8 March 2018
Expert Evidence Statement of Peter Gannon 621 Burwood Highway, Knoxfield
EXPERT INFORMATION
NAME AND ADDRESS
Peter Gannon Ecocentric Environmental Consulting 2B/73-85 Haines Street North Melbourne, VIC 3051
AREA OF EXPERTISE
Peter Gannon has extensive experience in the development and implementation of terrestrial and aquatic development plans and conservation programs, and the related legislative Acts, policies and directives. Peter has a Bachelor of Science (Monash University), Graduate Diploma of Environmental Science (Monash University), and a Master of Environmental Science (Monash University). Peter has over 20 years’ experience working in the field of ecological research and environmental consulting. Full details of Peter’s expertise are provided in Appendix 1.
THREATENED SPECIES
For the purpose of this testimony, a threatened species is defined as a taxa listed under any of the following Acts and/or Advisory lists: • Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth); • Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic); or on, • Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s (DELWP) Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria if listed as ‘endangered’, ‘vulnerable’, or ‘rare’, but not those listed as ‘poorly known’; • DELWP’s Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria if listed as ‘critically endangered’, ‘endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’, but not those listed as ‘near threatened’ or ‘data deficient’; • DELWP’s Advisory List of Threatened Invertebrate Fauna in Victoria if listed as ‘critically endangered’, ‘endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’, but not those listed as ‘near threatened’ or ‘data deficient’.
SCOPE OF WORKS
Ecocentric Environmental Consulting (hereafter referred to as Ecocentric) was engaged by Development Victoria in June 2017 to undertake a detailed flora, fauna and native vegetation assessment at two properties; 609-619 and 621 Burwood Highway, Knoxfield, Victoria. Our instructions were in accordance with the scope set out in the Minor Services Agreement, and further defined in the field as required to identify ecological values within the study area. The proposed development area consists of the entire 621 Burwood Highway parcel, and a subset of the 609-619 Burwood Highway parcel, hereafter collectively referred to as the development area (Map 1). The objectives of the project were to: • Document the ecological values of the site, including: o Significant flora and fauna species, and areas supporting potential habitat for them; and o Native vegetation, including ‘remnant patches’ and ‘scattered trees’. • Map these ecological values and identify their quality and extent; • Identify potential impacts to these ecological values from the proposed development, including implications under relevant legislation and policies; and • Outline appropriate measures to avoid, mitigate or offset potential impacts. Copies of the final Flora, Fauna and Native Vegetation Assessment (Ecocentric 2018) report have been provided to the Advisory Committee; further detailed information relied upon for the expert evidence is presented therein. Peter Gannon was the principal ecologist / environmental consultant engaged to complete the site assessments and development of the proposed mitigation and conservation works prescribed for this development. These assessments and reporting also relied upon professional input from the following senior ecologists / environmental consultants: • Jake Urlis, TactEcol Consulting, Senior Ecological Consultant: 157 Rattray Road, Montmorency VIC 3094 (targeted fauna survey, flora and habitat assessment, GIS mapping, reporting) • Karl Just, Senior Botanical / Wetland Consultant: 5 Farran Street Castlemaine VIC 3450 (targeted flora survey, habitat assessment, wetland development and ecological input, reporting)
WORKS UNDERTAKEN
Works consisted generally of site assessment and targeted survey for threatened flora, fauna and vegetation communities. All sites of remnant vegetation, scattered trees and habitat were assessed on foot by a team of qualified and experienced ecologists and mapped to an aerial GIS in the field using hand-held tablets. The assessment area included the 19.5 hectare property and neighbouring values within the Blind Creek riparian corridor (Map 1). All habitat areas were assessed for their potential to support threatened flora, fauna and/or vegetation communities. Habitat features observed and assessed included (but were not limited to): • The presence of nectar-producing and hollow-bearing trees;
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• The level of disturbance (e.g. weed invasion) and ground-layer characteristics including leaf litter and logs;
• The size, shape and connectivity of vegetation patches;
• Presence of specific habitat features (e.g. aquatic vegetation); and
• Structural heterogeneity of the vegetation.
Habitat recorded on site includes, but is not necessarily limited to: • The dam, which supports both native and exotic aquatic and fringing vegetation, which provide foraging and limited nesting resources for a range of wetland bird species, as well as frogs and fish;
• Small areas of modified remnant vegetation, comprising overstorey trees and/or indigenous understorey. These areas provide shelter and food resources for a range of indigenous fauna species. Remnant native vegetation at the northern extent of the study area is relatively well connected to larger areas of remnant (but degraded) vegetation in association with Blind Creek and the riparian corridor;
• Remnant scattered trees and planted non-indigenous canopy trees, which offer roosting and feeding opportunities for birds and arboreal mammals, including small hollows and trunk fissures for micro-bats (small insectivorous bats);
• Rows of planted fruit trees which may provide foraging resources for birds and bats; and
• Areas of open pasture which provide limited foraging habitat for a number of ground dwelling birds, including wetland birds which may forage in such areas within vicinity of the dam.
Native vegetation was assessed against the Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines (DEPI 20131), and a Vegetation Quality Assessment (Habitat Hectare Assessment) was undertaken for the remnant patches of vegetation following the Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual – Guidelines for applying the habitat hectare scoring method (DSE 20042). In addition to the native vegetation assessment and general flora and fauna survey, the Index of Wetland Condition (IWC) methodology was also used to assess the habitat values within the dam; this assessment followed the methodology set out in the Index of Wetland Condition Methods Manual version 14 (DSE, 20123). TARGETED SURVEYS
Threatened flora were actively searched for during all site assessments over a period of 6 months. Field surveys for threatened flora were undertaken using a combination of random meander searches of preferred habitats, parallel line searches and other search methods where relevant. The random meander technique involves targeting a particular or several, threatened plant species and traversing areas of suitable habitat in no set pattern (Cropper 19934). Parallel line traverses involves one or more observers surveying in parallel lines.
1 DEPI (2013). Permitted Clearing of Native Vegetation: Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines. Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Melbourne. 2 DSE (2004). Native Vegetation: Sustaining a Living Landscape, Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual – Guidelines for Applying the Habitat Hectares Scoring Method Version 1.3. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne. 3 DSE (2012). Index of Wetland Condition Methods Manual version 14. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne. 4 Cropper, SC (1993), Management of Endangered Plants, CSIRO Australia, Melbourne.
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Targeted surveys were conducted for all threatened fauna with a moderate or high likelihood of being present on site. Table 1 outlines the targeted survey program.
Table 1. Survey effort undertaken for target fauna species, with regard to relevant survey guidelines
Targeted Survey Survey Effort Relevant Survey Guidelines & Recommended Target Taxa Survey Type Dates (person-hours) Survey Effort Area searches and Survey guidelines for Australia’s threatened birds Swift Parrot 27 Jun, 5 Jul, 29 Aug targeted surveys of c. 25 hours (DEWHA 2010) - Minimum 20 person-hours per 50 ha flowering eucalypts area, late autumn to winter. Survey guidelines for Australia’s threatened birds Call-playback (DEWHA 2010) – Recommended survey methods: Australasian (broadcast) surveys, 5 Jul, 29 Aug, 22 Sept, broadcast (call-playback) surveys, dawn/dusk detection Bittern, crakes dawn/dusk detection c. 30 hours 12 Oct, 9 & 14 Nov surveys and area searches and rails surveys and area searches Birdlife Australia’s Bittern Survey Guide - Dawn/dusk surveys recommended, between October and March. Survey standard for Powerful Owl Ninox strenua (DSE 5 Jul, 29 Aug, 22 Sept, Call-playback, spotlight Powerful Owl c. 15 hours 2011) – recommend a minimum of five (5) call-playback 12 Oct, 9 Nov search surveys, in winter to spring. Other 27 Jun, 5 Jul, 29 Aug, Dawn/dusk detection threatened 22 Sept, 12 Oct, 9 & surveys and area c. 40 hours waterbirds 14 Nov searches
KEY FINDINGS
SIGNIFICANT FLORA PRESENT AT THE SITE
Seven flora species of conservation significance were recorded during the current survey, while Lorimer (20175) recorded an additional two species of significance; Small Mudmat (Glossostigma ?elatinoides6) and Tasmanian Wallaby-grass (Rytidosperma semiannulare). All of the significant species were recorded in close proximity to the dam. Table 2 identifies significant flora identified on site.
Table 2. Significant flora recorded, or likely to occur, in the study area
Conservation Local Likelihood of Status (Regional) Common Name Scientific Name Source occurrence (VROTS) Significance
R Floodplain Fireweed Senecio campylocarpus Field survey Present
ce (r - regional) Eel Grass Vallisneria australis Field survey Present
ce Hairy Knotweed Persicaria subsessilis Field survey Present
ce Small Mudmat^ Glossostigma ?elatinoides Field survey Present
e Hop Wattle Acacia stricta Field survey Present
e Tree Everlasting Ozothamnus ferrugineus Field survey Present
5 Lorimer, G. (2017) Preliminary Ecological Assessment of the Floodplain at 609-621 Burwood Highway, Knoxfield. Prepared for Knox City Council. 6 A “?” mark is used by the author to denote uncertainty of the species.
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Conservation Local Likelihood of Status (Regional) Common Name Scientific Name Source occurrence (VROTS) Significance
e Tasmanian Wallaby-grass^ Rytidosperma semiannulare Field survey Present
e Narrow-leaf Cumbungi Typha ?domingensis Field survey Present
v Pale Flax-lily Dianella laevis Field survey Present
Victorian Rare or Threatened species (VROTS): R: Rare. Significance (Lorimer 2010; 2017; Beardsell 2014): ce: critically endangered, e: endangered, v: vulnerable, r: rare. ‘Regionally’ significant refers to the Melbourne area, ‘local’ significance refers to the Knox area.
SIGNIFICANT FAUNA PRESENT AT THE SITE
Fifty-nine terrestrial vertebrate species (15% exotic) were recorded in and immediately adjoining the study area during the general and targeted fauna surveys; comprising 47 bird species (six exotic), five mammal species (two exotic), three native frog species, two native reptile species and two fish species (one exotic). Fifteen of the bird species were wetland birds that were recorded within or adjacent to the dam in the northern sector. Table 3 identifies significant fauna identified on site.
Table 3. Overview of results of targeted fauna surveys, June to November 2017
Targeted Survey Number and Type of Vertebrate Species Survey Date Significant Species Recorded Type Recorded
27 June Diurnal 21 (3 frogs and 18 birds) Blue-billed Duck x1 (1 male)
Diurnal, dusk and 5 July 22 (2 mammals, 2 frogs and 18 birds) Blue-billed Duck x2 (1 male, 1 female) nocturnal
Dusk and 29 August 29 (4 mammals, 3 frogs and 22 birds) Blue-billed Duck x2 (1 male, 1 female) nocturnal
Dusk and 22 September 22 (3 mammals, 2 frogs, 2 fish and 15 birds) Blue-billed Duck x2 (1 male, 1 female) nocturnal
Dusk and 30 (3 mammals, 2 reptiles, 1 frog and 24 12 October Blue-billed Duck x6 (3 male, 3 female) nocturnal birds)
Dusk and 9 November 32 (4 mammals, 1 frog and 27 birds) Blue-billed Duck x7 (4 male, 3 female) nocturnal
Blue-billed Duck x5 (2 male, 3 female), 14 November Dawn 34 (birds) Hardhead x 1
Blue-billed Duck (Oxyura australis) Blue-billed Duck (Endangered on the Advisory list; Listed under the FFG Act 1988 (Vic)) has been recorded numerous times at the site, including on three separate occasions during previous surveys (Ecocentric 20157). One female and three males were recorded within the dam in the northern sector of the site on 30 September 2015. Fewer numbers were recorded on subsequent site visits. The species was also recorded on the site by Lorimer (2017), who also notes making a record of the species in 2009 at the site. Blue- billed Duck were further recorded during the targeted survey on the following occasions:
7 Ecocentric (2015). Preliminary Biodiversity Assessment: 609-619 & 621 Burwood Highway Knoxfield. Report to Places Victoria, Melbourne.
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• One male was recorded on 27 June 2017;
• One male and one female were recorded on 5 July 2017;
• One male and one female were recorded on 29 August 2017;
• One male and one female were recorded on 22 September 2017;
• Three males and three females were recorded on 12 October 2017;
• Four males and three females were recorded on 9 November 2017; and
• Two males and three females were recorded on 14 November 2017.
Breeding of Blue-billed Duck generally occurs between September to early summer (resources depending). We note therefore that the increased numbers of Blue-billed Duck recorded during targeted surveys in October and November, and apparent pairing of males and females, support the view that breeding is attempted at the site; no young were observed and the success of breeding efforts however remains uncertain.
Hardhead (Aythya australis) Hardhead (Vulnerable on the Advisory list) was recorded on the dam at the site during the dawn survey on 14 November 2017. It is likely that the site is occasionally utilised by Hardhead for foraging; however, the site is unlikely to support large numbers of the species, and the presence of suitable breeding habitat is uncertain, due to the general lack of emergent vegetation and the limited availability of dense fringing vegetation.
Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) Grey-headed Flying-fox (Vulnerable under the EPBC Act 1999 (Cwlth); Vulnerable on the Advisory list; Listed under the FFG Act 1988 (Vic)) was recorded at the site during nocturnal surveys on the following occasions: • One individual was recorded traversing over the site on 5 July 2017;
• Twelve individuals were recorded traversing over the site on 29 August 2017;
• Seven individuals were recorded traversing over the site on 12 October 2017; and
• Four individuals were recorded traversing over the site on 9 November 2017.
We note that no Grey-headed Flying-fox were observed on site, however, it is assumed, based on the frequency of records, that this species would feed opportunistically on flowering eucalypts within the study area; neither this site, nor the adjoining Blind Creek riparian corridor, support a resident population.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
The proposed development may result in a range of impacts to flora and fauna species extant at the site. Impacts relate to those potentially affecting rare or threatened flora and fauna species and areas of native vegetation (i.e. with regard to relevant legislation and policy). Potential impacts from the proposed development may occur through the following mechanisms: • Loss of native vegetation and habitat;
• Reduction in area of breeding, foraging and/or refuge habitat for threatened flora and fauna;
• Changes in habitat quality, including hydrology and water quality;
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• Impacts on individuals, including direct mortality, disease/pathogens, and disturbance from the development;
• Population-level impacts influencing local/regional persistence of significant species; and
• Urbanization and construction impacts.
Impacts are generally categorized in this instance as the loss of some remnant vegetation and scattered trees, the loss of non-native vegetation and trees, and the loss of the extant dam in the northern sector, with attendant losses or reductions in native fauna occurring in or dependent upon these habitats. A process for the mitigation of these impacts has been proposed for this development which includes (at minimum): • Retention where practicable of remnant vegetation and scattered trees;
• Retention of non-native vegetation where practicable; and
• Staged removal / redevelopment of the existing dam.
The principle mechanism for the mitigation of impacts, in particular impacts on listed threatened flora and fauna including (but not limited to) Blue-billed Duck, Hardhead and resident waterbirds, is staged removal of the extant dam on site and the creation of a new wetland complex comprising an interconnected sedimentation basin, stormwater treatment wetland and habitat wetland. It is recommended that the new wetland complex includes (at minimum) establishment of reed/marsh habitat areas, improved vegetation conditions at the wetland margins, and establishment of an increased diversity of submergent and emergent vegetation. It is further recommended that an open-water wetland be constructed and planted at least 12 months prior to the clearance of the current dam. This will ensure that any displaced fauna species have nearby habitat to move into and that significant plant species from the old (extant) dam can be translocated to the new site. It is also recommended that significant plant species occurring around the current dam are reinstated to the new wetland, either through translocation or propagation. All eucalypt-dominated vegetation at the site (including non-indigenous eucalypts), and particularly vegetation that is part of a larger patch of contiguous tree canopy, has some value for a limited range of arboreal fauna, including bats, possums and birds. It is recommended therefore that this vegetation be retained where practicable, and incorporated into proposed Public Open Space. Construction areas are also to be clearly demarcated to avoid any inadvertent or unapproved clearing or damage to areas identified as ‘no-go’ zones.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The proposed development will have an impact on extant habitat and ecological values. I note however that extant habitat values are currently limited to small, isolated areas of remnant terrestrial vegetation, and the open-water Deep Pool habitat at the dam which includes a narrow band of aquatic vegetation at its margins and grazing opportunities for waterbirds across the substrates. The dam in particular is known to support Blue-billed Duck and resident waterbirds, with Hardhead also intermittently present. There is potential, through the careful removal and redevelopment of the dam and retention of remnant habitat areas surrounding (to the north) the dam, to improve these habitat values on site for resident flora and fauna; and Blue-billed Duck in particular. The establishment of a more diverse suite of habitat forms, in particular the establishment of Tall Marsh, Shallow Marsh and Aquatic Meadow zones integrated with Literal zones and Deep and Shallow Pools on site, will result in an improvement of aquatic habitat values. Blue-billed Duck in particular, but also Hardhead and resident waterbirds, will benefit from the establishment of vegetated aquatic margins and reedbed / marsh habitat that is more
Expert Evidence statement of Peter Gannon 621 Burwood Highway, Knoxfield Page 7 of 12 suited to breeding. The use of densely vegetated zones around potential breeding areas will also help protect against predation by feral fauna. Open-water deep pool areas will also be provided to accommodate Blue-billed Duck grazing preferences. In essence, the proposed area for the establishment of aquatic habitat for Blue-billed Duck will be approximately equal in area to the dam habitat being lost. It is my opinion that, through careful design and staged implementation, there is potential to improve habitat conditions on this site for this threatened species. Benefits will also accrue to Hardhead, and resident waterbirds that visit the site.
DECLARATION
I have made all the inquiries that I believe are desirable and appropriate and no matters of significance which I regard as relevant have to my knowledge been withheld from the Advisory Committee.
Peter Gannon Director Ecocentric Environmental Consulting
ATTACHMENTS
Map 1: Study Area Appendix 1: Curriculum Vitae Peter Gannon
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Peter Gannon Curriculum Vitae Senior Terrestrial Ecologist / Environmental Consultant
Qualifications Bachelor of Science (1989), Monash University, Victoria Graduate Diploma Environmental Science (1998), Monash University, Victoria Masters Environmental Science (1999), Monash University, Victoria Registered Agent for DELWP habitat-hectare assessment methodology Registered Agent for DELWP / Trust for Nature BushBroker / Net Gain Offset schemes Registered Agent for DELWP / Trust for Nature Native Vegetation Offset Brokerage Schemes Training in the Clearwater Concept and Functional Design of WSUD Vegetated Treatment Measures program.
Professional Expertise Peter Gannon is a Senior Terrestrial Ecologist and Environmental Consultant with 20 years professional experience in ecological management. His particular expertise is in the planning, management and implementation of flora and fauna assessments, threatened species identification and targeted survey, population impact assessments, management of biodiversity values and attributes, identification of BioSites and sites of biodiversity significance, and the development of terrestrial, coastal and waterway management plans. Peter also has ecological planning experience including: review and development of planning scheme zoning and overlay systems; facilitating Planning Permit Applications; ensuring compliance with, and submission of, Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 referrals for protected flora, fauna and vegetation communities; auditing of environmental management plan implementation and Permit compliance reporting; proponent representation at EPA 20B public hearings; and, delivery of VCAT expert evidence testimonial. Peter also has DELWP training and extensive experience in ecological site assessment including the habitat hectares assessment methodology, implementation of Victoria’s Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines and avoid, minimise, and offset requirements, identification of offset sites and development of Management Plans, and brokering of Allocated Credit Extracts for government agencies and private sector proponents. Peter is an authorised BushBroker and Trust for Nature offset broker and Accredited for the development and covenanting of native vegetation offsets registered with the DELWP Native Vegetation Credit Register. Peter is also a lead auditor and Technical Expert Ecologist with the Rainforest Alliance Certifying Body for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Forest Management, Chain of Custody and Controlled Wood accreditation systems.
Professional Experience Environment Management Plans & Environmental Effects Statements o Development of Planning Scheme Amendment applications (and preparation of Incorporated Documents), development and submission of referrals under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwth – EPBC Act) and state Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic – FFG Act), advisory input for the Integrated Tendering Process (ITP) for State roads development projects, and development of Native Vegetation Offset Management Strategies. o Production of terrestrial and waterway management plans involving site assessment, GIS mapping of ecological and remnant vegetation values, identification of on-site and regional habitat corridors and biolinks, development of practical and achievable management objectives, and facilitation of community input.
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o Assessment of remnant Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs), identification of significant habitat sites and BioSites, development of management objectives for JAMBA/CAMBA listed migratory fauna, development of protection measures required for federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwth – EPBC Act) and state Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic – FFG Act) significant fauna and flora. o Development of environmental management and recovery programs for federal EPBC Act listed fauna, such as the Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar), Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana) and Grey-headed Flying-Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), EPBC Act listed flora such as the Spiny Rice Flower (Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens), and numerous state FFG Act listed fauna, flora and environmentally threatening processes. o Waterway and wetland condition assessment utilising various assessment protocols including the Index of Stream Condition (ISC) and Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition (RARC) methods, incorporation of multidisciplinary geological and hydrogeological assessments, and customised assessment methodologies as required to meet client objectives. o Auditing, review and development of construction environmental management programs and ecological rehabilitation programs; review and development of Planning Scheme overlay policy and planning amendments. o Ecological expert on DELWP/EPA Forest Audits of VicForests operations across Victoria against the Code of Practice for Timber Production and associated Management Standards and Procedures; Lead Auditor and Technical Expert Ecologist for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) Forest Management, Chain of Custody and Controlled Wood accreditation systems. General Environmental Management o Targeted surveys for threatened flora and fauna including Infrared activated cameras, frog call- back and metamorph surveys, quadrat and transect flora studies, fyke and bait-trap fish surveys, reptile tile surveys and owl call-back studies. o Identification of Federal, State and regionally significant flora and fauna taxa habitat requirements and development of habitat diversification, remediation and enhancement programs. o Development of GIS map based management and conservation zones, development of protective mechanisms within Planning Schemes and the establishment of environmental overlays. o Development of ecologically based management and eradication programs for introduced, naturalised threatening weed flora species. o Input into the format of State and Local Government Planning Permit Environmental Overlays for the management and protection of State and Locally significant ecological assets and endangered EVC remnants. o Specialist consulting advice on Stormwater Best Management Practices (including design guidelines, planning permit and construction conditions, environmental effects and impact assessments, WSUD, alternative treatment techniques, and non-structural measures (such as planning schemes, contract specifications and education programs). o Review, planning and incorporation of WSUD and Best Management Practices for golf course and residential developments including incorporation and enhancement of remnant habitat elements and floristic remnants. o Input into the design and development of wetlands and aquatic habitat for Ramsar listed fauna and regionally significant wetland fauna and flora species. o Surface water sampling and underwater marine sediment sampling. Flora and Fauna / Habitat-hectare / Net Gain o Flora and fauna assessment, habitat-hectare mapping and Net Gain analysis of dozens of sites across Victoria for the development of Precinct Structure Plans, State and Local Government level regional planning and development Planning Permit process. o Development of Net Gain Offset Management Plans and 10-year Offset / Net Gain Land Management Plans, incorporation of offset requirements and credits with Planning Permit applications, and the registration of habitat-hectare values with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) BushBroker Net Gain credit registration and trading system. o Development and preparation of Net Gain documentation and assessment and representations as an Expert Witness at Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) hearings on ecological impacts and amelioration associated with subdivision and land development programs.
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Selected projects o Principal Ecologist and technical advisor with WSP to VicRoads for road development programs, including referrals under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwth – EPBC Act) and state Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic – FFG Act), development of Planning Scheme Amendment applications (and preparation of Incorporated Documents), advisory input for the Integrated Tendering Process (ITP), and development of Native Vegetation Offset Management Strategies. o Environmental weed and feral animal spatial assessment and GIS mapping, identification and review of Nationally significant EPBC Act 1999 (Cwlth) threatened flora, fauna and vegetation communities across thirteen (13) airforce and military bases (covering approximately 50,000 hectares in Victoria and Tasmania) for the Federal Department of Defence (ADF). o Technical advice and ecological management of the Essendon Airport grassland reserves and Nationally significant EPBC Act 1999 (Cwlth) threatened natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plains. o Development and implementation of the Peninsula Link (Frankston Bypass) Freeway Net Gain Offset Management Plan, identification and development of Offset Sites and transfer of Offsets on the Native Vegetation Credit Register for the Linking Melbourne Authority. o Targeted flora and fauna survey and Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) 20b public hearing testimonial for the proposed Dromana Landfill project; Infrared camera, fyke net, bait trap, call-back, transect and quadrat targeted surveys for threatened flora, fauna and vegetation communities. o Habitat-hectare mapping and flora and fauna assessment (including the Ramsar listed Westernport precinct) for the Stony Point to Cowes Ferry development. o Flora, fauna and habitat hectare assessment, Net Gain Offset Management Plan, EPBC and FFG referrals and Planning Permit development for the Point Nepean infrastructure upgrade works, Portsea. o Flora, fauna and habitat hectare assessment, Net Gain Offset Management Plan, EPBC and FFG referrals and Planning Permit development for the O’Grady Road upgrade, Hallam and the Cardinia Shire. o Flora, fauna and habitat hectare assessment, Net Gain Offset Management Plan and marine sediment sampling investigations for the Portarlington Safe Harbour Master Plan, Portarlington. o Development and GIS mapping of the Mount Cottrell Conservation Reserve Management Plan for the Melton City Council. o Growling Grass Frog and metamorph survey and population monitoring at Gum Scrub Creek, Officer, for Places Victoria including a review and update of the Officer Precinct Growling Grass Frog Conservation Management Plan and EPBC Act referral. o Mapping of habitat hectare values, bushfire fuel loads and wildfire risk around peri-Melbourne for the Phoenix RapidFire bushfire simulator program and the Department of Sustainability and Environment. o Assessment and mapping of ecological assets and values across the Cranbourne Urban Growth Zone (and southeast development corridor) and development of Precinct Structure Plans and associated Native Vegetation Precinct Plans for the Growth Areas Authority. o Development of WSUD treatment options for landfill sites in Aceh, Indonesia. o Development of the EPBC Act listed Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) Management Plan at Yarra Bend Park. o Review of flora and fauna offset objectives and EPBC Act referrals associated with the Yallourn Coal Mine Works Variation and the preparation of technical documentation for the LaTrobe City Council response to the Planning Permit application.
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