Regional ecosystem details for 8.2.6
| Regional ecosystem | 8.2.6 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 2, 5, 6, (4), (11.14), (3) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 7000 ha; Remnant 2021 5000 ha |
| Short description | Corymbia tessellaris +/- Acacia leptocarpa +/- Allocasuarina littoralis +/- Banksia integrifolia +/- rainforest species open forest on parallel dunes |
| Structure code | Open Forest |
| Description | Corymbia tessellaris open forest to low woodland. Acacia leptocarpa and/or Allocasuarina littoralis and/or Banksia integrifolia are occasionally present as a codominant or subdominant canopy tree. There is sometimes a well-developed secondary tree layer of beach scrub species. Alternatively the secondary tree layer may include Acacia leptocarpa, A. disparrima, A. flavescens and Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar. There is occasionally a shrub layer, commonly consisting of species such as Jasminum spp., Xanthorrhoea sp., Planchonia careya and saplings from upper layers. The ground layer may be dominated by species such as Jasminum didymum, Stephania japonica, Imperata cylindrica and Lomandra longifolia. Occurs on parallel dunes. Geologies include: Qhcb (Holocene quartzose to shelly sand beach ridges), Qr (Quaternary beach ridges and dunes) and Qpcb (Pleistocene quartzose to Shelley sand, coquina: older coastal beach ridges, cheniers). Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9e). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 8.2.6a: Corymbia tessellaris open forest to low woodland. Acacia leptocarpa and/or Allocasuarina littoralis are occasionally present as a co-dominant or subdominant canopy tree. Corymbia clarksoniana may be a minor component of the canopy. A very sparse to mid-dense sub-canopy tree layer is often present, with typical species including Acacia leptocarpa, Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar, Planchonia careya and Pandanus cookii. There is often a minor to well-developed rainforest component in the sub-canopy and common species are Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Alphitonia excelsa, Exocarpos cupressiformis, Terminalia muelleri, Chionanthus ramiflorus, Euroschinus falcatus, Millettia pinnata, Acronychia laevis and Pleiogynium timorense. A scattered low tree layer may also be present containing species similar to the sub-canopy. A very sparse shrub layer may be present and common species are Xanthorrhoea sp., Glochidion lobocarpum, Lithomyrtus obtusa and Jasminum spp. The very sparse ground layer may include Lomandra longifolia, Imperata cylindrica, Heteropogon triticeus, Themeda triandra, Lithomyrtus obtusa, Jasminum spp., and Cyperus spp. This ecosystem may include very narrow (a few m wide) minor swales dominated by Melaleuca spp. (well-developed examples of such swales are mapped as other ecosystems). Occurs on parallel dunes (subregions 2 and 6). Geologies include: Qhcb (Holocene quartzose to shelly sand beach ridges), Qr (Quaternary beach ridges and dunes) and Qpcb (Pleistocene quartzose to shelly sand, coquina: older coastal beach ridges, cheniers). Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9e). 8.2.6b: Corymbia tessellaris open forest to woodland (9-20m tall). There is sometimes a well-developed secondary tree layer of rainforest species (sometimes reaching the canopy) including Jagera pseudorhus, Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Chionanthus ramiflorus, Ficus rubiginosa, Ficus virens and Heptapleurum actinophyllum. Alternatively the secondary tree layer may be dominated by sclerophyllous species such as Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar, Acacia disparrima subsp. Disparrima, A. flavescens and Petalostigma pubescens. Livistona decora is sometimes present as an emergent or associated species in any of the layers. There is occasionally a shrub layer, commonly consisting of species such as Jasminum spp., Planchonia careya and saplings from upper layers. The ground layer can be dominated by species such as Jasminum spp., Pteridium esculentum, Stephania japonica, Imperata cylindrica and Oplismenus aemulus. Occurs on parallel dunes (subregion 4 and 5). Geologies include: Qhcb (Holocene quartzose to shelly sand beach ridges), Qhcd (Holocene blow-out frontal quartz dune), Qpcb (Pleistocene quartzose to shelly sand, coquina: older coastal beach ridges, cheniers) and Qhf (Holocene quartzose foredune sand). Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9e). 8.2.6x1a: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 8.2.6b. Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar, rainforest spp. open shrubland to open scrub and open forest. Allocasuarina littoralis and/or Casuarina equisetifolia may sometimes be codominant or prominent. Occurs in the form of a mosaic of very small groves of rainforest, Allocasuarina littoralis/Banksia integrifolia shrublands, and little stands of Casuarina equisetifolia, interspersed with areas of open, unstable sand. Scattered Livistona decora are a prominent feature. Common dominant or associated species include Jasminum simplicifolium, Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Melaleuca leucadendra, Dodonaea viscosa subsp. viscosa and Exocarpos latifolius. The ground layer is very sparse and may include Imperata cylindrica, Dianella caerulea, Eragrostis interrupta, Cymbopogon refractus, and areas of bare sand. Occurs on Holocene parabolic dunes (subregion 5). Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9e). 8.2.6x1b: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 8.2.6a. Corymbia tessellaris, Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar low open forest to low woodland. There is usually a rainforest component in the canopy, often including Jagera pseudorhus var. pseudorhus and Euroschinus falcatus. sub-canopy tree layers are sparse to mid-dense and usually dominated by Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar, Corymbia tessellaris, Jagera pseudorhus var. pseudorhus, and Planchonia careya. A very sparse to sparse shrub layer typically includes Xanthorrhoea johnsonii and juvenile rainforest species. The ground layer is very sparse and typically dominated by Heteropogon triticeus and Imperata cylindrica. Occurs on mid to upper slopes and crests of Holocene parabolic dunes (subregion 2). Geologies include Qhd (Holocene high blow-out quartz dune sand) and Qhcb (Holocene quartzose to shelly sand beach ridges). Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9e). 8.2.6x1c: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 8.2.6b. Acacia disparrima subsp. disparrima shrubland to closed scrub to woodland. Leptospermum neglectum and/or Casuarina equisetifolia may sometimes be codominant or prominent. Other associated canopy species may include Acacia julifera, Grevillea banksii, Lithomyrtus obtusa, Alphitonia excelsa and Exocarpos cupressiformis. The ground layer is very sparse, and dominants include Imperata cylindrica, Eragrostis sp., Coronidium rupicola and Jasminum didymum. Occurs on Holocene parabolic dunes. Subregion 5. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9e). |
| Protected areas | Cape Palmerston NP, West Hill NP, Bakers Creek CP, Broad Sound Islands NP, Keppel Bay Islands NP, Skull Knob CP, Cape Hillsborough NP, Newry Islands NP, Dryander NP, Byfield NP, Bloomsbury CP |
| Special values | 8.2.6: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Livistona drudei. 8.2.6a: Potential habitat for the vulnerable species Livistona drudei. The only known records for this species in the Central Queensland Coast lie in the adjacent RE 8.12.13a on a sandy creekline. Habitat for the locally rare species Acacia dietrichiana (Pollock, 1995). Habitat for the Grey Goshawk and Beach Thick-knee. 8.2.6x1a: Habitat for Zoysia macrantha subsp. macrantha which is at the northern limit of its range here. 8.2.6x1c: The record of Coronidium rupicola from this ecosystem is a significant southern outlier. |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. STRATEGY: Do not deliberately burn beach ridge communities that have a component of littoral vineforest. Burn adjacent fire adapted ecosystems under conditions where fire does not penetrate beach ridge communities or only trickles in at low intensity. ISSUES: Address infestations of exotic grass such as Guinea grass immediately. 8.2.6a: It is considered likely that this ecosystem represents a disturbed version of 8.2.2 (i.e. subjected to fire or additional exposure). The decision to burn this ecosystem should be mindful of the significant habitat values of 8.2.2. Ideally, both ecosystems should be represented in any given location. 8.2.6b: Structural and floristic variation within this ecosystem is likely to be a reflection of localised differences in hydrology. |
| Comments | 8.2.6a: Distinguished from the very closely related 8.2.6b by distribution (8.2.6a is in subregions 2 and 6, while 8.2.6b is in subregion 5). Similar to 8.2.14b and 8.2.8a but 8.2.6a occurs on parallel dunes, whilst 8.2.14b and 8.2.8a occur on parabolic dunes. The regional ecosystems 8.2.13a and 8.2.13b can be similar to 8.2.6a but they occur in broad, flat, low-lying swampy areas and are always codominated by Melaleuca spp. The RE 8.2.6a is distinguished from all other Land Zone 2 regional ecosystems by the dominance of Corymbia tessellaris (or Allocasuarina littoralis). 8.2.6x1b has been amalgamated into this vegetation community. Occurs in subregion 2 and 6 in scattered patches along coastal areas. In the north it is found from near Mount Maria (15km south-east of Bowen) to 5km east of Dingo Beach. It also occurs from Conway Beach north to Clairview Bluff and on some islands. Dune forests are naturally restricted communities which are vulnerable to erosion and weed invasion, and a large proportion of the area mapped is in moderate to poor condition due to these factors. Threatening processes include clearing for coastal residential and tourist development, and for grazing or agricultural lands, and disturbance by recreational vehicles. Fire is also a threat. Problem weeds include *Lantana camara, *Passiflora suberosa, *P. pallida, *Triumfetta rhomboidea, *Digitaria didactyla, *Megathyrsus maximus, *Melinis repens, *Stylosanthes humilis and *Tridax procumbens. 8.2.6b: Distinguished from the very closely related 8.2.6a by distribution (8.2.6a is in subregions 2 and 6, while 8.2.6b is in subregion 5). Similar to 8.2.14b and 8.2.8a but 8.2.6b occurs on parallel dunes, whilst 8.2.14b and 8.2.8a occur on parabolic dunes. The regional ecosystems 8.2.13a and 8.2.13b can be similar to 8.2.6b but they occur in broad, flat, low-lying swampy areas and are always codominated by Melaleuca spp. The RE 8.2.6b is distinguished from all other Land Zone 2 regional ecosystems by the dominance of Corymbia tessellaris. 8.2.6x1a and 8.2.6x1c has been amalgamated into this vegetation community. Occurs in subregion 5, from Reef Point south to the mouth of Island Head Creek and from Corio Bay to Rosslyn Bay (just south of Yeppoon). Also found on North Keppel Island (Subregion 4). Dune forests are naturally restricted communities which are vulnerable to erosion and weed invasion, and some of the area mapped is in moderate to poor condition due to these factors. Threatening processes include clearing for coastal residential and tourist development, and for grazing or agricultural lands, and disturbance by recreational vehicles. Fire is also a threat. Common weed species include *Lantana camara, *Opuntia stricta, *Passiflora suberosa, *P. pallida, *Rivina humilis, *Triumfetta rhomboidea and *Solanum nodiflorum. 8.2.6x1a: 8.2.14a is distinguished from all other regional ecosystems by a combination of its occurrence in subregion 5 only, its occurrence on unstable Holocene age parabolic dunes and the presence of a fine mosaic of vine scrubs and Allocasuarina littoralis/Banksia integrifolia shrublands. Occurs mainly in subregion 5 adjacent to the coast from Island Head Creek to Corio Bay. Also occurs on Great Keppel Island. Dune forests are naturally restricted communities which are vulnerable to erosion and weed invasion, and this ecosystem is particularly vulnerable due to its occurrence on unstable sections of parallel dunes and the naturally occurring areas of unvegetated sand. The weeds *Opuntia stricta and *Lantana camara are currently the most serious threat. 8.2.6x1b: 8.2.14b is distinguished from 8.2.8a by its occurrence on Holocene parabolic dunes (8.2.8a occurs on Pleistocene parabolics) and by its shorter stature and lack of other eucalypt or Corymbia spp. Distinguished from 8.2.6a and 8.2.6b by its occurrence on parabolic dunes (8.2.6a and 8.2.6b occur on parallel dunes). The regional ecosystems 8.2.13a and 8.2.13b differ by occurring in broad, flat, low-lying swampy areas, are always codominated by Melaleuca spp. and have a much taller stature. The RE 8.2.14b is distinguished from all other Land Zone 2 regional ecosystems by the dominance of Corymbia tessellaris. Occurs in the Slade Point area, North Mackay, subregion 2, and also on Great Keppel Island. Dune forests are naturally restricted communities which are vulnerable to erosion and weed invasion, however the current condition of this community is thought to be reasonably good. This ecosystem naturally occurs on an unstable section of the parabolic dune and is therefore especially prone to erosion. Other threatening processes include clearing for coastal residential and tourist development, and for grazing or agricultural lands, and disturbance by recreational vehicles. Fire is also a threat. The weeds *Lantana camara and *Passiflora suberosa, *P. pallida are currently common. 8.2.6x1c: 8.2.14c is distinguished from all other regional ecosystems by a combination of its occurrence in subregion 5 only, its occurrence on unstable Holocene age parabolic dunes and the dominance of Acacia disparrima subsp. disparrima. Occurs in subregion 5, along the coast from the mouth of Island Head Creek to Corio Bay. Dune forests are naturally restricted communities which are vulnerable to erosion and weed invasion, however the current condition of this community is thought to be reasonably good. Weed species which pose a threat include *Lantana camara, *Passiflora suberosa, *P. pallida, *Passiflora foetida and *Opuntia stricta. |
1 Estimated extent is from version 13 pre-clearing and 2021 remnant regional ecosystem mapping. Figures are rounded for simplicity. For more precise estimates, including breakdowns by tenure and other themes see remnant vegetation in Queensland.
2 Superseded: Revision of the regional ecosystem classification removed this regional ecosystem code from use. It is included in the regional ecosystem description database because the RE code may appear in older versions of RE mapping and the Vegetation Management regulation.
