NQ Dry Tropics Beach Scrub BioCondition Report (Site specific extract)

December 2016

Site – Kings Beach #2

Contents: Site Description

2

On-ground Works Prioritisation

5

Discussion

5

Recommendations

6

Weeds on Site

7

Site Specific Actions

8

Treatment Recommendations

9

S13 King’s Beach 02 – BioCondition Assessment Results.

Biocondition Assessment S13 King’s Beach 02 – Landscape view and aerial view.

S13 King’s Beach 02 – view north, centre of plot.

S13 King’s Beach 02 – view east, centre of plot.

S13 King’s Beach 02 – view south, centre of plot. S13 King’s Beach 02 – view west, centre of plot. Attributes Maximum Score Site Score Site-based condition Large Trees 15 5 attributes. Tree Canopy Height 5 4 Recruitment of Canopy Species 5 5 Tree Canopy Cover 5 1.5 Shrub Cover 5 5 Coarse Woody Debris 5 2 Native Plant Species Richness 20 7.5 Non-native Plant Cover 10 5 Native Perennial Grass Cover 5 0 Litter Cover 5 5 Landscape attributes Size of Patch 10 10 (fragmented) Context 5 4 Connection 5 5 Adjusted Total: 90 65.6 BioCondition Class: 2 Site Specific Notes: Site moved around 40m to the southeast to avoid nearby mangrove community.

RDB40 Action Plan Kings Beach #2 December 2016

2

S13 King’s Beach 02 - Site Survey and Management Notes Attending

C. Kahler and J. Rains

Survey Date

14/10/2016

Tenure

State Land

Site Location

0m E 631737

50m E 631738

Regional Ecosystem:

(GMA, GDA94)

0m N 7787606

50m N 7787556

11.2.3

General Description

Semi-evergreen vine thicket. Low tree diversity. Low crowns and large bare patches between trees or scrub clumps; only just above mangrove level, low deflated dunes; sandy soil with little cohesion.

Size of Polygon

18.2 ha

Size of Patch

522.3ha

Connectivity

100%

Context

73% (Remnant), 0.9% (Regrowth)

Canopy Height

Canopy: 8m Sub-canopy: 4.5m

Canopy Species

EDL Species: Acacia oraria, Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Diospyros geminata, Mimusops elengi, Pleiogynium timorense, Terminalia arenicola. Sub-dominant: EDL species and includes: Acacia salicina, Alectryon connatus, Alphitonia excelsa, Croton arnhemicus, Drypetes deplanchei, Ficus rubiginosa.

Shrub Species

Includes: Capparis lucida, Capparis sepiaria, Clerodendrum floribundum, Eugenia reinwardtiana, Exocarpos latifolius, Sarcostemma viminale subsp. brunonianum, Tephrosia filipes.

Vines

Deeringia amaranthoides, Ipomoea pes-caprae subsp. brasiliensis, Jasminum didymum, Trophis scandens.

Weeds

Catharanthus roseus*, Megathyrsus maximus*, Melinis repens*.

General condition notes

The patch appears to be subject to periodic natural disturbance, presumably from tidal inundation and exposure to strong winds. Many dead or nearly dead large standing trees.

Management Issues

Rubbish: most dumping seen during survey seems to have been from the back of vehicles. Weeds: the exotic grasses Guinea grass and red Natal grass may pose fire risks if stands become dense.

Suggested Actions

Rubbish: remove existing rubbish and install strong gate on access track. Weeds: control if they become too dense. This site is easily accessible for walkers - it could be used for collection activities if seed is needed for revegetation works elsewhere. It is not recommended effort be spent revegetating this site as the periodic disturbance mentioned above seems to keep it in this depauperate and open state.

Action Prioritisation Score

9/13 Despite a high score, works other than grassy weed control and rubbish collection aren’t recommended for this site. It is expected to transition to mangrove, samphire or saltwater couch community over time.

RDB40 Action Plan Kings Beach #2 December 2016

3

Table 1 S13 King’s Beach 02 Flora and Fauna Species Lists Family Scientific Name

Common Name

Life Form

Plant Species Mimosaceae

Acacia oraria

a wattle

Mimosaceae

Acacia salicina

Sally wattle

T

Sapindaceae

Alectryon connatus

grey bird's eye

T

Rhamnaceae

Alphitonia excelsa

soap tree

T

Nyctaginaceae

Boerhavia sp.

a tarvine

F

Cyperaceae

Bulbostylis barbata

watergrass

F

Capparaceae

Capparis lucida

coast caper

S

Capparaceae

Capparis sepiaria

wild orange

S

Apocynaceae

Catharanthus roseus*

periwinkle

F

Lamiaceae

Clerodendrum floribundum

lolly bush

S

Euphorbiaceae

Croton arnhemicus

hard cascarilla

T

Sapindaceae

Cupaniopsis anacardioides

tuckeroo

Cyperaceae

Cyperus sp.2

Amaranthaceae

Deeringia amaranthoides

shrubby deeringia

Ebenaceae

Diospyros geminata

grey ebony

Putranjivaceae

Drypetes deplanchei

yellow boxwood

T

Myrtaceae

Eugenia reinwardtiana

Cedar Bay cherry

S

Santalaceae

Exocarpos latifolius

beach cherry

S

Moraceae

Ficus rubiginosa

rusty fig

T

Convolvulaceae

Ipomoea pes-caprae subsp. brasiliensis

goat’s foot convolvulus

V

Oleaceae

Jasminum didymum

native jasmine

V

Poaceae

Megathyrsus maximus*

Guinea grass

G

Poaceae

Melinis repens*

red Natal grass

G

Sapotaceae

Mimusops elengi

red condoo

EDL

Anacardiaceae

Pleiogynium timorense

Burdekin plum

EDL

Apocynaceae

Sarcostemma viminale subsp. brunonianum

bandaid bush

S

Poaceae

Sporobolus virginicus

saltwater couch

G

Fabaceae

Tephrosia filipes

Combretaceae

Terminalia arenicola

brown Damson

Moraceae

Trophis scandens

burny vine

Family

EDL

EDL F V EDL

S

Scientific Name

Common Name

EDL V Class

Fauna Species SCINCIDAE

Unknown

a skink

REPTILIA

NECTARINIIDAE

Dicaeum (Dicaeum) hirundinaceum

mistletoebird

AVES

NECTARINIIDAE

Nectarinia jugularis

olive backed sunbird

AVES

COLUMBIDAE

Geopelia striata

peaceful dove

AVES

Table Note: Life Form categories are as follows; E= epiphyte, F= forb, S- shrub, T= tree, V= vine, EDL= species forms part of the canopy or the Ecologically Dominant Layer, #= species in patch but outside plot, * = introduced/weed. Fauna observations were opportunistic only. RDB40 Action Plan Kings Beach #2 December 2016

4

Recommended Prioritisation of Works Site prioritisation scores are given below in Table 2 (extracted) with sites ranked by site number. Table 3 (extracted) lists the sites by on-ground works prioritisation score and includes BioCondition scores and classes. Table 2: On-Ground Works Prioritisation Scores for each Site – Extract Site Attribute and score 1 S13 King’s Beach 02

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Total

2 1 1 3 0 1 0 0 1 9 Notes: WRC controlled site is public land with seasonal only 2WD access, WRC has a record of success in beach scrub regeneration, scrub extent won’t change as a result of works and they will not build on prior investment; it’s likely more than one group can be involved.

Table Note: scores shown are from a maximum total of 13.

BioCondition scores were calculated from values collected onto field sheets during field survey and are given on individual site sheets in the previous section. The BioCondition scores along with each site’s works prioritisation score are given in the following tables. Table 3: Sites Ranked by On-Ground Prioritisation Score – Extract Site Works BioCondition Prioritisation Score Score S13 King’s Beach 02 9 65.6%

BioCondition Class 2

Previous BioCondition Score (Class) n/a

Note: ‘Previous BioCondition Score’ derived from Woodcock (2008a).

Discussion Condition The beach scrubs surveyed are all in good condition. Those managed by public authorities appeared to be in the best condition. Although it is largely impossible to compare BioCondition scores between this survey event and previous ones, a few differences can be detected through checking text used in describing the sites during 2008 survey. The chief changes in condition relate to cyclone damage sustained in the intervening period. Cyclone Louis seems to have impacted the Cape Upstart Central and South sites. Otherwise, management issues for re-surveyed sites seem to have largely remained as they were during the first survey. It seems as though previous investment has been worthwhile with sites treated previously for weeds or other threats returning high BioCondition scores – the prior investment has paid off in terms of resilience and in terms of current landholders’ awareness of the value of these ecosystems.

RDB40 Action Plan Kings Beach #2 December 2016

5

Threats Results of the on-ground BioCondition survey and scoring are given in a site-by-site report (following section) including the BioCondition score break-down, site photos, a small map showing the traversed area within patch, notes on condition and proposed actions as well as a plant species list and a list of any fauna incidentally sighted during the survey. Management issues and suggested actions are also given. A summary of threats to beach scrubs at each site is given in Table 4 (extracted).

Threat

S13 King’s Beach 02

Table 4: Summary of Threats by Site – Extract

Coastal development Tourism and vectors

x

Agriculture Mining Climate change

x

Weed invasion

x

Fire Feral animals Exotic pathogens Other natural disturbances

x

The strongest influences on BioCondition scores appear to be natural disturbances (salt water inundation, strong salt-laden winds, cyclones) although the pressure that represents single greatest potential threat, likely to cause catastrophic and irreversible change is the ever-present likelihood of coastal development. Invasion by transformer weeds and fire are the next most significant onsite threats overall (see Table 4). Weeds, along with inappropriate fire use could severely damage remaining areas. Beach scrub transformer weeds (weeds that can force a significant and perhaps irreversible change in structure and floristics) include rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora*), Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus*) (and other vigorous introduced grasses), lantana (Lantana camara*) and, if infestations are dense enough, corky passion vine (Passiflora suberosa*). Myrtle rust was seen at 2 sites and infected plants were notably lacking in vigour.

Recommendations or Summary Many of the sites surveyed are in good condition (BioCondition class of 1 or 2). Protect these healthier sites from threatening processes, most especially, clearing. The most catastrophic impact on these healthy sites will come from human interaction – clearing for coastal development. High public awareness of their values and TEC listing is most likely the best protection they can be given against this threat. In order to check that beach scrub communities of the NQ Dry Tropics NRM region are maintaining or improving condition it is recommended that this process be repeated in around five to ten years’ time. It should not be necessary to repeat BioCondition immediately following any on-ground works as a way of measuring their success, rather, specific monitoring methods should be devised or used to detect the success or otherwise of any remediation works planned. Wherever it is available, use more current information, particularly on community or landholder willingness to participate, so as to improve the chances of remediation work success. Where it is not at hand, actively seek information from the community to better inform planning and improve the results of on-ground works. Additionally, maintain some planning flexibility so as to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. RDB40 Action Plan Kings Beach #2 December 2016

6

Weeds identified on site include, but are not limited to: Table 5: Prioritised Weeds Priority Order

Scientific Name

Common Name

Life Form

Plant Species

1 (Very High)

Catharanthus roseus*

periwinkle

F

1 (Very High)

Megathyrsus maximus*

Guinea grass

G

Melinis repens*

red Natal grass

G

2 (High)

Table Note: Life Form categories are as follows: E= epiphyte, F= forb, S- shrub, T= tree, V= vine.

RDB40 Action Plan Kings Beach #2 December 2016

7

Site Specific Actions S13 Kings Beach #2

Initial Works

Quarter 4 maintenance

Quarter 5 maintenance

Quarter 6 maintenance

Quarter 7 maintenance

Quarter 8 maintenance

Jan-Mar 2017

Apr – Jun 2017

Jul – Sep 2017

Oct – Dec 2017

Jan – Mar 2018

Apr – Jun 2018

 Time required o 3 days (estimate)  Rubbish clean up o Litter, bottles etc  Weed works o Grass control on

 Time required o 1 day  Rubbish clean up o Litter, bottles etc  Check status of

 Time required o 1 day  Rubbish clean up o Litter, bottles etc  Check status of

 Time required o 1 day  Rubbish clean up o Litter, bottles etc  Check status of

 Time required o 1 day  Rubbish clean up o Litter, bottles etc  Check status of

 Time required o 1 day  Rubbish clean up o Litter, bottles etc  Check status of

previously treated

previously treated

previously treated

previously treated

previously treated

perimeter (guinea

weeds, retreat if

weeds, retreat if

weeds, retreat if

weeds, retreat if

weeds, retreat if

and others)

needed

needed

needed

needed

needed

o Others as time permits

 Weed works

 Weed works

 Weed works

 Weed works

 Weed works

o Grasses

o Grasses

o Grasses

o Grasses

o Grasses

o Others as time

o Others as time

o Others as time

o Others as time

o Others as time

permits

permits

permits

RDB40 Action Plan Kings Beach #2 December 2016

permits

permits

8

Treatment Recommendations All of this information is advisory in nature and not legally binding; the landholder should ensure they follow all governmental and safety regulations when using any weed control methods. Some of these plants are toxic to humans and all care should be taken during their control. Pink or White Periwinkle This is a very toxic and extremely invasive species. It creates runners under the ground making follow up and monitoring vital for successful control. It is also produces large amounts of viable seed so control needs to be done before seed is ripe. Glyphosate at a rate of 36g/10L is recommended. This plant is toxic and the roots have a tendency to break off on continue growing – Hand pulling of this species is not advisable. http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Ht ml/catharanthus_roseus.htm http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ethnobotany/medicin al/ingredients.shtml http://www.growmeinstead.com.au/plant/pinkperiwinkle-sub.aspx

RDB40 Action Plan Kings Beach #2 December 2016

9

Guinea Grass Guinea grass can be controlled in small outbreaks by hand-pulling or digging out the plants. Larger infestation will need to be brush cut back and clumps sprayed with glyphosate or grass-specific herbicide. http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/03030800 -0b07-490a-8d040605030c0f01/media/Html/Megathyrsus_maximus_var. _maximus.htm http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/000 6/67398/IPA-Guinea-Grass-PP82.pdf

RDB40 Action Plan Kings Beach #2 December 2016

10

Red Natal Grass Natal grass is best controlled by mowing or brushcutting the plants before the seed has set. Follow up by spot spraying base being careful not to hit desirables with the spray of glyphosate or grass-specific herbicide. http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/0303080 0-0b07-490a-8d040605030c0f01/media/Html/Melinis_repens.htm

RDB40 Action Plan Kings Beach #2 December 2016

11