185 maxwell road, fingal - mornpen.vic.gov.au

September 2020 Report No. 19132 (1.1)
185 Maxwell Road, Fingal – Native Vegetation Assessment Report No. 19132 (1.1)
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3.1. Local planning provisions ............................................................................................. 5
3.2. Overlays ..................................................................................................................... 5
3.3.1. Exemptions .......................................................................................................... 5
3.4. EPBC Act ..................................................................................................................... 6
4.1. Existing information ..................................................................................................... 7
4.1.2. Native vegetation .................................................................................................. 7
4.1.3. Listed matters ...................................................................................................... 7
4.2. Field methods ............................................................................................................. 7
4.2.1. Native vegetation .................................................................................................. 8
4.2.3. Threatened ecological communities ........................................................................ 9
4.3. Limitations of field assessment ..................................................................................... 9
5. Assessment results ......................................................................................... 10
5.1. Site description ......................................................................................................... 10
5.2. Native vegetation ...................................................................................................... 10
5.3. Flora species ............................................................................................................. 15
5.3.1. Species recorded ................................................................................................ 15
5.3.2. Listed species ..................................................................................................... 15
6.1. Proposed native vegetation removal ........................................................................... 18
6.1.1. Modelled species important habitat ...................................................................... 18
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7.1. Summary of planning implications .............................................................................. 21
7.2. Implications under the Guidelines ............................................................................... 21
7.2.1. Avoid and minimise statement ............................................................................. 21
7.3. EPBC Act ................................................................................................................... 21
7.4. CaLP Act ................................................................................................................... 22
8.1. Weed control............................................................................................................. 23
8.3. Fire management ...................................................................................................... 25
Tables
Table 1: Description of habitat zones in the study area ............................................................. 11
Table 2: Summary of habitat hectare assessment results .......................................................... 13
Table 3: Listed flora species and the likelihood of their occurrence in the study area ................... 16
Table 4: Recommended planting guide – Coastal Alkaline Scrub (EVC 858) ................................ 25
Figures
Figure 2: Proposed native vegetation removal .......................................................................... 19
Appendices
Appendix 1: Details of the assessment process in accordance with the Guidelines for the removal,
destruction or lopping of native vegetation (DELWP 2017a) ............................................... 28
Appendix 2: Detailed habitat hectare assessment results ........................................................... 32
Appendix 3: Flora species recorded in the study area ................................................................ 33
Appendix 4: Photographs of native vegetation .......................................................................... 34
Appendix 5: EVC benchmarks .................................................................................................. 38
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Appendix 7: Native Vegetation Removal Report ........................................................................ 43
Appendix 8: Evidence that native vegetation offset requirement is available ............................... 50
Appendix 9: Nepean and Mornington Peninsula Planting Guides ................................................. 54
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1. Executive summary
Nature Advisory Pty Ltd undertook a native vegetation assessment of a 5-hectare property in Fingal, a property proposed for the development of a winery, cellar door and vineyard.
This report presents the information relevant to native vegetation on the property to accompany a
planning permit application under Clause 52.17 of the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme, in
accordance with the Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation (DELWP
2017a), herein referred to as 'the Guidelines'.
The following native vegetation was recorded in the study area:
11 patches of native vegetation (EVC 858 – Coastal Alkaline Scrub), totalling 1.934 hectares.
No large trees in patches or scattered trees were recorded.
No listed flora species were found during the field survey. One listed species, Leafy Greenhood, was
considered to have the potential to occur, but the density of shrubs, groundcovers and introduced
grasses indicates unsuitable habitat.
The proponent proposed to remove the following vegetation:
0.392 hectares of native vegetation in patches (including no large trees).
The application site lies within Location 1. As such, the proposal will be assessed under the Basic
assessment pathway. This would not trigger a referral to DELWP.
The following offsets will be required to compensate for this removal of native vegetation:
0.230 general habitat units and must include the following offset attribute requirements:
Minimum strategic biodiversity value (SBV) of 0.567; and
Occur within the North Central CMA boundary or the Greater Bendigo City municipal
district.
These offsets will be acquired via third-party, and must be secured prior to any native vegetation removal.
The Native Vegetation Removal (NVR) report for this proposed removal is provided in the
appendices. The table below summarises the compliance of the information in this report with the
relevant application requirements of the Guidelines (DELWP 2017a).
Application requirement Response
1. Information about the native vegetation to be removed. See Section 5.2 and 6.1.
2. Topographic and land information relating to the native
vegetation to be removed. See Section 5.1.
3. Recent, dated photographs of the native vegetation to be
removed. See Appendix 4.
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removed, or that was removed without the required
approvals, on the same property or on contiguous land in
the same ownership as the applicant, in the five-year
period before the application for a permit is lodged.
Not applicable.
6.
A copy of any Property Vegetation Plan contained within an
agreement made pursuant to section 69 of the
Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987 that applies to
the native vegetation to be removed.
Not applicable.
defendable space, a written statement explaining why the
removal of native vegetation is necessary.
This statement is not required when the creation of
defendable space is in conjunction with an application
under the Bushfire Management Overlay.
The proposed developed and
under the Bushfire Management
If the application is under Clause 52.16, a statement that
explains how the proposal responds to the Native
Vegetation Precinct Plan considerations (at decision
guideline 8).
Not applicable.
be removed has been identified and can be secured in
accordance with the Guidelines.
See Appendix 8.
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2. Introduction
Chapter Industries Pty Ltd engaged Nature Advisory Pty Ltd to conduct a native vegetation
assessment of a 5-hectare property in Fingal. The specific area investigated, referred to herein as
the ‘study area’, comprised land at 185 Maxwell Road, Fingal. This investigation was undertaken to
inform potential development layout considerations for a proposed cellar, wine tasting facility and
vineyard.
Specifically, this investigation was commissioned to provide information on the extent and condition
of native vegetation retrospectively removed in the study area according to Victoria’s Guidelines for
the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation (DELWP 2017a), herein referred to as ‘the
Guidelines’, as well as any potential impacts on flora and/or ecological communities listed under the
Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
The scope of the investigation included:
Review of existing information on the flora and native vegetation of the study area and
surrounds, including:
DELWP Native Vegetation Information Management system (NVIM).
A site survey involving:
Characterisation and mapping of native vegetation on the site, as defined in Victoria’s Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation (the ‘Guidelines’);
Assessment of native vegetation in accordance with the Guidelines, including habitat hectare assessment and/or scattered tree assessment;
Compilation of a flora species list for the site;
Assessment of the likelihood of occurrence of EPBC Act listed flora and vegetation communities on the site; and
Assessment and mapping of extent of vegetation removed.
This report is divided into the following sections:
Section 3 provides the legislative background including details of relevant legislation and policies.
Section 4 describes the sources of information, including the methods used for the field survey.
Section 5 presents the assessment results, including details of the native vegetation and flora of
the study area.
Section 6 discusses the proposed impacts of the project.
Section 7 details the implications of the findings under the relevant legislation and policy.
Section 8 provides guidance on future management of retained patches of native vegetation.
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This investigation was undertaken by a team from Nature Advisory comprising Chris Armstrong
(Botanist), Emma Barnett (Botanist), Emily Baldwin (Botanist) and Chris Dunk (Senior Ecologist &
Project Manager).
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This investigation and report address relevant legislation and planning policies that protect
biodiversity on this property. Local, state and Commonwealth controls are summarised below.
3.1. Local planning provisions
The study area is located within the Mornington Peninsula local government area. It is currently
zoned General Residential Zone 4 (GRZ4).
The study area is located within a Bushfire-prone Area.
Local planning provisions apply under the Victorian Planning and Environment Act 1987.
3.2. Overlays
The study area is subject to the following overlays in the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme:
Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO)
The implications of the BMO are outside the scope of this investigation. However, a Bushfire
Management Statement would be required to consider the obligations to achieve defendable
space around proposed buildings in the development layout.
Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO15 & ESO23)
These overlays aim to protect the stability of semi stabilised dunes (The Cups). A permit is
not required under these overlays for the removal of any vegetation beyond the requirements
under Clause 52.17 of the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme.
Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO2).
This overlay aims to protect treelines within roadside reserves around the townships of the
Mornington Peninsula, for conservation of biodiversity values as well as landscape character.
A permit is required under VPO2 for the removal of any vegetation within this overlay.
The property is also within an area of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Sensitivity which may need to be
considered in the application process.
3.3. State planning provisions
State planning provisions are established under the Victorian Planning and Environment Act 1987.
Clause 52.17 of all Victorian Planning Schemes states that:
A permit is required to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation, including dead native vegetation.
A permit is not required if:
If an exemption in Table 52.17-7 specifically states that that a permit is not required.
If a native vegetation precinct plan corresponding to the land is incorporated into the
planning scheme and listed in the schedule to Clause 52.16.
If the native vegetation is specified in a schedule to Clause 52.17.
3.3.1. Exemptions
Exemptions listed in Table 52.17-7 relevant to the study area include:
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Dead native vegetation: Native vegetation that is dead is exempt and does not require a
planning permit. This does not apply to a standing dead tree with a trunk diameter of 40
centimetres or more at a height of 1.3 metres above ground level. As such, any dead trees
with DBH of 40 centimetres or more have been included in the tree data collected for this
investigation.
Planted vegetation: Native vegetation that is to be removed, destroyed or lopped that was
either planted or grown as a result of direct seeding. This exemption does not apply to native
vegetation planted or managed with public funding for the purpose of land protection or
enhancing biodiversity.
3.3.2. Application requirements
Any application to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation must comply with the application
requirements specified in the Guidelines (DELWP 2017a).
When assessing an application, Responsible Authorities are also obligated to refer to Clause 12.01-
2 (Native vegetation management) in the Planning Scheme which in addition to the Guidelines,
refers to the following:
Assessor’s handbook – applications to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation (Version 1.1)
(DELWP 2018a).
Statewide biodiversity information maintained by DELWP.
The application of the Guidelines (DELWP 2017a) are explained further in Appendix 1.
3.3.3. Referral to DELWP
Clause 66.02-2 of the planning scheme determines the role of DELWP in the assessment of native
vegetation removal permit applications. If an application is referred, DELWP may make certain
recommendations to the responsible authority in relation to the permit application.
Any application to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation must be referred to DELWP if:
The impacts to native vegetation are in the Detailed Assessment Pathway;
A property vegetation plan applies to the site; or
The native vegetation is on Crown land which is occupied or managed by the responsible
authority.
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) protects a number
of threatened species and ecological communities that are considered to be of national conservation
significance. Any significant impacts on these species require the approval of the Australian Minister
for the Environment.
Implications under the EPBC Act for the current proposal are discussed in Section 7.3.
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4.1. Existing information
4.1.1. Existing reporting and documentation
The existing documentation below, relating to the study area was reviewed.
Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme
Pre-1750 (pre-European settlement) vegetation mapping administered by DELWP was reviewed to
determine the type of native vegetation likely to occur in the study area and surrounds. Information
on Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) was obtained from published EVC benchmarks. These
sources included:
Relevant EVC benchmarks for the Gippsland Plain bioregion1 (DSE 2004a); and
NatureKit (DELWP 2019a).
4.1.3. Listed matters
Existing flora species records and information about the potential occurrence of listed matters was
obtained from an area termed the ‘search region’, defined here as an area with a radius of five
kilometres from the approximate centre point of the study area (coordinates: latitude 38° 25’ 22” S
and longitude 144° 52’ 5” E).
A list of the flora species recorded in the search region was obtained from the Victorian Biodiversity
Atlas (VBA), a database administered by DELWP.
The online EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool (DEE 2019a) was consulted to determine whether
nationally listed species or communities potentially occurred in the search region based on habitat
modelling.
4.2. Field methods
The field assessment was conducted on the 31st October, 2019. During this assessment, the study
area was surveyed in detail on foot.
Sites in the study area found to support native vegetation were mapped through a combination of
aerial photograph interpretation and ground-truthing using a hand-held GPS (accurate to
approximately five metres). Species and ecological communities listed as threatened under the EPBC
Act were mapped using the same method.
1 A bioregion is defined as “a geographic region that captures the patterns of ecological
characteristics in the landscape, providing a natural framework for recognising and responding to
biodiversity values”. In general bioregions reflect underlying environmental features of the landscape
(DNRE 1997).
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4.2.1. Native vegetation
Native vegetation is currently defined in Clause 73.01 of all Victorian planning schemes as ‘plants
that are indigenous to Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses’. The Guidelines (DELWP
2017a) further classify native vegetation as belonging to two categories:
Patch; or
Scattered tree.
The definitions of these categories are provided below, along with the prescribed DELWP methods
to assess them. Further details on definitions of patches and scattered trees are provided in Appendix
1.
Patch
A patch of native vegetation is either:
An area of vegetation where at least 25 per cent of the total perennial understorey plant
cover is native; or
Any area with three or more native canopy trees2 where the drip line3 of each tree touches
the drip line of at least one other tree, forming a continuous canopy; or
Any mapped wetland included in the Current wetlands map, available at MapShareVic
(DELWP 2019b).
Patch condition is assessed using the habitat hectare method (Parkes et al. 2003; DSE 2004b)
whereby components of the patch (e.g. tree canopy, understorey and ground cover) are assessed
against an EVC benchmark. The score effectively measures the percentage resemblance of the
vegetation to its original condition.
The Native Vegetation Information Management (NVIM) system (DELWP 2019c) provides modelled
condition scores for native vegetation to be used in certain circumstances.
Scattered tree
A scattered tree is:
A native canopy tree2 that does not form part of a patch.
Scattered trees are counted and mapped, the species identified and their circumference at 1.3 m
above the ground is recorded.
4.2.2. Flora species and habitats
Records of flora species were made in conjunction with sampling methods used to undertake habitat
hectare assessments of native vegetation described above. Specimens requiring identification using
laboratory techniques were collected.
2 A native canopy tree is a mature tree (i.e. it is able to flower) that is greater than 3 metres in height and is normally found in the upper layer of the relevant vegetation type. 3 The drip line is the outermost boundary of a tree canopy (leaves and/or branches) where the water drips on to the ground.
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Species protected under the FFG Act were determined by crosschecking against the FFG Act
Protected Flora List (DELWP 2017b).
The potential for habitats to support listed flora species was assessed based on the criteria outlined
below:
The presence of suitable habitat for flora species such as soil type, floristic associations and
landscape context; and
The level of disturbance of suitable habitats by anthropogenic disturbances and invasions by
pest plants and animals.
Wherever appropriate, a precautionary approach was adopted in determining the likelihood of
occurrence or flora listed under the EPBC Act and/or FFG Act. That is, where insufficient evidence
was available on the potential occurrence of a listed species, it is assumed that it could be in an area
of suitable habitat.
4.2.3. Threatened ecological communities
The study area was assessed against published descriptions of relevant listed ecological communities
modelled to potentially occur in the study area.
Reviewed ecological community descriptions comprised identification criteria and condition
thresholds from listing advice for EPBC Act communities.
4.3. Limitations of field assessment
The site assessment was carried out in spring. The short duration and seasonal timing of field
assessments can result in some species not being detected when they may occur at other times.
Additionally, some flora species and life-forms may be undetectable at the time of the survey or
unidentifiable due to a lack of flowers or fruit.
The timing of the survey and condition of vegetation was otherwise considered suitable to ascertain
the extent and condition of native vegetation.
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5. Assessment results
5.1. Site description
The study area for this investigation (Figure 1) was 1.2 hectares of private land located at Fingal,
approximately 70 kilometres south of Melbourne’s CBD. It was bordered by Maxwell Road to the
north, residential properties to the east and west, and farmland contiguous with Gunnamatta Beach
Coastal Reserve to the south.
The study area supported dune soils on an undulating landscape. Historically it has been cleared for
the construction of dwellings and cultivation, which has resulted in a mosaic of remnant vegetation
remaining throughout the property, in conjunction with an orchard, vegetable production, flower
growing and areas of pasture. Surrounding land was predominantly occupied by large residential
properties to the north, northeast and northwest which retained a mosaic of remnant vegetation,
while most of the land to the southeast, south and southwest was almost exclusively pasture.
Vegetation in the study area consisted of coastal alkaline scrub of varied quality with a sparse canopy
cover, primarily comprising Coast Tea-tree but also featuring Moonah and Coast Beard-heath. The
understory shrub layer was typically dominated by immature canopy species as well as Seaberry
Saltbush, Coast Wattle and Thyme Rice-flower. Introduced elements such as Myrtle-leaf Milkwort,
Sweet Pittosporum, African Box-thorn and planted eucalypts occurred throughout. The ground layer
was dominated by the native scrambler Bower Spinach, which covered a dense layer of fallen/dead
vegetation that once would have comprised the canopy. Pasture grasses such as Wild Oat, Rye Grass
and Annual Veldt-grass occurred at high cover throughout the native vegetation patches, in areas
of exposed ground. Isolated area dominated by native grasses occurred along the fringes of some
of these patches.
planted eucalypts with a maintained lawn understory.
Native vegetation along the study area’s western boundary was contiguous with a large patch to the
west.
The study area lies within the Gippsland Plain bioregion and falls within the Port Phillip and
Westernport CMA.
5.2.1. Patches of native vegetation
Pre–European EVC mapping (DELWP 2019a) indicated that prior to European settlement the study area and surrounds would have supported Coastal Alkaline Scrub (EVC 858).
Evidence on site, including floristic composition and soil characteristics, suggested that Coastal Alkaline Scrub (EVC 858) was present throughout the study area (Figure 1). A description of this EVC is provided within the EVC benchmarks in Appendix 5.
Eleven patches (referred to herein as habitat zones) comprising the abovementioned EVC were
identified in the study area (Table 1). These totalled an area of 1.93 hectares of native vegetation
in patches.
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Table 1: Description of habitat zones in the study area
Habitat
A moderate- to high-quality patch with a canopy cover primarily
comprising Coast Tea-tree, as well as Moonah and Drooping Sheoak
(15% total cover).
The understory shrub layer was typically dominated (40% cover) by
the native species Coast Tea-tree, Coast Beard-heath and Seaberry
Saltbush with the introduced Myrtle-leaf Milkwort, Montpellier Broom
and planted eucalypts occurring throughout.
The ground layer was dominated by the native scramblers Bower
Spinach and Small-leaved Clematis (5% cover) and the introduced
species Common Dipogon and Bridal Creeper. These species covered
a dense layer of fallen dead vegetation (95% cover of organic litter),
which would have once comprised the canopy.
Native grasses (Rough Spear-grass and Wallaby Grass) occurred on
the fringes at a low cover (2%) with introduced species such as
Annual Veldt-grass, Rye Grass and Wild Oat dominating exposed
areas.
This patch extends into the road reserve to the north.
B Coastal Alkaline
Scrub (EVC 858)
A moderate-quality patch with a canopy cover primarily comprising
Coast Tea-tree, as well as Moonah and Coast Wirilda (10% total
cover).
The understory shrub layer was typically dominated (40% cover) by
the native species Coast Tea-tree, Coast Beard-heath, Seaberry
Saltbush and Thyme Rice-flower, with the introduced Myrtle-leaf
Milkwort, Sweet Pittosporum and planted eucalypts occurring
throughout.
Spinach and Small-leaved Clematis (5% total cover) and the
introduced species, Bridal Creeper. These covered a dense layer of
fallen dead vegetation (85% cover of organic litter), which would
have once comprised the canopy. Exotic grasses such as Annual
Veldt-grass, Rye Grass and Wild Oat dominated exposed areas
particularly along the fringes. This habitat zone forms a larger patch
extending into the neighbouring property and the road reserve to the
north and west.
C Coastal Alkaline
Scrub (EVC 858)
A highly modified patch solely featuring the canopy species Coast Tea-
tree, Drooping Sheoak and Coast Beard-heath (35% canopy cover).
The understory comprised maintained exotic grasses.
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Scrub (EVC 858)
Moderate to high quality patches with a canopy cover primarily
comprising Coastal Tea-tree, as well as Moonah and Coast Wirilda at
low cover (5%).
The understory shrub layer was typically dominated by the native
species Coast Tea-tree, Coast Beard-heath, Seaberry Saltbush and
Thyme Rice-flower (35% total cover) with the introduced Myrtle-leaf
Milkwort, Italian Buckthorn and planted eucalypts occurring
throughout.
species, Bridal Creeper. These covered a dense layer of fallen dead
vegetation (65% cover of organic litter), which would have once
comprised the canopy. Introduced grasses such as Annual Veldt-
grass, Rye Grass, Toowoomba Canary-grass and Wild Oat dominated
exposed areas, particularly along the fringes.
E, F Coastal Alkaline
Coast Tea-tree (40%).
The understory shrub layer was typically dominated by the native
species Coast Tea-tree, Coast Wattle, Coast Beard-heath and
Seaberry Saltbush (35% total cover) with the introduced Myrtle-leaf
Milkwort and African Boxthorn occurring throughout.
species Bridal Creeper and Common Dipogon. These all covered a
dense layer of fallen dead vegetation (60% cover of organic litter),
which would have once comprised the canopy. Introduced grasses
such as Annual Veldt-grass, Rye Grass and Wild Oat dominated
exposed areas, particularly along the fringes. These patches extend
along the southern fence-line and offer a wind break from the cleared
farmland adjacent.
A low-quality patch occurring beneath planted Eucalyptus species and
lacking a native canopy cover. The native elements of this patch
comprised Coast Tea-tree and Coast Wattle (30% cover), with Bower
Spinach covering a dense layer of fallen vegetation (5% cover).
J, K Coastal Alkaline
Coast Tea-tree and Coast Beard-heath surrounded by introduced
grasses such as Wild Oat.
The habitat hectare assessment results for these habitat zones are provided in Table 2. More detailed
habitat scoring results are presented in Appendix 2. Details of large trees in patches are provided in
Appendix 3.
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(out of 100)
www.natureadvisory.com.au
Project: 185 Maxwell Road, Fingal
Client: Chapter Industries Pty Ltd
Date: 08/11/2019
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5.3. Flora species
5.3.1. Species recorded
During the field assessment 40 plant species were recorded. Of these, 16 (40%) were indigenous
and 24 (60%) were introduced or non-indigenous native in origin (Appendix 3).
5.3.2. Listed species
VBA records (DELWP 2019c) and the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool (DEE 2019a) indicated
that within the search region there were records of, or there occurred potential suitable habitat for,
two species listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act. No flora species listed under the EPBC Act
were recorded during the field survey.
The likelihood of occurrence in the study area of species listed under the EPBC Act is addressed in
Table 3. Species considered ‘likely to occur’ are those that have a very high chance of being in the
study area based on numerous records in the search region and suitable habitat in the study area.
Species considered to have the ‘potential to occur’ are those for which suitable habitat exists, but
recent records are scarce.
This analysis indicates that one listed flora species is likely to occur or has the potential to occur:
Leafy Greenhood
5.4. Listed ecological communities
The EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool (DEE 2019a) indicated that the following three ecological
communities listed under the EPBC Act had the potential to occur in the search region:
Natural Damp Grassland of the Victorian Coastal Plains (Critically Endangered)
This community does not occur in the study area as no grassland was present.
183 Franklin Road, Portsea – Native Vegetation Assessment Report No. 19139 (1.0)
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Table 3: Listed flora species and the likelihood of their occurrence in the study area
Common name Scientific name EPBC FFG Habitat No. of
records
River Swamp
billabongs, dams and roadside ditches. The species
requires moderately fertile soils with some bare ground;
conditions that are caused by seasonally-fluctuating water
levels (DEE 2019).
nearby records - Unlikely to
heathy woodlands between the Mornington Peninsula and
Yarram, on well-drained sandy soil
None N/A
Occurs in heathy, grassy Manna Gum woodland on deep
sandy loamy soils (TSSC 2016).
20 13/08/15 No suitable habitat -
Unlikely to occur
Grows in heathland and heathy woodland on sand and in
open forest. Prefers environments where light levels are
very high. Habitats suitable for the Purple Eyebright are
prone to fire or periodic inundation by water, including open
grassland, grassy woodland, heath in perched swamps and
heathy woodland (DEE 2019).
Unlikely to occur
Clover Glycine Glycine
latrobeana VU L
dry sclerophyll forests, woodlands and low open woodlands
with a grassy ground layer. In Victoria, populations occur in
lowland grasslands, grassy woodlands and sometimes in
grassy heath (DEE 2019).
recent nearby records -
Unlikely to occur
Grows mainly in open sedge swampland or in wet grassland
and wet heathland generally bordering swampy regions.
Sites are generally low altitude, flat and moist. Soils are
generally moderately rich damp sandy or black clay
loams. Climate is mild, with an annual rainfall of 600–
1100 mm, occurring predominantly in winter and spring
(DEE 2019).
None N/A
seasonally waterlogged (Duncan 2010).
occur
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records
Green-striped
Greenhood
Pterostylis
component on sandy or clay loam soils (Duncan et al
2009).
Tea-tree scrubs on tall sandy and calcareous dunes, in
moist, open or even deep shaded locations (Jones 1994). 9 15/06/05 Potential to occur
Swamp Fireweed Senecio
between Wallan, about 45 km north of Melbourne, and
Honans Scrub in south-eastern South Australia (TSSC
2008).
occur
Notes: EPBC = threatened species status under EPBC Act (EN = endangered; VU = vulnerable).
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6. Proposed development impacts
The current proposal will involve construction of a winery, cellar door and vineyard.
To determine impacts to native vegetation, the proposed development plan was overlaid
with the native vegetation mapped as part of this investigation. Native vegetation occurring
in the following locations was considered to be removed based on the proposed plan:
Direct removal:
Native vegetation within all proposed driveways
Consequential removal:
construction rating of BAL-29
6.1. Proposed native vegetation removal
The current development plan for the winery, cellar door and vineyard, and associated
defendable space requirements, will result in the loss of a total extent of 0.392 hectares of
native vegetation as represented in Figure 2 and documented in the Native Vegetation
Removal (NVR) report provided by DELWP (Appendix 7).
This comprised:
0.392 hectares of native vegetation in patches (including no large trees in patches).
No scattered trees or mapped wetlands will be impacted.
The native vegetation to be removed is not in an area mapped as an endangered Ecological
Vegetation Class.
It is understood that no native vegetation has been approved for removal on the property
within the last five years.
Photographs of native vegetation proposed for removal are provided in Appendix 4.
6.1.1. Modelled species important habitat
The current proposal footprint will not have a significant impact on any habitat for any rare
or threatened species as determined in Appendix 7.
PO Box 337, Camberwell, VIC 3124, Australia
www.natureadvisory.com.au 03 9815 2111 - [email protected]
Figure 2: Defendable space
Date: 21/09/2020
Maxwell Rd
Native vegetation to be removed
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6.2. Assessment pathway
The assessment pathway is determined by the location category and the extent of native
vegetation as detailed for the study area as follows:
Location Category: Location 1
Extent of native vegetation: A total of 0.392 hectares of native vegetation (including
no large trees).
Based on these details, the Guidelines stipulate that the proposal is to be assessed under
the Basic assessment pathway.
This proposal would not trigger a referral to DELWP based on the criteria specified in
Section 3.3.3.
6.3. Offset requirements
Offsets required to compensate for the proposed removal of native vegetation from the
study area are provided below.
0.230 general habitat units and must include the following offset attribute requirements:
Minimum strategic biodiversity value (SBV) of 0.567
Occur within the Port Phillip and Westernport CMA boundary or the Mornington
Peninsula Shire municipal district.
Under the Guidelines all offsets must be secured prior to the removal of native vegetation.
6.4. Offset statement
The offset target for the current proposal will be achieved via a third-party offset.
An online search of the Native Vegetation Credit Register (NVCR) has shown that the
required offset is currently available for purchase from a native vegetation credit owner
(DELWP 2020e).
Evidence that the required offset is available is provided in Appendix 8. The required offset
would be secured following approval of the application to remove native vegetation.
Page | 21
7.1. Summary of planning implications
A planning permit under Clause 52.17 of the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme will
be required for the removal of any native vegetation from the study area.
7.2. Implications under the Guidelines
7.2.1. Avoid and minimise statement
In accordance with the Guidelines, all applications to remove native vegetation must
provide an avoid and minimise statement which details any efforts undertaken to avoid the
removal of, and minimise the impacts on biodiversity and other values of native vegetation,
and how these efforts focussed on areas of native vegetation that have the most value.
Efforts to avoid and minimise impacts to native vegetation in the current application are
presented as follows:
Site level planning – The owner of the property has engaged professional advice
from Nature Advisory (2019) to determine the extent and condition of native
vegetation on the property. Based on this information, the development design and
layout has been aligned to minimise impacts on native vegetation by situating the
building between remnant patches and avoiding and retaining areas of high-quality
native vegetation (Section 8 – Design Recommendations, Nature Advisory 2019). In
addition, the proposed vineyard will be set back 10 metres from the southern
boundary to avoid and minimise impacts habitat zones F1 and E1 respectively.
Furthermore, the proposed building will be constructed to a BAL-29 construction
rating to minimise impacts to native vegetation for the creation of defendable space.
The landowner has also committed to undertake measures to manage and improve
remaining areas of native vegetation, as detailed in Section 8 below.
Furthermore, although there are areas on the property with no native vegetation,
these are more suited (in topography, aspect and practicality) to the cultivation
requirements of the proposed vineyard, and siting of the cellar door and winery
elsewhere would greatly undermine the aesthetic and commercial appeal and
viability of the proposal.
7.3. EPBC Act
The EPBC Act protects a number of threatened species and ecological communities that are
considered to be of national conservation significance. Any significant impacts on these
species require the approval of the Australian Minister for the Environment.
If there is a possibility of a significant impact on nationally threatened species or
communities or listed migratory species, a Referral under the EPBC Act should be
considered. The Minister will decide after 20 business days whether the project will be a
‘controlled action’ under the EPBC Act, in which case it cannot be undertaken without the
approval of the Minister. This approval depends on a further assessment and approval
process (lasting between three and nine months, depending on the level of assessment).
Page | 22
The analysis of the likelihood of occurrence of listed flora species presented in Section 5.3.2
identified that the following species could be impacted by any development in the study
area:
Leafy Greenhood
Although this species is known to occur in the area and inhabits vegetation with a similar
canopy structure and species composition to that observed in the study area, it requires an
open understorey. The density of shrubs, groundcovers and introduced grasses present
indicate unsuitable conditions for the presence of Leafy Greenhood (DSE 2003). Therefore,
this species is highly unlikely to occur in the study and therefore unlikely to be impacted.
The proposed development is therefore unlikely to result in a significant impact on any
EPBC Act-listed values.
7.4. CaLP Act
The Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act) requires that land owners (or a
third party to whom responsibilities have been legally transferred) must prevent the growth
and spread of regionally controlled weeds.
In accordance with the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, the following noxious
weed species, which were recorded in the study area, must be controlled:
African Box-thorn
Precision control methods that minimise off-target kills (e.g. spot spraying) should be used
in environmentally sensitive areas (e.g. within or near native vegetation, waterways, etc.).
Page | 23
8. Future management strategies
It is recommended that photos are taken prior to any future works within patches of native vegetation, as a record of what was removed.
8.1. Weed control
Weed control should be conducted prior to and post replanting to facilitate the natural
growth and recruitment of native vegetation. Weed presence should be continually
monitored to determine the necessity and timing of management actions, and adapted
accordingly.
Woody weeds should be controlled by using the cutting and painting method on mature
plants and spot-spraying of seedlings with an appropriate herbicide.
Herbaceous and grassy weeds should be spot-sprayed with an appropriate herbicide as
soon as possible.
It was observed that the woody weed, Myrtle-leaf Milkwort, is germinating en masse.
Therefore, continual spraying is required within the coming months, to prevent the high
amount of potential recruitment from supressing revegetation efforts.
Hand weeding may be required in more intact areas where herbicide application poses off-
target damage risk. Weeds recorded on site considered high threat are detailed in Table 3
below.
Grass biomass should be reduced around native patches by mowing or the use of an
appropriate herbicide. Cautious spot spraying or hand weeding within these patches is
recommended to encourage recruitment and the possible emergence of species such as
native herbs and orchids which may be suppressed by the dense vegetative cover.
8.2. Construction mitigation recommendations
below.
be retained prior to works.
Establish appropriate tree protection zones around scattered native trees to be retained
prior to works.
Ensure all construction personnel are appropriately briefed prior to works, and that no
construction personnel, machinery or equipment are placed inside vegetation/tree
protection zones.
A suitably qualified zoologist should undertake a pre-clearance survey of trees to be
removed in the week prior to removal to identify the presence of any nests or hollows.
If considered necessary, suitably qualified zoologist should be on site during any tree
removal works to capture and relocate and misplaced fauna that may be present.
Page | 24
Woody /Non-woody Common Name Scientific name Control Method Timing
Woody Sweet Pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum
Cut and paint mature plants using an
appropriate herbicide. Spot-spray
Autumn & Spring
Autumn & Spring
Autumn & Spring
out Rhizomes.
All year
Non-woody Common Dipogon Dipogon lignosus Spot-spray foliage with an appropriate
herbicide. Autumn & Spring
Non-woody Pasture Grasses
herbicide.
All year
Page | 25
8.3. Fire management
The fire risk the vegetation on the property poses can be mitigated by the removal of dead native
vegetation from the property, under the following exemption of clause 52.17 of the Mornington
Peninsula planning scheme.
Dead native vegetation: Native vegetation that is dead is exempt and does not require a
planning permit. This does not apply to a standing dead tree with a trunk diameter of 40
centimetres or more at a height of 1.3 metres above ground level.
It is recommended that some branches and larger logs are retained to provide habitat for both flora
and fauna species of the Mornington Peninsula.
8.4. Revegetation
Suitable indigenous species to use for planting have been determined based on the benchmark
description for Coastal Alkaline Scrub (EVC 858) (Appendix 3), in conjunction with species
composition in adjoining remnant patches. Planting density was calculated for the site based on the
Victorian Department of the Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s (DELWP) revegetation
planting standards (DSE 2006, Table 4). Council planting guides have also been attached (appendix
8).
Table 4: Recommended planting guide – Coastal Alkaline Scrub (EVC 858)
Lifeform Category Lifeform density
Canopy Shrubs 1.5
serpyllifolia
Herbs 5
Small-leaved Clematis Clematis microphylla s.l.
Page | 26
Grasses 10
Black-anther Flax-lily Dianella revoluta s.l
Page | 27
9. References
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) 2017a, Guidelines for the removal,
destruction or lopping of native vegetation (dated December 2017), Department of
Environment, Land, Water and Planning, East Melbourne, Victoria.
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) 2018a, Assessor’s Handbook –
Applications to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation (Version 1.1, dated October 2018),
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, East Melbourne, Victoria.
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) 2019a, NatureKit, Department of
Environment, Land, Water and Planning, East Melbourne, Victoria, viewed 8th November 2019.
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) 2019b, MapShareVic, Department
of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, East Melbourne, Victoria, viewed 8th November
2019.
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) 2019c, Native Vegetation
Information Management system, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, East
Melbourne, Victoria, viewed 8th November 2019.
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) 2019c, Victorian Biodiversity Atlas
3.2.5, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, East Melbourne, Victoria, viewed
8th November 2019.
Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) 2003, Flora & Fauna Guarantee Action
Statement #54: Leafy Greenhood Pterostylis cucullata, Department of Sustainability and
Environment, East Melbourne.
Benchmarks by Bioregion, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, East
Melbourne, Victoria.
scoring method (Version 1.3), Department of Sustainability and Environment, now Department
of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, East Melbourne, Victoria.
Department of the Environment and Energy (DEE) 2019a, EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool,
Department of the Environment, Canberra, viewed 8th November 2019.
Department of the Environment and Energy (DEE) 2019b, Species Profile and Threats Database,
Department of the Environment, Canberra, viewed 8th November 2019.
Nature Advisory 2019, 185 Maxwell Road, Fingal – Native Vegetation Assessment, consultant’s report
no. 19132 (1.0) prepared for Chapter Industries Pty Ltd, Nature Advisory Pty Ltd, Hawthorn
East.
Parkes D, Newell G, & Cheal D 2003, ‘Assessing the Quality of Native Vegetation: The ‘habitat
hectares’ approach’, Ecological Management and Restoration 4:29–38.
Page | 28
Appendix 1: Details of the assessment process in accordance with the Guidelines for the
removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation (DELWP 2017a)
Purpose and objective
Policies and strategies relating to the protection and management of native vegetation in Victoria
are defined in the State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF). The objective identified in Clause 12.01
of all Victorian Planning Schemes is ‘To ensure that there is no net loss to biodiversity as a result of
the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation’.
This is to be achieved through the following three-step approach, as detailed in the Guidelines:
1. Avoid the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation.
2. Minimise impacts from the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation that cannot
be avoided.
3. Provide an offset to compensate for the biodiversity impact from the removal, destruction or
lopping of native vegetation.
Note: While a planning permit may still be required, if native vegetation does not meet the definition
of either a patch or a scattered tree, an offset under the Guidelines is not required.
Assessment pathways
The first step in determining the type of assessment required for any site in Victoria is to determine
the assessment pathway for the proposed native vegetation removal. The three possible assessment
pathways for applications to remove native vegetation in Victoria are:
Basic;
This assessment pathway is determined by two factors:
Location Category, as determined using the states’ Location Map. The location category
indicates the potential risk to biodiversity from removing a small amount of native vegetation.
The three location categories are defined as:
Location 1 – shown in light blue-green on the Location Map; occurring over most of Victoria.
Location 2 – shown in dark blue-green on the Location Map; includes areas mapped as endangered EVCs and/or sensitive wetlands and coastal areas.
Location 3 – shown in brown on the Location Map; includes areas where the removal of less than 0.5 hectares of native vegetation could have a significant impact on habitat for rare and threatened species.
Extent of native vegetation – The extent of any patches and scattered trees proposed to
be removed (as well as the extent of any past native vegetation removal), with consideration
as to whether the proposed removal includes any large trees. Extent of native vegetation is
determined as follows:
Patch – the area of the patch in hectares.
Page | 29
Scattered Tree – the extent of a scattered tree is dependent on whether the scattered tree is small or large. A tree is considered to be a large tree if it is greater or equal to the large tree benchmark diameter at breast height (DBH) for the relevant bioregional EVC. Any scattered tree that is not a large tree is a small scattered tree. The extent of large and small scattered trees is determined as follows:
Large scattered tree – the area of a circle with a 15-metre radius, with the
trunk of the tree at the centre.
Small scattered tree – the area of a circle with a ten-metre radius, with the
trunk of the tree at the centre.
The assessment pathway for assessing an application to remove native vegetation is then
determined as detailed in the following matrix table:
Extent of native vegetation
Location 1 Location 2 Location 3
< 0.5 hectares and not including any large trees Basic Intermediate Detailed
< 0.5 hectares and including one or more large trees
Intermediate Intermediate Detailed
≥ 0.5 hectares Detailed Detailed Detailed
Note: If the native vegetation to be removed includes more than one location category, the higher
location category is used to determine the assessment pathway.
Landscape scale information – strategic biodiversity value
The strategic biodiversity value (SBV) is a measure of a location’s importance to Victoria’s
biodiversity, relative to other locations across the state. It is represented as a score between 0 and
1 and determined from the Strategic biodiversity value map, available from NVIM (DELWP 2019c).
Landscape scale information – habitat for rare or threatened species
Habitat importance for rare or threatened species is a measure of the importance of a location in
the landscape as habitat for a particular rare or threatened species, in relation to other habitat
available for that species. It is represented as a score between 0 and 1 and is determined from the
Habitat importance maps, administered by DELWP.
This includes two groups of habitat:
Highly localised habitats – Limited in area and considered to be equally important,
therefore having the same habitat importance score.
Dispersed habitats – Less limited in are and based on habitat distribution models.
Habitat for rare or threatened species is used to determine the type of offset required in the detailed
assessment pathway.
Biodiversity value
Page | 30
A combination of site-based and landscape scale information is used to calculate the biodiversity
value of native vegetation to be removed. Biodiversity value is represented by a general or species
habitat score, detailed as follows.
Firstly, the extent and condition of native vegetation to be removed are combined to determine the
habitat hectares as follows:
Secondly, the habitat hectare score is combined with a landscape factor to obtain an overall measure
of biodiversity value. Two landscape factors exist as follows:
General landscape factor – determined using an adjusted strategic biodiversity score, and
relevant when no habitat importance scores are applicable;
Species landscape factor – determined using an adjusted habitat importance score for
each rare or threatened species habitat mapped at a site in the Habitat importance map.
These factors are then used as follows to determine the biodiversity value of a site:
General habitat score = habitat hectares x general landscape factor
Species habitat score = hha x species landscape factor
Offset requirements
A native vegetation offset is required for the approved removal of native vegetation. Offsets conform
to one of two types and each type incorporates a multiplier to address the risk of offset:
A general offset is required when the removal of native vegetation does not have a
significant impact on any habitat for rare or threatened species (i.e. the proportional impact
is below the species offset threshold). In this case a multiplier of 1.5 applies to determine
the general offset amount.
General offset (amount of general habitat units) = general habitat score x 1.5
A species offset is required when the removal of native vegetation has a significant impact
on habitat for a rare or threatened species (i.e. the proportional impact is above the species
offset threshold). In this case a multiplier of 2 applies to determine the species offset amount.
Species offset (amount of species habitat units) = Species habitat score x 2
Habitat hectares = extent of native vegetation x condition score
Page | 31
Note: if native vegetation does not meet the definition of either a patch or scattered tree an offset
is not required.
General offsets
Offset amount – general offset = general habitat score x 1.5
Strategic biodiversity value (SBV) – the offset has at least 80% of the SBV of the native vegetation removed
Vicinity – the offset is in the same CMA boundary or municipal district as the native vegetation removed
Habitat for rare and threatened species – N/A
Large trees – the offset include the protection of at least one large tree for every large tree to be removed
Species offsets
Strategic biodiversity value (SBV): N/A
Vicinity: N/A
Habitat for rare and threatened species – the offset comprises mapped habitat according to the Habitat importance map for the relevant species
Large trees – the offset include the protection of at least one large tree for every large tree to be removed
Page | 32
Appendix 2: Detailed habitat hectare assessment results
Habitat Zone A B C D E F G H I J K
Bioregion GipP GipP GipP GipP GipP GipP GipP GipP GipP GipP GipP
EVC Number 858 858 858 858 858 858 858 858 858 858 858
Total area of Habitat Zone (ha) 0.101 0.302 0.025 0.440 0.107 0.163 0.570 0.207 0.011 0.004 0.004
S it
e C
o n
d it
io n
Tree Canopy Cover /5 4 2 4 2 4 4 2 2 0 0 0
Lack of Weeds /15 4 0 0 4 4 4 4 0 0 7 7
Understorey /25 5 5 5 15 5 5 15 15 5 5 5
Recruitment /10 10 6 3 10 6 3 10 10 3 3 3
Organic Matter /5 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 5 2 2 2
Logs /5 4 2 4 2 4 2 2 0 0 0 0
Site condition standardising
multiplier* 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15 1.15
Site Condition subtotal 35 21 22 44 32 26 44 37 12 20 20
L a
n d
p e
C o
n te
xt Patch Size /10 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Neighbourhood /10 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0
Distance to Core /5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Total Condition Score /100 38 27 25 47 34 28 47 40 14 22 22
* Modified approach to habitat scoring - refer to Table 14 of DELWP’s Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual (DSE, 2004).
Page | 33
Origin Common name Scientific name FFG CaLP WONS
* African Box-thorn Lycium ferocissimum C WONS
* Annual Veldt-grass Ehrharta longiflora
* Blackberry Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. C WONS Bower Spinach Tetragonia implexicoma
* Bridal Creeper Asparagus asparagoides R WONS Coast Beard-heath Leucopogon parviflorus p
Coast Tea-tree Leptospermum laevigatum
Coast Wirilda Acacia uncifolia p
* Common Dipogon Dipogon lignosus
* Myrtle-leaf Milkwort Polygala myrtifolia
* Panic Veldt-grass Ehrharta erecta
Prickly Spear-grass Austrostipa stipoides
* Rye Grass Lolium spp.
Salt Pratia Lobelia irrigua
Silky Guinea-flower Hibbertia sericea s.l.
Small-leaved Clematis Clematis microphylla s.l.
* Soft Brome Bromus hordeaceus
Soft Crane's-bill Geranium potentilloides
* Soursob Oxalis pes-caprae R
# Sweet Pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum
* Toowoomba Canary-grass Phalaris aquatica
* White Fumitory Fumaria capreolata
* Wild Oat Avena fatua
Notes: FFG-P: listed as protected (P) under the FFG Act; CaLP Act: declared noxious weeds under the CaLP
Act; C = Regionally Controlled Weeds [Land owners have the responsibility to take all reasonable steps to
prevent the growth and spread of Regionally controlled weeds on their land]; R = Restricted Weeds [Trade in
these weeds and their propagules, either as plants, seeds or contaminants in other materials is prohibited].
* = introduced to Victoria; # = Victorian native taxa occurring outside their natural range.
Page | 34
Appendix 4: Photographs of native vegetation
Looking within Habitat Zone B. Typical species composition throughout the site, comprising of Coastal Beard-heath, Coastal Tea-tree and Bower Spinach.
Habitat Zone I, comprising of canopy species and lacking an understory
Page | 35
Habitat Zone E2, low retention value. Poor canopy cover at low health with the understory dominated by Bower Spinach. Habitat Zone F2 is in a similar state.
Habitat Zone K, low retention value. Comprised of immature canopy species occupying a small area. Habitat Zone J is similar.
Page | 36
African Box-thorn occurring throughout the study area within native vegetation patches
Nests within canopy trees on the southern fringe of Habitat Zone G
Page | 37
Habitat Zone I, Low quality vegetation underneath planted Eucalyptus species
Habitat Zone D, facing south, densely vegetated patch dominated by Coastal Tea-tree, with a diversity of understory shrubs
Page | 38
Ecological Vegetation Class bioregion benchmark
EVC/Bioregion Benchmark for Vegetation Quality Assessment
Gippsland Plain bioregion
EVC 858: Coastal Alkaline Scrub (syn. Calcarenite Dune Woodland)
Description: Near-coastal, deep calcareous (alkaline) and largely stable sand dunes and swales commonly dominated by Moonah Melaleuca lanceolata ssp. lanceolata. It occurs at low elevations of 20-60 m above sea level, average annual rainfall is approximately 550- 950 mm, and it occurs on a variety of geologies and soil types. Low woodland or tall shrubland to 8 m tall, typically with a medium shrub layer, small shrub layer and sedges, grasses and herbs in the ground layer.
Canopy Cover: %cover Character Species Common Name 30% Melaleuca lanceolata ssp. lanceolata Moonah
Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping Sheoak Leptospermum laevigatum Coast Tea-tree
Bursaria spinosa ssp. macrophylla Sweet Bursaria
Life forms: Life form #Spp %Cover LF code Medium Shrub 4 30% MS Small Shrub 2 5% SS Large Herb 1 1% LH Medium Herb 5 10% MH Small or Prostrate Herb 2 5% SH Large Tufted Graminoid 1 5% LTG Medium to Small Tufted Graminoid 4 10% MTG Medium to Tiny Non-tufted Graminoid 2 5% MNG Scrambler or Climber 2 1% SC Bryophytes/Lichens na 20% BL
Total understorey projective foliage cover 80%
LF Code Species typical of at least part of EVC range Common Name MS Acacia longifolia ssp. sophorae Coast Wattle MS Leucopogon parviflorus Coast Beard-heath MS Acacia retinodes var. uncifolia Coast Wirilda MS Pomaderris paniculosa Coast Pomaderris SS Hibbertia sericea s.l. Silky Guinea-flower SS Pimelea serpyllifolia ssp. serpyllifolia Thyme-leaf Rice-flower MH Lagenophora stipitata Common Bottle-daisy MH Geranium potentilloides Cinquefoil Cranesbill MH Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee SH Dichondra repens Kidney-weed SH Oxalis exilis Shady Wood-sorrel LTG Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush MTG Dianella revoluta s.l. Black-anther Flax-lily MTG Carex breviculmis Common Grass-sedge MTG Lachnagrostis billardierei s.l. Coast Blaown-grass MTG Austrodanthonia setacea Bristly Wallaby-grass MNG Ficinia nodosa Knobby Club-sedge MNG Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping Grass SC Clematis microphylla Small-leaved Clematis SC Comesperma volubile Love Creeper
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment April 2004
© The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2004
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This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate
for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
www.dse.vic.gov.au
EVC 858: Coastal Alkaline Scrub (syn. Calcarenite Dune Woodland) - Gippsland Plain bioregion
Recruitment: Continuous
Organic Litter: 40 % cover
Logs: 5 m/0.1 ha. (note: large log class does not apply)
Weediness: LF Code Typical Weed Species Common Name Invasive Impact MH Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury high low MH Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel high low MH Hypochoeris spp. Cat's Ear high low MTG Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt-grass high high MTG Catapodium rigidum Fern Grass high low MNG Aira caryophyllea Silvery Hair-grass high low SC Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Smilax Asparagus high high
Page | 41
Appendix 6: Proposed development plan
Page | 43
Appendix 7: Native Vegetation Removal Report
A report to support an application to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation in the Basic Assessment Pathway using the modelled condition score
This report provides information to support an application to remove native vegetation in accordance with the Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation. The report is not an assessment by DELWP or local council of the proposed native vegetation removal. Biodiversity information and offset requirements have been calculated using modelled condition scores contained in the Native vegetation condition map.
Date and time: 23 September 2020 11:51 AM
Lat./Long.: -38.4243538247321,144.867681763081 Native vegetation report ID:
Address: 185 MAXWELL ROAD FINGAL 3939 352-20200923-010
Assessment pathway
Assessment pathway Basic Assessment Pathway
Extent of past plus proposed native vegetation removal
0.392 hectares
Location category Location 1
The native vegetation is not in an area mapped as an endangered Ecological Vegetation Class, sensitive wetland or coastal area. Removal of less than 0.5 hectares will not have a significant impact on any habitat for a rare or threatened species.
Offset type General offset
Offset attributes
Vicinity Port Phillip And Westernport Catchment Management Authority (CMA) or Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
Minimum strategic biodiversity value score
0.567
Large trees 0 large tree(s)
The offset requirement that will apply if the native vegetation is approved to be removed
Offset requirement
Native vegetation removal report
Biodiversity information about the native vegetation
Description of any past native vegetation removal Any native vegetation that was approved to be removed, or was removed without the required approvals, on the same property or on contiguous land in the same ownership, in the five year period before the application to remove native vegetation is lodged is detailed below.
Description of the native vegetation proposed to be removed
Extent of all mapped native vegetation 0.392 hectares
Condition score of all mapped native vegetation 0.457
Strategic biodiversity value score of all mapped native vegetation 0.709
Extent of patches native vegetation 0.392 hectares
1 0.035 hectares
2 0.034 hectares
3 0.058 hectares
4 0.018 hectares
5 0.094 hectares
6 0.023 hectares
7 0.040 hectares
8 0.004 hectares
9 0.003 hectares
10 0.011 hectares
11 0.008 hectares
12 0.023 hectares
13 0.041 hectares
No. large trees within patches 0 large tree(s)
No. large scattered trees 0 large tree(s)
No. small scattered trees 0 small tree(s)
Permit/PIN number Extent of native vegetation (hectares)
None entered 0 hectares
Additional information about trees to be removed, shown in Figure 1
Tree ID Tree circumference (cm) Benchmark circumference (cm)
Scattered / Patch Tree size
Applications to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation must include all the below information. If an appropriate response has not been provided the application is not complete.
Other information
Photographs of the native vegetation to be removed Recent, dated photographs of the native vegetation to be removed must be provided with the application. All photographs must be clear, show whether the vegetation is a patch of native vegetation or scattered trees, and identify any large trees. If the area of native vegetation to be removed is large, provide photos that are indicative of the native vegetation.
Ensure photographs are attached to the application. If appropriate photographs have not been provided the application is not complete.
Topographical and land information
Description of the topographic and land information relating to the native vegetation to be removed, including any ridges, crests and hilltops, wetlands and waterways, slopes of more than 20 percent, drainage lines, low lying areas, saline discharge areas, and areas of existing erosion, as appropriate. This may be represented in a map or plan. This is an application requirement and your application will be incomplete without it.
Avoid and minimise statement
This statement describes what has been done to avoid the removal of, and minimise impacts on the biodiversity and other values of native vegetation. This is an application requirement and your application will be incomplete without it.
Defendable space statement
Where the removal of native vegetation is to create defendable space, a written statement explaining why the removal of native vegetation is necessary. This statement must have regard to other available bushfire risk mitigation measures. This statement is not required if your application also includes an application under the Bushfire Management Overlay.
Offset statement
An offset statement that demonstrates that an offset is available and describes how the required offset will be secured. This is an application requirement and your application will be incomplete without it.
Native vegetation removal report report ID 352-20200923-010
© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Melbourne 2020.
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For more information contact the DELWP Customer Service Centre 136 186
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Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
Obtaining this publication does not guarantee that an application will meet the requirements of Clauses 52.16 or 52.17 of planning schemes in Victoria or that a permit to remove native vegetation will be granted.
Notwithstanding anything else contained in this publication, you must ensure that you comply with all relevant laws, legislation, awards or orders and that you obtain and comply with all permits, approvals and the like that affect, are applicable or are necessary to undertake any action to remove, lop or destroy or otherwise deal with any native vegetation or that apply to matters within the scope of Clauses 52.16 or 52.17 of planning schemes in Victoria.
Next steps
Property Vegetation Plan
Landowners can manage native vegetation on their property in the longer term by developing a Property Vegetation Plan (PVP) and entering in to an agreement with DELWP.
If an approved PVP applies to the land, ensure the PVP is attached to the application.
Applications under Clause 52.16
An application to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation is under Clause 52.16 if a Native Vegetation Precinct Plan (NVPP) applies to the land, and the proposed native vegetation removal is not in accordance with the relevant NVPP. If this is the case, a statement that explains how the proposal responds to the NVPP considerations must be provided.
If the application is under Clause 52.16, ensure a statement that explains how the proposal responds to the NVPP considerations is attached to the application.
Applications to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation must address all the application requirements specified in Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation.If you wish to remove the mapped native vegetation you are required to apply for a permit from your local council. This Native vegetation removal reportmust be submitted with your application and meets most of the application requirements. The following needs to be added as applicable.
Appendix 1 - Details of offset requirements
* Offset requirements for partial removal: If your proposal is to remove parts of the native vegetation in a patch (for example only understorey plants) the condition score must be adjusted. This will require manual editing of the condition score and an update to the calculations that the native vegetation removal tool has provided: habitat hectares, general habitat score and offset amount.
Native vegetation to be removed
Extent of all mapped native vegetation (for calculating habitat hectares)
0.392 The area of land covered by a patch of native vegetation and/or a scattered tree, measured in hectares. Where the mapped native vegetation includes scattered trees, each tree is assigned a standard extent and converted to hectares. A small scattered tree is assigned a standard extent defined by a circle with a 10 metre radius and a large scattered tree a circle with a 15 metre radius.
The extent of all mapped native vegetation is an input to calculating the habitat hectares.
Condition score* 0.457 The condition score of native vegetation is a site-based measure that describes how close native vegetation is to its mature natural state. The condition score is the weighted average condition score of the mapped native vegetation calculated using the Native vegetation condition map.
Habitat hectares 0.179 Habitat hectares is a site-based measure that combines extent and condition of native vegetation. It is calculated by multiplying the extent of native vegetation by the condition score:
Habitat hectares = extent x condition score
Strategic biodiversity value score
0.709 The strategic biodiversity value score represents the complementary contribution to Victoria s biodiversity of a location, relative to other locations across the state. This score is the weighted average strategic biodiversity value score of the mapped native vegetation calculated using the Strategic biodiversity value map.
General landscape factor
0.855 The general landscape factor is an adjusted strategic biodiversity value score. It has been adjusted to reduce the influence of landscape scale information on the general habitat score.
General habitat score
0.153 The general habitat score combines site-based and landscape scale information to obtain an overall measure of the biodiversity value of the native vegetation. The general habitat score is calculated as follows:
General habitat score = habitat hectares x general landscape factor
Offset requirements
Offset type General offset
A general offset is required when the removal of native vegetation does not have a significant impact on any habitat for rare or threatened species. All proposals in the Basic and Intermediate assessment pathways will only require a general offset.
Offset multiplier 1.5 This multiplier is used to address the risk that the predicted outcomes for gain will not be achieved, and therefore will not adequately compensate the biodiversity loss from the removal of native vegetation.
Offset amount (general habitat units)
0.230 The general habitat units are the amount of offset that must be secured if the application is approved. This offset requirement will be a condition to any permit or approval for the removal of native vegetation.
General habitat units required = general habitat score x 1.5
Minimum strategic biodiversity value score
0.567 The offset site must have a strategic biodiversity value score of at least 80 per cent of the strategic biodiversity value score of the native vegetation to be removed. This is to ensure offsets are located in areas with a strategic biodiversity value that is comparable to the native vegetation to be removed.
Vicinity Port Phillip And Westernport CMA or Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
The offset site must be located within the same Catchment Management Authority boundary or municipal district as the native vegetation to be removed.
Large trees 0 large tree (s)
The offset site must protect at least one large tree for every large tree removed. A large tree is a native canopy tree with a Diameter at Breast Height greater than or equal to the large tree benchmark for the local Ecological Vegetation Class. A large tree can be either a large scattered tree or a large patch tree.
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Appendix 8: Evidence that native vegetation offset requirement is available
Report of available native vegetation credits
General offset
0.23 0.567 0 CMA Port Phillip and Westernport
or LGA Mornington Peninsula Shire
Details of available native vegetation credits on 23 September 2020 12:37
These sites meet your requirements for general offsets.
Credit Site ID GHU LT CMA LGA Land owner
Trader Fixed price
Mornington Peninsula Shire
BBA-0670 19.308 175 Port Phillip and Westernport
Cardinia Shire No Yes No Abezco, VegLink
Whittlesea City No Yes No Abezco, VegLink
Nillumbik Shire No Yes No Contact NVOR
BBA-0678_2 0.388 59 Port Phillip and Westernport
Nillumbik Shire No Yes No Contact NVOR
Baw Baw Shire Yes Yes No Contact NVOR
Baw Baw Shire Yes Yes No Contact NVOR
Nillumbik Shire Yes Yes Yes Nillumbik SC
Yarra Ranges Shire Yes Yes No Contact NVOR
Yarra Ranges Shire Yes Yes No Contact NVOR
Moorabool Shire Yes Yes No VegLink
Moorabool Shire Yes Yes No VegLink
TFN-C1636 1.938 159 Port Phillip and Westernport
Yarra Ranges Shire Yes Yes Yes Yarra Ranges SC
This report lists native vegetation credits available to purchase through the Native Vegetation Credit Register.
This report is not evidence that an offset has been secured. An offset is only secured when the units have been purchased and allocated to a permit or other approval and an allocated credit extract is provided by the Native Vegetation Credit Register.
Date and time: 23/09/2020 12:37 Report ID: 5911
Cardinia Shire Yes Yes No Bio Offsets
TFN-C1763_3 11.231 0 Port Phillip and Westernport
Mornington Peninsula Shire
Macedon Ranges Shire No Yes No Contact NVOR
VC_CFL- 0838_01
Yarra Ranges Shire Yes Yes No VegLink
VC_CFL- 0838_01
Yarra Ranges Shire Yes Yes Yes Contact NVOR
VC_CFL- 0838_01
Yarra Ranges Shire No Yes No Contact NVOR
VC_CFL- 3016_01
Yarra Ranges Shire Yes Yes No VegLink
VC_CFL- 3054_01
VC_CFL- 3705_01
These sites meet your requirements using alternative arrangements for general offsets.
Credit Site ID GHU LT CMA LGA Land owner
Trader Fixed price
Broker(s)
There are no sites listed in the Native Vegetation Credit Register that meet your offset requirements when applying the alternative arrangements as listed in section 11.2 of the Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation.
These potential sites are not yet available, land owners may finalise them once a buyer is confirmed. Credit Site ID GHU LT CMA LGA Land
owner Trader Fixed
price Broker(s)
There are no potential sites listed in the Native Vegetation Credit Register that meet your offset requirements.
LT - Large Trees CMA - Catchment Management Authority LGA - Municipal District or Local Government Authority
© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2020
Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liabil

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