Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
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The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions
Gazetted date:
17 Dec 2004
Profile last updated:
04 Mar 2024
Description
As the name suggests, this EEC is found on the river flats of the coastal floodplains. It has a tall open tree layer of eucalypts, which may exceed 40 m in height, but can be considerably shorter in regrowth stands or under conditions of lower site quality. While the composition of the tree stratum varies considerably, the most widespread and abundant dominant trees include
Eucalyptus tereticornis (forest red gum)
, E. amplifolia (cabbage gum),
Angophora floribunda (rough-barked apple) and
A. subvelutina (broad-leaved apple).
Eucalyptus baueriana (blue box),
E. botryoides (bangalay) and
E. elata (river peppermint) may be common south from Sydney,
E. ovata (swamp gum) occurs on the far south coast,
E. saligna (Sydney blue gum) and
E. grandis (flooded gum) may occur north of Sydney, while
E. benthamii is restricted to the Hawkesbury floodplain.
A layer of small trees may be present, including Melaleuca decora, M. styphelioides (prickly-leaved teatree), Backhousia myrtifolia (grey myrtle), Melia azaderach (white cedar), Casuarina cunninghamiana (river oak) and C. glauca (swamp oak).
Scattered shrubs include Bursaria spinosa, Solanum prinophyllum, Rubus parvifolius, Breynia oblongifolia, Ozothamnus diosmifolius, Hymenanthera dentata, Acacia floribunda and Phyllanthus gunnii.
The groundcover is composed of abundant forbs, scramblers and grasses including Microlaena stipoides, Dichondra repens, Glycine clandestina, Oplismenus aemulus, Desmodium gunnii, Pratia purpurascens, Entolasia marginata, Oxalis perennans and Veronica plebeia . The composition and structure of the understorey is influenced by grazing and fire history, changes to hydrology and soil salinity and other disturbance, and may have a substantial component of exotic shrubs, grasses, vines and forbs.
For a comprehensive list of species that characterize the community open the Scientific Determination -
https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/threatened-species/nsw-threatened-species-scientific-committee/determinations/final-determinations/2011-2012/river-flat-eucalypt-forest-on-coastal-floodplains-minor-amendment-determination.
This community also has a listing advice provided by the Commonwealth following its gazettal to the EPBC http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicshowcommunity.pl?id=154&status=Critically%20Endangered
The combination of features that distinguish River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains from other endangered communities on the coastal floodplains include: its dominance by either a mixed eucalypt canopy or by a single species of eucalypt belonging to either the genus Angophora or the sections Exsertaria or Transversaria of the genus Eucalyptus; the relatively low abundance or sub-dominance of Casuarina and Melaleuca species; the relatively low abundance of Eucalyptus robusta; and the prominent groundcover of soft-leaved forbs and grasses.
River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions includes and replaces Sydney Coastal River-Flat Forest Endangered Ecological Community.
Distribution
Known from parts of the Local Government Areas of Port Stephens, Maitland, Singleton, Cessnock, Lake Macquarie, Wyong, Gosford, Hawkesbury, Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Parramatta, Penrith, Blue Mountains, Fairfield, Holroyd, Liverpool, Bankstown, Wollondilly, Camden, Campbelltown, Sutherland, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven, Palerang, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley but may occur elsewhere in these bioregions.
Major examples once occurred on the floodplains of the Hunter, Hawkesbury, Moruya, Bega and Towamba Rivers, although many smaller floodplains and river flats also contain examples of the community. The remaining area is likely to represent much less than 30% of its original range. Recently recorded, major occurrences include: about 2,000 ha in the lower Hunter region; less than 10,000 ha on the NSW south coast from Sydney to Moruya, of which up to about three-quarters occurred on the Cumberland Plain in 1998; and less than 1,000 ha in the Eden region.
Small areas of the community are contained within existing conservation reserves, including Blue Mountains, Cattai, Dharug, Georges River, Marramarra, Morton, Deua and Wadbilliga National Parks, and Gulguer and Mulgoa Nature Reserves, but these are unevenly distributed throughout the range and unlikely to represent the full diversity of the community. The reserved examples are on localised, sheltered river flats between hills, rather than the large open floodplains that comprised the majority of the original habitat.
Habitat and ecology
- Given its habitat, the community has an important role in maintaining river ecosystems and riverbank stability
- Associated with silts, clay-loams and sandy loams, on periodically inundated alluvial flats, drainage lines and river terraces associated with coastal floodplains.
- Generally occurs below 50 m elevation, but may occur on localised river flats up to 250 m above sea level.
- The structure of the community may vary from tall open forests to woodlands, although partial clearing may have reduced the canopy to scattered trees.
- Typically form mosaics with other floodplain forest communities and treeless wetlands, and often fringe treeless floodplain lagoons or wetlands with semi-permanent standing water.
- River-Flat Eucalypt Forest on Coastal Floodplains provides habitat for a broad range of animals, including many that are dependent on trees for food, nesting or roosting. These include cormorants and egrets, the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus), White-bellied Sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), as well as the Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa), Yellow-bellied Glider (Petaurus australis), Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis), Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) and Grey-headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus).
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Altered hydrology particularly from narrowing of corridors and the installation of infrastructure for flood mitigation and drainage causing: a lack of periodic flooding, water entering more quickly and in larger volumes, water not standing long enough or being inundated for too long leading to changes in floristics.
- Reduced water quality via input of nutrients such as fertilisers from sports fields, market gardens, golf courses upstream.
- Land clearing from urban and rural development resulting in fragmentation and narrowing of corridors.
- Bell Miner associated dieback and other psyllids.
- Alteration of habitat including hydrology following subsidence due to long wall mining.
- Weed invasion, particularly from upstream and garden refuse being dumped from adjacent properties.
- Human disturbance: rubbish dumping, motorbikes, bicycles, firewood collection, removal of woody debris, and mowing.
- Lack of awareness and appreciation of the TEC, with the perception that the community is unattractive.
- Agricultural activities such as grazing along creeklines, removing riparian vegetation, water harvesting and extraction from creeks.
- Inappropriate fire regime leading to changes in ground and mid-storey composition.
- Sedimentation and water contamination from mining practices in the upper and lower hunter.
- Damage caused by pigs through rooting and wallowing.
- Removal of dead wood
- Rubbish dumping
- Further clearing for urban and rural development, and the subsequent impacts from fragmentation
- Flood mitigation and drainage works
- Landfilling and earthworks associated with urban and industrial development
- Grazing and trampling by stock and feral animals (particularly pigs)
- Changes in water quality, particularly increased nutrients and sedimentation
- Weed invasion
- Climate change
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Instigate feral animal control programs.
- Ensure that the fire sensitivity of the community is considered when planning hazard reduction and asset management burning.
- Protect habitat by minimising further clearing of the community. This requires recognition of the values of all remnants in the land use planning process.
- Promote regeneration by avoiding prolonged or heavy grazing.
- Undertake restoration including bush regeneration, revegetation and weed control, and promote public involvement in this restoration.
Information sources
- Anderson, J., and Asquith, J. (2002) Findings of the coastal lowland forests/swamp mahogany project: final report. Report to the NSW State Wetlands Advisory Committee.
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- Bell, S.A.J. (2002) The natural vegetation of the Wyong Local Government Area, Central Coast, New South Wales: Technical Report. Unpublished Final Report to Wyong Shire Council, Eastcoast Flora Survey.
- Bell, S.A.J. (2004) The natural vegetation of the Gosford Local Government Area, Central Coast, New South Wales: Technical Report. Unpublished Final Report to Gosford City Council, Eastcoast Flora Survey 131 pgs
- Benson, D.H. (1986) The vegetation of the Gosford and Lake Macquarie 1:100 000 Vegetation Map Sheet. Cunninghamia 1(4): 467-490.
- Benson, D.H. and Howell, J. (1990) Taken for Granted: The Bushland of Sydney and Its Suburbs. Kangaroo Press, Sydney. 160 pgs + illus bibliog index
- Benson, D.H. and Howell, J. (1993) A strategy for the rehabilitation of the riparian vegetation of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River. (Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney)
- Benson, D.H. and Howell, J. (1994) The natural vegetation of the Sydney 1:100 000 mapsheet. Cunninghamia 3(4): 679-789
- Benson, D.H. and Howell, J. (2000) Sydney’s Bushland — More than Meets the Eye. (Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney)
- Benson, D.H. and Howell, J. (2000) Sydney’s Bushland — More than Meets the Eye. Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney.
- Beukers, P. and Miles, J. (In prep) () Revision of vegetation mapping for the NSW Far South Coast. DECC Merimbula. NSW Dept. of Environment and Climate Change (Parks and Wildlife Group), Merimbula
- Brooker, M. and Kleinig, D. (1990) Field Guide to Eucalypts of South-eastern NSW. Vol 1 and 2. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
- Department of Environment and Conservation NSW (2004) North East NSW Field Key to Forest Ecosystems. Natural Resource Management Field Assessment Guidelines. (DEC NSW, North East Branch, Coffs Harbour)
- Gellie, N.J.H. (2005) Native Vegetation of the Southern Forests: South-east Highlands, Australian Alps, South-west Slopes, and SE Corner bioregions. Cunninghamia 9(2): 219-253
- Gilmour, P. (2006) Vegetation Communities of the Central Coast Region of NSW. In McCauley, A., DeVries, R., Elith, J. and Gilmour, P. Vegetation of Regional Significance on the NSW Central Coast. (HCR CMA and Hunter Councils Inc. NSW)
- Graham, M. (2001) Water habitats of the Clarence, Coffs coastal and Bellinger catchments. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coffs Harbour)
- Graham, M. (2001) Water habitats of the Manning and Port Stephens/Wallis Lake catchments. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coffs Harbour)
- Graham, M. (2001) Water habitats of the Nambucca, Macleay and Hastings catchments. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coffs Harbour)
- Graham, M. (2001) Water habitats of the Tweed, Brunswick and Richmond Catchments. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coffs Harbour)
- Harden, G. (ed) (2002) Flora of NSW. NSW University Press Vol. 1-4
- Hill, L. (2003) The Natural Vegetation of Maitland Local Government Area, New South Wales. Report for Maitland City Council, September 2003. Maitland City Council
- Hnatuik, R.J., Thackway, R. and Walker, J. (2003) Vegetation - Guidelines for site-based survey. Australian Bureau of Rural Sciences 111pgs
- House, S (2003) Lower Hunter & Central Coast Regional Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, Technical Report, Digital Aerial Photo Interpretation & Updated Extant Vegetation Community Map. Lower Hunter & Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy, Callaghan, NSW.
- Howell, J., McDougall, L. and Benson, D. (1995) Riverside Plants of the Hawkesbury-Nepean. (Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Trust and Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney)
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- Keith, D.A. (1996) Fire-driven mechanisms of extinction in vascular plants: a review of empirical and theoretical evidence in Australian vegetation. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 116: 37-78
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- Keith, D.A. & Benson, D.H. (1988) The natural vegetation of the Katoomba 1:100 000 Mapsheet. Cunninghamia Vol 2 (1), pp. 107-143
- Keith, D.A. and Bedward, M. (1999) Vegetation of the South East Forests region, Eden, NSW (Eden CRA). Cunninghamia Vol 6, pp 1-218
- Keith, D.A. and Scott, J. (2005) Native Vegetation of Coastal Floodplains - a diagnosis of the major plant communities in New South Wales. Pacific Conservation Biology 11(2): 81-104
- Kevin Mills & Associates (1997) Ecological Study Figtree Estate and Forest Red Gum Communities of the Illawarra Coastal Plain. Prepared for Stockland Trust Group Ltd Sydney 33pgs a maps and App.
- Law, B.S., Chidel, M. and Turner, G. (2000) The use by wildlife of paddock trees in farmland. Pacific Conservation Biology Vol 6, pp 130-143
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- Lovett, S. and Price, P. (eds) (2007) Principles for riparian lands management. Land and Water Australia, Canberra. 200 pgs
- McCauley, A., DeVries, R., Elith, J. and Gilmore, P. (2006) Vegetation of Regional Significance on the NSW Central Coast. Hunter Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority and Hunter Councils Inc. NSW. 308 pgs + appendices
- McDonald, R.C., Isbell, R.F., Speight, J.G., Walker, J. and Hopkins, M.S. (1990) Australian soil and land survey. Field handbook. Second edition. Inkata Press, Melbourne. pp. 9-57
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- Miles, J. (2007) Recognition and Management of Endangered Ecological Communities in the South East Corner of NSW. (Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Bega)
- Mills, K. (2003) The natural vegetation in the municipality of Kiama, NSW. A report prepared by Kevin Mills and Associates for Kiama Municipal Council.
- Nature Conservation Council of NSW (1999) Towards an Illawarra Regional Vegetation Management Plan. (NCC NSW, Sydney)
- NGH Environmental (2007) Endangered Ecological Communities Survey and Mapping in Eurobodalla Shire. A report prepared by NGH Environmental for Eurobodalla Shire Council.
- NPWS (1999) Forest Ecosystem Classification and mapping for upper and lower north east CRA regions. CRA Unit, Northern Zone, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coffs Harbour. 36 pgs + appendices
- NPWS (2000) Forest ecosystem classification and mapping for the Hunter Sub-Region in the Lower North East Comprehensive Regional Assessment. CRA Unit, Sydney Zone, National Parks and Wildlife Service.
- NPWS (2002) Native vegetation of the Illawarra Escarpment and Coastal Plain. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney 242 pgs
- NPWS (2003) Native vegetation of the Woronora, O'Hares and Metropolitan Catchments. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney 247 pgs
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Native Vegetation of the Cumberland Plain - Final Edition. (NSW NPWS, Sydney)
- Robinson, L (2003) Field guide to native plants of Sydney revised 3rd edition. Kangaroo Press 448 pgs
- Ryan, K., Fisher, M. & Schaeper, L. (1996) The natural vegetation of the St Albans 1:100 000 Mapsheet (includes 1:100 000 map). Cunninghamia Vol 4(3) pp 433-482
- Smith, P. and Smith, J. (1990) Hornsby Shire bushland survey. Report and maps prepared for Hornsby Shire Council. P & J Smith Ecological Consultants, Blaxland.
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- Speight, J.G. (1990) Landform. In: 'Australian soil and land survey. Field handbook' Second edition (Eds. RC McDonald, RF Isbell, JG Speight, J, Walker, MS Hopkins). Inkata Press, Melbourne. pp 9-57
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(2003) Chapter 7. Vegetation - Guidelines for Conducting Surveys. Australian Bureau of Rural Sciences 35 pgs
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- Tindall, D., Pennay, C., Tozer, M.G., Turner, K. and Keith, D.A. (2004) Native vegetation map report series No. 4. Araluen, Batemans Bay, Braidwood, Burragorang, Goulburn, Jervis Bay, Katoomba, Kiama, Moss Vale, Penrith, Port Hacking, Sydney, Taralga, Ulladulla, Wollongong (Priority 5 Mapping Area - P5MA). (NSW Dept. of Environment and Climate Change and NSW Dept. of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, Sydney)
- Tozer, M.G. (2003) The native vegetation of the Cumberland Plain, Western Sydney: systematic classification and field identification of communities. Cunninghamia 8(1): 1-75
- Tozer, M.G., Turner, K., Simpson, C., Keith, D.A., Beukers, P., MacKenzie, B., Tindall, D. and Pennay, C. (2006) Native vegetation of south east NSW: a revised classification and map for the coast and eastern tablelands. V1.0. (NSW Dept. of Environment and Climate Change and NSW Dept. of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, Sydney)
- Troedson, A., Hashimoto, T.R., Jaworksa, J., Malloch, K., Cain, L. (2004) New South Wales Coastal Quaternary Geology. In: NSW Coastal Quaternary Geology Data Package (on CD-Rom), Troesdson, A., Hashimoto, T.R. (eds). NSW Dept. of Primary Industries, Mineral Resources, Geological Survey of NSW, Maitland. 108 pgs
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