A preliminary investigation of the distribution of koalas and their potential habitat in the Tweed Shire, and implications for management

13 Pages·1991·6.7 MB·English

by  Judy Faulks

A preliminary investigation of the distribution of koalas and their potential
habitat in the Tweed Shire, and implications for management
Judy Faulks
School of Resource Science and Management, University of New England, Northern Rivers, Lisrnore 2480.
Current address: Lagoon Grass Road, via Lisrnore 2480.
ABSTRACT
The conservation of koala habitat was identified by Tweed Shire Council in 1989 as a priority for
investigation to aid planning and decision making. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution
of koalas in the shire and to identify potential koala habitat. This was achieved by personal interviews,
invitations to tne community to report local koala sightings and a literature search. This paper also
identifies those planning considerations and constraints that exist within the shire which are relevant to
koala preservation. Examples of planning instruments that can affect koala security (e.g., local envuonmen-
tal plan zonings) are also examined. Other issues highlighted include the potential impact of expanding
development within the shire and the need for community awareness of the principles underlying koala
preservation. The major finding of the study was that the Round Mountain-Cudgen Lake environs hold
special importance for koala conservation. Co-operation of the community, rural landholders, Tweed Shire
Council, relevant State Government departments (e.g., Department of Planning, National Parks and Wildlife
Service) will be required before a management plan can be expected to succeed.
INTRODUCTION Mount Warning (1 157 m) is the major feature of the
2 210 ha New South Wales World Heritage Rainforest
On July 5, 1989, Tweed Shire Council resolved to
Park. Much of the rugged mountainous ranges of the
pursue studies with National Parks and Wildlife Service
caldera rim which have remained essentially undisturbed
(Lismore District) on the koala Phascolarctos cinereus
from clearing of the surrounding country, now lie within
to ensure that koala habitat in the shire are identified and
Lamington, Border Ranges and Nightcap National Parks
preserved for the future. Upon recommendation from
and Limpinwood (2443 ha) and Numinbah (800 ha)
the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the School of
Nature Reserves (NSW NPWS 1987). The State Forests
Resource Science and Management at the University of
include Mebbin (4 001 ha), Wollumbin (24 89 ha),
New England, Northern Rivers, was approached in 1989
Ndum (part of 4 930 ha), Mooball (1 173 ha) and
for completion of a Koala Management Plan. The results
Burringbar (70 ha) (Forestry Commission of NSW
were submitted to Tweed Shire Council to assist future
1984). They are managed for timber.
planning and decision making. The study aimed to
identify the present distribution of the koala and its likely Cultivation of sugar cane is the predominant land use
habitat within the shire to help ensure its protection. The in the Tweed Valley floodplain, and almost all the flood-
desirability for a management plan arises from the per- plain downstream from Murwillumbah is devoted to
ception that increasing agricultural, tourist and urban sugar cane (Soros-Longworth et al. 1980). Bananas are
development may have on the koala and its habitat. grown on the steeper slopes. Grazing of cattle occurs on
the river flats upstream from Murwillumbah, along the
STUDY AREA small creeks draining to the Cobaki and ~erranora
Broadwaters and in some areas of the coastal floodplain.
Tweed Shire, in the north-east comer of New South
Some flood-free areas are used for cropping. Small-
Wales between the Great Dividing Range and the ocean,
scale commercial forestry has also been introduced to
covers 130 277 hectares. It is dominated by ridges and
the coastal floodplain (Soros-Longworth et a/. 1980).
valleys around the Tweed, Rous and Oxley Rivers. The
About 14% of the shire area is prime agricultural land
ansasrorocwia tecdo awsittahl thplea iCn onridsoesn g uapn dt oB uar rinsmgbaallr Rpalantgeeasu. (\T.C" CL- .I",.",.1' am\
The coastal catchment comprises several eastward- The major commercial and administrative centres are
draining creeks: Mooball, Cudgen and Cudgera. North, Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah. The North Coast
west and south of the Tweed River are the rugged foot- Regional Environmental Plan (DEP 1988) nominates
hills of the McPherson, Tweed and Nightcap Ranges; the Kigscliff, a long established resort town adjacent to
remnant caldera rim of the Mount Warning Shield Cudgen Lake, as one of six prime tourist development
Volcano. areas. Tweed Heads is another.
June 1991 Australian Zoologist, Vo1. 27(1 & 2) 1
The shire has one of the fastest growing populations The North Coast Regional Environmental Plan (DEP
in New South Wales with estimates of a future population 1988) requires environmental or scenically significant
of 82 581 by the year 2001 (TSC and DEP 1987). As a areas to be zoned "environmental protection"; and urban
result, much pressure is being placed on natural areas development strategies prepared by the local council
from development, pollution, exotic weeds and feral should idenw land suitable for urban expansion which
animals; also for conversion of prime agricultural land to avoids environmentally sensitive areas. The Tweed LEP
urban or semi-rural land uses. The Residential Develop- (DEP 1987) currently makes provisions for environ-
ment Strategy (TSC and DEP 1987) forms the basis on mental protection of areas or features identified as being
which local environmental plans (LEPs) will be used to of particular habitat significance for flora and fauna,
rezone land for urban purposes and on which the including wildlife corridors, under 7(1) - Environment
Council will draw up development control plans for the Protection (Habitat). Other "Environmental Protection"
new urban areas. zones may function as de facto habitat protection, i.e.
-
I I
0
Kilometres
SCALE 1:100000
Wet/Dly SClemphyII ores st b a a
E-RMS I1986 data)
Figure 1. Comparison between the distribution of the koala in
the Tweed Shire and potential koala habitat.
2 Australian Zoologist, Vo1. 27(1 6 2) June 1991
-
7(d) Environmental Protection (ScenicEscarpment), state forests and national parks are largely drawn from
7(a) - Environmental Protection (Wetlands) and 7(f) - these areas. Forests were retained along the length of
Environmental Protection (Coastal Lands). water courses and as scattered shade trees in paddocks.
"Environmental Protection" zones do not make areas The extensive modification of the forest and wood-
secure for wildlife habitat unless adequately enforced. In lands within the shire suggests a decline in range and
general, development with "Environmental Protection" population of the koala since its distribution is controlled
zones is restricted and requires consent from Tweed by the presence of preferred food tree species (Reed et
Shire Council. Removal of vegetation is prohibited, al. 1990). The nutrient-rich forested valley country, which
except with the consent of the Council. Secure wildlife became the cleared mral lands, would have contained
habitat areas lie within national parks and nature reserves the prime koala habitat since the koala primarily lives in
(Zone 8(a))a nd, to a lesser extent, in state forests (Zone trees of nutrient rich soils (Reed et al. 1990). The con-
1( f)). The "Environmental Protection" zones within the tinued presence of koalas in rural areas with high levels
shire, in their present form, attempt to link inland state of stock grazing supports this view.
forests, national parks and nature reserves to coastal
areas through rural lands which increases their value as Present Survey
wildlife corridors.
The short time available for the study (August to
Although no specific provisions are made under the November 1989) precluded a field census of koalas. The
LEP for koalas, the "Environmental Protection" zones, procedure for this study was to search relevant docu-
particularly zone 7(1), do consider important wildlife corn- ments and files, and to conduct interviews with likely
munities. Koalas on private and leasehold lands should sources for information on the presence or absence of
be able to be conserved by controls that restrict clearing koalas. Reviews of records and personal cornmunica-
of timber. Local government has a great deal of influence tions with state government departments (e.g., National
over landuse at this level. There are Tree Preservation Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Commission of
Orders in place within the shire where it is an offence to NSW), special interest groups/individuals (who kept files
lop or fell designated trees in areas of environmental on koala sightings) and several landowners were made
significance (nominated by the Council). These largely regarding the distribution of the koala in the shire. A
coincide with current "EnvironmentalP rotection" zones. literature review of seven wildlife surveys, environmental
studies and Environmental lrnpact Statements (EISs)
DISTRIBUTION OF KOALAS were checked for references to koalas. It was not the
intention of this survey to determine koala abundance,
Historical Information and Past Surveys
therefore, the sighting information is presented as
Historical records of the distribution and abundance "Frequency of Sightings". All records from 1985 to 1989
are limited. In 1949, a New South Wales Koala Survey, were used and 120 koala sightings were obtained. Figure
carried out by the Fauna Protection Panel, revealed that 1 shows the distribution of koalas. Less than two sighting
the greatest number of koala sightiings were on the far records refers to either individual or infrequent sightings
north coast, including Tweed Shire (in Reed et al. 1990). in an area. In a few instances, koalas were known to
occupy an area, although their exact location could not
A more comprehensive survey of koalas in New South
be supplied. This was the case for Mount Warning
Wales in 1986-87 also found that concentrations of
National Park, Bald Mountain, Upper Crystal Creek, Mt
sightings occurred on the north coast, including Lismore
Nullum, Stotts lsland Nature Reserve and Terranora
through to Tweed Heads (Reed et al. 1990). Mooball,
Heights. Other sighting information may contain over-
Nullurn, Wollurnbin and Mebbin State Forests were
lapping records on koalas as different sources provided
reported to contain koalas, as were Stotts lsland Nature
details. No records of greater than 12 sightings for an
Reserve, Border Ranges National Park, and Mount
area were recorded.
Warning National Park.
The results from each group were:
In the Tweed Shire, Wells et al. (1984) estimated that
since European discovery 80% of forest and woodland, 1. National Parks and Wildlife Service. Twelve individual
much of which would have been suitable koala habitat, sightings were in the files of the Lismore District Office
has been severely modified by either clearing of the received from landowners near Hastings Point, the
upper stratum and widespread modification of the lower northem section of Condong Range and Burringbar
stratum with introduced species (including Camphor (including Burringbar and Nullum State Forests). The
laurel Cinnarnomurn carnphora), or no continuous 1986-87 state-wide survey by Reed et al. (1990) pro-
vegetation at all. The areas left uncleared were those vided information on individuatliitermittent sightings
unsuitable for agriculture (Reed et al. 1990). Present from Stotts lsland Nature Reserve.
June 1991 Australian ZooIogist, Vol. 2 7(1 & 2) 3
2. Forestry Commission (Murwillumbah District). although they were reported to be in this area by other
Commission records reported up to three to four sight- sources. Koalas were thought to be located in Mount
ing~pe r year in each of the five state forests. [The shaded Warning National Park, Wollumbin State Forest and
closed circles (Fig. 1) do not represent the exact location adjacent freehold, and Burringbar Range (north Nullum
of the sightings, except for north Nullum and Burringbar State Forest to Mooball State Forest). In "A Survey of the
State Forests.] Outside the state forests, Bald Mountain Vertebrate Fauna of the Round Mountain-Cudgen Lake
and Upper Crystal Creek were identified as containing Area", Milledge (1988) recorded nine koalas during
koalas. Crabbes Creek, Burringbar Range and ridges of survey work for the proposed Cudgen Nature Reserve
hardwood radiating out of Nullum State Forest are and estimated koala density at 1 per hectare. "Biambil
believed by Commission staff to be occupied by koalas. Heights Project, Local Environment Study" (TSC 1989)
makes reference to the possibiity of koalas within this
3. Special Interest Groups/lndividuals and Landowners. area, and the "Pottsville Bicentennial Leisure Gardens
Si-seven koala sightings were obtained and from Environmental Impact Statement" (TSC 1987a) records
personal communication with four landowners, five the presence of koalas on Crown land north of Pottsville
additional areas were identified as containing koalas. and west to Cudgera Creek.
This included freehold land near Sleepy Hollow and land
adjoining Cudgen Lake. Koalas were reported at The studies examined, with the exception of that by
Mt Nullum (to the immediate north and to the south) Milledge (1988), were very limited in their coverage of
although their frequency and exact locations were not koalas, i.e., they either "note" or "predict" their presence
known. The sightings in the Mount Warning region were but do not attempt to interpret this fact. To overcome
from freehold land, i.e., Portion 66 (Wollumbin Parish) this problem, fauna reviews for planning studies should
which adjoins a Wildlife Sanctuary and Portion 46 be required to focus in more detail on animals of special
(Burrell Parish) which adjoins Wollumbin State Forest. interest, or further studies should be recommended prior
Frequent sightings of koalas along Cudgera Road to planning decisions being made.
(between the Cudgera Creek and Round Mountain
Viages), Round Mountain Road and the area north of Interpretation of Koala Distribution
Duranbah to Stotts Creek were reported. Seven koalas
Koalas were found on the coastal plain and ranges
(five adults and two cubs) were reported to be in the
from Ukerebagh Nature Reserve in the north, to
reserve adjacent to the Broadwater Esplanade, Bilambil
Wooyung in the south. Sightings were concentrated in
Heights. Another five to six koalas were reported in
the Round Mountain-Cudgen Lake area and along the
Tweed Heads South near Dry Dock Road and the
ridges associated with the Condong Range (north of
crematorium. Sextons Hill was believed to support four
Duranbah to Stotts Creek). Most sightings were from
koalas. Further development and clearing of habitat of
steeper terrain, although areas of coastal lowlands
this area has occurred over the last year, and three koala
surrounding Pottsville support koalas. Sightings in
deaths on the Pacific Highway were reported during
Bogangar Village possibly represent wandering animals
1989, which may be attributable to the loss of vegetation
from the Round Mountain environs.
in this area. Koalas were recorded as being regularly
seen on the grounds of the Tweed Heads-Coolangatta Koalas were reported at low densities in state forests
Golf Club. Staff at Minjungbal Resource Museum and of the Tweed Shire and this is reflected in the number
Study Centre, north of the golf club, reported four to five of sightings obtained for these areas. The north of
koalas during 1989 in Ukerebagh Nature Reserve. Nullurn and Burringbar State Forests are joined to
Wooyung Caravan Park reported seeing koalas inter- Mooball State Forest by Burringbar Range, and this
mittently. possibly acts as a comdor for the movement of koalas.
The Forestry Commission considers that the hazard
4. Literature Review. "The Tweed Coast Plan - Bio-
reduction fire regimes in state forests have little effect on
physical Study" (NSW Plan. and Environ. Cornm. 1979b)
koalas (Kooyman, pers. comrn., 1989). Burning is
and the "Tweed Shire Coastal Planning Study -W ildlife"
carried out during the cooler months when low intensity
(NSW Plan. and Environ. Comm. 1979a) identified
heat is produced, and crown fire is minimal. Road edges
Ukerebagh Island and the lowlands between Tweed
and freehold land boundaries are burnt. Firing is also
Heads South and Banora Point as supporting koalas.
used to secure younger stands of regrowth.
The 'Wildlife Survey of Mebbin Springs" by Gilmore and
Milledge (1984) recorded three koalas. The "Mt Nullurn Inland of the coastal strip, other significant areas for
Supplementary Environmental Study" (McCotter et a]. koalas were near Mount Warning. Freehold land adjacent
1988) described koalas as "highly mobile" and "pre- to Wollumbin State Forest and Mount Warning National
dicted that they were not present in the proposed Park recorded common sightings. The presence of
development site (to the immediate south of Mt Nullum), koalas in the surrounds of Mt Ndum require further
4 Australian Zoologist, Vo1. 27(1& 2) June 1991
clarification because of conflicting reports. To the north "Environmental Resource Mapping System" (E-RMS)
of Mount Warning, koalas were recorded at Bald (Fig. 1). Some clearing of potential koala habitat may
Mountain and Upper Crystal Creek, although exact have taken place since 1986. Camphor laurel trees have
locations were not known, and to the south at Mebbin been misinterpreted for wet and dry sclerophyll forest in
Springs. The remaining freehold land in the western some instances and further ground truthing of this type
section of the Shire may contain koalas but no land- of vegetation in areas used by koalas is needed.
owners were contacted during the study.
Potential koala habitat is extensive throughout the
Koalas at Bilambil Heights occupy the reserve adjoin- shire since open forests represent the majority of the
ing the Terranora Broadwater. The development of vegetation (NSW Plan. and Environ. Cornm. 1979b).T he
Tweed Heads South and associated land clearing historical land clearing or partial clearing (especially of
isolated koalas into pockets of vegetation at the the fertile areas) has meant that much of the vegetation
crematorium and along Dry Dock Road. Some five to six has been disturbed and, in many cases, is regenerating.
koalas remained in the area until their relocation to State forests, which are primarily managed for their
Round Mountain was undertaken in 1990 by National timber resources and therefore altered to suit
Parks and Wildlife Service as freeway construction by the commercial requirements, particularly exhibit this
Road and Transport Authority removed the remaining feature. Areas of Flooded Gum Eucalyptus grandis and
habitat (Phillips, pers. comm., 1991). National Parks and Blackbutt E. pilularis have been planted in Mebbin and
Wildlife Service utilized radiotelemetry equipment to Mooball State Forests. Other areas have been disturbed
monitor the movements of the translocated koalas by agriculture, urbanization, fire, sand mining and
following their release. invasion by exotic weeds and pests.
A continuous coverage of koala habitat occurs in the
POTENTIAL KOALA HABITAT IN Cudgen Lake, Round Mountain and Hastings Point areas,
TWEED SHIRE and to the north along the ridges to Stotts Creek. The
larger open forests of the Condong Range act as a link
Preferred tree species, soil type, vegetation structure
to Mooball State Forest immediately to the south. Other
(open woodland formation or denser) and suitable
areas, particularly along the floodplain to the north of
climate for tree growth and production of good quality
Mudumbah and the coastal areas to the south of
food are possibly all important interrelating factors that
Hastings Point, have little koala habitat because of the
make some areas suitable and others unsuitable for
extensive growing of sugar cane. However, the coastal
koalas. If koalas are present in large numbers and are
creeks help to extend the natural habitat from the ridges
there permanently, it may be assumed that the site has
to the coast. An area almost entirely of dry sclerophyll
suitable habitat (Gordon 1988). A description of prime
forest exists to the south of PottsviUe.
koala habitat in terms of individual preferred tree species
is proposed by Cork et al. (1988) as inadequate because To the north, koala habitat is found at Chinderah,
of the influence of soil fertility and other environmental Ukerebagh Nature Reserve and adjoining land. Little
factors on the quality of food for koalas. Gordon (1988) sclerophyll forest remains in Tweed Heads South, much
suggests that koalas concentrate in patches of suitable of which was removed as the freeway construction by
habitat with the better quality food supply. Cork et al. the Road and Transport Authority proceeded in 1990.
(19 88) consider that the most reliable way to assess the The perimeters of both the Terranora Broadwater and
extent and distribution of habitat for koalas is through Cobaki Broadwater are mainly dry sclerophyll forest.
relating direct observations of koalas to tree Areas around Terranora and Bilarnbil contain koala
communities, then mapping the distribution of preferred habitat mainly along the creeks.
tree communities. Identification of potential koala habitat
in the Tweed Shire has been made using this approach In the west of the shire, large areas have been cleared
and reflects the presence of preferred food trees. Also and suitable vegetation is restricted to the length of the
comparison of the distribution of koalas in the shire was water courses. Many ridgelines and watercourses serve
made with the remaining wet and dry sclerophyll forest. as habitat corridors. Ridges of hardwood radiating out of
Finally, areas of particular value to koalas were identified Nullurn State Forest provide a good example. Wet and
as were key sites for conservation, including corridors. dry sclerophyll forest exists on the outskirts of Mount
Warning National Park. A continuous strip of vegetation
Distribution of Potential Koala Habitat extends up from Wollumbin State Forest to Bald Moun-
tain and Upper Crystal Creek. The area between Mount
A vegetation map of wet and dry sclerophyll forest in Warning National Park and Mt Nullum has a good cover
the Tweed Shire was generated from Landsat data for of potential koala habitat, which continues in smaller
1986 using the National Parks and Wildlife Service's strips to Burringbar Range and, from there, to the coast
June 1991 Australian Zoologist, Vol. 27(1 & 2) 5
through links with Mooball State Forest and the coastal Potential Habitat of Particular Value to the Koala
creeks.
Outside the national parks, reserves and state forests
the habitat suitable for koalas is being constantly frag-
Vegetation Communities associated with Koalas in mented and isolated. For example, Tweed Heads South
the Tweed Shire (Literature Research) once contained prime koala habitat, but now the remain-
ing few isolated fragments of secondary vegetation could
According to "Tweed Coast Plan - Bio-physical not ensure the long-term preservation of the koala in this
Study" (NSW Plan. and Environ. Comm. 1979b) there area. This view is consistent with that of Summerville
are seven distinct vegetation types associated with the (1990). The degree of disturbance affects the ability of
open forests of the Tweed Shire in which koalas are
an area to support koalas in the long term (NSW Plan.
found. Three types, the Brush Box Lophostemon confer- and Environ. Comm. 1979a). The natural communities
tus, Blackbutt and the Grey Gum E. propinqua -W hite have been highly disturbed over most of the area and
Mahogany E. acemenoides forests are found in the this degraded the remaining areas (NSW Plan. and
coastal ranges. Brush Box forests occupy the lower Environ. Comm. 1979a).
slopes, representing a transition between the eucalypt-
dominated upper slopes and rainforest species along the The Tweed Shire does not have large areas of poten-
creeks. Blackbutt forests tend to dominate the upper tial habitat, therefore it is important to retain a series of
slopes while in the driest and most exposed locations smaller, inter-connected patches to allow koalas to
the Grey Gum and White Mahogany forests are found. disperse. The usefulness of expanding the areas of
optimum koala habitat within Tweed Shire with mixed
In the wet lowland areas four forest types predominate.
Swamp Mahogany E. robusta forests occur in a narrow species plantings (i.e., habitat recreation) should be
incorporated in future plans. Tree corridors connecting
band at the base of Round Mountain, occupying a trans-
habitat areas may vary in width and tree diversity
itional zone from dry to wet soil conditions. Swamp
(Gordon 1988; Pahl et al. 1989).C orridors do not appear
Mahogany is also found along low lying areas associated
to be a limiting factor for koala movement, however,
with the coast, Ukerebagh Nature Reserve, Terranora
because koalas will move through lightly timbered areas
and Bilambil Heights. Forest Red Gum E. tereticornis
(Faulks 1990; Moon 1990). Thus corridors may consist
and Pink Bloodwood E. intermedia forest occur in Bilam-
of scattered trees in rural areas for example, along
bil Heights, Tweed Heads South, Ukerebagh Nature
ridgelines and verges of creeks and also as incorporated
Reserve and along the coastal zone from Kingscliff to
into farm design. Gordon (1988) suggests a maximum
Wooyung.
tree spacing of 20 metres as being adequate, although
Extensive Broad-leaved Paperbark Melaleuca quin- ideally it is best to conserve as much timbered area as
quenervia forests occur throughout the shire on all types possible.
of alluvial soils in those areas subjected to high water
tables that are regularly flooded by fresh water. As the Research, in the form of koala movement studies
frequency of inundation and soil salinity increases utilizing radiotelemetry equipment, is required in order
towards estuarine waterbodies, the Paperbark forests to understand how koalas use the space and resources
give way to open forests dominated by Swamp Oak available to them. Such studies have important implica-
Casuarina glauca. Both the Paperbark and Swamp Oak tions with regard to population and habitat management;
forests are an important component of wetland the development of planning strategies that incorporate
communities. suitable range areas for koala populations; the identifica-
tion of key sites for conservation; the formulation of tree
In general, areas on quartz soils (Mooball and Tyal-
planting schemes including the design of corridors or
gum) support Blackbutt forests. lronbarks E. paniculata
greenbelts; clearing practices; and an increased under-
are restricted to drier ridges and slopes while Flooded
standing of the population structure of koalas, tree usage
Gum is found in wetter gullies and on more fertile soils.
patterns and preferred structure of habitat. One such
Tallowwood E. microcorys prefers higher rainfall and
study by Faulks (1990) found that koalas showed a high
better soils and grows at higher altitudes. In swampy
fidelity for a home region where they were selecting for
areas are the White Mahogany and Swamp Mahogany,
a particular tree species (which varied between individ-
and on the poorer sandy soils the Bloodwoods E. gum-
uals), and were not moving randomly. In this study the
mifera and E. intermedia and Scribbly Gum E. signata
koala's average home range size was two hectares,
predominate.
although this was largely dependent on its age, sex, the
A more detailed list of dominant and sub-dominant density of eucalypts (i.e., habitat differences), and social
tree species is given in Table 1 for the major areas factors that affect the dispersion of males, as well as the
occupied by koalas in the shire. method used to determine home range. On average,
6 Australian Zoologist, Vol. 27(1 & 2) June 1991
Table 1. Vegetation communities associated with major areas occupied by koalas in the Tweed Shire (based on a literature review).
Site Vegetation Unit Dominant Plant or Forest Type Sub-Dominant Vegetation
- - -
1. Bilambil Heights Mixed Eucalypt Brushbox Forest Turpentine
(TSC 1989; Mundy, (Tall Open Forest) (Lophosternon confertus) (Syncarpia glornulifera)
pers. comm. 1989) Flooded Gum
(Eucalyptus grandis)
Exotic plant species - Camphor
laurel (Cinnarnornurn carnphora)
Blackbutt Forest Forest Red Gum
(E. pilularis) (E. tereticornis)
Grey Gum (E. propinqua)
Brushbox (L. confertus)
Small-leaved Peppermint
(E. nicholii)
Swamp Mahogany Forest
(E. robusta)
*
Open Forest Broad-leaved Paperbark Forest
(Melaleuca quinquenervia)
2. Tweed Heads South Broad-leaved Paperbark Broad-leaved Paperbark Red Bloodwood (E. gurnrnifera)
(TSC 1988; Reid, (Open Forest) (M. quinquenem'a) Swamp Mahogany (E. robusta)
pers. comm. 1989) Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis)
Swamp She-Oak (Casuarina glauca)
Mixed Eucaiypt (Tall Open) Forest Red Gum (E. teriticornis) Blackbutt (E. pilularis)
Forest Pink Bloodwood (E. interrnedia)
Red Mahogany (E. resinifera)
Spotted White Gum (E. rnaculata)
Grey Box (E. rnoluccana)
3. Ukerebagh Nature Mixed Eucalypt (Tall Open) Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis) Swamp Mahogany (E. robusta)
Reserve (NSW Plan. Forest Tallowwood (E. rnicrocorys)
and Environ. Comm.
1979b).
4. Chinderah (Reid, Tall Open Forest Grey Gum (E. propinqua) Broad-leaved Paperbark
pers. comm. 1989) Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis) (M. auinauenema)
5. Kingscliff South Open Forest, canopy height Blackbutt Forest (E. pilularis), White Mahogany (E. acrnenoides)
(TSC 1987b) 10-30 m, mid-dense foliage acrnenoides Red Mahogany (E. resinifera)
coverage in canopy Grey Gum (E. propinqua)
Forest Oak (C. torulosa)
Brushbox (L. confertus)
Red Ash (Alphitonia excelsa)
Grey Gum (E. propinqua) Red Bloodwood (E. gurnrnifera)
White Mahogany Forest Blackbutt (E. pilularis)
(E. acrnenoides) Sydney Blue Gum (E. saligna)
Tallowwood (E. rnicrocorys)
Red Mahogany (E. resinifera)
Forest Oak (C. torulosa)
Swamp Mahogany Forest Pink Bloodwood (E. interrnedia)
(E. robusta) Red Mahogany (E. resinifera)
Grey Gum (E. propinqua)
White Mahogany (E. acrnenoides)
Broad-leaved Paperbark Forest Principally mono-specific shrubs and
(M. quinquenem'a) ground cover.
Swamp She-Oak (C. glauca) Principally mono-specific shrubs and
around cover.
June 1991 Australian Zoologist, Vol. 27(I & 2) 7
Table 1 - rontinued
Site Vegetation Unit Dominant Plant or Forest Type Sub-DominantV egetation
6. Cudgen Lake-Round Eucalypt and Swamp Open Broad-leaved Paperbark
Mountain (NPWS Forest (M. quinquenema)
1989) Swamp Forest
Swamp Mahogany (E. robusta) Brushbox (L. confertus)
Broad-leaved Paperbark
(M. quinquenema)
Blackbutt Forest (E. pilularis)
Grey Gum (E. propinqua)
Blackbutt (E. pilularis) Grey Ironbark (E. siderophloia)
Tall Open Forest Tallowwood (E. microcorys)
Flooded Gum (E. grandis)
Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis)
Pink Bloodwood (E. intermedia)
Swamp Turpentine (L. suaveolens)
Scribbly Gum (E. signata)
Wallum Banksia (Banksia aemula)
(Milledge 1988) Tall Open Dry Sclerophyll White Mahogany (E. acmenoides) *
Forest (lower slopes and Pink Bloodwood (E. intermedia)
summits of ridges) Tallowwood (E. microcorys)
Blackbutt (E. pilularis)
Grey Gum (E. propinqua)
Grey lronbark (E. siderophloia)
Scribbly Gum (E. signata)
Wet Sclerophyll Forest (lower Red Mahogany (E. resinifera) . *
slopes of ridges and gullies) Pink Bloodwoood (E. intermedia)
Tallowwood (E. microcorys)
Blackbutt (E. pilularis)
*
Dry Sclerophyll Woodland Scribbly Gum (E. signata)
(dunal areas)
Swamp Sclerophyll Forest Pink Bloodwood (E. interrnedia)
and Woodland Swamp Mahogany (E robusta)
Broad-leaved Paperbark
(M. quinquenema)
7. Pottsville (TSC 1987a) Open Forest/ Woodland Brushbox (L. confertus)
*
Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis)/
Swamp Turpentine (L. suaveolens)
Broad-leaved paperbark
(M. quinquenema)
Bloodwood (E. intermedia,
E. gummifera)
Swamp She-Oak (C. glauca)
Swamp Mahogany (E. robusta)
8. Mt Nullum (Kooyman Open Forest (Wet and Dry Flooded Gum (E. grandis) Blackbutt (E. pilularis)
pers. comm. 1989) Sclerophyll) Grey Gum (E. propinqua) Pink Bloodwood (E. intermedia)
Red Mahogany (E. resinifera)
Tallowwood (E. microcorys)
9. State Forests Open Forest Tallowwood (E. microcorys) Sydney Blue Gum (E. sdigna)
(Kooyman, pers. Flooded Gum (E. grandis)
comm. 1989) Blackbutt (E. pilularis)
8 Australian Zoologist, Vo1. 27(1 & 2) June 1991
Table 1 - continued
Site Vegetation Unit Dominant Plant or Forest Type Sub-DominantV egetation
10. Mebbin Springs Open Forest Tallowwood (E. rnicrocorys) Grey Gum (E. propinqua)
(Gilmore and Milledge Pink Bloodwood (E.i ntermedia) Grey lronbark (E. siderophloia)
1984) White Mahogany (E. acrnenoides)
Turpentine (S. glomulifera)
Sydney Blue Gum (E. saligna) Brushbox (L. confertus)
Grey lronbark (E. siderophloia)
Flooded Gum (E. grandis)
*No data available
koalas were shown to move 65 m a day, and to use three 3. Ukerebagh Nature Reserve. The wetland forests of
trees during this period. The population structure of the this reserve and nearby areas support a small number
koalas studied appeared to be maintained by the of koalas. This area is considered valuable because it is
presence of long-term residents, as well as the arrivals the last remaining area of Tweed Heads South support-
and departures of non-residents. Faulks' (1990) study ing koalas, due to the extensive surrounding disturbance.
showed that koalas were co-existing with grazing as a Supplementary planting of mixed species (which could
major land use, although to successfully maintain koalas be monitored over the long-term) on the Coolangatta-
in such areas the support of landowners is necessary. Tweed Heads Golf Course is recommended to increase
The study suggested that plantings can take the form of the area's wildlife habitat value.
scattered trees (20 to 30 m apart) since animals will
4. Mount Warning-Mt. Nullurn-Burringbar Range. The
utilize such areas, and that clearing practices should aim
presence of koalas in these areas and associated habitat
to leave studded or scattered trees of preferred food
makes this an important koala corridor. The fact that the
source (ensuring that trees are continuously replaced in
majority of the area is rural land suggests controls be
time by younger trees).
placed on land use by the Local Government. Some of
The potential habitat areas of particular value to the this habitat is presently zoned as "Environmental Protec-
koala in Tweed Shire are listed in order of importance: tion" 7(d) and 7(1).
1. Round Mountain-Cudgen Lake. Although there is 5. Ridges and Creeks. In the west of the shire potential
evidence of disturbance from fire, logging, sandmiming koala habitat tends to occupy the steeper ridges and
and banana plantations, the area of vegetation extending creek levees. These are important corridors for koalas
from Round Mountain-Cudgen Lake to Hastings Point between state forests and other significant vegetated
in the south, and along the ridgeline to Stotts Creek, is areas, and restrictions on further clearing along with tree
one of the largest continuous areas of natural vegetation planting programmes, would not only increase the via-
remaining along the coast. When comparing frequency bility of these areas to serve as wildlife corridors, but
of koala sightings and habitat, this area is of particular would also increase the value of the land to the farmer.
importance because it supports the majority of koalas
6. State Forests. These forests support koalas at low
within the shire. The high density of koalas recorded by
densities but are important because they provide addi-
Milledge (1988) in the proposed Cudgen Nature Reserve
tional dispersal areas, and as links to more significant
area supports this view. The long-term survival of koalas
habitat areas.
at Round Mountain, Cudgen Lake and surrounds will
require the resolution of problems associated with urban
development (particularly in South Kingscliff). The PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS AND CONSTRAINTS
preservation of this land as a nature reserve (outlined by IN THE TWEED SHIRE
NPWS 1989) would greatly enhance the sunrival of
Tweed Local Environment Plan 1987
koalas within the shire.
The aim here is to examine the planning considera-
2. Condong Range. The areas of open eucalypt forest tions and constraints under the Tweed Local Environ-
associated with the Condong Range are of particular ment Plan (LEP) 1987. The "Environmental Protection
importance because they act as a link between the coast Zones" in the Tweed Shire for 1988 are shown in Figure
and Mooball State Forest, and the vegetation in this area 2. The Ukerebagh Nature Reserve at Tweed Heads South
should be protected from tree removal. is zoned 8 (national parks and nature reserves). The LEP
June 1991 Australian Zoologist, Vol. 27(1 G2) 9
for Kingscliff South (adjoining Cudgen Lake) was Bogangar (including freehold land zoned "Environ-
amended in 1988 and areas originally zoned l(d) - mental Protection" in the vicinity of Cudgen Lake and
Development Investigation have been rezoned to include Round Mountain). To ensure that development does not
zones 2(c) - Urban Expansion, 2(e) - Residential conflict with koala preservation in such an important
Tourist, 2(t) - Tourist Area, and 6(c) - Special habitat as Cudgen Lake and Round Mountain, the inclu-
Purposes (recreation). These new zonings surround an sion of the proposed Cudgen Nature Reserve in the LEP
area of Broad-leaved Paperbark and Swamp She-oak is recommended.
Forest to the north of Cudgen Lake. A 7(d) - Environ-
The "Environmental Protection" zones within the shire
mental Protection (Wetlands) zone is currently in place
mostly coincide with areas identified as being of high
in this swamp area.
value to koalas. They tend to link up inland state forests,
Development proposals for the Kingscliff South area
national parks and nature reserves to coastal areas
are for low density residential development surrounding
through rural lands. There were several areas with koala
an artificial lake, although tourist accommodation is a
sightings not included in the "EnvironmentalP rotection"
likely possibility for the coastal strip (Doss, pers. comm.,
zone. These are:
1989). Development pressure along the coast is intense,
-
with several residential and tourist developments beina The ridgeline associated with Condong Range, north
planned or considered for other areas, including of Round Mountain to Stotts Creek which contains a
Wooyung, Black Rocks, Pottsville, Hastings Point and high frequency of koala sightings, is zoned Rural
Figure 2. The Tweed Local Environment Plan (LEP) "Environ- 0 16
mental Protection Zones", state forests, national parks and Xilometres
nature reserves in existence within the Tweed Shie in 1988. SCALE 1:10000
10 Australian Zoologist, December ) June 1991