CENTRAL COAST SANDS SOMERSBY - Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Monitoring Report - Summer 2020 - Hanson Australia
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CENTRAL COAST SANDS SOMERSBY
Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem
Monitoring Report - Summer 2020
Prepared for:
Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd
Locked Bay 5018
PARRAMATTA NSW 2124
SLR Ref: 630.12579-R03
Version No: -v1.0
April 2021
Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd SLR Ref No: 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416
Central Coast Sands Somersby April 2021
Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem
Monitoring Report - Summer 2020
PREPARED BY
SLR Consulting Australia Pty Ltd
ABN 29 001 584 612
10 Kings Road
New Lambton NSW 2305 Australia
(PO Box 447 New Lambton NSW 2305)
T: +61 2 4037 3200
E: newcastleau@slrconsulting.com www.slrconsulting.com
BASIS OF REPORT
This report has been prepared by SLR Consulting Australia Pty Ltd (SLR) with all reasonable
skill, care and diligence, and taking account of the timescale and resources allocated to it
by agreement with Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd (the Client). Information
reported herein is based on the interpretation of data collected, which has been accepted
in good faith as being accurate and valid.
This report is for the exclusive use of the Client. No warranties or guarantees are
expressed or should be inferred by any third parties. This report may not be relied upon
by other parties without written consent from SLR.
SLR disclaims any responsibility to the Client and others in respect of any matters outside
the agreed scope of the work.
DOCUMENT CONTROL
Reference Date Prepared Checked Authorised
630.12579-R03-v1.0 16 April 2021 Fiona Iolini Jeremy Pepper Jeremy Pepper
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Central Coast Sands Somersby April 2021
Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem
Monitoring Report - Summer 2020
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Document Purpose ........................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Monitoring Objectives ...................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Physical Site Description ................................................................................................... 3
2 METHODS ............................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Floristic Plot Data .............................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Photo Point Monitoring .................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Patch Analysis ................................................................................................................... 5
2.4 License and Personnel ...................................................................................................... 5
3 RESULTS .................................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 GDE A ................................................................................................................................ 6
3.3 GDE B ................................................................................................................................ 9
3.4 GDE C .............................................................................................................................. 12
3.5 GDE D .............................................................................................................................. 14
3.6 GDE E............................................................................................................................... 17
3.7 GDE F............................................................................................................................... 18
4 ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION ................................................................................... 20
4.1 Rainfall ............................................................................................................................ 20
4.2 Comparison of Baseline and Subsequent Monitoring .................................................... 20
4.3 Management Aspects and Objectives ............................................................................ 23
4.4 Trigger Response Actions................................................................................................ 23
4.4.1 Indicator Species .......................................................................................................................................... 23
4.4.2 GDE Size........................................................................................................................................................ 24
4.4.3 Erosion/Sedimentation................................................................................................................................. 24
5 RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................ 25
6 REFERENCES .......................................................................................................... 26
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DOCUMENT REFERENCES
TABLES
Table 1 GDE Monitoring Sites ..................................................................................................... 4
Table 2 Staff Roles and Qualifications ........................................................................................ 5
Table 3 Percent Foliage Cover of Sandstone Hanging Swamp Groundcover at GDE A .............. 6
Table 4 Performance Measures of Sandstone Hanging Swamp at GDE A .................................. 8
Table 5 PFC of Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub Woodland Groundcover Species at GDE B ............. 9
Table 6 Performance Measures of Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub Woodland at GDE B ............... 10
Table 7 PFC of Sandstone Hanging Swamp Groundcover Indicator Species at GDE C ............. 12
Table 8 Performance Measures of Sandstone Hanging Swamp at GDE C ................................ 12
Table 9 PFC of Sandstone Hanging Swamp Groundcover Indicator Species at GDE D ............. 15
Table 10 Performance Measures of Sandstone Hanging Swamp at GDE D................................ 15
Table 11 Indicator Species Trigger Response Actions................................................................. 23
Table 12 GDE Size Trigger Response Actions .............................................................................. 24
Table 13 Erosion and Sedimentation Trigger Response Actions ................................................ 24
FIGURES
Figure 1 GDE Monitoring Locations at the Central Coast Sands Quarry ...................................... 2
Figure 2 Patch Analysis at GDE A.................................................................................................. 7
Figure 3 Patch Analysis at GDE B................................................................................................ 11
Figure 4 Patch Analysis at GDE C ................................................................................................ 13
Figure 5 Patch Analysis at GDE D ............................................................................................... 16
Figure 6 Local Rainfall Data in ml (Ourimbah BOM Weather Station) ....................................... 20
Figure 7 Comparison of Species Diversity .................................................................................. 20
Figure 8 Comparison of Total PFC .............................................................................................. 21
Figure 9 Comparison of PFC for GDE Groundcover Indicator Species ....................................... 21
APPENDICES
Appendix A Vegetation Community Profiles (Bell 2009)
Appendix B Floristic Data
Appendix C Photo Monitoring Point Data
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Monitoring Report - Summer 2020
1 INTRODUCTION
SLR Consulting Australia Pty Ltd (SLR) has been engaged by Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd (Hanson) to
prepare a Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Monitoring Report for the Central Coast Sands Quarry operations
at Reservoir Road, Somersby. A Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem (GDE) Management and Monitoring
Programme was prepared by Anderson Environment and Planning in 2016 (AEP 2016) to satisfy Condition 26
and Condition 28 of an approval associated with an eight-hectare (ha) expansion of the Central Coast Sands
Quarry at Somersby. The proposed expansion formed a Part 3A Application (MP 08_0173) and was approved
by the Minister of Planning on 01 August 2014.
The following are the Conditions of Consent that relate to the GDE Management and Monitoring Programme.
Biodiversity Performance Measures
26. The Proponent shall ensure that the project does not cause any exceedances of the performance
measures in Table 7, to the satisfaction of the Secretary.
Table 7: GDE impact performance measures
Feature Measure
High Priority GDEs Minor environmental consequences
located within • Negligible erosion of the surface of the GDEs;
1 kilometre of
• Negligible sedimentation within the GDEs;
extraction operations
• Minor changes in the size of the GDEs;
• No significant change to the composition or distribution of species within
the swamp
Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Monitoring and Management Program
28. The Proponent shall undertake additional studies on the high priority GDEs located within
1 kilometre of extraction operations under the approval and potentially impacted by the project. The
studies shall be undertaken in consultation with NOW 1 and include:
• a description of the nature and extent of groundwater reliance for each GDE;
• long-term monitoring of the condition of the GDEs;
• performance indicators for project-related environmental consequences on GDEs and trigger levels
to initiate mitigation/response measures; and
• mitigation/response measures to ensure minor environmental consequences on the GDEs, to the
satisfaction of the Secretary.
The Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Management and Monitoring Programme (AEP 2016) defined the
relevant Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) within one kilometre (km) of the quarry using regional
scale mapping for Gosford Local Government Area (Bell 2009) and aerial image interpretation methods. The
relevant patches of GDEs and monitoring sites are depicted in Figure 1.
1 Former NSW Office of Water which is now known as DPI Water or the Natural Resources Access Regulator
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Central Coast Sands Quarry
www.slrconsulting.com PH: 02 4037 3200
Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd SLR Ref No: 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416
Central Coast Sands Somersby April 2021
Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem
Monitoring Report - Summer 2020
1.1 Document Purpose
The GDE Management and Monitoring Report (AEP 2016) sets-out six GDE monitoring sites where several
Biodiversity Performance Measures are to be monitored. Biodiversity Performance Measure include: GDE type,
estimated size, evidence of erosion/sedimentation, condition of GDE indicator species and percent foliage cover
of GDE groundcover indicator species.
The GDE Management and Monitoring Report (AEP 2016) stipulates the requirement for an annual monitoring
report which is to detail the previous years’ data collection, along with changes (if any) to the Biodiversity
Performance Measures since the previous monitoring period. The following report details the results of the
third monitoring event undertaken on 12 and 15 February 2021 (ie the Spring/Summer 2020 monitoring event).
1.2 Monitoring Objectives
The following report details the third monitoring event following the quarry expansion and aims to:
• Compare the current results to the baseline data from the GDE Management and Monitoring Program
and to ascertain any change from the baseline conditions.
• Determine whether any action is required in relation to the trigger response actions set out by the GDE
Management and Monitoring Report.
• Meet the requirements of the Conditions of Consent in relation to GDE monitoring and biodiversity
performance for the operations of the quarry.
1.3 Physical Site Description
The Central Coast Sands Quarry is located off Reservoir Road, Somersby NSW. The active quarry site covers
approximately 40 ha. The GDE sites are located on public and private land within 1 km of the quarry. GDE sites
A, B, C and D are located within Brisbane Water National Park to the west of the quarry. Sites E and F are located
to the east on private land and are limited to road-side assessment only.
The site is within the Sydney Basin Region and Pittwater Sub-region of the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation
for Australia (IBRA). The elevation is approximately 200 metres (m) Australian Height Datum and most of the
site slopes in a general west direction toward Mooney Mooney Creek.
The site is positioned at the edge of the Somersby Plateau and Soil Landscapes include Sydney Town and
Somersby (OEH 2018a). Sydney Town comprises undulating to rolling low hills and moderately inclined slopes
on quartz sandstone (Hawkesbury Sandstone and Terrigal Formation: Narrabeen Group). Soils within areas of
poor drainage are moderately deep (100–150 cm) Yellow Podzolic Soils and Gleyed Podzolic Soils associated
with shale lenses. The Somersby soil landscape includes gently undulating to rolling rises on deeply weathered
Hawkesbury Sandstone plateau. Areas of poor drainage express dark organic-rich sandy topsoils overlying up
to 100 centimetres (cm) of saturated pallid greyish yellow brown sandy clay loam.
Groundwater dependant ecosystems within one km of the quarry comprise two plant community types (using
the nomenclature of Bell 2009): ‘Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub Woodland’ and ‘Sandstone Hanging Swamps’. The
corresponding vegetation community profiles from Bell (2009) for these two plant communities are included in
Appendix A.
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2 METHODS
Six monitoring points, comprising three ‘treatment’ sites and three control sites, were established by AEP in
2016. These sites have been re-assessed as part of the current investigation. Full floristic plot-based surveys
and photo-point monitoring have been conducted at sites A, B, C and D. Sites E and F are unable to be subject
to full floristic plot surveys due to access restrictions and include collection of photo monitoring point data and
general observations from outside property boundaries. Two photo monitoring sites were established at
GDE Site F. The monitoring locations are listed below in Table 1.
Table 1 GDE Monitoring Sites
GDE Site GDE Type Site Type Quadrat Photo Easting Northing
A Sandstone Hanging Swamp Treatment Yes Yes 338522 6305648
B Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub-Woodland Treatment Yes Yes 338023 6305142
C Sandstone Hanging Swamp Treatment Yes Yes 338280 6304725
D Sandstone Hanging Swamp Control Yes Yes 338253 6304462
E Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub-Woodland Control No Yes 338929 6303914
F (1) Sandstone Hanging Swamp Control No Yes 340238 6305134
F (2) Sandstone Hanging Swamp Control No Yes 340232 6305054
2.1 Floristic Plot Data
Sampling native vegetation using quadrats (flora plots) provides a robust and repeatable approach to monitoring
of native vegetation. The current survey design uses a 20 m by 20 m base-plot to capture the following data:
• Native and exotic plant species richness (total number of native species).
• Projected foliage cover of all species using the Braun Blanquet method: native over-storey (canopy)
cover, native mid-storey cover, native ground cover (grasses), native ground cover (shrubs), native
ground cover (other), and exotic plant (weed) cover.
• Presence/ absence of GDE indicator species.
Floristic plot data was collected at approximately the same location as the baseline survey, which was
determined using co-ordinates and photographs from the baseline report.
2.2 Photo Point Monitoring
Photos were taken at each monitoring site at each of the photo monitoring points. Where possible, photos were
taken from the exact location and bearing as previous monitoring events to allow subsequent comparison and
assessment.
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2.3 Patch Analysis
A patch analysis was undertaken as part of the monitoring survey, involving meandering transects at sites A, B,
C and D where access is unrestricted. This involved walking around GDE patch boundaries and collecting GPS
points to assist in determining any change in GDE size. A series of Figures was created at these sites including
an overlay of recent aerial imagery (Nearmap 2021), the baseline GDE patch (AEP 2016) and SLRs annual GDE
verification points to examine any change in patch size.
This also consisted of a general walkover inspection to further examine the performance indicators including
identifying any deterioration or improvement in GDE vegetation relating to the following triggers (as per the
previous report prepared by AEP in 2016):
• Loss of condition (wilting, browning etc) within groundcover indicator species.
• Loss of condition to shrub indicator species / death to groundcover species.
• Death to shrub indicator species / loss of >25% PFC for groundcover indicator species.
2.4 License and Personnel
SLR holds a Scientific License pursuant to the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Act to pick, kill or harm native flora
and fauna for scientific purposes (licence number SL100176), as well as an Animal Research Authority, which
authorises field staff to trap, capture, harm, hold and release animals protected under the BC Act. The roles and
qualifications of all staff responsible for preparation of this assessment are listed in Table 2.
Table 2 Staff Roles and Qualifications
Name & Title Qualifications Role
Jeremy Pepper Bachelor of Science (Hons Class 1), University of NSW 1996 Project director
Principal Ecologist Cert II Bushland Regeneration, TAFE NSW 1998 and report
Cert III Horticulture (Arboriculture), TAFE NSW 2008 technical review
Biodiversity Assessment Method accredited assessor (#BAAS17104)
Fiona Iolini Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management, University of Project manager,
Associate Ecologist Newcastle 2007 field survey and
Certificate of Native Plant Identification, Sydney University 2008 report preparation
Cert III Conservation and Land Management, TAFE NSW 2015
Biodiversity Assessment Method accredited assessor (#BAAS19042)
Ashleigh Pritchard Diploma of Spatial Information Services (GIS), TAFE NSW 2009 GIS data
Senior GIS Analyst Esri Certified ArcGIS Desktop Associate 10.5, 2018 management and
figure preparation
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3 RESULTS
3.1 Overview
The site survey revealed that the GDE vegetation at the monitoring sites is in good condition and there are no
obvious impacts of the quarrying operations. The GDEs maintain a good cover of ‘wet’ indicator species and
there is only minor evidence of browning in these species. No erosion or sedimentation is evident and only
minor weed incursion was found at one site. One site which is recovering from bushfire appears to be
regenerating with a lower abundance of GDE indicator species.
3.2 GDE A
GDE A comprises a Sandstone Hanging Swamp located approximately 150 m west of the quarry footprint and at
the northwest corner of the quarry site boundary (see Figure 1). The floristic composition of vegetation at this
GDE Site remains consistent with that recorded at the baseline survey. The vegetation is dominated by Pouched
Coral Fern Gleichenia dicarpa, with occurrences of Spreading Rope-rush Empodisma minus, Button Grass
Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus and Red-fruit Saw-sedge Gahnia sieberiana. There is a sparse shrub layer of
Tea-tree’s Leptospermum spp. and Banksia’s Banksia spp, as well as occasional Smooth-barked Apple
Angophora costata in the canopy. Full floristic data for the flora plot at GDE A is provided in Appendix B.
As indicated in Table 3 the total percentage foliage cover (PFC) for groundcover indicator species at this site in
2021 is 90 %. This is consistent with the 2015 baseline result, which was also 90 %.
Table 3 Percent Foliage Cover of Sandstone Hanging Swamp Groundcover at GDE A
Species Name Common Name Percent Foliage Cover (%)
Bauera microphylla -338300 338400 338500 338600 338700
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www.slrconsulting.com PH: 02 4037 3200 FIGURE 2Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd SLR Ref No: 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416
Central Coast Sands Somersby April 2021
Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem
Monitoring Report - Summer 2020
Table 4 Performance Measures of Sandstone Hanging Swamp at GDE A
Year Estimated Size (ha) Erosion Condition# Weeds GDE Species (%)
2020 0.6 Nil Good, minor frond browning Nil 90
2019 0.6 Nil Good, minor frond browning Nil 91
2018 0.6 Nil Good, frond brown on slope Nil 90
2015 0.6 Nil Good Nil 90
#of GDE Indicator Species
Photo 1 shows the typical Sandstone Hanging Swamp at GDE A. A comparison of the baseline and current
photographs taken at the photo monitoring points for GDE A is provided in Appendix C.
Photo 1 Sandstone Hanging Swamp at GDE A (15 February 2021)
Page 8Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd SLR Ref No: 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416 Central Coast Sands Somersby April 2021 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Monitoring Report - Summer 2020 3.3 GDE B GDE B contains Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub Woodland and is located approximately 300 m to the southwest of the quarry operations (see Figure 1). The condition of the vegetation at this site has improved since the 2015 baseline survey as is evident through the photo monitoring points and the floristic plot data. This community was surveyed approximately 18 months post-fire during the baseline survey and evidence of fire, such as charred trees and vegetation in regenerating form, remained evident in the current survey. The vegetation is dominated by Spike Wattle Acacia oxycedrus, Teatree’s Leptospermum spp. and Fern-leaved Banksia Banksia oblongifolia, with a sparse emergent canopy of Scribbly Gum Eucalyptus haemastoma. The ground layer is dominated by Red-fruit Saw-sedge Gahnia sieberiana, Pultenaea rosmarinifolia and Lepyrodia scariosa. Wiry Panic Entolasia stricta, Red Spider Flower Grevillea speciosa, Slender Rice Flower Pimelea linifolia, Leptocarpus tenax and Dampiera stricta are also common in the ground layer. Full floristic data for the flora plot at GDE B is provided in Appendix B. The percentage foliage cover for groundcover indicator species at GDE B in 2020 is 19 % (see Table 5). This represents a 4 % increase from the 2015 baseline result of 15 %. Table 5 PFC of Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub Woodland Groundcover Species at GDE B Species Name Common Name Percent Foliage Cover (%) Boronia ledifolia Showy Boronia
Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd SLR Ref No: 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416
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Table 6 Performance Measures of Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub Woodland at GDE B
Year Estimated Size (ha) Erosion Condition# Weeds GDE Species (%)
2020 8.9 Nil, some bare soil Good, shrubs becoming dense Nil 19
2019 8.9 Nil, some bare soil Good, increased dry species Nil 23
2018 8.9 Nil, some bare soil Good, increased dry species Nil 25
2015 8.9 Nil Good Nil 15
#of GDE Indicator Species
Photo 2 shows the typical Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub Woodland at GDE B. A comparison of the baseline and
current photographs taken at the photo monitoring points for GDE B is provided in Appendix C.
Photo 2 Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub Woodland at GDE B (12 February 2021)
Page 10337600 337800 338000 338200 338400 338600
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www.slrconsulting.com PH: 02 4037 3200 FIGURE 3Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd SLR Ref No: 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416 Central Coast Sands Somersby April 2021 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Monitoring Report - Summer 2020 3.4 GDE C This GDE is Sandstone Hanging Swamp and is located 300 m to the southwest of quarry operations (see Figure 1). The condition of the vegetation at this site has improved since the baseline survey as is evident through the photo monitoring points and the floristic plot data. As identified in the baseline monitoring report this vegetation is recovering from a hazard control burn implemented during 2015. Thus, the change in vegetation is most likely attributed to this factor. The community is dominated by a dense ground layer of Pouched Coral Fern Gleichenia dicarpa, with a diversity of other species including Spreading Rope-rush Empodisma minus, Monotaxis linifolia, Wiry Panic Entolasia stricta, Raspwort Gonocarpus teucrioides and Button Grass Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus. Occasional Large-fruited Red Mahogany Eucalyptus scias subsp. scias are present in the canopy, Heath-leaved Banksia Banksia ericifolia subsp. ericifolia in the mid-layer and Golden Spray Viminaria juncea and Spike Wattle Acacia oxycedrus in the shrub layer. Full floristic data for the flora plot at GDE C is provided in Appendix B. As indicated in Table 7 the overall percentage foliage cover for groundcover indicator species at GDE C in 2020 is 86 %. This represents a 6 % increase from the 2015 baseline PFC of 80 %. Table 7 PFC of Sandstone Hanging Swamp Groundcover Indicator Species at GDE C Species Name Common Name Percent Foliage Cover (%) Bauera rubioides River Rose
338100 338200 338300 338400 338500
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www.slrconsulting.com PH: 02 4037 3200 FIGURE 4Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd SLR Ref No: 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416
Central Coast Sands Somersby April 2021
Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem
Monitoring Report - Summer 2020
Photo 3 shows the typical Sandstone Hanging Swamp at GDE C. A comparison of the baseline and current
photographs taken at the photo monitoring points for GDE C is provided in Appendix C.
Photo 3 Sandstone Hanging Swamp at GDE C (12 February 2021)
3.5 GDE D
This GDE is Sandstone Hanging Swamp and is located 600 m to the southwest of quarry operations (see Figure 1).
The condition of the vegetation at this site has improved since the baseline survey as is evident through the
photo monitoring points and the floristic plot data. As identified in the baseline monitoring report this
vegetation is recovering from a hazard control burn implemented during 2015. Thus, the change in vegetation
is most likely attributed to this factor.
The community is dominated by a dense ground layer of Pouched Coral Fern Gleichenia dicarpa, with a diversity
of other native species including Spreading Rope-rush Empodisma minus, Monotaxis linifolia, Wiry Panic
Entolasia stricta, Border Panic Entolasia marginata, Red-fruit Saw-sedge Gahnia sieberiana, Bat's Wing Fern
Histiopteris incisa, Harsh Ground Fern Hypolepis muelleri, Bracken Pteridium esculentum, River Rose
Bauera rubioides and Roundhead Bristle-sedge Chorizandra sphaerocephala.
Occasional Large-fruited Red Mahogany Eucalyptus scias subsp. scias are present in the canopy, Heath-leaved
Banksia Banksia ericifolia subsp. ericifolia in the mid-layer and Golden Spray Viminaria juncea, Tantoon
Leptospermum polygalifolium and Sydney Golden Wattle Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia in the shrub layer.
Full floristic data for the flora plot at GDE D is provided in Appendix B.
Page 14Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd SLR Ref No: 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416 Central Coast Sands Somersby April 2021 Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Monitoring Report - Summer 2020 As indicated in Table 9 the percentage foliage cover for groundcover indicator species at this site in 2020 is 42%. This represents a 12% increase from the baseline PFC of 30 %. Table 9 PFC of Sandstone Hanging Swamp Groundcover Indicator Species at GDE D Species Name Common Name Percent Foliage Cover (%) Bauera rubioides River Rose 3 Burchardia umbellata Milkmaids
338000 338100 338200 338300 338400 338500
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www.slrconsulting.com PH: 02 4037 3200 FIGURE 5Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd SLR Ref No: 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416
Central Coast Sands Somersby April 2021
Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem
Monitoring Report - Summer 2020
Photo 4 shows the typical Sandstone Hanging Swamp at GDE D. A comparison of the baseline and current
photographs taken at the photo monitoring points for GDE D is provided in Appendix C.
Photo 4 Sandstone Hanging Swamp at GDE D (12 February 2021)
3.6 GDE E
GDE E is positioned along Grants Road and is located 900 m to the south of the quarry (see Figure 1). As this
site is privately owned land, access is restricted, and it is therefore subject only to photo monitoring and general
observations from the edge of the unsealed road. The vegetation at the site is a dry variant of Hawkesbury
Banksia Scrub Woodland, comprising a sparse canopy of Scribbly Gum Eucalyptus haemastoma and Smooth-
barked Apple Angophora costata. There is a dense shrub layer dominated by Tea-tree’s Leptospermum spp.,
Heath-leaved Banksia Banksia ericifolia and Spike Wattle Acacia oxycedrus, with some areas of lower shrubs of
Darwinia fascicularis subsp. fascicularis, as well as a ground layer of sedges, grasses and herbs such as Wiry Panic
Entolasia stricta and Lepidosperma filiforme.
The vegetation at GDE E is generally in good condition, with no signs of stress, evidence of erosion or weed
invasion. Photo 5 shows the typical Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub Woodland at GDE E. A comparison of the
baseline and current photographs taken at the photo monitoring points for GDE E is provided in Appendix C.
Page 17Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd SLR Ref No: 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416
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Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem
Monitoring Report - Summer 2020
Photo 5 Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub Woodland at GDE E (15 February 2021)
3.7 GDE F
GDE F is positioned along Vittasalo Road and is located one km to the east of the quarry (see Figure 1). As this
site is privately owned land, it is only subject to photo monitoring and general observations from the edge of
the road. This site includes Sandstone Hanging Swamp with a dense ground layer of Pouched Coral Fern
Gleichenia dicarpa, along with occasional trees and shrubs such as Smooth-barked Apple Angophora costata,
Heath-leaved Banksia Banksia ericifolia subsp. ericifolia, Gymea Lily Doryanthes excelsa, Dagger Hakea
Hakea teretifolia subsp. teretifolia and Broad-leaved Geebung Persoonia levis.
Some weeds observed in the baseline survey remained in low abundance, including Lantana Lantana camara
and Camphor Laurel Cinnamomum camphora. These are associated with Floods Creek which flows through the
vegetation on the eastern side of Vittasalo Road. Additional weeds (such as Mist Weed Ageratina riparia, Vasey
Grass Paspalidium urvellii and Coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata) have been recorded growing along the road edge.
The vegetation is generally in good condition, with only minor evidence of browning of fronds in Pouched Coral
Fern Gleichenia dicarpa, minor weed incursion and no signs of erosion. Photo 6 shows the typical Hawkesbury
Banksia Scrub Woodland at GDE F and the weeds detected at the road edge. A comparison of the baseline and
current photographs taken at the photo monitoring points for GDE F is provided in Appendix C.
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Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem
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Photo 6 Sandstone Hanging Swamp at GDE F (15 February 2021)
Page 19Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd SLR Ref No: 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416
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Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem
Monitoring Report - Summer 2020
4 ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Rainfall
Rainfall data for the Ourimbah weather station at Dog Trap Road (3 km east of the site) has been examined for
the site. Mean annual rainfall has been calculated using data from 1953-2021 where available (BOM 2021).
Total rainfall for January 2021 was 151 mm, which is above the monthly mean of 140 mm. Rainfall experienced
during the previous year, compared to the mean is graphed in Figure 6. Most months were above average or
close to the average, whilst February 2020 was well above the historical monthly average for that month.
Figure 6 Local Rainfall Data in ml (Ourimbah BOM Weather Station)
4.2 Comparison of Baseline and Subsequent Monitoring
In relation to species with PFC greater than one percent, the floristic plot data indicates that the species diversity
has remained the same or has increased at all sites since the baseline survey in 2015 (see Figure 7).
Figure 7 Comparison of Species Diversity
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Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem
Monitoring Report - Summer 2020
In relation to species with PFC greater than 1%, the floristic plot data indicates that the PFC of all species has
remained the same or has increased at all sites since baseline survey (see Figure 8).
Figure 8 Comparison of Total PFC
In relation to species with PFC greater than 1%, the floristic plot data indicates that the PFC of groundcover GDE
Indicator Species has remained the same or has increased at all sites since baseline survey (see Figure 9).
Figure 9 Comparison of PFC for GDE Groundcover Indicator Species
Page 21Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd SLR Ref No: 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416
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Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem
Monitoring Report - Summer 2020
Photo monitoring points indicate that:
• Vegetation at GDE A, C, E and F remains relatively unchanged, with some minor increase in density and
height in the shrub layer.
• Vegetation at GDE B and D has noticeably matured post fire with:
• some mid-canopy limb-drop and increase in height, cover and diversity of the heathy shrub layer at
GDE B; and
• an increased cover of ferns, grasses and sedges at the edges of the dense Pouched Coral Fern
Gleichenia dicarpa at GDE D, where areas of previously bare soil have regrown post-fire.
The patch analysis indicates:
• No evidence of erosion or sedimentation at any of the sites.
• No change in the extent of the GDE patches as mapped by AEP (2016).
• No evidence of substantial dieback or desiccation of vegetation, although minor evidence of browning
of fern fronds in one GDE indicator species was observed (notably Pouched Coral Fern
Gleichenia dicarpa).
• No weeds are present and there have been no changes to the diversity or extent of weeds, except for
GDE F, which maintains minor weed incursion at the edges of the vegetation.
The increase in density and cover of GDE vegetation further supports observations that the vegetation is in good
condition and further that there are no obvious or notable changes in vegetation that could be ascribed to
changes to groundwater availability. This may be exaggerated to some extent by the natural succession of
vegetation growth post fire and is likely to be influenced by other external factors.
The increased presence of dry variant species at GDE B is likely attributed to natural regrowth of that vegetation
post-fire. It is possible that this area was subject to more intense fire as evidence of charring remains at GDE B
but not at the other sites.
Minor evidence of frond browning, most notably of the Pouched Coral Fern Gleichenia dicarpa, was observed at
some of the sites. This was more prevalent in areas where Pouched Coral Fern Gleichenia dicarpa is growing
outside of the GDE patches, or at patch edges. This frond browning is most likely attributed to low rainfall
conditions and given recent higher rainfall was of very limited extent at the 2020 survey.
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4.3 Management Aspects and Objectives
The site survey revealed that the GDE vegetation at the monitoring sites is in good condition and there are no
obvious impacts of the quarrying operations. The GDEs maintain a good cover of wet indicator species and there
is only minor evidence of impacts on the health of these species (in the form of very minor browning of fronds
of the Pouched Coral Fern Gleichenia dicarpa). No erosion or sedimentation was recorded, and only minor weed
incursion was found at one site.
One site which is recovering from bushfire appears to be regenerating with a higher abundance of dry heath
species, but this is unlikely to be a consequence of the quarrying operations. Otherwise, changes to floristic
composition at monitoring sites are attributed mainly to post-fire recovery and indicate an overall improvement
in vegetation condition. The extent of GDE patches at all monitoring sites are generally consistent with those
mapped for the baseline survey.
The 2020 monitoring survey indicates that the following environmental performance objectives have been met:
• Negligible erosion of the surface of the GDEs
• Negligible sedimentation within the GDEs
• Minor changes in the size of the GDEs
• No significant change to the composition or distribution of species within the GDE
4.4 Trigger Response Actions
Trigger response actions are to be applied where any observed impacts on GDEs cannot be attributed to climatic
conditions and are subsequently proven to be related to changes to groundwater associated with sand
extraction activities at the quarry.
4.4.1 Indicator Species
Only a very minor amount of browning of fronds in Pouched Coral Fern G. dicarpa has beenobserved at some of
the GDE sites containing Sandstone Hanging Swamp vegetation. Overall, the condition of GDE vegetation
assessed as part of the current investigation has either remained the same or increased since the baseline
survey, with PFC of groundcover indicator species having increased since the baseline survey. Trigger response
actions in relation to indicator species identified in Table 11 are therefore not required. Subsequent annual
monitoring will likely detect any additional change in GDE condition.
Table 11 Indicator Species Trigger Response Actions
Trigger (compared to baseline condition) Response Action
Loss of condition (wilting, browning etc) within Flag and monitor. Compare response to other treatment
groundcover indicator species and control site(s).
Loss of condition to shrub indicator species/death to Flag and monitor. Compare response to other treatment
groundcover species and control site(s). Report to Hanson.
Death to shrub indicator species/loss of >25%PFC for Compare response to other treatment and control site(s).
groundcover indicator species Report to DPI Water if quarry operations considered to be
the cause. Further analysis/response actions likely.
Source: AEP 2016
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4.4.2 GDE Size
There was no obvious change to GDE size following an inspection of the patches and comparison of aerial
imagery and GPS point data collected at the site survey. Additionally, floristic data and photo monitoring does
not indicate a change in the size of GDEs. Trigger response actions in relation to GDE size as identified in Table 12
are not required in response to the results of this monitoring event.
Table 12 GDE Size Trigger Response Actions
Trigger (compared to baseline condition) Response Action
Observable reduction in condition of GDE edge compared Flag and monitor. Compare response to other treatment
with surrounding vegetation and control site(s).
Death of individuals on edge of GDE/encroachment of Report to Hanson. Monitor. Compare response to other
surrounding vegetation treatment and control site(s).
Continued encroachment of surrounding Compare response to other treatment and control site(s).
vegetation/observed change in state/composition of Report to DPI Water if quarry operations considered to be
areas of GDE to drier community the cause. Further analysis/response actions likely.
Source: AEP 2016.
4.4.3 Erosion/Sedimentation
No evidence of erosion or sedimentation has been observed at any of the GDE monitoring sites. Trigger response
actions in relation to erosion and sedimentation as identified in Table 13 are not required as a result of this
monitoring event.
Table 13 Erosion and Sedimentation Trigger Response Actions
Trigger Response Action
Minor erosion / sedimentation event Flag, photograph and monitor. Compare response to
other treatment and control site(s).
Exacerbation of erosion / sedimentation or Moderate Compare response to other treatment and control site(s).
event Report to Hanson, deploy erosion / sedimentation
controls if quarry operations considered to be the cause.
Major erosion / sedimentation event Compare response to other treatment and control site(s).
Report to NOW and deploy immediate erosion /
sedimentation controls if quarry operations considered to
be the cause. Further analysis/response actions likely.
Source: AEP 2016.
Page 24Hanson Construction Materials Pty Ltd SLR Ref No: 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416
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Monitoring Report - Summer 2020
5 RECOMMENDATIONS
This monitoring event has assessed the relevant GDE performance measures for the Central Coast Sands Quarry,
including GDE groundcover indicator species (PFC and general health observations), GDE size and
sedimentation/erosion, and has determined that there has been either no change or an improvement in these
factors since the baseline survey in 2015. The GDE groundcover indicator species have increased in cover and
abundance in most instances and photo monitoring points indicate that the vegetation either remains
unchanged or has increased in cover and height.
It is recommended that future monitoring events are undertaken annually in accordance with the GDE
Monitoring and Management Program (AEP 2016).
It is recommended that this report is submitted to the Department of Primary Industries Water and Department
of Planning and Environment for assessment in accordance with the GDE Monitoring and Management Program
(AEP 2016).
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Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem
Monitoring Report - Summer 2020
6 REFERENCES
AEP 2016, ‘Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem, Monitoring and Management Programme. Central Coast
Sands Quarry, Somersby’, Prepared for Central Coast Sands, December 2016, Anderson Environment and
Planning, Adamstown, NSW.
Bell S.A.J. 2009, ‘The natural vegetation of Gosford Local Government Area, Central Coast, New South Wales:
Technical Report, Revised & Updated, Version 3.0, Unpublished Report to Gosford City Council, November
2009, Eastcoast Flora Survey, Kotara Fair, NSW.
BOM 2021, ‘Bureau of Meteorology, Climate Data Online’, Australian Government and Bureau of Meteorology,
Australia. Available at: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/ [March 2021].
RPS 2010, ‘Ecological Assessment. Central Coast Sands Quarry, Somersby’, RPS, Hamilton, NSW.
Nearmap 2021, ‘Nearmap High Resolution Aerial Imagery’, Nearmap, Barangaroo, NSW. Available via
subscription at: https://www.nearmap.com.au [March 2021]
OEH 2018a, ‘eSpade v2.0’, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Sydney. Available at:
https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/land-and-soil/information/espade [March 2021]
OEH 2021, BioNet Vegetation Classification, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Sydney, NSW. Available
via login at: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NSWVCA20PRapp/LoginPR.aspx [March 2021]
OEH 2021, SEED Portal, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Sydney, NSW. Available at:
https://www.seed.nsw.gov.au/ [March 2021]
RBGDT 2021, ‘PlantNET (The NSW Plant Information Network System)’, Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain
Trust, Sydney, NSW. Available at: http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au [March 2021]
Page 26APPENDIX A
Vegetation Community Profiles (Bell 2009)
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APPENDIX B
Floristic Data
630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-
20210416 Page 1 of 8Table B1 Floristic Data for GDE A
Status Stratum GDE Species Name Common Name 2015 2018 2019 2020
N U S, H Acacia oxycedrus Spike Wattle 1 1 1 1
N G H, Hb Actinotus minor Lesser Flannel FlowerTable B2 Floristic Data for GDE B
Status Stratum PCT Species Name Common Name 2015 2018 2019 2020
N C 0 Acacia elata Mountain Wattle 0 0 1 1
N C 0 Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia Sydney Golden WattleStatus Stratum PCT Species Name Common Name 2015 2018 2019 2020
N G H Ptilothrix deusta -Table B3 Floristic Data for GDE C
Status Strata PCT Species Name Common Name 2015 2018 2019 2020
N C 0 Acacia elata Mountain Wattle 0 0 1 1
N C S Acacia linifolia White Wattle 0Status Strata PCT Species Name Common Name 2015 2018 2019 2020
N G S, H Xanthosia tridentata Rock Xanthosia 0 0 2 1
N G S, H Xyris gracilis - 1% PFC 10 20 28 28
Total PFC 105 118 129 129
KEY: Status: N=Native, E=Exotic. Stratum: C=Canopy, U= Understorey (above 1 metre), G=Groundcover (below 1 metre). GDE: S=Sandstone Hanging
Swamp, H =Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub-Woodland, 0=species not associated with a GDE. 2015-2020: Numbers (the percentage foliage cover from
1 to 100, including less than 1); 0 (where species is not recorded). NOTE: 2015 data sourced from AEP 2016.
630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE
Monitoring-20210416 Page 6 of 8Table B4 Floristic Data for GDE D
Status Strata PCT Species Name Common Name 2015 2018 2019 2020
N C 0 Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia Sydney Golden Wattle 0 3 3 3
N U S, H Acacia oxycedrus Spike Wattle 0 0 1 1
N U S, H Acacia suaveolens Sweet WattleKEY: Status: N=Native, E=Exotic. Stratum: C=Canopy, U= Understorey (above 1 metre), G=Groundcover (below 1 metre). GDE: S=Sandstone Hanging
Swamp, H =Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub-Woodland, 0=species not associated with a GDE. 2015-2020: Numbers (the percentage foliage cover from
1 to 100, including less than 1); 0 (where species is not recorded). NOTE: 2015 data sourced from AEP 2016.
Table B5 Floristic Data for GDE E
Status Strata PCT Species Name Common Name 2015 2018 2019 2020
N U S, H Acacia oxycedrus Spike Wattle X X X X
N U S, H Acacia suaveolens Sweet Wattle 0 0 X 0
N G 0 Actinotus helianthi Flannel Flower 0 0 X 0
N G H, Hb Actinotus minor Lesser Flannel Flower 0 0 X X
N C S Angophora costata Smooth-barked Apple X X X X
N U S, H, Hb Banksia ericifolia ssp. ericifolia Heath-leaved Banksia x X X X
N G S, H, Hb Dampiera stricta - 0 0 X X
N G H Darwinia fascicularis subsp. fascicularis - 0 X X X
N U S, H Dillwynia floribunda - 0 0 0 X
N G S, H Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic X X X X
N G H, Hb Epacris pulchella Wallum Heath 0 0 0 X
N C H Eucalyptus haemastoma Scribbly Gum X X X X
N C H Eucalyptus piperita Sydney Peppermint 0 0 0 X
N G S, H Gahnia sieberiana Red-fruit Saw-sedge 0 0 0 X
N G H Grevillea speciosa Red Spider Flower 0 0 0 X
N U 0 Kunzea ambigua Tick Bush 0 0 X X
N G H Lepidosperma filiforme - X X X X
N U S, H, Hb Leptospermum juniperinum Prickly Tea-tree X X X X
N U 0 Leptospermum polyanthum - X 0 0 0
N U H Leptospermum trinervium Flaky-barked Tea-tree 0 0 0 X
N U S, H, Hb Xanthorrhoea resinosa (syn. resinifera) Grass Tree 0 0 0 X
KEY: Status: N=Native, E=Exotic. Stratum: C=Canopy, U= Understorey (above 1 metre), G=Groundcover (below 1 metre). GDE: S=Sandstone Hanging
Swamp, H =Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub-Woodland, 0=species not associated with a GDE. 2015-2020: X where a species was recorded; 0 (where
species is not recorded). NOTE: 2015 data sourced from AEP 2016.
Table B6 Floristic Data for GDE F
Status Strata PCT Species Name Common Name 2015 2018 2019 2020
E G 0 Ageratina riparia Mist Weed 0 X X X
N C S Angophora costata Smooth-barked Apple X X X X
N U S, H, Hb Banksia ericifolia ssp. ericifolia Heath-leaved Banksia X X X X
E G 0 Bidens pilosa Cobblers Pegs 0 0 0 X
N U 0 Callicoma serratifolia Black Wattle 0 0 0 X
E C 0 Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel 0 X X X
E G 0 Coreopsis lanceolata Coreopsis 0 0 0 X
N U H Doryanthes excelsa Gymea Lily 0 X X X
N C H Eucalyptus piperita Sydney Peppermint 0 0 0 X
N C 0 Eucalyptus scias subsp. scias Large-fruited Red Mahogany 0 0 0 X
N G S Gleichenia dicarpa Pouched Coral Fern X X X X
N U S, H, Hb Hakea teretifolia ssp. teretifolia Dagger Hakea X X X X
E G 0 Hypochaeris radicata Catsear 0 0 0 X
E U 0 Lantana camara Lantana 0 X X X
N U S, H Leptospermum polygalifolium Tantoon 0 0 0 X
E G 0 Paspalum urvillei Vasey Grass 0 0 0 X
N U H Persoonia levis Broad-leaved Geebung 0 X X X
N U H Petrophile pulchella Conesticks 0 0 0 X
E G 0 Rubus anglocandicans Blackberry 0 0 0 X
KEY: Status: N=Native, E=Exotic. Stratum: C=Canopy, U= Understorey (above 1 metre), G=Groundcover (below 1 metre). GDE: S=Sandstone Hanging
Swamp, H =Hawkesbury Banksia Scrub-Woodland, 0=species not associated with a GDE. 2015-2020: X where a species was recorded; 0 (where
species is not recorded). NOTE: 2015 data sourced from AEP 2016.
630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE
Monitoring-20210416 Page 8 of 8APPENDIX C
Photo Monitoring Point Data
630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-
20210416 Page 1 of 9Table C1 Photo monitoring, facing Northwest at GDE A 2015 (AEP 2016) 2018 (SLR 2018) 2019 (SLR 2019) 2020 (SLR 2020) 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416 Page 2 of 9
Table C2 Photo monitoring, facing Southwest at GDE A 2015 (AEP 2016) 2018 (SLR 2018) 2019 (SLR 2019) 2020 (SLR 2020) 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416 Page 3 of 9
Table C3 Photo monitoring, facing Southeast at GDE B
2015 (AEP 2016) 2018 (SLR 2018)
2019 (SLR 2019) 2020 (SLR 2020)
Note: The exact photo replication was not possible at this PMP as the vegetation was virtually indecipherable due to growth and
natural tree drop post fire. The photo monitoring position was re-positioned in 2019 to a position that allows for easier
replication.
630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE
Monitoring-20210416 Page 4 of 9Table C4 Photo monitoring, facing West at GDE C 2015 (AEP 2016) 2018 (SLR 2018) 2019 (SLR 2019) 2020 (SLR 2020) 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416 Page 5 of 9
Table C5 Photo monitoring, facing North at GDE D 2015 (AEP 2016) 2018 (SLR 2018) 2019 (SLR 2019) 2020 (SLR 2020) 630.12579-R03-v1.0-CCS 2020 GDE Monitoring-20210416 Page 6 of 9
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