PLANT SURVEY LUCINDA DRAIN, FISHERMAN ISLANDS: OCTOBER (WINTER) 2004 PLANT SURVEY

November 2004

Rob Friend and Associates

This Plant Assessment Report is the eighth report prepared following an assessment of plants occurring along the banks of the Lucinda Drain, Fisherman Islands. The Lucinda Drain is located along the eastern side of Fisherman Islands and is approximately 2.5 kilometres in length. The drain provides tidal, stormwater and wash-drainage from all hardstands and roof water runoff for the majority of facilities and roads along the eastern section of Fisherman Islands.

Rob Friend &Associates Pty Ltd was commissioned to undertake this and the previous seven plant surveys of Lucinda Drain.
 
This survey utilised the revised field survey technique trialled in previous plant surveys (November 2003, March 2004). The survey results did not alter the outcome in terms of plant species  identified, however improved the timeliness of the field survey.

Summary of findings

1. A new plant species Euphoria hirta (Asthma plant) was recorded during the plant survey. This plant is a naturalised, native species from tropical Africa.

2. 46 plant species were recorded. This consisted of 17 native/planted species and 29 environmental weed species.

3. Lantana (Lantana camara), Para grass (Brachiaria mutica), Broad leafed pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) and Singapore daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata) were recorded again on the left bank.

4. Recent rains appeared to have had no significant affect on the abundance of plant species within the site.

5. Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum) and Cobblers pegs (Bidens pilosa) dominated in places where grasses were not dense.

No target weed species identified by Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) (see pg 20) were located during the plant survey. Additionally, no other exotic plant species new to the site or in the general Brisbane area were recorded during the plant survey.

All environmental weed species that have been identified following the implementation of the plant surveys are being managed in accordance with a land management schedule. No unusual plant species or potential exotic plant incursions were identified during this and the previous plant surveys.

Recommendations regarding the long-term management of environmental weeds within the Lucinda Drain area are provided in Section 6 of this report.