Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01603:body:0:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L01603
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 3002–5614

due to water clarity and sediment substratum, for example Myriophyllum spp. (Water-Milfoil) and Stuckenia pectinata (Fennel Pondweed). Mosses, such as Cratoneuropsis relaxa, Distichophyllum microcarpum and Fissidens rigidens, may be present on limestone outcrops and floors of submerged caverns to depths exceeding 15 metres. Epiphytic algal growth can also occur on genera such as Ranunculus, particularly when reduced water flow occurs.

The fringing soils support vegetation that ranges from reedbeds, sedgelands and herblands to shrublands. The inundated emergent zone occurs as a dense herbaceous verge of reeds, sedges and rushes which include macrophytic species, such as twig-rushes (Baumea spp.), Cladium procerum (Leafy Twig-rush), Cyperus laevigatus (Boredrain Sedge), Eleocharis gracilis (Slender Spike Sedge), Phragmites australis (Common Reed), Selliera radicans (Swamp Weed), Schoenoplectus pungens (Three-square), Schoenus nitens (Shiny Bog-sedge) and Typha domingensis (Bull-rush).

As sedgeland transitions to shrubland, the overstorey becomes typically dense with Leptospermum lanigerum (Silky Tea-tree/Woolly Tea-tree/Punung/Wiriyu) the common dominant canopy species. Other shrub species tolerant of waterlogging which may occur in the canopy include Melaleuca squarrosa (Scented Paperbark), M. ericifolia (Swamp Paperbark) and Ozothamnus ferrugineus (Tree Everlasting). Large tree species such as Eucalyptus ovata (Swamp Gum) can sporadically occur.

The understorey of the fringing zone may be dominated by tall tussock sedges such as Gahnia trifida (Cutting Grass) and Gahnia clarkei (Tall Saw-sedge) and also includes herbaceous plants such as Acaena novae-zelandiae (Bidgee-widgee), Brachyscome graminea (Grass Daisy), Centella cordifolia, Epilobium billardiereanum subsp. billardiereanum (Variable Willow-herb), Lobelia anceps (Angled Lobelia), Samolus repens (Creeping Brookweed), Senecio biserratus (Fireweed), Viola hederacea (Australian Native Violet) and genera such as Cotula, Hydrocotyle and Cycnogeton. Orchids such as Pterostylis tenuissima (Swamp Greenhood) may also be present in the fringing zone. As the shrub canopy density increases, the groundlayer can become sparse due to shading and competition.

The Karst springs and alkaline fens provides diverse habitats for a range of aquatic, terrestrial and volant animals that rely on these permanent to near permanent wetlands. The diverse aquatic habitats associated with the Karst springs and alkaline fens also provide resources for migratory waders and waterbirds in addition to refuge for birds from more arid regions.