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

December 2016

Site – Shelley Beach

Contents: Site Description

2

Discussion

3

Recommendations

3

Weeds on Site

4

Site Specific Actions

5

Treatment Recommendations

6

Shelley Beach Site Visit Notes Attending

C. Kahler and J. Rains

Survey Date

6/10/2016

Tenure

National Park

Site Location

0m E 473304

Regional Ecosystem:

(GMA, GDA94)

0m N 7878742

11.2.5

General Description

Mixed plant communities including Melaleuca dealbata and Corymbia tessellaris dominated woodlands on both dune (LZ 2) and alluvial (LZ 3) land zones, patches of beach scrub plants. Low dune, sandy soil with little cohesion.

Above: Shelley Beach overview; AECOM (2008) sites marked with a red cross, REs with yellow lines, field traverse tracks with green and scrub patches orange hash.

Above: Existing scrub patches marked with an orange hash.

Canopy Height

Canopy: 6-10m

Canopy Species

EDL Species: Mixed sclerophyll and softwood scrub species.

General condition notes

The two sites surveyed by AECOM (2008) and others were visited in the hope of finding a patch of beach scrub large enough to fit a standard BioCondition site in. No patch was found. AECOM (2008) sites 1 and 3 appear to have been surveyed in an area of alluvial soil (field texture tests showed the soil to be a loam or sandy loam) and site 2 on a similar soil type. Dune sand was found and a search made for semi-evergreen vine thicket. No patch large enough for a full or even half sized site was found although a series of small patches dominated by scrub species were located and their boundaries marked with GPS.

Management Issues

No area of beach scrub large enough to survey exists on site. Smaller patches do exist, separated by Corymbia tessellaris woodland (RE 11.2.5).

Suggested Actions

If deemed desirable, link together smaller patches already identified through careful weeding of exotic species including grasses and some form of revegetation. Consider using vegetative means to establish EDL scrub species in gaps between patches. Tubestock planting carries risk of heavy losses on such free-draining sites. Timing with respect to seasonal rainfall will be critical to success.

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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 Yasi apparently impacted the northern 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.

Threats 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 Error! Reference source not found.). 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*).

Opportunities At two sites, opportunities exist for expanding the extent of beach scrub. The Shelley Beach area contains patches of beach scrub currently too small to fit a BioCondition site in. It may be possible to link these smaller patches by careful weeding and revegetation, however, the gaps between them are currently occupied by the Corymbia tessellaris woodland RE, 11.2.5.

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.

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Weeds identified on site include, but are not limited to: Table 1: Prioritised Weeds Priority Order

Scientific Name

Common Name

Life Form

Plant Species

1 (Very High)

Jatropha gossypiifolia

Bellyache Bush

F

1 (Very High)

Lantana camara*

lantana

S

1 (Very High)

Megathyrsus maximus*

Guinea grass

G

1 (Very High)

Ziziphus mauritiana

Chinee Apple

S

2 (High)

Catharanthus roseus*#

periwinkle

F

2 (High)

Melinis repens

Red Natal Grass

G

2 (High)

Passiflora foetida*

stinking passionfruit

V

2 (High)

Tamarindus indica*#

tamarind

T

3 (Moderate)

Abutilon grandifolium

Hairy Indian Mallow

F

3 (Moderate)

Mesosphaerum suaveolens*

hyptis

F

3 (Moderate)

Sida rhombifolia

Sida Retusa

F

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

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Site Specific Actions Shelley Beach

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 Woody weeds 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 Woody weeds

o Woody weeds

o Woody weeds

o Woody weeds

o Woody weeds

o Others as time

o Others as time

o Others as time

o Others as time

o Others as time

permits

permits

permits

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permits

permits

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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. Bellyache Bush Larger infestations of this Weed of National Significance will need chemical application for control. For small outbreaks, the plants can be handpulled before the seed sets. Be sure to wear gloves as people can have a bad reaction to this plant. http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/plants/weeds-pestanimals-ants/weeds/a-z-listing-of-weeds/photo-guideto-weeds/bellyache-bush http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/001 1/66737/IPA-Bellyache-Bush-PP45.pdf http://www.environment.gov.au/cgibin/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/weeddetails.pl?taxon_i d=7507 http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/0303080 0-0b07-490a-8d040605030c0f01/media/Html/Jatropha_gossypiifolia.htm

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Lantana Lantana can be controlled in small outbreaks by digging or chipping out the plants. Alternatively, partially cutting the plant back and basal bark spraying it, according to the Fact Sheet is effective. https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industry/agriculture/s pecies/invasive-plants/restricted/lantana http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/000 9/62010/IPA-Lantana-PP34.pdf http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/000 8/77669/IPA-Lantana-Herb-Bro.pdf http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Ht ml/lantana_camara.htm

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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

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Chinee Apple For trees less than 5cm in diameter, the basal bark method is effective. Anything larger than this will need to be cut and painted. http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/plants/weeds-pest-animalsants/weeds/a-z-listing-of-weeds/photo-guide-toweeds/chinee-apple http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/000 8/52766/IPA-Chinee-Apple-PP26.pdf

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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

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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. http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/03030800 -0b07-490a-8d040605030c0f01/media/Html/Melinis_repens.htm

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Stinking Passion Flower Stinking passion flower is best controlled by handpulling the vines before the fruit ripens. Large infestations will need chemical application of a broad leaf selective herbicide such as Amicide™ http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/plants/weeds-pest-animalsants/weeds/a-z-listing-of-weeds/photo-guide-toweeds/stinking-passion-flower http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/plants/weeds-pest-animalsants/weeds/a-z-listing-of-weeds/photo-guide-toweeds/stinking-passion-flower/?a=55322

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Tamarind Control this environmental weed by basal bark spraying the trunk with Access™ and diesel or Vigilant™. Seedlings will need to be controlled also and the area will need to be monitored. http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/03030800 -0b07-490a-8d040605030c0f01/media/Html/Tamarindus_indica.htm

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Hairy Indian Mallow Small outbreaks can be handpulled. Larger outbreaks may be sprayed with either a broadleaf selective herbicide or a woody weed herbicide, depending on the size of the plants. http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Ht ml/abutilon_grandifolium.htm

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Hyptis Hyptis is best controlled in small outbreaks by handpulling the plants. For larger outbreaks apply broadleaf selective or slash high to 30cm before seed sets. http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/001 6/56401/IPA-Horehound-PP120.pdf http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Ht ml/mesosphaerum_suaveolens.htm

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Sida or Sida retusa Sida is normally controlled by hand weeding or by cultivation, but this should be done before flowering. Larger infestation will need to be controlled with careful application of broad leaf selective herbicide. http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/03030800 -0b07-490a-8d040605030c0f01/media/Html/Sida_rhombifolia.htm

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