This next session: Some key areas that relate to your work Looking after habitat Managing weeds Using chemicals in the workplace Understanding impacts on water quality -nutrients -erosion -sediment control -stormwater runoff

Looking after habitat At work, have you encountered any problems when managing areas containing native plants and animals? Were you able to find a solution? If yes, what was it?

Common problems and impacts on biodiversity: Clearing or removing habitat Soil compaction Dumped lawn clippings Damaging waterways/riparian vegetation Spraying the wrong plants Herbicide spray drift Damage to old growth trees Damage to planted areas

What to look for near waterways Areas inundated by tidal waters Succulent plants, sedges and rushes Woody debris and overhanging trees Saltmarsh can look like unmown weeds. Fallen timber makes great habitat!

What to look for in bushland and parks Scattered “remnant” trees Natural soils Native groundcovers Other native plants coming up in mown areas Old growth trees in a long settled parkRegrowth in former agricultural land

Tips: Get some good maps When in doubt, ask! Find out who else to talk to in your council Natural regeneration in a formerly mown area Excellent bird habitat Even high use areas can have habitat value

Things to avoid in and near remnants Mowing too close to tree trunks Scattering seed and clippings to sensitive areas Damaging work sites of volunteers Channelling water or nutrient runoff Disturbing soil Using heavy machinery Mulching good bush Removal of woody debris Mowing saltmarsh It is devastating for community volunteers to have their sites damaged

Examples of damage to “old growth” trees Typical trunk damage Causes: Tractor slashing Brushcutting and other machinery The result: Tree death via pathogens and borer entry

Protecting old growth trees Tip: Grasses and groundcovers at tree base – leave them or hand weed. Only spray after identifying plants. Tip: Plant around base, mulch around base or otherwise protect the tree roots and trunk from damage Tip: Dense under plantings make great bird habitat!

Trees as houses Hollows are habitat Tip: If a tree needs to be trimmed or removed: Remove dangerous limbs only Leave main trunk if safe to do so Leave removed limbs as ground habitat

Managing access Tip: Use materials from the site to define “no mow” zones: fallen logs or branches, plantings, bollards, signs etc.

Protecting habitat – key legislation Native plants and animals are protected in NSW under: National Parks and Wildlife Act Threatened Species Conservation Act Environmental Planning & Assessment Act * Fisheries Management Act And under Federal legislation: Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act * Even councils need to carry out environmental assessments if there is risk of environmental damage

Case study Senior council employee knowingly contravened legislation Did not carry out adequate environmental assessment Council pleaded guilty Individual fought the charge and lost! $57,000 fine + $167,000 legal costs Council reputation tarnished Wallum Froglet Eastern Chestnut Mouse - Wikipedia These laws have serious consequences! Prosecution of both the council and a council employee: The Garrett vs Freeman case 2007

Habitat reminders! Review your checklist of habitat reminders What are some of the challenges that arise in your workplace when implementing these best practice suggestions?