lakes entrance – amendment c112 east gippsland planning ... · detailed flora, fauna and...

Biosis Pty Ltd Ballarat Resource Group

506 Macarthur Street Phone: 03 5331 7000 ACN 006 175 097 Ballarat VIC 3350 Fax: 03 5331 7033 ABN 65 006 175 097 Email: [email protected] biosis.com.au

Lakes Entrance – Amendment C112

East Gippsland Planning Scheme

Paynter Dixon Land - Native Vegetation

Statement of Expert Evidence

John Douglas Miller

Biosis Pty. Ltd. 506 Macarthur Street Ballarat, Victoria 3350

Date of statement: 10/10/2013

1.1 Name and address of the expert

John Douglas Miller

Biosis Pty. Ltd.

56 Macarthur Street

Ballarat 3350

(03) 5331 7000 (office)

0427 871 714 (mobile)

[email protected]

1.2 Qualifications and experience

I am employed by Biosis Pty. Ltd (formerly known as Biosis Research Pty. Ltd.) as a principal botanist within the Ballarat

Resource Group. I hold a Masters of Applied Science Degree (University of Ballarat). I have been working as an

ecologist for over 35 years.

1.3 Area of expertise

I have extensive knowledge and understanding of environmental issues and conservation management with skills in

project management, plant identification, monitoring, habitat hectare assessments, condition assessment, mapping,

analysis of biodiversity data and targeted searching for rare and threatened species in a wide range of environments. I

have excellent plant identification skills and have worked in a range of vegetation communities across Victoria and

Western New South Wales. I have extensive experience as a Consultant in natural resource management projects

involving stakeholder consultation and interactions between managing authorities.

My curriculum vitae is provided in Appendix 1.

© Biosis 2012 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 2

1.4 Summary of Biosis engagement in relation to the Paynter Dixon property

Chronology of events:

2008: Biosis was engaged by Paynter Dixon Pty Ltd to undertake a flora and fauna assessment of the

property on Ostlers Road Lakes Entrance on 28 August 2008.

2008: A preliminary flora and fauna assessment report was provided to Paynter Dixon in October 2008

(Biosis Research 2008a).

2008: A site inspection with officers from the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) was

undertaken on 14 November 2008 to discuss and confirm the identity of the bioregion in which the site falls

and the identity of some of the ecological vegetation classes (EVCs) within the site.

2008: A detailed flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment report was provided to Paynter Dixon in

October 2008 (Biosis Research 2008b).

2008: Preliminary advice on development constraints as they relate to native vegetation issues was

provided to Paynter Dixon on in November 2008.

2009: Likely vegetation losses and offset requirements in response to a concept layout design (Collie

Drawing 06-6672-003-1007, 7 November 2008) were calculated and provided to Paynter Dixon in January

2009.

2009: The detailed flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment report (Biosis Research 2008b) was

updated with recalculated vegetation losses and offset requirements in December 2009. The updating was

required due to alterations to the proposed development layout as shown in the Collie drawing of November

2009. The updated report is cited as Biosis Research (2009) and is the primary report for the purposes of

this Statement. A copy of the report is provided in Appendix 2

2013: A review of the likely implications of the Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area Native Vegetation

Precinct Plan (EGSC 2012) for the development of the Paynter Dixon property and potential vegetation

losses and on-site offsets were recalculated was provided to Paynter Dixon in March 2013.

2013: Biosis participated in a meeting with the department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI),

East Gippsland Shire, Collie PL and Paynter Dixon in Traralgon in August 2013.

1.5 Biosis Research (2009): Summary of Findings

The results of the Biosis assessments are summarised below:

Biosis Research (2009). Detailed flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment: Ostlers Road, Lakes

Entrance, Victoria.

The original vegetation of approximately half of the study area has been almost entirely cleared, however remnants of

four Ecological Vegetation Classes remain on the site: Limestone Box Forest, Lowland Forest, Swamp Scrub and

Lowland Herb-rich Forest. The retained native vegetation is in generally good condition, although there are few large

trees as a result of harvesting for firewood and other purposes.

Four fauna habitat types occur within the study area: forest, swamp scrub, dam and pasture.

No flora or fauna species of national conservation significance were recorded within the study area and it is unlikely that

any of the species listed by the database search would occur. One flora species of State conservation significance,


Coast Grey-box, was recorded and it is possible that other State significant species may occur in sections of the site

supporting higher quality native vegetation.

Under the then development proposal layout (as per Drawing supplied by Collie Pty Ltd in November 2009 – see figure

2 below), 8.22 hectares of native vegetation is proposed to be cleared, which is equivalent to 4.53 habitat hectares

(Table 1), plus the loss of a single scattered Large Old Tree.

Table 1: Potential impacts to vegetation patches

Habitat Zone SS-QZ1 SS-QZ2 SS-QZ3 LBF-QZ1 LBF-QZ2 LBF-QZ3 LF-QZ1 LH-rF-QZ1

Total

EVC Swamp Scrub

Swamp Scrub

Swamp Scrub

Limestone Box

Forest

Limestone Box

Forest

Limestone Box

Forest

Lowland Forest

Lowland Herb-rich

Forest

Bioregional conservation status*

E E E V V V LC D

Area to be cleared (ha)

0.17 0.32 0.18 0.19 0.04 0.60 6.65 0.07 8.22

Habitat score 0.36 0.20 0.15 0.49 0.57 0.29 0.61 0.60

Habitat hectares to be cleared:

Very High Conservation Significance

- - - - 0.02 - - - 0.02

High Conservation Significance

0.06 0.06 0.03 0.09 - - - 0.04 0.28

Medium conservation significance

- - - - - 0.17 4.06 - 4.23

Offset multiplier 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 2 1 1 1.5

Offset target (habitat hectares)

0.09 0.09 0.05 0.14 0.04 0.17 4.06 0.06 4.70

Large Old Trees in patches to be cleared

- - - - - - - - Nil

E – Endangered; V – Vulnerable; D – Depleted; LC – Least Concern

Figure 2: Areas of proposed vegetation loss and retention, Ostlers Road, Lakes EntranceBiosis Research Pty. Ltd.38 Bertie Street(PO Box 489)Port MelbourneVICTORIA 3207

DATE: 25 November 2009Checked by: JMLocation: P:\MRG 8300s\8343\Mapping\8343 Figure 2.wor

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QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1QZ 1







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Drawn by: PJY

Offices also in:Sydney, Ballarat,Wollongong, Canberra,& Wangaratta

Ecological Vegetation Classes

Limestone Box Forest to be retained

Limestone Box Forest to be removed

Lowland Herb-rich Forest to be retained

Lowland Herb-rich Forest to be removed

Lowland Forest to be retained

Lowland Forest to be removed

Swamp Scrub to be removed

Legend

Retarding basin

Open space

Residential

Study area


Table 2: Net Gains potentially available on-site

EVC name Habitat zone

Current score

Area available (ha)

Conservation significance

Potential gains

Required gains

Difference

Swamp scrub

SS-QZ1 0.36 Nil High Nil 0.10 -0.10

Swamp scrub


Swamp scrub


Limestone Box Forest

LBF-QZ1 0.49 1.28 High 0.34 0.12 +0.22


LBF-QZ2 0.57 1.03 Very High 0.48 0.05 +0.43


LBF-QZ3 0.29 Nil Medium Nil 0.17 -0.17

Lowland Forest

LF-QZ1 0.61 6.69 Medium 1.77 4.06 -2.29

Lowland Herb-rich forest

LHrF-QZ1

0.60 3.34 High 0.80 0.06 +0.74

Based on the net gain calculations (Table 2) it was concluded that:

None of the loss of Swamp Scrub can be offset with other areas of Swamp Scrub on-site.

The required offsets for the loss of Limestone Box Forest could be achieved on-site and there could be an

excess of 0.48 habitat hectares comprised of both High and Very High conservation significance vegetation.

There would be an offset shortfall of 2.29 habitat hectares of medium conservation significance Lowland

Forest.

The required offsets for the loss of lowland Herb-rich Forest could be achieved on-site and there would be

an excess of 0.74 habitat hectares of high conservation significance Lowland Herb-rich Forest.

1.6 Revised Concept Plan: Subsequent discussions and calculations

The Biosis Research (2009) report provided the basis for further discussions between Paynter Dixon, Collie PL and

Biosis with the aim of achieving a viable commercial outcome on the site plus being able to as far as possible achieve all

required native vegetation offsets within the site. The site layout was amended to ultimately avoid all areas identified as

supporting vegetation with Very High conservation significance, except for a small area of Plains Grassy Forest in the

south-east of the Property, and minimise the loss of vegetation with High conservation significance (refer Concept Plan-

Draft 06-6672-004-0013 Revision G prepared by Collie Pty Ltd).

The amended layout, combined with the capacity to trade-up offsets by using higher conservation significance

vegetation to offset losses from lower conservation significance vegetation, made it possible to offset the losses of all

vegetation within the property.


Under the proposed Collie development scenario and the changed designation and attendant conservation status of the

EVCs within the site 6.74 hectares of vegetation would be lost which is equivalent to the loss of 3.35 habitat hectares.

The details of the losses are summarised in Table 3.

Table 3: Summary of vegetation losses

EVC Cons_status Cons_sig

Total area

(ha) score habitat hectares

Loss

(ha)

loss

(hab_ha)

LBF QZ1 V H 1.54 0.49 0.75 1.12 0.55

LBF QZ2 V H 1.76 0.57 1.00 0.00 0.00

LBF QZ3 V H 0.60 0.29 0.17 0.60 0.17

LF LC M 11.79 0.61 7.19 3.17 1.93

LF LC M 1.53 0.33 0.50 1.53 0.50

PGF E VH 3.40 0.6 2.04 0.32 0.19

SS QZ1 E H 0.17 0.36 0.06 0.00 0.00

SSQZ2 E H 0.32 0.2 0.06 0.00 0.00

Totals 21.11 6.74 3.35

Under the current development scenario all required vegetation offsets could be met within Property 16. The details of

the on-site gains are summarised in Table 4.

Table 4: Summary of vegetation gains available on-site

EVC

Loss

(hab_ha)

Offset

ratio

Offset

required (hab-

ha)

Area

available for

offset (Ha)

Allowable

_gains/ha

Gains

available

LBF QZ1 0.55 1.50 0.82 0.42 0.25 0.11

LBF QZ2 0.00 1.50 0.00 1.76 0.28 0.49

LBF QZ3 0.17 1.50 0.26 0 0.15 0.00

LF 1.87 1.00 1.93 8.72 0.27 2.33

LF 0.50 1.00 0.50 0 0.27 0.00

PGF 0.19 2.00 0.39 3.077 0.27 0.83

SS QZ1 0.00 1.50 0.00 0.17 0.2 0.03

SSQZ2 0.00 1.50 0.00 0.32 0.1 0.03

Totals 3.35 3.82 3.82


1.7 Implications of the Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area Native Vegetation Precinct Plan for the development of Property 16

Following my review of the Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area Native Vegetation Precinct Plan (NVPP) I make the

following comments:

Overall I am in agreement with the assessment of the vegetation within the site as presented in the NVPP

as they relate to Property 16. The vegetation quality scores and the mapped boundaries of the various

habitat zones (HZs) (which Biosis Research called Quality Zones (QZs)) are remarkably similar (Table 3).

The notable exception is that I classified some patches of ecological vegetation class (EVC) as Foothill

Herb-rich Forest EVC whereas the NVPP classified them as Plains Grassy Forest. I accept this change.

Table 5: Comparison between Biosis research 2009 and NVPP ecological vegetation class mapping units,

habitat scores and conservation significance. Biosis Research 2009

NVPP equivalent

EVC Zone score Cons sig EVC Zone Score Cons sig

Swamp Scrub QZ1 36 High Swamp Scrub HZ 27 39 High

Swamp Scrub QZ2 20 High Swamp Scrub HZ 26 21 High

Swamp Scrub QZ3 15 High Not mapped

Limestone Box Forest QZ1 49 High


HZ 25Ai, 25Aii^ & 25Aiii 47 High

Limestone Box Forest QZ1 49 High

Limestone Box Forest HZ 25B 49 High

Limestone Box Forest QZ2 57 Very High

Limestone Box Forest HZ 24i & 24ii 57 Very High

Limestone Box Forest QZ3 29 Medium

Limestone Box Forest HZ 23i & 23ii 29 Medium

Lowland Forest QZ1 61 Medium Lowland Forest HZ 22i 61 High#

Lowland Forest QZ2 61 Medium Lowland Forest HZ 22ii^ 61 High#

Lowland Herb‐rich Forest QZ1 60 High

Plains Grassy Forest HZ 21i 52 Very High

Lowland Herb‐rich Forest QZ1 60 High

Plains Grassy Forest HZ 21ii 52 Very High

Lowland Herb‐rich Forest QZ1 60 high

Plains Grassy Forest HZ 21iii 52 Very High

# - disputed conservation significance; ^ - conservation significance will be reduced through clearing of understorey

The NVPP elevates the conservation significance of the Lowland Forest EVC from medium (Biosis

Research 2009) to High (Table 5) presumably on the basis of it being designated best or remaining habitat

for threatened or rare fauna species. If my presumption is correct, I disagree with this assessment. My

reasons for disagreement with the elevation of conservation significance are presented in Section 1.8.

NVPP Section 2, dot point 1: Conserve as habitat a patch area of 15 hectares of high quality, native

vegetation in the north east corner of the precinct. I can see no reason why 15 hectares has been selected


as the area to be conserved and no reason has been provided.

The Net Gain philosophy is based on the three-step approach of Avoid, Minimise and then Offset. Within

the three-step approach there is a further hierarchy where vegetation of higher conservation significance

should be preferentially either avoided where possible or losses minimised where avoidance is not possible.

The conservation of 15 hectares with no other condition does not address this hierarchy. There is also a

requirement that all vegetation losses that cannot be avoided must be offset in accordance with defined

parameters provided by the Department of Environment and Primary Industries. I can demonstrate that

approximately 14 hectares is sufficient to enable all proposed vegetation losses associated with the current

development scenario to be offset within Property 16. I consider it more important to address the

hierarchical importance of the vegetation (conservation significance) through conserving the higher

conservation significance vegetation, as demonstrated in the development proposal, than to arbitrarily

select a conservation area figure.

NVPP Section 2, dot point 4: Consolidate ecological connectivity by linking a large area of high quality,

native vegetation with waterway corridors, smaller significant vegetation patches, stands of scattered trees

and roadside vegetation. I agree with this proposition and this was considered and addressed in the

proposed development scenario for Property 16. Existing vegetation along the main drainage line from the

east to the west of Property 16 that links with vegetation along Colquhoun Road is conserved under the

proposed development scenario. A large contiguous block of native vegetation (approximately 13.5

hectares) that links with existing vegetation along Ostlers Road would be conserved on the eastern portion

of the property. I consider that the current development proposal for Property 16 currently complies with

this NVPP vegetation protection objective.

NVPP Section 2, dot point 8: Remove understory vegetation for bushfire risk management in identified

selected areas only. It should be noted that the total clearance of the understorey in Habitat Zones HZ 22ii

and HZ 25 Aii within Property 16 would most likely reduce the conservation significance of both patches

from High and medium respectively to Low (using my calculations).

NVPP Section 3, para 2: The vegetation has been shown to be protected because a landscape wide

approach to retention and removal of native vegetation has been adopted in the preparation of this Native

Vegetation Precinct Plan rather than a site by site approach. Decisions relating to removal of certain

individual trees and areas of native vegetation have been made in a holistic manner taking into account

scattered trees and areas of native vegetation which are proposed to be protected. The statement does not

of itself explain why areas of vegetation and particular scattered trees have been retained. Balancing

development with offset potential and demonstrated preferential protection or minimisation of losses within

higher conservation significance vegetation provides a more rigorous approach and ensures that an

appropriate balance in accordance with the Native Vegetation Management Framework (DNRE 2002) is

achieved.

NVPP Section 3, para 3: A minimum of 15 hectares is to be protected as a conservation area on property

number 16 (consisting of habitat zones HZ21i, HZ21ii, HZ21iii, HZ22i, HZ24i, HZ24ii, HZ25Ai and HZ25B)

in one contiguous patch. Again, there is no defensible position for quoting 15 hectares as the aim. I

contend that the 13.5 hectares (approx) in a single contiguous block proposed under the Property 16

development proposal would fulfil all of the ecological functions that the 15 hectare block would fulfil.

Amendments required to NVPP tables: As a result of my assessment of the vegetation within Property

16, subsequent calculations of conservation significance as outlined above, and using the proposed Collie

development scenario as the template for likely vegetation losses, the NVPP Tables 1, 3, 5 and 7 need to

be amended. The required amendments are shown in Appendix 4.


1.8 Comparison of Biosis Research 2009 and NVPP vegetation conservation significance designation

The conservation significance of the habitat zones within the NVPP are generally in accord with those found by Biosis

Research 2009. However, there are a few variations where the NVPP assigns a higher conservation significance to

some habitat Zones that need to be considered.

The increase in conservation significance rating in the NVPP is related to two separate issues:

The re-assignment of Lowland Herb-rich Forest EVC (Biosis Research 2009) to Plains Grassy Forest EVC;

and,

A habitat assessment for threatened species in accordance with the procedure provided the Native

Vegetation: Guide for assessment of referred planning permit applications (DSE 2007, page 13, Table 2).

Plains Grassy Forest EVC has a bioregional conservation status of Endangered in the East Gippsland Lowlands

Bioregion whereas Lowland Herb-rich Forest has a bioregional conservation status of Depleted. The conservation

status alters the threshold scores for conservation significance (see DNRE 2002, page 53, Table 5). I agree with the

elevation in conservation significance where the change is due to the change in designation of EVC from Lowland Herb-

rich Forest EVC to Plains Grassy Forest EVC in combination with the habitat score.

I disagree with the elevation in conservation significance where the elevation is due only to the assessment of habitat

significance for fauna. The Victorian Fauna Atlas has no records of Victorian rare or threatened (VROT) species from

Property 16 and no VROT species were recorded by Biosis Research (2009). Thirty seven Victorian VROT fauna

species and one EPBC Act 1999 listed fauna species have been recorded within 5km of Property 16 with most records

distant from Property 16 and older than 20 years. An assessment of the likely use of Property by the VROT species

recoded from within 5km of Property 16 is provided in Appendix 3.

A critical habitat component (tree hollows) for the VROT Owl species 9Appendix 3) is largely missing from Property 16.

I therefore concluded that through the application of the habitat assessment procedure in accordance with DSE 2007,

Table 5 should be:

A: Is the species or has the species been recorded as resident on site? No – go to D.

D: Does the habitat on site clearly meet one or more of the habitat requirements of the species? Is it reasonable to

expect the species is present or would make significant use of the site in the medium term (eg within the next 10 years)?

No to either – no further consideration required for that species.

This would mean that the habitat score for the habitat Zones is the only determinant of conservation significance.

Therefore I consider that the patches of Lowland Forest EVC designated as HZ 22i and HZ 22ii in the NVPP should be

assigned as Medium conservation significance and not elevated to High as shown in the NVPP.

1.9 New native vegetation guidelines: implications

Based on my current understanding of the new Permitted Clearing of Native Vegetation: Biodiversity Assessment

guidelines (DEPI 2013), referred to as the Guidelines, I believe that an application to remove native vegetation within

Property 16 would be assessed under the Moderate Risk pathway. This is based on the assumption that the site is

within Location A and that more than 1 hectare would be cleared.

Under the Moderate Risk pathway planning permit applications require:

Referral of the biodiversity components to DEPI.

A habitat hectare assessment of vegetation to be lost.


An offset strategy.

Decision guidelines must test "whether reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the impacts of the proposed

removal of native vegetation on biodiversity have been minimised" and "whether a compliant offset strategy has been

put forward"

There may also be a requirement to consider a Habitat Importance Score (HIS) for all VROT species with potential to

occur on the site. The HIS will be a value between 0 and 1 and will be provided by DEPI.

Under the current development scenario a habitat hectare assessment has been undertaken and an offset strategy,

where all offsets could be achieved within Property 16, has been proposed. It is unclear at this stage whether the on-

site offset potential will be adequate under the new guidelines.

In summary, most of the components that will be required by the Guidelines have been considered under the current

regime. However, as the new Guidelines have not been fully applied at this stage the outcome is unknown and final

scores and significance ratings may vary from the current assessment.

1.10 Conclusion

The property supports areas of native vegetation of various conservation significance classes. Paynter Dixon has been

mindful of the local and regional significance of the native vegetation during the development of the proposed

development layout. The Native Vegetation Management Framework (DNRE 2002) three-step approach has been

demonstrably followed by avoiding the loss of native vegetation where possible and minimising the impact of losses

through confining development to areas of lower conservation significance and where possible avoiding or minimising

losses in High and Very High conservation significance vegetation. The development scenario retains a large

contiguous patch of existing native vegetation that maintains the fauna habitat values of the property and also provides

for faunal movement corridors through the site. Under the current development scenario all native vegetation offsets

could be achieved within the property.

1.11 References cited

Biosis Research 2008a. Preliminary flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment: Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance,

Victoria. Report prepared for Paynter Dixon. Authors: Miller, J., Sofo, K. and Peeters, D.

Biosis Research 2008b. Detailed flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment: Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance,

Victoria. Report prepared for Paynter Dixon. Authors: Miller, J., Sofo, K. and Peeters, D.

Biosis Research 2009. Detailed flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment: Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria.

Report prepared for Paynter Dixon. Authors: Miller, J. and Sofo, K.

DEPI 2013. Permitted Clearing of Native Vegetation: Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines. Victorian Government

Department of Environment and primary Industries, East Melbourne.

DNRE 2002. Victoria's Native Vegetation Management: A Framework for Action. Victorian Government Department of

Natural Resources & Environment, East Melbourne.

DSE 2007. Native Vegetation: Guide for assessment of referred planning permit applications. Victorian Government

Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne.

EGSC 2012. Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area Native Vegetation Precinct Plan. Amendment C112 to the East

Gippsland Planning Scheme. East Gippsland Shire Council, Bairnsdale, Victoria.


1.12 Declaration

I have made all the inquiries that I believe are desirable and appropriate and no matters of significance which I regard as

relevant have to my knowledge been withheld from Panel.

John Miller

Principal Botanist

Biosis Pty. Ltd.

2/10/2013


Appendix 1– Curriculum Vitae

John Miller Principal Botanist Ballarat Resource Group Victoria

Professional Affiliations and Memberships:

Member, Lake Wendouree and Botanic Gardens Committee, City of Ballarat

Qualifications and Training:

Master of Applied Science, University of Ballarat, Ballarat

Bachelor of Applied Science, University of Ballarat, Ballarat

Professional Experience:

John Miller is a principal botanist in the Ballarat Resource Group. He has over 35 years experience in natural resource

management, ecological consultancy and as a university lecturer. He has Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Applied

Science from the University of Ballarat. John is an experienced project manager with particular expertise in the

management of large and controversial projects where considered and creative solutions are required. John is an

expert in the identification and mapping of ecological vegetation classes, Net Gain and vegetation quality assessments.

He is the principal author of a wide range of natural resource investigation reports and numerous management plans

prepared for Parks Victoria, DSE, Municipalities and other organisations. He has extensive experience as a Consultant

in natural resource management projects involving stakeholder consultation and interactions between managing

authorities. With a background in on-ground management as ranger-in-charge of Wyperfeld, Brisbane Ranges and the

Grampians National Parks, John also understands the need for environmental solutions that can be applied in the field.

Fields of Competence:

Project management

Flora survey, classification and mapping

Habitat assessment

Natural area management

Conservation planning and management

Impact minimisation (mitigation) guidelines

Rare and threatened species management

Expert witness testimony

Publications:

Miller J., Norton T. & Williams J. (2001). A generic tool for the measurement of vegetation condition. A paper

presented to the Ecological Society of Australia 2001 Annual Conference, Wollongong.

Miller J., Norton T. & Williams J. (2001). A generic tool for the measurement of vegetation condition. A paper

presented to the Ecological Society of America 2001 Annual Conference, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.


Miller, J.D. (1992). The classification and distribution of semi-arid woodland types in south east Australia. In Australian

Rangelands in a Changing Environment. Proceedings of 7th Biennial Conference Australian Rangeland Society, Cobar.

Westbrooke, M. E., Miller, J. D. & Kerr, M. K. C. (1998). The vegetation of the Scotia 1:100,000 map sheet, western

New South Wales. Cunninghamia, 5(3):665-684.

Westbrooke, M.E. and Miller, J.D. (1995). Vegetation of Mungo National Park, western New South Wales.

Cunninghamia 4(1) 63-80.


Appendix 2– Biosis Research 2009 Report

Detailed flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment: Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria

December 2009

Biosis Research

Natural & Cultural Heritage Consultants 449 Doveton Street North (PO Box 18N) Ballarat Victoria 3350

BIOSIS R E S E A R C H

Melbourne: 38 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne VIC 3207 Ph: (03) 9646 9499 Fax: (03) 9646 9242 email: [email protected] Sydney: 18–20 Mandible Street, Alexandria NSW 2015 Ph: (02) 9690 2777 Fax: (02) 9690 2577 email: [email protected] Ballarat: 449 Doveton Street North, Ballarat VIC 3354 Ph: (03) 5331 7000 Fax: (03) 5331 7033 email: [email protected] Queanbeyan: 55 Lorne Road (PO Box 1963) Queanbeyan NSW 2620 Ph: (02) 6284 4633 Fax: (02) 6284 4699 email: [email protected] Wollongong: 8 Tate Street, Wollongong NSW 2500 Ph: (02) 4229 5222 Fax: (02) 4229 5500 email: [email protected] BIOSIS RESEARCH Pty. Ltd. A.B.N. 65 006 175 097 Natural & Cultural Heritage Consultants

Report to Paynter Dixon

Detailed flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment: Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria

14 December 2009

prepared by

John Miller Katrina Sofo

Project no. 8343

BIOSIS R E S E A R C H

© Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. This document is and shall remain the property of Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. The document may only be used for the purposes for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the Terms of the Engagement for the commission. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited.

Flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of Ostlers Road, Lakes Entrance, Victoria

B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Acknowledgements & Abbreviations III

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Biosis Research acknowledges the contribution of the following people and organisations in undertaking this study:

Paynter Dixon • Brent Thompson Department of Sustainability and Environment • Vanessa Stubbs for access to ecological databases

(Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, Flora Information System) • Carmel Henderson (Bairnsdale) for information relating to bioregional status

and EVC occurrence within the study area East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority • Ken Judd Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. • Paul Young and Sally Mitchell for mapping • Victoria Allen for database searches.

ABBREVIATIONS AVW Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (DSE 2007) BA Birds Australia CAMBA China – Australia Migratory Bird Agreement DEWHA Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts DSE Department of Sustainability & Environment EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 EVC Ecological vegetation class FFG Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.) FIS Flora Information System (DSE 2007) IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature JAMBA Japan – Australia Migratory Bird Agreement sp. Species (one species) spp. Species (more than one species) Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. has completed this assessment in accordance with the relevant federal, state and local legislation and current industry best practice. The company accepts no liability for any damages or loss incurred as a result of reliance placed upon the report content or for any purpose other than that for which it was intended.


B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Contents IV

CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................................... III ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................................................... III CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................... IV SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................. 6 1.0 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Project Background................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Objectives................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Study Area .................................................................................................................. 1

2.0 METHODS ................................................................................................................... 3 2.1 Classification.............................................................................................................. 3 2.2 Literature and Database Review............................................................................... 3 2.3 Site Visits and consultation...................................................................................... 3 2.3.1 Assessment and consultation process ........................................................................ 3 2.3.2 Vegetation Quality Assessment for Net Gain .............................................................. 4 2.4 Qualifications ............................................................................................................. 4 2.5 Defining Significant Species and Communities ..................................................... 5

3.0 RESULTS .................................................................................................................... 6 3.1 Flora ............................................................................................................................ 6 3.1.1 Species ........................................................................................................................ 6 3.1.2 Ecological Vegetation Classes..................................................................................... 6 3.1.3 Condition of Native Vegetation .................................................................................... 9 3.2 Vegetation Quality Assessment ............................................................................... 9 3.2.1 Vegetation in Patches .................................................................................................. 9 3.2.2 Scattered Trees ......................................................................................................... 11 3.2.3 Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 12 3.3 Terrestrial Fauna...................................................................................................... 13 3.3.1 Species ...................................................................................................................... 13 3.3.2 Terrestrial Habitats..................................................................................................... 13

4.0 ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE ................................................................................ 15 4.1 Significance of the study area................................................................................ 15 4.2 Significant Flora Species ........................................................................................ 15 4.2.1 National significance .................................................................................................. 15 4.2.2 State significance....................................................................................................... 16 4.2.3 Regional significance ................................................................................................. 16 4.3 Significant Vegetation Communities ..................................................................... 16 4.4 Significant Terrestrial Fauna Species.................................................................... 16 4.4.1 National significance .................................................................................................. 17 4.4.2 State significance....................................................................................................... 17 4.4.3 Regional Significance ................................................................................................ 19

5.0 BIODIVERSITY LEGISLATION AND GOVERNMENT POLICY .............................. 20 5.1 Commonwealth ........................................................................................................ 20 5.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ............................. 20


B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Contents V

5.2 State .......................................................................................................................... 22 5.2.1 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 ....................................................................... 22 5.2.2 Planning and Environment Act 1987 ......................................................................... 22 5.2.3 Native Vegetation Management Framework ............................................................. 23 5.2.4 Wildlife Act 1975 and associated Regulations........................................................... 24 5.2.5 East Gippsland CMA Native Vegetation Plan............................................................ 24 5.3 Local.......................................................................................................................... 25 5.3.1 Local Government Planning Scheme (East Gippsland Shire)................................... 25

6.0 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND NET GAIN IMPLICATIONS ................. 26 6.1 Proposed Development Layout .............................................................................. 26 6.2 Net Gain Implications .............................................................................................. 26 6.2.1 Net Gain Principles .................................................................................................... 26 6.2.2 Assessing loss of native vegetation........................................................................... 27 6.2.3 Net Gains available on-site ........................................................................................ 28 6.2.4 Offset Management Plan ........................................................................................... 30

REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................... 31 APPENDICES........................................................................................................................... 32 APPENDIX 1............................................................................................................................. 33

DSE Vegetation Assessment Methodology..................................................................... 33 APPENDIX 2............................................................................................................................. 34

Significance Assessment.................................................................................................. 34 APPENDIX 3............................................................................................................................. 38

Flora Results ...................................................................................................................... 38 APPENDIX 4............................................................................................................................. 52

EVC Benchmarks ............................................................................................................... 52 APPENDIX 5............................................................................................................................. 59

Fauna Results..................................................................................................................... 59 FIGURES .................................................................................................................................. 65

1 Location of the study area ...................................................................................... 66 2 Ecological features of the study area .................................................................... 67


B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Summary 6

SUMMARY Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. was commissioned by Paynter Dixon to undertake a flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of an area of land on the corner of Ostlers Road and Colquhoun Road, Lakes Entrance, proposed for residential development. The site is located in a rural area approximately three kilometres north of the Lakes Entrance town centre.

Flora and Fauna

The original vegetation of approximately half of the study area has been almost entirely cleared, however remnants of four Ecological Vegetation Classes remain on the site: Limestone Box forest, Lowland Forest, Swamp Scrub and Lowland Herb-rich Forest.

The areas that support native vegetation are in generally good condition, although there are few large trees as a result of harvesting for firewood and other purposes.

Four fauna habitat types occur within the study area: forest, swamp scrub, dam and pasture.

No flora or fauna of national conservation significance were recorded within the study area and it is unlikely that any of the predicted species would occur. One flora species of state conservation significance, Coast Grey-box, was recorded.

Government legislation and policy

Development of the site is unlikely to trigger the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The removal of native vegetation will require a permit from East Gippsland Shire Council under the Victorian Planning and Environment Act 1987 and referral to the Department of Sustainability and Environment will be required.

Removal of native vegetation is subject to state and local planning controls including the Native Vegetation Framework (Net Gain policy).

Under the current development proposal layout (as per Drawing supplied by Collie Pty Ltd in November 2009), 8.22 hectares of native vegetation is proposed to be cleared, which is equivalent to 4.53 habitat hectares, plus the loss of a single scattered Large Old Tree.

All of the required offsets, except for 0.51 habitat hectares of Lowland Forest EVC, could be achieved on-site through the appropriate management of the retained vegetation. It may also be possible, through the realignment or


B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Summary 7

modification of some internal roads, to achieve all of the required offsets on-site.

It is assumed that, as Lowland Forest is Least Concern within the Bioregion, that any off-site offsets would be available and the offsets would be achievable.


B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Introduction 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Background

Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. was commissioned by Paynter Dixon to undertake a flora, fauna and vegetation quality assessment of an area of land on the corner of Ostlers Road and Colquhoun Road, Lakes Entrance, proposed for possible residential development. The site is located in a rural zone approximately three kilometres north of the Lakes Entrance town centre (Figure 1).

1.2 Objectives

The objectives of this investigation are to:

• Describe the vascular flora, terrestrial vertebrate fauna and habitat values of the land.

• Undertake a vegetation quality assessment of existing EVCs within the study area.

• Evaluate the conservation significance of the study area.

• Assess any potential impacts of development on the terrestrial environment.

• Undertake a Net Gain assessment based on the proposed development plans for the site

• Recommend any further assessments of the site that may be required such as targeted searches for significant species.

1.3 Study Area

The study area is located approximately three kilometres north of the Lakes Entrance town centre (Figure 1).

The study area is on private land and is bounded by other private land. Ostlers Road fronts the site to the north and Colquhoun Road to the east (Figure 2).

The study area supports areas of native forest vegetation over predominantly native understorey species, and cleared areas consisting of a mixture of native and introduced understorey species.

The study area is within the East Gippsland Lowlands Bioregion (Carmel Henderson, Biodiversity Officer, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Bairnsdale, pers. comm.) but situated on the boundary of the Gippsland Plains Bioregion (Department of Primary Industries, Victorian Resources online:


B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Introduction 2

www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/). As a result characteristics of both Bioregions are present within the site.


B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Methods 3

2.0 METHODS

2.1 Classification

Common and scientific names for flora and fauna follow the Flora Information System (FIS 2007 version) and the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AVW 2007 version) of the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE

Classification of native vegetation in Victoria follows a typology in which ecological vegetation classes (EVCs) are the primary level of classification. An EVC contains one or more plant (floristic) communities, and represents a grouping of broadly similar environments. Vegetation community names follow the typology of vegetation in Victoria developed by DSE (http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/nrence.nsf/).

2.2 Literature and Database Review

Information in the FIS and AVW databases was reviewed and a search of the Birds Australia database (1998–2008) was undertaken. The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) online database for the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool, hereafter referred to as the DEWHA database) was searched. The 1750 and 2005 EVCs present within the study area and their bioregional conservation status was reviewed (DSE web site: http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dse/nrence.nsf/).

2.3 Site Visits and consultation

2.3.1 Assessment and consultation process

The preliminary flora, fauna and vegetation assessment took place on 24 and 25 September 2008.

A site inspection with Ms Carmel Henderson, DSE Bairnsdale, was undertaken on 14 November 2008 to confirm the bioregion in which the study area is located, the identity of the Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) across the site and discuss the flora and fauna issues that may constrain the development of the site.

The detailed mapping and vegetation quality assessments were undertaken on 1-3 December 2008. Assessment was concentrated in areas that support native vegetation and other areas with potential to support threatened species.



Detailed assessment and data collection was not undertaken in highly altered sections of the subject land that contain few native species. General observations were made on the vegetation and fauna habitat of the study area. Lists of flora and incidental terrestrial fauna observations were compiled. Remnant trees were assessed for their habitat and ecological value. The overall site condition and conservation significance of the study area was also documented.

One FIS plant species list (U41045) and nine vegetation quadrats (O4902300 – O4903100) were collected and will be submitted to the Flora Information System (FIS). Fauna records will be submitted to the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AVW).

Subsequent to the field assessments a meeting was held with Ms Carmel Henderson, DSE Bairnsdale on 10 February 20009 to further discuss the proposed development.

2.3.2 Vegetation Quality Assessment for Net Gain

Vegetation quality is assessed using a standard method contained in a manual published by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE 2004). A summary of this method is provided in Appendix 1. Vegetation quality assessments contribute to the assessment of a development project against the Net Gain policy, as contained in Victoria’s Native Vegetation Framework (NRE 2002).

A Net Gain quality assessment for the whole site was conducted to determine the conservation significance of the vegetation. Indigenous canopy trees were also assessed in accordance with the Native Vegetation Framework.

2.4 Qualifications

The study effort, combined with information available from other sources, is considered suitable to assess the terrestrial ecological values of the site. As a result, there is no significant limitation to the study. However, the following qualifications apply:

• The present assessment includes only vascular flora (ferns, conifers and flowering plants), terrestrial vertebrate fauna (birds, mammals, reptiles, frogs,). Non-vascular flora (e.g. mosses, liverworts) were not recorded apart from their cover in net gain assessment of ‘patch’ vegetation. Ecological surveys and assessments provide a sampling of the flora and fauna at a given time and season and some additional species that we did not detect may occur on the site.



• The Flora Information System (FIS) and the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AVW) databases currently provide data recorded up to June 2007. Data submitted since that time is not available.

• Marine fauna species (e.g. pelagic birds, marine mammals) recorded within the 5 kilometre AVW search have not been included as they are not relevant to the study area.

• Mapping is conducted using hand-held (uncorrected) GPS units and aerial photo interpretation. The accuracy of this mapping is therefore subject to the accuracy of the GPS units (generally ± 7 metres) and dependent on the limitations of aerial photo rectification and registration. As such, these points should not be relied on for design purposes.

• The study area was being grazed at the time of assessment, making identification of some flora species difficult due to lack of material for identification.

2.5 Defining Significant Species and Communities

A number of categories and criteria are formally applied to assess the ecological significance of flora and fauna and sites supporting flora and fauna. The definition and application of the criteria are detailed in Appendix 2.


B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Results 6

3.0 RESULTS

3.1 Flora

3.1.1 Species

Records during present assessment

A total of 137 indigenous and 48 introduced plant species was recorded from the study area (Appendix 3). Planted species have not been recorded unless they are spreading (naturalised).

Database records

There are no flora data for the study areas on the FIS.

The DSE Flora Information System contains records of 462 flora species from within 5 km of the study area, some of which may occur within the study area in addition to those recorded in the current assessment.

The DEWHA database predicts the occurrence of, or suitable habitat for two listed flora species within 5 km of the study area. It is possible that both of these species may occur in the study area (Appendix 3).

3.1.2 Ecological Vegetation Classes

DSE mapping of pre-1750 vegetation, which describes the majority of the study area as being within the Gippsland Plain Bioregion, models the entire study area as previously supporting Plains Grassy Forest EVC with a small area of Lowland Forest EVC. The DSE 2005 EVC vegetation mapping indicates that a large portion of the study area supports Plains Grassy Forest with a small area of Lowland Forest EVC and the remainder not supporting an EVC.

The current assessment, however, found that the study area is within the East Gippsland Lowlands Bioregion (Carmel Henderson pers. comm.) and supports Limestone Box Forest, Lowland Forest, Lowland Herb-rich Forest with a smaller area of Swamp Scrub and areas of degraded treeless vegetation (Figure 2).

The characteristics of the vegetation within the study areas are:



Limestone Box Forest EVC 15

Limestone Box Forest within the study area is dominated by a mixture of eucalypt species including Coast Grey Box Eucalyptus bosistoana, Blue Box Eucalyptus baueriana and Red Ironbark Eucalyptus tricarpa. The understorey is comprised of a sparse and open shrub layer of Shiny Cassinia Cassinia longifolia with occasional Black Wattle Acacia mearnsi and Snowy Daisy-bush Olearia lirata over a grassy and herbaceous later typically comprised of Spiny-headed Mat-rush Lomandra longifolia, Variable Sword-sedge Lepidosperma laterale, Thatch Saw-sedge Gahnia radula and a sparse native grasses such as Weeping Grass Microlaena stipoides. The areas of Limestone Box Forest have been heavily grazed and browsed by cattle and deer with most of the Spiny-headed Mat-rush and Variable Sword-sedge being eaten down. Weeds are common in particular Panic Veldt-grass Ehrharta erecta var. erecta and African Box-thorn Lycium ferocissimum.

The distribution of Limestone Box Forest is shown in Figure 2.

Lowland Forest EVC 16

The Lowland Forest within the study area is dominated by White Stringybark Eucalyptus globoidea with Mountain Grey-gum Eucalyptus cypellocarpa also common. The understorey is dominated by a generally dense cover of Austral Bracken Pteridium esculentum with the majority of the small herbaceous species such as Germander Raspwort Gonocarpus teucrioides s.s., Twining Glycine Glycine clandestina, Broad-leaf Stinkweed Opercularia ovata and Small Poranthera Poranthera microphylla s.s. plus grasses such as Forest Wire-grass Tetrarrhena juncea and Grey Tussock-grass Poa sieberiana confined to more open patches where the Austral Bracken is less dense. Weeds are uncommon although Flatweed Hypochoeris radicata is present throughout.

The distribution of Lowland Forest is shown in Figure 2.

Swamp Scrub EVC 53

Swamp Scrub within the study area is confined to a small soak near the southern boundary. The Swamp Scrub is characterised by Swamp Paperbark Melaleuca ericifolia, Golden Spray Viminaria juncea and Prickly Tea-tree Leptospermum continentale on the drier margins of the EVC. The ground layer includes ferns such as Soft Water-fern Blechnum minus and Scrambling Coral-fern Gleichenia microphylla and herb species such as Centella Centella cordifolia, Water-ribbons, Triglochin striata and rushes and sedges including Soft Twig-sedge Baumea rubiginosa, Broad-leaf Rush Juncus planifolius and Common Bog-sedge Schoenus apogon. The patch is very weedy with Blackberry Rubus



fruitcosus and herbaceous species such as Hairy Hawkbit Leontodon taraxacoides subsp. taraxacoides and Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus uliginosus very common.

The distribution of Swamp Scrub is shown in Figure 2.

Lowland Herb-rich Forest EVC 877

The Lowland Herb-rich Forest within the study area is dominated by a mixture of Mountain Grey-gum Eucalyptus cypellocarpa, White Stringybark Eucalyptus globoidea and Red Box Eucalyptus polyanthemos over an open understorey and diverse herb layer. Shrubs such as Shiny Cassinia Cassinia longifolia and Black Wattle Acacia mearnsi are scattered throughout but the main feature of the EVC is the diverse ground layer of herbs such as Creeping Bossiaea Bossiaea prostrata, Kidney-weed Dichondra repens, Stinking Pennywort Hydrocotyle laxiflora, Small St John’s Wort Hypericum gramineum, Nodding Blue-lily Stypandra glauca, Austral Bear's-ear Cymbonotus preissianus and Australian Hound's-tongue Cynoglossum australe and a suite of native grasses including Weeping Grass Microlaena stipoides, Grey Tussock-grass Poa sieberiana, Silvertop Wallaby-grass Joycea pallida and occasional Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra.

The distribution of Lowland Herb-rich Forest is shown in Figure 2.

Degraded Treeless Vegetation

The cleared areas in the north and south of the study area support degraded treeless vegetation (DTV) and are dominated by introduced grasses such as Kikuyu Pennisetum clandestinum, Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum ordoratum, Rat-tail Grass Sporobolus africanus, Cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata and Paspalum Paspalum dilatatum and a range of introduced herbaceous species such as Flat Weed Hypochoeris radicata and Ribwort Plantago lanceolata. There are some areas within the northern paddock that support the native Weeping Grass Microlaena stipoides but only in small isolated patches and were not deemed to represent native vegetation. The southern cleared paddock is also dominated by a similar suite of introduced species and also includes scattered Blackberry clumps. A few scattered native shrub species and areas of Austral Bracken Pteridium esculentum are present within the cleared area but do not attain a cover of 25% so it was considered that the southern paddock was also DTV.

The distribution of DTV vegetation is shown in Figure 2.



3.1.3 Condition of Native Vegetation

The condition of native vegetation within the forested portions of the study area is generally good with a diverse understorey, although the number of large trees is reduced through cutting for firewood. The isolated patch of Limestone Box Forest in the north east of the site and the small patch of Swamp Scrub are in fair condition with a range of native species but a high cover of weeds. The treeless areas in the northern and southern portions of the site are in poor condition due to a history of clearing and grazing although some small areas of native grasses and some shrubs remain.

3.2 Vegetation Quality Assessment

A vegetation quality assessment was undertaken within the patches of EVCs (Table 1). The location of the assessment sites is shown in Figure 2.

The EVC benchmarks are provided in Appendix 4.

3.2.1 Vegetation in Patches

Eight vegetation quality zones (or polygons) were identified within the patches of native vegetation (Figure 2). Assessment criteria and scores, and the overall habitat score, are in Table 1.

Large Old Trees, as defined by the relevant EVC benchmark, are counted and their density within each vegetation quality zone is calculated. This contributes to the habitat score and also is used to calculate tree offsets.



Table 1: Quantification of native vegetation within the study area.

Polygon Number Score out of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 EVC – Quality Zone number SS-QZ1 SS-QZ2 SS-QZ3 LBF-QZ1 LBF-QZ2 LBF-QZ3 LF-QZ1 LH-rF-QZ1 EVC number 53 53 53 15 15 15 16 877

Large Old Trees 10 NA NA NA 0 0 2 2 0 Canopy Cover 5 2 0 0 4 4 4 4 4 Lack of Weeds 15 4 4 0 9 11 4 11 9 Understorey 25 10 5 5 10 15 5 15 15 Recruitment 10 6 1 1 3 3 1 3 6 Organic Matter 5 4 2 2 3 3 2 5 5

Site

Con

ditio

n

Logs 5 n/a N/A N/A 4 5 3 5 5 Patch Size 10 1 1 1 8 8 1 8 8 Neighbourhood 10 2 2 2 4 4 4 4 4

Land

scap

e

Distance to Core 5 3 3 3 4 4 3 4 4 Site Condition Score 26 12 8 33 41 21 45 44 Standardised Site Condition Score (x75/65) 30 14 9 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Landscape Score 6 6 6 16 16 8 16 16 HABITAT SCORE (/100) 0.36 0.20 0.15 0.49 0.57 0.29 0.61 0.60 Area of quality zone (ha) 0.17 0.32 0.17 1.55 1.77 0.60 13.20 3.04 Habitat hectares 0.06 0.06 0.03 0.64 1.01 0.17 8.05 1.82 Bioregion EGL EGL EGL EGL EGL EGL EGL EGL EVC Conservation Status End End End Vul Vul Vul LC D

Conservation Status x Hab Score High High High High Very High Medium Medium High

Threatened Species Rating* N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Other Site Attribute Rating N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Con

serv

atio

n Si

gnifi

canc

e

Overall Conservation Significance High High High High Very High Medium Medium High

EGL = East Gippsland Lowlands; SS = Swamp Scrub; LBF = Limestone Box Forest; LF = Lowland Forest; LH-rF = Lowland Herb-rich Forest End = Endangered; Vul = Vulnerable; LC = Least Concern; D = Depleted




The conservation significance was assessed using the criteria in the assessment manual (DSE 2004), and is given in Table 1.

The conservation significance of the vegetation is defined by the conservation status of the EVC within the East Gippsland Lowlands Bioregion and the habitat score of the vegetation as shown below:

Conservation status Conservation significance

Endangered Very High – score ≥ 0.4 High – score < 0.4

Vulnerable Very High – score ≥ 0.5 High – score 0.3 – 0.5 Medium – score < 0.3

Depleted High – score ≥ 0.6 Medium – score < 0.3 – 0.6 Low - <0.3

Least Concern Medium – score ≥ 0.6 Low – score < 0.6

The presence of threatened species or habitat for such species is also a factor that may result in very high conservation significance. No threatened species were recorded within the study area and it is unlikely that the site provides important habitat for any threatened species.

Response to an application to clear

The Responsible Authority response to an application to clear for all conservation significance categories is ‘clearing not permitted’. In the case of vegetation with ‘very high’ conservation significance, the response is more restricted and clearing not permitted unless exceptional circumstances apply (i.e. impacts are an unavoidable part of a development project, with approval of the Minister for Sustainability and Environment based on considerations of environmental, social and economic values from a state-wide perspective)’ (NRE 2002).

3.2.2 Scattered Trees

One long-dead scattered tree (55cm diameter at breast height) is present within the southern paddock area (Figure 2). It is assumed that this tree was derived from Lowland Forest so would have Low conservation significance and would



therefore, if lost, require offsetting with the recruitment of five new trees.

All other trees within the site are contained within patches.

3.2.3 Conclusion

The conservation significance of the native vegetation within the study area ranges from ‘very high’ within the Limestone Box Forest QZ2 (two patches), to ‘high’ for the patches of Swamp Scrub, Lowland Herb-rich Forest and Limestone Box Forest QZ1 and Medium for the isolated patch of Limestone Box Forest and the patch of Lowland Forest.



3.3 Terrestrial Fauna

3.3.1 Species

Records from the study area

A total of 36 indigenous terrestrial fauna species (two mammals, 29 birds, four reptiles and one frog) and four introduced fauna species (two mammals and two birds) is recorded from the study area. These data include all previous records from the study area (Appendix 5).

Database records

There are ten records of terrestrial fauna species from Colquhoun Road adjacent the study area in the DSE Atlas of Victorian Wildlife.

The AVW contains records of 247 vertebrate terrestrial fauna species from the local area: 205 birds (194 native), 26 mammals (21 native), 12 reptiles (all native) and five frogs (all native). The Birds Australia database contains records of 158 species of birds (151 native).

The DEWHA database lists 28 terrestrial fauna species whose geographic range includes the study area. Of these species, 13 (five mammals, four birds, four frogs) are listed as threatened and 17 bird species are listed under the migratory provisions of the EPBC Act, as discussed in Section 4.5.

Some of the species listed on the databases may inhabit, or visit the study area. However, the study area is modified and does not have suitable habitat for many of the species listed on these databases.

3.3.2 Terrestrial Habitats

Four terrestrial fauna habitats occur within the study area:

Forest

A large patch of forest extends across the study area. In general the eucalypts are of medium size with larger trees in the eastern section. At present, few trees contain visible hollows, however when flowering, these eucalypts provide a source of food for a range of nectarivorous birds. Native ground dwelling mammals (e.g. Bush Rat Rattus fuscipes and Agile Antechinus Antechinus agilis), reptiles (e.g. Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus and Garden Skink Lampropholis guichenoti), bats and owls would also be expected to use habitat



resources within the study area.

The understorey is mostly absent and there is a dense ground layer of leaf litter and course woody debris, which becomes sparser in the west. Several large wood piles have been created within the forested areas and these provide habitat for Tree Dragon Amphibolurus muricatus and Yellow-bellied Water Skink Eulamprus heatwolei, both of which were recorded during the present assessment.

Swamp Scrub

A small patch of swamp scrub is located within a moist depression in the south-east corner of the study area. Although most of the area is ‘pugged’ by cattle, small shallow pools were present at the time of the assessment and Common Froglet Crinia signifera was heard calling. The small patch provides limited habitat and is likely to be mostly utilised by common species of snakes and fogs.

Dam

A farm dam is located in the northern section of the study area. The dam has been degraded by stock access and does not contain fringing or emergent vegetation. It provides marginal habitat for common species of frogs and ducks.

Pasture

The north-west and southern sections of the study area consist of grazed pasture. Pasture is of limited value for most native fauna species. Some open country species such as Australian Magpie, Richard’s Pipit and robins may use this resource.


B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Ecological Significance 15

4.0 ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE The following section discusses the terrestrial ecological significance of the site and species within a local, regional, state and national context. The criteria for these significance levels are outlined in Appendix 2. Note that this assessment is independent from 'conservation significance' as defined in the Native Vegetation Management Framework (Section 3). The Framework assessment (low, medium, high, very high) applies at the bioregional level.

4.1 Significance of the study area

The majority of the study area supports native vegetation in generally good condition. The northern and southern areas support DTV and have negligible significance for nature conservation due to the substantial modification of the original vegetation and habitats.

On the basis of the available flora and terrestrial fauna information, the native vegetation within the study area has regional significance for biodiversity. It makes a contribution to biodiversity in the East Gippsland Lowlands Bioregion.

Known biodiversity values of the study area are mapped in Figure 2 and discussed further below.

4.2 Significant Flora Species

Significant flora species recorded during the present assessment, recorded in the local area (FIS) or predicted to occur in the local area (DEWHA database) are discussed in the following section and listed in Appendix 3. Significant species are defined in Appendix 2.

4.2.1 National significance

No species of national significance are recorded from the study area.

Database records

The FIS database contains records of three species of national conservation significance from within 5 km (Appendix 3). There is suitable habitat for this species within the study area.

The DEWHA database predicts the occurrence of, or suitable habitat for, two orchid species listed under the EPBC Act. There is suitable habitat for both of these species within the study area (Appendix 3).



4.2.2 State significance

No species of State significance are recorded from the study area.

Database records

The FIS database contains records of seventeen additional species of state conservation significance from the local area (within 5 km). There is apparently suitable habitat for all of these species within the study area so some may occur.

4.2.3 Regional significance

Twenty five recorded species have regional significance within the East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion (Appendix 3).

4.3 Significant Vegetation Communities

The conservation status of EVCs within the study area in the East Gippsland Lowlands bioregions are as follows:

Table 2. Conservation status of EVCs in the East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion

Source: DSE Benchmarks (http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/nrence.nsf/LinkView/023BED87C3F957D6CA256F1F0023074B8062D358172E420C4A256DEA0012F71C)

EVC Conservation status in East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion

Limestone Box Forest Vulnerable

Lowland Forest Least Concern

Lowland Herb-rich Forest Depleted

Swamp Scrub Endangered

4.4 Significant Terrestrial Fauna Species

Significant terrestrial fauna species recorded during the present assessment, recorded in the local area (AVW and/or BA database) or predicted to occur in the local area (DEWHA database) are discussed in the following section and listed in Appendix 5. Species listed under migratory and marine provisions of the EPBC



Act are addressed in Section 5.

4.4.1 National significance

Species of national significance are discussed in this section. Those species listed under the EPBC Act are further summarised in Section 5 and the status of all nationally significant species is given in Table A.5.2 in Appendix 5.


No fauna species of national significance were recorded within the study area during the present assessment.

Database records

Eight fauna species of national significance are recorded from the local area in the AVW and/or BA database. Two of these species have potential to occur in the study area. These are:

EPBC Act listed species

• Southern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus obesulus occur in dry heath, shrubland, heathy forest and woodland, usually associated with well drained soils. The species has also been recorded utilising rank pasture on occasions. A consistent feature of all these habitats is a dense ground layer of vegetation, which provides adequate protection and nesting sites. The study area contains potential habitat for this species despite being relatively small in area and isolated from larger surrounding patches of habitat.

• Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus inhabit dry and wet sclerophyll forests and coastal heaths. They generally require a dense understorey of grass-trees, sedges, ferns or heath, with occasional open areas for foraging. Sandy loam soils are a common habitat feature for this species. The forested area of the study area provides marginal habitat for the Long-nosed Potoroo.

An additional seven threatened fauna species listed under the EPBC Act on the DEWHA database are predicted to occur, or their habitat is predicted to occur, within five kilometres of the study area (Appendix 5). The study area does not contain suitable habitat for any of these species.

4.4.2 State significance

The status of all state significant species is given in Table A.5.2 in Appendix 5.




No state significant fauna species were recorded in the study area during the present assessment.

Database records

Twenty-three species of state conservation significance are recorded from the local area in the AVW and/or BA database (Appendix 5). Five of these species have potential to occur within the study area. These are:

• White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster is most commonly recorded along or near coastal areas in eastern Victoria and along large inland waterways, such as the Murray River. Individuals may fly or forage over the site on occasions

• Powerful Owl Ninox strenua occurs in tall open sclerophyll forest and woodlands, requiring large, hollow-bearing eucalypts for breeding. Although it prefers large tracts of continuous forest, it will sometimes occur in more fragmented landscapes and is occasionally recorded in parklands and adjoining suburban areas. Powerful Owl may visit the study area on occasions, however it does not providing important roosting habitat required by this species.

• Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae mainly inhabit open forest and woodland where there are tall or dense mature trees that provide suitable hollows in which they use for nesting and roosting. Masked Owls can often be recorded in forests and woodlands surrounded by farmland and will often utilise open country areas for hunting. Habitat within the study area may occasionally be used by this species for foraging and roosting activities but is unlikely to provide limiting resources for the Masked Owl.

• Eastern Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus megaphyllus is a cave roosting species that is capable of travelling long distances to forage in forested areas. The study area does not contain suitable roost sites for this species and therefore does not provide limiting resources.

• Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat Saccolaimus flaviventris. There are limited records of this species in Victoria and there is speculation that it is an autumn migrant to southern Australia. It appears to be found in a range of habitats and depends on tree hollows for roosting. Although there is limited information available on this species, it may forage over the study area and some of the small hollows may provide occasional roosts.



4.4.3 Regional Significance

Species of regional significance include those species that are:

• listed as near threatened in the Advisory List of the Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 2007 (DSE 2007b).


No regionally significant fauna species were recorded in the study area during the present assessment.

Database records

Ten species of regional conservation significance are recorded from the local area in the AVW Database (Appendix 5).


B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Legislation and Government Policy 20

5.0 BIODIVERSITY LEGISLATION AND GOVERNMENT POLICY Biodiversity legislation and government policy that is potentially relevant to the proposed development is discussed below.

5.1 Commonwealth

5.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) applies to developments and associated activities that have the potential to significantly impact on matters protected under the Act.

Under the Act, unless exempt, actions require approval from the Australian Government Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts (the Minister) if they are likely to significantly impact on a ‘matter of national environmental significance’. There are currently seven matters of national environmental significance (NES):

• World Heritage properties; • National Heritage places; • nationally listed threatened species and ecological communities; • listed migratory species; • Ramsar wetlands of international importance; • Commonwealth marine areas; and • nuclear actions (including uranium mining).

Any person proposing to take an action that may, or will, have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance must refer the action to the Minister for determination as to whether the action is a ‘controlled action’ or is not approved. ‘Significant impacts’ are defined in EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines: Matters of National Environmental Significance (DEH 2006).

NES matters relevant to the proposal

There are three matters of national significance that are of relevance to the proposed development:

• listed threatened species and ecological communities;

• listed migratory species; and



• wetlands of international importance (Ramsar sites).

These are summarised below.

Listed threatened species and/or ecological communities

Ecological communities: No listed ecological communities occur within the study area.

Listed flora species: Flora species listed under the Act are discussed in Section 4.1 and listed in Appendix 3. In summary, no listed species were recorded in the study area however there is suitable habitat for two predicted listed orchid species.

Listed fauna species: Fauna species listed under the Act are discussed in Section 4.3 and listed in Appendix 5. In summary, no listed species were recorded in the study area. There is potential habitat for Southern Brown Bandicoot and Long-nosed Potoroo within the study area.

Listed migratory species

The list of migratory species under the EPBC Act is a compilation of species listed under four international conventions: China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention).

Species listed under the ‘migratory’ provisions of the EPBC Act are listed in Appendix 5 and summarised below:

• No species was recorded during the present assessment.

• Twenty species (terrestrial) are recorded from the local area (AVW and/or BA database).

• Three additional species (terrestrial) are predicted to occur, or their habitat is predicted to occur, within 5 km of the study area (DEWHA database).

While some of these species may use the study area on occasions, it does not provide important or limiting habitat for an ecologically significant proportion of any of these species.

Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites)

The study area is identified by the DEWHA database as being within the catchment of three Wetlands of International Significance (Ramsar sites):



Corner Inlet, Gippsland Lakes and Western Port. The study area drains into the Gippsland Lakes which would need to be considered in any development of the site. The site does not drain into either Corner Inlet or Western Port so development of the site would not impact on either of these Ramsar wetlands.

Implications for the proposal

The proposed development is considered unlikely to significantly impact on any terrestrial matters of national environmental significance however, if the site is developed, its impact on the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar site would need to be considered.

5.2 State

5.2.1 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988

The primary legislation dealing with biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of native flora and fauna in Victoria is the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act).

In most circumstances a permit is required from DSE to 'take' listed flora species, flora species that are members of listed communities or protected flora from public land. Most native vegetation contains some protected flora species. A permit is also required to 'take' listed fish species from public land.


The land is privately owned and is not declared ‘critical habitat’. Therefore a permit to ‘take’ listed flora species is not required under the FFG Act.

5.2.2 Planning and Environment Act 1987

A planning permit is required under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation on a property of more than 0.4 hectares with exceptions given in Clause 52.17 of the local planning scheme.

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is a mandatory referral authority in some circumstances involving native vegetation removal. Under Clause 66.02 of the planning scheme, the removal of more than 0.5 hectares of endangered, vulnerable or rare vegetation types or 1.0 hectare of a depleted or least concern vegetation type must be referred to the Department. DSE is also a referral authority if the removal of more than 5 trees of greater than 40 cm DBH



or more than 15 trees of less than 40 cm DBH is proposed.


A planning permit is required from East Gippsland Shire Council to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation unless the proposal is exempt as set out in Clause 52.17, and/or within any other provision of the planning scheme that requires a permit to remove or destroy the vegetation (DSE 2007a).

Referral to DSE would be required as more than 0.5 hectares of endangered or vulnerable vegetation and more than 1.0 hectares of a depleted or least concern vegetation types are proposed for removal under the current development design.

5.2.3 Native Vegetation Management Framework

The Native Vegetation Management Framework (the Framework) is State Government policy for the protection, enhancement and revegetation of native vegetation in Victoria (NRE 2002). Native vegetation provisions were introduced to all planning schemes in 1989 and the Framework was incorporated into the Victoria Planning Provisions in 2003. The primary goal of the Framework is:

a reversal, across the whole landscape, of the long-term decline in the extent and quality of native vegetation, leading to a Net Gain (NRE 2002).

In association with the regional Native Vegetation Plans, the Framework provides decision-making tools for native vegetation management.

Where an application is made to remove native vegetation, a proponent for a development must explain the steps that have been taken to:

• Avoid the removal of native vegetation, where possible. • Minimise the removal of native vegetation. • Appropriately offset the loss of native vegetation, if required.

A proponent for a development must demonstrate that the option to avoid and minimise vegetation clearance has been fully explored before considering offsets.

An offset may be achieved by improvements in the quality or extent of native vegetation in a selected ‘offset area’, either within a project area or off-site. An area that is revegetated and protected or set aside for natural regeneration may provide some, or all, of the required offset. The conservation significance of vegetation to be removed is also taken into account when offsets are determined.

In the event that a permit is granted for removal of some or all of the existing



vegetation offsets will be required.


All native vegetation within the study area is subject to Net Gain policy. Paynter Dixon has incorporated the results of the assessments into design works in an attempt to avoid or minimise the losses of as much native vegetation as possible.

An assessment of the proposed development against the Net Gain 3-step process is discussed in Section 6.

5.2.4 Wildlife Act 1975 and associated Regulations

The Wildlife Act 1975 is the primary legislation in Victoria providing for protection and management of wildlife. For the purposes of the Act, wildlife means indigenous vertebrate species (except those declared as pest animals), invertebrate species listed under the FFG Act, and some introduced game species.

The Wildlife Regulations 2002 of the Act prescribe penalties for the purposes of the Wildlife Act. These include penalties for persons who wilfully damage, disturb or destroy any wildlife habitat without appropriate authorisation (Section 9 of the Wildlife Regulations 2002). Authorisation for habitat removal may be obtained under the Wildlife Act; through a licence granted under the Forests Act 1958; or under any other Act.

Authorisation to destroy or possess wildlife may be required under Sections 41– 47 of the Wildlife Act 1975. Permits under the Act may be needed where it is expected that wildlife will need to be destroyed or moved.


A permit will be required for removal of habitat at the site. It may be that removal of habitat will be covered by a permit to remove native vegetation therefore a separate permit under the Wildlife Act would not be required.

5.2.5 East Gippsland CMA Native Vegetation Plan

At this stage, there is no published Native Vegetation Plan for the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (Ken Judd, Project Manager - Operations, pers. comm.).



5.3 Local

5.3.1 Local Government Planning Scheme (East Gippsland Shire)

A Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO1) extends along both Colquhoun and Ostlers Roads and extends approximately 40m into the study area where it is adjacent to those roads. There are no other Environmental Significance Overlays or Significant Landscape Overlays covering the study area (http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/).


A permit to remove native vegetation will be required.


B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Constraints, Opportunities and Mitigation 26

6.0 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND NET GAIN IMPLICATIONS The flora and terrestrial fauna values of the cleared sections of the study area are low and therefore development within these areas is unlikely to have significant flora or fauna impacts. The areas of greatest ecological value are the areas of ‘very high’ and ‘high’ conservation significance vegetation, as identified in Figure 2. As a result there are opportunities to develop the currently cleared areas and minimise development within the vegetated areas.

6.1 Proposed Development Layout

The currently proposed layout of the development, shown in Figure 2, was provided by Collie Pty Ltd on 23 November 2009.

The majority of the development area is located on the cleared paddocks which support degraded treeless vegetation. However, it is proposed to develop some areas that support native vegetation for both residential lots and access roads.

6.2 Net Gain Implications

6.2.1 Net Gain Principles

The primary mechanism for mitigating ecological impacts is through adherence to Net Gain policy.

The 3-step process to achieving Net Gain should be followed: (1) first attempt to avoid any native vegetation loss, (2) minimise any unavoidable loss of native vegetation, and (3) offset any native vegetation losses.

Step 1: Avoid

The loss of the majority of the native vegetation across the site has been avoided through the siting of the residential areas predominantly on the already cleared paddocks.

Step 2: Minimise

The loss of native vegetation has been minimised through restricting the majority of the development to the already cleared areas and areas of lower conservation significance vegetation.

Step 3: Offset

Unavoidable vegetation losses will be offset in accordance with Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action or Net Gain policy (NRE



2002).

6.2.2 Assessing loss of native vegetation

Impacts on native vegetation were assessed in accordance with the concept design provided by Collie Pty Ltd on 23 November 2009 and the vegetation mapping and quality assessment undertaken in the current study (Figure 2).

Patches of native vegetation

The current design proposal will result in the loss of 4.53 habitat hectares of native vegetation (Table 3Table 3) and one scattered Large Old Tree.

Table 3: Impacts to vegetation patches

Habitat Zone SS-QZ1

SS-QZ2

SS-QZ3

LBF-QZ1

LBF-QZ2

LBF-QZ3

LF-QZ1 LH-rF-QZ1

Total

EVC Swamp Scrub

Swamp Scrub

Swamp Scrub




Lowland Forest

Lowland Herb-rich

Forest

Area to be cleared (ha)

0.17 0.32 0.18 0.19 0.04 0.60 6.65 0.07 8.22

Habitat score 0.36 0.20 0.15 0.49 0.57 0.29 0.61 0.60 Habitat hectares to be cleared:

Very High Conservation Significance

- - - - 0.02 - - - 0.02

High Conservation Significance

0.06 0.06 0.03 0.09 - - - 0.04 0.28

Medium conservation significance

- - - - - 0.17 4.06 - 4.23

Offset multiplier 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 2 1 1 1.5 Offset target (habitat hectares)

0.09 0.09 0.05 0.14 0.04 0.17 4.06 0.06 4.70

Large Old Trees in patches to be cleared

- - - - - - - - Nil

Scattered Trees

The current design proposal will result in the loss of one scattered Large Old Tree.



6.2.3 Net Gains available on-site

Net Gains can be achieved through the management of the vegetation that will be retained on the site (Table 4).

Table 4: Net Gains potentially available on-site

EVC name Habitat zone

Current score

Area available (ha)


Potential gains

Required gains

Difference

Swamp scrub


Swamp scrub


Swamp scrub



LBF-QZ1 0.49 1.28 High 0.34 0.12 +0.34


LBF-QZ2 0.57 1.03 Very High 0.48 0.05 +0.48


LBF-QZ3 0.29 0.68 Medium Nil 0.17 -0.17

Lowland Forest

LF-QZ1 0.61 6.69 Medium 1.77 4.06 -2.29

Lowland Herb-rich forest

LHrF-QZ1

0.60 3.34 High 0.80 0.06 +0.74

The calculation of potential gains is based on the following parameters: • Elimination all grazing and ensuring that weed cover is retained at current

levels; • Retention of all standing trees, dead or alive; • Retention of all fallen timber/branches/leaf litter; • Elimination of all identified high threat woody weeds and control of pest

animals; and, • Security through an on-title agreement.

Based on the calculations in Table 4: • None of the loss of Swamp Scrub can be offset with other areas of

Swamp Scrub on-site. • The required offsets for the loss of Limestone Box Forest could be

achieved on-site through the management of retained areas of Limestone Box Forest and there would be an excess of 0.34 habitat hectares comprised of both High and Very High conservation significance vegetation.

• There would be an offset shortfall of 2.29 habitat hectares of medium



conservation significance Lowland Forest based solely on the management of the retained areas of Lowland Forest.

• The required offsets for the loss of Lowland Herb-rich Forest could be achieved on-site through the management of the retained areas of Lowland Herb-rich Forest plus there would be an excess of 0.74 habitat hectares of High conservation significance Lowland Herb-rich Forest.

The like-for-like criteria specified in Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management Framework (NRE 2002) specifies that:

• Offsets for vegetation losses in High conservation significance vegetation can be offset with the same vegetation /habitat type or a Very High significance vegetation/habitat in the same Bioregion;

• Offsets for vegetation losses in Medium conservation significance vegetation can be offset with any EVC in the Bioregion or a Very High or High significance vegetation/habitat in an adjacent Bioregion.

In addition, where gains are achieved in vegetation/habitat of a higher conservation significance than the vegetation being lost, then the amount of the offset will be proportionately reduced (NRE 2002, footnote 2, page 54).

This means that:

• Where offsets for High conservation significance vegetation is to be achieved in vegetation with Very High conservation significance vegetation the habitat hectares required in the offset are 75% of the original requirement;

• Where offsets for Medium conservation significance vegetation is to be achieved in Very High conservation significance vegetation the habitat required in the offset are 50% of the original requirement; and,

• Where offsets for Medium conservation significance vegetation is to be achieved in High conservation significance vegetation the habitat required in the offset are 66% of the original requirement.

Within the study area it is possible to offset the losses of all vegetation with vegetation of either a higher conservation significance or the same conservation significance except for a shortfall of 0.51 habitat hectares of Medium conservation significance Lowland Forest (Table 5).



Table 5: Offsets (habitat hectares) available on-site


Offset required (A)

Offsets available (B)

Available to offset other classes (C= (B-A))

Equivalent offset in Medium conservation significance vegetation

Very High 0.05 0.49 0.44 0.88 (C X 2) High 0.43 1.14 0.71 1.07 (C X 1.5) Medium 4.23 1.77 -2.46 -2.46 (C X 1) Shortfall -0.51 habitat hectares

It may be possible through the realignment or reorganisation of some internal roads to avoid the loss of a small area of Limestone Box Forest (QZ2) and reduce the losses in Lowland Forest to enable the required offsets to be achieved on-site.

If the realignment of some of the roads is not possible, it is assumed that offsets would be available off-site to meet this shortfall.

It is assumed that the offset for the loss of the single Large Old Tree could be achieved on-site through revegetation with appropriate native species.

6.2.4 Offset Management Plan

To ensure that the offsets are achieved within the 10-year timeframe, an Offset Management Plan (OMP) should be prepared that specifies the required management actions and timing. The OMP will require the approval of DSE and the responsible authority.


B I O S I S R E S E A R C H References 31

REFERENCES Briggs, J.D. & Leigh, J.H. 1996. Rare or

Threatened Australian Plants. CSIRO Australia & Australian Nature Conservation Agency.

Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E., Sadlier, R.A. & Eggler, P. 1993. The Action Plan for Australian Reptiles. Australia Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra.

DEH 2006. EPBC Act Policy Statement 1.1 Significant Impact Guidelines: matters of National Environmental Significance. Department of Environment and Heritage, Australian Government, Canberra.

DSE 2004. Native Vegetation: Sustaining a living landscape. Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual – Guidelines for applying the habitat hectares scoring method. Version 1.3. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne.

DSE 2007b. Advisory List of the Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 2007, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne.

Duncan, A., Baker, G.B. & Montgomery, N. 1999. The Action Plan for Australian Bats. Environment Australia, Canberra.

Forestech (undated). Flora survey of property at Lot 2, cnr Ostlers and Colquhoun Roads, Lakes Entrance.

Garnett, S. & Crowley, G. 2000. The Action Plan for Australian Birds. Environment Australia, Canberra.

IUCN 2001. IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version 3.1. IUCN Species Survival Commission, International Union for Conservation of Nature & Natural Resources, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK.

Lee, A. 1995. Action Plan for Australian Rodents. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra.

Maxwell, S., Burbidge, A. & Morris, K. 1996. Action Plan for Australian Marsupials and Monotremes. IUCN Species Survival Commission.

NRE 2002. Victoria's Native Vegetation Management: A Framework for Action. Department of Natural Resources & Environment, Victoria.

Parkes, D., Newell, G. & Cheal, D. 2003. Assessing the quality of native vegetation: The habitat hectares approach. Ecological Management & Restoration Volume 4 Supplement 29–38.

Rivett, N.J. 2006. Aborist report prepared for property at 41 Colquhoun Road, Lakes Entrance, for Fastnet Consulting.


B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendices 32

APPENDICES


B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Appendix 1 33

APPENDIX 1 DSE Vegetation Assessment Methodology

A1.1 Habitat hectares Habitat hectares are calculated where indigenous understorey plant cover is at least 25% of total understorey plant cover, or where a group of trees (at least 3 trees) has a tree canopy cover of at least 20% (DSE 2007a, p 10). Such sites are termed 'patches'.

Each vegetation patch has one or more habitat quality zones. Each habitat zone consists of one ecological vegetation class (EVC) and has uniform quality within limits.

The assessment process compares the vegetation of the habitat zone against a DSE ‘benchmark’ description of the EVC, using methods described in the DSE assessment manual (DSE 2004). A habitat score for the habitat zone is calculated by this method.

Each habitat zone has a habitat score of between 0 and 100, with extensive intact vegetation having a theoretical score of 100. Habitat score is calculated using ten components: large trees, tree canopy cover, understorey, weediness, recruitment, organic litter, logs, patch size, neighbourhood context and distance to core area. In naturally treeless vegetation, or vegetation that can exist in different structural forms, the score is standardised to account for the absence of some or all ‘woody’ criteria.

The habitat hectare value of a habitat zone is given by its habitat score (expressed as a decimal between 0 and 1) multiplied by its land area in hectares. For example, 4 hectares of vegetation with a habitat score of 50 contain 2.0 habitat hectares.

Habitat hectares are used to measure losses arising from clearing, and also gains obtained through protection measures and active management of existing vegetation.

A1.2 Indigenous canopy trees The following information on indigenous canopy trees does not apply if the subject land contains only treeless vegetation types.

Large Old Trees within patches

‘Large Old Trees’ within native vegetation patches are subject to offset requirements, as outlined in the Native Vegetation Management Framework (NRE 2002: Table 6, p 55). Large Old Trees have a minimum stem diameter specified in the relevant EVC benchmark. Trees smaller than this benchmark size within patches are not included in this assessment, as they are addressed in the habitat hectare analysis.

Scattered trees outside patches

Trees over predominantly introduced understoreys are offset through tree protection/replacement ratios.

Trees in areas where less than 25% of the understorey cover is indigenous are assessed as ‘scattered old trees’. Trees are offset by the protection of other old trees and/or recruitment of new trees.

For land parcels (usually a title boundary) where tree density is greater than eight per hectare, the offset ratios are outlined in the Native Vegetation Management Framework (NRE 2002, p 55). For areas where tree density is less, the offset ratios are specified in the regional Native Vegetation Plan. Offsets for small trees are also included in the Native Vegetation Plan.



APPENDIX 2 Significance Assessment

The common language meaning of significance is ‘importance; consequence’ (Macquarie Dictionary). While the general meaning of this is clear, in natural resource assessment and management this meaning needs to be defined in scientific terms.

A2.1 Significant Species and Communities

Species and community conservation significance is defined as follows:

A taxon or community is significant at a particular geographic level (national, state, regional, local) when it is considered to be rare or threatened at that level.

A taxon is an officially recognised species, subspecies or variety of a species. The significance of a taxon or community is a function of its rarity within a specified geographic context: nation, state, region, local area. In each context a taxon or community has a conservation status: not rare, rare, vulnerable, endangered, extinct. ‘Threatened’ is a combination of the ‘vulnerable’ and ‘endangered’ categories.

The significance of the taxon or community is the largest geographic context in which it is at least rare. For example, if a species is uncommon in a state and rare within a region of that state, it has regional significance within that region.

Species listed as ‘poorly known’ are not considered rare or threatened at present and are assigned an intermediate rating. For example, a species listed as poorly known in a state list has potential state significance and is assigned ‘regional/state’ significance.

A2.2 Sites

Site conservation significance is defined as follows:

A site is significant at a particular geographic level (national, state, regional, local) when it is considered to make a substantial contribution to biodiversity at that level.

As a guideline, one per cent of the total extant population of a significant species within a specified geographic area or of the total extant area of a significant ecological community within a specified geographic area is a threshold for ‘substantial contribution’. Comprehensive data are not always available for such assessments and interpretation of available data and information is usually required.

In some cases a site may be small when viewed in isolation but it forms an integral and functional part of a larger site of significance. If there is no ecological reason to divide the larger site, then the rating that applies to the larger site applies to the smaller site.

Sites with a particularly high level of local or regional significance are assigned ‘high local’ or ‘high regional’ significance, respectively. These terms are not applied to state and national levels of significance or to species and communities.

Sites documented in state government databases, such as the Victorian biosite database, are accepted along with their significance ratings by Biosis Research.



To determine whether a site makes a ‘substantial contribution’ to biological conservation, it is assessed against the following criteria:

• Size – overall size of site or habitats/vegetation communities within the site. • Significant species and populations – number of significant species or populations

known or likely to occur on the site. • Significant habitat or vegetation communities – presence and extensiveness of

significant habitats and vegetation communities on the site. • Ecological integrity – degree of intactness, level of past disturbance (such as weed

invasion) and overall condition of vegetation communities on the site. • Richness and diversity – quantity of species, vegetation communities and habitats. • Connectivity – Quality and quantity of linkages between site and adjacent areas of

native vegetation/habitat (wildlife corridor value). • Viability – level of existing and/or future disturbances, degree of existing and/or

future fragmentation. • Distribution – proximity of the site to known distribution limits for significant

species, populations, habitats and/or vegetation communities. • Level of conservation – representation of site attributes in conservation reserves.

As a guideline, one per cent of the total extant population of a significant species within a specified geographic area or of the total extant area of a significant ecological community within a specified geographic area is a threshold for ‘substantial contribution’. Comprehensive data are seldom available and interpretation of limited available data and information is usually required.

A2.3 Scale: Geographic Context

Significance is determined within specified geographic contexts:

• Australia • State Victoria • Region Gippsland Plain Bioregion (DSE Flora Information System) • Local area Lakes Entrance (within 5 km of the study area)

A2.4 Conservation Status: Degree of Threat

Official government lists define species and communities that are rare or threatened (and thus significant) at national and/or state levels. Most of these lists appear as schedules under legislation and are followed unless further evidence is available.

Species and communities that are rare or threatened at regional and local levels are determined from the available literature, data and information, and consultation with relevant individuals where relevant reports and government listings are not available.

National Significance

Species

Species of national significance are either:

• Flora or fauna listed as extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.



• Flora listed as rare in Australia in Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (Briggs and Leigh 1996).

• Fauna listed as extinct, endangered or vulnerable in Australia in an Action Plan published by Environment Australia.

• Species considered to be rare or threatened in Australia by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001).

Communities

Ecological communities of national significance are either:

• Listed as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

• Considered to be rare or threatened in Australia by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001).

Ecological communities include flora and/or fauna communities.

State Significance

Species

Species of state significance in Victoria are either:

• Flora or fauna listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. • Flora listed as extinct, endangered, vulnerable or rare in Victoria in the DSE Flora

Information System 2007 Version. • Flora listed as poorly known in Australia in Rare or Threatened Australian Plants

(Briggs and Leigh 1996). • Fauna listed as extinct, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable in the

Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria, 2007 (DSE 2007b) or fauna listed as conservation dependent under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

• Fauna listed as rare/near-threatened in Australia in an Action Plan published by Environment Australia.

• Species considered to be rare or threatened in Victoria by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001).

Communities

Ecological communities of state significance in Victoria are either:

• Listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. • Considered to be rare or threatened in Victoria by Biosis Research using IUCN

criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001).

Regional Significance

Species

Species of regional significance are:

• Flora recorded from less than 1% of documented sites (quadrats/defined area lists) from the Gippsland Plain Bioregion in the DSE Flora Information System unless there is reason to believe they are undersampled in the available data.

• Fauna considered to be rare or threatened at the bioregional level by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001) or fauna considered to be near-threatened in the Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria,



2007 (DSE 2007b).

Communities

Ecological communities of regional significance in Victoria are:

• Listed as an endangered, vulnerable or depleted ecological vegetation class within a particular bioregion in a Native Vegetation Plan.

• Considered to be rare or threatened at the bioregional level by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001).

Local Significance

Species

Species of local significance are:

• Flora considered to be rare or threatened at the local level by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001).

Communities

Ecological communities of local significance are:

• Considered to be rare or threatened at the local level by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001).

No Significance

Species and ecological communities are not significant when they are considered not to be rare or threatened at any geographic level by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2001). Species that are not indigenous to a given study area are not significant. Plantings are generally not significant.



APPENDIX 3 Flora Results

A3.1 Flora species recorded from study area

Table A3.1. Flora species recorded from the study area (list U4104500 and quadrats O4902300 – O4903100).

Significance of species (Source: DSE Flora Information System)

Australian status: CE Listed under EPBC Act as critically endangered E Listed under EPBC Act as endangered V Listed under EPBC Act as vulnerable R Rare (Briggs & Leigh 1996)

Victorian status (DSE Flora Information System, 2007 Version): e Endangered v Vulnerable r Rare k poorly known

# Native species which occur in the study area, but are outside of their natural range.

Species of regional significance are highlighted in bold

All indigenous species have at least local significance.

Status Scientific Name Common Name

Indigenous species Acacia genistifolia Spreading Wattle # Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia Sallow Wattle Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle Acacia stricta Hop Wattle Acacia terminalis Sunshine Wattle Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee Acianthus spp. Mosquito Orchid Acrotriche serrulata Honey-pots Allocasuarina littoralis Black Sheoak Alyxia buxifolia Sea Box Amyema pendula Drooping Mistletoe Astroloma humifusum Cranberry Heath Austrodanthonia geniculata Kneed Wallaby-grass Austrodanthonia penicillata Weeping Wallaby-grass Austrodanthonia racemosa var. racemosa Slender Wallaby-grass Austrostipa blackii Crested Spear-grass Austrostipa pubinodis Tall Spear-grass Austrostipa rudis subsp. nervosa Veined Spear-grass Banksia serrata Saw Banksia Baumea juncea Bare Twig-sedge Baumea rubiginosa s.s. Soft Twig-sedge Billardiera mutabilis Common Apple-berry Blechnum minus Soft Water-fern Bossiaea prostrata Creeping Bossiaea Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa Sweet Bursaria



Status Scientific Name Common Name Caesia parviflora Pale Grass-lily Carpobrotus rossii Karkalla Cassinia aculeata Common Cassinia Cassinia longifolia Shiny Cassinia Centella cordifolia Centella Centrolepis strigosa subsp. strigosa Hairy Centrolepis Chiloglottis spp. Bird Orchid Clematis aristata Mountain Clematis Clematis glycinoides Forest Clematis Comesperma volubile Love Creeper Coprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant-bush Correa reflexa Common Correa Crassula sieberiana s.s. Sieber Crassula Cyathea australis Rough Tree-fern Cymbonotus preissianus Austral Bear's-ear Cynoglossum australe Australian Hound's-tongue Desmodium gunnii Southern Tick-trefoil Dianella caerulea s.l. Paroo Lily Dianella revoluta s.l. Black-anther Flax-lily Dichondra repens Kidney-weed Dipodium spp. Hyacinth Orchid Drosera peltata Pale Sundew Echinopogon ovatus Common Hedgehog-grass Einadia nutans subsp. nutans Nodding Saltbush Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blue Oliveberry Epacris impressa Common Heath Eucalyptus baueriana Blue Box r Eucalyptus bosistoana Coast Grey-box Eucalyptus bridgesiana s.s. But But Eucalyptus cypellocarpa Mountain Grey-gum Eucalyptus globoidea White Stringybark Eucalyptus muelleriana Yellow Stringybark Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box Eucalyptus tereticornis subsp. mediana Gippsland Red-gum Eucalyptus tricarpa subsp. tricarpa Red Ironbark Euchiton collinus s.s. Creeping Cudweed Eustrephus latifolius Wombat Berry Exocarpos cupressiformis Cherry Ballart Gahnia radula Thatch Saw-sedge Galium gaudichaudii Rough Bedstraw Geranium spp. Crane's Bill Gleichenia microphylla Scrambling Coral-fern Glycine clandestina Twining Glycine Gonocarpus teucrioides s.s. Germander Raspwort Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia Hardenbergia violacea Purple Coral-pea Hibbertia aspera subsp. aspera s.s. Rough Guinea-flower Hibbertia empetrifolia subsp. empetrifolia Tangled Guinea-flower Hibbertia obtusifolia Grey Guinea-flower Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort Hypericum gramineum Small St John's Wort Hypericum japonicum Matted St John's Wort



Status Scientific Name Common Name Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass Indigofera australis Austral Indigo Joycea pallida Silvertop Wallaby-grass Juncus bufonius Toad Rush Juncus pauciflorus Loose-flower Rush Juncus planifolius Broad-leaf Rush Kunzea ericoides spp. agg. Burgan Lagenophora stipitata Common Bottle-daisy Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedge Leptospermum continentale Prickly Tea-tree Leucopogon parviflorus Coast Beard-heath Lobelia anceps Angled Lobelia Lomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rush Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush Lomandra longifolia subsp. longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush Luzula meridionalis Common Woodrush Lythrum hyssopifolia Small Loosestrife Mazus pumilio Swamp Mazus Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping Grass Microtis spp. Onion Orchid Myriophyllum simulans Amphibious Water-milfoil Myoporum insulare Common Boobialla Notodanthonia longifolia Long-leaf Wallaby-grass Olearia lirata Snowy Daisy-bush Opercularia hispida Hairy Stinkweed Opercularia ovata Broad-leaf Stinkweed Opercularia varia Variable Stinkweed Oxalis perennans Grassland Wood-sorrel Pandorea pandorana Wonga Vine Persoonia linearis Narrow-leaf Geebung Pimelea humilis Common Rice-flower # Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum Plantago debilis Shade Plantain Poa australis spp. agg. Tussock Grass Poa sieberiana Grey Tussock-grass Poranthera microphylla s.s. Small Poranthera Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum Jersey Cudweed Pteridium esculentum Austral Bracken Pultenaea scabra Rough Bush-pea Rhagodia candolleana subsp. candolleana Seaberry Saltbush Schoenus apogon Common Bog-sedge Senecio glomeratus Annual Fireweed Senecio hispidulus s.s. Rough Fireweed Senecio minimus Shrubby Fireweed Smilax australis Austral Sarsaparilla Solanum prinophyllum Forest Nightshade k Stackhousia spathulata Coast Stackhousia Stypandra glauca Nodding Blue-lily Tetrarrhena juncea Forest Wire-grass Thelymitra spp. Sun Orchid Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass



Status Scientific Name Common Name Triglochin striata Veronica plebeia Trailing Speedwell Viminaria juncea Golden Spray Viola hederacea Ivy-leaf Violet Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell Xanthorrhoea minor subsp. lutea Small Grass-tree

Introduced species Agrostis capillaris Brown-top Bent Aira cupaniana Quicksilver Grass Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass Arctotheca calendula Cape Weed Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper Asparagus officinalis Asparagus Brassica spp. Turnip Briza maxima Large Quaking-grass Briza minor Lesser Quaking-grass Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass Bromus diandrus Great Brome Cerastium glomeratum s.s. Sticky Mouse-ear Chickweed Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Conyza bonariensis Flaxleaf Fleabane Conyza spp. Fleabane Cotoneaster glaucophyllus var. serotinus Large-leaf Cotoneaster Cotula bipinnata Ferny Cotula Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Ehrharta erecta var. erecta Panic Veldt-grass Epilobium ciliatum Glandular Willow-herb Freesia spp. Freesia Gamochaeta purpurea s.s. Spiked Cudweed Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Hordeum murinum s.l. Barley-grass Hypochoeris radicata Flatweed Leontodon taraxacoides subsp. taraxacoides Hairy Hawkbit Lepidium africanum Common Peppercress Lotus subbiflorus Hairy Bird's-foot Trefoil Lotus uliginosus Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil Lycium ferocissimum African Box-thorn Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu Plantago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Polycarpon tetraphyllum Four-leaved Allseed Romulea rosea Onion Grass Rosa rubiginosa Sweet Briar Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry Sisyrinchium iridifolium Striped Rush-leaf Solanum linnaeanum Apple of Sodom Sonchus asper subsp. asper Rough Sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle Sporobolus africanus Rat-tail Grass



Status Scientific Name Common Name Stellaria media Chickweed Taraxacum spp. Dandelion Trifolium spp. Clover Urtica urens Small Nettle Vulpia fasciculata Dune Fescue



A3.2 Quadrat records from study area

Table A3.2. Quadrat records from the study area (O4902300 – O4903100).

O4902300 Recs 32 Date : 02 Dec 2008 Location : 148°00'02" 37°51'27" Altitude : Collector : JDM + 56 Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle + 304 Astroloma humifusum Cranberry Heath

+ 4941 Austrostipa rudis subsp. nervosa Veined Spear-grass

+ 4291 Billardiera mutabilis Common Apple-berry + 657 Carpobrotus rossii Karkalla 2 668 Cassinia longifolia Shiny Cassinia + 788 Clematis aristata Mountain Clematis + 812 * Conyza bonariensis Flaxleaf Fleabane + 1029 Dianella revoluta s.l. Black-anther Flax-lily + 8341 Dipodium spp. Hyacinth Orchid + 1128 * Ehrharta erecta var. erecta Panic Veldt-grass 1 1133 Einadia nutans subsp. nutans Nodding Saltbush 2 1253 r Eucalyptus bosistoana Coast Grey-box + 1350 Exocarpos cupressiformis Cherry Ballart 1 1671 Hibbertia obtusifolia Grey Guinea-flower + 1723 Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort + 1748 * Hypochoeris radicata Flatweed + 1760 Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass + 973 Joycea pallida Silvertop Wallaby-grass 1 1923 Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedge + 1987 Leucopogon parviflorus Coast Beard-heath

1 4714 Lomandra longifolia subsp. longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush

+ 2312 Olearia lirata Snowy Daisy-bush + 2386 Oxalis perennans Grassland Wood-sorrel + 2543 # Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum 1 2608 Poa sieberiana Grey Tussock-grass + 2777 Pteridium esculentum Austral Bracken

+ 2927 Rhagodia candolleana subsp. candolleana Seaberry Saltbush

+ 4959 Senecio hispidulus s.s. Rough Fireweed + 3186 Solanum prinophyllum Forest Nightshade + 4923 * Sonchus asper subsp. asper Rough Sow-thistle + 3348 Tetrarrhena juncea Forest Wire-grass O4902400 Recs 32 Date : 02 Dec 2008 Location : 148°00'18" 37°51'17" Altitude : Collector : JDM + 56 Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle + 304 Astroloma humifusum Cranberry Heath + 974 Austrodanthonia penicillata Weeping Wallaby-grass + 4291 Billardiera mutabilis Common Apple-berry

+ 515 Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa Sweet Bursaria

+ 668 Cassinia longifolia Shiny Cassinia + 788 Clematis aristata Mountain Clematis + 832 Correa reflexa Common Correa + 1027 Dianella caerulea s.l. Paroo Lily 1 1036 Dichondra repens Kidney-weed 1 1267 Eucalyptus cypellocarpa Mountain Grey-gum 1 1281 Eucalyptus globoidea White Stringybark 1 1310 Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box 1 7656 Eucalyptus tricarpa subsp. Red Ironbark

tricarpa + 1350 Exocarpos cupressiformis Cherry Ballart + 1394 Gahnia radula Thatch Saw-sedge + 1455 Glycine clandestina Twining Glycine + 1671 Hibbertia obtusifolia Grey Guinea-flower + 1748 * Hypochoeris radicata Flatweed + 1856 Kunzea ericoides spp. agg. Burgan + 1923 Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedge + 1987 Leucopogon parviflorus Coast Beard-heath


+ 2147 Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark

+ 2179 Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping Grass

+ 2344 Opercularia varia Variable Stinkweed + 2465 Persoonia linearis Narrow-leaf Geebung + 2543 # Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum + 2608 Poa sieberiana Grey Tussock-grass + 7704 Poranthera microphylla s.s. Small Poranthera 3 2777 Pteridium esculentum Austral Bracken + 3348 Tetrarrhena juncea Forest Wire-grass O4902500 Recs 17 Date : 02 Dec 2008 Location : 148°00'16" 37°51'20" Altitude : Collector : JDM 1 56 Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle + 91 Acacia stricta Hop Wattle + 95 Acacia terminalis Sunshine Wattle 1 366 Banksia serrata Saw Banksia + 788 Clematis aristata Mountain Clematis 1 1036 Dichondra repens Kidney-weed 1 1267 Eucalyptus cypellocarpa Mountain Grey-gum 1 1281 Eucalyptus globoidea White Stringybark 1 1455 Glycine clandestina Twining Glycine + 1748 * Hypochoeris radicata Flatweed


+ 2147 Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark


1 2543 # Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum + 2608 Poa sieberiana Grey Tussock-grass 4 2777 Pteridium esculentum Austral Bracken + 3309 Stypandra glauca Nodding Blue-lily O4902600 Recs 23 Date : 01 Dec 2008 Location : 148°00'03" 37°51'32" Altitude : Collector : JDM 1 153 * Agrostis capillaris Brown-top Bent + 165 * Aira cupaniana Quicksilver Grass + 223 * Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel 2 236 * Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass + 304 Astroloma humifusum Cranberry Heath 1 965 Austrodanthonia geniculata Kneed Wallaby-grass

+ 977 Austrodanthonia racemosa var. racemosa Slender Wallaby-grass

+ 496 * Briza minor Lesser Quaking-grass + 498 * Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass + 1692 * Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog

1 1748 * Hypochoeris radicata Flatweed + 1831 Juncus pauciflorus Loose-flower Rush + 1956 Leptospermum continentale Prickly Tea-tree + 2060 * Lotus subbiflorus Hairy Bird's-foot Trefoil

1 2179 Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping Grass

1 2430 * Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum 2 2451 * Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu + 2561 * Plantago lanceolata Ribwort 2 2777 Pteridium esculentum Austral Bracken 1 2952 * Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry + 3178 * Solanum linnaeanum Apple of Sodom 1 3226 * Sporobolus africanus Rat-tail Grass 1 3547 * Vulpia fasciculata Dune Fescue O4902700 Recs 25 Date : 01 Dec 2008 Location : 148°00'10" 37°51'36" Altitude : Collector : JDM

1 53 # Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia Sallow Wattle

1 236 * Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass 1 377 Baumea juncea Bare Twig-sedge 2 407 Blechnum minus Soft Water-fern 1 668 Cassinia longifolia Shiny Cassinia 2 706 Centella cordifolia Centella

1 843 * Cotoneaster glaucophyllus var. serotinus Large-leaf Cotoneaster

1 895 Cyathea australis Rough Tree-fern 1 1441 Gleichenia microphylla Scrambling Coral-fern 1 1671 Hibbertia obtusifolia Grey Guinea-flower 1 1692 * Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog 1 1743 Hypericum japonicum Matted St John's Wort 1 1748 * Hypochoeris radicata Flatweed 1 1810 Juncus bufonius Toad Rush 1 1831 Juncus pauciflorus Loose-flower Rush

1 1895 * Leontodon taraxacoides subsp. taraxacoides Hairy Hawkbit

2 1956 Leptospermum continentale Prickly Tea-tree 1 2024 Lobelia anceps Angled Lobelia

1 2061 * Lotus uliginosus Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil

1 2133 Mazus pumilio Swamp Mazus 2 2147 Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark + 3873 Myriophyllum simulans Amphibious Water-milfoil 1 2543 # Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum 1 2871 Pultenaea scabra Rough Bush-pea 2 2952 * Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry O4902800 Recs 29 Date : 02 Dec 2008 Location : 147°59'56" 37°51'29" Altitude : Collector : JDM

+ 977 Austrodanthonia racemosa var. racemosa Slender Wallaby-grass

+ 3267 Austrostipa blackii Crested Spear-grass + 788 Clematis aristata Mountain Clematis + 812 * Conyza bonariensis Flaxleaf Fleabane + 4378 Crassula sieberiana s.s. Sieber Crassula + 1036 Dichondra repens Kidney-weed 1 1128 * Ehrharta erecta var. erecta Panic Veldt-grass

+ 1133 Einadia nutans subsp. nutans Nodding Saltbush 1 1249 Eucalyptus baueriana Blue Box 2 1253 r Eucalyptus bosistoana Coast Grey-box 1 1267 Eucalyptus cypellocarpa Mountain Grey-gum

+ 7656 Eucalyptus tricarpa subsp. tricarpa Red Ironbark

+ 5436 Hibbertia aspera subsp. aspera s.s. Rough Guinea-flower

+ 1723 Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort + 1748 * Hypochoeris radicata Flatweed

+ 1895 * Leontodon taraxacoides subsp. taraxacoides Hairy Hawkbit

+ 1896 * Lepidium africanum Common Peppercress

+ 4714 Lomandra longifolia subsp. longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush

1 2078 * Lycium ferocissimum African Box-thorn


+ 2386 Oxalis perennans Grassland Wood-sorrel + 2523 Pimelea humilis Common Rice-flower + 2608 Poa sieberiana Grey Tussock-grass + 2622 * Polycarpon tetraphyllum Four-leaved Allseed + 2777 Pteridium esculentum Austral Bracken

+ 2927 Rhagodia candolleana subsp. candolleana Seaberry Saltbush

+ 4959 Senecio hispidulus s.s. Rough Fireweed + 3204 * Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle + 3547 * Vulpia fasciculata Dune Fescue O4902900 Recs 14 Date : 02 Dec 2008 Location : 147°59'58" 37°51'22" Altitude : Collector : JDM + 3267 Austrostipa blackii Crested Spear-grass + 8148 * Brassica spp. Turnip + 500 * Bromus diandrus Great Brome 1 1128 * Ehrharta erecta var. erecta Panic Veldt-grass 1 1133 Einadia nutans subsp. nutans Nodding Saltbush 2 1253 r Eucalyptus bosistoana Coast Grey-box + 1267 Eucalyptus cypellocarpa Mountain Grey-gum 1 3695 * Hordeum murinum s.l. Barley-grass + 1896 * Lepidium africanum Common Peppercress 2 2078 * Lycium ferocissimum African Box-thorn 1 2451 * Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu + 4959 Senecio hispidulus s.s. Rough Fireweed 1 3178 * Solanum linnaeanum Apple of Sodom + 3477 * Urtica urens Small Nettle O4903000 Recs 64 Date : 02 Dec 2008 Location : 148°00'16" 37°51'15" Altitude : Collector : JDM + 56 Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle + 105 Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee 1 677 Allocasuarina littoralis Black Sheoak 1 304 Astroloma humifusum Cranberry Heath + 974 Austrodanthonia penicillata Weeping Wallaby-grass + 3288 Austrostipa pubinodis Tall Spear-grass 1 4291 Billardiera mutabilis Common Apple-berry 1 440 Bossiaea prostrata Creeping Bossiaea + 518 Caesia parviflora Pale Grass-lily

1 668 Cassinia longifolia Shiny Cassinia + 782 * Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle 1 788 Clematis aristata Mountain Clematis + 903 Cymbonotus preissianus Austral Bear's-ear

+ 908 Cynoglossum australe Australian Hound's-tongue

1 948 * Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot + 1008 Desmodium gunnii Southern Tick-trefoil 1 1027 Dianella caerulea s.l. Paroo Lily 1 1036 Dichondra repens Kidney-weed 1 1128 * Ehrharta erecta var. erecta Panic Veldt-grass + 1165 Epacris impressa Common Heath 1 1253 r Eucalyptus bosistoana Coast Grey-box 1 1267 Eucalyptus cypellocarpa Mountain Grey-gum 1 1281 Eucalyptus globoidea White Stringybark 1 1310 Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box 1 1346 Eustrephus latifolius Wombat Berry 1 1350 Exocarpos cupressiformis Cherry Ballart 1 1394 Gahnia radula Thatch Saw-sedge + 1409 Galium gaudichaudii Rough Bedstraw + 1455 Glycine clandestina Twining Glycine 1 4882 Gonocarpus teucrioides s.s. Germander Raspwort + 1507 Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia + 1596 Hardenbergia violacea Purple Coral-pea 1 1671 Hibbertia obtusifolia Grey Guinea-flower 1 1723 Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort + 1741 Hypericum gramineum Small St John's Wort 1 1748 * Hypochoeris radicata Flatweed + 1760 Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass + 1761 Indigofera australis Austral Indigo 1 973 Joycea pallida Silvertop Wallaby-grass 1 1856 Kunzea ericoides spp. agg. Burgan + 1956 Leptospermum continentale Prickly Tea-tree + 1987 Leucopogon parviflorus Coast Beard-heath

+ 4714 Lomandra longifolia subsp. longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush


+ 2239 # Myoporum insulare Common Boobialla + 2312 Olearia lirata Snowy Daisy-bush 1 2340 Opercularia hispida Hairy Stinkweed + 2386 Oxalis perennans Grassland Wood-sorrel + 2523 Pimelea humilis Common Rice-flower 1 2543 # Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum + 2555 Plantago debilis Shade Plantain 1 2561 * Plantago lanceolata Ribwort 1 2608 Poa sieberiana Grey Tussock-grass 1 7704 Poranthera microphylla s.s. Small Poranthera + 2871 Pultenaea scabra Rough Bush-pea + 4959 Senecio hispidulus s.s. Rough Fireweed + 3186 Solanum prinophyllum Forest Nightshade + 3204 * Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle 1 3309 Stypandra glauca Nodding Blue-lily + 3387 Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass + 3512 Veronica plebeia Trailing Speedwell

+ 3528 Viola hederacea sensu Willis (1972) Ivy-leaf Violet

1 3558 Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell

1 3588 Xanthorrhoea minor subsp. lutea Small Grass-tree

O4903100 Recs 62 Date : 01 Dec 2008 Location : 148°00'16" 37°51'27" Altitude : Collector : JDM 1 56 Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle 1 91 Acacia stricta Hop Wattle + 105 Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee + 165 * Aira cupaniana Quicksilver Grass + 223 * Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel + 275 * Asparagus officinalis Asparagus 1 304 Astroloma humifusum Cranberry Heath + 974 Austrodanthonia penicillata Weeping Wallaby-grass 1 3288 Austrostipa pubinodis Tall Spear-grass 1 4291 Billardiera mutabilis Common Apple-berry 1 518 Caesia parviflora Pale Grass-lily 1 668 Cassinia longifolia Shiny Cassinia 1 788 Clematis aristata Mountain Clematis + 812 * Conyza bonariensis Flaxleaf Fleabane 1 822 Coprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant-bush

+ 908 Cynoglossum australe Australian Hound's-tongue

+ 1008 Desmodium gunnii Southern Tick-trefoil 1 1027 Dianella caerulea s.l. Paroo Lily 1 1036 Dichondra repens Kidney-weed

+ 1122 Echinopogon ovatus Common Hedgehog-grass

1 1128 * Ehrharta erecta var. erecta Panic Veldt-grass 1 1253 r Eucalyptus bosistoana Coast Grey-box 1 1267 Eucalyptus cypellocarpa Mountain Grey-gum 1 1310 Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box 1 1346 Eustrephus latifolius Wombat Berry 1 1350 Exocarpos cupressiformis Cherry Ballart 1 1394 Gahnia radula Thatch Saw-sedge 1 1409 Galium gaudichaudii Rough Bedstraw 1 1409 Galium gaudichaudii Rough Bedstraw + 4336 * Gamochaeta purpurea s.s. Spiked Cudweed + 1455 Glycine clandestina Twining Glycine 1 1507 Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia 1 1671 Hibbertia obtusifolia Grey Guinea-flower 1 1723 Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort 1 973 Joycea pallida Silvertop Wallaby-grass 1 1856 Kunzea ericoides spp. agg. Burgan + 1863 Lagenophora stipitata Common Bottle-daisy 1 1923 Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedge + 1987 Leucopogon parviflorus Coast Beard-heath


1 2147 Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark


+ 2239 # Myoporum insulare Common Boobialla 1 969 Notodanthonia longifolia Long-leaf Wallaby-grass

+ 2312 Olearia lirata Snowy Daisy-bush 1 2340 Opercularia hispida Hairy Stinkweed 1 2386 Oxalis perennans Grassland Wood-sorrel + 2555 Plantago debilis Shade Plantain 1 2561 * Plantago lanceolata Ribwort 1 2608 Poa sieberiana Grey Tussock-grass 1 7704 Poranthera microphylla s.s. Small Poranthera + 2777 Pteridium esculentum Austral Bracken + 2952 * Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry + 3119 Senecio minimus Shrubby Fireweed + 3163 * Sisyrinchium iridifolium Striped Rush-leaf + 3186 Solanum prinophyllum Forest Nightshade 1 3309 Stypandra glauca Nodding Blue-lily + 9122 Taraxacum spp. Dandelion + 3387 Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass + 3512 Veronica plebeia Trailing Speedwell

1 3528 Viola hederacea sensu Willis (1972) Ivy-leaf Violet

+ 3558 Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell



A3.3 Significant flora species

Table A3.3 Flora of national or state significance recorded or predicted to occur within 5 km of the study area

Australian status: CE Listed under EPBC Act as critically endangered E Listed under EPBC Act as endangered V Listed under EPBC Act as vulnerable R Rare (Briggs & Leigh 1996)

Victorian status (DSE Flora Information System, 2007 Version): e Endangered v Vulnerable r Rare

Source of record: FIS: Recorded within 5 km of centre of study area, DSE Flora Information System DEWHA: Predicted to occur in local area, EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool

Likelihood scale:

Terminology Likelihood of occurrence Recorded Has been recorded Likely Greater than 50% probability Unlikely Less than 50% probability Negligible Very little or no likelihood of occurrence

Scientific name Common name Aust. status

Vic. status

Source of

record

FFG Occurrence in study area

National Significance Acacia caerulescens Limestone Blue Wattle V v FIS listed Unlikely Cryptostylis hunteriana Leafless Tongue-orchid V e DEWHA listed Negligible Prasophyllum frenchii Maroon Leek-orchid E e DEWHA listed Negligible State Significance Acronychia oblongifolia Yellow-wood r FIS Negligible Beyeria lasiocarpa Wallaby-bush r FIS Unlikely Beyeria viscosa Pinkwood r FIS Unlikely Carpobrotus glaucescens Bluish Pigface r FIS Negligible Cassinia maritima Coast Cassinia r FIS Negligible

Dipodium variegatum Blotched Hyacinth-orchid r FIS Unlikely

Eucalyptus bosistoana Coast Grey-box r FIS Recorded Eupomatia laurina Bolwarra r FIS Negligible Korthalsella rubra subsp. rubra Jointed Mistletoe v FIS Negligible Marsdenia flavescens Yellow Milk-vine r FIS Negligible Muellerina celastroides Coast Mistletoe r FIS Negligible Olearia viscosa Viscid Daisy-bush v FIS Unlikely Oxalis rubens Dune Wood-sorrel r FIS Unlikely Ozothamnus argophyllus Spicy Everlasting r FIS Unlikely Pomaderris oraria subsp. calcicola Limestone Pomaderris r FIS Unlikely Triglochin microtuberosa Eastern Water-ribbons r FIS Unlikely Zieria smithii subsp. smithii Sandfly Zieria r FIS Unlikely



APPENDIX 4 EVC Benchmarks

Ecological Vegetation Class bioregion benchmark

EVC/Bioregion Benchmark for Vegetation Quality Assessment

East Gippsland Lowlands bioregionEVC 15: Limestone Box Forest

Description:Occurs on generally well developed terra rossa soils derived from Tertiary limestones that outcrop around coastal streams,gullies and lakes. Open eucalypt forest to 20 m tall with a tall shrub layer understorey and a grass and herb-rich ground layeron sheltered aspects but may be almost completely bare on drier aspects.

Large trees:Species DBH(cm) #/haEucalyptus spp. 70 cm 20 / ha

Tree Canopy Cover:%cover Character Species Common Name30% Eucalyptus botryoides Southern Mahogany

Eucalyptus baueriana Blue BoxEucalyptus bosistoana Coast Grey BoxEucalyptus tricapra Red Ironbark

Understorey:Life form #Spp %Cover LF codeImmature Canopy Tree 5% ITUnderstorey Tree or Large Shrub 3 15% T Medium Shrub 5 15% MS Small Shrub 1 1% SS Large Herb 2 1% LH Medium Herb 8 10% MH Small or Prostrate Herb 3 5% SH Large Tufted Graminoid 2 5% LTGLarge Non-tufted Graminoid 2 5% LNGMedium to Small Tufted Graminoid 4 5% MTGMedium to Tiny Non-tufted Graminoid 3 5% MNGGround Fern 3 15% GF Scrambler or Climber 6 10% SC Bryophytes/Lichens na 10% BL

Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment April 2004

© The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2004

This publication is copyright. Reproduction and the making available of this material for personal, in-house or non-commercial purposes is authorised, on condition that:• the copyright owner is acknowledged;• no official connection is claimed;• the material is made available without charge or at cost; and• the material is not subject to inaccurate, misleading or derogatory treatment.

Requests for permission to reproduce or communicate this material in any way not permitted by this licence (or by the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright Act 1968) should bedirected to the Nominated Officer, Copyright, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002.

For more information contact: Customer Service Centre, 136 186

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 appropriatefor 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 15: Limestone Box Forest - East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion

LF Code Species typical of at least part of EVC range Common NameT Rapanea howittiana Mutton-woodT Pomaderris aspera Hazel PomaderrisMS Olearia lirata Snowy Daisy-bushMS Coprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant-bushMS Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp PaperbarkMS Cassinia longifolia Shiny CassiniaMH Viola hederacea sensu Willis (1972) Ivy-leaf VioletMH Solanum prinophyllum Forest NightshadeMH Geranium potentilloides Cinquefoil CranesbillMH Veronica calycina Hairy SpeedwellSH Dichondra repens Kidney-weedSH Oxalis corniculata s.l. Yellow Wood-sorrelSH Desmodium gunnii Southern Tick-trefoilLTG Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rushLTG Gahnia melanocarpa Black-fruit Saw-sedgeLNG Gahnia radula Thatch Saw-sedgeMTG Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedgeMTG Schoenus apogon Common Bog-sedgeMTG Dianella caerulea var. caerulea Paroo LilyMTG Dianella tasmanica Tasman Flax-lilyMNG Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping GrassMNG Oplismenus hirtellus Australian Basket-grassMNG Poa tenera Slender Tussock-grassMNG Echinopogon ovatus Common Hedgehog-grassGF Pteridium esculentum Austral BrackenGF Calochlaena dubia Common Ground-fernGF Pellaea falcata s.l. Sickle FernGF Adiantum aethiopicum Common MaidenhairSC Tylophora barbata Bearded TylophoraSC Eustrephus latifolius Wombat BerrySC Glycine clandestina Twining GlycineSC Clematis glycinoides var. glycinoides Forest Clematis

Recruitment:Continuous

Organic Litter:20 % cover

Logs:15 m/0.1 ha.

Weediness:LF Code Typical Weed Species Common Name Invasive ImpactLH Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle high highMH Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear high lowMH Cerastium glomeratum s.l. Common Mouse-ear Chickweed high low



East Gippsland Lowlands bioregionEVC 16: Lowland Forest

Description:Eucalypt forest to 25 m tall on relatively fertile, moderately well-drained soils in areas of relatively high rainfall. Characterised bythe diversity of life forms and species in the understorey including a range of shrubs, grasses and herbs.


Tree Canopy Cover:%cover Character Species Common Name30% Eucalyptus sieberi Silvertop Ash

Eucalyptus globoidea White Stringybark Eucalyptus consideniana Yertchuk

Understorey:Life form #Spp %Cover LF codeImmature Canopy Tree 5% ITUnderstorey Tree or Large Shrub 2 10% TMedium Shrub 10 30% MSSmall Shrub 6 15% SSProstrate Shrub 2 5% PSLarge Herb 1 1% LHMedium Herb 6 10% MHLarge Tufted Graminoid 2 10% LTGLarge Non-tufted Graminoid 1 5% LNGMedium to Small Tufted Graminoid 6 10% MTGMedium to Tiny Non-tufted Graminoid 2 5% MNGGround Fern 3 10% GFScrambler or Climber 3 5% SCBryophytes/Lichens na 10% BL







www.dse.vic.gov.au

EVC 16: Lowland Forest - East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion

LF Code Species typical of at least part of EVC range Common NameT Acacia melanoxylon BlackwoodT Exocarpos cupressiformis Cherry BallartMS Epacris impressa Common HeathMS Persoonia linearis Narrow-leaf GeebungMS Acacia myrtifolia Myrtle WattleMS Acacia terminalis Sunshine WattleSS Tetratheca pilosa Hairy Pink-bellsSS Hibbertia empetrifolia s.l. Tangled Guinea-flowerSS Dampiera stricta Blue DampieraSS Amperea xiphoclada var. xiphoclada Broom SpurgeMH Gonocarpus teucrioides s.l. Germander RaspwortMH Viola hederacea sensu Willis (1972) Ivy-leaf VioletMH Scaevola ramosissima Hairy Fan-flowerMH Opercularia aspera Coarse StinkweedLTG Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rushLTG Xanthorrhoea minor ssp. lutea Small Grass-treeLTG Gahnia sieberiana Red-fruit Saw-sedgeLNG Tetrarrhena juncea Forest Wire-grassMTG Joycea pallida Silvertop Wallaby-grassMTG Dianella caerulea var. caerulea Paroo LilyMTG Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedgeMTG Patersonia glabrata Leafy Purple-flagMTG Hierochloe rariflora Cane Holy-grassGF Pteridium esculentum Austral BrackenGF Lindsaea linearis Screw FernSC Cassytha phaeolasia Rusty Dodder-laurelSC Cassytha glabella Slender Dodder-laurelSC Billardiera scandens Common Apple-berry



Logs:20 m/0.1 ha.

Weediness:There are no consistent weeds in this EVC.



East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion

EVC 53: Swamp Scrub

Description: Closed scrub to 8 m tall at low elevations on alluvial deposits along streams or on poorly drained sites with higher nutrient availability. The EVC is dominated by Swamp Paperbark Melaleuca ericifolia (or sometimes Woolly Tea-tree Leptospermum lanigerum) which often forms a dense thicket, out-competing other species. Occasional emergent eucalypts may be present. Where light penetrates to ground level, a moss/lichen/liverwort or herbaceous ground cover is often present. Dry variants have a grassy/herbaceous ground layer.

Canopy Cover: %cover Character Species Common Name 50% Leptospermum lanigerum Woolly Tea-tree Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark

Understorey:

Life form #Spp %Cover LF code Medium Shrub 2 10% MS Small Shrub 2 1% SS Large Herb 2 5% LH Medium Herb 3 15% MH Small or Prostrate Herb 2 5% SH Large Tufted Graminoid 2 10% LTG Large Non-tufted Graminoid 3 10% LNG Medium to Small Tufted Graminoid 2 5% MTG Medium to Tiny Non-tufted Graminoid 2 15% MNG Ground Fern 1 5% GF Scrambler or Climber 1 1% SC Bryophytes/Lichens na 20% BL

LF Code Species typical of at least part of EVC range Common Name MS Coprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant-bush MS Leptospermum continentale Prickly Tea-tree LH Lycopus australis Australian Gipsywort LH Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife LH Persicaria praetermissa Spotted Knotweed MH Hydrocotyle pterocarpa Wing Pennywort MH Stellaria angustifolia Swamp Starwort MH Lobelia anceps Angled Lobelia SH Crassula helmsii Swamp Crassula LTG Juncus procerus Tall Rush LTG Poa labillardierei Common Tussock-grass LNG Gahnia radula Thatch Saw-sedge LNG Phragmites australis Common Reed LNG Baumea rubiginosa s.l. Soft Twig-rush MTG Triglochin procerum s.l. Water Ribbons MTG Juncus gregiflorus Green Rush MNG Eleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedge GF Blechnum cartilagineum Gristle Fern SC Calystegia sepium Large Bindweed

Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment November 2007


This publication is copyright. Reproduction and the making available of this material for personal, in-house or non-commercial purposes is authorised, on condition that: • the copyright owner is acknowledged;

• no official connection is claimed; • the material is made available without charge or at cost; and

• the material is not subject to inaccurate, misleading or derogatory treatment. Requests for permission to reproduce or communicate this material in any way not permitted by this licence (or by the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright Act 1968) should be directed to the Nominated Officer, Copyright, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002.


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 53: Swamp Scrub – East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion

Recruitment: Continuous

Organic Litter: 40 % cover

Weediness: LF Code Typical Weed Species Common Name Invasive Impact MH Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear high low LNG Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog high high



East Gippsland Lowlands bioregionEVC 877: Lowland Herb-rich Forest

Description:Primarily occurs in gullies and along lower slopes close to minor drainage lines. Soils are reasonably fertile colluvial loams. Openeucalypt forest to 20 m tall with a range of medium shrubs conspicuous in the mid-stratum. The ground layer is dominated bya dense cover of grasses and a high diversity of tussock-forming graminoids and herbs.


Tree Canopy Cover:%cover Character Species Common Name30% Eucalyptus cypellocarpa Mountain Grey-gum

Eucalyptus globoidea White Stringybark Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box

Understorey:Life form #Spp %Cover LF codeImmature Canopy Tree 5% ITUnderstorey Tree or Large Shrub 3 10% TMedium Shrub 4 20% MSSmall Shrub 1 1% SSProstrate Shrub 1 5% PSLarge Herb 2 5% LHMedium Herb 13 30% MHSmall or Prostrate Herb 4 5% SHLarge Non-tufted Graminoid 1 15% LTGMedium to Small Tufted Graminoid 5 5% MTGMedium to Tiny Non-tufted Graminoid 2 10% MNGBryophytes/Lichens na 10% BL







www.dse.vic.gov.au

EVC 877: Lowland Herb-rich Forest - East Gippsland Lowlands bioregion

LF Code Species typical of at least part of EVC range Common NameT Acacia mearnsii Black WattleMS r Zieria smithii Sandfly ZieriaMS Kunzea ericoides BurganMS Cassinia longifolia Shiny CassiniaMS Cassinia aculeata Common CassiniaMS Melaleuca parvistaminea Rough-barked Honey-myrtleSS Pimelea humilis Common Rice-flowerPS Bossiaea prostrata Creeping BossiaeaLH Stypandra glauca Nodding Blue-lilyLH Senecio tenuiflorus Slender FireweedMH Hypericum gramineum Small St John's WortMH Lagenophora stipitata Common Bottle-daisyMH Pterostylis concinna Trim GreenhoodSH Opercularia varia Variable StinkweedSH Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking PennywortSH Oxalis exilis Shady Wood-sorrelSH Dichondra repens Kidney-weedLNG Gahnia radula Thatch Saw-sedgeMTG Luzula meridionalis Common WoodrushMTG Lomandra filiformis ssp. coriacea Wattle Mat-rushMTG Poa sieberiana Grey Tussock-grassMTG Dianella caerulea var. caerulea Paroo LilyMNG Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping GrassMNG Entolasia marginata Bordered PanicSC Comesperma volubile Love Creeper



Logs:20 m/0.1 ha.

Weediness:LF Code Typical Weed Species Common Name Invasive ImpactMS Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry high highLH Conyza bonariensis Flaxleaf Fleabane high lowLH Centaurium tenuiflorum Slender Centaury high lowMH Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear high lowMH Prunella vulgaris Self-heal high lowMH Cerastium glomeratum s.l. Common Mouse-ear Chickweed high lowSH Trifolium repens var. repens White Clover high low



APPENDIX 5 Fauna Results

A5.1 Fauna species recorded from study area

Table A5.1. Vertebrate fauna recorded from the study area during the present assessment

Key: * introduced species

Scientific name Common name

Birds Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Eolophus roseicapilla Galah Alisterus scapularis Australian King-Parrot Platycercus elegans elegans Crimson Rosella Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra Chrysococcyx lucidus Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail Microeca fascinans Jacky Winter Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Acanthiza lineata Striated Thornbill Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater Manorina melanophrys Bell Miner Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird Oriolus sagittatus Olive-backed Oriole Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie Corvus coronoides Australian Raven Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote Acridotheres tristis Common Myna*



Scientific name Common name

Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling* Mammals Vombatus ursinus Common Wombat Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo Oryctolagus cuniculus European Rabbit* Vulpes vulpes Red Fox* Reptiles Amphibolurus muricatus Tree Dragon Lampropholis guichenoti Garden Skink Tiliqua scincoides Common Blue-tongued Lizard Eulamprus heatwolei Yellow-bellied Water Skink Frogs Crinia signifera Common Froglet



A5.2 Significant fauna species

Table A5.2. Terrestrial fauna of national or state significance recorded, or predicted to occur, within the local area

Source: DSE Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, DEWHA database, BA database (1998-2008) • AVW data search encompassed a 5 km radius (fish removed) • DEWHA and BA data search encompassed a 5 km radius Status of species: CR critically endangered EN endangered VU vulnerable CD conservation dependent NT near threatened DD data deficient (insufficient known) R rare or insufficient known L listed under Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act

Sources used to derive species status: EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) DSE Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria (DSE 2007b) FFG Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.) Action Plans: Maxwell et al. (1996) for marsupials and monotremes, Duncan et al. (1999) for bats, Lee (1995) for rodents, Garnett and Crowley (2000) for birds, Cogger et al. (1993) for reptiles, Tyler (1997) for amphibians, and Wager and Jackson (1993) for freshwater fishes. # denotes species predicted to occur or with habitat predicted to occur in the local area (DEWHA database)

Likelihood scale:

Terminology Likelihood of occurrence Recorded Has been recorded Likely Greater than 50% probability Unlikely Less than 50% probability Negligible Very little or no likelihood of occurrence

Scientific name Common name Last record

EPBC Act

DSE 2007

FFG Act

Action Plan

Occurrence in study

area National significance: Thinornis rubricollis Hooded Plover 2005 VU L Negligible Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe # VU CR L VU Negligible Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern 1987 EN L VU Negligible Neophema chrysogaster Orange-bellied Parrot # CR CR L CR Negligible Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot 1986/# EN EN L EN Unlikely Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater 1967/# EN CR L EN Negligible Dasyurus maculatus Spot-tailed Quoll 1999/# EN EN L VU Unlikely Isoodon obesulus obesulus

Southern Brown Bandicoot

1979/# EN NT NT Likely

Potorous tridactylus Long-nosed Potoroo 1996/# VU EN L VU Likely Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox 1989/# VU VU L VU Unlikely




EPBC Act

DSE 2007

FFG Act

Action Plan

Occurrence in study

area Pseudomys fumeus Smoky Mouse # EN CR L R Negligible Heleioporus australiacus Giant Burrowing Frog # VU VU L DD Negligible Litoria aurea Green and Golden Bell

Frog # VU VU EN Negligible

Litoria raniformis Growling Grass Frog # VU EN L VU Negligible Litoria littlejohni Large Brown Tree Frog # VU DD L Negligible State significance: Lewinia pectoralis Lewin's Rail 1997 VU L NT Negligible Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern 2007 NT L Negligible Sternula albifrons Little Tern 2005/# VU L Negligible Sternula nereis Fairy Tern 2003 EN L Negligible Platalea regia Royal Spoonbill 2007 VU Unlikely Egretta garzetta Little Egret 2007 EN L Unlikely Ardea intermedia Intermediate Egret 2004 CR L Negligible Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret 2007/# VU L Unlikely Anseranas semipalmata Magpie Goose 1986 NT L Unlikely Anas rhynchotis Australasian Shoveler 2005 VU Unlikely Aythya australis Hardhead 2005 VU Unlikely Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck 2005 EN L Unlikely Biziura lobata Musk Duck 2005 VU Unlikely Accipiter novaehollandiae

Grey Goshawk 1988 VU L Unlikely

Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle 2007/# VU L Likely Ninox strenua Powerful Owl 2000 VU L Likely Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl 2001 EN L NT Likely Tyto tenebricosa Sooty Owl 2000 VU L Unlikely Phascogale tapoatafa Brush-tailed Phascogale 1970 VU L NT Unlikely Petaurus australis Yellow-bellied Glider 1992 NT Unlikely Rhinolophus megaphyllus

Eastern Horseshoe Bat 1990 VU L Likely

Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat

1993 L Likely

Varanus varius Lace Goanna 1975 VU Unlikely Regional significance: Phalacrocorax fuscescens Black-faced Cormorant 2004 NT

Negligible

Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant 2007 NT Negligible Larus pacificus pacificus Pacific Gull 2007 NT Negligible Haematopus fuliginosus Sooty Oystercatcher 2001 NT Negligible Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew 1987 NT

Negligible

Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe # NT Negligible Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron 2007 NT Unlikely




EPBC Act

DSE 2007

FFG Act

Action Plan

Occurrence in study

area Cereopsis novaehollandiae Cape Barren Goose 1977 NT

Unlikely

Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier 1987 NT Unlikely Alcedo azurea Azure Kingfisher 2006 NT Unlikely Cinclosoma punctatum Spotted Quail-thrush 2003 NT Likely



A5.3. Migratory species

Table A5.3. Migratory fauna species recorded, or predicted to occur, within 5kilometres of the study area

Source: DSE Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, DEWHA database, BA database (1998–2008 Note: Species in bold were recorded in the study area during the present assessment. # denotes species predicted to occur or with habitat predicted to occur in the local area (DEWHA database)

Scientific name Common name Last record Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern 2007 Sternula albifrons Little Tern 2005/# Charadrius bicinctus Double-banded Plover 1987 Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew 1987 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit 2004 Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank 2004/# Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint 2002/# Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 1999/# Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe # Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe # Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret 2007/# Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle 2007/# Neophema chrysogaster Orange-bellied Parrot # Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater 1987/# Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail 2007/# Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift 1997/# Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail 2004/# Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher 1988/# Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch 2001/# Acrocephalus stentoreus Clamorous Reed Warbler 1988 Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater 1967/# Sterna hirundo Common Tern 2004 Ardea ibis Cattle Egret 2006/#


B I O S I S R E S E A R C H Figures 65

FIGURES

Figure 1: Location of the study areaBiosis Research Pty. Ltd.38 Bertie Street(PO Box 489)Port MelbourneVICTORIA 3207


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EchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchuca

KerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerang

SheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonShepparton

AlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlbury

WarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonTraralgonMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoeMoe

MorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellMorwellWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolWarrnamboolPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortlandPortland

WodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodongaWodonga

GeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelongGeelong

AraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratAraratArarat

EchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchucaEchuca

KerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerangKerang

SheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonSheppartonShepparton

AlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlburyAlbury

WarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragulWarragul

MilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMilduraMildura

Swan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan HillSwan Hill

HorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamHorshamSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt ArnaudSt Arnaud

HamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamiltonHamilton

BallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallaratBallarat

StawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawellStawell

BendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigoBendigo

SeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymourSeymour

WangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangarattaWangaratta

MelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourneMelbourne Lakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes Entrance

Cann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann RiverCann River

MansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfieldMansfield

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Ostlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers RdOstlers Rd

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Lakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes Entrance

CunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghame

Lakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes Entrance

CunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghameCunninghame

Study area

MGAZone 55

Drawn by: PJY

Acknowledgement: VicRoads© State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment, 2007© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), 2006

Offices also in: Sydney, Ballarat,Wollongong, Canberra & Wangaratta

Figure 2: Areas of proposed vegetation loss and retention, Ostlers Road, Lakes EntranceBiosis Research Pty. Ltd.38 Bertie Street(PO Box 489)Port MelbourneVICTORIA 3207


File number: 8343Scale: 30 60 90 120 1500

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Drawn by: PJY

Offices also in:Sydney, Ballarat,Wollongong, Canberra,& Wangaratta

Ecological Vegetation Classes

Limestone Box Forest to be retained

Limestone Box Forest to be removed

Lowland Herb-rich Forest to be retained

Lowland Herb-rich Forest to be removed

Lowland Forest to be retained

Lowland Forest to be removed

Swamp Scrub to be removed

Legend

Retarding basin

Open space

Residential

Study area

Biosis Pty Ltd Ballarat Resource Group

506 Macarthur Street Phone: 03 5331 7000 ACN 006 175 097 Ballarat VIC 3350 Fax: 03 5331 7033 ABN 65 006 175 097 Email: [email protected] biosis.com.au

Appendix 3– Assessment of VROT fauna use of property 16

480 sites were included within the 5km search area around Property 16

FFG EPBC VROTS Common Name Freq NumSite Comments

f Yellow‐bellied Sheathtail Bat 0.20% 1I record 1993. Well outside normal distribution. Hollow dependent

f V c Leathery Turtle 0.20% 1 No suitable habitat

f E c Regent Honeyeater 0.20% 1 One record from 1968 close to the site.

f E c Southern Right Whale 1.20% 6 No suitable habitat

f e Australasian Bittern 0.60% 3 No suitable habitat

f e Blue‐billed Duck 1% 5 No suitable habitat

f e Fairy Tern 0.80% 4 No suitable habitat

f e Freckled Duck 0.40% 2 No suitable habitat

f e Ground Parrot 0.20% 1 No suitable habitat

f e King Quail 0.20% 1 Closest record lake Tyres, 1988

f e Little Egret 8.20% 40 No suitable habitat

f V e Long‐nosed Potoroo 4.30% 21 Closest record on the prices Highway; 1992 and 1975.

f e Masked Owl 1.40% 7 Most recent record 1972; Hollow dependent.

f E e Spot‐tailed Quoll 0.40% 2 Closest record approx 5km, 1999

f E e Swift Parrot 0.60% 3 Closest record approx 5km, 1986

f V e Wandering Albatross 0.20% 1 No suitable habitat

v Australasian Shoveler 9.50% 46 No suitable habitat

v Black Falcon 0.20% 1 Closest record approx 5km away in 1977.

V v Fairy Prion 0.20% 1 No suitable habitat

v Hardhead 7.40% 36 No suitable habitat


FFG EPBC VROTS Common Name Freq NumSite Comments

v Lace Goanna 0.40% 2 Closest record approx 6km away in 1975.

v Lesser Sand Plover 0.20% 1 No suitable habitat

v Musk Duck 17.70% 86 No suitable habitat

v Royal Spoonbill 14% 68 No suitable habitat

f v Brush‐tailed Phascogale 0.20% 1Single record from 1970 on highway; well outside main range

f v Eastern Great Egret 22.90% 111 No suitable habitat

f v Eastern Horseshoe Bat 13% 63 Coastal records approx 5km from site; 1990

f v Grey Goshawk 0.60% 3 Coastal records approx 5km from site; 1988

f V v Grey‐headed Albatross 0.20% 1 No suitable habitat

f V v Grey‐headed Flying‐fox 0.40% 2 Records from lakes entrance; 1989

f v Hooded Plover 3.30% 16 No suitable habitat

f v Lewin's Rail 2.40% 12 No suitable habitat

f v Little Tern 2.40% 12 No suitable habitat

f v Powerful Owl 2% 10 Closest records approx 5km; 1999. Hollow dependent

f V v Shy Albatross 0.40% 2 No suitable habitat

f v Sooty Owl 0.20% 1 Closest records approx 5km; 2000. Hollow dependent

f E v Southern Giant‐Petrel 0.20% 1 No suitable habitat

f v White‐bellied Sea‐Eagle 28.10% 136 No suitable habitat


Appendix 4: NVPP Amendments

Table 1 Habitat Zones to be protected - Amendments

Amendments are shown as bold.

Property

Number

Title Number Habitat zone EVC No.

and initials

Size in

hectares

Habitat

score

Large trees

in zone

Conservation

significance

Notes

16 2\PS441043 HZ 22i 16 LF 10.211 61 99 Medium

16 2\PS441043 HZ 22ii 16 LF 2.007 61 19 Medium

Table 3: Habitat Zones which can be removed - Amendments


Property

Number

Title Number Habitat zone EVC No.

and initials

Size in

hectares

Habitat

score

Large trees

in zone

Conservation

significance

Notes

16 2\PS441043 HZ 23i 15 LBF 0.070 29 Medium

16 2\PS441043 HZ 23ii 15 LBF 0.532 29 1 Medium

16 2\PS441043 HZ 25Aii

(part) and

25Aiii

15 LBF 0.943 47 4 High

16 2\PS441043 HZ25B 15 LBF 0.177 49 2 High

16 2\PS441043 HZ 22i 16 LF 1.53 61 Medium Part only of HZ 221; understorey only

loss: defendable space.

16 2\PS441043 HZ22ii 16 LF 3.17 61 Medium

16 2\PS441043 HZ 21iii 151 PGF 0.323 52 Very High Part only of HZ 21iii


Table 5: Offset requirements for Habitat Zones for native vegetation which can be removed- Amendments


Property Title Habitat

zone

EVC No.

and

initials

Size in

hectares

Habitat

score

Large

Old

Trees

Conservation

significance

Loss in

habitat

hectares

Net gain

Multiplier

Loss

of

LOTs

Habitat

hectares gain

target

16 2\PS441043 HZ 23i 15 LBF 0.070 29 Medium 0.020 1 0.021

16 2\PS441043 HZ 23ii 15 LBF 0.532 29 1 Medium 0.154 1 2 0.154

16 2\PS441043 HZ 25 Aii

(part)

and

25Aiii

15 LBF 0.943 47 4 High 0.443 1.5 4 0.665

16 2\PS441043 HZ25B 15 LBF 0.177 49 High 0.087 1.5 0.132

16 2\PS441043 HZ 22i 16 LF 1.53 33 Medium 0.505 1 0.505

16 2\PS441043 HZ22ii 16 LF 3.17 61 Medium 1.934 1 1.935

16 2\PS441043 HZ 21iii 151 PGF 0.323 60 Very High 0.194 2 0.389

Table 7: Property offset summary for Habitat Zones and Scattered Trees which can be removed- Amendments


Property no. Title no. Loss of veg from patches –

habitat hectares

Habitat hectare gain target

16 2\PS441043 6.74 3.82

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