PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE: WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA - Sections 3 to 8 Green-thighed Frog Construction Monitoring: Year

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PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE: WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA - Sections 3 to 8 Green-thighed Frog Construction Monitoring: Year
PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE: WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA
Sections 3 to 8 Green-thighed Frog Construction Monitoring: Year 1

November 2018
PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE: WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA - Sections 3 to 8 Green-thighed Frog Construction Monitoring: Year
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

                                                                  Commercial in Confidence
This ecological report is copyright to Lewis Ecological Surveys (LES) and its licensed use is restricted explicitly to the RMS. Beyond this, persons, organisations and
government may only use information contained within this report following written consent by LES. The report must not be provided to any third party without the written
consent of LES who reserves all legal rights and remedies regarding any infringement of its rights with respect to this report. Lewis Ecological Surveys acknowledges that
the report will be made publicly available on the internet in accordance with the Ministers Conditions of Approval.

                                                                              Disclaimer
The client (RMS) may only use this document for the purposes for which it was commissioned. This report relies upon data, surveys, measurements and results based on
a short-term objective study in response to a Lewis Ecological Surveys advising RMS – PacificComplete and their representatives (Amanda Leonard, Chris Greenaway, Mat
Neeson). Although conclusions have been based on the available data at that time, some professional judgement has been applied in reaching these conclusions due to
the temporal limitations arising from the dynamic nature of available information, legislation, schedules, individual species and associated habitats. Every attempt has been
made to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the report’s findings, conclusions and recommendations. Lewis Ecological Surveys does not accept responsibility for its use
beyond the scope of works.

………………………….
Ben Lewis
(B. Applied Science Hons)

…6th November 2018………

Date

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Ben Lewis (Lewis Ecological Surveys) – Field Surveys, Report Author and Report Review.
Adrian Vanesse (Geoview) – GIS and map production.
Simon Wilson (Pacific Complete) – Project Management.
Mat Neeson (Pacific Complete) – Project Management.
Shayne Walker (Roads and Maritime Services) - Review

Photography - Lewis Ecological Surveys © else stated
Title Page – Green-thighed Frog from BACI Site 9A.

Report to be cited as: Lewis, B.D. (2018). Woolgoolga to Ballina: Green-thighed Frog Monitoring for Sections 3 to 8: Year 1. Report
prepared for Roads and Maritime Services and Pacific Complete by Lewis Ecological Surveys. ©

Project Number: 2921617

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PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE: WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA - Sections 3 to 8 Green-thighed Frog Construction Monitoring: Year
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

Document Control:
    Date          Status       No.     Format       Dispatched                         Client                        Client Contact
                              Copies
  11/05/2018       Vers 1       1       PDF           Via email               Pacific Complete                        Simon Wilson
  11/05/2018       Vers 1       1       PDF           Via email          Roads and Maritime Services                 Scott Lawrence
  17/08/2018       Vers 2       1       PDF           Via email               Pacific Complete                        Simon Wilson
  17/08/2018       Vers 2       1       PDF           Via email          Roads and Maritime Services                 Scott Lawrence
  06/11/2018       Vers 3       1       PDF           Via email               Pacific Complete                        Simon Wilson
  06/11/2018       Vers 3       1       PDF           Via email          Roads and Maritime Services                 Scott Lawrence

Revision History
        Date                Status             Author                      Reviewer                            Organisation
     18/05/2018             Vers 1            Ben Lewis                  Shayne Walker                  Roads and Maritime Services
     18/05/2018             Vers 1            Ben Lewis                  Simon Wilson                   Roads and Maritime Services
     06/11/2018             Vers 2            Ben Lewis                  Simon Wilson                   Roads and Maritime Services

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PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE: WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA - Sections 3 to 8 Green-thighed Frog Construction Monitoring: Year
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

                                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0     INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................................. 1
  1.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND TO THIS MONITORING .....................................................................................1
  1.2 UPDATES AND ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDATIONS FROM YEAR 1 MONITORING ....................................................................2
  1.3 SUBJECT SPECIES – GREEN-THIGHED FROG (LITORIA BREVIPALMATA) ............................................................................2
       1.3.1 Description ................................................................................................................................2
       1.3.2 Distribution ...............................................................................................................................2
       1.3.3 Habitat and Ecology ...................................................................................................................2
2.0     SURVEY METHODS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
  2.1 SITE SELECTION ........................................................................................................................................3
  2.2 TIMING OF SURVEYS ....................................................................................................................................3
  2.3 ABIOTIC DATA ...........................................................................................................................................6
3.0     MONITORING RESULTS ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
  3.1 FROG SURVEYS .........................................................................................................................................7
       3.1.2 Stage 1 Surveys - Calling Intensity and Spotlighting ....................................................................7
       3.1.3 Stage 2 Surveys – Post Breeding Counts of Tadpoles and Froglets .............................................. 10
  3.2 SEASONAL RAINFALL AND ASSOCIATED SURVEY CONDITIONS .................................................................................... 10
4.0     DISCUSSION ................................................................................................................................................................................ 11
5.0     PERFORMANCE INDICATORS AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS ................................................................................................. 12
6.0     CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 16
7.0     REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................................................................. 17
8.0     APPENDIX A – GREEN-THIGHED FROG SURVEY SUMMARY DATA & SEASONAL RAINFALL CONDITIONS .................... 19

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                                                                      LIST OF TABLES
Table 3-1. Summary of the Green-thighed Frog surveys for BACI Sites 6-10. ............................................................................................ 9
Table 5-1. Performance indicators and corrective actions from the Threatened Frog Species Management Plan (RMS 2015). .............. 13
Table 6-1. W2B Year 1 Sections 3-8 recommendations and RMS responses. .......................................................................................... 16
Table A1. Summary of Green-thighed Frog surveys in Sections 3-7: Year 1 (2017). ................................................................................ 19
Table A2. Rainfall recorded between October 2016 and May 2017 from New Italy station (058097) (BoM 2017). ................................... 20

                                                                   LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2-1a. Locations of Green-thighed Frog BACI Sites 1-7 between ch.11800–40000. ......................................................................... 4
Figure 2-1b. Locations of Green-thighed Frog Control and Impact sites between ch. 57500–118500........................................................ 5
Figure 3-1. The number of calling male Green-thighed Frogs between the baseline surveys and during construction for Year 1 and Year
2 monitoring. ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Figure 3-2. The number of Green-thighed Frogs observed between the baseline surveys (shaded) and Year 1 data compiled by Lewis
(2015). .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

                                                                      LIST OF PLATES
Plate 1-1. Green-thighed Frog (ad + juv). ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
Plate 3-1. Green-thighed Frogs recorded from Site 9B adjacent to ch. 111500 with male (left) calling and female (right). ........................ 8

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WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

                                 Executive Summary

Year 1 monitoring for the Green-thighed Frog (Litoria brevipalmata) was performed at five paired
BACI (Before-After-Control-Impact) sites (n=10) located in Sections 3 (ch.37400; 64700), 6 (ch.
102500) and 7 (ch. 118500) of the Woolgoolga to Ballina Upgrade. Surveys were initially triggered
by localised thunderstorm activity in the Tyndale, Tabbimoble and New Italy on the 6th January
which delivered around 75 mm of rain across sites 8-10. Follow up tropical low pressure systems
in March delivered well in excess of 100mm rainfall events and provided additional opportunities
to survey these sites as well as surveys Site 6 and 7 located around Grafton Airport and Glenugie
State Forest.

The sampling regime was consistent with the Threatened Frog Management Plan (RMS 2015) in
that breeding or calling surveys were undertaken during a period of intense rainfall and this was
followed up by post breeding surveys of the ponds 41-50 days later to determine the overall
success of the breeding event. During the field surveys, checks as to the presence of temporary
frog fencing were performed and notes taken with regard to its integrity and extent relevant to the
Threatened Frog Management Plan.

Green-thighed Frogs were recorded at 6 (40%) of the 10 sites and specifically at Site 6B, 7A, 7B,
8B, 9A and 9B. Sampling could not be undertaken at Site 6A (ch. 35200) due to ongoing access
constraints. Between 6-18 males were heard calling at both impact and control sites whilst the post
breeding surveys performed in late February and again in late April recorded froglets at three sites
around Grafton airport and Glenugie State Forest. The earlier post breeding surveys at Sites 8-10
were performed in February and found no sign of breeding success and all ponds had dried out.
Further additional sampling opportunities would benefit the monitoring program.

The implications of the findings and how these compare with performance measures outlined in
the Threatened Frog Management Plan (RMS 2015) are discussed.

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PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE: WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA - Sections 3 to 8 Green-thighed Frog Construction Monitoring: Year
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1.0      INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Overview and Background to this Monitoring
The Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade comprises approximately 155 km of highway to achieve a four-lane
divided road extending north of Woolgoolga at the northern extent of Sapphire to Woolgoolga Upgrade to south of Ballina
where it ties into the southern extent of the Ballina bypass. The project includes grade separated interchanges, service
roads and upgrades to local road connections and has the potential to be staged in 11 sections. The State Minister for
Planning and Environment approved the project on 24th June 2014. On 14th August 2014, the Federal Minister for the
Environment Greg Hunt approved the project in accordance with Part 9 of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act (1999).

In order to enable commencement of construction in mid-2015, some key preconstruction survey tasks were to be
undertaken as a priority. During preconstruction, baseline and targeted surveys of threatened species will enable the
establishment of the monitoring program to be implemented on an ongoing basis to help manage and mitigate any
potential impacts of the project on threatened species. Requirements for monitoring and mitigation measures throughout
various stages of the project are outlined in a series of threatened species management plans.

The Threatened Frog Management Plan (RMS 2015) addresses the impacts of the upgrade and proposed mitigation on
a number of threatened frog species including the Wallum Sedge Frog (Litoria olongburensis), Giant Barred Frog
(Mixophyes iteratus) and Green-thighed Frog (Litoria brevipalmata). This management plan identifies both areas of
known and potential habitat throughout the Project corridor and proposes a number of management actions to ensure
the long-term survival of these species in the area of the project. In order to gauge the performance of these management
actions a pre-construction baseline monitoring survey was undertaken by Lewis Ecological Surveys in February, March
and April 2015 (Lewis 2015). The results of this survey would then provide a comparable data set from which successive
monitoring events could be compared.

With construction commencing in Sections 3, 6 and 7 in mid 2016, PacificComplete engaged Lewis Ecological Surveys
in December 2016 to implement Year 1 during construction surveys of the five paired sites (n=10) in Sections 3, 6 and 7.
The following reports on these findings.

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1.2 Updates and Adoption of Recommendations from Year 1 Monitoring

The following recommendations were adopted following Year 1 monitoring in the southern Sections 1 and 2 for
Woolgoolga to Ballina and are considered applicable to this monitoring event:

    1. Update aspects of the Threatened Frog Species Management Plan (RMS 2015) and with that the following
         changes:
             a. The frog counts be the total number of Green-thighed Frogs recorded during Stage 1 surveys.

1.3 Subject Species – Green-thighed Frog (Litoria brevipalmata)
1.3.1 Description
The Green-thighed Frog is a small to medium sized (max. 47 mm) hylid frog (Barker et al. 1995; Cogger 1995; Murphy
and Turnbill 1999; Lemckert et al. 2006). It is a relatively distinct species with a prominent white upper lip, armpits and
groin marked in lime green with black markings (Barker et al. 1995; Lemckert et al. 2006).

                                                                            Plate 1-1. Green-thighed Frog (ad + juv).

                                                                            1.3.2 Distribution
                                                                            The Green-thighed Frog is distributed in coastal
                                                                            and sub coastal areas from near Bundaberg
                                                                            (Cordalba) in the north to Ourimbah (i.e. central
                                                                            coast NSW) in the south (Barker et al. 1995;
                                                                           Lemckert et al. 2006). Despite this relatively wide
                                                                            distribution, it is known from few areas (see
                                                                            Ehmann 1997).

                                                                            1.3.3 Habitat and Ecology
                                                                            The cryptic habits of the Green-thighed Frog
                                                                            ensured it remained unknown to science until 1972
                                                                            (Tyler et al. 1972). The main habitat requirement
                                                                            of this species is warm temperate lowland forest,
although more recent records have indicated other habitat types including dry sclerophyll forest, heathland and swamp
forest are used (Nattrass and Ingram 1993; Lemckert 1999; Murphy and Turnbill 1999; Lewis 2000; Lewis 2006). The
Green-thighed Frog is most often detected during breeding events between October and April when males congregate
around flooded depressions and call from either the ground or low fallen branches or vegetation (Barker et al. 1995;
Ehmann 1997; Lemckert et al. 2006). Typically, calling events occur when the breeding site has received at least 75 mm
in 24 hours or around 150 mm over a 72 hour period (B. Lewis unpublished data).

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PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE: WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA - Sections 3 to 8 Green-thighed Frog Construction Monitoring: Year
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

2.0      SURVEY METHODS
Field surveys were performed in accordance with the Threatened Frog Species Management Plan (RMS 2015). The
following details the areas surveyed along with the timing of field surveys and how the data were treated or analysed.

2.1 Site Selection
The location of BACI sites 6 to 10 in Section 3-7 were already identified from a selection of known Green-thighed Frog
sites (Lewis 2015). Their distribution across the study area is shown in Figure 2-1ab.

2.2 Timing of Surveys
Weather patterns were constantly monitored between December 2016 through to May 2017 for the suitability of
implementing field surveys during or immediately after a rainfall event delivering >75 mm in 24 hours, or alternatively 150
mm over 72 hours (Table A1). Thunderstorm activity and the development of low pressure systems including ex tropical
cyclone Debbie enabled stage one sampling to occur on the 6th and 7th January, 16th to 18th March and on the 31st March
2017. Most of the sampling was confined to the 6th and 7th of January for Sites 8-10 and mid March for Sites 6-7. Some
follow up cursory surveys in response to ongoing rainfall were performed in mid March and late March to enable further
distillation on the data being collected.

During stage one calling surveys, each site was visited and an initial five minute listening survey was performed to identify
calling individuals. This was followed by a search of any flooded habitat to visually identify any non-calling individuals
present in and around the flooded areas. At each site, the following were recorded: time at start and end of survey for
each survey site, conditions during the survey (including temperature, humidity, cloud cover, relative wind intensity and
rainfall) and species of frogs calling (see Section 2.3).

The second round or post breeding surveys were used to measure the breeding success at each site and these were
performed on the 26th February and 27th April or around 41-50 days after the potential breeding event. A slightly shorter
interval was used to account for the warmer air temperatures and the ephemeral nature of ponds at most of the sites.
During the post breeding surveys, a fine scale mesh net (400 mm diameter) was used to sweep any of the residual water
body. In an attempt to standardise this method, a minimum of 10 sweeps was undertaken per 25m2 of water body. Any
tadpoles captured were examined to determine if they were hylids representative of Green-thighed Frog, and if so, a
sample was taken for further identification. The bank area within 5-10 m was also traversed to visually search for
metamorphosed froglets over a set 20 minutes per site and the number of frogs recorded.

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Figure 2-1a. Locations of Green-thighed Frog BACI Sites 1-7 between ch.11800–40000.

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WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

Figure 2-1b. Locations of Green-thighed Frog Control and Impact sites between ch. 57500–118500.

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WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

2.3 Abiotic Data
The following abiotic variables were collected during the survey:
        Air temperature (°C) measured with a thermometer at the start and finish of the frog survey and averaged;
        Relative humidity (%) measured with wet/dry bulb thermometer at the start and finish of the frog survey and
         averaged;
        Prevailing cloud cover was expressed as a percentage (%) coverage of the sky;
        Wind speed measured using a subjective scale (0 = no wind, 1 = light rustles of leaves on trees, 2 = leaves and
         branches moving and 3 = whole canopy moving); and
        Rain fall was also measured in a subjective scale (0 = no rain in past 24 hours, 1 = rain within 24 hours and 2 =
         rain during survey).
        Seasonal rainfall data was also collated for the period between September 2015 and July 2016 to assess when
         the surveys were performed and how they compared to other rainfall events within the perceived breeding
         period. The data were collated from Grafton Airport (058161).

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WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

                                3.0      MONITORING RESULTS

                                3.1 Frog Surveys
                                3.1.2 Stage 1 Surveys - Calling Intensity and Spotlighting
                                Green-thighed Frogs were recorded at 6 (60%) of the 10 sites and were absent from Site 8A (Tyndale Crown ch. 64700),
                                10A (Tabbimoble north ch. 118500) and 10B (Glencoe Road ch. 114000; Figure 3-1). No surveys were conducted at Site
                                6A due to access restrictions.

                                Frogs were recorded from two (20%) of the impact sites and from four (80%) of the control sites. Frogs comprised both
                                calling and non-calling males as well as female frogs (Table 3-1). Amplecting or mating frogs were recorded from Site 6B
                                and 7A on the 17th of March whilst an amplecting pair of frogs were recorded from Site 9B on the 7th January 2017. Count
                                sizes were highly variable with up to 18 individuals but generally in the order of 1-10 individuals.

                                                              2015 Baseline Calling Males              2017 Year 1 Calling Males
                               20                                          Calling/chorusing Surveys
Number of calling male frogs

                               15
                               10
                                5
                                0
                                    6A (35200) 6B (38000) 7A (37400) 7B (35000) 8A (64700) 8B (57500) 9A (102500) 9B (111500)                              10A              10B
                                                                                                                                                         (118500)         (114000)

                                                                          BACI Monitoring Site and Adjacent Chainage

                                Figure 3-1. The number of calling male Green-thighed Frogs between the baseline surveys and during construction for
                                Year 1 and Year 2 monitoring.
                                         2015 Baseline Frogs Observed          2017 Year 1 Frogs Observed
                               50                                          Spotlighting
Number of frogs observed

                               40
                               30
                               20
                               10
                                0
                                    6A (35200) 6B (38000) 7A (37400) 7B (35000) 8A (64700) 8B (57500) 9A (102500) 9B (111500)                             10A             10B
                                                                                                                                                        (118500)        (114000)

                                                                         BACI Monitoring Site and Adjacent Chainage

                                Figure 3-2. The number of Green-thighed Frogs observed between the baseline surveys (shaded) and Year 1 data
                                compiled by Lewis (2015).

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WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

Plate 3-1. Green-thighed Frogs recorded from Site 9B adjacent to ch. 111500 with male (left) calling and female (right).

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WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

            Table 3-1. Summary of the Green-thighed Frog surveys for BACI Sites 6-10.
                    Stage 1 – Calling/Breeding Surveys            Stage 2 – Post Breeding Follow-up
                                                                  Survey
BACI Site           Date             No. Calling    No. Frogs     Date              SA     Juv      Tads    Frog Management Mitigation Observed                                    General Comments                                  Presence of Green-
                                     Males          Spotlighted                                                        or Recorded                                                                                                     thighed Frogs
                                     (chorusing                                                                                                                                                                                      Confirmed in 2015
                                     intensity)
6A (35200)          No data          No data        No data          No data       No       No       No     No access was permitted due to heritage        No access permitted to this area. Likely to have successfully bred               Yes
                                                                                  data     data     data    investigations future access will be           at this monitoring location given the results from the surrounding
                                                                                                            investigated.                                  sites.
6B (38000)                                                                                                  Outside works footprint but close to Airport   Site immediately adjacent to Airport Road which continuously                     Yes
                    17.03.2017       18             15             27.04.2017       0      23        0      Road.                                          provides a good barometer of local Green-thighed Frog activity.
7A (37400)                                                                                                  i. Temporary frog fencing recorded in the      Potential breeding area is not well defined but numbers of frogs                 Yes
                                                                                                            form of geo textile fabric.                    suggest this area as a ‘hotspot’ in 2015 (Lewis 2015).

                                                                                                            ii. Clearing has extended to around 150 m
                    17.03.2017       12             14             27.04.2017       0       3        0      south of Old Six Mile Lane Road
7B (35000)                                                                                                  Outside works footprint.                       Site logistically difficult to access during rainfall events. Frogs are          No
                                                                                                                                                           likely to have congregated here either just before or after stage 1
                    17.03.2017       0              1              27.04.2017       0       4        0                                                     surveys as successful breeding was recorded.
8A (64700)                                                                                                  i. Geotextile fabric used as temporary frog    Frogs at this site appear to vary their breeding location based on               No
                                                                                                            fence.                                         extent of rainfall. Frogs have been heard calling from a number of
                                                                                                            ii. Access road graded which has reduced       locations including adjacent private property where access now
                                                                                                            suitability to frogs based on past             restricted.
                    7.1.2017         0              0              26.02.2017       0       0        0      observations.
8B (57500)                                                                                                  Outside works footprint.                       Site is seasonally grazed by cattle. Frogs likely to vary their
                                                                                                                                                           calling breeding site depending on extent of rainfall. Breeding
                                                                                                                                                           suspected to have shifted around 300 m to north in drainage line
                                                                                                                                                           now that ephemeral ponds appear to dry rapidly within a few
                    7.1.2017         0              1              26.02.2017       0       0        0                                                     weeks.
9A (102500)                                                                                                 i. No frog fencing observed.                   Site was progressively cleared from February 2017 onwards.                       No
                    7.1.2017         8              8                                                       ii. Surveys performed just prior to clearing   Some frog fencing noted during later stage 2 surveys and in
                                                                   26.02.2017       0       0        0      works.                                         months thereafter.
9B (111500)                                                                                                 Outside works footprint.                       Frogs are generally scattered throughout this section of Glenugie
                    7.1.2017         6              7                               0       0        0                                                     State Forest. Two breeding sites identified. Not really considered
                                                                   26.02.2017                                                                              Year 1 during construction survey when nothing has changed.
10A (118500)                                                                                                i. No clearing works at present.               Not really considered Year 1 during construction survey when                     Yes
                    7.1.2017         0              0                               0       0        0
                                                                   26.02.2017                                                                              nothing has changed.
10B (114000)                         0                                                                      Outside works footprint                        Calling or breeding location are highly dependent on prevailing                  No
                    7.1.2017                        0                               0       0        0                                                     rainfall conditions and are likely to select particular areas based
                                                                   26.02.2017                                                                              on the rainfall event and associated runoff.

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WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

3.1.3 Stage 2 Surveys – Post Breeding Counts of Tadpoles and Froglets
Tadpoles or juvenile frogs were recorded at 3 (30%) of the monitoring sites (Table 3-1). At Site 6B, 23 juvenile froglets
were recorded during post breeding surveys on the 27th April which equates to around 41 days from the initial Stage 1
survey in mid March. Neighbouring sites of 7A and 7B also recorded froglets with both treatments recording three and
four respectively.

Although no Green-thighed Frog tadpoles were captured during the standardised 10 sweeps, other species of tadpole
were identified including Broad-palmed Frog (Litoria latapalmata), Bleating Tree Frog (Litoria dentata), Tyler’s Tree Frog
(Litoria tyleri)and/or Perons Tree Frog (Litoria peronii) and some ground dwelling species, presumably Striped Marsh
Frog (Limnodynastes peroni) and Ornate Burrowing Frog (Platyplectrum ornatum). No froglets or tadpoles were recorded
at the northern sites of 8-10. Following the storm event on the 6th January, there was little follow up rain and all ponds
dried out over a number of weeks (Plate 3-2).

Plate 3-2. Breeding ponds at Site 10A (top left), 10B (top right), Site 9A (bottom left) and 9B (bottom right) during follow up
post breeding (stage 2 surveys) in late February.

3.2 Seasonal Rainfall and Associated Survey Conditions
Suitable seasonal conditions in the form of heavy rainfall events exceeding 50 mm in 24 hours or cumulative tallies
exceeding 150 mm in 72 hours occurred on a few occasions (Table A-2). Rainfall events exceeding 50 mm in 24 hours
occurred on the 3rd January (76 mm) and on a number of days in mid March (14th – 20th) with two very large 24 hour
events on the 19th March (248 mm) and 31st March (287 mm). Stage 1 sampling took place on the 6th into the 7th January
when just over 100 mm was recorded over a 48 hr period. Consequently, only some sporadic breeding may have occurred
over the broader area. Sampling in the south coincided with mid March rainfall events.

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4.0 DISCUSSION

Year 1 sampling recorded frogs from six of the nine sites sampled whilst Site 6A remains restricted access. The number
of sites that recorded frogs is lower than the baseline survey when apart from Site 8B (Pine Brush State Forest), frogs
were recorded at all monitoring sites. The explanation for this year to year variability probably relates more to the
prevailing conditions at the time surveys were conducted as habitat disturbance associated with construction had no yet
commenced (i.e. Site 10) or was irrelevant in the case of the control sites.

Opportunities to sample for the Green-thighed Frog in Year 1 became available in mid summer (early January) following
localised thunderstorm activity and again during early autumn (i.e. mid March) as part of multiple low pressure systems
moving across the study area including ex tropical cyclone Debbie. Based on 24 hour rainfall tallies, three potential
breeding events occurred over the study area in the 2016/17 season. In theory, surveys should have recorded Green-
thighed Frogs at all sites yet difficulties arise when trying to conduct surveys following the first suitable rainfall event.
Such an event may occur as a localised thunderstorm meaning some, but not all of the sites have received the required
rainfall, and in some cases this may extend to within site treatments. This is thought to have occurred at Sites 8-10 during
early January sampling when frogs were active and calling at both treatments at Site 9 (ch. 102000-112000) yet no frogs
were heard or seen at either Site 10 treatment (ch.114000-119000) located a further 5-7 km north. Predicting how
widespread such a rainfall event may be is difficult at this locality as the nearest Bureau of Meteorology station is located
nearby at New Italy (ch. 120000), however, it only updates daily at 0900 hrs but it does tend to provide a more accurate
indication of rainfall received then the neighbouring coast stations at Evans Head and Yamba which tend to receive far
greater amounts and create false survey triggers. Only the installation of site specific weather stations would alleviate
this and until such time, constant forecast updates and reviewing of BOM radar coverage will provide a coarse guide to
initiating a survey. Sampling at the southern sites and the reliance on the Bureau of Meteorology station at Grafton Airport
continues to prove more reliable for Sites 6 and 7.

Sampling Sites 6 and 7 in mid March proved effective with calling frogs and amplecting pairs in response to the hundreds
of millimetres. The fact that no calling frogs and only one individual was spotlighted at Site 7B probably reflects frogs
using a neighbouring location on this occasion or the frogs themselves holding off until the later low pressure system in
late March as a result of ex tropical cyclone Debbie. The difference between the two locations is not more than 5-6 km
yet the calling and breeding periods appear to have differed at Site 7 on this occasion. Multiple sampling events are
required to improve the accuracy of one off monitoring surveys.

Year 1 sampling coincided with construction works at Sites 7A, 8A and 9A. All three locations were found to contain
temporary frog fencing constructed from geo textile fabric and apart from some minor breaches it was considered
functional. How the data compares or performs against the prescriptions outlined in the Threatened Frog Management
Plan is outlined in the following section.

                                                      2921718-BDL-Ver3                                                                    Page 11
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

5.0 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

A series of performance indicators and corrective actions have been outlined in Section 7.2.3 of the Threatened Frog
Species Management Plan (RMS 2015). This plan states that should it become clear that sites that were occupied prior
to road construction (i.e. established impact monitoring sites) have become unoccupied, or abundance (estimated using
the transect counts) has declined beyond the identified thresholds (i.e. 25%) relative to control/reference sites, corrective
actions must be implemented in accordance with those provided in Table 7-1.

Year 1 monitoring is mainly tied into the population monitoring component outlined in Table 5-1 as the culverts,
compensatory ponds and revegetation works are not yet complete. The performing factor for the population monitoring
is the number of male frogs during the Stage 1 survey, although recommendations in Lewis 2017 have allowed for this
to be updated to the number of frogs recorded. With this, the numbers or actual counts of frogs had more than doubled
at Site 6B as did calling males, declined sharply at Site 7A, down from 49 individuals to just 14 individuals yet they were
similarly down at the paired treatment from 25 individuals in the baseline survey to just one on this occasion. At Site 8A
(Tyndale Crown), frogs were absent compared to the one individual observed during the baseline survey. Conversely,
one individual was observed at the paired treatment Site 8B (Pine Brush State Forest) compared to no frogs during the
baseline survey. At Site 9A, there was a fourfold increase in the numbers of frogs and similarly, the paired treatment of
Site 9B recorded a seven fold increase. Site 10 recorded an absence of frogs from both treatments when the baseline
survey had recorded two and three individuals respectively.

The timing of the surveys and the variability of rainfall across the monitoring sites is thought to have had the greatest
influence in the Year 1 monitoring results. This was best illustrated at the northern sites where both greater calling intensity
and numbers of frogs were recorded at both Site 9 treatments yet several kilometres away at Site 10 no frogs were heard
or seen and neither had received any habitat disturbance associated with construction for the Upgrade.

Opportunities to investigate how effective some of the other frog mitigation tools including pre clearing surveys is not yet
available but should be forthcoming as part of Year 2 monitoring and reporting. As for other mitigation and associated
performance measures, they are similarly not relevant to Green-thighed Frog monitoring at this point in time. The
underpass structures themselves are not yet installed and still yet to receive frog fencing treatments. The compensatory
ponds should now be finalised so that is accords with the commitments identified in the TFMP, that being “where breeding
habitat will be directly impacted by the project or changed hydrological patterns have the potential to affect the suitability
of breeding habitat areas adjacent to the corridor”. As the ponds nor monitoring sites occur in riparian areas, the riparian
habitat revegetation parameters appear irrelevant at this time.

                                                       2921718-BDL-Ver3                                                                   Page 12
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

       Table 5-1. Performance indicators and corrective actions from the Threatened Frog Species Management Plan (RMS 2015).
  Triggers for corrective actions                        Corrective actions                      Relevance to Year 1     Results of Year 1 Green-          Potential Contributing Factors                 Corrective Action Required
                                                                                                 Green-thighed Frog       thighed Frog Monitoring
                                                                                                      Monitoring
Population Monitoring
The absence of threatened frogs at       Review monitoring methods immediately,                 Relevant                 Green-thighed Frogs              Variability in results influenced       Wait until third monitoring event before
impact sites identified as occupied in   considering further monitoring and assessment if                                recorded from Ste 6B, 7A,        by prevailing weather conditions        determining the requirements for any
the baseline monitoring surveys.         there is a decline in population abundance.                                     7B, 8B, 9A and 9B.               at the time of sampling.                corrective actions.

A relative decline in abundance of       Investigate effectiveness of frog exclusion fencing                             Green-thighed Frogs
25% or more at an impact site than       immediately.                                                                    absent from Site 8A, 10A,
its relative control site over 3                                                                                         10B.
consecutive monitoring periods.          Closely monitor habitat conditions over a period of
Frog abundance determined by             three months to ensure they are suitable, in                                    Although some declines
standardised transect counts:            particular hydrology (hydro-period), water quality                              and absences, tied more
      • Number of Wallum Sedge           and vegetation.                                                                 to variability in survey
Frogs per 100 m2 of habitat;                                                                                             conditions than any real
      • Number of Giant Barred Frogs     Assess the requirement for additional offsets                                   decline. For example, no
per 500 m of habitat;                    where a threatened frog population is no longer                                 works/habitat removal had
      • Number of adult male Green-      present in a previously occupied area, and this                                 occurred at the time
thighed Frogs per Stage 1 survey         habitat is deemed unsuitable for the target                                     surveys were undertaken
(breeding survey) (as outlined in        species.                                                                        at Site 10.
Section 4.3).
Underpass Structure Monitoring
The use of the structure by less than    Review monitoring methods where goals are not          No relevant at this      Not Applicable                   Not applicable                          Not Applicable
1% of the estimated population size.     achieved, by increasing frequency, intensity and       point in time.
                                         duration, to ensure individuals are identified.        Structures are not
Connectivity structures not                                                                     operational.
maintained (i.e. culverts clogged with   Survey habitat adjoining the connectivity structures
debris or sedimentation). Frog           and undertake Landscape improvement (planting,
exclusion fencing damaged or             weed removal) to improve habitat functionality.
ineffective.
                                         Survey and monitor crossing structures and frog
                                         fencing to ensure they are functional (i.e. are
                                         adequately maintained, including fencing is not
                                         damaged, and connectivity structure is operating
                                         correctly). Monitor twice per year.

                                         Assess the need for offsets if connectivity
                                         structures are identified as ineffective over three
                                         consecutive monitoring periods.

                                                                                                           2921718-BDL-Ver3                                                                                                Page 13
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

  Triggers for corrective actions                        Corrective actions                      Relevance to Year 1      Results of Year 1 Green-          Potential Contributing Factors                 Corrective Action Required
                                                                                                 Green-thighed Frog       thighed Frog Monitoring
                                                                                                      Monitoring
Constructed Pond Monitoring
Absence of threatened frogs and          Investigation be undertaken to determine why           No relevant at this       Not Applicable                   Not Applicable                          Not Applicable
metamorphs at the compensatory           there may be a lack of success and, as where           point in time. No ponds
ponds after three years since            recommended, changes be made to the habitat            had been constructed
construction.                            and monitored for effectiveness (i.e. 3 more years     at the time sampling
                                         of monitoring)                                         was undertaken.

                                         Review monitoring methods, considering timing
                                         and weather conditions to ensure individuals are
                                         identified.

                                         Review location of the compensatory pond and
                                         consider moving, and/or modifying or constructing
                                         additional ponds.

                                         Investigate habitat adjoining the upgraded highway
                                         and consider improving habitat condition and
                                         connectivity.
Water pH exceeds 5.5 for Wallum          Investigate ways to reduce pH of water.                Not Applicable            Not Applicable                   Not Applicable                          Not Applicable
Sedge Frog
Visual water quality of the              Complete site specific investigation to identify the   Not relevant at this      Not Applicable                   Not Applicable                          Not Applicable
compensatory pond is not similar to      causes of the unsuitable hydrological conditions or    point in time.
nearby unimpacted and/or similar         water quality.
wetlands or is unsuitable for frog
occupation.
No persistent water present in ponds     Assess possible causes for water draining from         Not relevant at this      Not Applicable                   Not Applicable                          Not Applicable
(negative hydroperiod) despite recent    the pond and apply                                     point in time.
rainfall.                                physical corrective actions
Mosquito Fish present and                Draining pond to remove Mosquito Fish and allow        No relevant at this       Not Applicable                   Not Applicable                          Not Applicable
threatened frogs / tadpoles absent.      pond fill at the next rain event.                      point in time.
Constructed habitat un-suitable for      Undertake revegetation maintenance, i.e.               Not relevant at this      Not Applicable                   Not Applicable                          Not Applicable
frogs (e.g. wetlands have un-suitable    replanting, erosion control, weed control.             point in time.
hydro-period (as determined from
monitoring events), water quality or
associated vegetation) as detailed in
section 5.4.4.
Revegetated native habitat in poor       Ensure wetlands are functioning as designed and        Not relevant at this      Not Applicable                   Not Applicable                          Not Applicable
condition (e.g. >30% cover died, plant   present suitable habitat in terms of water quality     point in time.
dieback).                                and hydro-period.

                                                                                                           2921718-BDL-Ver3                                                                                                 Page 14
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

  Triggers for corrective actions                      Corrective actions                    Relevance to Year 1     Results of Year 1 Green-          Potential Contributing Factors                 Corrective Action Required
                                                                                             Green-thighed Frog       thighed Frog Monitoring
                                                                                                  Monitoring
Frog absence confirmed following                                                            Not relevant at this     Not Applicable                   Not Applicable                          Not Applicable
monitoring surveys (it should be                                                            point in time.
noted that a pond may be suitable for
frogs, but not colonised).
Riparian Habitat Revegetation
Greater than 10% of riparian plants     Review maintenance schedule for revegetated         Not relevant at this     Not Applicable                   Not Applicable                          Not Applicable
have died after first 12 months of      areas immediately after trigger.                    point in time.
maintenance.                                                                                Landscape and habitat
                                        Replace dead plants within one month of issue       rehabilitation is
Greater than 20% of riparian plants     being identified.                                   expected to
have died after three years of                                                              commence during
maintenance.                                                                                Year 3 of the Green-
                                        Increase weed control if required as soon as        thighed Frog
Total weed coverage is more than        practicable or review control methods being used.   monitoring program
30% in revegetation areas.
                                        Install physical measures to halt bank erosion
                                        within one month of issue being identified.
Bank erosion causes unforeseen
revegetation area instability.

                                                                                                       2921718-BDL-Ver3                                                                                                Page 15
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

6.0      CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Year 1 monitoring surveys were undertaken during a series of staggered rainfall events resulting from mid summer
thunderstorms in January and some prominent tropical low pressure systems in mid March and later from ex tropical
cyclone Debbie in late March. This produced a number of suitable rainfall events which resulted in stage one calling
surveys being conducted between early January and late March. As a consequence, calling male frogs were recorded at
four sites and observed at another two sites whilst the follow up post breeding surveys confirmed breeding had been
successful at a few sites around Grafton airport and Glenugie State Forest.

The performance indicators of the monitoring program have been recently updated to reflect the actual number of frogs
recorded rather than relying on the numbers of calling males. With this in mind, there had been a recorded decline at Site
8A but this was by a number of one frog, and this is likely to change when surveys coincide with other suitable rainfall
events. Declines were similarly recorded at Site 10, however, the simple fact that no habitat disturbance had taken place
illustrates there are other contributing factors, namely localised thunderstorms make it difficult to standardise and
implement a sampling strategy when rainfall differs over a few kilometres.

In light of the Year 1 findings, the following recommendations have been outlined in Table 6-1.

Table 6-1. W2B Year 1 Sections 3-8 recommendations and RMS responses.
     ID No                       Recommendation                                              Roads and Maritime Response
 1           The calling/breeding survey should occur twice within any            Not Adopted – Monitoring to continue in accordance
             given season so that it can accommodate for localised                with the baseline surveys and approved Threatened
             rainfall events and improve the opportunity to records frogs.        Frog Management Plan.

 2           The compensatory Green-thighed Frog breeding ponds be                Noted – Compensatory breeding ponds will be
             identified. The TFMP currently notes “These will be                  installed in accordance with the Threatened Frog
             constructed where breeding habitat will be directly impacted         Management Plan.
             by the project (Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-3) or changed
             hydrological patterns have the potential to affect the
             suitability of breeding habitat areas adjacent to the corridor”.

 3           Access be obtained for any construction related automated            Adopted - RMS has provided the author with access
             weather station located between the following chainages:             to the projects automated weather stations
             a. Ch.55000-75000; and
             b. Ch. 95000-123000.

 4           Ensure Year 2 monitoring provides a review of the targeted           Pre-clearing survey results form part of a separate
             pre clearing survey results for Green-thighed Frog surveys.          report with associated review of results, and if
                                                                                  required, recommendations for consideration for
                                                                                  future pre-clearing surveys.

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WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

7.0      REFERENCES

Anstis, M. (2002). Tadpoles of South-eastern Australia. A guide with keys. Sydney, NSW: Reed New Holland.

Barker, J; Grigg, G; and Tyler, M.J. (1995). A field guide to Australian Frogs. Surrey Beauty and Sons, Chipping Norton,
NSW.

Cogger, H.G. (1995). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 5th edition. Reed Books, Sydney.

BoM (2016/2017). New Italy & Grafton Airport NSW. Daily weather observation. Bureau of Meteorology. Accessed 1st
June 2015. http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/201404/html/IDCJDW2043.201404.shtml

DEC (2004). Threatened biodiversity survey and assessment: Guidelines for developments and activities. Working Draft.
NSW Department of Environment and Conservation. November 2004.

DECC (2008). Hygiene protocol for the control of disease in frogs. NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change.
April 2008.

Ehmann, H. (1997). Threatened Frogs of New South Wales. Habitats, Status and Conservation. Green-thighed Frog.
Published by Frog and Tadpole Study Group of NSW Inc, PO Box A2405, Sydney South 2000.

Lemckert, F.L. & Slatyer, C. (2002). Short-term movements and habitat use of the green-thighed frog, Litoria brevipalmata
(Anura: Hylidae). Australian Zoologist 32:56-61.

Lemckert, F., Mahony, M., Brassil, T. & Slatyer, C. (2006). The biology of the threatened Green-thighed Frog Litoria
brevipalmata (Anura: Hylidae) in the central and mid-north coastal areas of New South Wales. Australian Zoologist
33:337-344.

Niche (2014). Woolgoolga to Ballina Upgrade Green-thighed Frog Baseline Surveys Baseline Monitoring Survey Report
prepared for the RMS by Niche Pty Ltd.

Lewis, B.D. (2000). Record of the green-thighed frog (Litoria brevipalmata) from north-east New South Wales.
Herpetofauna 30 (2): 7-9.

Lewis, (2013a) Pacific Highway Upgrade: Arrawarra to Halfway Creek targeted frog survey. Report prepared for PB-
ARUP Joint Venture by Lewis Ecological Surveys, April 2013.

Lewis, (2013b) Pacific Highway Upgrade: Halfway Creek to Glenugie targeted frog survey. Report prepared for PB-ARUP
Joint Venture by Lewis Ecological Surveys, April 2013.

Lewis, B.D. (2015). Woolgoolga to Ballina: Green-thighed Frog 2015 Pre-construction Baseline Monitoring Report. Report
prepared for the NSW Roads and Maritime Services by Lewis Ecological Surveys. ©

Lewis, B.D. (2017). Woolgoolga to Ballina: Giant Barred Frog Year 1 Monitoring Report for Sections 1 and 2. Report
prepared for the NSW Roads and Maritime Services by Lewis Ecological Surveys. ©

Murphy, M.J and Turnbill, J. 1999. A new locality for the threatened Green-thighed Frog (Litoria brevipalmata) in
coastal north-east New South Wales. Australian Zoologist 31 (1) 225-9.

Nattrass, A.E.O & Ingram, G.J. (1993). New records of the rare Green-thighed Frog. Mem. Qld Mus. 33 (1):348.

                                                    2921718-BDL-Ver3                                                                   Page 17
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

RMS (2015). Threatened Frog Species Management Plan. Woolgoolga to Ballina – Pacific Highway Upgrade. Report
prepared by the NSW Roads and Maritime Services, Aurecon and Sinclair Knight Merz, AMEC Foster-Wheeler. March
2013.

                                               2921718-BDL-Ver3                                                                   Page 18
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1 DURING CONSTRUCTION

           8.0        APPENDIX A – GREEN-THIGHED FROG SURVEY SUMMARY DATA & SEASONAL RAINFALL CONDITIONS
           Table A1. Summary of Green-thighed Frog surveys in Sections 3-7: Year 1 (2017).
                                                                                                        No.
                                              Stage 1                                                 Calling                    Stage 2       Days       No.
BACI   Adjacent                  Easting                   Time    AT     Hum                                      No. Frogs                                      No.    No.   Breeding
                  Site Name                   Survey                            Wind   Rain   CC       Males                     Survey        After      Sub                                          Comments
Site   Chainage                  Northing                 (24hr)   oC      %                                      Spotlighted                                     Juv   Tads   Confirmed
                                               Date                                                 (chorusing                    Date       Chorusing   Adults
                                                                                                     intensity)
                  Pheasant        E:502672
6A      35200     Creek          N:6704172    no data                                                                                                                                      No access permitted at this time
                                                                                                                                                                                           Stage 1 calling survey had four
                                  E:501766                                                                                                                                                 amplecting pairs and this
                  Airport        N:6706969                0300-                                                                                                                            probably reflected in number of
6B      38000     Road                       17.03.2017   0330     21     87     0      1     90        18             15       27.04.2017      41         0      23     0        yes      juveniles recorded
                                                                                                                                                                                           Sporadic use of small pools
                                  E:503837
                  Old Six Mile                            0349-                                                                                                                            often where trees had blown
                                 N:6706546
7A      38000     Lane                       17.03.2017   0417     21     83     0      1     90        12             14       27.04.2017      41         0       3     0        yes      over.
                                                                                                                                                                                           Breeding likely to have been
                                                                                                                                                                                           successful given the follow up
                                  E:505733                                                                                                                                                 rain events. Calling/breeding
                                 N:6703338                                                                                                                                                 more likely to have happened at
                  Glenugie                                2130-                                                                                                                            the end of March rather than
7B      35000     East                       17.03.2017   2155     21     85     0      1     80        0              1        27.04.2017      41         0       4     0        yes      time of mid March survey.
                  Tyndale
                                  E:513362
        64700     Crown                                   0340-                                                                                                                            Ponds were dry at time of post
                                 N:6727361
8A                Reserve                     7.1.2017    0410     22.2   88     0      2     100       0              0        26.02.2017      50         0       0     0        no       breeding survey
                  Pine Brush      E:517300                0425-                                                                                                                            Ponds were dry at time of post
        57500
8B                State Forest   N:6719708    7.1.2017     455     22     85     0      1     80        0              1        26.02.2017      50         0       0     0        no       breeding survey
                                                                                                                                                                                           Ponds were dry at time of post
                                                                                                                                                                                           breeding survey. Surveys in
                                  E:520731                0240-
        102500    JackyBulbin                 7.1.2017             22     85     0      1     80        8              8                                                                   March and post breeding
                                 N:6758742                 310
                                                                                                                                                                                           thereafter likely to yield differing
9A                                                                                                                              26.02.2017      50         0       0     0        no       results.
                                                                                                                                                                                           Ponds were dry at time of post
                                                                                                                                                                                           breeding survey. Surveys in
                  Tabbimoble      E:525262                0120-
        111500                                7.1.2017             22     85     0      1     90        6              7                                   0       0     0        no       March and post breeding
                  East           N:6767265                 150
                                                                                                                                                                                           thereafter likely to yield differing
9B                                                                                                                              26.02.2017      50                                         results.
                                                                                                                                                                                           Ponds were dry at time of post
                  Tabbimoble      E:527238                0000-                                                                                                                            breeding survey. Surveyed
        118500                                7.1.2017             22.3   88     0      1     80        0              0                                   0       0     0        no
                  North          N:6772864                0020                                                                                                                             again in mid March and late
10A                                                                                                                             26.02.2017      50                                         March 2017 but still no frogs.
                                                                                                                                                                                           Ponds were dry at time of post
                  Glencoe         E:524143                0040-                                                                                                                            breeding survey. Surveyed
        114000                                7.1.2017             22.3   88     0      1     80        0              0                                   0       0     0        no
                  Road           N:6769665                0100                                                                                                                             again in mid March and late
10B                                                                                                                             26.02.2017      50                                         March 2017 but still no frogs.

                                                                                                    2921718-BDL-Ver3                                                                                                      Page 19
WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA: SECTION 3-8 GREEN-THIGHED FROG MONITORING: YEAR 1

Table A2. Rainfall recorded between October 2016 and May 2017 from New Italy station (058097) (BoM 2017).
Red shaded area reflects likely breeding/calling event.
    Station New Italy        Number: 58097
                  Oct        Nov       Dec            Jan          Feb             Mar              Apr             May
   Graph
     1st           0          0            0            0            0               2               0                0
     2nd           0          0            0            0            0               0               0                0
     3rd           0          0            0           76            0               0               2                0
     4th          5.2         0           18.2          0            0               0              4.2               2
     5th           0          0            0            0            0              5.4              9               15
     6th           0          0           22          67.2           0              2.4              15               3
     7th           0          0            1          33.4           0               0               0               3.2
     8th           0          0            8            0            0               0             15.2               0
     9th           0          0           28            0           5.6              0              1.8               0
    10th           0          18           0            0            0               0               0              13.4
    11th           0          0            0            0            0               0               0                8
    12th           0          0            0          24.4           0               0               0                0
    13th           0          0            0            4            0               0               0               2.6
    14th           0          0            0            4            0             12.2              0               3.2
    15th           0          0.6          0            0            0             37.6              0                0
    16th           0          1.8          0            0            0             89.4              0                0
    17th           0          0            0            0            0               0               0                0
    18th           5          0            4            0            0             83.2              0                0
    19th           0          0            0            0           0.4            248              5.6               0
    20th           0          0            0            0           3.2            35.4              4              17.6
    21st           0          0           0.6          24           5.4             1.2              3                0
    22nd           0          0            0           1.6           0               4              3.6               0
    23rd           4          0            0            0            0               0               0                0
    24th           0          0            0            0            0              15               0                0
    25th           0          0            0            0            0               4               0                0
    26th           0          0            0            0            0               0              2.2               0
    27th           0          0           15.2          8           9.6              0               0                0
    28th          7.2         0            0           6.6         74.6              0               0                0
    29th         12.2         17           0            0                            0               0               2.6
    30th           0                       0            0                           36               0                0
    31st           0                       0            0                         287.2                               0
   Highest
                 12.2         18          28           76          74.6           287.2            15.2             17.6
    Daily
   Monthly
                 33.6        37.4         97          249.2        98.8            863             65.6             70.6
    Total

                                                       2921617-BDL-Vers3                                                                        Page 20
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