Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00006:reg:3:p20
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00006
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 3 (pt 20/58)
Character Range: 56805–59829

a diverse range
             of structurally complex wet heath, mainly occurring in poorly drained areas, including Nadgee Lowland Sedge Swamp, Nadgee Tall Wet Shrub Heath and Nadgee Wet Shrub Heath. A unique wetland type occurs within the dune swales surrounding Cape Howe (Cape Howe Dune Swale). Dry Scrub occurs along the length of the proposed KBA coastline, and includes Headland Scrub and Dune. The KBA occurs within one of the least disturbed areas of temperate coastal vegetation on the Australian mainland. This has resulted in a very high level of floristic and structural integrity, which is considered significant at the national level.

2.9                  Habitat critical to survival

 Habitat critical to the survival or important habitats of a species or ecological community refers to areas that are necessary:
   •      for activities such as foraging, breeding, roosting, or dispersal;
   •      for the long-term maintenance of the species or ecological community (including the maintenance of species essential to the survival of the species or ecological community, such as pollinators);

   •      to maintain genetic diversity and long-term evolutionary development; or
   •      for the reintroduction of populations or recovery of the species or
   ecological community.

 Such habitat may be, but is not limited to: habitat identified in a recovery plan for
 the species or ecological community as habitat critical for that species or ecological community; and/or habitat listed on the Register of Critical Habitat maintained by the Minister under the EPBC Act.

 Habitat critical to the survival of the Eastern Bristlebird includes:

 Breeding and foraging habitat

   •      Northern population: within the known or likely range and in habitat that occurs in open forest with dense tussocky grass understorey and sparse mid-storey near rainforest ecotone. The northern fire regime is between 3–6 years and of variable intensity depending on the habitat condition.

   •      Central and southern populations: within the known or likely range and in habitat that includes low vegetation including heath and open woodland with a heathy understorey. Birds reach maximum densities of 3–4 birds per 10 ha in habitat that has not been burnt for at least 15 years.

 Habitat for the long-term maintenance of the species

   •      All Key Biodiversity Areas with Eastern Bristlebird as a Trigger species.

 Additionally, all suitable habitat occupied by the Eastern Bristlebird before and after the 2019–2020 wildfires is considered habitat critical to survival. It is also important to consider and maintain connectivity, buffer zones, and refugia habitat – especially in the context of wildfire – for the species. Potential or planned release sites are
 also considered habitat critical to the survival of Eastern Bristlebirds and should be afforded the same level of protection and conservation management as known sites. Sympathetic management of areas adjoining Eastern Bristlebird habitats is