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Naretha Parrot (Northiella narethae)

The Naretha Parrot is a small Australian parrot of the Nullarbor fringe and southern Great Victoria Desert. It uses open woodland, shrubland and mature hollow-bearing trees, so clearing and construction can remove feeding habitat, nest hollows and roost sites. It is listed as Rare in South Australia and Priority 4 in Western Australia, and is treated as an EVNT species for field planning.

Conservation status

South Australia, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972: Rare.

Western Australia, WA Threatened and Priority Fauna List: Near threatened. Priority 4 (rare, near threatened) on the Western Australian priority fauna list. Priority species are not listed under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 but should be considered in assessments.

Breeding season

The Naretha Blue Bonnet breeds in Australia from July to December, covering late winter through summer. Seasonal movement is associated with rainfall, so activity and breeding conditions can vary between years and across the Nullarbor and Great Victoria Desert region.

Breeding mode: Egg laying in tree hollows.

Breeding period: July to December.

Clutch size: 4 to 7 white eggs.

Nest sites: Hollows and cracks in larger eucalypts, casuarinas and acacias.

Incubation period: Not recorded.

Fledging period: Not recorded.

Age at maturity and breeding frequency: Not recorded.

Breeding and movement timing may shift between years and regions, particularly where rainfall and food availability differ.

  • Breeding and nesting: Adults may be mating, laying or using tree hollows from July to December.
  • Eggs and dependent young: Tree hollows may contain eggs or dependent young during the documented breeding period, although the timing of hatching and fledging is not recorded.
  • Seasonal movement with rainfall: The species moves seasonally with the rains, but month-specific movement timing is not established.
  • General presence and foraging: The species may be present and feeding throughout the year, with local activity affected by rainfall, food availability and weather.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing from July to December has the greatest potential to harm eggs, nestlings or dependent young and to remove active nest hollows.

Identification: Appearance

The Naretha Parrot is a pale grey-brown parrot with strong blue markings. It can be inconspicuous in open woodland and shrubland, particularly when birds are feeding on the ground.

Look for a pale grey-brown body, a deep blue forehead and face, and blue on the bend of the wing.

The species is a member of the parrot family. Identification should be confirmed from several features where possible, especially if the bird is seen briefly or in poor light.

Length: Generally 27 to 35 cm.

  • Pale grey-brown overall colour.
  • Deep blue forehead and face.
  • Blue bend of the wing.
  • Parrot shape and flight.

Identification: Calls and similar species

A reliable call description or species-specific call survey method is not established in the available field information. Record all parrot calls and seek an experienced bird observer when visual confirmation is not possible.

No particular similar species is nominated here. Take photographs where practicable, and record the habitat, behaviour and direction of flight.

Field response: Pause work and notify the fauna spotter catcher or ecologist if a suspected bird is seen near the clearing area.

  • Use both visual and aural observations.
  • Record whether birds are feeding, perched, flying or entering a hollow.
  • Do not rely on a brief blue flash in flight as the sole identification.

Identification: Field signs

Search mature eucalypts, casuarinas and acacias for entrance holes, cracks and other hollows that could be used by parrots. A bird entering a hollow is a stronger sign than an apparently empty hollow.

Droppings, feathers, chewed plant material and repeated calls may indicate use, but these signs are not diagnostic on their own. Record the tree location and photograph the feature before clearing.

  • Hollow-bearing or cracked mature trees.
  • Repeated bird activity around one tree.
  • Pairs or small groups feeding below woodland trees.
  • Feathers or droppings beneath a regularly used perch.

Distribution: States and regions

The Naretha Parrot has a restricted Australian distribution. It occurs along the wooded northern and western fringes of the Nullarbor Plain and extends into the southern Great Victoria Desert.

The species is mapped in South Australia and Western Australia. In Western Australia, its range is associated with the western side of the Nullarbor Plain and the Nullarbor Northern Band.

Records include the Plumridge Lakes area and the Colville, Jubilee, Plumridge and Lost Sands survey areas. The species may occur in suitable parts of the southern infrastructure corridor, even where it is not detected during a particular survey.

Local detection: A Colville survey recorded the species at five site entries, while a Tropicana corridor survey did not record it.

  • South Australia, including the Nullarbor region.
  • Western Australia, including the western Nullarbor fringe and adjacent desert country.
  • Southern Great Victoria Desert.

Distribution: Site planning

Treat suitable habitat as potential habitat throughout the mapped range. A lack of detections during one survey does not demonstrate that the species is absent.

Give extra attention to areas with Casuarina or acacia woodland, chenopod shrubland and mature trees with hollows or cracks.

  • Check fauna databases and local records during project planning.
  • Map habitat trees before pegging clearing limits.
  • Record any birds seen outside formal survey sites as well as within the work area.

Distribution: Conservation listing

The South Australian population is listed as Rare under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. In Western Australia, the species is Priority 4, a Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions category for rare and near threatened species that need monitoring.

For project purposes, apply EVNT species controls and confirm any approval, survey or reporting requirements with the relevant state regulator.

South Australia: Rare.

Western Australia: Priority 4.

Habitat: Vegetation communities

Look for the Naretha Parrot on lightly wooded plains around the Nullarbor Plain and in adjoining desert country. Suitable habitat often combines open woodland with chenopod shrubland or other low shrub cover.

The species is usually found in, or within sight of, Casuarina and acacia woodland. It has also been recorded in open myall, mulga and low rosewood vegetation over bluebush, saltbush, grasses and herbs.

The species may occur far from surface water. Do not exclude habitat solely because no creek, soak or permanent water source is nearby.

  • Casuarina woodland, including sheoak communities.
  • Acacia woodland, including mulga and myall.
  • Low rosewood woodland.
  • Chenopod shrubland with bluebush and saltbush.

Habitat: Landforms and site features

Prioritise lightly wooded plains, woodland edges and open patches within shrubland. Check both intact vegetation and areas with scattered mature trees retained in otherwise modified ground.

Large eucalypts, casuarinas and acacias are significant site features because they can contain nesting and refuge hollows.

Project check: Suitable habitat was identified in the southern part of one surveyed infrastructure corridor.

  • Wooded margins of the Nullarbor Plain.
  • Open plains with scattered mature trees.
  • Edges between woodland and chenopod shrubland.
  • Mature trees with hollows or deep cracks.

Habitat: Habitat mapping

Before clearing, walk the proposed footprint and access tracks, not just the main construction line. Mark habitat trees and stands that can be retained or avoided.

Keep habitat patches connected where practicable. Use existing roads and tracks to reduce additional clearing through woodland and shrubland.

  • Map woodland, shrubland and mature hollow-bearing trees.
  • Flag habitat trees for the clearing crew.
  • Include laydown areas, turnarounds and temporary work areas in habitat checks.

Foraging habitat: Food resources

The Naretha Parrot eats seeds from native and exotic plants. It feeds both on the ground and in trees, so groundcover, shrubs and woodland crowns should all be checked during site assessments.

Look for seed-bearing grasses, herbs, shrubs and trees in open woodland and chenopod communities. The species may forage in disturbed areas where exotic plants provide seed, but these areas should not be assumed to be preferred habitat.

Feeding birds may be missed if observers only scan the canopy. Search the ground beneath trees and along woodland edges.

Diet: Seeds of native and exotic plants.

  • Bluebush and saltbush shrubland.
  • Grass and herb patches beneath open woodland.
  • Seed-bearing acacias, casuarinas and other local trees.
  • Woodland edges and open areas between shrubs.

Foraging habitat: Field survey focus

Surveyors should scan the ground, shrubs and tree crowns, and listen for parrot calls while moving slowly through suitable habitat. Record the direction of movement because feeding groups may leave the footprint quickly.

Bird activity can vary with weather. Repeat observations when conditions are poor, particularly when cold or windy weather reduces bird activity.

  • Search within and beside woodland.
  • Check seed-bearing plants and bare ground below trees.
  • Record pairs and small groups separately where possible.
  • Map repeated feeding locations.

Foraging habitat: Construction controls

Retain native food plants and avoid unnecessary grading or disturbance of feeding areas. Keep food and other waste secured so construction activity does not attract pest species.

Reinstate soil and vegetation after works where practicable. Retain suitable cleared logs in rehabilitation areas if they do not create a fire or safety risk.

  • Minimise the area cleared.
  • Protect adjacent vegetation from vehicle and machinery damage.
  • Control runoff, spills and contamination.
  • Rehabilitate temporary work areas after construction.

Breeding habitat: Nest trees

The Naretha Parrot nests in hollows and cracks in larger eucalypts, casuarinas and acacias. Breeding has been reported from July to December, so clearing controls should be strengthened during this period.

Inspect mature trees for hollows, cracks and cavities before clearing. Include standing dead trees where they remain stable and may provide a hollow.

A tree can be suitable even when no bird is present during the inspection. Do not clear a potential nest tree solely because the hollow appears empty.

Nest placement: Hollows and cracks in larger eucalypts, casuarinas and acacias.

  • Large eucalypts.
  • Mature casuarinas and sheoaks.
  • Mature acacias, including trees with cracks or cavities.
  • Hollow-bearing trees in woodland edges and open plains.

Breeding habitat: Breeding timing

Breeding occurs between July and December, covering late winter and spring. Plan pre-clearing inspections and fauna spotter coverage with this period in mind.

If a bird is seen entering a hollow, stop work around that tree and obtain ecological advice before proceeding.

Eggs: Four to seven white eggs have been reported.

  • Watch for birds carrying nesting material or repeatedly visiting one hollow.
  • Check nearby trees if a nest tree is identified.
  • Keep machinery and personnel away from active nest locations.

Breeding habitat: Pre-clearing procedure

Mark all potential nest trees before clearing and retain them wherever practicable. Where removal cannot be avoided, use a trained fauna spotter catcher to inspect the tree and any displaced fauna.

Do not fell a tree with suspected active nesting use until the ecologist or relevant regulator has confirmed the required action.

  • Map and flag hollow-bearing trees.
  • Brief operators on the meaning of tree flags and exclusion areas.
  • Inspect felled trees for fauna before they are moved or mulched.
  • Record and report any injured, trapped or displaced parrot.

Sheltering habitat: Roost and refuge features

Hollow-bearing trees may provide nesting and roosting habitat for the Naretha Parrot. Specific roost locations and communal roost sizes are not established, so retain suitable trees and surrounding woodland wherever practicable.

Inspect mature eucalypts, casuarinas and acacias for hollows, cracks, dense foliage and sheltered perches. These features may be used outside the breeding period as well as during nesting.

Give attention to trees beside open feeding areas and along woodland edges, where birds can move between cover and foraging habitat.

  • Hollow-bearing trees.
  • Deep cracks in mature branches or trunks.
  • Dense crowns and sheltered woodland edges.
  • Retained trees beside shrubland and open plains.

Sheltering habitat: Observing use

Check suitable trees early and late in the day when birds may be arriving at or leaving roosts. Observe from a distance and avoid repeated disturbance around a suspected roost.

Record flight direction, group size and the tree or vegetation feature used. Small groups of up to 20 birds may be encountered.

Known roost size: No specific communal roost size has been established.

  • Look for repeated arrivals or departures.
  • Listen for calls around mature woodland.
  • Record whether birds perch, enter a hollow or shelter in foliage.

Sheltering habitat: Protection during works

Avoid clearing large stands of hollow-bearing trees. Keep construction activity within the approved footprint and prevent unauthorised access to retained habitat.

Where a tree must be removed, inspect it carefully and manage any fauna found under the project fauna handling procedure. Relocation should only be undertaken by appropriately trained personnel.

  • Retain habitat trees wherever possible.
  • Use existing roads and tracks.
  • Protect retained trees from vehicle strikes, soil compaction and stockpiling.
  • Control fire risk around retained woodland and hollow trees.

Threats: Clearing and habitat loss

The main development risks are loss of woodland, shrubland and mature hollow-bearing trees. The species has a restricted range, so even small local losses should be assessed carefully and managed through avoidance wherever practicable.

Clearing open woodland, chenopod shrubland and mature trees can remove feeding, nesting and refuge habitat. Large eucalypts, casuarinas and acacias deserve specific protection during footprint design.

Keep clearing to the minimum area needed. Flag no-go areas clearly and brief all operators before work starts.

  • Avoid large stands of hollow-bearing trees.
  • Retain woodland edges and connected habitat patches.
  • Use existing tracks and disturbed areas where practicable.
  • Include temporary work areas in clearing minimisation.

Threats: Breeding disturbance

Tree felling, vibration, traffic and personnel near a nest tree can disturb breeding birds or destroy a nest hollow. The risk is higher between July and December.

Stop work around a suspected active nest and seek ecological direction. Apply the project approval conditions and fauna management plan before work resumes.

  • Complete pre-clearing hollow inspections.
  • Use a fauna spotter catcher during tree removal.
  • Inspect felled trees before movement or processing.
  • Record all breeding observations.

Threats: Construction injury and mortality

Vehicles, machinery, open excavations and construction materials can injure or trap birds. Keep the work area orderly and remove hazards promptly.

If a bird is injured or trapped, stop nearby work and contact the nominated wildlife handler or ecologist. Do not handle it unless authorised and trained.

  • Control vehicle speeds and movements around retained habitat.
  • Secure or cover hazards that could trap fauna.
  • Inspect work areas regularly.
  • Keep food waste and other attractants out of the work area.

Threats: Fire, pests and contamination

Construction can increase fire risk, attract pest species and introduce spills or other contamination. Fire can remove habitat and alter the seed and shrub resources used by the species.

Train personnel in fire prevention, spill response and fauna recognition. Keep runoff and fuel storage under control and rehabilitate disturbed ground after works.

  • Maintain fire-hazard awareness across the workforce.
  • Prevent pest access to food waste.
  • Store fuels and chemicals securely.
  • Control runoff and clean up spills promptly.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

Survey for the Naretha Parrot should combine habitat assessment with repeated visual and aural searches. The species is poorly known, so record both birds and the large hollow-bearing trees that may support breeding or roosting.

Check current records, mapping and conservation status before planning fieldwork. The species has a restricted range along the northern and western margins of the Nullarbor Plain and into the southern Great Victoria Desert.

In South Australia it is listed as Rare. In Western Australia it is listed as Priority 4, meaning rare, near threatened or in need of monitoring. Confirm whether the project area overlaps the relevant population or subspecies listing. Use current state databases and local records, including NatureMap and agency fauna databases.

  • Map Casuarina and Acacia woodland, lightly wooded plains, chenopod shrubland and areas with larger eucalypts, casuarinas and acacias.
  • Map all mature trees with hollows, cracks or other potential nesting features.
  • Check for previous records within and near the project area, including records from Plumridge Lakes Nature Reserve and the Nullarbor and Great Victoria Desert margins.

Survey methodology: 2. Field detection survey

Use visual and aural searches by experienced bird observers. Survey each representative habitat area on at least two occasions, with each site searched for at least one hour. Birds within 50 m of a survey site, and birds adjacent to or overhead, should be recorded.

Survey when birds are active and visibility is good. Avoid relying on cold, windy or otherwise unsuitable conditions, as these can reduce bird activity and detection. The species may move seasonally with rain, so consider repeat surveys where rainfall has changed local conditions.

Search woodland edges, open plains, chenopod shrubland, feeding areas and trees with hollows. Watch for birds feeding on the ground or in trees, and listen for calls while moving quietly through suitable habitat.

  • Use opportunistic searches between formal sites and along access tracks.
  • Use a post-dusk or pre-dawn vehicle search only as an additional measure. Do not treat it as a substitute for daytime searches, because the species is a diurnal parrot.
  • Do not use call playback unless approved by the relevant fauna authority and justified by the survey design.

Survey methodology: 3. Breeding and habitat inspection

Give particular attention to the breeding period from July to December, which includes late winter and spring. Inspect larger eucalypts, casuarinas and acacias for hollows, cracks, nest activity, adults carrying food and recently fledged birds.

Record the location and condition of every suitable habitat tree, not only trees where a bird is seen. The species can use tree hollows, and hollow-bearing trees may also provide roosting or refuge habitat.

  • Record date, start and finish time, observers, weather, wind, visibility and survey conditions.
  • Record bird numbers, behaviour, flight direction, calls, habitat, feeding activity and whether birds were in pairs or small groups.
  • Record hollow-bearing tree locations, tree species, hollow or crack features, evidence of use and the proposed disturbance footprint.
  • Photograph habitat features where this can be done without disturbing birds.

Survey methodology: 4. Survey decision and reporting

Treat a failure to detect the species as absence of evidence, not proof of absence. A restricted-range species may be missed if birds are quiet, mobile or responding to local rainfall.

Have an ecologist review the results before clearing approval is issued.

  • Map records and potential habitat in the project GIS.
  • Describe survey limitations, including unsuitable weather, inaccessible habitat and any gaps in seasonal coverage.
  • Flag confirmed records, likely habitat and all active or potentially active breeding places for the construction team.
  • Submit records to the relevant state database or land manager in the required format.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Plan the works around habitat retention and the July to December breeding period where practicable. Confirm approvals early, then use a site-specific exclusion and clearing plan that protects birds, breeding places and hollow-bearing trees.

Confirm the current legal status of the Naretha Parrot in each jurisdiction before disturbance. In South Australia, treat the species as Rare. In Western Australia, treat it as Priority 4 and follow agency requirements for priority fauna.

Check whether the action requires an EPBC Act referral. The need for referral depends on the proposed action, its likely significant impacts and the current protected-matters status, not only on a local survey result.

Obtain all required state fauna, clearing and wildlife permits before work starts. If work is proposed in Queensland, confirm whether the animal is protected wildlife and whether interference with a breeding place requires a species management program. Use the Queensland SMP pathway where the relevant trigger applies.

  • Nominate one environmental manager to track approvals, conditions and reporting deadlines.
  • Keep permit conditions, fauna handling authorities and the clearing plan at the work front.
  • Do not rely on a general clearing approval if a specific fauna or breeding-place approval is required.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and site design

Avoid clearing suitable habitat wherever practicable, especially Casuarina and Acacia woodland, lightly wooded plains near chenopod shrubland and stands containing large hollow-bearing trees.

Use existing roads and tracks. Adjust the alignment, laydown areas and access routes to retain habitat trees and connected patches.

  • Mark habitat to be retained on construction drawings and on the ground before mobilisation.
  • Establish exclusion zones around confirmed birds, active breeding places, occupied hollows, roosts and habitat trees identified for retention.
  • Set the size of each exclusion zone through a qualified ecologist, considering the activity, access route, machinery and risk of noise, vibration, dust and falling trees.
  • Do not clear an active breeding place or occupied hollow until the relevant authority has approved the response.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance survey

Complete a pre-clearance check shortly before each clearing stage. The check should cover the entire disturbance footprint, retained habitat edges, access routes and trees that could be affected by vibration or falling timber.

Repeat the check if clearing is delayed, the footprint changes, substantial rain alters bird activity, or new habitat is identified.

  • Search for birds, nests, eggs, dependent young, recently fledged birds, feeding adults and signs of hollow use.
  • Inspect trees from the ground. Do not insert equipment into hollows or climb trees unless this is authorised and safe.
  • Mark trees and areas that must be retained. Provide the final map to the spotter catcher and machine operators.
  • Stop and seek ecological advice if an active breeding place, occupied hollow, colony or roost is suspected.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Induction and work controls

Brief all staff and contractors before they enter the work area. The induction should use photographs or other reliable identification material and explain the restricted-range conservation status of the species.

Make the spotter catcher authority to stop work clear to every operator and supervisor.

  • Explain the no-go areas, approved clearing sequence, fauna handling limits and reporting chain.
  • Prohibit unauthorised collection, pursuit, feeding or disturbance of birds.
  • Keep dogs, unnecessary vehicles and non-essential personnel out of retained habitat.
  • Plan clearing outside the main breeding period where practicable. If this cannot be achieved, use additional pre-clearance checks and ecologist oversight.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Clear in a controlled sequence and retain habitat wherever possible. The spotter catcher must be able to stop work immediately when a bird, breeding place, hollow or unexpected habitat risk is found.

Use staged clearing from the disturbed edge towards retained habitat, at a pace that allows fauna to move away safely. Remove understorey and smaller vegetation before larger trees where this is safe and approved.

Avoid felling large hollow-bearing trees unless no practicable alternative exists. Use machinery and access routes that minimise additional clearing.

  • Fence or clearly mark retained trees and exclusion zones before machinery starts.
  • Clear only the approved daily or staged footprint.
  • Inspect felled trees and hollow sections before they are moved, chipped or burnt.
  • Retain suitable logs in rehabilitation areas where safe and consistent with the clearing approval.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Spotter catcher response

The authorised spotter catcher must stop work when a Naretha Parrot, active breeding place, occupied hollow, colony or roost is found, or when a tree cannot be safely assessed.

Handling must be carried out only by a person authorised under the relevant permit and trained in native bird capture and welfare.

  • Make the area quiet and keep workers and machinery back from the animal or breeding place.
  • Protect the location from vehicles, dust, falling timber and unnecessary observation.
  • Contact the project ecologist and fauna authority or wildlife carer as required by the permit.
  • Do not remove eggs, chicks, nests or hollow material unless the approved method specifically allows it.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Active breeding places and roosts

Treat a nest with eggs or young, a dependent fledgling, or an occupied nesting hollow as an active breeding place. Treat a repeatedly used tree or group of trees as a potential roost or refuge until assessed.

Do not resume work until the ecologist has assessed the site and confirmed the permitted response.

  • Maintain the exclusion zone and record the location, tree, evidence of use and work risk.
  • Obtain approval before modifying, relocating or destroying a breeding place.
  • Where work can be redesigned, retain the tree and surrounding habitat.
  • If a colony or roost is found, suspend nearby work and obtain species-specific advice before disturbing it.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injured, trapped or displaced birds

Treat an injured, exhausted or trapped bird as a fauna incident. Reduce handling, noise and heat exposure while waiting for the authorised person.

Do not offer food or water unless directed by a qualified wildlife carer or veterinarian.

  • Secure the area and prevent further contact with machinery, vehicles and people.
  • Place the bird in an appropriate ventilated container only if directed and if the handler is authorised.
  • Contact the nominated wildlife carer, veterinarian, project ecologist and relevant authority through the approved pathway.
  • Record the time, location, apparent cause, handler, condition, transport and outcome.

During habitat disturbance: 5. Daily records

Keep a fauna clearance record for every work area. Good records support compliance and help identify recurring risks.

Report incidents to the site supervisor and environmental manager before the end of the shift, or immediately where a permit requires immediate notification.

  • Record survey and clearing dates, observers, weather, habitat, trees inspected and the area cleared.
  • Record every sighting, handled animal, breeding place, roost, injury, mortality, release and stop-work event.
  • Attach photographs, coordinates, permit references and corrective actions.
  • Update the site map after each clearing stage.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance inspection

Complete a post-clearance inspection before releasing the site from ecological controls. Check that no fauna, breeding place or retained tree has been overlooked and that all incidents have been closed out.

Walk the cleared footprint, retained edges, access routes and felled-tree areas after each clearing stage. Use the same qualified personnel where possible so observations are consistent.

Check for live or injured birds, dependent young, nests, eggs, damaged hollows, trapped fauna and trees that were marked for retention but affected by works.

  • Inspect machinery, trenches, pipes, stockpiles and other potential entrapment points before they are moved or closed.
  • Confirm that exclusion fencing and habitat-tree markers remain in place.
  • Record any new bird activity in retained habitat, including feeding, roosting or repeated use of trees.
  • Do not remove an exclusion zone until the ecologist confirms that the risk has ended.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Release and relocation follow-up

Track every animal that was captured or relocated under the applicable permit. Relocation should be undertaken only where authorised and where the receiving habitat is suitable.

Check the release location for hazards such as active machinery, traffic, fire risk, dogs and poor shelter.

  • Record release date, location, condition, method, person responsible and any identification details.
  • Notify the wildlife carer or authority if the animal deteriorates, cannot be released or dies.
  • Do not repeatedly move a bird because it returns to retained habitat. Review the work exclusion and seek ecological advice instead.
  • Where a breeding place was affected under approval, complete the follow-up required by that approval.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Reporting and compliance

Prepare a post-clearance report for the project manager and relevant regulators where required. Compare the approved footprint with the area actually disturbed.

Escalate any unauthorised clearing, mortality, breeding-place disturbance or damage to a retained habitat tree under the project incident procedure.

  • Close out all permit conditions and fauna incident actions.
  • Submit statutory reports and database records within the required timeframes.
  • Retain maps, photographs, inspection sheets, handling records and correspondence in the project environmental file.
  • Record whether the works occurred during July to December and whether additional controls were needed.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review

Review each stop-work event, injury, mortality and breeding-place encounter with the spotter catcher, supervisor and ecologist.

Use the review to improve the next clearing stage rather than waiting until the project is complete.

  • Identify the immediate cause and any missed warning signs.
  • Change the clearing sequence, exclusion arrangements, induction or supervision where needed.
  • Share lessons with all crews before work resumes.
  • Update risk assessments for new work fronts and changed habitat conditions.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Habitat restoration

Rehabilitation should restore the open woodland, shrubland and ground foraging areas used by the Naretha Parrot. Retain natural trees and hollows wherever possible, because artificial structures are not a guaranteed substitute for mature habitat.

Reinstate local vegetation types that match the surrounding site, including Casuarina or Acacia woodland, lightly wooded plains and chenopod shrubland where these occur naturally.

Use locally appropriate native seed and plant material, and restore ground cover that can provide native and other seed resources.

  • Replace topsoil and natural seed stores where practicable.
  • Contour and stabilise disturbed ground to reduce erosion and runoff.
  • Re-establish habitat links between retained woodland and shrubland patches.
  • Protect rehabilitated areas from vehicles, grazing, fire and unnecessary access.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Hollow and breeding habitat

Protect retained mature eucalypts, casuarinas and acacias throughout construction and rehabilitation. These trees can provide nesting and refuge hollows or cracks.

Nest boxes or artificial nest sites may be considered only after advice from a parrot ecologist and the relevant authority. Their design, placement and monitoring must suit the species and local conditions.

  • Do not install bat boxes as a substitute for parrot nesting habitat. Use bat boxes only where they address a separate, approved bat objective.
  • Do not remove hollow sections from felled trees unless required for safety or approved management. Retain suitable timber in rehabilitation areas where it will not create a fire or safety hazard.
  • Use artificial structures only where natural hollow habitat cannot be retained and there is a clear management objective.
  • Inspect and maintain any installed nest boxes or artificial sites under an approved monitoring plan.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Weeds, fire and water

Control weeds that replace native seed-producing plants or alter woodland and shrubland structure. Use methods that avoid harming birds and other fauna.

Manage fire risk around retained habitat and rehabilitation areas. The species can occur far from water, so avoid introducing artificial water points unless they are part of a broader ecological plan.

  • Monitor weed cover after rain and before it sets seed.
  • Remove food waste and other attractants for pest animals.
  • Keep fuel, chemicals and spill-prone activities away from rehabilitation areas and habitat trees.
  • Prevent uncontrolled fire, smoke and access through recovering habitat.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Monitoring and maintenance

Monitor rehabilitation for establishment of native vegetation, retention of habitat trees and use by birds. The species is restricted in range and may move with rainfall, so monitoring should cover more than one season where the project risk warrants it.

Use repeat visual and aural searches, with the same core methods used for pre-clearance surveys.

  • Record Naretha Parrot sightings, group size, behaviour, habitat use and direction of movement.
  • Check restored woodland edges, chenopod areas, feeding ground and any artificial nesting structures.
  • Inspect retained trees for damage, hollow loss, fire impact and ongoing use.
  • Control weeds, repair erosion and replace failed plantings until rehabilitation objectives are met.
  • Report significant records and unexpected impacts to the land manager and relevant state authority.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Long-term management

Include retained habitat and rehabilitation areas in the site environmental management system after construction. Long-term protection is more reliable than short-term planting alone.

Review monitoring results with the land manager and ecologist, especially where birds continue to use the project area or where nesting habitat has been lost.

  • Maintain exclusion markers and access controls around high-value trees and habitat patches.
  • Use monitoring results to adjust fire, weed, access and artificial-site management.
  • Keep a current map of habitat trees, confirmed breeding places, roosts and rehabilitation areas.
  • Remove artificial structures only after ecological assessment and approval, and only when they are no longer required.

Sources