The Threatened Species Scientific Committee has launched a consultation program on the possible listing of the eucalypt forest on NSW coastal floodplains as nationally threatened.
The Committee nominated the floodplains as a threatened ecological community in 2016 and an assessment which followed found the ecological community extended beyond NSW, prompting the Department of the Environment and Energy to rename it the Coastal Floodplain Eucalypt Forest of Eastern Australia.
“The Committee particularly seeks comments on whether the Coastal Floodplain Eucalypt Forest of Eastern Australia is eligible for listing under the proposed conservation status, but also invites other relevant comments and information,” the Department said.
“The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act requires the Threatened Species Scientific Committee to undertake public consultation on nominations accepted for a full scientific assessment.”
It said the draft scientific assessment recommended that the eucalypt forest might be eligible for listing as endangered, based on evidence that it had declined in extent by 75-to-80 per cent.
In addition it had a restricted geographic distribution, based on small patch sizes, coupled with many demonstrable threats throughout the range.
“The extent and integrity of the remaining forest are further impacted by weed invasion, changes to hydrology and coastal development,” the Department said.
“The Committee welcomes the views of experts, land managers, traditional owners, other stakeholders and the general public.
The public consultation period closes on 21 August and the Committee’s 84-page advice can be accessed at this PS News link.
