FINAL REPORT: Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net · PDF fileFINAL REPORT: Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis ... Skink, New Holland Mouse, Southern Toadlet) significance

HEAD OFFICE: 420 Victoria Street, Brunswick VIC 3056 MELBOURNE: PO Box 298, Brunswick VIC 3056 GEELONG: PO Box 8048, Newtown VIC 3220

FINAL REPORT:

Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis of the proposed Yaringa Boat Harbour Redevelopment, Lumeah Road, Somerville, Victoria ON BEHALF OF:

Aurecon May 2009

Ecology Partners Pty Ltd

Flora and Fauna Assessment, and Net Gain Analysis, Yaringa Boat Harbour, Somerville, Victoria 1

Table of Contents Summary...................................................................................................................... 5

1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 8

1.1 Background........................................................................................................ 8 1.2 Scope of Assessment ........................................................................................ 8 1.2.1 Flora and Fauna assessment....................................................................................................8 1.2.2 Net Gain analysis......................................................................................................................9 1.3 Study Area ......................................................................................................... 9

2 Methods .......................................................................................................... 10

2.1 Nomenclature................................................................................................... 10 2.2 Literature Review ............................................................................................. 10 2.3 Database Searches ......................................................................................... 10 2.4 Vegetation Assessment ................................................................................... 10 2.5 Net Gain Analysis ............................................................................................ 11 2.6 Fauna Assessment .......................................................................................... 13 2.7 Assessment Qualifications and Limitations ..................................................... 14

3 Results ............................................................................................................ 15

3.1 Flora Species ................................................................................................... 15 3.2 Ecological Vegetation Classes ........................................................................ 15 3.3 Vegetation Condition........................................................................................ 16 3.4 Significant Flora Species and Communities .................................................... 18 3.4.1 National ..................................................................................................................................18 3.4.2 State .......................................................................................................................................18 3.4.3 Regional and local ..................................................................................................................19 3.4.4 Significant communities ..........................................................................................................19 3.5 Fauna Species ................................................................................................. 19 3.6 Fauna Habitats................................................................................................. 20 3.7 Significant Fauna ............................................................................................. 20 3.7.1 National ..................................................................................................................................20 3.7.2 State .......................................................................................................................................21 3.7.3 Regional and local ..................................................................................................................22

4 Ecological Significance of Study Area ........................................................ 24

4.1 Adjacent Areas of Ecological Significance ...................................................... 24

5 Environmental Legislation and Policy......................................................... 25

5.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ................... 25


5.1.1 Matters of National Environmental Significance ......................................................................26 5.2 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) (Victoria)............................. 27 5.3 Planning and Environment Act 1987 ............................................................... 29 5.4 Wildlife Act 1975 and Wildlife Regulations 2002 ............................................. 30 5.5 Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994....................................................... 30 5.6 Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy ........................................................................ 31 5.7 Mornington Peninsula Shire Council ............................................................... 31 5.8 Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan 2006............................. 32 5.9 Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action............. 33 5.9.1 Net Gain .................................................................................................................................33 5.9.2 Applying Net Gain – The Three Step Approach ......................................................................33 5.9.3 Measurement of Net Gain outcomes.......................................................................................34

6 Net Gain Analysis .......................................................................................... 35

6.1 Scattered Tree Assessment ............................................................................ 38 6.2 Summary of Habitat Hectare and Tree Assessment ....................................... 38 6.3 Avoidance – Step 1 of the Net Gain policy ...................................................... 38 6.4 Minimisation – Step 2 of the Net Gain policy................................................... 39 6.5 Calculation of Net Gain Targets (Offsets) - Step 3 of the Net Gain policy ...... 40 6.6 Summary of Net Gain Targets ......................................................................... 41 6.7 Potential Management Strategies to Achieve Net Gain .................................. 42

7 Potential Impacts ........................................................................................... 45

8 Mitigation or Amelioration Measures .......................................................... 46

9 Conclusion...................................................................................................... 47

Figures ....................................................................................................................... 49

Appendices................................................................................................................ 55

References................................................................................................................. 82

Figures Figure 1. Location of the study area...................................................................................... 50 Figure 2a. Ecological values within the study area ............................................................... 51 Figure 2a. Ecological values within the study area ............................................................... 52 Figure 2b : Ecological values within the study area ............................................................... 53 Figure 2c : Ecological values within the study area................................................................ 54 Tables

Table 1. Threatening processes under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 potentially applicable to the proposed development. ....................................................................... 28


Table 2. Habitat score of vegetation within the study area at Lot 2-4 Lumeah Road, Somerville. ...................................................................................................................... 36

Table 3. Habitat score of vegetation within the study area at Lot 2-4 Lumeah Road, Somerville. ...................................................................................................................... 37

Table 4. Quantification of Scattered Trees with highly depleted understorey ....................... 38 Table 5. Net Gain habitat hectare targets ............................................................................. 40 Table 6. Net Gain scattered tree targets ............................................................................... 41 Table A1.1. Rare or Threatened categories for listed Victorian taxa..................................... 56 Table A1.2. Defining Ecological Significance. ....................................................................... 57 Table A1.3. Defining Site Significance. ................................................................................. 59 Table A1.4. Defining Vegetation Condition. .......................................................................... 60 Table A1.5. Defining Habitat Quality. .................................................................................... 61 Table A2.1. Flora recorded from the study area during the present survey (15 and 16

December 2009)............................................................................................................. 62 Table A2.2. Significant flora within 10 kilometres of the study area. ..................................... 65 Table A3.1. Fauna recorded during the present survey (15 and 16 December 2008), and

previously recorded within 10 kilometres of the study area. ........................................... 67 Table A3.2. Significant fauna within 10 kilometres of the study area. ................................... 78


Acknowledgments We thank the following people for their contribution to the project.

• Stefan Borzecki (Yaringa Boat Harbour) for project and site information.

• Lyndal McDonald and Ron Mason (Aurecon Pty. Ltd.) for project and site information.

• The Department of Sustainability and Environment for the use of data on the Flora Information System and Atlas of Victorian Wildlife.

Cover Photos: Vegetation within the study area (Ecology Partners Pty. Ltd.)

The following Ecology Partners Pty. Ltd. staff completed the site surveys and report:

Ian Wheatland, Heather Gibbs, Andrew Hill, Aaron Organ and Zed Senbergs

Copyright © Ecology Partners Pty. Ltd.

This document is subject to copyright and may only be used for the purposes for which it was commissioned. The use, or copying of this document in whole or part without the permission of Ecology Partners Pty. Ltd. is an infringement of copyright.

Disclaimer

Although Ecology Partners Pty. Ltd. have taken all the necessary steps to ensure that an accurate document has been prepared, the company accepts no liability for any damages or loss incurred as a result of reliance placed upon either the report, or its content.


SUMMARY

Ecology Partners Pty. Ltd. was commissioned by Aurecon Pty. Ltd. to undertake a flora and fauna assessment, and Net Gain analysis for the proposed redevelopment of the Yaringa Boat Harbour, located at Lot 2-4 Lumeah Road, Somerville, Victoria.

Detailed information relating to the survey methods which were undertaken as part of the assessment is provided in Section 2.

One hundred and five plant taxa (79 indigenous, two native non-indigenous and 24 exotic species) were recorded within the study area during the assessment. Planted trees and shrubs were not recorded unless they were seen to be actively spreading and invading intact native vegetation on the site.

Three EVCs were observed to occur within the study area; Heathy Woodland (EVC 48), Swamp Scrub (EVC 53) and Sedgy Swamp Woodland (EVC 707). Areas of indigenous vegetation within the study area are considered to be in a moderate condition, although some sections of the site are in good condition having substantial native species diversity with a moderate level of weed invasion.

No national or state significant flora species or ecological communities were recorded during the current assessment. However, two vegetation communities, Swamp Scrub and Sedgy Swamp Woodland which are currently listed as endangered by the DSE were recorded within the study area.

Thirty four bird species were recorded within the study area. In addition, five mammals were also identified as utilising habitat within the study area. One regionally significant species, Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii, was observed within the study area during the present assessment. All native species that are likely to occur in the study area are common throughout the Mornington Peninsula region. Several additional species adapted to modified habitats are likely to use the site either as residents or visitors on a regular, infrequent or vagrant basis.

The study area currently supports four main habitat types; remnant woodland, swamp scrub, artificial water bodies, and areas of exotic vegetation. The majority of the vegetation of the study area is considered to be modified remnant native vegetation. With the vegetation around the boat storage areas and associated buildings being cleared and highly modified, consisting of mainly exotic vegetation in the understorey.

The overall quality of the habitat is considered to be moderate to high due to the high level of species diversity, low abundance of weed species, and good connectivity with other patches of indigenous vegetation within the surrounding landscape.


Several fauna species of regional, state and national conservation significance were identified as potentially occurring based on the condition and variety of habitats present within the study area.

Ecological Significance of Study Area

The study area is of regional conservation significance as vegetation and habitat present contains endangered vegetation community types within the Gippsland Plain bioregion, and the study area is contiguous with other significant remnants.

Legislative and Policy Implications

An EPBC Act referral to the Commonwealth minister for the environment may be required if there is likely to be an impact upon matters of national significance. An FFG Act permit is unlikely to be required as the proposed development only affects privately held land. However the DSE may taken into account any impacts upon FFG Act threatened species when approving any proposed development.

A Planning Permit from the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council will be required to clear/remove any native vegetation from within the study area. In this instance, DSE is likely to be a referral authority as it is proposed more than 0.5 hectares of vegetation in an EVC with Bioregional Conservation Status of Endangered is to be removed.

When assessing the planning permit application, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is required to consider (amongst other planning issues) the goal of Net Gain.

Net Gain Analysis

In summary, the remnant vegetation proposed to be removed from within the study area consists of approximately 3.40 habitat hectares, including:

• 0.52 habitat hectares of Very High conservation significance Swamp Scrub;

• 0.17 habitat hectares of High conservation significance Swamp Scrub;

• 0.32 habitat hectares of Very High conservation significance Sedgy Swamp Woodland;

• 1.38 habitat hectares of Medium conservation significance Heathy Woodland; and,

• 1.01 habitat Hectares of Low conservation significance Heathy Woodland.

There are also 18 Large Old Trees (LOT) located within patches, and 11 scattered Large Old Trees and 13 Medium Old Trees proposed to be cleared.

Net Gain Targets

Based on the most recent development plans, to offset the loss of native vegetation (i.e. native vegetation patches and Large Old Trees) there is currently a requirement to generate


approximately 4.33 habitat hectares of Low - Very High conservation significance vegetation within the Gippsland Plain bioregion; and undertake either Strategy 1: Protect 68 Old Trees (55 Large Old Trees and 13 Medium Old Trees) and recruit 560 new plants OR Strategy 2: Protect 44 Large Old Trees and recruit 1095 new trees.

Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Detailed information relating to potential impacts and mitigation measures on ecological values within the study area are provided in Section 7 and 8.

Further Requirements

Given that vegetation is proposed to be removed within the study area, a Net Gain Offset Management Plan/Strategy is required to satisfy the principles of ‘The Framework’.

Targeted flora surveys should be undertaken in spring and/or early summer to determine the occurrence of national and state significant flora species which may potentially occur within the study area.

Targeted surveys for fauna species of national (Southern Brown Bandicoot) and state (Swamp Skink, New Holland Mouse, Southern Toadlet) significance should be undertaken given that potentially suitable habitat for these species is likely to be impacted as a result of the proposed development. The results of which can be included in any EPBC Act referral and to satisfy DSE requirements.

Finally, there are opportunities to enhance ecological values within the study area, and therefore within the greater Somerville area, principally through woody weed control and revegetation using a variety of locally indigenous species from Heathy Woodland, Sedgy Swamp Woodland or Swamp Scrub EVCs, which will subsequently increase habitat for native fauna.


1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Ecology Partners Pty. Ltd. was commissioned by Aurecon to undertake a flora and fauna assessment, and Net Gain analysis for the proposed redevelopment of the Yaringa boat harbour, Lot 2-4 Lumeah Road, Somerville, Victoria.

The current assessment was undertaken to identify any flora and fauna species, and ecological communities of conservation significance and to provide advice in relation to any potential impacts and mitigation measures associated with the proposed development of the site. Implications of Commonwealth and State Government environmental legislation and policy associated with the proposed development have also been provided.

1.2 Scope of Assessment

1.2.1 Flora and Fauna assessment

Specifically, the objectives of the flora and fauna assessment were to:

• Review the relevant flora and fauna databases [e.g. Atlas of Victoria Wildlife and Flora Information System] and available literature;

• Conduct a site survey by a qualified botanist and zoologist, to identify flora and fauna habitat values within the study area;

• A Net Gain assessment of areas of remnant native vegetation to document the extent and quality of native vegetation in the study area;

• Identify any significant communities or populations of indigenous flora and fauna species;

• Determine any potential impacts on ecological values at a national, state, regional and local level;

• Provide information in relation to any implications of Commonwealth and State environmental legislation and Government policy associated with the proposed development; and,

• If required, liaise with any key stakeholders [e.g. The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), local government, local community groups] when required.


1.2.2 Net Gain analysis

The following tasks were carried out to address the implications under Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action (‘the Framework’):

• Conduct a ‘habitat hectare’ assessment of remnant native vegetation (i.e. habitat hectare ‘patches’ and scattered remnant trees);

• Complete a DSE field assessment sheets;

• Assess any opportunities to avoid and minimise impacts to vegetation; and,

• Provide calculations for any Net Gain targets.

1.3 Study Area

The study area is located at 2-4 Lumeah Road, Somerville, directly adjacent to the shores of Westernport Bay, approximately 55 kilometres south east of the Melbourne CBD on the Mornington Peninsula (Melways Greater Melbourne Map Ref:149 K7).

The study area is approximately 17 hectares in area and is currently zoned special use zone – schedule 1 (SUZ1) under the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Planning Scheme. Directly adjoining the study area to the east is a large allotment of remnant indigenous vegetation, Coastal Saltmarsh (EVC 9), which is zoned Public Conservation and Resource Zone (PCRZ). There are no current overlays within the study area.

According to the DSE Biodiversity Interactive Map (www.dse.vic.gov.au) the study area occurs within the Gippsland Plain bioregion. The Gippsland Plain bioregion extends from Port Phillip Bay in the west to Bairnsdale in the east, between the southern slopes of the Great Dividing Range and Wilsons Promontory, excluding the Strzelecki Ranges.

The study area also lies within the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council municipality and the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment. Approximately 70% of the original vegetation within this catchment has been cleared (PPWCMA 2006).


2 METHODS

2.1 Nomenclature

Common and scientific names of vascular plants follow the Flora Information System (FIS 2007) and the Census of Vascular Plants of Victoria (Walsh and Stajsic 2007). Vegetation community names or EVCs within the study area were determined by reference to DSE pre-1750 and extant EVC mapping and their published descriptions (www.dse.vic.gov.au) and Oates and Taranto (2001).

Terrestrial and aquatic vertebrate fauna (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish) follow the AVW (2007), data which is managed by DSE.

2.2 Literature Review

The primary information source utilised was the DSE website, where information relating to management boundaries, planning schemes, biodiversity, EVC mapping and benchmarks was sourced (www.dse.vic.gov.au). Other references such as published EVC benchmarks, DSE guidelines and standards were also reviewed (DSE 2007, 2006; NRE 2002). A site specific concept plan of the works was provided by the client.

2.3 Database Searches

Both the FIS (2007) and AVW (2007), biological databases maintained by DSE, were reviewed to obtain a list of species previously recorded within 10 kilometres of the study area. The presence of EVCs within the study area was reviewed using DSE’s Biodiversity Interactive Map (www.dse.vic.gov.au).

Information referring to matters (listed taxa and ecological communities, Ramsar wetlands, etc.) protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) was obtained from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) Protected Matters Search Tool: http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/ index.html.

2.4 Vegetation Assessment

The botanical field investigation was undertaken on 15 and 16 December 2008, and the 2 January 2009, with the aim of documenting the flora species and vegetation types within the study area. The study area was visually assessed on foot, with all vascular plants recorded and the overall condition of vegetation noted. Planted trees and shrubs were not recorded unless they were seen to be naturally spreading on site.


Remnant vegetation in the local area was also reviewed to assist in determining the original vegetation within the study area. EVCs were determined by reference to DSE pre-1750 and extant EVC mapping (www.dse.vic.gov.au). The significance assessment criteria of taxa and vegetation communities are presented in Appendix 1.

2.5 Net Gain Analysis

A habitat hectare analysis (i.e. habitat hectare and tree assessment) was conducted during the botanical survey (15 and 16 December 2008 and the 2 January 2009) in areas of remnant native vegetation, to quantify the overall potential loss in accordance with ‘the Framework’ (NRE 2002).

Net Gain is an overall outcome where native vegetation and habitat gains are greater than vegetation and habitat losses. ‘The Framework’ has defined a three-step approach for applying Net Gain to protection and clearance decisions. Emphasis is placed on the first two steps, and only after these two steps have been taken should offsets (actions undertaken to achieve commensurate gains) be considered (NRE 2002). The three-step approach is:

1. To avoid adverse impacts, particularly through vegetation clearance.

2. If impacts cannot be avoided, to minimise impacts through appropriate consideration in planning processes and expert input to project design or management.

3. Identify appropriate offset options.

The Framework introduces a combined quality-quantity measuring system called the ‘habitat hectare’, which can assist with applying Net Gain outcomes for native vegetation (DSE 2004, Parkes et al. 2003). Intact remnant native vegetation within the study area was assessed according to this methodology (DSE 2004). Areas of differing quality and/or EVC type scored against the relevant EVC benchmarks. The habitat hectare methodology is one method of measuring the quality of vegetation within a discrete area. It can aid in quantifying losses and gains for the Net Gain policy.

Habitat Hectare

The Framework uses the habitat hectare measure to assist with quantifying Net Gain outcomes for native vegetation. Methodology on habitat scoring and habitat hectares is described in the Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual (DSE 2004, DSE website). The habitat hectare is a unit of measurement, which combines both quality (relative to a published Benchmark) and quantity (EVC type) for a habitat zone.


Under the recently released DSE guidelines, three categories of vegetation have been defined (DSE 2006a – pg. 10). The three categories are ‘remnant patches’, ‘scattered trees’ and ‘degraded treeless vegetation’. Habitat hectare assessments are only undertaken in areas of vegetation which are considered ‘remnant patches’, this is where the canopy layer is greater than 20% and/or where understorey weed cover is less than 75% (i.e. at least 25% of the understorey vegetative cover is provided by native species).

This new system replaces the threshold of 10% indigenous vegetation cover that was previously used as a trigger for conducting a habitat hectare assessment (NRE 2002). A patch is also defined as a group of three or more trees where the tree canopy cover is at least 20% (DSE 2006a).

‘Degraded treeless vegetation’ is all other vegetation that does not meet the thresholds for a remnant patch or scattered trees. Where losses are permitted, the definition of conservation significance and offset objectives are guided by the Framework (Appendices 3 and 4, Tables 5 and 6) and the Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan (PPWCMA 2006).

The 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. Each component is listed on the Vegetation Quality Field Assessment Sheet (DSE Website). An assessor then scores the site according to the conditions and landscape context.

It is assumed that extensive intact vegetation would have a theoretical habitat score of 100, but typically the scores vary between 10 and 90. The habitat scores are usually expressed on a scale of zero to 1. The habitat hectare value of a habitat zone is calculated by multiplying the habitat score by the actual area in hectares. For example, 1 hectare of vegetation with a habitat score of 50 contains 0.5 habitat hectares.

Tree Assessment

The Framework recognises that old trees are important environmental assets and these can be found in habitat zones, or as relicts of vegetation that formerly occupied the site (i.e. scattered trees). The Framework includes minimum protection/replacement ratios for trees that are to be removed as part of permitted clearing, based on Diameters at Breast Height (DBH). Ratios apply to large old trees in ‘habitat zones’ and to ‘scattered trees’ (large, medium or small) where the canopy tree cover is less than 20% and weed cover in the understorey is equal to or greater than 75% (as a proportion of the total vegetative cover) (DSE 2006a). Any permitted clearance requires offset ratios to be determined in accordance with the Framework or regional Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan (PPWCMA 2006).


Trees within Habitat Zones

In relation to habitat zones that contain large old trees, the Framework states:

For each large old tree removed as part of permitted clearing a certain number of other large old trees

have to be protected and a certain number recruited (NRE 2002).

Scattered Trees

In relation to scattered old trees in parcels of land the Framework states:

For each medium or large old tree removed as part of permitted clearing an appropriate number of new

trees must be recruited. The number of new trees that must be recruited will be specified in regional

Native Vegetation Plans and may be graded according to conservation significance….However where it

better suits their circumstances, landholders may use the ‘protect other trees and ensure supplementary

recruitment’ approach to meet this criteria (NRE 2002).

The Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan (PPWCMA 2006) currently contains preferred offset ratios for any losses of small, medium, large or very large old trees (>150% of Benchmark tree DBH).

2.6 Fauna Assessment

A fauna assessment was conducted on 16 December 2008 (daytime survey) and 2 January 2009 (night time survey/spotlighting) to obtain information on terrestrial fauna within the study area. The climatic conditions within the study area, and immediate surrounds, at the time of the survey were cool (17ºC), cloudy and moderately windy during the diurnal survey (16/12/08), while the nocturnal survey was undertaken during mild (24ºC), still conditions (02/01/09).

Binoculars were used to scan the area for birds, and observers also listened for calls and searched for other signs such as nests, remains of dead animals, droppings and footprints. Habitat features including ground cover composition and structure, and the presence of hollows and fallen ground debris was also noted. The presence of hollows in isolated trees was noted, and any other features likely to be important for fauna.

In addition, as fauna species are mobile a visual assessment of the adjoining areas outside of the study area was made to determine whether there was suitable habitat (principally for rare or threatened species) in the immediate area, and to determine the likelihood that any of these species would either reside within the study area for extended periods of time, or whether the study area contributed to a larger home range of a significant species.


A nocturnal spotlighting survey was conducted during cool (17oC) conditions. This survey technique was only undertaken in areas (e.g. remnant forest, woodland) that had the highest potential of detecting nocturnal species such as ground and arboreal mammals (possums, gliders, koala), birds (owls) and amphibians.

Detailed small mammal trapping (Elliott and cage traps), pit fall trapping, tiling and bat surveys (e.g. harp traps and Anabat II) were not undertaken. An inventory of all fauna species recorded during the survey is provided in Appendix 3.1.

2.7 Assessment Qualifications and Limitations

There were several survey limitations, including:

• The region is under drought conditions with a large extent of the ground vegetation dry or dead making plant identification difficult.

• The short survey period meant that uncommon species may not have been observed within the study area.

• The survey was conducted in mid-summer which meant that many annual species may not have been observed within the study area.

• The majority of the northern section of the study area is currently grazed by cattle making identification of grass and forb species difficult.

While the objective of the assessment was to document terrestrial flora species and communities in the study area, and to identify potential impacts of the proposed development, an assessment of the interaction of species over a longer survey period was beyond the scope of this study. The short duration of the survey meant that potential migratory, transitory or uncommon fauna species are likely to have been missed.

Terrestrial flora and fauna data collected during the field survey and information obtained from relevant sources (e.g. biological databases and relevant literature) were reviewed. This information was considered sufficient to provide an assessment of the ecological values within the study area, to determine the likely presence of significant taxa and communities, and any potential impacts of the proposed works.


3 RESULTS

3.1 Flora Species

Present assessment

One hundred and five plant taxa (79 indigenous, two native non-indigenous and 24 exotic species) were recorded in the study area during the assessment. Planted trees and shrubs were not recorded unless they were seen to be actively spreading and invading intact native vegetation on the site.

Database searches and other information

Additional flora species have been recorded from within the local area on the FIS (i.e. from a 10 kilometre radius of the study area), and as potentially occurring, or their habitats as potentially occurring within the study area, from the DEWHA Protected Matters Search Tool.

The significant flora records derived from respective Commonwealth and State databases are listed in Appendix 2.2.

3.2 Ecological Vegetation Classes

According to pre-1750 DSE vegetation mapping, Heathy Woodland (EVC 48) would have been the primary EVC within the study area (www.dse.vic.gov.au) with Swamp Scrub (EVC 53) in areas along the study areas drainage lines, and Coastal Saltmarsh (EVC 9) occurring directly adjacent to the eastern boundary of the site.

The field assessment confirmed modified indigenous vegetation is present within and immediately adjacent to the study area. Within the northern section of the study area (Figure 2a) drainage lines are evident which are dominated by canopy species such as Swamp Paperbark Melaleuca ericifolia and Prickly Tea-tree Leptospermum continentale, which are characteristic of Swamp Scrub. The central and southern sections of the study area (Figure 2b, 2c), and the remainder of the northern section which occur on the dune formations either side of the central drainage line, are dominated by canopy tree species such as Coastal Manna Gum Eucalyptus viminalis subsp. pryoriana, Swamp Gum Eucalyptus ovata, Narrow Leafed Peppermint Eucalyptus radiata and Messmate Stringybark Eucalyptus obliqua and shrub species such as Common Aotus Aotus ericoides and Silver Banksia Banksia marginata, which places these areas of remnant vegetation within the Heathy Woodland. Within areas of transition between the Swamp Scrub and Heathy Woodland EVCs (i.e. an ‘ecotone’) the canopy is dominated by the described eucalypt species, although the understorey is dominated by species of sedge and rush such as Common Bog Sedge Schoenus apogon, Zig-zag Bog Sedge Schoenus brevifolia, Pithy Sword Sedge Lepidosperma longitudinale and Sand Hill Sword Sedge Lepidosperma concavum, as such these areas are best characterised by the Sedgy Swamp Woodland EVC (EVC 707).


While Heathy Woodland occurs frequently, few remnants of Swamp Scrub and Sedgy Swamp Woodland occur within the Gippsland Plain bioregion. As such Swamp Scrub and Sedgy Swamp Woodland are considered endangered within the Gippsland Plain bioregion (www.dse.vic.gov.au).

3.3 Vegetation Condition

The study area contains patches of modified indigenous vegetation and areas of exotic, planted vegetation around the residential dwellings, residential and administration buildings, boat storage sheds and driveways. The majority of the site has a moderate to high level of disturbance by grazing, weed invasion and human activities.

Northern Section

The entire northern section of the study area experiences an intensive disturbance regime from grazing by cattle and large populations of rabbits which inhabit the site. The majority of the section is low lying and would typically be damp or swampy. At present conditions are dry due to the current severe and on-going drought within the region.

The northern section of the study area is characterised by a series low lying dune and swale formations which occur to the west of Westernport Bay, immediately adjacent to large areas of Coastal Saltmarsh (EVC 9). A main drainage line is evident throughout the northern section, which flows from north to south through the centre of the study area (Figure 2a). Since the creation of the artificial dam located near the centre of the study area water pools in the south of the northern section, before draining to the east towards areas of Coastal Saltmarsh. Remnant vegetation which occurs within these drainage lines are dominated by sub-canopy species such as Swamp Paperbark and Prickly Tea-tree with understorey species such as Blue Lilly Grass Caesia calliantha, Pale Lilly Grass Caesia parviflora var. parviflora, Cotula Cotula spp., Yellow Rush Lilly Tricoryne elatior, Common Apple Berry Billardiera mutabilis and Screw Fern Lindsaea linearis. These species are typical of Swamp Scrub EVC, and this remnant is in moderate condition (SS1; Figure 2a).

Areas within the northern section of the study area which occur on the dune formations either side of the drainage line are dominated by canopy tree species such as Coastal Manna Gum, Swamp Gum, Narrow Leafed Peppermint and shrub species such as Common Aotus, Silver Banksia, Large Kangaroo Apple Solanum laciniatum, Common Cassinia Cassinia aculeata, Spike Wattle Acacia oxycedrus Scrub Sheoak Allocasuarina paludosa, Cherry Ballart Exocarpos cupressiformis, Small Grasstree Xanthorrhea minor subsp. lutea, Pale Fruit Ballart Exocarpos Strictus and small shrub and forb species such as Cranberry Heath Astroloma humifusum, Common Heath Epacris impressa, Daisy Brachyscome spp., Common Apple Berry and Bluebell Creeper. These species are typical of Heathy Woodland EVC.

The majority of Heathy Woodland is in moderate condition (HW2, HW3; Figure 2a), although some areas have been adversely affected by grazing where many understorey species were absent or in poor health (HW1, HW4; Figure 2a).


Sedgy Swamp Woodland occurs as a transitional EVC between the Swamp Scrub and Heathy Woodland (i.e. an ‘ecotone’). Species such as Coastal Manna Gum, Swamp Gum, and Narrow Leafed Peppermint occur in these areas. The understorey is dominated by native sedges and rushes such as Common Bog Sedge, Zig-zag Bog Sedge, Pithy Sword Sedge, Tassel Rope Rush Hypolaena fastigiata , Pale Twig Sedge Baumea acuta, Hairy Centrolepis Hairy Centrolepis, Spreading Rope Rush Empodisma minus, Knobby Club Sedge Ficinia nodosa, Thatch Saw Sedge Gahnia radula and Sand Hill Sword Sedge. All Sedgy Swamp Woodland within the northern section currently experience heavy grazing (SSW1; Figure 2a).

Central Section

The central section of the study area contains Heathy Woodland, Swamp Scrub, Sedgy Swamp Woodland, areas of artificial embankment, and an artificial dam. This section, while not grazed by cattle, currently experiences significant grazing pressure from rabbits and disturbance from current site uses.

Western parts of the central section (HW9; Figure 2b) (directly west of the artificial dam) are dominated by canopy tree species such as Coastal Manna Gum, Swamp Gum, Narrow Leafed Peppermint and shrub species such as Common Aotus, Silver Banksia, Large Kangaroo Apple, Common Cassinia, Spike Wattle Cherry Ballart, Small Grasstree, Pale Fruit Ballart, and small shrub and forb species such as Cranberry Heath, Black Anther Flax Lilly Dianella admixta, Pale Flax Lilly Dianella Longifolia, Common Heath, Daisy, Common Apple Berry, Slender Dodder-laurel Cassytha glabella, and Downy Dodder-laurel Cassytha pubescens s.s.. Such species are typical of the Heathy Woodland EVC, and this remnant patch is in good condition.

Remnant trees which are present to the west of the boat dry storage area in the central section, while the understorey supports few indigenous species, qualify as a patch of remnant vegetation under ‘the Framework’ (NRE 2002; DSE 2006) (HW5, HW7; Figure 2b). This area has been classified as Heathy Woodland.

Swamp Scrub which occurs around the artificial dam and along the drainage line to the south of the dam is of the same structure and condition as the Swamp Scrub present in the northern section of the study area.

Southern Section

The southern section of the study area contains remnants of Heathy Woodland. This section, while not grazed by cattle, currently experiences significant grazing pressure from rabbits and disturbance from human activities.


Western parts of the southern section (HW4, HW6; Figure 2c) (directly west of sub-contractors sheds) are dominated by canopy tree species such as Coastal Manna Gum, Swamp Gum, Narrow Leafed Peppermint, Messmate Stringybark Eucalyptus obliqua and shrub species such as Common Aotus, Silver Banksia, Large Kangaroo, Common Cassinia, Spike Wattle Cherry Ballart, Small Grasstree, Pale Fruit Ballart, and small shrub and forb species such as Cranberry Heath, Black Anther Flax Lilly Pale Flax Lilly, Common Heath, Daisy, Common Apple Berry, Slender Dodder-laurel, and Downy Dodder-laurel. This remnant patch of Heathy Woodland is in good to very good condition, although some areas have been moderately affected by rabbit grazing. Remnants of Heathy Woodland remain to the north of the boat dry storage area in the southern section. These patches of remnant vegetation support few indigenous species in the understorey (HW5, HW7; Figure 2c).

3.4 Significant Flora Species and Communities

No national significant flora species or ecological communities were recorded during the current assessment. No state significant species were recorded within the study area. However, two state significant vegetation communities (Swamp Scrub and Sedgy Swamp Woodland) which are listed as endangered by DSE are present within the study area.

There is potential for a small number of significant flora species that have previously been recorded within the local area (i.e. 10 kilometres surrounding the study area) to occur within the study area (Appendix 2.2).

3.4.1 National

Four nationally significant flora species have previously been recorded within the local area (FIS) (Appendix 2.2). An additional seven species or habitats for these species are predicted to occur with the local area (EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool) (Appendix 2.1). Of these species, the nationally vulnerable Swamp Everlasting and Swamp Fireweed may occur within the study area as there is potentially suitable habitat present (i.e. areas of swamp scrub and nearby low-lying habitats). It is recommended that targeted surveys be undertaken for these species during the flowering season of these species (i.e. spring).

3.4.2 State

Sixteen state significant flora species have previously been recorded within the local area (Appendix 2.2). Of these species, the state endangered Marsh Sun Orchid Thelymitra longiloba, the vulnerable Blotched Sun Orchid Thelymitra benthamiana and the rare Coastal Ballart Exocarpos syrticola, Creeping Rush Juncus revolutus and Atriplex paludosa subsp. paludosa may occur within the study area as there is potential habitat present (i.e. areas of Heathy Woodland, Sedgy Swamp Woodland and Swamp Scrub). Targeted surveys for these species and any other significant species should be undertaken during an appropriate time of year.


3.4.3 Regional and local

Twenty-four regionally significant flora species were recorded within the study area during the assessment (Appendix 2.2).

All indigenous species recorded within the study area are considered to be of local significance due to the depletion of native vegetation in the local area.

3.4.4 Significant communities

No vegetation communities listed as threatened under the EPBC Act were recorded within the study area.

However, two state significant vegetation communities; Swamp Scrub and Sedgy Swamp Woodland (listed as endangered by DSE) are present within the study area.

3.5 Fauna Species

Present assessment

Thirty species of indigenous and four species of introduced birds were recorded in the current survey (Appendix 3.1). Three native mammal species (Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus, Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula and Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps) and two introduced mammals (European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, Fox Vuples vulpes) were also observed within the study area (Appendix 3.1). All fauna species recorded within the study area during the present assessment are common throughout the Mornington Peninsula region. Several additional species adapted to modified habitat are likely to use the site either as residents or visitors on a regular, infrequent or vagrant basis.

The study area was searched for scats and diggings and there was no evidence of kangaroos or wombats, suggesting that these are absent from the site. Koalas were not observed during the site assessment, and there was no evidence of Echidna foraging activity, or of diggings by smaller mammals (bandicoots, potoroos etc), although this does not constitute strong evidence for the absence of these species.

Database searches

Significant terrestrial fauna species recorded within 10 kilometres of the study area are provided in Appendix 3.2.


There have been a relatively high number (1595) of surveys undertaken within 10km of the study area (AVW 2007). From these data, 300 individual species have been documented, with a high representation of bird species and a moderate number of species recorded for other fauna groups (AVW 2007). Overall, there is a reasonable amount of fauna data available on the AVW for all fauna groups. There are likely to be additional fauna species which have been recorded by local naturalists and bird watching groups that have not been documented on the AVW.

3.6 Fauna Habitats

The study area supports four main habitat types; remnant woodland, Swamp Scrub, an artificial dam, and areas of exotic vegetation.

The majority of the study area is supports remnant native vegetation; although much of this is modified. The vegetation around the harbour and associated buildings has been cleared, is highly modified, and largely comprises exotic planted vegetation.

Heathy Woodland and Sedgy Swamp Woodland consists of woodland trees with a moderate understorey density and abundance. Swamp Scrub consists of a dense thicket of Swamp Paperbark and Prickly Tea-tree with a sparse understorey. The artificial dam consists of low diversity indigenous and exotic aquatic and riparian vegetation types.

Remnant trees provide food resources, breeding habitat and cover for common native and exotic bird species and mammals such as Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus, Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula, Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps and Micro-bats. Areas with dense understorey are present throughout the middle and southern sections of the study area, and are likely to provide food resources and cover for both native mammals and reptiles, especially those that have an extensive cover of ground debris (fallen leaves, sticks and branches). The overall habitat quality ranges from moderate to high, due to the relative low level of modification and negligible presence of weed species, and also the connectivity with other intact patches in the local area.

A range of common woodland birds, and species adapted to modified habitats are expected to use these habitats for foraging, roosting and nesting purposes. Remnant trees provide vantage points for raptors and suitable foraging habitat for a range of insectivorous and nectar-feeding bird species.

3.7 Significant Fauna

3.7.1 National

Seven nationally significant fauna species have previously been recorded from the local area, but not within the study area (AVW 2007) (Appendix 3.2).


These species include:

• Two terrestrial mammals: Southern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus obesulus and Long-nosed Potaroo Potorous tridactylus;

• One woodland dependent bird: Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor;

• One coastal saltmarsh dependent bird: Orange-bellied Parrot Neophema chrysogaster;

• One frog: Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis;

• One fish: Dwarf Galaxias Galaxiella pusilla; and,

• One wetland dependent bird: Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus.

Nationally significant fauna species that may use habitats within the study area on occasions include Swift Parrot (rare visitor), Orange-bellied Parrot (rare visitor, principally in coastal saltmarsh and woodland habitat), and Southern Brown Bandicoot (albeit low likelihood). Marine species, such as whales and seals, are not included in this assessment.

An additional seven species are identified as occurring, or their associated potential habitat as occurring, within 10 kilometres of the study area (EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool) (Appendix 3.2). Of these seven species, only Grey-headed Flying Fox Pteropus poliocephalus is likely to fly over the study area on rare occasions, and Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis are likely to utilise habitat directly east of the study area, also on rare occasions.

However, based on available information it is highly unlikely that the study area would support an ecologically significant proportion of any nationally significant fauna species, and at best, some of these species may reside within the study area on rare occasions. With the exception of Southern Brown Bandicoot targeted surveys for these species is not recommended.

3.7.2 State

Thirty state significant fauna species have been recorded in the local area (i.e. 10 kilometres surrounding the study area) (AVW 2007) (Appendix 3.2). These species are listed below.

• Eleven wetland dependent birds: Lewin’s Rail Lewinia pectoralis, Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla, Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia, Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta, Australian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis, Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata, Hardhead Aythya australis, Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis, Musk Duck Biziura lobata;

• One diurnal raptor: White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster;

• One nocturnal raptor: Powerful Owl Ninox strenua;


• Eleven seabirds or shorebirds: Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica, Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia, Little Tern Sternula albifrons, Fairy Tern Sternula nereis, Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus, Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus, Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes, Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos, Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus, Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris;

• Three woodland dependent birds: Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata, Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis, Chestnut-rumped Heathwren Calamanthus pyrrhopygius;

• One Mammal: New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae;

• One Frog: Southern Toadlet Pseudophryne semimarmorata; and,

• One reptile: Swamp Skink Egernia coventryi.

There is potential habitat, ranging from sub-optimal to high quality, for New Holland Mouse (sub-optimal), Swamp Skink (moderate) and Southern Toadlet (high) within the study area. In addition, several state significant bird species (Royal Spoonbill, Eastern Great Egret, Lewin’s Rail and Baillon’s Crake) are likely to use both terrestrial and marine habitats, directly adjacent to the study area (i.e. along the coastal strip).

Targeted surveys for New Holland Mouse, Swamp Skink and Southern Toadlet should be undertaken to determine their status within the study area, and to determine any potential impacts on population and associated habitats resulting from the proposed development.

3.7.3 Regional and local

One regionally significant fauna species were recorded during the present assessment, Latham’s Snipe.

Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii

Latham's Snipe is a medium sized migratory wader, and the largest snipe in Australia, with a length of 29-33 cm, a wingspan of 50-54 cm and a mass of 150-230 g. It has a long straight bill, rather short broad pointed wings, a long tail and short legs (Higgins & Davies 1996). Latham's Snipe usually occurs singly or in small, loose groups of less than a dozen birds (Higgins and Davies 1996). Latham's Snipe is a non-breeding visitor to south-eastern Australia. (Higgins and Davies 1996). The species is widespread in Tasmania and is found in all regions of Victoria except for the north-west (Blakers et al. 1984; Emison et al. 1987).

An additional 15 regionally significant fauna have been previously documented from within 10 kilometres of the study area on the AVW (2007), and the likely use of the study area by these species is provided in Appendix 3.2.


A small number of regionally significant species may use habitats immediately to the east of the study area, and subsequently venture into areas within the study area on occasions. All other native fauna recorded within the study area are of local significance, as they are not listed as rare or threatened on a national, state and regional level.


4 ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY AREA

The study area is of at least regional conservation significance as it forms part of a large area of conservation significance. The conservation significance of the study area has been assigned for the following reasons:

• Vegetation within the study area forms part of a larger area of remnant vegetation and provides valuable habitat and habitat corridors for local indigenous fauna species;

• Presence of two vegetation communities, Sedgy Swamp Woodland and Swamp Scrub, which are listed as endangered within the bioregion;

• Potential habitat for state significant flora species, such as Marsh Sun Orchid, the vulnerable Blotched Sun Orchid and the rare Coastal Ballart and Creeping Rush, listed by the DSE;

• Potential habitat for EPBC Act listed flora species, such as Swamp Everlasting and Swamp Fireweed;

• Presence of 24 flora species considered regionally significant within the Gippsland Plain bioregion; and,

• The presence of suitable habitat for several national, state and regional significant fauna species, and therefore the potential occurrence of these species within the study area.

The significance assessment criteria of flora and fauna species and vegetation communities are presented in Appendix 1.

4.1 Adjacent Areas of Ecological Significance

Adjacent and nearby areas of ecological significance include BioSite number 5234 (Yaringa Bushland), which is of state conservation significance. Yaringa Bushland occurs approximately 120 meters to the west of the southern section of the study area.

The Protected Matters Search Tool (http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/ index.html) identified two wetlands of international significance, the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands and Westernport Bay. Given that the study area and the proposed development will directly abut Westernport Bay, the proposed development may have an indirect impact on parts of this Ramsar site. However, the proposed development will not impact Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands.


5 ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION AND POLICY

This section identifies the implications of the findings in regards to environmental policy and legislation relevant to the proposed development, principally:

• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (Commonwealth);

• Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) (Victoria);

• Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Victoria);

• Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CALP Act) (Victoria);

• Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy 1997;

• Mornington Peninsula Shire Council;

• Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan (2006); and,

• Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management Framework (Net Gain Policy).

5.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The EPBC Act establishes a Commonwealth process for assessment of proposed actions that are likely to have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance, or on Commonwealth land. An action (i.e. project, development, undertaking, activity, or series of activities), unless otherwise exempt, requires approval from the Commonwealth Environment Minister if it is likely to have an impact on any matters of national environmental significance. A referral under the EPBC Act is required if a proposed action is likely to have a ‘significant impact’ on any of the following matters of national conservation significance:

• World Heritage properties

• National heritage places

• Ramsar wetlands of international significance

• Threatened species and ecological communities

• Migratory and marine species

• Commonwealth marine area

• Nuclear actions (including uranium mining)


5.1.1 Matters of National Environmental Significance

World Heritage properties and national heritage places

The study area is not located within or near a world heritage property or national heritage property.

Ramsar wetlands of international significance

The DEWHA Protected Matters Search Tool (http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/ index.html) identified two wetlands of international significance, the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands and Westernport Bay. While the proposed development may have a localised impact on parts of Westernport Bay, it will not impact Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands.

Listed flora and fauna species, and ecological communities

An action requires approval from the Commonwealth Environment Minister if it will, or if it is likely to, have a significant impact on an endangered or critically endangered species, or on an ‘important population’ or critical habitat of a listed vulnerable species.

Flora: No species listed under the EPBC Act were recorded during the present assessment. Seven additional nationally significant species, not previously documented in the local area but have habitat as potentially occurring within a 10 kilometre radius of the study area (DEWHA - Protected Matters Search Tool) (Appendix 2.1.).

Of these species, the nationally vulnerable Swamp Everlasting and Swamp Fireweed have a low likelihood of occurring within the study area given the habitat conditions present. However, targeted surveys should be undertaken for these species before the commencement of development (at an appropriate time of year) to determine the status of these species, and to determine whether any measures need to be undertaken to avoid or minimise potential impacts.

Communities: The remnant native vegetation within the study area is not part of a listed ecological community under the EPBC Act.

Fauna: No nationally significant fauna were recorded within the study area during the present assessment. Seven nationally significant fauna species listed as threatened under the EPBC Act have previously been recorded in the local area (AVW 2007). Several of these species may occur in the study area due to the presence of suitable habitat Southern Brown Bandicoot (albeit low likelihood), Orange-bellied Parrot (rare visitor) and Swift Parrot (fly over).

Habitat for an additional seven fauna species is also predicted to occur, either in, or within a 10 kilometre radius of, the study area (DEWHA Protected Matters Search Tool, Appendix 3.2). Of these seven species, only Grey-headed Flying Fox Pteropus poliocephalus may fly over or temporarily reside within the study area. Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis are likely to utilise marsh habitat directly east of the study area on rare occasions.


However, based on the literature review and site assessment it is highly unlikely that the study area would support an ecologically significant proportion of any nationally significant fauna species, and at best, some of these species may reside within the study area on rare occasions. With the exception of Southern Brown Bandicoot targeted surveys for these species is not recommended.

Listed migratory and marine species

Migratory and marine species recorded during the present survey, or that have been recorded within the local area are presented in Appendix 3.1.

Several migratory and marine species listed under the EPBC Act may occur in Westernport Bay and associated coastal, intertidal and marsh areas. Very few are expected to use the study area and are unlikely to be impacted by the proposed development. However, many of these species are likely to use areas immediately adjacent to the study area, mainly to the east (i.e. Westernport Bay) and therefore any indirect impacts (run off, pedestrian access) will need to be managed.

Commonwealth marine area and nuclear actions

The study area is not within a marine area, nor is the proposed works related to any nuclear action.

Implications for the proposed development

No EPBC Act listed flora or fauna species, vegetation communities or any other matters of national significance were recorded within the study area. Despite this, and given the study area currently contains potential habitat for several nationally significant species, the study area is likely to support populations of several nationally significant flora and fauna species. As such, based on available information (i.e. previous data and information, and the results of the current field assessment) an EPBC Act referral to the Commonwealth Environment Minister may be required for the proposed development. Targeted surveys for EPBC Act listed species that have been identified as potentially occurring are required to determine their current status within the study area before an EPBC Act referral can be composed.

5.2 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) (Victoria)

The primary legislation for the protection of flora and fauna in Victoria is the FFG Act. The Act builds on broader national and international policy in the conservation of biodiversity.

The broad objectives of the FFG Act are to: 1) ensure native flora and fauna survive, flourish and maintain in situ evolutionary potential; 2) manage threatening processes; 3) encourage the conserving of flora and fauna through cooperative community endeavours; and 4) establish a regulatory structure for the conservation of flora and fauna in Victoria.


The Act contains protection procedures such as the listing of threatened species and/or communities of flora and fauna, and the preparation of action statements to protect the long-term viability of these values.

Flora: No FFG listed species were recorded within the study area during the current assessment.

However, seven FFG listed species have previously been recorded or have habitat predicted to occur within the local area (i.e. in a 10 kilometre radial of the study area) (Appendix 2.1). It is considered unlikely that any of these species exist within the study area due to the highly modified nature of the vegetation, and the lack of species diversity.

Vegetation Communities: No FFG Act listed flora communities were recorded within the study area during the current assessment.

Fauna: Twenty-one FFG Act listed fauna species have been recorded in the local area (i.e. 10 kilometres surrounding the study area) (AVW 2007) (Appendix 3.2).

Several FFG Act listed species may use habitats within the study area, given the presence and overall condition of habitat that is available (Appendix 3.2). These species include Swamp Skink, Southern Toadlet and New Holland Mouse. Additional bird species (Royal Spoonbill, Eastern Great Egret, Lewin’s Rail and Baillon’s Crake), which are largely restricted to the coastal and marine habitats may also frequent areas adjacent to the study area on occasions.

Threatening processes: Several threatening processes listed under the FFG Act are potentially applicable to any proposed development within the study area (Table 1).

Table 1. Threatening processes under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 potentially applicable

to the proposed development.

Threatening process Development action Avoidance and/or minimisation

The invasion of native vegetation by environmental weeds

Soil disturbance and subsequent weed invasion into native vegetation remnants within the study area

Control environmental and noxious weeds in native vegetation. Wash machinery prior to entering the sites to remove weed seeds

Habitat fragmentation as a threatening process for fauna in Victoria

Loss of remnant vegetation within the proposed development

Where possible, minimise the removal of native vegetation during construction, and connect existing remnants with locally indigenous vegetation

Predation of native wildlife by the cat, Felis catus

Through increased population densities

Implement and encourage cat control/management procedures such as keeping cats inside at night and ensuring cats have bells


Based on the current survey a small number of FFG Act listed flora and fauna species may occur within the study area.


A permit from DSE is required in order to ‘take’ listed flora species, species that are members of listed communities or protected flora on public land, such as road reserves and waterways, and to clear or disturb protected flora species including Acacia species (except Blackwood Acacia melanoxylon), any of the Asteraceae (Daisies), and all orchids and all ferns.

Given that the study area is within private property a FFG Act permit to clear or disturb native vegetation is not required.

5.3 Planning and Environment Act 1987

All planning schemes contain native vegetation provisions at Clause 52.17. A planning permit is required under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation on a site of more than 0.4 hectares, unless:

• The application is exempt under the schedule to Clause 52.17

• A Native Vegetation Precinct Plan applies.

Planning schemes may contain other provisions in relation to the removal of native vegetation.

Recent changes to the planning provisions (DSE 2006a, DSE 2006b) have altered the criteria for when DSE is the mandatory referral authority.

A permit must be referred to DSE if there is one or more of the following:

Scattered Trees (may include trees from patches of vegetation)

• Greater than 15 trees with a diameter less than 40 centimetres at 1.3 metres above ground.

• Greater than 5 trees with a diameter more than 40 centimetres at 1.3 metres above ground.

Areas of vegetation (may include trees)

• Greater than 0.5 hectares of vegetation in an Ecological Vegetation Class with Bioregional Conservation Status of Endangered, Vulnerable or Rare.

• Greater than 1 hectare of vegetation in an Ecological Vegetation Class with Bioregional Conservation Status of Depleted or Least Concern.

Other circumstances

• On Crown land managed by the responsible authority.

• Where a property vegetation plan applies to the site.


A Planning Permit is required from Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to clear/disturb native vegetation within the study area. In this instance, DSE would be considered a mandatory referral authority because greater than 0.5 hectares of vegetation in an EVC with Bioregional Conservation Status of Endangered is proposed to be removed.


5.4 Wildlife Act 1975 and Wildlife Regulations 2002

Wildlife Act 1975

The Wildlife Act 1975 is the primary legislation in Victoria providing for protection and management of wildlife. The Act requires people engaged in wildlife research (e.g. fauna surveys, salvage and translocation activities) to obtain a permit under the Act to ensure that these activities are undertaken in a manner consistent with the appropriate controls.

The Wildlife Act 1975 has the following objectives:

• To establish procedures for the promotion of protection and conservation of wildlife, the prevention of species extinctions, and the sustainable use and access to wildlife; and,

• To prohibit and regulate the conduct of those involved in wildlife related activities.

Wildlife Regulations 2002

The objectives of the Wildlife Regulations are:

• To make further provision in relation to the licensing system established by section 22 of the Wildlife Act 1975;

• To prescribe fees, offences, royalties and various other matters for the purposes of the Wildlife Act 1975; and,

• To provide for exemptions from certain provisions of the Wildlife Act 1975.

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 such as the Planning and Environment Act 1987.


While a permit will be required for removal of habitat within the study area, this could be in the form of a permit to remove native vegetation under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Consequently, a separate permit to remove fauna for this project under either the Wildlife Act 1975 or the Wildlife Regulations 2002 is likely to be required.

5.5 Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994

The CALP Act contains provisions relating to catchment planning, land management, noxious weeds and pest animals. This Act also provides a legislative framework for the management of private and public land and sets out the responsibilities of land managers, stating that they must take all reasonable steps to:

• Avoid causing or contributing to land degradation which causes or may cause damage to land of another land owner;


• Protect water resources;

• Conserve soil;

• Eradicate regionally prohibited weeds;

• Prevent the growth and spread of regionally controlled weeds; and

• Prevent the spread of, and as far as possible eradicate, established pest animals

Essentially the Act establishes a framework for the integrated management and protection of catchments, which aims to ensure that the quality of the State’s land and water resources and their associated plant and animal life are maintained and enhanced.


The proponent is responsible to control any infestation of noxious or environmental weeds that may become established within the study area. As such, weeds should be appropriately controlled to minimise their spread and overall impact on ecological values. For example, construction workers and machinery should be checked for weed material to avoid further spread of noxious weeds. One noxious weed species (Blackberry) was recorded within the study area (Appendix 2.1).

5.6 Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy

The Victorian Government endorses this strategy titled ‘Victoria’s Biodiversity – Directions in Management (NRE 1997) and represents a benchmark for biodiversity conservation and management throughout the state.

The Biodiversity Strategy encourages Victorians to better understand and appreciate flora and fauna and ecosystems throughout the state, and to take an active part in conservation and management to ensure biodiversity is managed in an ecologically sound and sustainable manner.

5.7 Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

A Schedule 1 to the Special Use Zone (SUZ1) covers the entire study area which pertains to industries which ‘depend upon or gain significant economic advantages from the natural deep water channels in Westernport’ within the Mornington Peninsula. The SUZ aims to protect important environmental values and functions of the waters, coastline and inter-tidal areas by providing areas of habitat and habitat corridors, assisting soil stability, reducing the intensity of stormwater runoff and limiting the erosion and siltation of drainage lines. The SUZ applies to all areas within the study area.

The SUZ 1 – Schedule 1 to the Special Use Zone objectives to be achieved include:

• To recognise areas where substantial vegetation cover is the dominant visual and environmental feature in order to maintain significant conservation values.


• To ensure that development proposals have proper regard to the landscape character of the Somerville area.

• To ensure that new development has proper regard for the established landscape, streetscape and development pattern in terms of being consistent with the existing balance between vegetation and building form in the local area and contributing to the landscape character of the area.

• To ensure that any removal of natural vegetation and works associated with development in environmentally sensitive areas, including drainage line areas, is carried out with proper regard to the physical characteristics of each site and the local area.

• To ensure that any removal of natural vegetation in proximity to other public land (i.e. area of adjacent coastal saltmarsh) has proper regard to the impact on these areas.

• To protect and conserve native vegetation, including grasses and ground flora.

• To encourage strategic replanting, and the maintenance of land not required for the proposed development to provide for the long term maintenance of landscape and environmental values within special uses zone.

• To prevent the premature removal of vegetation from a site prior to consideration of design options for a proposed development.


A Planning Permit is required from Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to clear/disturb native vegetation within the study area. Permit applications should address the key objectives set out in ‘The Framework’ (DNRE 2002).

5.8 Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan 2006

The Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan (PPWCMA 2006) is a guide for local government in assessing planning applications for vegetation removal and determining permit conditions (Net Gain requirements) to ensure that ecological values across the region are not compromised.

The Plan provides information on biodiversity values across the Region and gives guidance to local municipalities on how clearing applications should be assessed. The document also outlines actions to ensure there is a more strategic and coordinated approach to address ongoing degradation in quantity and quality of native vegetation throughout Victoria.

The recommendations above, made in the Native Vegetation Plan, should be taken into consideration in the planning phase of any proposed development within the study area.



The planning of the proposed development should address the key recommendations outlined under the Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan (PPWCMA 2006).

Vegetation within the study area can be evaluated using the guidelines for conservation significance assessment and application of the Net Gain approach to regional outcomes and local responses (PPWCMA 2006). Management actions pertinent to the proposed development would need to be consistent with the management priorities provided in the Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan, and these actions would need to be articulated in a detailed environmental management plan.

5.9 Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action

Since 1989, most proposals to clear native vegetation have required a planning permit from the local Council (Responsible Authority), under the native vegetation provisions of Clause 52.17 of the Victoria Planning Provisions (‘VPPs’). In 2002, the Victorian Government released ‘the Framework’, which establishes a “strategic direction for the protection, enhancement and revegetation of native vegetation across the State”.

Amendment (VC19) to Victoria’s Planning Provisions introduced the Framework in July 2003 as an incorporated document for all Victorian Planning Schemes. Clauses 11 and 15.09 in the State Planning Policy Framework provide the framework for considering native vegetation issues in the planning system.

These clauses require planning and responsible authorities to have regard to the Framework, which establishes the strategic direction for the protection, enhancement and revegetation of native vegetation across Victoria.

5.9.1 Net Gain

The Framework states that the primary goal is to achieve:

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

Net Gain is the overall outcome where native vegetation and habitat gains are greater than the losses and where losses are avoided, where possible.

5.9.2 Applying Net Gain – The Three Step Approach

When Net Gain is considered for potential impacts on native vegetation within all planning schemes, the Framework has defined a three-step approach for applying Net Gain to protection and clearance decisions.


The three-step approach is:

1. To avoid adverse impacts, particularly through vegetation clearance.

2. If impacts cannot be avoided, to minimise impacts through appropriate consideration in planning processes and expert input to project design or management.

3. Identify appropriate offset options.

The three-step approach to Net Gain is the first consideration for all planning permit applications and planning scheme amendments, with emphasis placed on the first two steps of avoidance and minimisation. Only after these two steps have been taken should offsets (actions undertaken to achieve commensurate gains in vegetation loss) be considered (NRE 2002).

5.9.3 Measurement of Net Gain outcomes

The Framework introduces a combined quality-quantity measuring system called the ‘habitat hectare’, which can assist with applying Net Gain outcomes for native vegetation (Parkes et al. 2003; DSE 2004). Generally this system can ‘measure’ the native vegetation and be used to calculate potential losses and gains over a specified area and period of time, of both vegetation patches (where the understorey has a greater than 25% benchmark cover of indigenous species) and trees (in patches or parcels).

Once the overall losses are known, then offset objectives can be calculated according to Table 6 of the Framework (NRE 2002) and considering the regional Native Vegetation Plans. Offsets for any permitted vegetation loss can be achieved by improvements in the quality or extent of native vegetation in a selected ‘offset area’.


A preliminary Net Gain analysis (i.e. habitat hectare and scattered tree assessment) has been undertaken to assess areas of native vegetation within the study area (Section 6).


6 NET GAIN ANALYSIS

Remnants of three EVCs were identified within the study area – Heathy Woodland (EVC 48) Sedgy Swamp Woodland (EVC 707) and Swamp Scrub (EVC 53). Remnant native vegetation patches of Sedgy Swamp Woodland and Swamp Scrub are considered to be of very high conservation significance and patches of Heathy Woodland are considered to be of low to medium conservation significance according to the Framework (NRE 2002) and the Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan (PPWCMA 2006). Where appropriate, the details of the habitat hectare analysis and scattered tree assessment are provided below.

Habitat Hectares and Trees within native vegetation

A habitat hectare analysis was conducted at sites proposed to be disturbed, based on the supplied option maps, and were used to calculate habitat hectares and Net Gain targets (see Table 2 and 3). Several habitat hectare polygons of poor to good condition vegetation were identified and classified into habitat types (Figures 2a-2c). The significant species rating or other attribute rating in the tables below are not currently expected to significantly alter the overall conservation significance of the Net Gain polygons. The existing habitat hectare polygons are mapped on Figures 2a-2c and are assessed and calculated in the tables below.

Generally, minor lopping or pruning of foliage that does not affect the continued health of the vegetation has no Net Gain requirement. Also any planted trees and isolated remnant shrubs that are located amongst introduced species and/ or dead scattered small trees do not have any formal Net Gain requirement if removed.

There are twelve Habitat Zones present within the study area.


Table 2. Habitat score of vegetation within the study area at Lot 2-4 Lumeah Road, Somerville.

Habitat Zone HW1 HW 2 HW3 HW 4 HW 5 HW 6 HW 7 HW 8 EVC Name HW HW HW HW HW HW HW HW

EVC Number 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 Total Area of Habitat Zone (ha)

0.73 1.58 1.31 0.62 0.67 0.08 0.4 0.91

Max Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score

Large Old Trees 10 3 3 2 9 5 9 5 5

Canopy Cover 5 3 5 5 3 4 4 2 4

Understorey 25 15 15 10 20 10 10 5 20

Lack of Weeds 15 9 11 11 13 4 9 0 9

Recruitment 10 1 6 3 6 1 6 0 6

Organic Matter 5 5 5 3 5 3 5 0 5

Site

Con

ditio

n

Logs 5 5 4 4 5 2 3 0 5

Treeless multiplier

(Site Conditions x 1.25) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Patch Size 10 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

Neighbourhood 10 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Land

scap

e va

lue

Distance to Core 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Habitat Score 100 56 64 53 76 44 61 27 69

Habitat Score as above = #/100 0.56 0.64 0.53 0.76 0.44 0.61 0.27 0.69 Habitat Hectares within study area 0.4088 1.0112 0.6943 1.46 0.2948 0.42 0.108 0.6279 Habitat Zone area (ha)

Proposed to be removed 0.55 1.17 1.15 0 0.08 0 0.2 0.91 Habitat Hectares removed

0.308 0.7488 0.6095 0 0.0352 0 0.054 0.6279

Bioregion GP GP GP GP GP GP GP GP

EVC Conservation Status LC LC LC LC LC LC LC LC Conservation Status x

Habitat Score Low Medium Low Medium Low Medium Low Medium

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 (highest rating) Low Medium Low Medium Low Medium Low Medium

No. of Large Old Trees in each Habitat Zone 3

5 (1VLOT) 2 9(2VLOT) 6

2 (1VLOT) 3 11

No. of Large Old Trees to be removed in each Habitat Zone 1 2 1 - - - 2 10

Notes: LC = Least Concern, HW = Heathy Woodland, EVC = Ecological Vegetation Class, N/A= Not Applicable due to treed EVC, HZ = Habitat Zone.


Table 3. Habitat score of vegetation within the study area at Lot 2-4 Lumeah Road, Somerville.

Habitat Zone SS1 SS 2 SSW1 SSW2 EVC Name SS SS SSW SSW

EVC Number 48 48 48 48 Total Area of Habitat Zone (ha)

1.91 0.48 0.57 0.06

Max Score Score Score Score Score

Large Old Trees 10 N/A 0 2 0

Canopy Cover 5 2 1 5 5

Understorey 25 10 5 10 20

Lack of Weeds 15 13 4 9 13

Recruitment 10 3 1 1 3

Organic Matter 5 5 5 4 5

Site

Con

ditio

n

Logs 5 N/A N/A 4 4

Treeless multiplier

(Site Conditions x 1.25) N/A 41.25 20 N/A N/A

Patch Size 10 6 6 6 6

Neighbourhood 10 4 4 4 4

Land

scap

e va

lue

Distance to Core 5 5 5 5 5

Habitat Score 100 56.25 35 50 65 Habitat Score as above = #/100 0.5625 0.35 0.50 0.65 Habitat Hectares within study area 1.074375 0.168 0.285 0.039 Habitat Zone area (ha)

Proposed to be removed 0.92 0.48 0.57 0.06 Habitat Hectares removed 0.5175 0.168 0.285 0.039

Bioregion GP GP GP GP

EVC Conservation Status End End End End Conservation Status x

Habitat Score Very High High Very High Very High

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

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

Con

serv

atio

n Si

gnifi

canc

e

Overall Conservation Significance (highest

rating) Very High High Very High Very High No. of Large Old Trees in each Habitat Zone 1 - 1 - No. of Large Old Trees to be removed in each Habitat Zone 1 - 1 -

Notes: End = Endangered, SSW = Sedgy Swamp Woodland, SS = Swamp Scrub, EVC = Ecological Vegetation Class, N/A= Not Applicable due to treed EVC, HZ = Habitat Zone.


6.1 Scattered Tree Assessment

A scattered tree analysis was conducted within the study area, based on the proposed development plan (Table 4). All existing scattered trees within the study area are would have originally been associated with the Heathy Woodland EVC, and therefore, all scattered trees are considered to be of low conservation significance due to the ‘least concern’ conservation status of Heathy Woodland in the bioregion.

Table 4. Quantification of Scattered Trees with highly depleted understorey

EVC Size (DBH in cm)

Number of Trees

Heathy Woodland L 11

Heathy Woodland M 13

Notes: All trees are of Low conservation significance, Tree Size, L = Large Old Tree

Based on the current assessment there are 11 scattered Large Old Trees and 13 scattered Medium Old Trees within the study area which are proposed to be removed.

6.2 Summary of Habitat Hectare and Tree Assessment

Proposed Losses

In summary, the remnant vegetation proposed to be removed from within the study area consists of approximately 3.40 habitat hectares, including:

• 0.52 habitat hectares of Very High conservation significance Swamp Scrub;

• 0.17 habitat hectares of High conservation significance Swamp Scrub;

• 0.32 habitat hectares of Very High conservation significance Sedgy Swamp Woodland;

• 1.38 habitat hectares of Medium conservation significance Heathy Woodland; and,

• 1.01 habitat Hectares of Low conservation significance Heathy Woodland.

There are also 18 Large Old Trees (LOT) located within patches, and 11 scattered Large Old Trees and 13 Medium Old Trees proposed to be cleared.

6.3 Avoidance – Step 1 of the Net Gain policy

Response criteria to clearing proposals are provided in ‘the Framework’. Most importantly, the response to clear native vegetation of Medium to High conservation significance states that ‘clearing is generally not permitted’ (NRE 2002). This potential response from planning authorities should be considered at the outset of project planning and steps should be


put in place to negotiate with planning authorities by providing a clear demonstration of the Net Gain principles.

The three-step approach to applying Net Gain for applications to clear native vegetation involves demonstration of avoidance and minimisation measures as the first two steps, and only after these first two steps have been addressed should offsets be considered (NRE 2002).

‘The Framework’ requires avoidance as the first step in considering the impacts of development on native vegetation. In light of this requirement, the proposed harbour redevelopment would need to demonstrate how native vegetation avoidance has been achieved in the design process. Avoidance may generally be interpreted as avoiding adverse impacts on trees or habitat patches, particularly through vegetation clearance, with the vegetation being retained post construction (NRE 2002).

Based on the current development plan for the proposed boat harbour patches of ‘Very High’ conservation significance Swamp Scrub have been avoided in several parts of the study area (Figure 2b). Large Old Trees have also been avoided where possible, with several LOTs and VLOTs occurring within vegetation which is to be retained around the perimeter of the study area (Figure 2a and 2b).

6.4 Minimisation – Step 2 of the Net Gain policy

Minimisation may generally be interpreted as minimising impacts on trees or habitat patches through appropriate consideration in planning processes and expert input to project design or management (NRE 2002). Minimisation and mitigation generally includes retaining trees and ‘patches’ of indigenous vegetation. Further mitigation measures to minimise the loss of ecological values within the study area during construction and development should also be considered. These include:

• Prevent machinery from disturbing existing vegetation (i.e. root zones of retained trees) within the study area;

• Inform contractors of ecologically sensitive areas and establish “no-go” zones;

• Where possible, remnant vegetation zones during construction works; and,

• Temporary fencing should be installed around retained areas of remnant vegetation and any other ecologically sensitive areas to minimise disturbance.

The three-step approach to applying Net Gain for applications to clear native vegetation involves demonstration of avoidance and minimisation measures as the first two steps, and only after these first two steps have been addressed should offsets be considered (NRE 2002).


6.5 Calculation of Net Gain Targets (Offsets) - Step 3 of the Net Gain policy

Once steps 1 and 2 have been considered, then offsets or Net Gain targets can be calculated for any permitted vegetation clearance. Net Gain targets or offsets can be calculated according to Appendix 4, Table 6 within the Framework (NRE 2002) and/or the Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan (PPWCMA 2006).

The Framework (Appendix 4, Table 6) and the Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan (PPWCMA 2006) sets out responses, including like for like criteria and Net Gain ratios, to proposals to clear and offset native vegetation, based on the conservation significance of the vegetation, which is determined by the habitat score and bioregional conservation status.

To meet the objectives of the Net Gain policy, offset criteria must be met, and at least:

• 2 times the habitat hectare loss for Very High conservation significance sites is required; and,

• 1.5 times the habitat hectare loss for High conservation significance sites is required; and,

• 1 times the habitat hectare loss for Medium and Low conservation significance sites is required.

The Net Gain targets for the removal of vegetation as detailed within the most recent development plans are presented below and have been calculated via ratios and multipliers detailed within the Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan (PPWCMA 2006) (Table 5).

Table 5. Net Gain habitat hectare targets

Habitat Hectares Target Large Tree Target

Targ

et N

o.

Co

nse

rvat

ion

Si

gn

ific

ance

Targ

et E

VC

To

tal L

oss

es in

H

abit

at H

a

Net

Gai

n

Mu

ltip

lier*

Net

Gai

n T

arg

et

(Hab

itat

Ha)

Tota

l Lo

sses

Mu

ltip

lier*

Tota

l to

be

Pro

tect

ed

Mu

ltip

lier*

Tota

l to

be

Rec

ruit

ed

Medium HW 1.38 1.0 1.38 12 2 24 10 240

Low HW 1.01 1.0 1.01 4 1 4 - -

Very High SS 0.52 2.0 1.04 1 8 8 40 40

High SS 0.17 1.5 0.26 0 4 0 20 0

Very High SSW 0.32 2.0 0.64 1 8 8 40 40

Total habitat hectares 4.33 Total 44 Total 320 Notes: *These multipliers relate to Table 6 of the Framework; Woodland, DHW = Damp Heathy Woodland, N/A = Not Applicable.


Based on the Native Vegetation Plan (PPWCMA 2006) there are two strategies, ‘protect and recruit’ or ‘recruit only’, which can be considered in order to offset the permitted loss of old trees. However according to the Native Vegetation Plan the ‘protect and recruit’ option is preferred in every case, and only at the discretion of the planning authority may offsets be achieved via lower protect ratios and higher ratios.

Furthermore, the Framework and the Native Vegetation Plan (PPWCMA 2006) do not stipulate offset targets for the loss of Small Trees. However as gains are to be commensurate with losses, as per the principles of the Net Gain policy, a 1:1 recruitment ratio is recommended to offset the loss of these trees.

The following ‘protect and recruit’ and ‘recruit only’ ratios (Table 6) have been applied for the permitted losses of scattered trees in order to meet the requirements of the Net Gain policy:

Table 6. Net Gain scattered tree targets

Protect and recruit Recruit only Conservation significance Size

No. trees to

be removed Multiplier*

Offset total Multiplier*

offset total Multiplier*

Offset Total

Low LOT 11 1 11 10 110 35 385 Low MOT 13 1 13 10 130 30 390 Total 22 24 240 775

Notes: *These multipliers relate to the unpublished West Gippsland Native Vegetation Plan (PPWCMA 2006). Tree Size, VLOT = Very Large Old Tree, LOT = Large Old Tree, MOT = Medium Old Tree, ST = Small.

6.6 Summary of Net Gain Targets

Based on the most recent development plans, to offset the loss of native vegetation (i.e. native vegetation patches and Large Old Trees) there is currently a requirement to generate approximately 4.33 habitat hectares of Low - Very High conservation significance vegetation within the Gippsland Plain bioregion; and undertake either Strategy 1 OR Strategy 2:

Strategy 1

• Protect 68 Old Trees (55 Large Old Trees and 13 Medium Old Trees) and recruit 560 new plants. Many LOTs within the study area which will be avoided and protected in the future may contribute to the Net Gain offset requirements for the proposed development.

Strategy 2

• Protect 44 Large Old Trees and recruit 1095 new trees.


6.7 Potential Management Strategies to Achieve Net Gain

Potential offset strategies to achieve Net Gain

Habitat Hectares

Habitat hectare offsets may be in the form of (1) enhanced management of existing vegetation, and/or (2) revegetation (or natural recruitment). Generally it is more sensible to manage remnant vegetation as greater gains can be achieved, in both ecological and economic terms (i.e. it costs less and greater ecological gains can be achieved). However, it should be noted that management requires a high level of skills, knowledge and resourcing for at least a 10-year period and the remnants are protected in perpetuity.

In order to calculate the potential gain available from managing native vegetation, estimates are made, which assist in determining the potential increase in habitat score of the vegetation being managed (i.e. the ‘gain’ in habitat score). For example, the cover of weeds can be reduced and the under storey diversity increased, which could both contribute to a potential increase in habitat score. Generally an area of approximately 1 hectare of native vegetation is required to be ecologically managed to offset a loss of between 0.1 to 0.2 habitat hectares.

Therefore in order to offset a loss of 1 habitat hectare, between 5 and 10 hectares would require ecological management. In order to achieve a Net Gain offset of approximately 4.33 habitat hectares of Low to High conservation significance vegetation between approximately 21.7 and 43.3 hectares would be required to be ecologically managed.

Any actions to achieve Net Gain on site and/or offsite should be negotiated between the proponent, Local Council and DSE. For any offset measures an audit process is required in order to ensure that a Net Gain outcome is achieved. If offsets are required, offset measures should be set out in an Offset Management Plan for the designated offset site(s) to ensure that the Net Gain outcomes are achieved and are of a secure nature.

Management commitments/arrangements to achieve Net Gain at any offset site can be broken up into two main strategies; 1) maintenance and 2) improvement. Some of these techniques include:

Maintenance

• Removal of woody and herbaceous weeds.

• Foregoing allowed uses such as grazing and slashing activities.

Improvement

• Control/eradication of environmental or noxious weeds including those that are a threat to existing remnant vegetation.

• Fencing to restrict public/grazing access into areas of ecological value.

• Control of introduced animals such as foxes, rabbits and feral cats.

Revegetation and/or supplement planting of locally indigenous tree, shrub and understorey species in appropriate areas (need to consider ecological function).


Where the management of vegetation is not practical, revegetation undertaken to a certain standard can also offset some habitat hectare losses (see below for amount). Recently published ‘Revegetation Planting Standards’ (DSE 2006b) outline the minimum standards for revegetation to qualify as a native vegetation gain.

These standards include a requirement to plant suitable local indigenous species that are appropriate to the Bioregional EVC benchmark for the site. It also requires land managers to meet minimum site protection (i.e. fencing standards to exclude stock/humans), site preparation and plant stock standards, as well as agree to establish the plants according to a defined planting design and schedule; including follow up weed control. It is recommended that a variety of life forms are used (i.e. groundcovers, shrubs, trees) with consideration of site conditions and use (DSE 2006b). Target tree numbers are typically between 500 and 2500 plants per hectare depending on the EVC. Any offset through revegetation also requires management skills and long-term resourcing (at least a 10-year period).

For areas of Very High, High, Medium and Low conservation significance, the proportion of revegetation included in the offset (in habitat hectares) is limited to 10%, 25%, 50% and 100% respectively.

Achieving Net Gain - Onsite

As there is remnant vegetation within the study area that is not within the area of the proposed development there is capacity to achieve some Net Gain targets onsite.

Achieving Net Gain – Offsite

In this instance all Net Gain targets or requirements arising from the proposed development are unlikely to be achievable via the protection and management of remnant native vegetation retained within the study area, and therefore gains are likely to be required offsite.

This can be achieved through several means where a commitment is made to designate an area as a permanent offset site elsewhere. Such a process requires identifying appropriate offset sites and providing suitable management resources to ensure habitat hectare gains are achieved over the stipulated 10-year offset period (and beyond). This requires an appropriate level of management planning and the establishment of legally binding agreements to achieve long-term offset protection and conservation.

Alternatively, Net Gain can be achieved via purchasing native vegetation credits (in habitat hectares) to offset the proposed vegetation removal via the DSE ‘Bush Broker’ program.

In addition, ‘Trust for Nature’, a not-for-profit organisation, which permanently protects the natural heritage of properties by placing voluntary, but legally-binding agreements (Conservation Covenants) on land also source areas of native vegetation utilised as offset credits.

Any actions to achieve Net Gain on site and/or offsite should be negotiated between the proponent, Local Council and DSE. Strategies which could be considered if offsets cannot be gained on site include, contributing to local weed control works, a local revegetation project, etc. For any offset measures an audit process is required in order to ensure that a Net Gain outcome is achieved.


If offsets are required, which in this instance is most likely the case, offset measures should be set out in an Offset Management Plan for the designated offset site(s) to ensure that the Net Gain outcomes are achieved and are of a secure nature.


7 POTENTIAL IMPACTS

Any proposed development has the potential to have several impacts (direct and indirect) on the indigenous flora and fauna species recorded within the study area.

Potential direct impacts to ecological values within the study area include:

• Removal of the state significant Swamp Scrub and Sedgy Swamp Woodland considered endangered in Victoria;

• Decreases in population sizes of local flora species including the depletion and fragmentation of remnant native vegetation within the region;

• Fragmentation and loss of native vegetation connectivity (i.e. wildlife corridors) within the landscape which is likely to be important for flora and fauna survival and migration;

• Possible introduction and further spread of exotic weed species through construction activities and garden plantings;

• Loss and/or disturbance of suitable habitat for a range of national, state and regional significance;

• Loss of suitable foraging and shelter habitat for common fauna species; and,

• Direct mortality of locally common fauna species within the study area at the time of construction.

Indirect effects on adjacent areas, such as Mornington Peninsula National Park, are also possible if construction activities are not appropriately managed, and these include:

• Further introduction of environmental weeds into the adjacent area of Coastal Salmarsh, which occurs directly to the west of the study area, as a result of inappropriate landscape plantings; and,

• Soil disturbance which could increase the spread of weeds in the study area and beyond within areas of coastal vegetation around the Somerville area.

Any loss of ecological values should be viewed in the overall context of ongoing loss, fragmentation, and deterioration in the quality of remnant vegetation throughout the Mornington Peninsula.


8 MITIGATION OR AMELIORATION MEASURES

Measures to mitigate/ameliorate impacts of the proposed development on the ecological values in the study area include:

• Were possible, reduce the total area of proposed vegetation removal within the study area;

• Install fencing around areas of native vegetation that are to be retained (i.e. particularly within the rural buffer and the undisturbed wetland area) throughout the period of construction and in the long-term to discourage trampling, disturbance by machinery and the stockpiling of building products. It is also recommended that within these areas plant regeneration be encouraged to improve the quality of retained remnant native vegetation and to provide valuable habitat corridors to accommodate the movement and migration of fauna within the surrounding region;

• Ensure landscaping and revegetation works are undertaken using indigenous tree and shrub species to provide habitat for fauna. Plants should be locally indigenous species appropriate to Coastal Alkaline Scrub EVC, and preferably be sourced from local plant stock;

• Inform contractors about areas of ecological value (i.e. remnant trees and retained native vegetation) within the study area;

• Ensure adequate buffer zones are established (e.g. tree protection zones) between the construction zone and any vegetation and fauna habitat;

• Eradicate or control weeds appropriately and ensure contractors and machinery are not transferring weed seed or material into, within or outside of the study area;

• Ensure that runoff from the site be managed appropriately;

• If possible, leave significant areas of remnant vegetation intact along all of the property boundaries to maintain habitat connectivity for local fauna; and,

• When large old trees are removed during construction a qualified zoologist should be present in order to salvage any fauna that may be displaced by the disturbance of potential habitat.


9 CONCLUSION

The field assessment confirmed remnant native vegetation of moderate condition is present within and immediately adjacent to the study area, although some sections of the study area supports vegetation of good condition having considerable native species diversity with a moderate level of weed invasion. Three EVCs are present within the study area; Heathy Woodland (EVC 48), which is listed as Least Concern within the Gippsland Plain bioregion, and Swamp Scrub (EVC 53) and Sedgy Swamp Woodland (EVC 707) which are both listed as endangered within the Gippsland Plain bioregion.

One hundred and five plant taxa (79 indigenous, two native non-indigenous and 24 exotic species) were recorded in the study area during the assessment.

Thirty-four bird species were recorded within the study area. In addition, five mammals were detected as using habitats within the study area. Native fauna species recorded during the current assessment are likely to occur in the study area are common throughout the Mornington Peninsula. Several additional species adapted to modified habitat are likely to use the site either as residents or visitors on a regular, infrequent or vagrant basis.

The overall quality of the habitat is considered to be moderate to high due to the high level of species diversity, low abundance of weed species, and good connectivity with other patches of indigenous vegetation within the landscape. No flora or fauna species of national conservation significance were recorded within the study area during the assessment.

No EPBC Act listed flora or fauna species, vegetation communities or any other matters of national significance were recorded within the study area. Despite this, based on available information (i.e. previous data and information, and the results of the current field assessment), and the presence of suitable habitat for a range of nationally significant fauna species, an EPBC Act referral to the Commonwealth Environment Minister may be required for the proposed harbour redevelopment, this may also be dependant on the results of further surveys for EPBC Act listed species.

In addition, based on the current survey, a number of FFG Act listed flora and fauna species may occur within the study area. However, given that the study area is within private property a FFG Act permit to clear or disturb native vegetation is unlikely to be required.

The proponent should ensure that best practice sedimentation and pollution control measures are undertaken at all times to prevent offsite impacts to the wetlands, coastal saltmarsh and intertidal areas. Furthermore, the proponent is responsible to control any infestation of noxious or environmental weeds that may become established after construction.

Based on the most recent development plans, to offset the loss of native vegetation (i.e. native vegetation patches and Large Old Trees) there is currently a requirement to generate approximately 4.33 habitat hectares of Low - Very High conservation significance vegetation within the Gippsland Plain bioregion; and undertake either Strategy 1: Protect 68


Old Trees (55 Large Old Trees and 13 Medium Old Trees) and recruit 560 new plants OR Strategy 2: Protect 44 Large Old Trees and recruit 1095 new trees.

Additional requirements

A Planning Permit is required from Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to clear/disturb native vegetation within the study area. In this instance, DSE is likely to be a mandatory referral authority due to 0.5 hectares of vegetation in an EVC with Bioregional Conservation Status of Endangered being proposed to be removed.

It is advised that targeted flora surveys be undertaken in spring and/or early summer to determine the occurrence of national and state significant flora species which may potentially occur within the study area.

Targeted surveys for fauna species of national (Southern Brown Bandicoot) and state (Swamp Skink, New Holland Mouse, Southern Toadlet) significance are recommended to determine their presence within the study area (due to their possible likelihood of occurrence), the results of which can be included in an EPBC Act referral and to satisfy DSE requirements.

If vegetation is proposed to be impacted and/or disturbed within the study area, a Net Gain Offset Management Plan/Strategy is required to satisfy the principles of the Framework.


FFIIGGUURREESS

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O'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills RoadO'Neills Road Pikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes RoadPikes Road

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Bungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower RoadBungower Road

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Mornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb RoadMornington-Tyabb Road

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EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 1Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009Issue Date: 9/1/2009

Figure 1Location of study area,Yaringa Boat Harbour

Study area

WesternPort

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Lumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah RoadLumeah Road

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SouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthernSouthern

NorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernNorthern

EP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyEP Map Num: 1290 Fig KeyIssue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009Issue Date: 25/2/2009

Figure 2 KeyStudy area, Yaringa Boat Harbour

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Metres

Study area


Vegetation

Heathy Woodland 1Heathy Woodland 2Heathy Woodland 3Heathy Woodland 4Heathy Woodland 5Heathy Woodland 6Heathy Woodland 7Heathy Woodland 8Swamp Scrub 1Swamp Scrub 2Sedgy Swamp Woodland 1Sedgy Swamp Woodland 2Predominantly introduced veg.Artificial DamArtificial embankment

Trees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very Large Old Tree((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Large Old Treefffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff Medium Old Treelllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll Scattered Tree

Vegetationremoved

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

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((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff



!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((




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PIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIVPIV

SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1SS1

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EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009EP Map Num: 1290 Fig 2, Issue Date: 12/5/2009

Figure 2aEcological features withinthe study area,Yaringa Boat Harbour

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Metres

Study area


Vegetation



Vegetationremoved

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

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((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff



(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((


(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((



((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((



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fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((






(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((




(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((





((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((




(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff




(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((


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Figure 2bEcological features withinthe study area,Yaringa Boat Harbour

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Metres

Study area


Vegetation



Vegetationremoved

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((



!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff





(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((


(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((


(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

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(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff


(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((


(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((







((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((










Figure 2cEcological features withinthe study area,Yaringa Boat Harbour

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Metres


AAPPPPEENNDDIICCEESS


Appendix 1 – Significance Assessment Criteria used by Ecology Partners Pty. Ltd. to define conservation significance, vegetation condition and habitat quality is provided below.

A1.1. Rare or Threatened Categories for Listed Victorian Taxa Table A1.1. Rare or Threatened categories for listed Victorian taxa.

Rare or Threatened Categories

CONSERVATION STATUS IN AUSTRALIA

(Based on the EPBC Act 1999, Briggs and Leigh 1996)

EX - Extinct: Extinct is when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual of the species has died.

CR - Critically Endangered: A species is critically endangered when it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction

in the wild in the immediate future.

EN - Endangered: A species is endangered when it is not critically endangered but is facing a very high risk of

extinction in the wild in the near future.

VU - Vulnerable: A species is vulnerable when it is not critically endangered or endangered but is facing a high risk

of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future.

R* - Rare: A species is rare but overall is not currently considered critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable.

K* - Poorly Known: A species is suspected, but not definitely known, to belong to any of the categories extinct,

critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or rare.

CONSERVATION STATUS IN VICTORIA (Based on DSE 2005, DSE 2007, FIS 2005)

x - Presumed Extinct in Victoria: not recorded from Victoria during the past 50 years despite field searches

specifically for the plant, or, alternatively, intensive field searches (since 1950) at all previously known sites have

failed to record the plant.

e - Endangered in Victoria: at risk of disappearing from the wild state if present land use and other causal factors

continue to operate.

v - Vulnerable in Victoria: not presently endangered but likely to become so soon due to continued depletion;

occurring mainly on sites likely to experience changes in land-use which would threaten the survival of the plant in

the wild; or, taxa whose total population is so small that the likelihood of recovery from disturbance, including

localised natural events such as drought, fire or landslip, is doubtful.

r - Rare in Victoria: rare but not considered otherwise threatened - there are relatively few known populations or the

taxon is restricted to a relatively small area.

k - Poorly Known in Victoria: poorly known and suspected, but not definitely known, to belong to one of the above

categories (x, e, v or r) within Victoria. At present, accurate distribution information is inadequate.


A1.2. Defining Ecological Significance Table A1.2. Defining Ecological Significance.

Criteria for defining Ecological Significance

NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

National conservation status is based on the EPBC Act 1999 list of taxa considered Threatened in Australia

(i.e. Extinct, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable).

Flor

a

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

National conservation status is based on the EPBC Act list of taxa considered threatened in Australia (i.e.

Extinct, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable).

Fauna listed as Extinct, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Rare under National Action Plans

for terrestrial taxon prepared for the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts:

threatened marsupials and monotremes (Maxwell et al. 1996), rodents (Lee 1995), bats (Duncan et al.

1999), birds (Garnett and Crowley 2000), reptiles (Cogger et al. 1993), amphibians (Tyler 1997) and

butterflies (Sands and New 2002).

Faun

a

Species that have not been included on the EBPC Act but listed as significance according to the IUCN 2006

Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2006).

Com

mun

ities

Vegetation communities considered Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable under the EPBC Act

and considering vegetation condition.

STATE SIGNIFICANCE

Threatened taxa listed under the provisions of the FFG Act.

Flora listed as Extinct, Endangered, Vulnerable or Rare in Victoria in the DSE Flora Information System

(most recent version).

Flora listed in the State Government’s Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria, 2005 (DSE

2005).

Flor

a

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

Threatened taxon listed under Schedule 2 of the FFG Act.

Fauna listed as Extinct, Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable on the State Government’s

Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 2007 (DSE 2007).

Faun

a

Listed as Lower Risk (Near Threatened, Conservation Dependent or Least concern) or Data Deficient under

National Action Plans for terrestrial species prepared for the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage

and the Arts: threatened marsupials and monotremes (Maxwell et al. 1996), rodents (Lee 1995), bats

(Duncan et al. 1999), birds (Garnett and Crowley 2000), reptiles (Cogger et al. 1993), amphibians (Tyler

1997) and butterflies (Sands and New 2002).


Criteria for defining Ecological Significance

Ecological communities listed as Threatened under the FFG Act. C

omm

uniti

es

Ecological vegetation class listed as Threatened (i.e. Endangered, Vulnerable) or Rare in a Native Vegetation Plan for a particular bioregion (www.dse.vic.gov.au) and considering vegetation condition.

REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

Flora considered Rare in any regional native vegetation plan for a particular bioregion.

Flor

a

Flora considered Rare by the author for a particular bioregion.

Fauna with a disjunct distribution, or a small number of documented recorded or naturally rare in the particular bioregion in which the study area occurs in.

Faun

a

A particular taxon that is has an unusual ecological or biogeographical occurrence or listed as Lower Risk – Near Threatened, Data Deficient or Insufficiently Known on the State Government’s Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 2007 (DSE 2007).

Ecological vegetation class listed as Depleted or Least Concern in a Native Vegetation Plan for a particular bioregion (www.dse.vic.gov.au) and considering vegetation condition.

Com

mun

ities

Ecological vegetation class considered Rare by the author for a particular bioregion.

LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE

Local significance is defined as flora, fauna and ecological communities indigenous to a particular area, which are not considered rare or threatened on a national, state or regional level.


A1.3 Defining Site Significance The following geographical areas apply to the overall level of significance with respect to the current survey.

National: Australia

State: Victoria

Regional: Gippsland Plain bioregion

Local: Within 10 kilometres surrounding the study area

Table A1.3. Defining Site Significance.

Criteria for defining Site Significance

NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

A site is of National significance if:

- It regularly supports, or has a high probability of regularly supporting individuals of a taxon listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ or ‘Endangered’ under the EPBC Act and/or under National Action Plans for terrestrial taxon prepared for the Department of the Environment and Water Resources.

- It regularly supports, or has a high probability of supporting, an ‘important population’ as defined under the EPBC Act of one or more nationally ‘Vulnerable’ flora and fauna taxon.

- It is known to support, or has a high probability of supporting taxon listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under National Action Plans.

- It is known to regularly support a large proportion (i.e. greater than 1%) of a population of a taxon listed as ‘Conservation Dependent’ under the EPBC Act and/or listed as Rare or Lower Risk (Near Threatened, Conservation Dependent or Least Concern) under National Action Plans.

- It contains an area, or part thereof designated as ‘critical habitat’ under the EPBC Act, or if the site is listed under the Register of National Estate compiled by the Australian Heritage Commission.

- It is a site which forms part of, or is connected to a larger area(s) of remnant native vegetation or habitat of national conservation significance such as most National Park, and/or a Ramsar Wetland(s).

STATE SIGNIFICANCE

A site is of State significance if:

- It occasionally (i.e. every 1 to 5 years) supports, or has suitable habitat to support taxon listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ or ‘Endangered’ under the EPBC Act and/or under National Action Plans.

- It regularly supports, or has a high probability of regularly supporting (i.e. high habitat quality) taxon listed as ‘Vulnerable’, ‘Near threatened‘, ‘Data Deficient’ or ‘Insufficiently Known’ in Victoria (DSE 2005, 2007), or species listed as ‘Data Deficient’ or ‘Insufficiently Known’ under National Action Plans.

- It contains an area, or part thereof designated as ‘critical habitat’ under the FFG Act 1988.

- It supports, or likely to support a high proportion of any Victorian flora and fauna taxa.

- It contains high quality, intact vegetation/habitat supporting a high species richness and diversity in a particular bioregion.

- It is a site which forms part of, or connected to a larger area(s) of remnant native vegetation or habitat of state conservation significance such as most State Parks and/or Flora and Fauna Reserves.


Criteria for defining Site Significance

REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

A site is of Regional significance if:

- It regularly supports, or has a high probability of regularly supporting regionally significant fauna as defined in Table 1.2.

- Is contains a large population (i.e. greater than 1% or 5%) of flora considered rare in any regional native vegetation plan for a particular bioregion.

- It supports a fauna population with a disjunct distribution, or a particular taxon that has an unusual ecological or biogeographical occurrence.

- It is a site which forms part of, or is connected to a larger area(s) of remnant native vegetation or habitat of regional conservation significance such as most Regional Parks and/or Flora and Fauna Reserves.

LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE

Most sites are considered to be of at least local significance for conservation purposes and, in general, a

site of local significance can be defined as:

- An area which supports indigenous flora species and/or a remnant Ecological Vegetation Class, and habitats used by locally significant fauna species.

- An area which currently acts, or has the potential to act as a wildlife corridor linking other areas of higher conservation significance and facilitating fauna movement throughout the landscape.

A1.4. Defining Vegetation Condition Table A1.4. Defining Vegetation Condition.

Criteria for defining Vegetation Condition

Good condition - Vegetation dominated by a diversity of indigenous species, with defined structures (where appropriate), such as canopy layer, shrub layer, and ground cover, with little or few introduced species present.

Moderate condition - Vegetation dominated by a diversity of indigenous species, but is lacking some structures, such as canopy layer, shrub layer or ground cover, and/or there is a greater level of introduced flora species present.

Poor condition - Vegetation dominated by introduced species, but supports low levels of indigenous species present, in the canopy, shrub layer or ground cover.


A1.5. Defining Habitat Quality Several factors are taken into account when determining the value of habitat. Habitat quality varies on both spatial and temporal scales, with the habitat value varying depending upon a particular fauna species.

Table A1.5. Defining Habitat Quality.

Criteria for defining Habitat Quality

HIGH QUALITY

High degree of intactness (i.e. floristically and structurally diverse), containing several important habitat features such as ground debris (logs, rocks, vegetation), mature hollow-bearing trees, and a dense understorey component.

High species richness and diversity (i.e. represented by a large number of species from a range of fauna groups).

High level of foraging and breeding activity, with the site regularly used by native fauna for refuge and cover.

Habitat that has experienced, or is experiencing low levels of disturbance and/or threatening processes (i.e. weed invasion, introduced animals, soil erosion, salinity).

High contribution to a wildlife corridor, and/or connected to a larger area(s) of high quality habitat.

Provides known, or likely habitat for one or more rare or threatened species listed under the EPBC Act, FFG Act, or species considered rare or threatened according to DSE 2007.

MODERATE QUALITY

Moderate degree of intactness, containing one or more important habitat features such as ground debris (logs, rocks, vegetation), mature hollow-bearing trees, and a dense understorey component.

Moderate species richness and diversity - represented by a moderate number of species from a range of fauna groups.

Moderate levels of foraging and breeding activity, with the site used by native fauna for refuge and cover.

Habitat that has experienced, or is experiencing moderate levels of disturbance and/or threatening processes.

Moderate contribution to a wildlife corridor, or is connected to area(s) of moderate quality habitat.

Provides potential habitat for a small number of threatened species listed under the EPBC Act, FFG Act, or species considered rare or threatened according to DSE 2007.

LOW QUALITY

Low degree of intactness, containing few important habitat features such as ground debris (logs, rocks, vegetation), mature hollow-bearing trees, and a dense understorey component.

Low species richness and diversity (i.e. represented by a small number of species from a range of fauna groups).

Low levels of foraging and breeding activity, with the site used by native fauna for refuge and cover.

Habitat that has experienced, or is experiencing high levels of disturbance and/or threatening processes.

Unlikely to form part of a wildlife corridor, and is not connected to another area(s) of habitat.

Unlikely to provide habitat for rare or threatened species listed under the EPBC Act, FFG Act, or considered rare or threatened according to DSE 2007.


Appendix 2.1 – Flora results Table A2.1. Flora recorded from the study area during the present survey (15 and 16 December 2009).

Species in bold are considered to be of Regional conservation significance (r) Rare taxa within Victoria (DSE) # Native Australia taxa found outside original range since European colonisation * Declared noxious weed within the Port Phillip Catchment (DPI 2006) ^ Weed of National Significance (http://www.weeds.org.au)

Scientific Name Common Name

Indigenous Species Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood Acacia oxycedrus Spike Wattle Allocasuarina paludosa Scrub Sheoak Amyema pendula Drooping Mistletoe Aotus ericoides Common Aotus Astroloma humifusum Cranberry Heath Austrodanthonia setacea Bristly Wallaby-grass Banksia marginata Silver Banksia Baumea acuta Pale Twig-sedge Billardiera mutabilis Common Apple-berry Brachyscome spp. Daisy Brunonia australis Blue Pincushion Caesia calliantha Blue Grass-lily Caesia parviflora var. parviflora Pale Grass-lily Cassinia aculeata Common Cassinia Cassytha glabella Slender Dodder-laurel Cassytha pubescens s.s. Downy Dodder-laurel Centrolepis strigosa subsp. strigosa Hairy Centrolepis Chenopodium spp. Goosefoot Cotula spp. Cotula Dianella admixta Black-anther Flax-lily Dianella longifolia s.l. Pale Flax-lily Dipodium punctatum s.l. Hyacinth Orchid Empodisma minus Spreading Rope-rush Epacris impressa Common Heath Eucalyptus obliqua Messmate Stringybark Eucalyptus ovata Swamp Gum Eucalyptus radiata Narrow-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus viminalis subsp. pryoriana Coast Manna-gum Euchiton involucratus s.l. Common Cudweed Euchiton sphaericus Annual Cudweed Exocarpos cupressiformis Cherry Ballart Exocarpos strictus Pale Fruit Ballart Ficinia nodosa Knobby Club-sedge Gahnia radula Thatch Saw-sedge Gonocarpus micranthus subsp. micranthus Creeping Raspwort Gonocarpus tetragynus Common Raspwort



Hibbertia acicularis Prickly Guinea-flower Hibbertia fasciculata var. prostrata Bundled Guinea-flower Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort Hypericum gramineum Small St John's Wort Hypolaena fastigiata Tassel Rope-rush Isolepis trachysperma Club Sedge Juncus kraussii subsp. australiensis Sea Rush Juncus pallidus Pale Rush Juncus spp. Rush Lachnagrostis filiformis Common Blown-grass Lagenophora stipitata Common Bottle-daisy Lepidosperma concavum Sandhill Sword-sedge Lepidosperma longitudinale Pithy Sword-sedge Leptospermum myrsinoides Heath Tea-tree Leptospermum continentale Prickly Tea-tree Leucopogon australis Spike Beard-heath Leucopogon ericoides Pink Beard-heath Leucopogon virgatus Common Beard-heath Lindsaea linearis Screw Fern Lobelia anceps Angled Lobelia Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping Grass Monotoca scoparia Prickly Broom-heath Notodanthonia semiannularis Wetland Wallaby-grass Olearia lirata Snowy Daisy-bush Ozothamnus ferrugineus Tree Everlasting Patersonia sericea Silky Purple-flag Pimelea humilis Common Rice-flower Poa spp. Tussock Grass Pteridium esculentum Austral Bracken Ricinocarpos pinifolius Wedding Bush Samolus repens Creeping Brookweed Schoenus apogon Common Bog Sedge Schoenus brevifolius Zig-zag Bog Sedge Selaginella uliginosa Swamp Selaginella Senecio hispidulus s.l. Rough Fireweed Solanum laciniatum Large Kangaroo Apple Trachymene spp. Trachymene Tricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lily Typha spp. Bulrush Xanthorrhoea minor subsp. lutea Small Grass-tree

Introduced Species Acacia longifolia Sallow Wattle Acetosa spp. Dock Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass Aster subulatus Aster-weed



Atriplex prostrata Hastate Orache Billardiera heterophylla Bluebell Creeper Carthamus spp. Thistle Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Cotula coronopifolia Water Buttons Cynodon dactylon Couch Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Ehrharta erecta var. erecta Panic Veldt-grass Genista linifolia Flax-leaf Broom Helminthotheca echioides Ox-tongue Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Hypochoeris radicata Flatweed Leptospermum laevigatum Coast Tea-tree Lolium spp. Rye Grass Lophopyrum ponticum Tall Wheat-grass Parapholis spp. Barb Grass Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu Pinus radiata Radiata Pine Plantago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain Polygala monspeliaca Annual Milkwort Rubus cissburiensis Blackberry Sonchus spp. Sow Thistle


Appendix 2.2 – Flora database results Table A2.2. Significant flora within 10 kilometres of the study area.

Sources used to determine species status: EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) DSE Advisory List of Threatened Flora in Victoria (DSE 2005) FFG Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Victoria) National status of species (EPBC) is designated by: CR Critically endangered EN Endangered VU Vulnerable K Poorly Known # EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool

State status of species (FFG and DSE) is designated by: x Extinct e Endangered v Vulnerable r Rare k Poorly Known L Listed Likelihood of occurrence in study area: 1 Present 2 Likely 3 Habitat Present 4 Unlikely 5 No suitable habitat

Scientific Name Common Name Total

number of documented records (FIS)

EPBC Act

DSE (2005)

FFG Act

Likely occurrence within the study area

NATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT #Amphibromus fluitans River Swamp Wallaby-grass - VU - - 4 Caladenia fragrantissima subsp. orientalis

Cream Spider-orchid 1 VU v L 5

Caladenia insularis French Island Spider-orchid 1 VU v L 3 Eucalyptus crenulata Buxton Gum 1 EN e L 5 #Glycine latrobeana Clover Glycine - VU v L 5 #Prasophyllum frenchii Maroon Leek-orchid - EN e L 3 Senecio psilocarpus Swamp Fireweed 1 VU v 3 #Thelymitra epipactoides Metallic Sun-orchid - EN e L 4 #Xerochrysum palustre Swamp Everlasting - VU v L 3

STATE SIGNIFICANT Atriplex paludosa subsp. paludosa

Marsh Saltbush 38 - r - 3

Avicennia marina subsp. australasica

Grey Mangrove 13 - r - 5

Caladenia dilatata s.s. Green-comb Spider-orchid 3 - k - 3 Chiloglottis X pescottiana Bronze Bird-orchid 1 - r - 4 Craspedia canens Grey Billy-buttons 1 - e L 5 Eucalyptus fulgens Green Scentbark 2 - r - 4 Exocarpos syrticola Coast Ballart 1 - r - 3 Juncus revolutus Creeping Rush 6 - r - 3 Lawrencia spicata Salt Lawrencia 4 - r - 4 Limonium australe Yellow Sea-lavender 27 - r - 4


Scientific Name Common Name Total number of

documented records (FIS)

EPBC Act

DSE (2005)

FFG Act

Likely occurrence within the study area

Melaleuca armillaris subsp. armillaris

Giant Honey-myrtle 1 - r - 5

Pterostylis sp. aff. plumosa (Woodland)

Woodland Plume-orchid 1 - r - 4

Thelymitra benthamiana Blotched Sun-orchid 1 - v - 3 Thelymitra longiloba Marsh Sun-orchid 1 - e - 4 Triglochin minutissima Tiny Arrowgrass 2 - r - 4 Utricularia uniflora Single Bladderwort 1 - k - 4

Sources: Flora Information System (DSE) and Protected Matters Search Tool (DEWHA)

Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis, Yaringa Boat Harbour, Somerville, Victoria

67

Appendix 3.1 – Fauna results Table A3.1. Fauna recorded during the present survey (15 and 16 December 2008), and previously recorded within 10 kilometres of the study area.

Type of Record: Mi Migratory (EPBC Act) H – Heard Ma Marine (EPBC Act) S – Seen I – Incidental (identified from feathers, bones or scats, etc)

T – Trapped / Handheld

* Introduced species

Common Name Scientific Name Last Documented Record (AVW

2007)

Total # of Documented

Records (AVW 2007)

Hollow Use Mi/ Ma Present Survey

BIRDS Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis 1994 2 - Ma - Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora 2000 3 - - - Painted Button-quail Turnix varia 1981 2 - - - White-headed Pigeon Columba leucomela 2006 1 - - - Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata 2000 1 - - - Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera 2005 64 - - S Brush Bronzewing Phaps elegans 2001 34 - - - Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 2001 1 - - S Lewin's Rail Lewinia pectoralis 1999 4 - Mi - Australian Spotted Crake Porzana fluminea 1979 3 - - - Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla 1975 1 - Ma - Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis 1999 6 - Ma - Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa 2000 41 - - - Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio 2002 81 - Ma - Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 2002 38 - - -


68


2007)


Records (AVW 2007)


Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae 2002 37 - - - Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus 2000 66 - - - Short-tailed Shearwater Ardenna tenuirostris 1993 10 - Mi/Ma - Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 2000 55 - - - Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris 2001 111 - - - Black-faced Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscescens 1979 1 - Ma - Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius 2000 191 - - S Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos 2006 418 - - - Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae 2001 2 - - - Australasian Gannet Morus serrator 1999 8 - Ma - Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus 2001 289 - Ma S White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus 1974 1 - Mi/Ma - Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus 1987 2 - Ma - Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia 1999 105 - Mi/Ma - Crested Tern Thalaseus bergii 2000 240 - Ma - Little Tern Sternula albifrons 2000 22 - Mi/Ma - Fairy Tern Sternula nereis 1993 59 - Ma - Silver Gull Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae 2005 641 - Ma S Pacific Gull Larus pacificus pacificus 2001 715 - Ma - Arctic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus 1974 1 - Mi/Ma - Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres 2000 28 - Mi/Ma - Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus longirostris 2000 228 - Ma - Sooty Oystercatcher Haematopus fuliginosus 2000 10 - Ma - Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus 2002 2 - - - Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles 2006 397 - - S Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola 1999 14 - Mi/Ma - Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva 2000 69 - Mi/Ma - Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus 1990 2 - Mi/Ma - Double-banded Plover Charadrius bicinctus 2000 54 - Mi/Ma -


69


2007)


Records (AVW 2007)


Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus 1996 87 - Ma - Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops 1993 36 - - - Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus 1999 2 - Ma - Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis 2000 147 - Mi/Ma - Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 1992 12 - Mi/Ma - Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa 1997 3 - Mi/Ma - Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica 2000 41 - Mi/Ma - Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes 1999 84 - Mi/Ma - Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 1999 26 - Mi/Ma - Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia 2000 108 - Mi/Ma - Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus 2000 28 - Mi/Ma - Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea 2000 152 - Mi/Ma - Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis 2000 175 - Mi/Ma - Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata 1999 80 - Mi/Ma - Red Knot Calidris canutus 1999 18 - Mi/Ma - Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris 1992 17 - Mi/Ma - Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii 2002 16 - Mi/Ma S Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca 2006 594 - Ma S Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis 2006 114 - Ma - Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia 2000 243 - - - Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes 2001 17 - - - Little Egret Egretta garzetta 1987 13 - Ma - Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia 1981 1 - Ma - Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta 2001 131 - Mi/Ma - White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae 2006 455 - - - White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica 1999 16 - - - Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus 2001 20 - Ma - Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus 1996 3 - - - Cape Barren Goose Cereopsis novaehollandiae 1999 3 - Ma -


70


2007)


Records (AVW 2007)


Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata 2003 79 Total - - Black Swan Cygnus atratus 2002 436 - - - Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides 2000 71 Total - - Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa 2006 147 - - S Chestnut Teal Anas castanea 2006 110 Total - - Grey Teal Anas gracilis 2000 37 Total - - Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis 1996 11 - - - Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus 1989 4 Partial - - Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa 1993 2 - - - Hardhead Aythya australis 2002 13 - - - Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis 1993 9 - - - Musk Duck Biziura lobata 1991 14 - Ma - Swamp Harrier Circus approximans 2005 53 - Ma - Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus 2001 22 - Ma - Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrhocephalus 2001 6 - - - Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax 2003 4 - - - Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides 1998 3 - - - White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster 1998 12 - Mi/Ma - Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus 2005 7 - Ma - Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris 2000 14 - - - Australian Hobby Falco longipennis 2000 6 - - - Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 1998 3 Partial - - Brown Falcon Falco berigora 1999 10 - - - Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides 1999 17 Partial Ma - Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae 1999 6 Total Ma - Powerful Owl Ninox strenua 2004 1 Total - - Pacific Barn Owl Tyto javanica 2001 4 Partial - - Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus 2003 59 Total - - Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus 2001 3 Total - -


71


2007)


Records (AVW 2007)


Musk Lorikeet Glossopsitta concinna 2002 14 Total - - Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla 1998 2 Total - - Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus 2003 3 Total - - Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum 2001 2 Total - - Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita 2001 22 Total - - Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea 1999 1 Total - - Long-billed Corella Cacatua tenuirostris 2001 1 Total - - Galah Eolophus roseicapilla 2006 46 Total - S Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus 1999 2 Total - - Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans elegans 2001 7 Total - - Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius 2006 146 Total - S Western Ringneck Barnardius zonarius zonarius 1995 1 - - - Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus 1995 2 Total - - Orange-bellied Parrot Neophema chrysogaster 1987 5 - Mi/Ma - Blue-winged Parrot Neophema chrysostoma 1999 3 Partial Ma - Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor 1905 1 Total Ma - Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides 2000 23 - - S Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus 1991 4 Total - - Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae 2001 62 Total - S Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus 2002 29 Partial Ma - White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus 2001 4 - Mi/Ma - Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus 1986 1 - Mi/Ma - Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus 2001 46 - Ma - Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis 2000 45 - Ma - Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis 2000 31 - Ma - Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus 2000 33 - Ma - Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena 2003 128 Partial Ma S Tree Martin Hirundo nigricans 1999 5 Total Ma - Fairy Martin Hirundo ariel 2000 3 Partial - -


72


2007)


Records (AVW 2007)


Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscarpa 2006 121 - - S Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons 2003 9 - Mi/Ma - Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 2006 87 - - - Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula 1970 2 - - - Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca 2000 16 - Mi/Ma - Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans 1989 7 - - - Scarlet Robin Petroica boodang 2000 9 - - - Flame Robin Petroica phoenicea 2003 7 - Ma - Pink Robin Petroica rodinogaster 1999 3 - Ma - Rose Robin Petroica rosea 1985 2 - - - Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 1981 3 - - - Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis 2005 113 - - S Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis 2005 65 - - - Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 2001 43 - - S Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica 2003 100 Partial - S Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca 2006 128 - Ma S Crested Shrike-tit Falcunculus frontatus 2001 20 - - - Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 2006 53 - Ma - White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii 1983 2 - - - Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis 1989 4 - - - White-fronted Chat Epthianura albifrons 2000 28 - - - Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris 1988 1 - - - Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata 2002 53 - - - Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana 2000 6 - - - Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla 2002 108 - - - Buff-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza reguloides 1999 4 - - - Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa 2000 15 - - - White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis 2001 89 - - - Chestnut-rumped Heathwren Calamanthus pyrrhopygius 2003 2 - - S


73


2007)


Records (AVW 2007)


Striated Fieldwren Calamanthus fuliginosus 2000 11 - - - Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi 1982 1 - - - Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus 2000 23 - - - Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus 2001 10 - Mi/Ma - Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis 1999 5 - - - Southern Emu-wren Stipiturus malachurus 1991 16 - - - Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus 2005 141 - - S Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus 1907 2 - - - Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus 2002 31 Partial - - Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera 1999 21 - - - White-throated Treecreeper Cormobates leucophaeus 2005 7 Total - - Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum 2000 42 - - - Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus 2005 90 - - S Silvereye Zosterops lateralis 2005 55 - Ma - White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus 2002 89 - - - Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris 2000 21 - - - Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris 2001 31 - - - Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens 1989 1 - - - Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops 2002 66 - - S White-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis 2002 113 - - S White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus 2005 51 - - - Crescent Honeyeater Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera 1999 2 - - - New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae 2005 111 - - S Bell Miner Manorina melanophrys 2003 15 - - - Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala 2006 95 - - S Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera 2006 45 - - - Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata 2005 139 - - S Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis 1980 1 - - - Australasian Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae 1999 18 - Ma -


74


2007)


Records (AVW 2007)


Red-browed Finch Neochmia temporalis 2001 58 - - - Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus 1999 3 - - - Grey Currawong Strepera versicolor 2001 16 - - S Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus 2003 97 - - - Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 2006 123 - - S *Domestic Goose Anser anser (domestic) 1999 5 - - - Bassian Thrush Zoothera lunulata 2001 14 - Ma - Unknown Raven Corvus sp. 1999 20 - - - Australian Raven Corvus coronoides 2001 34 - - - Ruff Philomachus pugnax 1982 1 - Mi/Ma - *Northern Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 1999 2 - - - Common Tern Sterna hirundo 1993 4 - Mi/Ma - Little Raven Corvus mellori 2006 81 - Ma S *Rock Dove Columba livia 1999 13 - - - Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus 2001 44 Partial - - Cattle Egret Ardea ibis 1997 2 - Mi/Ma - Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos 1997 1 - Mi/Ma - *Spotted Turtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis 2005 110 - - - *Common Blackbird Turdus merula 2006 124 - - S *Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 1999 4 - - - *European Skylark Alauda arvensis 2000 19 - - - *Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus 1998 2 - - - *House Sparrow Passer domesticus 2000 33 - - - *European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 2001 48 - - - *European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 1988 7 - - - *Common Myna Acridotheres tristis 2006 115 - - S *Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 2005 115 Partial - S *Domestic duck Anatidae sp. (domestic) 0 1 - - -

FISHES


75


2007)


Records (AVW 2007)


Broad-finned Galaxias Galaxias brevipinnis 2000 7 - - - Common Galaxias Galaxias maculatus 2000 16 - - - Spotted Galaxias Galaxias truttaceus 2000 17 - - - Dwarf Galaxias Galaxiella pusilla 1989 6 - - - *Goldfish Carassius auratus 1998 7 - - - *Eastern Gambusia Gambusia holbrooki 1998 10 - - - Southern Pigmy Perch Nannoperca australis 2000 7 - - - *Redfin Perch Perca fluviatilis 1985 1 - - - Tupong Pseudaphritis urvillii 1998 4 - - - Blue-spot Goby Pseudogobius olorum 1989 1 - - -

FROGS Striped Marsh Frog Limnodynastes peronii 1990 3 - - - Spotted Marsh Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis 1999 13 - - - Common Spadefoot Toad Neobatrachus sudelli 1989 1 - - - Haswell's Froglet Paracrinia haswelli 1990 14 - - - Southern Toadlet Pseudophryne semimarmorata 1999 35 - - - Common Froglet Crinia signifera 2006 57 - - H Southern Brown Tree Frog Litoria ewingii 2006 27 - - - Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis 1999 2 - - - Verreaux's Tree Frog Litoria verreauxii 1999 8 - - - Southern Brown Tree Frog (southern) Litoria ewingii (southern) 1989 4 - - - WhistlingTree Frog Litoria verreauxii verreauxii 1990 5 - - - Southern Bullfrog (south-eastern form) Limnodynastes dumerilii insularis 1980 10 - - - Spotted Marsh Frog SCR Limnodynastes tasmaniensis SCR 1989 1 - - -

MAMMALS Agile Antechinus Antechinus agilis 2000 55 Partial - - Southern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus obesulus 1989 31 - - - Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula 2005 33 Total - S Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus 2002 44 Partial - S


76


2007)


Records (AVW 2007)


Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps 1999 25 Total - S Feathertail Glider Acrobates pygmaeus 1969 1 Total - - Koala Phascolarctos cinereus 2004 59 - - - Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus 1978 2 - - - Black Wallaby Wallabia bicolor 2000 47 - - - Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus 2004 9 - - - White-striped Freetail Bat Tadarida australis 1991 1 Total - - Lesser Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi 2000 16 Total - - Gould's Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii 1999 7 Total - - Chocolate Wattled Bat Chalinolobus morio 1999 4 Total - - Southern Forest Bat Vespadelus regulus 1999 3 Total - - Little Forest Bat Vespadelus vulturnus 2000 12 Total - - Large Forest Bat Vespadelus darlingtoni 1988 2 Total - - Bush Rat Rattus fuscipes 2003 5 - - - Swamp Rat Rattus lutreolus 2002 67 - - - *Black Rat Rattus rattus 1999 23 - - - *House Mouse Mus musculus 2002 67 - - - Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster 1960 1 - - - New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae 1983 31 - - - *European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 2006 42 - - - *European Hare Lepus europeaus 1991 2 - - - *Cattle (feral) Bos taurus 1991 1 - - - Dingo/Dog (feral) Canis lupus 2005 8 - - - *Red Fox Vulpes vulpes 2005 27 - - - *Cat Felis catus 2005 9 - - - Australian Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus 1996 2 - Ma - Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae 2005 2 - Mi/Ma - *Dog Canis lupus familiaris 1999 1 - - -

REPTILES


77


2007)


Records (AVW 2007)


Tree Dragon Amphibolurus muricatus 1988 8 Partial - - Swamp Skink Egernia coventryi 2000 13 - - - White's Skink Egernia whitii (group) 1979 7 - - - Delicate Skink Lampropholis delicata 1980 1 - - - Garden Skink Lampropholis guichenoti 2005 38 - - - Weasel Skink Saproscincus mustelinus 2006 16 - - - Blotched Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua nigrolutea 1999 7 - - - Common Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua scincoides 2000 7 - - - Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus 1999 5 - - - Eastern Three-lined Skink Bassiana duperreyi 1999 23 - - - Glossy Grass Skink Pseudemoia rawlinsoni 1999 7 - - - Southern Water Skink Eulamprus tympanum tympanum 1999 5 - - - Lowland Copperhead Austrelaps superbus 1999 9 - - - Southern Grass Skink Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii 2005 3 - - -

Source: DSE Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (2007)


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Appendix 3.2 – Significant fauna species Table A3.2. Significant fauna within 10 kilometres of the study area.

Sources used to determine species status: EPBC Environment Protection and biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) DSE Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria (DSE 2007) FFG Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Victoria) Species status: Use of the study area: EX Extinct 1 Known resident RX Regionally extinct 2 Possible resident CR Critically endangered 3 Frequent visitor EN Endangered 4 Occasional visitor VU Vulnerable 5 Rare visitor RA Rare 6 Vagrant visitor NT Near threatened 7 Unlikely/no suitable habitat CD Conservation dependent LR Lower risk (least concern) DD Data deficient (insufficiently or poorly known)

L Listed as threatened under FFG Act I Invalid or ineligible for listing under the FFG Act

# Protected Matters Search Tool (DEWHA) Common Name Scientific Name Last

documented record

Total # of records

EPBC Act DSE (2007) FFG ACT National Action Plan

Likely use of study area

NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus 1996 3 - EN L VU 5 ^ Orange-bellied Parrot Neophema chrysogaster 1987 6 CE CR L CR 6 Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor 1905 1 EN EN L EN 3


79

Common Name Scientific Name Last documented

record

Total # of records



Southern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus obesulus 1989 26 EN NT - NT 2 Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus 1978 6 VU EN L VU 7 Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae 2005 2 VU VU L - 7 Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis 1999 3 VU EN L VU 2 # Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis - - VU CR L VU 5 # Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia - - EN CR L EN 7 # Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana - - CR EN L - 7 # Australian Grayling Prototroctean maraena - - VU VU L VU 7 # Grey-headed Flying Fox Pteropus poliocephalus - - VU VU L VU 5 # Smoky Mouse Pseudomys fumeus - - EN CR L RA 7 # Spot-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus maculatus - - 7

STATE SIGNIFICANCE ^ Lewin's Rail Lewinia pectoralis 1988 3 - VU L NT 5 ^ Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla 1975 1 - VU L - 5 ^ Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica 1986 1 - EN L - 5 ^ Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia 1999 107 - NT L - 5 ^ Little Tern Sternula albifrons 2000 22 - VU L - 5 ^ Fairy Tern Sternula nereis 1993 59 - EN L - 5 ^ Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus 1990 2 - VU - - 5 ^ Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 1992 12 - VU - - 5 ^ Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa 1997 3 - VU - - 5 ^ Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes 1999 87 - CR L - 5 ^ Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 1992 27 - VU - - 5 ^ Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus 2000 28 - EN L - 5 ^ Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris 1992 19 - EN L - 5 ^ Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia 2002 285 - VU - - 3 ^ Little Egret Egretta garzetta 1983 13 - EN L - 5 ^ Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia 1981 1 - CR L - 5 ^ Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta 2002 148 - VU L - 3 ^ Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata 1994 1 - NT L - 6


80

Common Name Scientific Name Last documented

record

Total # of records



^ Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis 1997 35 - VU - - 5 ^ Hardhead Aythya australis 2002 20 - VU - - 3 ^ Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis 1996 16 - EN L - 4 ^ Musk Duck Biziura lobata 1994 19 - VU - - 4 ^ White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster 1999 22 - VU L - 4 Powerful Owl Ninox strenua 2004 1 - VU L - 5 Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 1999 2 - NT L NT 7 Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis 1989 1 - EN L NT 7 Chestnut-rumped Heathwren Calamanthus pyrrhopygius 2003 2 - VU L - 7 New Holland Mouse Pseudomys novaehollandiae 1972 27 - VU L - 2 Swamp Skink Egernia coventryi 2000 11 - VU L - 2 Southern Toadlet Pseudophryne semimarmorata 1988 26 - VU - - 2

REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora 2000 3 - NT - - 7 Black-faced Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscescens 1979 1 - NT - - 6 ^ Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius 2000 205 - NT - - 4 ^ White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus 1974 1 - NT - - 4 ^ Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus 1987 2 - NT - - 4 ^ Pacific Gull Larus pacificus pacificus 2002 741 - NT - - 4 ^ Sooty Oystercatcher Haematopus fuliginosus 2000 10 - NT - - 4 ^ Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola 1999 14 - NT - - 4 ^ Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva 2000 71 - NT - - 4 ^ Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis 2000 148 - NT - - 4 ^ Red Knot Calidris canutus 1999 18 - NT - - 4 Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii 2002 14 - NT - - 1 Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus 2001 19 - NT - - 3 Cape Barren Goose Cereopsis novaehollandiae 1999 2 - NT - - 6 Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos 1997 1 - NT - - 5 Glossy Grass Skink Pseudemoia rawlinsoni 1996 6 - NT - - 2


81

Source: DSE Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AVW 2007); DEWHA Protected Matters Search Tool (http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/index.html)

# - EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool

^ - Largely restricted to marine and coastal habitats throughout Westernport Bay (species may occasionally fly over site)


82

RREEFFEERREENNCCEESS


83

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Documents

FINAL REPORT: Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net · PDF fileFINAL REPORT: Flora and Fauna Assessment and Net Gain Analysis ... Skink, New Holland Mouse, Southern Toadlet) significance