assessment-related Acts.This Act provides for mapping bush fire prone landsand the development of a Bush Fire EnvironmentalAssessment Code. This code is aimed atstreamlining the assessment process for hazardreduction works. To this end, the code will includegeneral ameliorative prescriptions and, in somecases, species-specific prescriptions. Threatenedspecies and their habitats are one of the itemsconsidered in the code.

3 Species Information

3.1 Description and taxonomyThe Koala is the sole member of the familyPhascolarctidae. It is a folivorous arboreal marsupialwith large furry ears and a vestigial tail. Fur colourvaries from pale grey in the northern parts of itsrange to grey-brown in the south (Martin &Handasyde 1995). The Koala also varies in sizeacross its range, from an average of approximately 6.5kilograms in Queensland to approximately 12kilograms in Victoria. Male Koalas can weigh up to50% more than females (Martin & Lee 1984).

3.2 DistributionThe Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered KoalaPopulation is known from, and in the immediatevicinity of, the towns of Hawks Nest and TeaGardens in the Great Lakes LGA (Figure 1). Thepopulation extends in the south-east to YacaabaHead and in the south-west to the peninsula west ofWinda Woppa. The population extends in the westand north-west to the outskirts of the builtup area ofTea Gardens, including the Shearwater Estate, whereit is bound by Toonang Drive. The populationextends in the north to an east-west line threekilometres north of the northern boundary of theHawks Nest Golf Course. Occasional sightings havebeen made outside these boundaries. Thepopulation is bounded in the south and east by theocean (NSW Scientific Committee 2000a).



Corrie IslandNature Reserve

Yacaaba Head (Myall Lakes National Park)

Winda Woppa

Myall Lakes National Park

Mun

go

B

rush

Roa

d

TeaGardens

Hawks Nest

Myall Road

M y a

l l

R i

v e

r To

on

ang Drive

P o r tS t e p h e n s

1 0 1 Kilometres

N

Figure 1. Location of the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered Koala Population



The Myall River represents a major barrier to themovement of Koalas between the eastern HawksNest side of the river and the western Tea Gardensside. There are historic records of Koalas swimmingthe Myall River at Pipers Creek, and animals havebeen recorded crossing the Singing Bridge at night(Myall Koala and Environmental Support Groupunpublished data). This indicates that somemovement of Koalas between Hawks Nest and TeaGardens may occur.

Some limited movement may also be occurringbetween the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koalapopulation and other populations nearby. MyallLakes National Park to the north of Hawks Nest andthe Fame Cove area to the west of Tea Gardensrepresent a potential source of Koalas, although thelevel of interaction is unknown.

There is evidence that Koala populations in thelower Hunter, including the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Population, are declining due to pressures ofclearing of habitat, habitat fragmentation, sandmining, urban development, road kills, Dog attacksand disease (Knott et al. 1998; Lunney et al. 1998;NSW Scientific Committee 2000a).

3.3 Land tenureProperty within the boundary of the Hawks Nestand Tea Gardens Endangered Koala Population isheld under a variety of tenures. These include someareas of national parks estate and crown reserves,however the majority of the land is held underprivate and freehold tenure.

Some of the land within the boundary of the HawksNest and Tea Gardens Koala Population isdesignated SEPP 14 – Coastal Wetland, SEPP 26 –Littoral Rainforest and SEPP 71 – CoastalProtection. This may afford certain areas of Koalahabitat a degree of formal protection.

3.4 HabitatKoalas inhabit a broad range of eucalypt forest andwoodland communities including coastal forests,woodlands of the tablelands and western slopes andriparian communities of the western plains (Phillips2000). Other communities with eucalypt emergentssuch as rainforest, swamp sclerophyll forest, heathand shrubland can also be important habitat toremnant Koala populations (C. Moon pers. comm.).The likely importance of such communities forshelter and movement is accentuated in a highlyfragmented landscape (J. Callaghan pers. comm.).

A variety of factors influence the quality of forestand woodland communities as habitat for Koalas(Reed et al. 1990) including:

• the species and size of trees present;

• soil nutrients;

• climate and rainfall; and

• patch size, patch isolation and disturbancehistory.

Possibly the most important factor influencingKoala occurrence in an area is the suite of treespecies available as habitat. In any one area Koalasrely predominantly on varying combinations ofprimary and/or secondary habitat (see Appendix 3).

Because of the extent of loss of Koala habitat, allremaining areas of primary habitat are of highconservation value. Remnant Koala populationsmay rely heavily on secondary habitat in areas whereprimary habitat has been removed or is naturallyvery localised.

Favoured feed tree species (primary feed trees)within Koala habitat are of great importance for theconservation of Koala populations. Koalas will utiliseother tree species (secondary feed trees) if primaryfeed tree species are not present or occur at lowdensities. However, the carrying capacity of an areawith only secondary feed tree species present isinevitably lower (Reed et al. 1990). Primary andsecondary feed trees are fundamental to Koalasurvival.

Previous studies indicate that several tree species areused to varying degrees by Koalas in the urban andrural areas of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens. Inparticular, Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta)and Tallowwood (E. microcorys) are species identifiedas being of primary importance to the Koalapopulation. Other tree species native to the areautilised to a lesser extent by Koalas include Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Blackbutt(E. pilularis), Red Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera),Flooded Gum (E. grandis) and Smooth-barked Apple(Angophora costata) (see Wildthing EnvironmentalConsultants 1997; EcoPro 1998; ERM MitchellMcCotter 1998; Phillips & Callaghan 1998; MyallKoala and Environmental Support Group pers.comm.).

Koalas in Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens have beenrecorded utilising tree species that are not native tothe local area but are present in the landscape ashorticultural introductions. Species recorded includeMugga Ironbark (E. sideroxylon), Lemon-scentedGum (Corymbia citriodora) and Narrow-leaved BlackPeppermint (E. nicholii).

The importance of Swamp Mahogany to Koalas inthe Hawks Nest area is supported by studies on thepopulation of Koalas on Tilligerry Peninsula on thesouthern side of Port Stephens (Berghout, Cork &Clulow unpublished data; Berghout 1993) and by theAustralian Koala Foundation (AKF) on the



Quaternary deposits in Port Stephens LGA (Phillipset al. 2000). In many respects, the habitat (eucalyptforest associations) on Tilligerry Peninsula is verysimilar to the systems in and around Hawks Nest.The Tilligerry Peninsula study showed a strongcorrelation between Koalas and Swamp Mahogany inswamp forests and Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis) insmall habitat patches on more fertile sites alongdrainage lines. This study concluded that theviability and survival of the Koala population onTilligerry Peninsula is dependent on these twospecies, with other species acting as marginal foodspecies. The AKF studies in Port Stephens LGAconcluded that E. parramattensis was a primary foodtree for Koalas in that study area (Phillips et al.2000).

In general, vegetation on more fertile soils providesthe most suitable habitat for Koalas, because of thegreater availability of nutrients within leaves. Small,fragmented or highly disturbed habitats are lesslikely to be able to support Koalas in the long-term(Reed et al. 1990).

3.5 EcologyThe Koala diet consists primarily of eucalypt leaves.These leaves are low in nutrients and energy buthigh in indigestible components such as lignin andcellulose, and toxic compounds such as essential oilsand tannins (Cork & Sanson 1990). Koalas are ableto cope with this diet because they have a lowmetabolic rate, low nutrient requirements and acomplex digestive tract. A preference is shown forjuvenile leaves, which contain less tannin, phenolicsand fibre and more moisture and nitrogen (Pahl &Hume 1990; Cork & Sanson 1990). Koalas saveenergy by remaining relatively inactive, resting formuch of the day and generally becoming most activein the first few hours following sunset (Mitchell &Martin 1990).

Each Koala has an established home range, the sizeof which will vary according to the quality of thehabitat, the number of feed trees and social factors(Sharp 1995). In a stable Koala population breedingassociations exists in which the home ranges ofindividuals overlap (Martin & Handasyde 1995).Koalas maintain fidelity to their home range thatmay last throughout their life (Sharp 1995).

The breeding season for Koalas on the lower northcoast of NSW is approximately August to February(Leathley et al. 2001a), with a peak in Koalamovement occurring from September to October (C.Moon pers. comm.).

The gestation period for the Koala is 35 days.Following birth, the young remains in the pouch forsix months. On leaving the pouch it remainsdependent on its mother for several months andrides on her back.

Young reach independence at about 12 months,although they can remain in the mother’s homerange for a further two to three years (Mitchell &Martin 1990). After this period, young animalsdisperse to establish their own home range.Dispersal distances generally range from 1-11kilometres (Gall 1980; Mitchell & Martin 1990),although movements in excess of 50 kilometres havebeen recorded (S. Phillips unpublished data).

Koalas have been recorded surviving for up to 18years in the wild (Martin & Handasyde 1990).

3.6 Ability of population to recoverExtinction is largely a population-level process,whereby cumulative loss of all populations of aspecies occurs over its entire range (Clark et al.1990). Many Koala populations in coastal NSW areunder threat from activities associated with urbandevelopment. Evidence from other small coastalpopulations provide a similar scenario to the HawksNest and Tea Gardens Population, where declineshave been occurring over long periods of time due toa slow process of attrition (see Moon 1990; Smith &Smith 1990; Lunney et al. 1996, 2002).

Declines can initially be linked to a long history ofhabitat destruction and modification through suchagents as urban development, sand mining,inappropriate fire regimes, weed invasion, treedieback and golf course construction. Factors linkedto urban development lead to an increase inmortality and a decline in habitat quality andquantity. The population remains vulnerable to thecumulative impacts of further clearing anddegradation of habitat and corridors in the area. Ifnot managed, such clearing and degradation canrestrict Koala movement and reduce the viability ofthe population even further by preventingrecruitment of individuals from other areas.

Population viability analysis of the Iluka KoalaPopulation by Lunney et al. (2002) suggested thatmanaging a small Koala population solely with theaim of increasing survivorship and breeding rates isnot enough to ensure recovery. Once identifiedthreats are managed, immigration is of considerableimportance in maintaining and rebuilding thepopulation. The ability of the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Koala Population to recover ultimately lieswith the protection and restoration of suitablehabitat and linkages within the defined populationarea and surrounding areas. This would enhance theeffectiveness of natural dispersal processes, leadingto a larger, integrated population that is notphysically or genetically isolated from otherpopulations in the surrounding region.

Therefore, successful recovery requires managementof the Koalas at the regional level. If the probabilityof recruitment is very low or non-existent, the



population may persist in the short to medium termbecause of the relative longevity of individualKoalas, rather than the maintenance of a stablepopulation. However, the population remainsextremely vulnerable to localised extinction in themedium to long term.

A population in decline requires management beforeit reaches the point where such management isineffective and recovery not possible (see Lunney etal. 2002). For the Hawks Nest and Tea GardensKoala Population to recover the understanding andsupport of the broader community is required.Given that community perception of populationdecline will often lag significantly behind the actualdecline event (Lunney et al. 2002), the broaderHawks Nest and Tea Gardens community may notyet fully recognise the extent to which thepopulation has actually declined.

The Public Inquiry held into the ecologicalsignificance of north Hawks Nest (Carleton 2002)identified this area as having significant importanceto the local Koala population and a loss of importanthabitat in the area would likely result in localextinction of the population.

4 Threats and Management Issues

4.1 Current threatsThe Statewide plan (NPWS 2003) outlines thethreats facing the Koala across NSW. Details on thethreats relevant to the Hawks Nest and Tea GardensPopulation are outlined below.

The Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Populationhas declined from at least 21 individuals in 1989 toas few as 12 in 1998 and is now in immediate dangerof extinction (NSW Scientific Committee 2000a).This decline has been primarily attributed tocontinuing urban development of the area,particularly the associated removal of habitat.Urban development creates barriers to movementand introduces additional threats such as roadmortality and attacks by Dogs, which have beenidentified as major factors in the decline of thepopulation.

Habitat loss and fragmentationHistorically, habitat loss and fragmentation has beena significant factor in the decline of Koalas, and thisremains the most serious threat facing Koalas today.

As far back as 1988, concern was being expressed forthe slow and gradual decline of small coastal Koalapopulations due to coastal urban growth (see Lunneyet al. 2002). Loss and fragmentation of habitat as aresult of clearing for agriculture, urban development,roads and other infrastructure has been particularlyevident on the more fertile soils, particularly coastalfloodplains and valleys. These coastal areas have, in

the past, provided the most valuable habitat forKoalas. The ongoing loss of habitat areas has forcedKoalas into areas of lower quality habitat which areunable to support equivalent densities of animals.

Land clearing in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardensarea has led to the fragmentation of much of theremaining Koala habitat. Such fragmentation resultsin Koalas spending an increased amount of timetravelling over open ground, leaving them moresusceptible to Dog attack.

Habitat loss and fragmentation due to roadconstruction not only decreases available habitat,but also leads to an increase in road mortality andinjury (Sharp 1995; Lunney et al. 1996; ANZECC1998).

Where fragmentation reduces or prevents successfuldispersal between populations, the number ofanimals in a population may decrease over time.This can lead to a genetic bottleneck and potentialinbreeding depression. It also leaves a populationmore susceptible to extinction from chance eventssuch as wildfire or extreme weather conditions.

Habitat degradationDegradation of Koala habitat can occur throughunderscrubbing, alteration of forest structure, weedinvasion, tree dieback or senescence, and bushfire.

Underscrubbing, or the clearing of understorey whileretaining the tree overstorey, leaves Koalasvulnerable to Dog attack when moving along theground. Underscrubbing can also stimulate growthof weed species, which can, in turn, degrade habitatand impede recruitment of new canopy vegetation.

In the Hawks Nest area, Bitou Bush invasion isconsidered a major problem. The dense habit of thisinvasive weed reduces the ability of Koalas to moveon the ground and access trees, as well as severelyimpacting on the regrowth of eucalypts.

Dog attacksAttacks by domestic and wild Dogs are a significantcause of Koala death and injury throughout theirdistribution. Records of domestic Dog attacks onKoalas indicate that attacks are often associated withfenced yards within urban and rural-residentialareas. Attacks can also be linked to irresponsibleDog ownership, aggressive Dog breeds, and roamingDog packs (ANZECC 1998). Records from PortStephens LGA confirm that Dogs can killsubstantial numbers of Koalas (Lunney et al.1999),with the highest number of attacks coincidingwith the Koala breeding season from August toFebruary (Leathley et al. 2001a).

The number of registered Dogs in the Hawks Nestand Tea Gardens area in 1998/1999 was 246,



although the actual number of domestic Dogspresent in the area is probably higher. During peakholiday season in the summer months, whichcoincides with the Koala breeding season, thisnumber can increase significantly (C. Davies pers.comm.).

Seven attacks by Dogs on Koalas were recorded inthe Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area from 1992 to2000, resulting in four deaths (Myall Koala andEnvironmental Support Group unpublished data). Itis likely that a number of attacks and deaths gounreported.

Road killsCollision with vehicles is a significant cause of deathand injury of Koalas throughout their distribution(Andrews 1990; Hume 1990; Moon 1995). As moremajor roads have been constructed through Koalahabitat this threat has increased. This is of concernnot just in urban areas but at any location where aregularly used Koala movement path is bisected by atraffic corridor. Busy roads can act as sinks, wheredispersing healthy Koalas move into areas of habitatfrom which the previous occupant has been removedby road kill, only to be killed by vehicles themselves(Moon 1998).

Whilst data collected by the Myall Koala andEnvironmental Support Group has led to threespecific areas of Hawks Nest being recognised as roadmortality blackspots, all roads within Hawks Nestand Tea Gardens are a potential threat to Koalas.This is due to the pattern of dispersal of large maturetrees throughout the townships. Recognisedblackspots in Hawks Nest are shown in Figure 2, andinclude:

• the Singing Bridge over the Myall River betweenHawks Nest and Tea Gardens. Koalas mayutilise this bridge as a link for moving from oneside of the river to the other, although this islikely to be a rare occurrence;

• Kingfisher Avenue, Hawks Nest. An identifiedKoala reserve occurs to the north of KingfisherAvenue as it approaches the Singing Bridge.Vegetation from the Koala reserve occurs to theshoulder of the road, which can lessen visibilityand reaction time of a driver if a Koala attemptsto cross the road. A Koala movement corridorhas been identified from the intersection ofKingfisher Avenue and Ibis Avenue for adistance of 100 metres towards the bridge; and

• Mermaid Avenue, which runs parallel toKingfisher Avenue.

Koala mortalities due to collisions with cars havealso occurred at a number of other locations withinthe Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area. Therefore,

regular assessment of records is required so thatongoing identification of blackspots occurs.

Koalas are likely to be most active during thebreeding season from approximately August toFebruary, which coincides with peak holiday periodsin NSW. Records from the Port Stephens LGAindicate that during this period the number ofKoalas hit by cars increases (Leathley et al. 2001b).

FireWildfires, particularly crown fires, kill and injureKoalas. Fires may also reduce or remove shelter andavailable food resources, which can exacerbate theimpact of other threats such as Dog attack andcollision with cars. The presence of refuge habitatenables Koalas to escape fires and may providealternative habitat until the burnt areas haveregenerated.

Inappropriate fire regimes, such as regular lowintensity fuel reduction burns, can alter vegetationstructure and floristics by promoting the growth offire resistant shrubby species and by reducingeucalypt regrowth. In areas where dispersal barriersexist and wildfire destroys remnant habitat, localextinction can result.

Sustained high frequency fire affects the ability ofplant and animal species to maintain life cycleprocesses. This can alter the structure of plantcommunities, thus reducing the quality andavailability of Koala habitat. In particular, highfrequency fire can alter habitat structure and reducethe regeneration of eucalypt species. In NSW,coastal and urban areas have been identified ashaving the greatest likelihood of sustained highfrequency fire regimes (NSW Scientific Committee2000b).

The known fire history of Myall Lakes National Parkindicates a high fire frequency in the southernsection of the park. In the twenty two year periodbetween 1980 and 2002 there were eight fires in thesouthern-most section of the park. The high firefrequency in this section may have led to analteration of vegetation types present and increasedthe isolation of the Hawks Nest and Tea GardensKoala Population.

4.2 Potential threatsDiseaseCurrent information indicates that wild Koalapopulations generally carry Chlamydia bacteria,although many infected animals do not show anyclinical signs of illness. The development of clinicalsigns of infection may be induced by stress fromfactors such as habitat clearing or disturbance.Therefore, as urban development encroaches intoareas of Koala habitat the incidence of stress-related



diseases associated with Clamydia infection, suchconjunctivitis or urogential tract infection, mayincrease.

One of the major consequences of Chlamydiainfection can be infertility in females, which resultsin reduced reproduction (Martin & Handasyde1990). This appears to be the case for a number ofisolated populations surviving in degraded habitatwhere low female fertility, in association with otherthreats and barriers to immigration andrecolonisation, may lead to local extinction of thepopulation over time.

Disease associated with infection by Chlamydia is oneof the more prevalent problems leading to Koalasbeing taken into rehabilitative care in NSW.Clinical signs of infection with this disease includewet bottom and conjunctivitis.

Swimming poolsAlthough Koalas are able to swim, backyardswimming pools represent a potential threat. If aKoala falls into a swimming pool it may be unable toclimb out and may drown (Sharp 1995). Currently,no Koala deaths due to drowning in pools have beenrecorded for Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens.

Identified blackspot0 500 Metres

N

KoalaReserve

Hawks NestGolf Course

M y a

l l

R i

v e

r

HawksNest

Singing Bridge

Kingfisher Ave

Mermaid Ave

Ibis

Ave

Figure 2. Recognised road mortality blackspots for the Koala in Hawks Nest

5 Previous Recovery Actions

5.1 Tree preservationThe GLC LEP provides for Tree Preservation Orders(TPOs) as a mechanism to protect trees in the GreatLakes Council area. Under the LEP, a person mustnot carry out or permit or direct or causeringbarking, cutting down, topping, lopping,removing or wilful destruction of a tree or trees towhich a TPO applies without the prior writtenapproval of Council (Great Lakes Council 1996).

Great Lakes Council is currently in the process ofreviewing the TPO and its application. This reviewshould consider the protection and management ofthose tree species recognised as Koala food treeswithin the urban areas of Hawks Nest and TeaGardens as well as those trees that may providerefuge or shelter values for local Koalas.Furthermore, it should enact provisions for requiringthe sustainable replacement of food or shelter treesthat require removal because of public and propertysafety such that a net gain of Koala trees occurs overtime.


D e p a r t m e n t o f E n v i r o n m e n t a n d C o n s e r v a t i o n ( N S W ) P a g e 1 0

5.2 Habitat mapping and environmentalstudies

Several studies have been undertaken to mapvegetation and to investigate threatened speciesissues in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area (seeWildthing Environmental Consultants 1997;EcoPro 1998; ERM Mitchell McCotter 1998;Phillips & Callaghan 1998). Based on these studiesthere have been several attempts to identify Koalahabitat and Koala feed tree species. However, adefinitive description of Koala habitat usage in thearea has not been made. Despite this, several trendshave emerged from the studies, including:

• the importance of Swamp Mahogany as aprimary feed tree species;

• the importance of vegetation communitiescontaining Swamp Mahogany and/or Broad-leaved Paperbark; and

• the importance of the swamp sclerophyll forestcommunities along the Myall River in northHawks Nest as Koala habitat and as a linkbetween Myall Lakes National Park and HawksNest township.

A Public Inquiry was held in 2001 to examine andreport on the ecological significance of land coveredby the north Hawks Nest Draft LocalEnvironmental Study. This area represents most ofthe land situated to the east of the Myall River,between the builtup area of Hawks Nest townshipand Myall Lakes National Park. The inquirydetermined that a substantial area of north HawksNest is important Koala habitat, and that loss of thisarea would likely result in the extinction of theKoala population (Carleton 2002).

Key to the findings of this Inquiry was a draft mapproduced by the AKF identifying:

• a strip of core Koala habitat to the west ofMungo Brush Road;

• secondary Koala habitat in association with corehabitat;

• a small area of core habitat extending to the eastof Mungo Brush Road; and

• habitat linkages.

In this instance ‘core’ habitat represents Koalahabitat that has been identified by the AKF as‘preferred’ or ‘supplementary’ habitat. This RecoveryPlan uses the terms ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ Koalahabitat as defined in the Statewide plan (Appendix3; see also Phillips 2000).

The Public Inquiry also recommended that 70% ofmature Blackbutt forest in the area be retained toprovide habitat linkages for threatened species.

5.3 Dog controlThe GLC is responsible for enforcing the CompanionAnimals Act 1998 (CA Act) in the Hawks Nest andTea Gardens area. Under the CA Act, Dogs must becontained within the boundaries of the owner’sproperty or be under effective control by means of achain, cord or leash when in a public place. Despitethis legislation and the release of press reportsoutlining the implications of the CA Act andregular GLC Ranger patrols, many Dogs are notappropriately managed.

The GLC currently has a program in place thattargets the appropriate control of feral Dogs in theHawks Nest and Tea Gardens area.

Since 1998 the NPWS has implemented a strategicplan for the control of feral Dogs and Dingoes (Canislupus dingo) within Myall Lakes National Park.

5.4 Wildlife rehabilitation groupsWildlife rehabilitation groups throughout NSW playa vital role in the rescue and rehabilitation of injuredand diseased Koalas. Wildlife rehabilitation groupsalso play an important role in community educationand raising awareness. These groups operate underthe NPWS guidelines and must be accredited to carefor Koalas.

The Native Animal Trust Fund and the Great LakesRescue group provide rescue and rehabilitation forKoalas in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area.

5.5 Public awarenessThe GLC and the NPWS have prepared aninformation brochure on the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Koala Population. This brochure containsinformation that enables members of thecommunity to become involved in the recovery ofthe population.

An interpretative sign at the Koala reserve on thecorner of Kingfisher Avenue and Ibis Avenueoutlines the threats to Koalas in the Hawks Nest andTea Gardens area and also explains the importanceof feed trees.

A regular newspaper column entitled Koala Report isprinted in the Myall Coast Nota, a weekly newspapercirculated in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area.This column includes reports of Koala sightings andgeneral information on Koalas in the area. Thecolumn is written by the Koala co-ordinator for theMyall Koala and Environmental Support Group

The Native Animal Trust Fund conduct training inKoala rescue and care, as well as public awareness andeducational talks throughout the Hunter region.



5.6 Catchment managementHawks Nest and Tea Gardens fall within the LowerNorth Coast Catchment Management area. TheIntegrated Catchment Management Plan for thismanagement area was approved in 2002. A firstorder objective identified in the plan is themaintenance and enhancement of viable nativeplant and animal populations and communities(Lower North Coast Management Board 2003).

6 Proposed Recovery Objectives, Actionsand Performance Criteria

The initial focus of the actions included in thisRecovery Plan will be on planning and vegetationmapping. This will establish a framework forongoing protection and rehabilitation throughonground works and further planning.

The overall objective of this Recovery Plan is toarrest the decline of the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Endangered Koala Population and to returnthe population to a position of viability in nature.This is expected to take longer than the three yearlife of the Recovery Plan.

Specific objectives of the Recovery Plan are listedbelow. For each of these objectives a number ofrecovery actions have been developed, each with ajustification and performance criterion.

Objective 1: To co-ordinate the recovery of theHawks Nest and Tea Gardens Koala Population

Action 1.1: The NPWS, with the support of GLC, willco-ordinate the implementation of the actions outlined inthis Recovery Plan.

The effective implementation of a recovery programfor a threatened species, population or ecologicalcommunity is a complex task. A co-ordinatedapproach is essential to oversee and assist in theimplementation of the actions outlined in thisRecovery Plan in a timely, cost-effective andefficient manner.

Performance Criterion: The NPWS, with supportfrom GLC, co-ordinates the recovery actionsincluded in this Recovery Plan.

Action 1.2: The NPWS and the GLC will develop aKoala Working Group (KWG).

The KWG will consist of a member of the NPWSand GLC, and also include two members of theHawks Nest and Tea Garden community. The roleof the KWG will be to assist in the implementationof this Recovery Plan, including the identification ofpotential funding sources.

Performance Criterion: A KWG is developed withinthree months of the commencement of thisRecovery Plan.

Action 1.3: The KWG will co-ordinate the developmentand implementation of a monitoring program to determinethe effectiveness of management actions.

The development and implementation of amonitoring program will allow the ongoingeffectiveness of management actions to be assessed,and management revised if considered necessary.

Assessing the status of the population will also beincorporated into this monitoring program.Techniques utilised must be non-contacttechniques, in order to cause minimal disturbanceand stress to the Koalas.

Performance Criterion: The monitoring program isdeveloped within six months of the commencementof this Recovery Plan.

Objective 2: To identify and map the distributionof Koala habitat in the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens area

Action 2.1: The NPWS, with support from GLC, will co-ordinate the identification and mapping of Koala habitat inthe Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area, and produce asupporting document.

Identification and mapping of urban and rural Koalahabitat is fundamental to the effective managementof the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens KoalaPopulation.

This mapping should identify and account for:

• primary and secondary Koala habitat (as definedin Appendix 3);

• individual primary and secondary Koala foodtrees outside of mapped primary and secondaryhabitat;

• existing and potential linkages between Koalahabitat within the population boundary;

• existing and potential linkages between theEndangered Koala Population and areas of likelyhabitat external to the population boundary;

• habitat buffers where considered necessary;

• areas of potential Critical Habitat; and

• areas suitable for habitat rehabilitation.

Performance Criterion: Koala habitat is identifiedand mapped, and a supporting draft documentprepared within nine months of the commencementof this Recovery Plan.

Objective 3: To conserve the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Koala Population in its existing habitat



Action 3.1: Areas of Koala habitat identified throughAction 2.1 will be prioritised for active management andmonitoring and/or conservation by the KWG inconsultation with the local community. This will includean assessment of the need for a Critical Habitatdeclaration in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area.

Within the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens areahabitat exists that is critical to the survival of theKoala population. These areas of habitat, and theKoalas they support, are priorities for activemanagement and monitoring. Key areas of habitatoccurring on private land will be considered forconservation through such means as EnvironmentalProtection Zones in the Great Lakes LEP, VoluntaryConservation Agreements, Wildlife Refuges, orthrough the declaration of Critical Habitat. All ofthese mechanisms are site-specific. The PublicInquiry (Carleton 2002) identified the swampsclerophyll communities in north Hawks Nest asessential to the continued existence of the Koalapopulation. This should be reflected in appropriatezoning and management.

Performance Criterion: Key areas of Koala habitat inthe Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area are identifiedand strategies for management developed; Anassessment to determine the need for declaration ofCritical Habitat has been completed. This processwill be initiated within 12 months of thecommencement of this Recovery Plan.

Action 3.2: The NPWS and GLC will establish a surveyprogram to determine if areas to the north and west ofHawks Nest and Tea Gardens represent a source of newindividuals into the Endangered Koala Population.Methods utilised will be low impact and involve the localcommunity.

Immigration is vital in maintaining small Koalapopulations. Therefore, appropriate monitoring ofthe population is essential in order to measure thedegree of successful immigration and dispersal, aswell as population trends over time.

If populations external to the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Koala Population are a source ofrecruitment of dispersing sub-adults, it is importantthat the movement corridors utilised by these Koalasare protected in order to maintain the Hawks Nestand Tea Gardens Population.

If populations external to the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Koala Population prove not to be a sourceof individuals, it is important that linkages beestablished in order to return the Hawks Nest andTea Gardens Population to a state of long-termviability.

Performance Criterion: A monitoring and researchprogram to determine the degree of isolation of theHawks Nest and Tea Gardens Population from

external populations is developed and underwaywithin 10 months of the commencement of thisRecovery Plan.

Action 3.3: The NPWS, with support from GLC, willprepare survey and assessment guidelines for the HawksNest and Tea Gardens Koala Population and distributethem to relevant authorities.

A standard methodology with sufficient survey effortshould be undertaken when determining if Koalahabitat is present on or adjacent to an area ofpotential development. Presence of the species or itshabitat should trigger implementation of effectivemitigation measures, including protection ofidentified habitat, to reduce direct or indirectimpacts of any proposed urban development.

The survey and assessment guidelines will focus onthe identification of potential Koala habitat andfaecal pellet evidence of habitat use rather thanrelying solely on recorded sightings of the species.

Performance Criterion: Standard survey andenvironmental assessment guidelines are developed,distributed and in use within six months of thecommencement of this Recovery Plan.

Action 3.4: The KWG will establish an ongoing programof blackspot identification (refer Figure 2).

Death and injury of Koalas on roads often occurswhere a road bisects the habitat and home rangeareas of one or more Koalas dispersal corridor.

Performance Criterion: A blackspot identificationprogram is developed and management measuresdiscussed within six months of the commencementof this Recovery Plan.

Action 3.5: Subsequent to Action 3.4, the KWG willdevelop and implement of a program of works thatintegrates strategic streetscaping and traffic calming.

This process will be guided by a set of principlesaimed at increasing the number of feed trees orhabitat in the townships whilst minimising the riskof vehicle collisions and Dog attacks. Theseprinciples shall include:

• planting of appropriate trees in strategicpositions so as to encourage Koalas towards areaswhere traffic calming devices have beenestablished;

• using Koala-proof fencing to guide Koalas awayfrom blackspots and toward less hazardouscrossing areas;

• trialing of structures such as knotted overheadrope crossings;

• accounting for driver safety and ensuring thatdriver vision is not impaired;



• ensuring that road shoulders are of sufficientwidth to allow drivers to see and avoid Koalasattempting to cross the road;

• ensuring appropriate levels of lighting; and

• ensuring the program is ongoing to incorporateareas identified for rehabilitation andidentification of linkages over the broader area.

Performance Criterion: A program of works iscommenced within 18 months of thecommencement of this Recovery Plan.

Action 3.6: The GLC, with assistance from the NPWS,will develop a policy that facilitates the effectiveenforcement of CA Act.

The policy developed through this recovery actionwill target, among other things, an education andawareness program to promote responsible Dogownership and the identification and regularpatrolling of areas known to provide habitat forspecies such as Koalas that are vulnerable topredation by Dogs.

Performance Criterion: A local program or policy tomanage domestic Dogs in the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens area is prepared, adopted and beingimplemented within six months of thecommencement of this Recovery Plan. Specificobjectives of this plan would be to reduce andmanage the threats to local Koalas from domesticDogs.

Action 3.7: The NPWS and GLC will co-ordinateexisting programs to appropriately manage feral Dogs andDingoes in the wider Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area.

A co-ordinated approach to feral Dog and Dingocontrol in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area willincrease the effectiveness of existing programswhich, in turn, will assist in the reduction in theincidence of Dog attack on the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Koalas.

Performance Criterion: A co-ordinated approach toexisting Dog control is underway within six monthsof the commencement of this Recovery Plan.

Objective 4: To incorporate Koala conservationinto planning processes

Action 4.1: The NPWS will recommend to GLC thatidentified Koala habitat be appropriately zoned to maximiseits long-term protection.

The key to Koala conservation is habitat protectionand management. Local governments have theprimary responsibility for land-use planning anddevelopment control, as well as operation andmaintenance of public lands. Therefore, GLC has an

important role in the protection of Koalas and Koalahabitat.

Once Koala habitat has been identified this shouldbe incorporated into GLC planning instruments andused in the assessment, planning andimplementation of development applications.

Consideration should also be given to:

• amendment of the GLC LEP to include TreePreservation Orders for primary and secondaryKoala feed tree species; and

• in accordance with SEPP 44, consideration ofthe preparation of a Koala Plan of Management(KPoM) for the Endangered Population, or aComprehensive Koala Plan of Management(CKPoM) for Great Lakes LGA.

Performance Criterion: Koala conservation iseffectively incorporated into GLC planningprocesses; Koala habitat is protected withappropriate environmental zoning in the GLC LEP;preparation of a KPoM or a CKPoM is consideredand underway if necessary.

Action 4.2: Further to Action 4.1, the NPWS will ensurethat public authorities, relevant landholders and landmanagers are aware of the long-term protection measuresavailable to assist in the conservation of the Hawks Nestand Tea Gardens population.

Options available for facilitating long-termprotection in NSW include:

• development of a VCA under the NPW Act;

• development of a Wildlife Refuge under theNPW Act;

• Joint Management Agreements under the TSCAct; and

• development of a Property Agreement under theNVC Act.

There is also a range of non-statutory measures thatmay assist with the conservation of Koala habitat,including the NSW Land for Wildlife Program andthe Commonwealth Bushcare program.

All proposed protective measures will be developedin conjunction with, and require the consent of,appropriate landholders and land managers.

Performance criterion: Where appropriate,consultation with landholders and land managershas commenced within the life of this RecoveryPlan.

Action 4.3: The NPWS will provide information to theBush Fire Management Committee (BFMC) in theHawks Nest and Tea Gardens area to encourageconsideration of Koalas and Koala habitat in the



preparation and implementation of Bush Fire RiskManagement Plans and Plans of Operations.

Using the information provided by the NPWS thelocal BFMC will be able to better consider Koalasand Koala habitat when preparing fire plans in orderto reduce the impact of hazard reduction activitieson Koalas. All BFMCs in the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens area should consider:

• mosaic fuel reduction burning of varyingfrequency so that refuges of unburnt habitat arealways available. Refuge habitat providingground-cover and understorey vegetation isimportant for protection when Koalas are on theground or in extreme weather conditions;

• an appropriate regime of fuel reduction burningwhich allows the regeneration and maintenanceof Koala habitat and feed trees;

• avoidance of crown fires wherever possible;

• minimisation of disturbance to Koala habitatand feed trees when clearing fire trails and firebreaks; and

• protection of areas identified as important Koalahabitat from wildfire where possible. This can beachieved through the use of strategic fire breaksand fuel reduction activities to reduce theextent and intensity of wildfire.

Performance Criterion: The NPWS has providedrelevant information to the BFMC within 2 monthsof the commencement of this Recovery Plan. Allfire plans relevant to the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens area will provide for the adequateprotection of Koalas and Koala habitat.

Action 4.4: The GLC will consider threatened species,populations and ecological communities and their habitat inthe preparation and implementation of Plans ofManagement for Council owned and managed land andreserves. Specific emphasis would include the managementof resources for the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Koalapopulation on Council owned and managed lands.

Much of the Council owned and managed lands inHawks Nest and Tea Gardens represents a potentialresource of value to the local Koala population.Consequently, protection, management andrestoration of Koala habitat must be a considerationin the overall management of this land.

Performance Criterion: Plans of Management forCouncil owned or managed land include actions toprotect threatened species, populations andecological communities and their habitat, withspecific reference to the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Koala population.

Action 4.5: The NPWS will consider threatened species,populations and ecological communities and their habitat in

the preparation and implementation of Plans ofManagement for Myall Lakes National Park, includingYacaaba Head.

Koalas utilising Myall Lakes National Park(including Yacaaba Head) represent a potentialsource of recruitment for the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Population once habitat connectivity hasbeen enhanced and protected.

Performance Criterion: Plans of Management forMyall Lakes National Park include actions to protectthreatened species, populations and ecologicalcommunities and their habitat.

Objective 5: To rehabilitate and restore Koalahabitat in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area

Action 5.1: The KWG will provide advice on appropriatehabitat rehabilitation and restoration activities at prioritysites identified through Action 2.1 to individuals,community groups and government agencies. The NPWSwill support rehabilitation efforts where resources areavailable.

The recovery of the Hawks Nest and Tea GardensKoala Population depends partly on increasing thearea of high quality habitat and habitat connectivitythrough re-planting of primary and secondary Koalafeed tree species and the rehabilitation of degradedhabitat.

Many groups and organisations are currentlyinvolved in replanting and rehabilitation activitiesthroughout NSW, including Landcare, Bushcare,wildlife rehabilitation groups, bush regenerationgroups, the National Trust and local governments.These groups and organisations provide animportant on-ground opportunity to increase theextent of Koala habitat and improve the quality ofexisting habitat. Individual landholders can alsohave a valuable role in the re-establishment andrehabilitation of Koala habitat. The NPWS will seekto identify funding sources annually to assist withthe above actions.

Primary and secondary Koala feed trees propagatedfrom locally-sourced seed stock should be utilised forany replanting exercises. The removal of weeds fromexisting habitat should be undertaken in asympathetic manner to ensure that new Koalahabitat becomes available and existing habitat isenhanced. Replanting should also include a range ofother naturally occurring understorey and treespecies to retain diversity in native vegetationcommunities and to provide a range of micro-habitats for Koalas and other native species.

Areas for planting should be selected on the basis oflocation away from areas of hazard to Koalas such asmain roads. In addition, planting strategies shouldaim to rehabilitate degraded habitat and establish



habitat linkages to facilitate Koala movement andgene flow between existing habitats (see Action 2.1).

Performance Criterion: The NPWS has assisted inthe development of a rehabilitation strategy on atleast one identified priority area within thepopulation boundaries of the population within 12months of the commencement of this RecoveryPlan.

Objective 6: To ensure the broader community hasaccess to information about the distribution,conservation and management of Koalas

Action 6.1: A database will be established by the KWG tomaintain records of Koalas in the Hawks Nest and TeaGardens area.

Information about Koalas is constantly beingcollected by researchers, wildlife rehabilitationgroups, conservation organisations, governmentagencies and others. This information covers arange of topics, including population demographics,individual home ranges, genetics, the health ofindividual animals, population dynamics, threats tothe population and the use of habitat, but is difficultto access as it is currently held in a variety of places.The database will store Koala information in acentral and accessible location. Amongst otherthings, information in the database will enablechanges and patterns in the population to bemonitored over time. A standardised reportingformat and system will be developed to allow bettercollation and interpretation of records andinformation.

Continuing to collect information about individualanimals, implementing monitoring of thepopulation and consolidating this information intoa database will enable informed decisions aboutappropriate management techniques.

Performance Criterion: The database will beoperating within six months of the commencementof this Recovery Plan.

Action 6.2: The NPWS, in consultation with GLC, willdevelop and implement a broad scale education andawareness strategy.

The education and awareness strategy will provideinformation on the population and its conservation,processes threatening the population, andmechanisms and incentives available to ameliorateor eliminate these threats. This strategy will aim toidentify a wide variety of target groups and providerelevant information at a level appropriate for eachgroup.

Target groups should include but not be restrictedto:

• public authorities;

• local council staff;

• Councillors;

• visitors to the area;

• Regional Vegetation Management Committeesand Catchment Management Boards;

• local community groups;

• schools; and

• landholders and land managers.

To ensure the conservation of threatened species itis essential to provide the community and relevantregulatory bodies with information that enhancesawareness, and aims to achieve beneficialconservation outcomes in a co-operative manner.

Communication and education should be seen as amethod of providing landholders, land managers andthe wider community with relevant information andskills to enable informed decision-making in landmanagement practices.

Such programs should aim to raise communityawareness of the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens KoalaPopulation and its decline.

Performance Criterion: Target groups have beenidentified within six months of the commencementof this Recovery Plan. Required levels and extent ofinformation are established within eight months ofthe commencement of this Recovery Plan.Appropriate information packages have beendeveloped and distributed within 12 months of thecommencement of this Recovery Plan.

Objective 7: To manage sick, injured or orphanedKoalas with a consistent and high standard of care

Action 7.1: The KWG will facilitate information exchangeto ensure that wildlife rehabilitation groups in the HawksNest and Tea Gardens area remain informed about theKoala recovery process and advances in Koala care andrehabilitation.

Maintaining open lines of communication betweengroups working in the field of Koala care andrehabilitation is important to ensure that groupshave access to up-to-date information and canexchange ideas. Information may be disseminatedthrough:

• workshops and training sessions regardingKoalas and Koala care for wildlife rehabilitationgroups;

• conferences; and



• regular newsletters to wildlife rehabilitationgroups regarding the implementation of thisRecovery Plan and the actions in which theycan be involved.

In addition, the NPWS will disseminate contactdetails for wildlife rehabilitation groups to the publicto ensure that these groups are easily accessible.

Performance Criterion: A newsletter is producedafter the first year of the commencement of thisRecovery Plan and a workshop is organised withintwo years of the commencement of this RecoveryPlan.

Action 7.2: The KWG will liaise with local wildliferehabilitation groups to identify appropriate locations forthe release of rehabilitated Koalas that cannot be releasedat point of capture. The KWG will encourage wildliferehabilitation groups to consult with the NPWS prior torelocation of rehabilitated Koalas.

Because of inherent risks, lack of habitat orunknown origin, Koalas brought into care cannotalways be released at the point of capture. A range offactors must be considered if releasing a Koala into anew location (Lunney & Matthews 1997). Theidentification of suitable sites will increase the easewith which rehabilitated Koalas can be released intothe wild.

Performance Criterion: Suitable sites to releaserehabilitated Koalas are identified in the HawksNest and Tea Gardens area within 18 months of thecommencement of this Recovery Plan.

7 Implementation

Table 1 identifies the priority and time frames forthe implementation of recovery actions for a periodof three years from the time this Recovery Plan isadopted. The NPWS and GLC are responsible forthe implementation of identified actions.

8 Social and Economic Consequences

The positive social effects of implementing thisRecovery Plan are considered significant. In HawksNest and Tea Gardens many members of the localcommunity feel an affinity for Koalas and see thelong-term survival of the population as important.Koalas are widely utilised in Hawks Nest and TeaGardens as an icon to promote businesses and as atourist attraction. This indicates that the loss ofKoalas from this area may have negative social andeconomic impacts.

The implementation of this Recovery Plan will havepositive social benefits by providing the localcommunity with the tools to enhance their localenvironment and protect Koalas. The involvementof the community is important to the

implementation and success of this Recovery Planand will provide a forum for discussion andresolution of any negative social impacts.

Koalas have a wide public appeal, and are often usedas symbols for biodiversity. The loss of Koalas fromthe Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area would have asignificant detrimental impact on the perception ofbiodiversity and the involvement of the communityin environmental causes. Conversely, the recoveryof Koalas would have a significant social benefit byraising awareness about biodiversity generally.

The Recovery Plan focuses on existing legislativeand policy mechanisms and does not impose anyadditional financial burdens on local communities.The Recovery Plan encourages communityinvolvement and there is little restriction in theRecovery Plan to activities over and above those,which are already in place. Conflicts may arise inthe future over development proposals or otheractivities in Koala habitat that has been identified assignificant. In such cases the economic and socialconsequences of protection of the habitat would beassessed as part of the normal environmentalplanning and assessment process.

9 Biodiversity Benefits

The recovery of the Hawks Nest and Tea GardensEndangered Koala Population through theimplementation of this Recovery Plan will have widereaching biodiversity benefits. Much of thisRecovery Plan is aimed at arresting and reversing theloss and degradation of habitat for this Koalapopulation. Loss of habitat, while directly impactingon the Koala, also represents the loss of biodiversitygenerally. Thus, protection of Koala habitat willhave considerable benefits for a range of nativespecies, including threatened species, which rely onthe same habitat.

Other actions aimed at recovering the Hawks Nestand Tea Gardens Endangered Koala Population,including raising awareness about the impacts ofDogs and cars on native fauna, will also have broaderbiodiversity benefits.

10 Preparation Details

This document was prepared by Pamela Gray andShane Ruming, Threatened Species Officers, NPWSNorthern Directorate. Assistance and support wasprovided by Katrina McKay, Publications Officer,NPWS Northern Directorate, Katrina Gray, Ranger,NPWS Northern Directorate, and Matt Bell,Environmental Officer, Great Lakes Council.Background information on Koalas in NSW wasderived from the Statewide Recovery Plan for theKoala, prepared by Amelia Hurren, BiodiversityManagement Unit, Hurstville.



11 Review Date

This Recovery Plan will be reviewed within threeyears of the date of publication.

12 Acknowledgments

Preparation of this Recovery Plan has been thecombined effort of many people. John Turbill,Monica Collins and Bill Faulkner (NPWS NorthernDirectorate) each provided advice on content. TheMyall Koala and Environmental Support Group, inparticular Jean Shaw, provided records and advice onthe local Koala population. Great Lakes Councilstaff, in particular Chrisanya Martin and RogerBusby, provided information and support. TheAustralian Koala Foundation, in particular JohnCallaghan and Ann Sharp provided information andcomment. John Clulow, University of Newcastle,and Chris Moon, Koala consultant, and staff ofNPWS Hunter Region all provided comment. Anumber of individuals also provided comment onthe plan through the draft exhibition process.

13 References

Andrews, A. 1990, 'Fragmentation of habitat byroads and utility corridors: a review', AustralianZoologist vol. 26, pp. 130-41.

Australian & New Zealand Environment andConservation Council (ANZECC) 1998,National Koala Conservation Strategy,Environment Australia, Canberra.

Berghout, M.J. 1993, Ecology of the Koala(Phascolarctos cinereus) on Tilligerry, NSW: treespecies selection and foliage composition. HonsThesis, Biological Sciences Department,University of Newcastle.

Carleton, M. 2002, Public Inquiry into the ecologicalsignificance of land covered by the north HawksNest Draft Local Environmental Study, report toGreat Lakes Council by Commissioners ofInquiry for Environment and Planning.

Clark, T.W., Warnecke, R.M. & George, G. 1990,'Management and conservation of smallpopulations', in Management and Conservation ofSmall Populations, eds T.W. Clark & J.H. Seebeck,Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, Illinois,pp. 1-18.

Cork, S.J. & Sanson, G.D. 1990, 'Digestion andnutrition in the Koala: a review', in Biology of theKoala, eds A.K. Lee, K.A. Handasyde, & G.D.Sanson, Surrey Beatty & Sons, Sydney, pp. 129-44.

EcoPro 1998, North Hawks Nest ecologicalassessment, report to Great Lakes Council,Forster.

ERM Mitchell McCotter 1998, Hawks Nest northLocal Environmental Study, report to GreatLakes Council, Forster.

Gall, B.C. 1980, 'Aspects of the ecology of the KoalaPhascolarctos cinereus (Goldfuss), in Tucki TuckiNature Reserve, New South Wales', AustralianWildlife Research vol. 7, pp. 167-76.

Great Lakes Council 1996, Local EnvironmentalPlan, Great Lakes Council, Forster.

Hume, I.D. 1990, 'Biological basis for thevulnerability of Koalas to habitat fragmentation',in Koala Summit. Managing Koalas in New SouthWales, eds D.A. Lunney, C.A. Urquhart & P.Reed, NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service,Hurstville.

Knott, T., Lunney, D., Coburn, D., & Callaghan, J.1998, An ecological history of Koala habitat inPort Stephens Shire and the Lower Hunter onthe central coast of New South Wales, 1801-1998, Pacific Conservation Biology vol. 4, pp. 354-68.

Leathley, S., Callaghan, J. & Curran, T. 2001a, 'Dogmanagement', in Port Stephens CouncilComprehensive Koala Plan of Management(CKPoM): CKPoM Resource Document – June2001. Port Stephens Council, Australian KoalaFoundation and NSW National Parks &Wildlife Service.

Leathley, S., Callaghan, J. & Curran, T. 2001b,'Traffic management', in Port Stephens CouncilComprehensive Koala Plan of Management(CKPoM): CKPoM Resource Document – June2001. Port Stephens Council, Australian KoalaFoundation and NSW National Parks &Wildlife Service.

Lower North Coast Management Board 2003,Integrated Catchment Management Plan for theLower North Coast 2002, NSW Department ofLand and Water Conservation.

Lunney, D. & Matthews, A. 1997, Guidelines andconditions for Koala care in New South Wales.Rehabilitation guidelines, NSW National Parks& Wildlife Service, Hurstville.

Lunney, D., Moon, C. & Matthews, A. 1996, 'A 1990survey of the Koala Phascolarctos cinereusPopulation at Iluka in northern New SouthWales', in Koalas: Research for Management, ed. G.Gordon, World Koala Research Inc., Brisbane,pp. 102-22.



Lunney, D., Phillips, S., Callaghan, J. & Coburn, D.1998, A new approach to determining thedistribution of Koalas and conserving theirhabitat: a case study from Port Stephens Shireon the central coast of New South Wales, PacificConservation Biology vol. 4 pp. 186-96.

Lunney, D., Moon, C., Matthews, A. & Turbill, J.1999, Coffs Harbour City Koala Plan ofManagement. Part B. Coffs Harbour Koala Study.NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service,Hurstville.

Lunney, D., O’Neil, L., Matthews, A. & Sherwin,W.B. 2002, 'Modelling mammalian extinctionand forecasting recovery: Koalas at Iluka (NSW,Australia)', Biological Conservation vol. 106, pp.101-13.

Martin, R.W. & Handasyde, K.A. 1990, 'Populationdynamics of the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) insoutheastern Australia', in Biology of the Koala,eds A.K. Lee, K.A. Handasyde & G.D. Sanson,Surrey Beatty & Sons, Sydney, pp. 75-84.

Martin, R.W. & Handasyde, K.A. 1995, 'KoalaPhascolarctos cinereus', in The Mammals ofAustralia, ed. R. Strahan, Reed Books,Chatswood, pp. 196-8.

Martin, R.W. & Lee A.K. 1984, 'The Koala,Phascolarctos cinereus, the largest marsupialfolivore', in Possums and Gliders, eds A.P. Smith& I.D. Hume, Surrey Beatty & Sons, Sydney, pp.463-7.

Mitchell, P. & Martin, R. 1990, 'The structure anddynamics of Koala populations – French Islandin perspective', in Biology of the Koala, eds A.K.Lee, K.A. Handasyde & G.D. Sanson, SurreyBeatty & Sons, Sydney, pp. 97-108.

Moon, C. 1990, Management strategy for the IlukaKoala Population, Report to NSW Departmentof Lands and National Parks & Wildlife Service,Grafton.

Moon, C. 1995, 'WIRES Koala statistics tell a story',in Proceedings of a Conference on the Status of theKoala in 1995, Australian Koala Foundation,Brisbane, pp. 49-54.

Moon, C. 1998, 'Lindsay cutting Koala monitoringproject', in Proceedings of a Conference on theStatus of the Koala in 1998, Australian KoalaFoundation, Brisbane, pp. 53-82.

NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, 2003, DraftRecovery Plan for the Koala (Phascolarctoscinereus), NSW National Parks & WildlifeService, Hurstville.

NSW Scientific Committee 2000a, Finaldetermination to list 'Hawks Nest and TeaGardens Population of the Koala' as anEndangered Population in Part 2 Schedule 1 ofthe Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995(gazetted 13/8/99).

NSW Scientific Committee 2000b, Finaldetermination to list ‘Clearing of nativevegetation’ as a Key Threatening Process inSchedule 3 of the Threatened Species ConservationAct 1995 (gazetted 21/09/01).

Pahl, L.I. & Hume, I.D. 1990, 'Preferences forEucalyptus species of the New EnglandTablelands and initial development of anartificial diet for Koalas', in Biology of the Koala,eds A.K. Lee, K.A. Handasyde & G.D. Sanson,Surrey Beatty & Sons, Sydney, pp. 123-8.

Phillips, S. & Callaghan, J. 1998, A review ofprocedures used for the purposes of Koala habitatassessment in the north Hawks Nest Area onthe mid-north coast of New South Wales,Report to Great Lakes Council, Forster, byAustralian Koala Foundation, Brisbane.

Phillips, S., Callaghan, J., & Thompson, V. 2000,‘The tree species preferences of Koalas(Phascolarctos cinereus) inhabiting forest andwoodland communities on Quaternary depositsin the Port Stephens area, New South Wales’,Wildlife Research vol. 27, pp. 1-10.

Phillips, S. 2000, Tree species preferences of theKoala Phascolarctos cinereus as a basis for thedelineation of management areas for recoveryplanning in New South Wales, Report toStatewide Koala Recovery Team.

Reed, P.C., Lunney, D. & Walker, P. 1990, 'A 1986-1987 survey of the Koala Phascolarctos cinereus(Goldfuss) in New South Wales and anecological interpretation of its distribution', inBiology of the Koala, eds A.K. Lee, K.A. Handasyde& G.D. Sanson, Surrey Beatty & Sons, Sydney,pp. 55-74.

Sharp, A. 1995, The Koala Book, David Bateman Ltd,New Zealand.

Smith, P. & Smith, J. 1990, 'Decline of the urbanKoala (Phascolarctos cinereus) population inWarringah Shire, Sydney', Australian Zoologistvol. 26, pp. 109-29.

Wildthing Environmental Consultants 1997, Areview of fauna assessments conducted for thedraft Hawks Nest north Local EnvironmentalStudy over lots 106, 107 and 108 Mungo BrushRoad, Hawks Nest NSW, Report to AnthonyThorn & Associates.



14 Acronyms Used in this Document

AKF - Australian Koala Foundation

ANZECC - Australian and New ZealandEnvironment and Conservation Council

BFMC - Bush Fire Management Committee

CA Act - Companion Animals Act 1998

CKPoM - Comprehensive Koala Plan ofManagement

DIPNR - Department of Infrastructure, Planningand Natural Resources

EP&A Act - NSW Environmental Planning andAssessment Act 1979

ESD - Ecologically sustainable development

GLC - Great Lakes Council

KPoM - Koala Plan of Management

KWG - Koala Working Group

LEP - Local Environmental Plan

LGA - Local Government Area

LG Act - Local Government Act 1993

NPW Act - National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974

NPWS - NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

NSW - New South Wales

NVC Act - NSW Native Vegetation Conservation Act1997

SEPP - State Environmental Planning Policy

SIS - Species Impact Statement

TPO - Tree Preservation Order

TSC Act - NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act1995

VCA - Voluntary Conservation Agreement

Approved R

ecovery Plan

Haw

ks Nest and T

ea Gardens K

oalas

NS

W D

ep

artm

en

t of E

nv

iron

me

nt a

nd

Co

ns

erv

atio

n

Pa

ge

20

15 Implementation Schedule

Table 1. Estimated costs of implementing the actions identified in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens Endangered Koala Population Recovery Plan are provided below.

Estimated Cost/Year ($)ActionNumber

Action Title Priority

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Total Cost Responsible Party /Funding Source

In-Kind

Cash

1.1 Plan co-ordination 1 3500 3500 3500 10500 NPWS 10500

1.2 Develop working group 1 3500

150

3500

150

3500

150

10500

450

NPWS

GLC

8750 1750

450

1.3 Monitoring program 2 4550

-

2100

-

2100

-

8750

-

NPWS

GLC

8750

2.1 Mapping and reporting 1 18500

5000

-

-

-

-

18500

5000

NPWS

GLC

3500 15000

5000

3.1 Prioritise management areas 1 2800

-

2800

-

-

-

5600

-

NPWS

GLC

5600

3.2 Survey habitat links 1 2100

-

5000

-

5000

-

12100

-

NPWS

GLC

2100 10000

3.3 Survey and assessment guidelines 1 3500 - - 3 500 NPWS 3 500

3.4 Blackspot identification 1 700

-

700

-

700

-

2100

-

NPWS

GLC

2100

3.5 Strategic streetscaping 1 3500

1950

1050

1400

1050

-

5600

3350

NPWS

GLC

3500 2100

3350

3.6 Preparation of companion animal policy 1 1750

-

-

-

-

-

1750

-

NPWS

GLC

1750

3.7 Co-ordination of Dog control 1 700

-

700

-

700

-

2100

-

NPWS

GLC

2100

4.1 Habitat zoning 2 -

2000

-

3000

-

-

-

5000

NPWS

GLC 5000

4.2 Awareness of long term protection measures 2 - - - - NPWS

Approved R

ecovery Plan

Haw

ks Nest and T

ea Gardens K

oalas

NS

W D

ep

artm

en

t of E

nv

iron

me

nt a

nd

Co

ns

erv

atio

n

Pa

ge

21

4.3 Support BFMC 2 - - - - NPWS

4.4 GLC Plans of Management 2 - - - - GLC

4.5 NPWS Plans of Management 2 - - - - NPWS

5.1 Rehabilitation and replanting advice 2 1750

-

-

-

-

-

1750

-

NPWS

GLC

1750

6.1 Establishment of database 2 700

-

2000

-

-

-

2700

-

NPWS

GLC

700 2000

6.2 Education and awareness 1 3250

300

3250

300

3250

300

9750

900

NPWS

GLC

4200 5550

900

7.1 Information exchange 2 1750

-

1750

300

1750

-

5250

300

NPWS

GLC

5250

300

7.2 Identification of release sites 2 1400 1400 1400 4200 NPWS 4200

Total 63350 32900 23400 119650 68250 51400

Priority ratings are: 1 - action critical to meeting plan objectives; 2 - action contributing to meeting plan objectives; 3 - desirable but not essential action.‘In-Kind’ funds represent salary component of permanent staff and current resources‘Cash’ funds represent the salary component for temporary staff and other costs such as the purchasing of survey and laboratory equipment



Appendix 1 Public Authority Responsibilities

Public authority Relevant responsibilitiesNSW NPWS • Assessment of Section 91 licence applications under the TSC Act.

• Assessment of Section 120 licence applications under the NPW Act.

• Assessment of Section 132C licence applications under the NPWAct.

• Advice to determining and consent authorities, with a possibleconcurrence role under the EP&A Act.

• Co-ordination of Recovery Plan implementation.Relevant local governments • Preparation of Local Environmental Plans under Part 3 of the EP&A

Act.

• Consent authorities for development proposals under Part 4 of theEP&A Act.

• Approval authorities for council works under Part 5 of the EP&AAct.

• Responsibilities under the Rural Fires Act 1997.

• Management of council reserves with potential habitat.

• Consideration of the content of Recovery Plans when preparingplans of management for community land under the LocalGovernment Act 1993.

Department of Infrastructure,Planning and NaturalResources

• Approval authority for native vegetation clearance applicationsunder the NVC Act.

• Management of crown land with potential habitat.

• Co-ordination of Regional Vegetation Management Committees,Catchment Management Boards and Landcare programs.

• Development of policy and strategies for land use planning andenvironmental assessment.

• Advice and assistance on environmental planning matters.

• Assessment of major development applications.Rural Fire Service • Preparation of Bush Fire Risk Management Plans and Plans of

Operations.

• Fire management.Other State governmentagencies

• Management of public lands with potential habitat.

• Approval authorities for activity proposals under Part 5 of the EP&AAct.



Appendix 2 Summary of Advice from the NSW Scientific Committee

Comment on draft Recovery Plan Amendments to approved Recovery Plan

1. Page 3 - Livistona not Livistonia.

2. Is there a timetable for production of a RegionalVegetation Management Plan?

3. Page 6 - presumably Eucalyptus parramattensis is E.parramattensis ssp. decadens (a vulnerable species).Parramatta Red Gum is probably not an appropriatename.

1. Spelling in approved Recovery Plan corrected assuggested.

2. Approved Recovery Plan amended to includeinformation on the Karuah - Great Lakes RegionalVegetation management area and the Lower NorthCoast Catchment management area.

3. Based on distribution, E. parramattensis ssp.decadens is presumably the subspecies referred to.However, Phillips et al. (2000) does not indicate ifthis is this the case. Common name for the specieswas taken from Harden (2002) and NPWS (2003),although Phillips et al. (2000) refer to the species asDrooping Red Gum. Reference to a common nameremoved from approved Recovery Plan.



Appendix 3 Koala Habitat Definitions

The following options are provided as a guide to the identification and ranking of Koala habitat. These are notthe only available options and may not be appropriate in all circumstances. They are both based on therecognised primary, secondary and supplementary Koala feed tree species of an area.

Phillips (2000)Primary habitat - areas of forest and/or woodland wherein primary food tree species comprise the dominant (i.e.= 50%) overstorey species. Capable of supporting high density Koala populations.

Secondary habitat (class A) - primary food tree species present, usually (but not always) growing in associationwith one or more secondary food tree species. Capable of supporting medium density Koala populations.

Secondary habitat (class B) - primary food tree species absent, habitat comprised of secondary and supplementaryfood tree species only. Capable of supporting viable, low density populations.

Callaghan (unpublished)

Primary habitat - Capable of supporting high density Koala populations:• Areas of forest or woodland where primary Koala food tree species comprise at least 50% of the

overstorey trees.

Secondary habitat (class A) - Capable of supporting high to medium-density Koala populations:• Areas of forest or woodland where primary Koala food tree species comprise less than 50% but at least

30% of the overstorey trees; or

• Areas of forest or woodland where primary Koala food tree species comprise less than 30% of theoverstorey trees, but together with secondary food tree species comprise at least 50% of the overstoreytrees; or

• Areas of forest or woodland where secondary Koala food tree species alone comprise at least 50% of theoverstorey trees (primary Koala food tree species absent).

Secondary habitat (class B) - capable of supporting medium to low-density Koala populations :• Areas of forest or woodland where primary Koala food tree species comprise less than 30% of the

overstorey trees; or

• Areas of forest or woodland where primary Koala food tree species together with secondary food treespecies comprise at least 30% (but less than 50%) of the overstorey trees; or

• Areas of forest or woodland where secondary Koala food tree species alopne comprise at least 30% (butless than 50%) of the overstorey trees; or

Secondary habitat (class C) - capable of supporting low-density Koala populations:• Areas of forest or woodland where Koala habitat is comprised of secondary and supplementary food tree

species (primary Koala food tree specfies absent), where secondary food tree species comprise less than30% of the overstorey trees.

Tertiary habitat - not capable of supporting Koala populations in the absence of primary or secondaryhabitat:• Areas of forest or woodland where primary and secondary Koala food tree species are absent, but which

have important supplementary Koala habitat values such as habitat buffers and habitat linking areas.Such areas are considered to be necessary components of habitat for the overall conservation of Koalapopulations.

nsw recovery plan - hawkes nest and tea gardens endangered ... · the hawks nest and tea gardens...

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