Biodiversity Recovery Plan - Lockyer Valley Regional Council

Biodiversity 

Recovery Plan 

for 

Gatton and Laidley Shires 

South-East Queensland 

2003-2008 

A project of the Lockyer Catchment Association 

(LCA) Inc. supported by funding from the 

Threatened Species Network (TSN) Community 

Grants Program, which is a joint program of the 

World Wide Fund For Nature Australia (WWF) 

and the Commonwealth Government 

Natural Heritage Trust (NHT)

A project of the Lockyer Catchment Association (LCA) Inc. supported by funding from the 

Threatened Species Network (TSN) Community Grants Program, which is a joint program of 

the World Wide Fund For Nature Australia (WWF) and the Commonwealth Government 

Natural Heritage Trust (NHT). 

Printed and distributed with the assistance of Gatton Shire Council. 

Boyes, B. (2002). Biodiversity Recovery Plan for Gatton and Laidley Shires, South-East 

Queensland 2003-2008. Lockyer Catchment Association (LCA) Inc., Forest Hill. 

© Bruce Boyes 2002.

Contents 

1. Introduction......................................................................3 

1.1 Approach and scope of recovery plan..................................................................4 

1.2 Significant species and ecological communities covered ....................................5 

1.3 Identification and conservation of critical habitat..............................................5 

1.4 Lockyer Catchment Biodiversity Recovery Project ...........................................6 

1.5 Recovery plan preparation and structure ...........................................................7 

1.6 Integration with other plans and strategies.........................................................8 

1.7 Acknowledgements ................................................................................................9 

1.8 References...............................................................................................................9 

2. Significant species and ecological communities ..........13 

2.1 Plant species..........................................................................................................14 

2.2 Invertebrate species .............................................................................................16 

2.3 Amphibian species ...............................................................................................17 

2.4 Reptile species.......................................................................................................18 

2.5 Bird species...........................................................................................................18 

2.6 Mammal species ...................................................................................................20 

2.7 Ecological communities .......................................................................................21 

3. Threat matrix and recovery action plan......................26 

3.1 Vegetation clearing ..............................................................................................28 

3.2 Inappropriate fire management practices.........................................................31 

3.3 Pest plants.............................................................................................................34 

3.4 Pest animals ..........................................................................................................37 

3.5 Lack of awareness................................................................................................40 

3.6 Inappropriate grazing practices .........................................................................42 

3.7 Inappropriate timber harvesting or timber thinning practices.......................44 

3.8 Impacts on wetlands and riparian areas............................................................47 

3.9 Lack of knowledge ...............................................................................................51 

3.10 Other threats ........................................................................................................53 

3.11 Supporting actions ...............................................................................................57 

1

4. Implementation program..............................................60 

4.1 Monitoring and evaluation..................................................................................61 

4.1.1 Progress made in implementing recovery plan actions............................61 

4.1.2 The efficacy of recovery plan actions ......................................................62 

4.2 Local Government measures ..............................................................................62 

4.2.1 Statutory measures ...................................................................................62 

4.2.2 Voluntary measures..................................................................................65 

4.2.3 Upgrading of GIS data sets ......................................................................65 

4.3 Implementation work plan..................................................................................66 

2

0. Introduction 

3

1.0 Approach and scope of recovery plan 

The introduction of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity 

Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 has substantially strengthened the role and effectiveness of 

threatened species and ecological community recovery planning. Arguably the most 

significant innovation is the ability to prepare multi-species, local or regional recovery plans. 

These new approaches and their benefits are introduced in the Environment Australia booklet 

How to Go About Preparing a Recovery Plan: 

Traditionally recovery plans have been prepared for a single species covering its entire 

range. This may not always be the most effective way of taking action to protect 

threatened species or ecological communities. Where feasible, the Commonwealth is 

therefore encouraging the development of multi-species, local or regional recovery 

plans that focus on particular actions to protect the populations of threatened species in 

a specific area. Often species that occur in the same region are subject to the same 

threats. A set of actions directed towards combating those threats will benefit multiple 

threatened species. The advantage of a local, multi-species or regional approach is that 

it can focus efforts on specific populations of animals and plants and can develop local 

community campaigns to help implement the necessary recovery actions. Further 

benefits include the avoidance of duplication, greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness, 

and the ability to bring together a broader range of interested groups and individuals. 

The favoured approach for scoping a recovery plan should be one that most efficiently 

meets the particular recovery requirements of the species, group of species or 

ecological communities covered. 

The Biodiversity Recovery Plan for Gatton and Laidley Shires, South-East Queensland 2003- 

2008 implements the multi-species and local approaches by carrying out recovery planning 

for all of the significant species and ecological communities within defined Local 

Government areas: 

Local recovery planning The recovery plan covers the Local Government 

areas of Gatton and Laidley Shires and focuses on 

actions to combat the common threats to the 

significant species and ecological communities in 

the Gatton and Laidley Shire area. 

Multi-species recovery planning The recovery plan covers all of the significant 

species and ecological communities within Gatton 

and Laidley Shires, including threatened species and 

ecological communities listed at National and State 

levels and species with regional significance. 

Gatton and Laidley Shires are located within, and comprise most of the land area of, the 

catchment of Lockyer Creek. The Lockyer Catchment is located approximately 100 km west 

of Brisbane, South-East Queensland and is part of the wider Brisbane River Catchment. 

Parts of the 295,400 ha Lockyer Catchment have been cleared for intensive agriculture and 

grazing, resulting in the extensive loss and fragmentation of native vegetation communities 

4

on the alluvial creek flats and adjacent low hills. The Lockyer Catchment uplands retain 

good native vegetation cover, including the 35,000 ha Helidon Hills in the north of the 

catchment and large continuous habitat areas along and adjoining the Great Dividing Range 

in the south and west of the catchment. Overall, approximately 50% of the catchment retains 

native vegetation cover, with this vegetation hosting a large number of significant species and 

ecological communities. 

0.0 Significant species and ecological 

communities covered 


2008 covers: 

0. All of the species in Gatton and Laidley Shires listed as extinct, endangered or vulnerable 

under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation 

(EPBC) Act 1999 - a total of 11 flora species and 15 fauna species. 

0. All of the species in Gatton and Laidley Shires listed as endangered, vulnerable or rare 

under the Queensland Nature Conservation Regulation 1994. 

0. All of the ecological communities in Gatton and Laidley Shires that have a status of 

endangered or of-concern under the Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999 and 

Queensland Vegetation Management (Freehold Lands) Regulation. 

0. Species in Gatton and Laidley Shires identified as having regional significance (within 

the South-East Queensland bioregion). Included are species where biologists have 

expressed concern about decline or potential decline, species that have recently been 

removed (downgraded) from Commonwealth and/or Queensland threatened species lists 

and species with a restricted or disjunct occurrence in the South-East Queensland 

bioregion. 

0.0 Identification and conservation of 

critical habitat 

Regulations under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity 

Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 require a recovery plan to identify, to the extent practicable, 

areas of habitat that are critical to the survival of the species or ecological communities 

covered by the plan. Regulation 7.09 states that the following matters may be taken into 

account when identifying critical habitat: 

• Whether the habitat is used during periods of stress (e.g. flood, drought or fire); 

• Whether the habitat is used to meet essential life cycle requirements (e.g. foraging, 

breeding, nesting, roosting, social behaviour patterns or seed dispersal processes); 

• The extent to which the habitat is used by important populations; 

• Whether the habitat is necessary to maintain genetic diversity and long-term evolutionary 

development; 

5

• Whether the habitat is necessary for use as corridors to allow the species to move freely 

between sites used to meet essential life cycle requirements; 

• Whether the habitat is necessary to ensure the long-term future of the species or 

ecological community through reintroduction or re-colonisation; and 

• Any other way in which habitat may be critical to the survival of a listed threatened 

species or ecological community. 


2008 uses the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regional ecosystem 

classification system to identify critical habitat. The Queensland EPA report The 

Conservation Status of Queensland’s Bioregional Ecosystems highlights the relevance of the 

regional ecosystem classification system to the multi-species and local recovery planning 

approaches of this recovery plan: 

Regional ecosystems are an integrated entity derived from landscape pattern, geology 

and landform, and vegetation, so as to provide a robust classification for biodiversity 

planning that incorporates ecological processes at the landscape scale. This landscape 

approach is developed for biodiversity planning because of the paucity of information 

on the distribution of biota over much of the State. This classification will be useful for 

land use planning and a range of land management activities. 

Information on the exact distribution and life cycle requirements of the significant species 

and ecological communities covered by this recovery plan is very limited, and will remain 

limited for the foreseeable future. This is because of the comparatively large areas of 

vegetation remaining in Gatton and Laidley Shires and limits to the resources that can be 

realistically allocated for the intensive studies needed to locate every population of every 

significant species and to determine all of the life cycle requirements of every significant 

species. However, the recovery of significant species and ecological communities can still be 

achieved by using the regional ecosystem classification system to identify critical habitat for 

significant species and ecological communities, and by identifying management activities 

aimed at maintaining and restoring regional ecosystem ecological processes. This is the aim 

of the Biodiversity Recovery Plan for Gatton and Laidley Shires, South-East Queensland 

2003-2008. 

0.0 Lockyer Catchment Biodiversity 

Recovery Project 

The preparation of the Biodiversity Recovery Plan for Gatton and Laidley Shires, South-East 

Queensland 2003-2008 was an initiative of the Lockyer Watershed Management Association 

(LWMA) Inc. - Lockyer Landcare Group, which in 2002 merged with the Lockyer 

Catchment Coordinating Committee (LCCC) to form the Lockyer Catchment Association 

(LCA) Inc. 

The recovery plan preparation was a component of the Lockyer Catchment Biodiversity 

Recovery Project. The project involved recovery planning and on-ground conservation 

works and was funded from the Threatened Species Network (TSN) Community Grants 

6

Program, which is a joint program of the World Wide Fund For Nature Australia (WWF) and 

the Commonwealth Government Natural Heritage Trust (NHT). 

The recovery team for the Biodiversity Recovery Plan for Gatton and Laidley Shires, South- 

East Queensland 2003-2008 project has been chaired by the Lockyer Watershed 

Management Association (LWMA) Inc. - Lockyer Landcare Group. Members of the 

recovery team include representatives from Landcare and Catchment Management Groups, 

the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA), Gatton and Laidley Shire Councils, The University of Queensland Gatton Campus, 

the University of Southern Queensland, the Toowoomba Bird Observers Group and Greening 

Australia. 

0.0 Recovery plan preparation and 

structure 

This recovery plan consists of a main recovery plan document (this document) and two 

appendices (Appendix A and Appendix B). 

Appendix A and Appendix B have been designed so that they can also be used as stand-alone 

documents to: 

• Assist landholders in Gatton and Laidley Shires to better manage the biodiversity on their 

properties; and 

• Assist the preparation and assessment of development and vegetation clearing 

applications in Gatton and Laidley Shires. 

The recovery plan has been prepared using the following process: 

Step 1 An exhaustive list of significant species and ecological communities present or 

likely to be present in Gatton or Laidley Shires was compiled. This list now 

appears as Section 2 of the recovery plan, and is also reproduced in Appendix B 

of the recovery plan. 

Step 2 A concise description of each significant species and ecological community was 

prepared. The Regional Ecosystem habitat for each significant species was then 

determined, and a list of threats for each significant species and ecological 

community was developed. This description, habitat and threat information now 

appears as Appendix B of the recovery plan. 

Step 3 A threat matrix was prepared using the description, habitat and threat information 

from Step 2. In the threat matrix, significant species and ecological communities 

facing a common range of threats are listed under that key threat group, e.g. 

vegetation clearing, inappropriate fire regimes etc. A list of actions to address 

each threat group was then prepared. This threat matrix and recovery action plan 

now appears as Section 3 of the recovery plan. 

7

Step 4 An implementation program was developed, consisting of monitoring and 

evaluation processes, Local Government measures, and a work plan. This 

implementation program now appears as Section 4 of the recovery plan. 

Step 5 A list of the significant species found in each Regional Ecosystem in Gatton and 

Laidley Shires was prepared, using the Regional Ecosystem habitat information 

from Step 2 above. Management principles for each Regional Ecosystem were 

then prepared, using the threat information from Step 2 above and the action plan 

and implementation program information from Steps 3 and 4 above. These 

Regional Ecosystem management principles now appear as Appendix A of the 

recovery plan. 

0.0 Integration with other plans and 

strategies 

The Lockyer Catchment Association (LCA) Inc. has prepared Caring for our Lockyer 

Catchment - A Natural Resource Management Strategy to guide the sustainable management 

of the catchment into the future. Caring for our Lockyer Catchment establishes management 

actions under five themes: Land, Water, Biodiversity, Understanding and Participation 

(Education), and Integrated Planning and Coordinated Management. The management 

actions have been developed from extensive consultation with landholders, the community 

and government agencies and are consistent with the actions of the Natural Resource 

Management Strategy for South-East Queensland. 

The preparation of the Biodiversity Recovery Plan for Gatton and Laidley Shires, South-East 

Queensland 2003-2008 implements Action 2 under Objective B1 of the “Biodiversity” theme 

of Caring for our Lockyer Catchment. 

Objective B1: Develop community-based strategies to address issues related to the 

following: 

• Biodiversity conservation on public and private land. 

• Rare and threatened species and ecosystems. 

• Significant habitat areas, wildlife corridors and remnant vegetation. 

• Lack of community awareness. 

• Lack of biodiversity data. 

• Impact of weeds and feral animals. 

• Managing fire for biodiversity conservation. 

Action 2: Develop and implement the Recovery Plan for the Threatened Species and 

Ecological Communities of Gatton and Laidley Shires, South-East Queensland. 

8

0.0 Acknowledgements 

The Lockyer Catchment Association (LCA) Inc. thanks the individuals, groups, and agencies 

that have assisted with the preparation of this recovery plan: 

• Provision and interpretation of vegetation mapping - Paul Grimshaw & Raelene Brown, 

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service; Steve Fox & Gayle Drabsch, Lockyer Catchment 

Centre. 

• Preparation of significant species and ecosystem lists - Paul Grimshaw, Queensland 

Parks and Wildlife Service. 

• Collation of significant species, significant ecosystem and habitat data - Paul Grimshaw, 

Tanya Pritchard, Dr. Ian Gynther, Harry Hines & Craig Middleton, Queensland Parks and 

Wildlife Service; Patrick McConnell, University of Southern Queensland. 

• Technical advice - Dyan Currie, Veronica Schilling & Michelle Milton, Gatton Shire 

Council; Jennifer Roughan, Buckley Vann Town Planning Consultants; Paul Grimshaw, 

Dr. Ian Gynther, & Harry Hines, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service; Patrick 

McConnell, University of Southern Queensland; Rod Fensham, Queensland Herbarium; 

Peter Young, Queensland Environmental Protection Agency; Brigitta Wimmer & Liz 

Dovey, Environment Australia. 

• Project funding - Threatened Species Network (TSN) Community Grants Program; 

Lockyer Watershed Management Association (LWMA) Inc. - Lockyer Landcare Group; 

Lockyer Catchment Centre. 

• Project office - Lockyer Catchment Centre. 

• Proof reading of final drafts - Graeme Burkett, Secretary, Biodiversity Subcommittee of 

the Lockyer Catchment Association. 

• Printing, binding and distribution - Gatton Shire Council. 

0.0 References 

Blackley, Roxane (1999). Draft Lockyer Valley Biodiversity Recovery Plan. University of 

Queensland, St. Lucia. 

Boyes, B. (ed) (1999). Rainforest Recovery for the New Millennium. Proceedings of the 

World Wide Fund For Nature Australia (WWF) 1998 South-East Queensland Rainforest 

Recovery Conference. 

Boyes, B. (2000). Gatton Shire Biodiversity Strategy. Lockyer Watershed Management 

Association (LWMA) Inc. - Lockyer Landcare Group, Forest Hill. 

Boyes, B. (2001). Land Use Planning Handbook for the Lockyer Catchment. Lockyer 

Catchment Coordinating Committee (LCCC), Forest Hill. 

Boyes, B. (2001). Living in the Lockyer Property Management Planning Kit. Lockyer 

Catchment Centre, Forest Hill. 

9

Boyes, B., Pope, S and Mortimer, M. (1998). Sustainable Management of the Helidon Hills 

Draft Management Plan. Western Subregional Organisation of Councils (WESROC). 

Brisbane City Council (2000). Brisbane City Plan. 

Brisbane Valley, North Coast and South Coast Working Groups (2002). Draft Regional 

Vegetation Management Plan - South-East Queensland. 

Croft, T., Carruthers, S., Possingham, H and Inns, B. (1999). Biodiversity Plan for the South- 

East of South Australia. Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs. 

Environment Australia (2000). Recovery Plan Guidelines for Nationally Listed Threatened 

Species and Ecological Communities under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and 

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 - How to go about preparing a recovery plan. Draft of 

August 2000. 

Environment Australia (2000). Recovery Plan Guidelines for Nationally Listed Threatened 

Species and Ecological Communities under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and 

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 - Content requirements. Draft of August 2000. 

Forest Assessment Unit, Queensland Department of Environment (1997). Systematic 

Vertebrate Fauna Survey Project. Stage 1 - Vertebrate Fauna Survey in the SEQ Bioregion. 

Queensland CRA/RFA Steering Committee. 

Forest Assessment Unit, Queensland Department of Environment (1997). Systematic 

Vertebrate Fauna Survey Project. Stage 2B - Assessment of Habitat Quality for Priority 

Species in Southeast Queensland Bioregion. Queensland CRA/RFA Steering Committee. 

Fox, S., Johnson, R., Murphy, D. and Patmore, D. (1997). An Assessment of Native 

Vegetation Areas within Laidley Shire. Lockyer Watershed Management Association 

(LWMA) Inc. - Lockyer Landcare Group and the Lockyer Catchment Centre, Forest Hill. 

Gardner, M. (1998). Fire Management Plan - Helidon Hills. The University of Queensland 

Gatton Campus and Gatton Shire Council. 

Gould, L. (2003). Lockyer Wetlands Directory. Lockyer Catchment Centre, Forest Hill. 

Grimshaw, P. (2001). Gatton Shire Vegetation Mapping Report. Queensland Parks and 

Wildlife Service. 

Grimshaw, P. and Brown, R. (2000). Gatton Shire Vegetation Survey. Queensland Parks and 

Wildlife Service. 

Lockyer Catchment Centre (2000). A landholder’s guide to The Rare and Threatened 

Species of the Helidon Hills. Lockyer Catchment Centre, Forest Hill. 

Lockyer Catchment Centre (2000). Living in the Lockyer. A Landholders Guide to Land, 

Water, Wildlife and Vegetation Management in the Lockyer Catchment and Surrounds. 

Lockyer Catchment Centre, Forest Hill. 

Lockyer Catchment Coordinating Committee (2000). Caring for our Lockyer Catchment - A 

Natural Resource Management Strategy. 

10

Maroochy Shire Council (2000). Maroochy Plan 2000. 

Maryborough City Council (2000). Maryborough City Plan. 

Queensland Department of Natural Resources (1997). Delma torquata. Draft Species 

Management Profile. 

Queensland Department of Natural Resources (1996). Calyptorhynchus lathami. Draft 

Species Management Profile. 

Queensland Department of Natural Resources (1997). Delma torquata. Draft Species 


Queensland Department of Natural Resources (1996). Erythrotriorchis radiatus. Draft 


Queensland Department of Natural Resources (1996). Grevillea singuliflora. Draft Species 


Queensland Department of Natural Resources (1996). Ninox strenua. Draft Species 


Queensland Department of Natural Resources (1997). Phebalium obtusifolium. Draft 


Romer, L. (undated brochure). Wanted Coxen’s Fig-Parrot. Coxen’s Fig Parrot Recovery 

Team. 

Ryan, M. (1995). Wildlife of Greater Brisbane. Queensland Museum, Brisbane. 

Sattler, P. and Williams, R.D. (eds) (1999). The Conservation Status of Queensland’s 

Bioregional Ecosystems. Published by Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane. 

Slater, P., Slater, P. and Slater R. (1989). The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds. 

Lansdowne Publishing Pty. Ltd., Sydney. 

South-East Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium (2001). Fire & Nature 

Conservation In Southeast Queensland - An Introduction. 

South-East Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium (2002). Individual Property Fire 

Management Planning Kit. 

South-East Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium (2002). Fire In Bushland 

Conservation - the role of fire in the landscape and how we can manage it for biodiversity 

conservation. 

Stanley, T.D. and Ross, E.M. (1983). Flora of south-eastern Queensland Volume 1. 

Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. 



11



Watson, P. (2001). The role and use of fire for biodiversity conservation in Southeast 

Queensland: Fire management guidelines derived from ecological research. South-East 

Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium. 

Wilkinson, G. and Schwenke, G. (1992). An assessment of the status, values and 

conservation requirements of the native vegetation in Laidley Shire. 

12

0. Significant species and 

ecological communities 

13

1.0 Plant species 

Table 1. Significant flora species covered by the Biodiversity Recovery Plan for 

Gatton and Laidley Shires, South-East Queensland 2003-2008. 

Status legend: X = Extinct; PX = Presumed Extinct; E = Endangered; V = Vulnerable; 

R = Rare; P = Pending; S = Regionally Significant 

Scientific Name 

Common Name 

Status EPBC 

(Commonwealth) 

Status QNCA 

1992 (Qld) 

Acacia blakei subsp. diphylla Blake’s wattle S 

Acacia leichhardtii No common name S 

Acacia montana No common name S 

Allocasuarina inophloia Thready (Woolly)-barked 

oak 

S 

Bertya lapicola subsp. lapicola No common name S 

Bertya opponens Broad-leaved Bertya S 

Boronia splendida 

also includes B. sp. (Kogan L.S. 

Smith 14102) 

Splendid Boronia S 

Bothriochloa bunyensis Bunya bluegrass V V 

Brasenia schreberi Watershield R 

Callistemon formosus White cliff bottlebrush R 

Callitris baileyi Bailey’s cypress pine R 

Carex lophocarpa A sedge S 

Caustis blakei subsp. macrantha 

(Restricted species in trade) 

Foxtails, ‘Koala fern’ V 

Clematis fawcettii No common name V V 

Cyperus gunnii subsp. novaehollandiae 

Flecked flatsedge S 

Cyperus squarrosus Bearded flatsedge S 

Damasonium minus Starfruit S 

Dichanthium setosum Bristly bluegrass V R 

Eryngium vesiculosum Prostrate blue devil S 

14 

Status Regional 

(South-East Qld)

Table 1 (continued). 




Common Name 

Status EPBC 


Status QNCA 

1992 (Qld) 

Eucalyptus bakeri Baker’s mallee S 

Eucalyptus helidonica Helidon Hills white 

mahogany 

S 

Eucalyptus melanoleuca 

(recently downgraded from R) 

Yarraman ironbark S 

Eucalyptus sideroxylon Mugga, red ironbark S 

Eucalyptus taurina Helidon Hills ironbark V 

Floydia praealta Ball nut, Opossum nut V V 

Gahnia clarkei Tall sawsedge S 

Grevillea quadricauda No common name V V 

Grevillea singuliflora Single-flower grevillea R 

Hibbertia monticola Mountain guinea flower R 

Leionema obtusifolium Helidon Hills phebalium V V 

Leptospermum lamellatum No common name S 

Lysicarpus angustifolius Budgeroo S 

Macrozamia lucida Pineapple zamia S 

Melaleuca groveana Grove’s paperbark R 

Melastoma affine Blue tongue S 

Mentha grandiflora Gorge pennyroyal S 

Paspalidium grandispiculatum Helidon Hills panic V V 

Picris evae Hawk weed V V 

Poranthera sp. (Mt Ballow G. 

Leiper AQ502886) 

includes P. sp. (Beerwah D. Hassall 

DH7431) 

Mt Beerwah poranthera S 

Potamogeton pectinatus Sago pondweed S 

Rubus probus A native raspberry S 

15 


(South-East Qld)





Common Name 

Status EPBC 


Status QNCA 

1992 (Qld) 

Sarcochilus dilatatus 

(recently downgraded from R) 

No common name S 

Sophora fraseri Brush sophora V V 

Stemmacantha australis Native thistle V 

Thesium australe Thesium V V 

Triodia sp. Porcupine grass, Spinifex S 

Triplarina bancroftii No common name S 

Wahlenbergia scopulicola No common name R 

0.0 Invertebrate species 

Table 2. Significant fauna species, invertebrates - covered by the Biodiversity 

Recovery Plan for Gatton and Laidley Shires, South-East Queensland 2003-2008. 




Common Name 

Status EPBC 


Nesolycaena albosericea Satin (blue) opal butterfly V 

16 

Status QNCA 

1992 (Qld) 


(South-East Qld) 


(South-East Qld)

3.0 Amphibian species 

Table 3. Significant amphibian species covered by the Biodiversity Recovery Plan for 





Common Name 

Status EPBC 


Status QNCA 

1992(Qld) 

Adelotus brevis Tusked frog S 

Cyclorana alboguttata Greenstripe frog S 

Cyclorana brevipes Superb collared-frog S 

Cyclorana verrucosa Warty water-holding frog, 

Rough frog 

S 

Kyarranus kundagungan Red-and-yellow mountain- 

V 

frog 

Lechriodus fletcheri Black-soled frog V 

Limnodynastes salmini Salmon-striped frog S 

Litoria brevipalmata Green-thighed frog R 

Litoria pearsoniana Cascade treefrog E 

Mixophyes fleayi Fleay’s barred-frog E E 

17 


(South-East Qld)

4.0 Reptile species 

Table 4. Significant reptile species covered by the Biodiversity Recovery Plan for 





Common Name 

Status EPBC 


Coeranoscincus reticulatus Three-toed snake-toothed 

skink 

V R 

Delma torquata Collared delma V V 

Hoplocephalus stephensii Stephen’s banded snake R 

0.0 Bird species 

Status QNCA 

1992 (Qld) 


(South-East Qld) 

Table 5. Significant bird species covered by the Biodiversity Recovery Plan for Gatton 

and Laidley Shires, South-East Queensland 2003-2008. 




Common Name 

Status EPBC 


Accipiter novaehollandiae Grey goshawk R 

Atrichornis rufescens Rufous scrub-bird V 

Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy black-cockatoo V 

Climacteris erythrops Red-browed treecreeper R 

Cyclopsitta diopthalma coxeni Coxen’s fig-parrot E E 

Dasyornis brachypterus Eastern bristlebird E E 

18 

Status QNCA 

1992 (Qld) 


(South-East Qld)





Common Name 

Status EPBC 


Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Black-necked stork R 

Erythrotriorchis radiatus Red goshawk V E 

Falco hypoleucos Grey falcon R 

Geophaps scripta scripta Squatter pigeon (southern V V 

subsp.) 

Status QNCA 

1992 (Qld) 

Grantiella picta Painted honeyeater R 

Lathamus discolor Swift parrot E 

Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed kite R 

Melithreptus gularis Black-chinned honeyeater R 

Menura alberti Albert’s lyrebird R 

Neophema pulchella Turquoise parrot R 

Nettapus coromandelianus Cotton pygmy-goose R 

Ninox strenua Powerful owl V 

Podargus ocellatus plumiferous Plumed frogmouth V 

Psephotus pulcherrimus Paradise parrot X PX 

Rallus pectoralis Lewin’s rail R 

Rostratula benghalensis Painted snipe R 

Stictonetta naevosa Freckled duck R 

Turnix melanogaster Black-breasted button-quail V V 

Tyto novaehollandiae Masked owl (southern subsp.) S 

Tyto tenebricosa Sooty owl R 

Xanthomyza phrygia Regent honeyeater E E 

19 


(South-East Qld)

6.0 Mammal species 

Table 6. Significant mammal species covered by the Biodiversity Recovery Plan for 





Common Name 

Status EPBC 


Status QNCA 

1992 (Qld) 

Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared pied bat R 

Chalinolobus picatus Little pied bat R 

Dasyurus maculatus maculatus Spotted-tailed quoll (southern 

subsp.) 

V V 

Kerivoula papuensis Golden-tipped bat R 

Petrogale penicillata Brush-tailed rock wallaby V V 

Phascolarctos cinereus Koala S 

Potorous tridactylus tridactylus Long-nosed potoroo V V 

Pseudomys novaehollandiae New Holland mouse S 

Pseudomys oralis Hasting’s River mouse E V 

20 


(South-East Qld)

7.0 Ecological communities 

Table 7. Significant ecological communities covered by the Biodiversity Recovery 

Plan for Gatton and Laidley Shires, South-East Queensland 2003-2008. 

1. Regional Ecosystem (RE) descriptions follow Sattler, P.S. & Williams, R.D. (eds) 

1999. The Conservation Status of Queensland’s Bioregional Ecosystems. Queensland 

Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane. 

2. Conservation status is the status under the Queensland Vegetation Management Act 

1999 and Queensland Vegetation Management (Freehold Lands) Regulation. 

Regional 

Ecosystem 

Floristic description (constant 

characteristic species in bold type) 

RE 12.3.3 Eucalyptus tereticornis + Eucalyptus 

crebra + Eucalyptus moluccana + 

Corymbia intermedia + Angophora 

subvelutina/floribunda + Corymbia 

clarksoniana + Corymbia tessellaris. 

RE 12.3.3c 

RE 12.3.7a 

RE 12.3.10a 

Melaleuca irbyana Emergent trees 

may be present e.g. Eucalyptus 

moluccana, E. crebra, E. tereticornis 

and Corymbia citriodora. Casuarina 

glauca or Acacia harpophylla 

occasionally present. Occurs on 

Quaternary alluvial plains. 

Melaleuca bracteata Occurs in 

drainage depressions on Quaternary 

alluvial plains. 

Acacia harpophylla Occurs on 

Quaternary alluvial plains where 

minor areas of cracking clay soils 

prevail. 

RE 12.5.6 Eucalyptus pilularis + Eucalyptus 

microcorys + Eucalyptus helidonica + 

Corymbia trachyphloia + Corymbia 

intermedia + Eucalyptus biturbinata 

+ Angophora woodsiana. 

RE 12.8.2a 

Eucalyptus tereticornis and E. 

melliodora occurring on low hills. 

21 

General 

structure 

Grassy open 

forest to 

woodland 

Low openforest 

or 

thicket. 

Conservation 

status under 

VMA & EPBC 

Endangered 

VMA 

Endangered 

EPBC 

Endangered 

Open-forest VMA 

Under Review 

Open-forest to 

woodland. 

Shrubby to 

grassy open 

forest 

VMA 

Endangered 

EPBC 

Endangered 

Endangered 

Woodland VMA 

Not of concern 

EPBC 

Critically 

Endangered

Table 7. Significant ecological communities covered by the Biodiversity Recovery 

Plan for Gatton and Laidley Shires, South-East Queensland 2003-2008. 







Ecosystem 

RE12.8.8 



Eucalyptus saligna or E. grandis tall 

on Cainozoic igneous rocks 

RE 12.8.9 Lophostemon confertus + 

(Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus 

biturbinata, Eucalyptus eugenioides, 

Eucalyptus melliodora, emergents) + 

Allocasuarina torulosa, with mixed 

rainforest/riparian species and fern 

species. 

RE 12.8.10 Eucalyptus laevopinea, Eucalyptus 

campanulata + Eucalyptus saligna + 

Eucalyptus eugenioides + Eucalyptus 

quadrangulata. 

RE 12.8.16 

Eucalyptus crebra, E. tereticornis 

on Cainozoic igneous rocks. 

RE 12.8.19 Heterogeneous mix of trees 

(stunted), shrubs, forbs and grasses 

including Eucalyptus tereticornis, 

Eucalyptus melliodora, Angophora 

floribunda, Acacia spp., Bursaria 

spinosa var. macrophylla, 

Xanthorrhoea glauca, Hovea spp., 

Doryanthes palmeri, Cassinia spp., 

Pimelia linifolia, Plectranthus 

graveolens, Sorghum leiocladum, 

Poa spp., Themeda triandra, 

Asperula conferta etc. 

22 

General 

structure 

Conservation 

status under 

VMA & EPBC 

Open forest VMA 

Of concern 

EPBC 

Critically 

Endangered 

Tall open 

forest 

Shrubby to 

grassy open 

forest 

VMA Not of 

concern 

EPBC Of 

concern 

Under review 

VMA Of 

concern 

Woodland VMA 

Of concern 

EPBC 

Critically 

Endangered 

Mid-high 

woodland/ 

open 

woodland or 

tall shrubland 

VMA Of 

concern 

EPBC 

Of concern








Ecosystem 



RE 12.8.21 Brachychiton rupestris, Flindersia 

australis, Flindersia collina, Vitex 

lignumvitae, Elattostachys 

xylocarpa, Ficus spp., Dendrocnide 

excelsa, Arytera foveolata + Pouteria 

cotinifolia var. cotinifolia + 

Erythroxylum australe. (Araucaria 

cunninghamii absent in Gatton & 

Laidley Shires) 

RE 12.9/10.3 Eucalyptus moluccana + Corymbia 

citriodora + Eucalyptus crebra + 

Eucalyptus tereticornis + Eucalyptus 

carnea + Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp. 

fibrosa + Eucalyptus major. 

RE 12.9/10.6 Acacia harpophylla + Casuarina 

cristata + Brachychiton rupestris + 

Acacia fasciculifera + Alectryon 

diversifolius + Santalum lanceolatum 

+ Carissa ovata. 

RE 12.9/10.7 Eucalyptus crebra + Eucalyptus 

melanophloia + Eucalyptus 

tereticornis + Corymbia tessellaris + 

Corymbia clarksoniana + 

Allocasuarina luehmannii. 

RE 12.9/10.11 Melaleuca irbyana + Eucalyptus 

moluccana + Eucalyptus tereticornis. 

23 

General 

structure 

Microphyll 

closed forest 

to semievergreen 

vine 

thicket 

sometimes on 

boulder scree 

Grassy 

sometimes 

shrubby open 

forest 

Conservation 

status under 

VMA & EPBC 

Endangered 

Of concern 

Open forest Endangered 

Grassy 

woodland 

(sometimes 

with vine 

thicket 

understorey) 

Low open 

forest or 

thicket with 

emergent 

eucalypts 

Of concern 

Endangered








Ecosystem 



RE 12.9/10.15 Flindersia australis, Flindersia 

collina, Brachychiton rupestris, 

Acacia fasciculifera, Ficus spp. + 

Flindersia xanthoxyla + Vitex 

lignumvitae + Excoecaria 

dallachyana + Pouteria cotinifolia 

var. cotinifolia + Bursaria incana + 

Croton insularis + Drypetes 

deplanchei + Owenia venosa + 

Secamone elliptica. 

RE 12.11.9 Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus 

crebra + Angophora subvelutina + 

Eucalyptus melanophloia + Corymbia 

intermedia + Eucalyptus biturbinata 

+ Eucalyptus eugenioides + 

Eucalyptus melliodora + 

Allocasuarina torulosa. 

24 

General 

structure 

Microphyll 

closed forest 

to semievergreen 

vine 

thicket 

Very tall open 

forest/ 

woodland 

Conservation 

status under 

VMA & EPBC 

Endangered 

Of concern

0. Threat matrix and 

recovery action plan 

26

Acronyms used in recovery action plan 

LCA Lockyer Catchment Association 

GSC Gatton Shire Council 

LSC Laidley Shire Council 

UQGC The University of Queensland Gatton Campus 

EPA Queensland Environmental Protection Agency 

QPWS Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service 

SEQWCG South-East Queensland Western Catchments Group 

27

1.0 Vegetation clearing 

Threats 

0. Loss or fragmentation of significant species populations, significant species habitat or significant ecological communities through vegetation 

clearing. 

Significant species at risk: All of the significant species covered by this recovery plan except Falco hypoleucos and Grantiella picta. 

Significant ecological communities at risk: All of the significant ecosystems covered by this recovery plan. 

0. Loss of trees suitable for nesting through vegetation clearing. 

Significant bird species at risk: Calyptorhynchus lathami, Cyclopsitta diopthalma coxeni, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, Erythrotriorchis radiatus, 

Lophoictinia isura, Neophema pulchella, Nettapus coromandelianus, Ninox strenua, Tyto novaehollandiae, Tyto tenebricosa. 

Significant mammal species at risk: Dasyurus maculatus maculatus. 

0. Loss of trees with decorticating bark through vegetation clearing. 

Significant reptile species at risk: Hoplocephalus stephensii. 

Significant bird species at risk: Climacteris erythrops. 

0. Loss of food trees through vegetation clearing. 

Significant bird species at risk: Calyptorhynchus lathami, Cyclopsitta diopthalma coxeni. 

Significant mammal species at risk: Phascolarctos cinereus. 

0. Loss of trees suitable for roosting through vegetation clearing. 

Significant mammal species at risk: Chalinolobus picatus, Kerivoula papuensis. 

0. Loss or fragmentation of Boronia species populations or species habitat through vegetation clearing. 

Significant invertebrate species at risk: Nesolycaena albosericea. 

28

Recovery objective Performance criteria Actions Timeline Responsibility 

1. To ensure that 

vegetation clearing does 

not cause or contribute 

to: 

• A decline in the 

conservation status 

of Regional 

Ecosystems, 

• A decline in the 

conservation status 

of threatened 

species; or 

• The loss of 

regionally 

significant species. 

• Development applicants are 

required to demonstrate that 

significant species and 

ecological communities will 

not be negatively impacted 

by proposed developments. 

• Vegetation clearing 

applicants are required to 

demonstrate that significant 

species and ecological 

communities will not be 

negatively impacted by 

proposed clearing. 

• Nature Refuge Agreements, 

Voluntary Conservation 

Covenants (VCCs) or 


Agreements (VCAs) are 

secured for significant 

species habitats and 

significant ecological 

communities on private land. 

1 Develop Local Government 

Planning Scheme and/or Local 

Law mechanisms from the 

recommended statutory measures 

in Section 4.2 of this Recovery 

Plan. 

1 Seek the incorporation of the 

significant species and ecological 

community management 

principles identified in this 

recovery plan into the South-East 

Queensland Regional Vegetation 

Management Plan (SEQ RVMP). 

1 Establish Voluntary Conservation 

Covenant (VCC) and Voluntary 

Conservation Agreement (VCA) 

programs in Gatton and Laidley 

Shires (refer Section 4.2 of this 

Recovery Plan). 

1 Negotiate private land Nature 

Refuge Agreements, Voluntary 

Conservation Covenants (VCCs) 

and/or Voluntary Conservation 

Agreements (VCAs) in 

accordance with annual targets 

(refer Action 11A). 

29 

Complete by 

06/03 

Complete by 

06/03 

Complete by 

12/03 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

complete by 

12/08 in 

accordance 

with annual 

targets 

GSC & LSC 

assisted by LCA 

LCA 

GSC & LSC 


GSC & LSC 

assisted by LCA

30 


• Land for Wildlife 

registrations are secured for 

significant species habitats 

and significant ecological 

communities on private land. 

• Property management plans 

are prepared for private 

properties covered by a 

Nature Refuge Agreement, 


Covenant (VCC), Voluntary 

Conservation Agreement 

(VCA) or Land for Wildlife 

registration. 

• The property management 

plans designate significant 



communities, and describe 

conservation measures for 

these areas. 

1 Continue to resource the Land for 

Wildlife program. 

1 Negotiate Land for Wildlife 

registrations in accordance with 

annual targets (refer Action 11A). 

1 Implement property management 

planning programs targeting 

properties covered by a Nature 

Refuge Agreement, Voluntary 

Conservation Covenant (VCC), 


Agreement (VCA) or Land for 

Wildlife registration, in 


(refer Action 11A). 

1 Develop property management 

planning technical notes and 

workshop programs from the 

Regional Ecosystem Management 

Principles identified in 

Appendices A & B of this 

recovery plan, and use these in the 

property management planning 

program. (Refer also to Actions 

5A and 5B) 

Ongoing GSC & LSC 

Complete by 

12/08 in 

accordance 

with annual 

targets 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

complete by 

12/08 in 

accordance 

with annual 

targets 

Complete by 

12/03, then 

review 

annually and 

update as 

required 

GSC & LSC 


GSC & LSC 


GSC & LSC 

assisted by LCA


• Significant species habitats 


communities on public land 

are securely protected. 

1 Seek the protection of significant 

species habitats and significant 

ecological communities on public 

land (including roadsides) by 

conversion to Conservation Park, 

National Park, or other protected 

area under the Queensland Nature 

Conservation Act 1992. 

0.0 Inappropriate fire management practices 

Threats 

Ongoing LCA 

0. The frequent low-intensity burning of shrubby understorey woodlands/forests to reduce fuel loads or promote grass growth for cattle grazing. 

Significant flora species at risk: Acacia blakei subsp. diphylla, Acacia leichhardtii, Acacia montana, Bertya sp. (Helidon Hills G.Leiper AQ457013), Bertya 

opponens, Boronia splendida, Callistemon formosus, Callitris baileyi, Caustis blakei subsp. macrantha, Gahnia clarkei, Grevillea quadricauda, Grevillea 

singuliflora, Leionema obtusifolium, Leptospermum lamellatum, Melaleuca groveana, Melastoma affine, Mentha grandiflora, Paspalidium 

grandispiculatum, Poranthera sp. (Mt Ballow G.Leiper AQ502886), Rubus probus, Sophora fraseri, Triodia sp., Triplarina bancroftii. 


0. The infrequent burning of grassy understorey woodlands/forests. 

Significant flora species at risk: Bothriochloa bunyensis, Dichanthium setosum, Picris evae, Stemmacantha australis, Thesium australe, Wahlenbergia 

scopulicola. 

0. The construction of firebreaks in ecotones and the absence of high-intensity fire in ecotones. 

Significant flora species at risk: Bertya opponens. 

31

0. Fire incursion into rainforest ecosystems as a result of weed or exotic pasture grass invasion. 

Significant flora species at risk: Clematis fawcettii, Floydia praealta, Sarcochilus dilatatus. 

Significant bird species at risk: Turnix melanogaster 

Significant ecological communities at risk: Regional Ecosystem 12.8.21, Regional Ecosystem 12.9/10.6, Regional Ecosystem 12.9/10.15. 

32 

0. Degradation of habitat quality through inappropriate fire regimes 

Significant bird species at risk: Accipiter novaehollandiae, Dasyornis brachypterus, Erythrotriorchis radiatus, Geophaps scripta scripta, Lathamus discolor, 

Lophoictinia isura, Melithreptus gularis, Neophema pulchella, Ninox strenua, Tyto novaehollandiae, Tyto tenebricosa. 

Significant mammal species at risk: Chalinolobus dwyeri, Chalinolobus picatus, Dasyurus maculatus maculatus, Petrogale penicillata, Phascolarctos 

cinereus, Potorous tridactylus tridactylus, Pseudomys novaehollandiae. 

Significant ecological communities at risk: Regional Ecosystem 12.5.6, Regional Ecosystem 12.8.9, Regional Ecosystem 12.8.10, Regional Ecosystem 

12.8.19. 

0. Loss of trees with decorticating bark through inappropriate fire regimes. 



0. Loss or degradation of leaf litter through inappropriate fire regimes. 

Significant bird species at risk: Atrichornis rufescens. 

0. Loss, degradation or modification of leaf litter, surface rocks and logs or subsurface features through inappropriate fire regimes. 

Significant reptile species at risk: Coeranoscincus reticulatus, Delma torquata. 

0. Loss of, or damage to, Allocasuarina plant species or trees with suitable nesting sites through inappropriate fire regimes. 

Significant bird species at risk: Calyptorhynchus lathami. 

0. Loss of, or damage to, fig trees through inappropriate fire regimes. 

Significant bird species at risk: Cyclopsitta diopthalma coxeni. 

0. Lack of recruitment of new trees caused by inappropriate fire regimes. 

Significant ecological communities at risk: Regional Ecosystem 12.3.3.


2. To develop and 

implement fire 

management plans that 

balance the needs of 



with the needs of 

landholders and land 

managers. 

• Fire management plans are 

in place for private 







registration. 

• Fire management plans are 

in place for Conservation 

Parks, National Parks and 

other protected areas. 

• The fire management plans 

result in a decrease in the 

extent to which significant 



communities are subject to 

inappropriate fire regimes. 

2 Implement fire management 









(refer Action 11A). The fire 

management plans are to be 

prepared using Appendices A & B 

of this recovery plan and the 

South-East Queensland Fire and 

Biodiversity Consortium 

Individual Property Fire 

Management Planning Kit, 

ecological guidelines and other 

products. The fire management 

plans should preferably be 

components of overall property 

management plans (refer Action 

1G). 

2 Seek the preparation and 

implementation of fire 

management plans for protected 

areas on public land. 

33 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

complete by 

12/08 in 

accordance 

with annual 

targets 

Ongoing LCA 

GSC & LSC 

assisted by LCA

34 


0.0 Pest plants 

Threats 

2 Develop Local Government 

Planning Scheme and/or Local 

Law mechanisms that regulate 

development in bushfire prone 

areas. The mechanisms should be 

consistent with the South-East 

Queensland Fire and Biodiversity 

Consortium Strategic Fire 

Management Manual, ecological 

guidelines and other products. 

Complete by 

06/03 

GSC & LSC 

0. Invasion by the weed species Lantana camara (lantana). 

Significant flora species at risk: Bothriochloa bunyenensis, Callistemon formosus, Callitris baileyi, Clematis fawcettii, Dicanthium setosum, Floydia 

praealta, Sarcochilus dilatatus, Stemmacantha australis, Thesium australe, Triplarina bancroftii, Wahlenbergia scopulicola. 

Significant bird species at risk: Turnix melanogaster. 

Significant ecological communities at risk: Regional Ecosystem 12.3.3, Regional Ecosystem 12.8.21, Regional Ecosystem 12.9/10.3, Regional Ecosystem 

12.9/10.6, Regional Ecosystem 12.9/10.7, Regional Ecosystem 12.9/10.15, Regional Ecosystem 12.11.9. 

0. Invasion by the weed species Rivina humilis (coral berry). 



Significant ecological communities at risk: Regional Ecosystem 12.8.21, Regional Ecosystem 12.9/10.15.

0. Invasion by the weed species Anredera cordifolia (madeira vine), Macfadyena unguis-cati (cat’s claw creeper) and Protasparagus spp. (asparagus 

fern). 



Significant ecological communities at risk: Regional Ecosystem 12.8.21, Regional Ecosystem 12.9/10.6, Regional Ecosystem 12.9/10.15. 

0. Invasion by the weed species Opuntia tomentosa (tree pear). 

Significant ecological communities at risk: 12.9/10.6. 

0. Invasion by the weed species Bryophyllum tubiflorum (mother of millions). 

Significant flora species at risk: Stemmacantha australis, Thesium australe. 

Significant ecological communities at risk: 12.3.3. 

0. Invasion by the exotic pasture grass species Panicum maximum (green panic). 

Significant flora species at risk: Clematis fawcettii, Floydia praealta, Sarcochilus dilatatus, Stemmacantha australis, Thesium australe. 


Significant ecological communities at risk: Regional Ecosystem 12.3.3, Regional Ecosystem 12.8.21, Regional Ecosystem 12.9/10.6, Regional Ecosystem 

12.9/10.7, Regional Ecosystem 12.9/10.15. 

0. Degradation of habitat quality through weed invasion. 

Significant mammal species at risk: Petrogale penicillata, Phascolarctos cinereus, Potorous tridactylus tridactylus. 

0. Loss or degradation of leaf litter through weed invasion. 


0. Loss, degradation or modification of leaf litter, surface rocks and logs or subsurface features through weed invasion. 

Significant reptile species at risk: Coeranoscincus reticulatus, Delma torquata. 

35

36 


3. To prevent an increase 

in the area of significant 



communities invaded by 

pest plants, and, where 

possible, to decrease the 

area currently invaded. 

• Pest plant management plans 

are in place for private 







registration. 

• Pest plant management plans 

are in place for Conservation 

Parks, National Parks and 

other protected areas. 

• The pest plant management 

plans and associated onground 

actions result in 

preventing an increase in the 

area currently invaded or, 

where possible, result in a 

decrease in the area currently 

invaded. 

3 Prepare new or revised Pest 

Management Plans for Gatton and 

Laidley Shires. The plans are to 

include actions to address the pest 

plant species listed above. 

3 Implement pest plant management 









(refer Action 11A). The plans are 

to be prepared using Appendices 

A & B of this recovery plan and 

be consistent with Pest 


Laidley Shires, and should 

preferably be components of 

overall property management 

plans (refer Action 1G). 

Complete by 

06/03 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

complete by 

12/08 in 

accordance 

with annual 

targets 

GSC & LSC 


GSC & LSC 

assisted by LCA


0.0 Pest animals 

Threats 

3 Seek the preparation of pest plant 

management plans for protected 

areas on public land. The plans 

should be consistent with the Pest 


Laidley Shires. 

3 Facilitate funding and labour 

assistance for landholders to carry 

out on-ground actions to control 

pest plants. The on-ground 

actions should be consistent with 

property management plans. 

Ongoing LCA 



0. Predation by feral animals. 

Significant amphibian species at risk: Mixophyes fleayi. 

Significant reptile species at risk: Coeranoscincus reticulatus, Delma torquata, Hoplocephalus stephensii. 

Significant bird species at risk: Atrichornis rufescens, Dasyornis brachypterus, Geophaps scripta scripta, Menura alberti, Rallus pectoralis, Rostratula 

benghalensis, Turnix melanogaster. 

Significant mammal species at risk: Dasyurus maculatus maculatus, Petrogale penicillata, Phascolarctos cinereus, Pseudomys novaehollandiae, Pseudomys 

oralis. 

37

0. Possible predation by feral animals. 

Significant amphibian species at risk: Lechriodus fletcheri, Litoria pearsoniana. 

0. Possible predation by feral animals, including the possible predation of eggs and tadpoles by exotic fish species. 

Significant amphibian species at risk: Litoria brevipalmata. 

0. Competition from feral animals. 

Significant mammal species at risk: Dasyurus maculatus maculatus, Petrogale penicillata. 

0. Competition from introduced house mice. 

Significant mammal species at risk: Pseudomys novaehollandiae, Pseudomys oralis. 

0. Competition from introduced herbivores. 

Significant mammal species at risk: Potorous tridactylus tridactylus. 

0. Predation by domestic dogs. 


0. Being caught in traps set for animals such as rabbits and foxes. 


0. Possible poisoning from the ingestion of baits set for wild dogs and dingoes. 


0. Habitat degradation through disturbance by feral pigs. 

Significant bird species at risk: Dasyornis brachypterus. 

0. Degradation of water quality and riparian vegetation arising from feral animal disturbance. 

Significant amphibian species at risk: Kyarranus kundagungan. 

0. Possible poisoning from the ingestion of cane toads (Bufo marinus). 


38


4. To prevent an increase 

in the area of significant 



communities currently 

affected by pest animals, 

and, where possible, to 

decrease the area 

currently affected. 

• Pest animal management 

plans are in place for private 







registration. 

• Pest animal management 

plans are in place for 

Conservation Parks, National 

Parks and other protected 

areas. 

• The pest animal management 

plans result in either 

preventing an increase in the 

area currently affected or 

facilitating a decrease in the 

area currently affected. 

4 Prepare new or revised Pest 


Laidley Shires. The plans are to 

include actions to address the pest 

animal species listed above. 

4 Implement pest animal 

management planning programs 

targeting properties covered by a 


Voluntary Conservation Covenant 

(VCC), Voluntary Conservation 




(refer Action 11A). The plans are 

to be prepared using Appendices 

A & B of this recovery plan and 

be consistent with Pest 


Laidley Shires, and should 




39 

Complete by 

06/03 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

complete by 

12/08 in 

accordance 

with annual 

targets 

GSC & LSC 


GSC & LSC 


& UQGC

40 


0.0 Lack of awareness 

Threats 

4 Seek the preparation of pest 

animal management plans for 

protected areas on public land. 

The plans should be consistent 

with the Pest Management Plans 

for Gatton and Laidley Shires. 



out on-ground actions to control 

pest animals. The on-ground 

actions should be consistent with 

property management plans. 

Ongoing LCA 



& UQGC 

0. A lack of awareness by landholders, community members and decision-makers in regard to the significant species and ecological communities 

of Gatton and Laidley Shire and their conservation requirements. 

Significant species at risk: All of the significant species covered by this recovery plan. 

Significant ecological communities at risk: All of the significant ecological communities covered by this recovery plan.


5. Landholders and land 

managers gain an 

understanding of the 



on their area and the 

conservation 

requirements of these 

species and 

communities. 

• The landholders of private 







registration and the land 

managers responsible for 

protected areas on public 

land can identify their 


ecological communities and 

can demonstrate an 

awareness of their 

conservation requirements. 

5 Prepare, publish and distribute 

written information that assists 

landholders and land managers to 

identify significant species and 

ecological communities and their 

conservation requirements. The 

information should be prepared 

using Appendices A & B of this 

recovery plan, and be presented in 

a form that allows inclusion in 

property management planning 

kits and allows for easy updating. 

(Refer also to Action 1H). 

5 Host field days, workshops and 

other events to educate 

landholders and land managers in 

the identification and conservation 

of significant species and 

ecological communities. (Refer 

also to Action 1H). 

41 

Complete by 

12/03, then 

review 

annually and 

update as 

required 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

then ongoing 

GSC & LSC 


GSC & LSC 

assisted by LCA

6.0 Inappropriate grazing practices 

Threats 

42 

0. Degradation of habitat through inappropriate grazing practices. 

Significant flora species at risk: Acacia leichhardtii, Acacia montana, Allocasuarina inophloia, Bothriochloa bunyenensis, Callistemon formosus, Callitris 

baileyi, Clematis fawcettii, Dicanthium setosum, Eucalyptus bakeri, Floydia praealta, Gahnia clarkei, Grevillea quadricauda, Grevillea singuliflora, 

Leionema obtusifolium, Leptospermum lamellatum, Macrozamia lucida, Melaleuca groveana, Melastoma affine, Mentha grandiflora, Paspalidium 

grandispiculatum, Picris evae, Poranthera sp. (Mt. Ballow G. Leiper AQ502886), Rubus probus, Sarcochilus dilatatus, Sophora fraseri, Stemmacantha 

australis, Thesium australe, Triplarina bancroftii, Wahlenbergia scopulicola. 

Significant bird species at risk: Dasyornis brachypterus, Erythrotriorchis radiatus, Geophaps scripta scripta, Lathamus discolor, Melithreptus gularis, 

Menura alberti, Psephotus pulcherrimus, Turnix melanogaster, Xanthomyza phrygia. 

Significant mammal species at risk: Dasyurus maculatus maculatus, Petrogale penicillata, Phascolarctos cinereus, Potorous tridactylus tridactylus. 


12.8.21, Regional Ecosystem 12.9/10.6, Regional Ecosystem 12.9/10.15. 

0. Lack of recruitment of new trees caused by inappropriate grazing practices. 

Significant ecological communities at risk: Regional Ecosystem 12.3.3. 

0. Loss or degradation of leaf litter through inappropriate grazing practices. 


0. Loss, degradation or modification of leaf litter, surface rocks and logs or subsurface features through inappropriate grazing practices. 

Significant reptile species at risk: Coeranoscincus reticulatus, Delma torquata.


6. To decrease the area of 

significant species 

habitats and significant 


currently affected by 

inappropriate grazing 

practices. 

• Grazing management plans 

are in place for private 

grazing properties covered 

by a Nature Refuge 

Agreement, Voluntary 

Conservation Covenant 

(VCC), Voluntary 



registration. 

• Grazing management plans 

are in place for relevant 

Conservation Parks, National 

Parks and other protected 

areas. 

• The grazing management 

plans result in a decrease in 

the extent to which 





6 Implement grazing management 









(refer Action 11A). The grazing 




CSIRO publication Balancing 

Conservation and Production: 

Understanding and Using 

Landscape Thresholds in Property 

Planning. The grazing 

management plans should 




regimes. 6 Seek the preparation and 

implementation of grazing 

management plans for relevant 


43 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

complete by 

12/08 in 

accordance 

with annual 

targets 

Ongoing LCA 

GSC & LSC 

assisted by LCA

44 




out on-ground actions to manage 

grazing, including the fencing of 

significant areas to exclude stock 

or control stock access. The onground 

actions should be 

consistent with property 

management plans. 



0.0 Inappropriate timber harvesting or timber thinning practices 

Threats 

0. Degradation of habitat caused by inappropriate timber harvesting or inappropriate timber thinning practices. 

Significant flora species at risk: Acacia leichhardtii, Acacia montana, Allocasuarina inophloia, Bothriochloa bunyenensis, Callistemon formosus, Callitris 

baileyi, Dicanthium setosum, Gahnia clarkei, Grevillea quadricauda, Grevillea singuliflora, Leionema obtusifolium, Leptospermum lamellatum, 

Macrozamia lucida, Melastoma affine, Paspalidium grandispiculatum, Poranthera sp. (Mt. Ballow G. Leiper AQ502886), Rubus probus, Sophora fraseri, 

Triplarina bancroftii. 

Significant bird species at risk: Accipiter novaehollandiae, Erythrotriorchis radiatus, Geophaps scripta scripta, Lathamus discolor, Lophoictinia isura, 

Melithreptus gularis, Menura alberti, Neophema pulchella, Ninox strenua, Podargus ocellatus plumiferous, Tyto novaehollandiae, Tyto tenebricosa, 

Xanthomyza phrygia. 

Significant mammal species at risk: Chalinolobus dwyeri, Chalinolobus picatus, Dasyurus maculatus maculatus, Kerivoula papuensis, Petrogale 

penicillata, Phascolarctos cinereus. 


12.9/10.3.

0. Loss or fragmentation of species populations or species habitat through inappropriate timber harvesting practices or inappropriate timber 

thinning practices. 

Significant flora species at risk: Eucalyptus helidonica, Eucalyptus melanoleuca, Eucalyptus sideroxylon, Eucalyptus taurina, Lysicarpus angustifolius. 

0. Loss of, or damage to, Allocasuarina plant species through inappropriate timber harvesting practices or inappropriate timber thinning 

practices. 

Significant bird species at risk: Calyptorhynchus lathami. 

0. Loss of, or damage to, fig trees through inappropriate timber harvesting practices or inappropriate timber thinning practices. 

Significant bird species at risk: Cyclopsitta diopthalma coxeni. 

0. Loss of trees with decorticating bark through inappropriate timber harvesting practices or inappropriate timber thinning practices. 



0. Lack of recruitment of new trees caused by inappropriate timber harvesting practices or inappropriate timber thinning practices. 

Significant ecological communities at risk: Regional Ecosystem 12.3.3. 

0. Loss of trees suitable for nesting through inappropriate timber harvesting practices or inappropriate timber thinning practices. 

Significant bird species at risk: Calyptorhynchus lathami, Cyclopsitta diopthalma coxeni, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, Erythrotriorchis radiatus, 

Lophoictinia isura, Neophema pulchella, Nettapus coromandelianus, Ninox strenua, Tyto novaehollandiae, Tyto tenebricosa. 


0. Loss of food trees through inappropriate timber harvesting practices or inappropriate timber thinning practices. 

Significant bird species at risk: Calyptorhynchus lathami, Cyclopsitta diopthalma coxeni. 


0. Loss of trees suitable for roosting through inappropriate timber harvesting practices or inappropriate timber thinning practices. 

Significant mammal species at risk: Chalinolobus picatus, Kerivoula papuensis. 

45

46 


0. To decrease the area of 

significant species 

habitats and significant 


currently affected by 

inappropriate timber 

harvesting and timber 

thinning practices. 

• Timber harvesting and 

timber thinning management 

plans are in place for private 

grazing properties covered 

by a Nature Refuge 

Agreement, Voluntary 

Conservation Covenant 

(VCC), Voluntary 



registration. 

• Timber harvesting and 


plans are in place for 

relevant areas on public land. 

• The timber harvesting and 


plans result in a decrease in 

the extent to which 





regimes. 

7 Implement timber harvesting and 










(refer Action 11A). The grazing 




native forest management and 

timber thinning guidelines 

referred to in the Regional 

Vegetation Management Plan - 

South East Queensland. The 

timber harvesting and timber 

thinning management plans 

should preferably be components 

of overall property management 


Commence 

by 12/03, 

complete by 

12/08 in 

accordance 

with annual 

targets 

GSC & LSC 

assisted by LCA


7 Seek the preparation and 

implementation of timber 

harvesting and timber thinning 

management plans for relevant 


0.0 Impacts on wetlands and riparian areas 

Threats 

Ongoing LCA 

0. Alteration of stream flows. 

Significant amphibian species at risk: Adelotus brevis, Cyclorana alboguttata, Cyclorana brevipes, Cyclorana verrucosa, Limnodynastes salmini. 

0. Alteration of wet/dry cycles of ephemeral wetlands and ponds. 

Significant amphibian species at risk: Cyclorana alboguttata, Cyclorana brevipes, Cyclorana verrucosa, Limnodynastes salmini. 

0. Alteration of the wet/dry cycles of ephemeral wetlands. 

Significant flora species at risk: Brasenia schreberi, Carex lophocarpa, Cyperus gunnii subsp. novae-hollandiae, Cyperus squarrosus, Damasonium minus, 

Eryngium vesiculosum, Potamogeton pectinatus. 

Significant bird species at risk: Accipiter novaehollandiae, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, Falco hypoleucos, Melithreptus gularis, Nettapus coromandelianus, 

Stictonetta naevosa. 

0. Drainage of wetlands. 

Significant bird species at risk: Nettapus coromandelianus, Rallus pectoralis, Rostratula benghalensis, Stictonetta naevosa. 

47

48 

0. Cultivation. 




0. Siltation, pollution or exotic water-weed invasion of streams and ponds. 

Significant amphibian species at risk: Adelotus brevis. 

0. Siltation, pollution or exotic water-weed invasion of wetlands and ponds. 


0. Siltation, pollution or exotic water-weed invasion of wetlands. 




Rallus pectoralis, Rostratula benghalensis, Stictonetta naevosa. 

0. Degradation of water quality and riparian vegetation arising from inappropriate timber harvesting practices, inappropriate grazing practices, 

weed invasion and pollution. 

Significant amphibian species at risk: Kyarranus kundagungan, Litoria brevipalmata, Litoria pearsoniana, Mixophyes fleayi. 

0. Modification of the vegetation fringing ephemeral wetlands and ponds through clearance, inappropriate fire regimes, weed invasion or exotic 

pasture grass invasion. 


0. Modification of the vegetation fringing wetlands through clearance, inappropriate fire regimes, weed invasion or exotic pasture grass invasion. 


Stictonetta naevosa.

0. Modification of riparian vegetation and the vegetation fringing wetlands through clearance, inappropriate fire regimes, weed invasion or exotic 

pasture grass invasion. 



Significant bird species at risk: Rallus pectoralis, Rostratula benghalensis. 

0. Clearance or fragmentation of riparian vegetation. 


0. Modification of riparian vegetation through inappropriate fire regimes, inappropriate grazing practices or weed invasion. 


0. Habitat degradation through inappropriate timber harvesting practices, inappropriate grazing practices, weed invasion and pollution. 

Significant amphibian species at risk: Lechriodus fletcheri. 

0. Modification of the vegetation covering the floor of ephemeral wetlands and ponds during the dry stage of the wet/dry cycle through clearance, 

inappropriate fire regimes, weed invasion or exotic pasture grass invasion. 


0. Modification of the vegetation covering the floor of ephemeral wetlands during the dry stage of the wet/dry cycle through clearance, 

inappropriate fire regimes, weed invasion or exotic pasture grass invasion. 



Significant bird species at risk: Accipiter novaehollandiae, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, Falco hypoleucos, Melithreptus gularis, Stictonetta naevosa. 

0. Disease. 

Significant amphibian species at risk: Lechriodus fletcheri, Litoria brevipalmata, Litoria pearsoniana, Mixophyes fleayi. 

0. Reductions in the availability of prey species caused by the loss or modification of wetlands. 

Significant bird species at risk: Erythrotriorchis radiatus. 

49

50 


8. To develop and 

implement wetland and 

riparian area 

management strategies 

that integrate the 

conservation needs of 

significant species with 

agricultural land use 

needs. 

• Riparian areas are protected 

from further degradation, 

and where possible 

rehabilitated. 

• Wetland areas are protected 

from further degradation, 

and where possible 

rehabilitated. 

8 Develop and implement programs 

to protect and rehabilitate riparian 

areas in accordance with 


recovery plan, Caring for our 

Lockyer Catchment - A Natural 

Resource Management Strategy, 

and annual targets (refer Action 

11A). 

8 Develop and implement programs 

to protect and rehabilitate 

wetlands in accordance with 


recovery plan, the Lockyer 

Wetlands Directory, and annual 

targets (refer Action 11A). 


assistance for landholders to 

protect and rehabilitate riparian 

areas and wetlands. 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

complete by 

12/08 in 

accordance 

with annual 

targets 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

complete by 

12/08 in 

accordance 

with annual 

targets 

GSC & LSC 


GSC & LSC 



assisted by LCA

9.0 Lack of knowledge 

Threats 

0. A lack of knowledge in regard to the presence/absence of particular significant species in the recovery plan area. 

Significant flora species at risk: Floydia praealta, Picris evae, Thesium australe, Triodia sp., Wahlenbergia scopulicola. 


Significant amphibian species at risk: Litoria brevipalmata, Litoria pearsoniana. 


Significant bird species at risk: Atrichornis rufescens, Cyclopsitta diopthalma coxeni, Dasyornis brachypterus, Podargus ocellatus plumiferous, Psephotus 

pulcherrimus, Tyto tenebricosa. 

Significant mammal species at risk: Dasyurus maculatus maculatus, Pseudomys oralis. 

0. A lack of knowledge in regard to the presence/absence of the species in Regional Ecosystems 12.3.3, 12.8.14, 12.8.19 and 12.9/10.7. 

Significant flora species at risk: Stemmacantha australis. 

0. Limited knowledge in regard to habitat requirements. 

Significant flora species at risk: Hibbertia monticola. 

0. A lack of knowledge in regard to which species of Triodia is present in Cambooya Shire. 

Significant flora species at risk: Triodia sp. 

51

52 


9.0 To determine the 

presence/absence of 

particular significant 

species that may 

potentially occur in 

the recovery plan area. 


presence/absence of 

Stemmacantha 

australis in Regional 

Ecosystems 12.3.3, 

12.8.14, 12.8.19, and 

12.9/10.7. 


habitat requirements 

of Hibbertia 

monticola. 


species of Triodia 

present in Cambooya 

Shire. 

• The presence of all of the 

significant species that may 

potentially occur in the 

recovery plan area, as listed 

above, is confirmed/denied. 

• The presence of all 

Stemmacantha australis in 

Regional Ecosystems 12.3.3, 

12.8.14, 12.8.19, and 

12.9/10.7 is 

confirmed/denied. 

• Habitat requirements are 

identified. 

• The species of Triodia is 

identified. 

9 Carry out surveys and studies. 

Revise Sections 2 and 3 and 

Appendices A and B of this 

recovery plan as required. 













Commence 

by 12/03, 

complete by 

12/04 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

complete by 

12/04 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

complete by 

12/04 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

complete by 

12/04 

GSC & LSC 


GSC & LSC 


GSC & LSC 


GSC & LSC 

assisted by LCA

10.0 Other threats 

Threats 

0. Over-harvesting for flora trade. 

Significant flora species at risk: Caustis blakei subsp. macrantha. 

0. Inappropriate road maintenance activities. 

Significant flora species at risk: Eucalyptus bakeri, Grevillea quadricauda, Triplarina bancroftii. 

0. Traffic. 

Significant bird species at risk: Tyto novaehollandiae. 


0. Illegal collection. 

Significant flora species at risk: Sarcochilus dilatatus. 

0. Illegal collection of eggs. 

Significant bird species at risk: Calyptorhynchus lathami, Cyclopsitta diopthalma coxeni, Erythrotriorchis radiatus. 

0. Deliberate shooting. 

Significant bird species at risk: Accipiter novaehollandiae, Erythrotriorchis radiatus, Lophoictinia isura. 

0. Reduction in breeding success caused by pesticide residues in the food chain. 


0. Possible reduction in breeding success caused by pesticide residues in the food chain. 

Significant bird species at risk: Accipiter novaehollandiae. 

0. Abandonment of nest sites caused by humans coming too close to nest sites. 


53

0. Possible reduction in prey availability. 

Significant bird species at risk: Tyto novaehollandiae. 

0. Possible competition for nectar from some larger species of honeyeater which have benefited from habitat fragmentation. 

Significant bird species at risk: Xanthomyza phrygia. 

54 


10.0 To prevent the overharvesting 

of Caustis 

blakei subsp. 

macrantha. 

10.0 To prevent damage to 

populations of 

Eucalyptus bakeri, 

Grevillea quadricauda 

and Triplarina 

bancroftii from road 

maintenance 

activities. 

10.0 To prevent traffic 

causing the death or 

injury of 

Phascolarctos 

cinereus and Tyto 

novaehollandiae. 

• Harvesting activities do not 

contribute to a decline in 

species populations and 

numbers. 

• Road maintenance activities 

do not contribute to a decline 

in species populations and 

numbers. 

• Traffic does not contribute to 

a decline in species 

populations and numbers. 

10 Develop and implement measures 

to prevent the over-harvesting of 

Caustis blakei subsp. macrantha. 


to protect Eucalyptus bakeri, 

Grevillea quadricauda and 

Triplarina bancroftii and their 

habitats from damage due to road 

maintenance activities. 


to protect Phascolarctos cinereus 

and Tyto novaehollandiae from 

death or injury due to traffic. 

Complete by 

12/03 

Complete by 

12/03 

Complete by 

12/03 

EPA/QPWS 

GSC & LSC 


GSC & LSC 

assisted by LCA


10.0 To discourage the 

illegal collection of 

Sarcochilus dilatatus. 

10.0 To discourage human 

contact with nest sites 

of Calyptorhynchus 

lathami, Cyclopsitta 

diopthalma coxeni and 

Erythrotriorchis 

radiatus. 

10.0 To discourage the 

deliberate shooting of 

Accipiter 

novaehollandiae, 


radiatus and 

Lophoictinia isura. 

10.0 To encourage the 

reduced use of 

pesticides in areas 

frequented by 


radiatus and Accipiter 

novaehollandiae. 

• Known locations of 

Sarcochilus dilatatus are not 

publicly revealed. 

• Nest site locations are not 

publicly revealed. 

• Education programs are 

implemented. 

• Education programs are 

implemented. 

10 Ensure that Sarcochilus dilatatus 

locations on GIS or other 

databases are not shown or made 

available to the public. 

10 Ensure that nest site locations on 

GIS or other databases are not 

shown or made available to the 

public. 

10 Education programs are 

implemented to promote an 

awareness of the values and 

benefits of Accipiter 

novaehollandiae, Erythrotriorchis 

radiatus and Lophoictinia isura. 

(Refer also to Actions 5A & 5B). 

10 Education programs are 

implemented to promote an 

awareness of the values and 

benefits of Erythrotriorchis 

radiatus and Accipiter 

novaehollandiae and the risk that 

pesticides pose to the survival of 

these species. (Refer also to 

Actions 5A & 5B). 

55 

Commence 

immediately, 

then ongoing 

Commence 

immediately, 

then ongoing 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

then ongoing 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

then ongoing 

GSC & LSC 


GSC & LSC 


GSC & LSC 


GSC & LSC 

assisted by LCA

56 


10.0 To determine whether 

reduction in prey 

availability is 

affecting Tyto 

novaehollandiae. If 

so, to initiate recovery 

actions. 

10.0 To determine if 

competition for nectar 

from some larger 

species of honeyeater 

is affecting 

Xanthomyza phrygia. 

If so, to initiate 

recovery actions. 

• Studies are carried out. 10 Carry out studies to determine 

whether reduction in prey 

availability is affecting Tyto 

novaehollandiae. Develop and 

implement management strategies 

if required. 

• Studies are carried out. 10 Carry out studies to determine if 

competition for nectar from some 

larger species of honeyeater is 

affecting Xanthomyza phrygia. 

Develop and implement 

management strategies if required. 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

complete by 

12/05 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

complete by 

12/05 

GSC & LSC 


& QPWS 

GSC & LSC 


& QPWS

11.0 Supporting actions 


11.0 To establish targets 

for recovery plan 

actions. 

• Annual targets for each of 

the years 2003 to 2008 are 

established and incorporated 

into the Regional Natural 

Resource Management Plan 

for the Western Catchments 

of South East Queensland. 

• The progress of recovery 

plan implementation meets 

or exceeds the annual 

targets. 

11 Establish annual targets for each 

of the years 2003 to 2008 for the 

implementation of Actions 1D, 

1F, 1G, 2A, 3B, 4B, 6A, 7A, 8A 

and 8B. The targets must be: 

• Quantifiable (i.e. state the 

number of properties or 

hectare area which will be 

achieved). 

• Location-specific (i.e. state the 

exact sub-catchment or 

bushland area where 

implementation will occur). 

• Sufficient to ensure the 

achievement of all relevant 

recovery objectives and 

performance criteria. 

• Developed using Appendices 

A & B of this recovery plan, 

EPA Southeast Queensland 

Biodiversity Planning 

Assessment, Lockyer Wetlands 

Directory, and any other 

relevant documents. 

57 

Complete by 

12/03 

LCA assisted by 

GSC, LSC & 

SEQWCG

58 


11.0 To secure an adequate 

level of resourcing for 

the implementation of 

recovery plan actions. 

• A level of resourcing is 

secured that will enable the 

implementation of all 

recovery plan actions in 

accordance with determined 

targets. 

11 Allocate and/or seek funding and 

other resources that will enable 

the implementation of all recovery 

plan actions in accordance with 

the targets determined under 

Action 11A. Funding and other 

resources are to be allocated from 

the budgets of Gatton and Laidley 

Shire Councils and sought from 

programs such as the Natural 

Heritage Trust (NHT), National 

Action Plan for Salinity and water 

Quality (NAPSWQ) and Green 

Corps. 

Commence 

by 12/03, 

then ongoing 

GSC & LSC 


& SEQWCG

0. Implementation program 

60

1.0 Monitoring and evaluation 

Monitoring and evaluation of this recovery plan is to be carried out annually by the 

Biodiversity Sub-Committee of the Lockyer Catchment Association (LCA) Inc. and reported 

to Environment Australia, Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Queensland 

Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), Queensland Department of Natural Resources and 

Mines (DNR&M), South East Queensland Western Catchments Group (SEQWCG), Gatton 

Shire Council and Laidley Shire Council. The first monitoring and evaluation is to be carried 

out by the Biodiversity Sub-Committee in February 2004. 

The monitoring and evaluation process will include: 

• Monitoring and evaluating the progress made in implementing recovery plan actions; and 

• Monitoring and evaluating the efficacy of recovery plan actions. 

0.0.0 Progress made in implementing recovery plan actions 

Monitoring and evaluating the progress made in implementing recovery plan actions will 

include an assessment of: 

• The number of development applications and clearing permit applications assessed using 

the Regional Ecosystem Management Principles in Appendices A & B of this recovery 

plan. 

• The number of hectares of private land covered by a conservation agreement (Nature 

Refuge Agreement, Voluntary Conservation Covenant, Voluntary Conservation 

Agreement or Land for Wildlife registration). 

• The existence of targets for recovery plan actions. 

• The amount of funding secured for the implementation of recovery actions. 

• The proportion of conservation agreement land covered by property management plans, 

and the extent to which property management plans designate significant species habitats 

and significant ecological communities. 

• The number of hectares of public land secured by conversion to Conservation Park or 

National Park or other form of protected area. 

• The proportion of private and public land covered by a fire management plan. 

• The proportion of private and public land covered by a pest plant management plan. 

• The proportion of private and public land covered by a pest animal management plan. 

• The proportion of landholders and land managers who can identify the significant species 

and ecological communities on their land and can demonstrate an awareness of their 

conservation requirements. 

• The proportion of private and public land covered by a grazing management plan. 

• The proportion of private and public land covered by a timber harvesting and thinning 

management plan. 

• The number of wetlands protected or rehabilitated. 

61

• The length of riparian vegetation protected or rehabilitated. 

0.0.0 The efficacy of recovery plan actions 

Monitoring and evaluating the efficacy of recovery plan actions will include an assessment 

of: 

• The area that has been cleared of (a) endangered Regional Ecosystems, (b) of-concern 

Regional Ecosystems, (c) not-of-concern Regional Ecosystems that are significant species 

habitat, and (d) wetlands. 

• The extent to which fire management plans have resulted in a decrease in the significant 

species habitats and significant ecological communities that are subject to inappropriate 

fire regimes. This will be determined using representative monitoring sites. 

• The extent to which pest plant management plans and associated on-ground actions have 

resulted in preventing an increase in the area currently invaded or have resulted in a 

decrease in the area currently invaded. This will be determined using representative 

monitoring sites. 

• The extent to which pest animal management plans and associated on-ground actions 

have resulted in preventing an increase in the area currently affected or have resulted in a 

decrease in the area currently affected. This will be determined using representative 

monitoring sites. 

• The extent to which wetland management plans and associated on-ground actions have 

resulted in preventing an increase in the area currently affected by threats or have resulted 

in a decrease in the area currently affected by threats. This will be determined using 

representative monitoring sites. 

• The extent to which grazing management plans, sustainable timber thinning practices and 

other recovery actions result in the maintenance of, or improvement of, habitat quality. 

This will be determined using representative monitoring sites. 

0.0 Local Government measures 

The Lockyer Catchment Association (LCA) Inc. will work with Gatton Shire Council and 

Laidley Shire Council to assist them to adopt the following recommended conservation 

measures. These measures implement recovery plan Actions 1A and 1C (refer to Section 

3.1). 

0.0.0 Statutory measures 

Development proposals in Gatton and Laidley Shires should be assessed using the Regional 

Ecosystem management principles identified in Appendices A and B of this recovery plan. 

To facilitate this assessment, Gatton and Laidley Shire Council should each prepare either a 

Planning Scheme Code/Policy or Local Law using: 

• Appendices A and B of this recovery plan; 

• Gatton Shire Vegetation Mapping Report (Grimshaw, 2001) or An Assessment of Native 

Vegetation Areas within Laidley Shire (Fox et al, 1997); 

62

• Land Use Planning Handbook for the Lockyer Catchment (Boyes, 2001); 

• The Queensland Environmental Protection Agency Southeast Queensland Biodiversity 

Planning Assessment (current version); and 

• The recommended Performance Criteria and Acceptable Measures from the table below. 

Recommended Performance Criteria Recommended Acceptable Measures 

P1. Populations of significant species 

and their habitats and other 

identified significant habitat areas 

must be retained, or where degraded, 

rehabilitated, and the impacts of 

development must be minimised. 

P2. The relatively unfragmented nature 

of native vegetation areas must be 

maintained. 

P4. Ecological corridors must be 

identified and retained or reestablished 

to maintain, improve or 

create connectivity between habitat 

areas and to allow wildlife 

movement between habitat areas. 

A1.1 Known populations of significant 

species that occur in the area are 

conserved. 

A1.2 Surveys are undertaken to identify any 

additional populations and these are 

also conserved. 

A1.3 An environmental management plan is 

prepared and implemented which 

addresses matters identified in 

Appendices A and B of the 

Biodiversity Recovery Plan for Gatton 

and Laidley Shires, South-East 

Queensland 2003-2008. 

A1.4 Where applicable, a fire management 

plan is prepared as part of an 

environmental management plan, that 

demonstrates fire regimes suitable for 

conserving significant species and 

ecological communities. 

A1.5 Biodiversity assessment information 

accompanying applications is 

comprehensive, competent and 

adequate. 

A2.1 Development occurs within existing 

cleared areas on a site. 

A2.2 There is no or minimal clearance of 

vegetation in identified significant 

habitat areas. 

A4.1 Development does not occur in 

locations that would preclude or 

significantly diminish the retention or 

re-establishment of ecological 

corridors linking with identified 

significant habitat areas. 

63

P5. Development layout, planning and 

construction must minimise impacts 

on the edges of native vegetation 

(“edge effects”) as a result of: 

• Garden plants that are potential 

bushland weeds; 

• Domestic animals that could 

prey on native wildlife; 

• Rubbish dumping that could 

cause pollution of habitat or pose 

a risk to wildlife that may forage 

rubbish for food; 

• Light pollution that may pose a 

risk to wildlife, in particular 

nocturnal wildlife; 

• Noise pollution that may pose a 

risk to wildlife; and 

• Vandalism that may pose a risk 

to native vegetation and wildlife. 

P6. Development layout, planning and 

construction must minimise impacts 

on waterways and wetlands, with 

regard to: 

• Surface and ground water flow 

patterns of waterways and 

wetlands; 

• The effects of siltation or 

pollution; and 

• The wet/dry cycles of seasonally 

inundated (ephemeral) wetlands. 

P7. Significant habitat areas are given 

secure protection. 

A4.2 Degraded ecological corridors are 

rehabilitated or re-established. 

A5.1 Appropriate separation or buffering is 

provided to minimise the impact of 

edge effects. 

A5.2 Landscaping predominantly involves 

the use of native species typical of the 

particular ecosystem. 

A5.3 Landscaping does not involve any 

species known to invade or that could 

potentially invade significant habitat 

areas. 

A5.4 An environmental management plan is 

prepared and implemented which 

addresses measures to control edge 

effects. 

A6.1 Appropriate separation or buffering is 

provided to minimise impacts on 

waterways or wetlands. 

A6.2 Riparian or wetland vegetation and 

habitat is retained or, where in a 

degraded state, rehabilitated. 

A6.3 Specific management principles 

outlined Appendices A and B of the 

Biodiversity Recovery Plan for Gatton 

and Laidley Shires, South-East 

Queensland 2003-2008 and Lockyer 

Wetlands Directory are implemented. 

A7.1 Significant habitat areas are subject to 

a Nature Refuge Agreement, 

Voluntary Conservation Agreement, 

Voluntary Conservation Covenant, or 

Land for Wildlife registration, or are 

transferred to community ownership 

or control (such as Council or 

community group trusteeship). 

64

2.0.0 Voluntary measures 

The biodiversity policies of Gatton and Laidley Shires should include a range of voluntary 

measures to complement the statutory measures in Section 4.2.1 

The clearance of native vegetation in Gatton and Laidley Shires is now at a very low level, 

with most landholders valuing and appreciating their native vegetation. However, some 

clearance of significant vegetation is still occurring. In this context, the best outcomes will 

be achieved through a balance of both statutory and voluntary measures. 

The voluntary measures should comprise conservation agreement programs and landholder 

incentives. The conservation agreement programs should include Land for Wildlife and both 

Voluntary Conservation Agreements (VCAs) and Voluntary Conservation Covenants 

(VCCs). The conservation agreement program developed by Crows Nest Shire Council 

provides a useful model. Recommended landholder incentives for Gatton and Laidley Shires 

are: 

• Bonus development rights - ecotourism. Landholders who want to establish an 

ecotourism enterprise on their property receive discounts on application fees and other 

charges in return for conserving areas of native vegetation. 

• Bonus development rights - subdivision. Landholders are given the right to carry out 

limited subdivision of their property in return for conserving areas of native vegetation. 

• Valuation concessions. Landholders are given valuation concessions in return for 

conserving areas of native vegetation. 

• Rate rebates. Landholders are given a rebate on their annual rates bill in return for 

conserving areas of native vegetation. 

• Management assistance. Landholders are given grant funding to assist them with the 

costs of managing areas of native vegetation (e.g. grant funding to assist with pest 

management, fire management, or grazing management). 

• Significant species and ecological community technical notes. Landholders are given 

technical notes that help them to identify and manage the significant species and 

ecological communities on their properties. 

Further information about recommended landholder incentives for Gatton and Laidley Shires 

can be found in Chapter 4 of the Gatton Shire Biodiversity Strategy. 

0.0.0 Upgrading of GIS data sets 

To facilitate the implementation of the measures outlined in Sections 4.2.1 and 4.2.2, both 

Gatton Shire Council and Laidley Shire Council will need to upgrade their Geographic 

Information System (GIS) data sets to include a new layer showing the known locations of all 

of the significant species identified in Appendix B of this recovery plan. This data should be 

compiled from all known sources including the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service 

(QPWS) and Lockyer Catchment Centre, and updated regularly. Recovery plan Actions 10D 

and 10E will need to be addressed when establishing the new data set. Significant species 

location information from the new GIS data set should be made available to any interested 

landholders and development applicants on request. 

65

0.0 Implementation work plan 

Work Plan for 2003 

66 

Implementation date Actions Lead responsibility 

Commence immediately 10D, 10E GSC & LSC 

Commence immediately Establish monitoring and evaluation sites in accordance with Section 4.1.2 GSC & LSC 

Complete by 06/03 1A, 2C, 3A, 4A GSC & LSC 

Complete by 06/03 1B LCA 

Complete by 12/03 11A LCA 

Complete by 12/03 1C, 1H, 5A, 10B, 10C GSC & LSC 

Complete by 12/03 10A EPA/QPWS 

Commence by 12/03 1D, 1G, 2A, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6A, 7A, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 11B GSC & LSC 

Ongoing 1E, 3D, 4D, 6C, 8C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 11B GSC & LSC 

Ongoing 1I, 2B, 3C, 4C, 6B, 7B LCA 

Notes:



Complete by 02/04 Annual monitoring and evaluation, in accordance with Section 4.1 LCA 

Complete by 12/04 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D GSC & LSC 

Achieve annual target by 

12/04 

Review annually, update 

as required 

1D, 1F, 1G, 2A, 3B, 4B, 6A, 7A, 8A, 8B GSC & LSC 

1H, 5A GSC & LSC 

Ongoing 1E, 3D, 4D, 5B, 6C, 8C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 11B GSC & LSC 


Notes: 

67


68 



Complete by 12/05 10H, 10I GSC & LSC 

Achieve annual target by 12/05 1D, 1F, 1G, 2A, 3B, 4B, 6A, 7A, 8A, 8B GSC & LSC 

Review annually, update as required 1H, 5A GSC & LSC 



Notes:





12/06 


as required 





Notes: 

69


70 




12/07 


as required 





Notes:





12/08 


as required 





Complete by 12/08 Review and revise recovery plan to create a new recovery plan for 2009 - 2014 LCA 


Notes: 

71

Biodiversity Recovery Plan - Lockyer Valley Regional Council

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