| Photographs: | |
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| List: | Register of the National Estate |
| Class: | Natural |
| Legal Status: | Registered (21/10/1980) |
| Place ID: | 1590 |
| Place File No: | 1/11/102/0019 |
| Statement of Significance: |
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The Beecroft Peninsula is the best example of a Permian cliffed coast in New South Wales.
The area supports a high diversity of vegetation types within a small area including mangroves, saltmarsh, freshwater swamps, heathland, eucalypt forest and subtropical and littoral rainforest.
The heath vegetation of the Peninsula is floristically rich and is one of the few large heath areas remaining in the region.
It provides an important faunal habitat for small birds and animals.
The subtropical and littoral rainforests of the Peninsula are floristically rich with 121 plant species recorded, including thirty nine tree species. These forests are also of biogeographic significance as remnants of the coastal rainforests which were once extensive in southern Australia. The rainforest patches contain ten tree species at or near their southern limit of distribution. Their flora also contains a mixture of subtropical and temperate species. As such they are significant in the study of the latitudinal shift from subtropical to temperate forests. Although these patches are small in size, together they make up a viable ecological unit and provide an important habitat for fauna restricted to forests of this type. This is important in an area where subtropical and littoral rainforest have generally been cleared. The littoral rainforest behind Long Beach is a well preserved example of rainforest on sand. This type of vegetation is now rare in New South Wales. Species of biogeographic significance that are found in the saltmarshes of the area include WILSONIA BACKHOUSEI, the dominant species of the Wowly Gully Saltmarsh. This species is rare in New South Wales and occurs in disjunct populations in Victoria and Tasmania. Rare plants found in the area include a EUCALYPTUS TERETICORNIS x LONGIFOLIA hybrid, THESIUM AUSTRALE (3ec (i) and GREVILLEA barkleyana (3rc(a)). SCLEROSTEGIA ARBUSCULA and EUPHORBIA SPARMANII are rare in New South Wales. Lake Woolumboola is the largest shallow saline lake in New South Wales. It provides a valuable habitat for thousands of swans and other water birds, some protected by international migratory bird treaties. It also provides an important drough refuge for waterfowl. Rare bird species found on the Beecroft Peninsula include the gang gang (vulnerable), little tern (threatened), great egret (threatened), pied oyster catcher (rare), white bellied sea eagle (endangered), ground parrot (threatened). Other rare species include the bar shouldered dove and top knot pigeon which are becoming rare due to declining habitat (littoral rainforest). Rare mammal species include the large footed mouse eared bat (MYOTIS)(endangered) and the new Holland mouse (endangered). The diamond python which is endangered also occurs on the Peninsula. Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and associated buildings are of particular historical importance as there is documentary evidence to suggest the lighthouse represents the culmination of research and experiment by the Colonial Architects Office into building methods readily adaptable to the materials available on site. The Lighthouse shows an innovative use of precast concrete. Beecroft Peninsula is aesthetically significant for its naturalness, its dramatic cliffs and extensive heaths and sedgelands. It is visually valuable as a major section of the Jervis Bay's visual catchment. Point Perpendicular and its Lighthouse are one of Jervis Bay's most powerful landmarks. The Commission has determined that this place has Indigenous values of National Estate significance. The Commission is currently consulting with relevant communities about the amount of information to be placed on public record. |
| Official Values: Not Available |
| Description: |
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Beecroft Peninsula is a remnant of a Permian (230-280 million years bp) coastal plateau, sloping north and east from high ocean cliffs to the gentler shore of Jervis Bay.
Stong southerly winds and sea waves have hammered into the joints of the sandstone forming caves, blowholes, small peninsulars, clefts, arches and stacks such as the Drum and Drumsticks. Lake Woolumboola is the largest shallow saline lagoon on the South Coast of New South Wales with an area of 625ha the lake is seldom open to the sea. The endangered Little tern and pied oyster catcher nest on its dunes. The lake also provides a habitat for thousands of swans and other water birds. Wowly Gully consists of a series of interconnected pools with no opening to the sea and is fringed by sandflats and swamps. Frequently the gully is open directly to Jervis Bay, at which time it becomes a tidal channel. The lower saltmarsh is a mosaic of two communities, one dominated by WILSONIA BACKHOUSEI, the other by SARCOCORNIA QUINQUEFLORA. On the South Coast W. BACKHOUSEI is found at a few widely separated sites and is considered a rare plant in New South Wales. Carama Inlet is fringed with mangroves (AVICENNIA MARINA) behind which are areas of saltmarsh. The most striking feature is the presence of the chenopod (SCLEROSTEGIA ARBUSCULA) which is only known from a few sites in New South Wales. Also of interest is LIMONIUM AUSTRALE, whose northern limit in New South Wales is the Minamurra River. The Beecroft Peninsula supports a variety of vegetation types/units including: 1) CASUARINA GLAUCA swamps, which occur mainly in the north of the Peninsula. The understorey in these swamps contains shrubs and sedges. 2) Coastal scrub, which occurs on the southern shore from Dart Point to Point Perpendicular and on sites exposed to sea spray. Most common species are LEPTOSPERMUM LAEVIGATUM, WESTRINGIA FRUITICOSA, BANKSIA INTEGRIFOLIA, LOMANDRA LONGIFOLIA and PTERIDIUM ESCULENTUM. 3) Low lying swamps. This vegetation type is extensive in the north and behind Long Beach. Common species are PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS, MELALEUCA ERICIFOLIA and LEPTOSPERMUM JUNIPERINUM. 4) Stream swamps which occur in the catchment of Duck Creek. Dominant species include GAHNIA CLARKEI and GLEICHENIA MICROPHYLLA. 5) Swampy thicket which occurs on low lying land between heathland and low lying swamp. Most common species include BANKSIA ERICIFOLIA, ALLOCASUARINA LITTORALIS, EPACRIS MICROPHYLLA and MELALEUCA THYMIFOLIA. 6) Heath is the most widespread vegetation type on the Peninsula. Common species include BANKSIA PALUDOSA, CASUARINA DISTYLA, DARWINIATAXIFOLIA and LAMBERTIA FORMOSA. Discrete clumps of mallee, dominated by E. STRICTA and E. OBTUSIFOLIA are present. 7) Small crowned eucalypt forests dominated by E. GUMMIFERA and E. RACEMOSA with E. PIPERITA common. These forests have a heathy understorey. 8) Large crowned eucalypt forests dominated By E. LONGIFOLIA, E. PANICULATA, E. GLOBOIDEA and ANGOPHORA FLORIBUNDA with an understorey of rushes and bracken. 9) Gully vegetation which is confined to small freshwater streams. Common species include TODEA BARBARA, coral fern, fan fern, blueberry ash, bastard rosewood, mock olive and jungle grape. 10) Terpentine (SYNCARPIA GLOMULIFERA forest), which is found at only one site on the Peninsula; understorey species are similar to those of gully vegetation. 11) Wet heath which is usually found in low lying situations. Sedges are dominant with EPACRIS OBTUSIFOLIA and BAECKEA IMBRIATA common. 12) Rainforest which occurs in five restricted localities. These forests include patches of both littoral and subtropical rainforest. Dominant species include DIOSPYROS AUSTRALE, PODOCARPUS ELATUS, ELAEODENON AUSTRALE and FICUS species. Species at or near their southern limit of distribution include BAUERELLA SIMPLICIFOLIA, PODOCARPUS ELATUS, PISONIA UMBELLIFERAE, CISSUS ANTARCTICA, EUROSCHINUS FALCATA, DYOSPYROS PENAMERA, ENDRIANA SIEBERI, GLOCHIDION FERDIANDI, FICUS OBLIQUA, CYATHA COOPERI and SYZIGIUM COOLMINIANUM. 13) Mangroves (AVECINNIA MARINA) found on tidal mudflats and on the Sandy Beach at Green Point. Eleven species of mammal occur on the peninusla including grey kangaroo, swamp wallaby, brush possum, eight species of bat including the endangered large footed myotis (MYOTIS ADVERSUS) and grey headed flying fox (PTEROPUS POLIOCEPHALUS) which is predominantly found in Queensland, the endangered new holland mouse (PSEUDOMYS NOVAEHOLLANDIAE) and rare white footed dunnart (SMITHOPSIS LEUCOPUS). The rainforests and eucalypt forest support the highest number of mammals. 155 bird species have been recored in the area. The preferred habitat for birds are rainforest, turpentine forest, heath and the area surrounding Lake Woolumboola. There are large residential populations of honeyeaters (twelve species). Seven species protected by international bird treaties also visit the area including the spine tailed swift, pallid cockoo, spangled drongo and sacred kingfisher. Thirteen species of reptile have been recorded in the area including five species of skink and the diamond python. Heath and coastal scrub are the favoured habitat of reptile species. Twelve species of amphibian have been recorded in the area. Their favoured habitat is swampy areas. Point Perpendicular Lighthouse Group includes the circular tower, residences and ancillary structures which are constructed of precast concrete block masonry employing sandstone aggregate from the site. |
| History: Not Available |
| Condition and Integrity: |
| Peninsula substantially in natural condition. A number of heathland vehicular tracks exist. These are eroding badly. Naval bombardment has not caused significant damage to the vegetation. Lake Woolumboola and its shores are still in fairly natural condition; some of its hinterland has been cleared for Agricultural purposes. |
| Location: |
| Approximately 7,000ha, located 20km south-east of Nowra, comprising the area bounded by a line commencing at the mouth of Wowley Creek, Hare Bay, (AMG point: 9028-III-S-Nowra-926250) then proceeding directly to the main road from Callala Bay to Nowra at AMG northing 9029-253; then northerly along the eastern boundary of that road to a point 100m north of the middle thread of Coonemia Creek; then easterly at a constant distance of 100m from that thread to the western boundary of Portion 39, Parish of Wollumboola; then northerly via the boundaries of Portions 39, 40 and 41, so that they are included, to the north-west corner of Portion 41; then due west to the left bank of Wollong Creek; then northerly to the alignment of the western boundary of Portion 45; then northerly via the boundaries of Portions 45, 46, 48 and 49, so that they are included, to the north-west corner of Portion 49; then westerly via the southern boundary of Portion 6 to AMG easting 9028-934; then directly to AMG point 9028-93803112; then directly to the western boundary of Portion 3 at AMG northing: 9028- 3102; then northerrly via that boundary to AMG northing: 9028-3185; then directly to the shore of Lake Wollumboola at AMG easting: 9028- ii-S-Crookhaven-953; then easterly, via that shore to the eastern most point of the lake; then due east to low water mark; then southerly via low water to AMG easting: 9027-I-N-Currarong-002; then southerly via the following AMG points by straight lines to exclude the settlement of Currarong: 001226 and 01902235 to 02002313; then directly to low water mark at AMG easting: 9027-015; then via low water easterly and around Beeroft Peninsula to the commencement point. Offshore islands and rocks are included. |
| Bibliography: |
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ADAM P AND HUTCHINGS P (1987) THE SALTMARSHES AND MANGROVES OF JERVIS BAY PAGES 58-64 IN 'WETLANDS' JOUNAL OF THE COASTS AND WETLANDS SOCIETY VOLUME 6 NO. 2. AUSTRALIAN LITTORAL SOCIETY (1973) 'JERVIS BAY THE FUTURE' D.A. POLLARD (ED), AUSTRALIAN LITTORAL SOCIETY, SYDNEY. BRAITHWAITE L.W., AUSTIN M.P., MARGULES C.R., CATLING P.C. AND BEDWARD M. (1988) "JERVIS BAY FLORA AND FAUNA SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT OF SPECIFIC SITES FOR THE JERVIS BAY ARMAMENTS DEPOT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT', CSIRO, CANBERRA. BRECKWOLT R. (1986) 'IDENTIFICATION OF PLACES OF NATIONAL ESTATE SIGNIFICANCE IN JERVIS BAY AND ITS ENVIRONS' UNPUB AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE COMMISSION. BROWNE G. (1987) 'JERVIS BAY AND ENVIRONS VISUAL ASSESSMENT' UNPUB AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE COMMISSION. COYNE P.C., HINCHEY M.D. AND JENKINS R.W.G. (1979) 'BEECROFT PENINSULA A SURVEY OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE OWNED LAND', ANPWS, CANBERRA. DAMES AND MOORE (1987) 'PROPOSED JERVIS BAY ARMAMENT DEPOT NATURAL RESOURCES BASELINE STUDY', DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION, CANBERRA. DOUGHTON R. (1973) EVOLUTION OF THE JERVIS BAY LANDSCAPE IN 'JERVIS BAY THE FUTURE', D.A. POLLARD (ED), AUST. LITTORAL SOC. SYDNEY. DUNPHY M. (1944) 'PROPOSED REGIONAL DESIGN OF BEECROFT PENINUSLA, JERVIS BAY, AND EXTENSION TO CURRARONG VILLAGE', NATIONAL PARKS AND PRIMITIVE AREAS COUNCIL. GOODRICK G. N. (1970) ' A SURVEY OF WETLANDS OF COASTAL NEW SOUTH WALES', CSIRO WILDLIFE RESEARCH TECHNICAL MEMO NO.5. HELMAN C. (1979) 'A STUDY OF THE RAINFOREST VEGETATION OF BEECROFT PENINSULA , NEW SOUTH WALES' UNPUB B.LETTERS THESIS, BOTANY DEPT, UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STANDING COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION (1975) 'DEVELOPMENT PRESSURES ON JERVIS BAY', 7TH REPORT. HOUSE OF REPS, CANBERRA. NATIONAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA (NSW) (1984) 'SUBMISSION TO THE NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE OF NEW SOUTH WALES ON A PROPOSAL BY THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR PERMANENT PROTECTION OF NATURAL AREAS IN THE VICINITY OF JERVIS BAY', NATIONAL TRUST, SYDNEY. NEW SOUTH WALES NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (1974) SCHEDULE 12 TO THE NEW SOUTH WALES NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE ACT. NEW SOUTH WALES NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (1984) 'A STUDY OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF JERVIS BAY' SUBMISSION TO SHOALHAVEN CITY COUNCIL, NOWRA NEW SOUTH WALES PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION (UNDATED) 'ILLAWARRA REGIONAL WETLANDS STUDY', ILLAWARRA REGION OFFICE, WOOLONGONG. TOTAL ENVIRONMENT CENTRE (1988) 'JERVIS BAY AREA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND NATIONAL PARK POJECT', TOTAL ENV CENTRE, SYDNEY. WEST R.J. (1987) LITTORAL AND SUB-LITTORAL HABITATS OF JERVIS BAY, P48-57 'WETLANDS', JOURNAL OF THE COASTS AND WETLANDS SOCIETY VOLUME 6, NO. 2. LAMPERT, R.J. 1971 BURRILL LAKE AND CURRARONG. TERRA AUSTRALIS 1, DEPARTMENT OF PREHISTORY, R.S.Pac.S, AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY. ZAKHAROV, J. 1987 A REVIEW OF ABORIGINAL CULTURAL FACTORS FOR THE JERVIS BAY AREA NEW SOUTH WALES. WETLANDS 6(2) CANE, SCOTT 1987 AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE ARMAMENT DEPOT COMPL EX IN JERVIS BAY, NEW SOUTH WALES. A REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION. HERITAGE RESOURCES SERVICES, ANUTECH PTY LTD, PO BOX 4, CANBERRA ACT 2601 FEARY S. (1986) THE ABORIGINAL CULTURAL HERITAGE OF JERVIS BAY IN 'NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION OF THE ACT BULLETIN' VOL 24 NO 2. Callahan, Shawn et. al (1993) User requirements analysis for the use of GIS to manage Beecroft Peninsula : a report prepared by ERIN for the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Defence. Environmental Resource Information Network (ERIN), Canberra. Skelton, N. and Adam, P. (1994) Beecroft Peninsula vegetation survey. GIS Environmental Consultants, North Curl Curl, N.S.W. Skelton, N. and Adam, P. (1994) Beecroft Peninsula vegetation monitoring strategy : a discussion paper and manual of methods. GIS Environmental Consultants, North Curl Curl, N.S.W. Dept of Defence (1987) Beecroft Peninsula draft land management plan. Defence Facilities Division, Canberra. Kevin Mills and Associates (1993) Management strategy for littoral rainforest, Beecroft Peninsula, Jervis Bay. Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Canberra. Greenslade, P. Smith, D. and Floyd, R. (1995) Short term effects of a fire on invertebrates in coastal heathland on the Beecroft Peninsula : a contribution to the fire management plan for the area. CSIRO Division of Entomology, Canberra. Murray, D. Edwards, L. and Meek, P. (1995) Royal Australian Navy Weapons Range Beecroft Peninsula 1994/95 environmental management and advice service annual report. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra. Australian Geological Survey Organisation (1995) Geoscience and environmental map of Jervis Bay Territory and Beecroft Peninsula. Australian Geological Survey, Canberra. Paton, R. and Macfarlane, I. (1989) An excavation of Abrahams Bosom Rockshelter 1 near Currarong, Jervis Bay, New South Wales. A report to the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service and the New South Wales Department of Lands. |
Report Produced: Wed Feb 10 02:42:20 2010