Biodiversity
Page 250
Coastline
The State Government has prepared a Coastal Protection Board Strategic Plan
2009-2014 for the metropolitan coast, which focuses on key strategic priorities for
coastal ecosystems, including:
•
Engaging with planning authorities in developing land use frameworks,
planning strategies and development plans that recognise and allow for
adaptation (including retreat and migration) of tide-dependent ecosystems.
•
Ensuring that development does not create additional pressures on at-risk
ecosystems.
•
Providing advice to the Minister, State Government, local government and
the community on sustaining coastal ecosystems.
Four site-specific coastal Biodiversity Management Plans have been developed
by Council to assist in the management of pedestrian and vehicular access,
erosion, stormwater discharges, weed and pest animal invasion, climate related
sea level rise, increased storm events and development.
Council is currently acting on priority coastal management issues, including the
eradication of the declared ‘red alert’ (meaning 'priority weed')
Trachyandra
divaricata
(Dune Onion Weed), and the maintenance of dune fences to control
pedestrian movements.
A field survey was undertaken in November 2009 at Semaphore, Taperoo and
North Haven dunes. There were 27 (48%) native plant species and 29 (52%)
exotic plant species out of the 56 total species surveyed. There were four species
cited at Semaphore in 2009, three species of which are listed as uncommon
within the Southern Lofty Botanical region and they include
Acacia ligulata
(Umbrella Bush),
Adriana quadripartita
(Coast Bitter-bush) and
Pelargonium
australe
(Australia Pelargonium). One other species,
Poranthera ericoides
(Poranthera), was also found and is listed as 'rare' within the Southern Lofty
Botanical region.
Bird surveys were undertaken during the same survey period. Twenty-four (75%)
of 32 bird species observed were native to the area and one particular species
Sterna nereis
(Fairy Tern) is listed as 'vulnerable' under the National Parks and
Wildlife Act 1972.
Following the November 2009 survey period, Council's largest priority
revegetation projects occurred along the coastal dunes from Semaphore South to
North Haven. Council has carried out extensive revegetation works since 2004,
with over 20,000 indigenous plants planted annually along the coastline
.
