Appendix-V Appendix-D NTGVVP-And-Targeted-Flora-Surveys.Pdf

Table of Contents

Summary ...... 5 1 Introduction ...... 7 1.1 Background...... 7 1.2 Objectives and Tasks...... 7 1.3 Study Area ...... 9 2 Methods ...... 11 2.1 Nomenclature...... 11 2.2 Literature Review ...... 11 2.2.1 Database Searches ...... 11 2.3 Surveys for NTGVVP ...... 11 2.4 Targeted Flora Surveys...... 12 2.5 Significant Flora species ...... 13 2.5.1 Ben Major Grevillea Grevillea floripendula...... 13 2.5.2 Clover Glycine Glycine latrobeana...... 13 2.5.3 Hairy Tails Ptilotus erubescens ...... 13 2.5.4 Small Milkwort Comesperma polygaloides ...... 14 2.5.5 Adamson’s Blown- grass Lachnagrostis adamsonii...... 14 2.5.6 Australian Anchor Plant Discaria pubescens ...... 14 2.5.7 Button Wrinklewort Rutidosis leptorhynchoides ...... 14 2.5.8 Swamp Everlasting Xerochrysum palustre ...... 14 2.5.9 White Sunray Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor ...... 15 2.5.10 Salt-Lake Tussock- Grass Poa sallacustris ...... 15 2.6 Assessment Qualifications and Limitations...... 15 3 Results ...... 16 3.1 Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain...... 17 3.2 Targeted Flora Surveys...... 21 3.2.1 Nationally Significant Species ...... 21 3.2.2 State Significant Species...... 21 4 Legislative Implications of the Findings ...... 23 4.1 Legislative and Policy Implications...... 23 4.2 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ...... 23 4.3 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988...... 24 5 Mitigation Measures and Recommendations ...... 26 5.1 Prior to Project Works ...... 27

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys 5.2 During Project Works ...... 27 5.3 Post Project Works...... 27 6 Conclusion ...... 28 References ...... 29 Figures...... 32 Appendices ...... 90

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys Acknowledgements We thank the following people for their contribution in the project:

Jeff Bembrick (Stockyard Hill Wind Farm Pty Ltd), Senior Environmental Advisor - Major Development Projects) for project and site information. Catherine Mansfield (Stockyard Hill Wind Farm Pty Ltd), Community Relations Officer for providing Landholder information and Field visit protocol Paul Duboudin and Ian Courtney (Stockyard Hill Wind Farm Pty Ltd), Community Relations Advisors for discussions with landholders, to arrange site access Landholders in and around Stockyard Hill for allowing access to their properties and their time in completing surveys

The following Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty. Ltd. personnel have contributed to this report; Stuart Cooney (Project Manager and Senior Zoologist); Liza James (Botanist), Sandra Mijatovic (Botanist), Bill Fish (GIS Officer), Staci Timms (GIS Officer), and Amanda Feetham (GIS Officer).

Project number: 3316

Cover Photos: Plains Grassland, White Sunray and Golden Cowslips within the study area (photos © Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd)

Copyright © Ecology and Heritage 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 and Heritage 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 the report and its content.

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys SUMMARY

Introduction

Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd was engaged by Stockyard Hill Wind Farm Pty Ltd (SHWFPL), a subsidiary of Origin Energy, to investigate whether areas to be affected by the proposed Stockyard Hill Wind Farm qualify as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) listed ecological community Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plains (NTGVVP). Targeted flora surveys for several nationally significant species currently listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act, and state significant species listed under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) and/or listed as threatened on the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s (DSE) threatened species advisory list were also undertaken along multiple alignment options for the proposed Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Victoria.

Methods

A survey of vegetation within the study area was undertaken by a qualified botanist in order to assess it against thresholds for NTGVVP. The assessment was undertaken between 11-14 October 2011. The Flora and Fauna Matters of National Environmental Significance peer review report by Biosis Research Pty Ltd (February 2010) at page 10 (Exhibit A47 at the panel hearing) states that a previous assessment for NTGVVP was not undertaken in alignment with the ecological community listing advice. This assessment uses these condition thresholds to determine the extent of NTGVVP across the study area. Areas that met the condition thresholds, and that therefore need to be considered under the EPBC Act were mapped and notes taken on site condition, and species diversity and cover. A targeted flora survey for the nationally significant Ben Major Grevillia Grevillea floripendula, Clover Glycine Glycine latrobeana, Adamson’s Blown Grass Lachnagrostis adamsonii, Button Wrinklewort Rutidosis leptorhynchoides, Swamp Everlasting Xerochrysum palustre, White Sunray Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor and Salt-Lake Tussock-Grass Poa sallacustris, and state significant Hairy Tails Ptilotus erubescens, Small Milkwort Comesperma polygaloides, and Australian Anchor Plant Discaria pubescens was conducted between 10–14 October and 8–10 November 2011. Both the permitted and optimised layouts, including turbine, construction pad and access road sites, where they intersected areas of native vegetation identified during previous investigations were assessed. Detailed transects were conducted in all areas identified as potential habitat for the threatened species.

Results

Fourteen patches and eight habitat zones, totalling 5.55 hectares, of native vegetation within the study area met condition thresholds to qualify them as NTGVVP. These areas are predominantly located along road reserves and primarily intersect with proposed access tracks. Other areas of native vegetation that met NTGVVP condition thresholds occur on private land and may be impacted by electrical cable and/or an access tracks based on the current layouts.

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys Approximately 30 nationally significant White Sunray plants were recorded within the study area during the targeted surveys. All plants were recorded within the road reserve on the eastern side of the Eurambeen Streatham Road.

Although not specifically targeted, approximately 13 Golden Cowslips Diuris behrii were recorded during the targeted surveys, located in Heathy Dry Forest vegetation in the northern section of the study area. Golden Cowslips is considered vulnerable in Victoria.

Other significant flora species, such as Lemon Beauty-heads Calocephalus citreus, belonging to the protected family Asteraceae (Daisies), and Sun-orchids Thelymitra sp. belonging to members of the orchid family (Orchidaceae) were also identified during the current study, located within areas of NTGVVP along road reserves on public land.

Legislative and policy implications

The results of this survey will be used to inform detailed design of the wind farm and micro- siting under Condition 1 and 2 of the Planning Permit to the satisfaction of the Minister on the advice of DSE

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm Pty Ltd has indicated that potential impacts to significant species, including the White Sunray, and ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act will be avoided, therefore currently there are no additional legislative requirements under the EPBC Act.

A detailed Conservation Management Plan (CMP) that outlines protection measures and actions to manage and conserve areas of Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and populations of White Sunray within the study area should be developed as part of the project.

Remnants of the threatened vegetation community, Western Basalt Plains Grassland, listed in the FFG Act and flora belonging to the protected families Asteraceae (Daisies) and the orchid family (Orchidaceae) were identified during the current assessment. If future impacts cannot be avoided to these matters, then an FFG Act permit will be required prior to disturbance.

Potential impacts and mitigation measures

Potential impacts to species and ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act are intended to be avoided; however measures should be adopted during the design, planning and construction phases for the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm. A summary of mitigation measures is provided in Section 5.

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd was engaged by Stockyard Hill Wind Farm Pty Ltd (SHWFPL), a subsidiary of Origin Energy, to investigate whether areas of native vegetation to be affected by the proposed Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, qualify under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) listed ecological community Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plains (NTGVVP). Targeted flora surveys for several nationally significant species currently listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act, and state significant species listed under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) and/or listed as threatened on the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s (DSE) threatened species advisory list (DSE 2005) were also undertaken along multiple alignment options for the proposed Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Victoria.

1.2 Objectives and Tasks

Investigation of Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plains As per the project brief provided by SHWFPL, the objective of this project is to address conditions related to the Flora and Fauna and particularly the areas of NTGVVP. Relevant conditions are indicated below: 1. WEF Permit No: PL-SP/05/0548, Condition 3 Before (development) plans are finalised and submitted for endorsement under Condition 1, further field surveys must be undertaken in the spring season of areas which may be disturbed by wind energy facility works beyond the areas of native vegetation already identified, to ascertain the presence of any further areas of native grassland communities and the presence of any endangered species of flora and fauna. The survey approach to identifying NTGVVP remnants outlined in the Matters of National Environmental Significance peer review report (page 10) presented at the Panel hearing must be adopted in all surveys. The survey must be undertaken to the satisfaction of the Minister for Planning upon the advice of DSE and a report of the survey results must be submitted to, and be to the satisfaction of the Minister for Planning. The results of this further survey work must be used to inform the preparation of the plans under Condition 1 to the satisfaction of the Minister on the advice of DSE.

2. WEF Permit No: PL-SP/05/0548, Condition 9 Before the development begins, further habitat and flora surveys and assessments of potentially disturbed areas must be undertaken to the satisfaction of the Minister for Planning upon the advice of DSE. (Note: this may be met in whole or in part by

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys meeting the requirements of Condition 3). This must include areas outside previously identified remnant grassland that are likely to be disturbed during development. The survey approach to identifying NTGVVP remnants outlined in the Flora and Fauna Matters of National Environmental Significance peer review report by Biosis Research Pty Ltd (February 2010) at page 10 (Exhibit A47 at the panel hearing) must be adopted in all pre-construction habitat surveys. The results of the pre-construction surveys required by this condition must be used to inform detailed design of the wind farm and micro-siting including in areas of non- indigenous grassland linked to remnant native grassland habitat and are to be presented in compliance with the requirements of Condition 2. 3. EPBC 2009/4719. Conditions 1 to 8 where applicable and associated Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) requirements/guidelines. Specific aspects of the EPBC Act approval relevant to this scope involve surveys for areas that will be disturbed by the development of the wind farm and its associated infrastructure including: 1. Surveys of areas of NTGVVP, and, 2. Surveys for Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana and its habitat (in progress) Condition 8 of the EPBC approval requires that accurate records substantiating all activities associated with or relevant to the conditions of approval are maintained. SHWFPL requires that the contractor fulfil its role in maintenance of accurate records by supply. Targeted Threatened Flora Survey The objectives of the targeted flora surveys were to:

Review the available literature, including previous field surveys (Brett Lane and Associates Pty Ltd 2009; Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd 2011); and DSE database information, such as BioSites, Flora Information Systems (FIS), Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs), and previous consultant reports; Conduct targeted surveys for significant flora species that have previously been recorded, or that have potential habitat within the study area; Provide figures showing survey locations and any significant flora species recorded; Assess any opportunities to avoid and minimise impacts to significant flora species as part of the proposed highway upgrade; and, Liaise with any key stakeholders (e.g. DSE, local government) when required regarding significant species within the study area.

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys 1.3 Study Area

The approved Stockyard Hill Wind Farm site is located approximately 160 kilometres west of Melbourne (Figure 1).

The project area occupies an area of approximately 15,700 hectares (Figure 1) and largely comprises cleared land for crops, and farming land grazed by cattle and sheep. It is situated in the Pyrenees Shire, to the west of Ballarat, between the township of Beaufort (approximately four kilometres to the north) and the Shire’s southern boundary (near the northern outskirts of Skipton, which is itself located in Corangamite Shire). The site of the wind farm is some 10 kilometres south–east of the Challicum Hills Wind Farm, 25 kilometres southwest of the Waubra Wind Farm and some 20 kilometres south of the approved Lexton Wind Farm (all measured from the closest points).

The transmission line route for the grid connection extends across the Pyrenees Shire and Corangamite Shire boundaries, and the terminal station is located in the Corangamite Shire. These aspects of the development are not addressed by this methodology and will be dealt with separately.

The survey envelope for all vegetation assessments undertaken for this project involved two infrastructure layouts, the permitted and the optimised layout as shown on figure 3a. The survey area included the location of each turbine (GPS points provided by SHWFPL) with a 100 metre buffer zone around that point. Other infrastructure facilities were also surveyed as per the details below. The precise location of this infrastructure was provided by SHWFPL at the commencement of the project. 1. Turbine location surveys The targeted surveys used a 100-metre radius surrounding turbine locations in areas of known or suitable habitat. 2. Substation areas Five substations are proposed for each of the two layouts, and are approx 50 metres x 50 metres in size, with a 20 metre buffer on each side. 3. Access tracks and internal reticulation To survey the proposed tracks and cable routes a survey strip of 50 metres in width around the access tracks and reticulation was assumed. 4. Internal power line corridors To survey the proposed power line route a survey strip of 50 metres in width around the power line route was assumed. The study area falls within two Victorian bioregions. A small section of the study area, located in the north is within the Central Victorian Uplands bioregion (DSE 2011a), and the remainder of the study area (south of Toppers Road) is predominantly within the Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion.

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys The Victorian Volcanic Plain covers large areas of south western Victoria from Melbourne in the east to Hamilton in the west. The study area is located within Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority (CMA) area and falls within the Pyrenees Shire Council. The entire study area is currently zoned for farming activities (FZ1) (DPCD 2011).

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys 2 METHODS

2.1 Nomenclature

Common and scientific names of vascular plants follow the Flora Information System (FIS) (2011) and the Census of Vascular Plants of Victoria (Walsh and Stajsic 2007). Vegetation community names follow the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s (DSE) Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) benchmarks (DSE 2011b).

2.2 Literature Review

The Flora and Fauna Matters of National Environmental Significance peer review report by Biosis Research Pty Ltd (February 2010) at page 10 (Exhibit A47 at the panel hearing) was reviewed in conjunction with the Commonwealth Listing Advice on Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain (DEWHA 2008) and The EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.8 Nationally Threatened Ecological Communities of the Victorian Volcanic Plain: Natural Temperate Grassland & Grassy Eucalypt Woodland (DEWHA 2008). FFG Act Action Statements (DSE 2008) and National Recovery Plans relevant to each species and distribution data from the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas (VBA 2010a) were reviewed to obtain descriptions, habitat and ecological information and distributional data. Previous consultant reports, in particular the Proposed Stockyard Hill Wind Farm - Flora and Fauna Assessment (Brett Lane and Associates 2009) and Stockyard Hill Win Farm Spiny Rice-flower Targeted Surveys (Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd 2011) were also reviewed, to supplement information obtained during the targeted survey.

2.2.1 Database Searches

All relevant biological databases maintained by DSE were reviewed, including The VBA (2010) and FIS (2011) databases for historic flora records. Information relating to matters of National Environmental Significance (NES) (listed taxa and ecological communities) protected under the EPBC Act was obtained from the Protected Matters Search Tool (SEWPaC 2011).

2.3 Surveys for NTGVVP

A survey of vegetation within the study area was undertaken by a qualified botanist in order to assess it against thresholds for NTGVVP. The assessment was undertaken between 11-14 October 2011. Assessments consisted of visually assessing the entire study area and assessing the conditions within the study area against the ecological community listing advice (DEWHA 2008). Areas that met the condition thresholds, and that need to be considered under the EPBC Act were mapped and notes taken on site condition, and species diversity and cover.

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys Condition Thresholds

The survey approach to identifying NTGVVP remnants outlined in the report by Biosis Research Pty Ltd (2010) was adopted and addressed by assessing vegetation according to the threshold conditions that are provided in the ecological community listing advice (DEWHA 2008). These condition thresholds function as a set of criteria to identify when the EPBC Act is likely to apply to the ecological community. They provide guidance for when a patch of a threatened ecological community retains sufficient conservation values to be considered as a matter of National Environmental Significance, as defined under the EPBC Act. The condition thresholds that apply to patches within the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm study area are provided below (Table 1).

2.4 Targeted Flora Surveys

The targeted flora surveys were conducted on two field trips between 10–14 October and 8–10 November 2011 to accommodate for early to late-spring flowering species. Both the permitted and optimised layouts supporting turbine, construction pad and access road sites where they intersected with known areas of native vegetation identified during previous investigations (Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd 2011 and Brett Lane and Associates Pty Ltd 2009), were surveyed (Figure 1).

The targeted threatened flora surveys for nationally significant Ben Major Grevillia Grevillea floripendula, Clover Glycine Glycine latrobeana, Adamson’s Blown Grass Lachnagrostis adamsonii, Button Wrinklewort Rutidosis leptorhynchoides, Swamp Everlasting Xerochrysum palustre, White Sunray Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor and Salt-Lake Tussock-Grass Poa sallacustris, and state significant Hairy Tails Ptilotus erubescens, Small Milkwort Comesperma polygaloides, and Australian Anchor Plant Discaria pubescens were chosen due to potential habitat occurring within the study area (Brett Lane and Associates Pty Ltd 2008). White Sunray was recorded during the targeted Spiny Rice-flower undertaken by Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd (2011) In order to meet Permit condition no. 3 further field surveys were therefore required to be undertaken in the Spring season, of areas which may be disturbed by the wind energy facility works.

Potential habitat for threatened species was identified as Heathy Woodland, Grassy Woodland, Plains Grassy Wetland and Plains Grassland remnants previously identified by Brett Lane and Associates Pty Ltd (2009). Vegetation known as suitable habitat for Spiny Rice-flower Pimelea spinescens var. spinescens species (Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd 2011) and areas considered as NTGVVP as a result of the current surveys were also identified as potential habitat for threatened species (Figures 2a–2r). Potential habitat for threatened species did not include areas of non-native vegetation that had been subject to major disturbances (i.e. intensive grazing, cropped land and introduced pasture).

Transects were assessed in all areas identified as potential habitat for threatened species and consisted of walking at a defined width and speed to ensure that all the vegetation was

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys inspected. The precise width of the transect depended on the vegetation density at the site, however 5 metre transects were undertaken in all areas with suitable habitat present.

A handheld GPS (accuracy ~5 metres) was used to record the location of any observed threatened flora species, and where practical, specimens were individually photographed. All recorded data was then translated onto aerial photographs.

2.5 Significant Flora species

The purpose of the targeted significant flora surveys was to locate and record any of the ten species listed below that may potentially be impacted by the construction of the proposed Stockyard Hill Wind Farm. The targeted flora species that were the focus of this survey were chosen because they have either been previously recorded within the study area, and/or identified as species that were likely to occur within the study area, due to suitable habitat identified during previous assessments (Brett Lane and Associates Pty Ltd 2009; Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd 2011) (i.e. within a 10 kilometre radius surrounding the study area) (DSE 2010) (Figure 4). A brief summary of the ecology of each species is provided below.

2.5.1 Ben Major Grevillea Grevillea floripendula

Ben Major Grevillia Grevillea floripendula is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act, is listed under the FFG Act and considered vulnerable in Victoria (DSE 2005; DSE 2010). Populations of Grevillea floripendula occur in dry open-forest, on shallow quartzitic soils (Walsh & Entwisle 1996). There are 135 documented records of Ben Major Grevillia in Victoria, 41 of which occur within 10 kilometres of the study area (Appendix 2.1), recorded in 2002 at Camp Hill State Forest (DSE 2010).

2.5.2 Clover Glycine Glycine latrobeana

Clover Glycine Glycine latrobeana is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act, is listed under the FFG Act and considered vulnerable in Victoria (DSE 2005; DSE 2010). The Clover Glycine is recorded in Victorian Western Basalt Plains Grassland and stony rises dominated by Themeda triandra with a varying richness of herbs (Kirkpatrick et al. 1995). There are 246 documented records of Clover Glycine in Victoria, 5 of which occur within 10 kilometres of the study area (DSE 2010) (Appendix 2.1), one of which was recorded near Black Lake (Brett Lane and Associates Pty Ltd 2009).

2.5.3 Hairy Tails Ptilotus erubescens

Hairy Tails Ptilotus erubescens is listed under the FFG Act (DSE 2005; DSE 2010). In Victoria the species occurs in Plains Grassland and Grassy Woodland (Walsh and Entwistle 1994). There are 338 documented records of Hairy Tails in Victoria, two of which occurs within 10 kilometres of the study area (Appendix 2.1).

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys 2.5.4 Small Milkwort Comesperma polygaloides

Small Milkwort Comesperma polygaloides is listed under the FFG Act, and is considered vulnerable in Victoria (DSE 2005; DSE 2010). The species occurs predominantly within the Western Basalt Plains Grassland, together with open grassy woodland communities in Victoria (Walsh and Entwistle 1994). There are 336 documented records of Small Milkwort in Victoria, 22 of which occurs within 10 kilometres of the study area (Appendix 2.1), with the nearest record (dated 2008) occurring in Blacks Creek Nature Conservation reserve (DSE 2010) (Figure 4, Appendix 2.1).

2.5.5 Adamson’s Blown- grass Lachnagrostis adamsonii

Adamson’s Blown-grass Lachnagrostis adamsonii is listed as endangered under the EPBC Act, is listed under the FFG Act, and is considered vulnerable in Victoria (DSE 2005; DSE 2010). The species occurs along depressions and drainage lines that are seasonally inundated or waterlogged, usually in moderate to high saline conditions (Brown 1997). There are at least 190 documented records in Victoria, 24 of which occurs within 10 kilometres of the study area (Appendix 2.2), with the nearest and most recent record (2008) bordering Lake Goldsmith (DSE 2010) (Figure 4, Appendix 2.1).

2.5.6 Australian Anchor Plant Discaria pubescens

Australian Anchor Plant Discaria pubescens is listed under the FFG Act and is considered rare in Victoria (DSE 2005; DSE 2010). The species generally occurs in grassy open woodlands and forests in the east of Victoria (Hall & Parsons 1987). There are 207 documented records of the Australian Anchor Plant in Victoria with one record occurring immediately east of the study area located near Mt Emu Creek (Figure 4).

2.5.7 Button Wrinklewort Rutidosis leptorhynchoides

Button Wrinklewort Rutidosis leptorhynchoides listed as endangered under the EPBC Act, is listed under the FFG Act and considered endangered in Victoria (DSE 2005; DSE 2010). The Button Wrinklewort is associated with Basaltic grasslands in Victoria (Jeanes 1999). There are 233 documented records of Button Wrinklewort in Victoria, 38 of which occurs within 10 kilometres of the study area (Appendix 2.1). The nearest record for this species occurs along Baillie Creek area, east of the study area, dated 2008 (DSE 2010).

2.5.8 Swamp Everlasting Xerochrysum palustre

Swamp Everlasting Xerochrysum palustre listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act, is listed under the FFG Act and considered vulnerable in Victoria (DSE 2005; DSE 2010). The Swamp Everlasting is often associated with sedge-rich swamps and wetlands, usually on black cracking clay soils (Walsh and Entwistle 1994). There are 105 documented records of Swamp Everlasting in Victoria 23 of which occurs within 10 kilometres of the study area (Appendix 2.2). The nearest records are less than five kilometres east of the study area (dated 2008).

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys 2.5.9 White Sunray Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor

White Sunray Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor is listed as endangered under the EPBC Act and is considered endangered in Victoria (DSE 2005; DSE 2010). The White Sunray occurs almost exclusively on acidic clay soils derived from basalt, occasionally on nearby sandy-clay soils derived from sedimentary material (Costin 1999; Costin et al. 2001). There are 80 documented records of White Sunray in Victoria, eight of which occur within 10 kilometres of the study area and a further four of which occur within the study area dated (2007), along Euarmbeen - Streatham Road (Figure 4, Appendix 2.1).

2.5.10 Salt-Lake Tussock- Grass Poa sallacustris

Salt-Lake Tussock-Grass Poa sallacustris listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act, is listed under the FFG Act and is considered vulnerable in Victoria (DSE 2005; DSE 2010). The Salt- Lake Tussock-Grass occurs in grassland/herbfields on flat to slightly elevated sites at the verges of slightly, to strongly, saline lakes (Walsh 1991). There are 84 documented records of Salt-Lake Tussock-Grass in Victoria, 14 of which occurs within 10 kilometres of the study area (DSE 2010). Two records (dated 2007) are located at Lake Goldsmith and records (dated 1990), are located at Black Lake both areas are surrounded by the study area (Figure 4, Appendix 2.1).

2.6 Assessment Qualifications and Limitations

NTGVVP investigations and flora surveys were undertaken during the optimal flowering period for native tussock grasses and forbs and all of the targeted species, including Ben Major Grevillia, Adamson’s Blown Grass, Button Wrinklewort, Swamp Everlasting, White Sunray and Salt-Lake Tussock-Grass, Hairy Tails, Small Milkwort, and Australian Anchor Plant to maximise the probability of detecting each species.

However, the majority of the study area was, at the time of the surveys, still subject to intensive grazing, by sheep and cattle. This may have reduced the delectability of the target species during these surveys and the likely occurrence of the EPBC Act listed ecological community. Nonetheless, the survey undertaken is considered appropriate to achieve the purposes of the report and given the high level of botanical surveys associated within the proposed development which have been undertaken in the past, the current survey effort is considered sufficient to provide an assessment of the likely occurrence of the EPBC Act listed ecological community.

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys 3 RESULTS

In total 14 patches and eight habitat zones (totalling 5.55 hectares) of native vegetation within the study area met condition thresholds to qualify them as NTGVVP (Table 1). There areas are predominantly located along road reserves; Eurambeen Streatham Road, Dunnets Road, Skipton Road and Nanimia Pit Road (Figures 2a – 2r). The vegetation located in these areas will be predominately impacted by proposed access tracks with the exception of an electrical cable that extends Dunnets Road. Minor areas of vegetation located along the Skipton Road reserve are to be impacted as vegetation occurs outside of buffer zones. Other areas of native vegetation that met NTGVVP condition thresholds occur on private land and may be impacted by electrical cable and/or an access track based on the current layouts (Figures 2j - 2o).

Vegetation identified along Eurambeen Streatham Road is of the highest conservation significance. This area is dominated by a high cover of Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra, with a moderated cover of Spear Grasses Austrostipa spp. and Short Wallaby-grass Austrodanthonia carphoides. This area also maintains moderate-high species diversity within the ground layer comprising EPBC Act listed White Sunray Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor, and Golden Cowslips Diuris behrii considered vulnerable in Victoria (Table 1, Figure 2a). Additional species are Blue Devil Eryngium ovinum, Lemon Beauty- Heads, Calocephalus citreus, Chocolate-lilies Arthropodium fimbriatus and Sun-orchids Thelymitra sp. This area is therefore defined as the nationally listed NTGVVP ecological community and it is recommended that it be avoided. All the other patches of NTGVVP, as summarised in Table 1, should also be avoided. in addition to all other vegetation. Although some small areas of ostensibly suitable native vegetation within the study area met condition thresholds for NTGVVP, due to their very small patch size (<0.0.05 hectare) they do not meet patch size requirements to be classified as this community. Given the highly modified vegetation throughout the remainder of study area (i.e. cropped land and introduced pasture); areas outside of these patches do not meet the condition thresholds to constitute this EPBC Act-listed ecological community.

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys 3.1 Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain

Criteria PG1 PG2 PG3 PG4 PG5 PG6 PG7 PG8

The patch indicated on The three patches All patches indicated on The patch indicated All patches indicated on The patch All patches The patch EVC Figure 2a is Plains indicated on Figures Figures 2h-2i, are on Figure 2j, is Figures 2k, 2m, 2n, and indicated on indicated on indicated on The grassland is either Grassland (EVC 132). 2d-2g, are Plains Plains Grassland (EVC Plains Grassland 2o, are Plains Figure 2l, is Figures 2p -2q Figure 2r, is Plains Grassland (EVC Grassland (EVC 132) 132). (EVC 132). Grassland (EVC 132). Plains are Plains Plains Criteria Met 132) or Creekline Tussock and are similar in Grassland Grassland (EVC Grassland Criteria Met Criteria Met Criteria Met Grassland (EVC 654) quality. (EVC 132). 132). (EVC 132). Criteria Met Criteria Met Criteria Met Criteria Met

The vegetation occurs on The vegetation occurs The vegetation occurs The vegetation The vegetation occurs The vegetation The vegetation The vegetation Bioregion Grassland is in the Victorian Volcanic Plain or the edge of the Victorian within the Victorian within the Victorian occurs within the within the Victorian occurs within occurs within occurs within near to the Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion Volcanic Plain Volcanic Plain Victorian Volcanic Volcanic Plain the Victorian the Victorian the Victorian Volcanic Plain (Central and is on basalt derived bioregion. bioregion. Plain bioregion. bioregion. Volcanic Plain Volcanic Plain Volcanic Plain Victorian Uplands, Dundas soils bioregion. bioregion. bioregion. Criteria Met Criteria Met Criteria Met Criteria Met Tablelands and Otway Criteria Met Plain Bioregions) Criteria Met Criteria Met Criteria Met

The grassland remnant is Grassland remnants Grassland remnants are The grassland Grassland remnants on The grassland Grassland The grassland Size of Patch remnants are patch is 0.55 hectare in grassland patches are patches are less than< hectare; grassland hectare, grassland hectare; hectare; hectare; size with no more than 5% 0.34, 0.13, and 0.19 0.05 hectare. patch is 0.5 hectare patches are 0.07, 0.3 grassland patchgrassland grassland canopy cover of trees or hectares in size with no in size with no more and 0.1 hectare in size is 0.07 hectare patches on patch is 0.11 shrubs. more than 5% canopy Criteria Not Met than 5% canopy with no more than 5% insizewithno Figure 2p are hectare in size cover of trees or cover of trees or canopy cover of trees more than 5% 0.01 and 0.03 with no more Criteria Met shrubs. shrubs. or shrubs. canopy cover ofhectare in size. than 5% hectare, grassland patch trees or shrubs. canopy cover needs to be at least 0.05 Criteria Met Criteria Met Criteria Met Criteria Not of trees or hectare in size with no Met Grassland shrubs. more than 5% canopy Criteria Met patches on cover of trees or shrubs. Figure 2q are 0.05 hectare in Criteria Met sizewithno more than 5% canopy cover of trees or shrubs. Criteria Met

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys Criteria PG1 PG2 PG3 PG4 PG5 PG6 PG7 PG8

N/A N/A N/A N/A The grassland remnant on Figure 2k is >1 N/A N/A N/A hectare, grassland patch is 3.02 hectare in If grassland remnant is >1 size. The area has hectare, grassland patch Acacia sp (medium needs to be at least 0.5 shrub), and some River hectare in size with no Red Gums Eucalyptus more than 2 trees per camaldulensis (trees) hectare. however no more than 2 trees are present per hectare. Criteria Met

The grassland is Criteria Met Criteria Met Criteria Met Criteria Met Criteria Met Criteria Met Criteria Met Criteria Met Key Diagnostic associated with Quaternary Features basalt soils within the Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion.

The vegetation is The vegetation is The vegetation is The vegetation is All areas of native The vegetation All areas of The vegetation At least one of the dominated by Themeda dominated by dominated by dominated by vegetation are is dominated by native is dominated following grass genera is with a moderated cover of Austrostipa and some Austrostipa and Austrodanthonia dominated by Austrostipa. vegetation are by Austrostipa. the dominant native Austrostipa and occurrences of Themeda. Austrostipa, Themeda dominated by Criteria Met Criteria Met Criteria Met species in the ground Austrodanthonia. Austrodanthonia. and/or Poa and Austrostipa, Criteria Met layer: Themeda scattered occurrences Themeda and/or Criteria Met Criteria Met (Kangaroo-grass), of Austrodanthonia Poa and (Wallaby-grass), scattered Criteria Met Austrostipa occurrences of (Spear-grass) and/or Poa Austrodanthonia (Tussock-grass). Criteria Met

The native grasses Vegetation has a High The vegetation has a The vegetation has a The vegetation has The vegetation has a The vegetation The vegetation The vegetation Condition Themeda (Kangaroo- grass), Austrodanthonia cover of Themeda Grass high cover of high cover of a high cover of high cover of has a high has a high coverhas a high Thresholds (Wallaby-grass), 50%. Austrostipa >50%. Austrostipa 50% and Austrodanthonia Austrostipa, Themeda cover of of Austrostipa, cover of Austrostipa Themeda in some >50%. and/or Poa >50%.And Austrostipa Themeda and/or Austrostipa Criteria Met Criteria Met instances. Austrodanthonia was >50%. Poa >50%.And >50%. (Spear-grass) and/or Poa Criteria Met (Tussock-grass) account <50%. Austrodanthonia Criteria Met Criteria Met was <50%. Criteria Met for 50% or more of the Criteria Met perennial tussock cover of the grassland patch. Criteria Met OR

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys Criteria PG1 PG2 PG3 PG4 PG5 PG6 PG7 PG8

The grassland remnant Grassland remnants Grassland remnants The grassland Grassland remnants do Grassland Grassland The Grassland has a high cover 50% of have a very low cover have a moderate cover remnant has a not have any native remnant is remnant is patch contains native wildflowers and high of native wildflowers, of native wildflowers moderate cover of wildflowers present, devoid of nativedevoid of native some diversity. White Sunray <50%. such as Lemon Beauty- native wildflowers only some occurrences wildflowers, wildflowers, occurrences of (EPBC Act) and Golden Heads, Calocephalus such as Lemon of Common Wood <50%. <50%. Lemon Cowslips considered Criteria Not Met citreus and Chocolate- Beauty- Heads, Asperula conferta and Beauty- Native wildflowers account vulnerable in Victoria (DSE lilies, Arthropodium Calocephalus Sheep’s Burr Acaena Criteria Not Criteria Not Heads, for 50% or more of the total 2010), are present in fimbriatus however citreus and echinata. Met Met Calocephalus vegetation from September addition to other wild cover is <50%. Chocolate-lilies, citreus and to February. flowers and Orchids such Arthropodium Criteria Not Met wildflowers are as Lemon Beauty- Heads, Criteria Not Met fimbriatus however <50%. OR Calocephalus citreus, cover is <50%. Chocolate-lilies Criteria Not Arthropodium fimbriatus Criteria Not Met Met and Sun-orchids , Thelymitra sp . Criteria Met

Non-grassy weeds did not Non-grassy weeds did Non-grassy weeds did Non-grassy weeds Non-grassy weeds did Non-grassy Non-grassy Non-grassy occur within this area. not occur within this occur, mainly Gorse did not occur within not occur within this weeds did not weeds did not weeds did not area. however cover was this area. area. occur within occur within this occur within Criteria Met Non-grassy weeds account <30% this area. area. this area, Criteria Met Criteria Met Criteria Met for less than 30% of the however Criteria Met total vegetation cover at Criteria Met Criteria Met adjacent to the any time of the year. vegetation are planted Pines.

Criteria Met

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys Criteria PG1 PG2 PG3 PG4 PG5 PG6 PG7 PG8

The conservation value of The patch size in context The native vegetation is The native vegetation is The native All areas of native The native The native The native Additional a patch of the Natural of Plains Grassland is of low conservation of low conservation vegetation is of vegetation are of vegetation is of vegetation is of vegetation is Characteristics Temperate Grassland of moderate. However the value and low diversity, value and all areas moderate moderate conservation low moderate of moderate the Victorian Volcanic Plain vegetation has one however patches have have small patch sizes. conservation value, value with low diversity. conservation conservation conservation ecological community is nationally listed flora minimal weed invasion. moderate diversity Patch size is moderate value, low value, moderate value, enhanced if it shows any of species and one flora Weed invasion was and moderate patch – large. diversity and diversity and moderate the following features: species considered high and comprised size. small patch moderate patch diversity and vulnerable in Victoria with The presence of natural size. size. moderate • a high native plant high diversity, therefore exposed rock platforms patch size. species richness; high conservation value. and outcrops occur in Thereisa some areas. presence of • large patch size; natural Weed invasion is high • minimal weed invasion; exposed rock and comprising Sweet platforms. • presence of threatened Vernal, Anthoxanthum plant and/or animal odoratum, Wild Sage, species; Salvia verbenacea, Toowoomba canary • presence of natural grass Phalaris aquatica exposed rock platforms and Cape weed and outcrops; or Arctotheca calendula. • presence of mosses, lichens or a soil crust on the soil surface.

Natural Temperate Yes Yes No,(due to small patch Yes Yes Yes Yes, Figure 2q Yes Grassland of size). the Victorian No, Figure 2p Volcanic Plain Qualify as remnants of Community the threatened (due to small vegetation community, patch size). Western Basalt Plains Condition thresholds are Grassland,listedonthe Qualify as met, and the area qualifies. FFG Act remnants of the threatened vegetation community, Western Basalt Plains Grassland, listed on the FFG Act

Notes: EVC = Ecological Vegetation Class, PG = Habitat zones of Plains Grassland (EVC 132)

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys 3.2 Targeted Flora Surveys 3.2.1 Nationally Significant Species

Approximately 30 White Sunray plants were recorded within the study area during the targeted surveys (Figure 2a). All plants were recorded within the road reserve on the east side of the Eurambeen Streatham Road (Figure 2a). This population of White Sunray is currently proposed to be bisected by an access track leading to turbine number 22 and is present within both alignments (Figure 2a).

Despite the presence of suitable habitat and nearby documented records (Figure 3), no Ben Major Grevillia, Clover Glycine, Adamson’s Blown Grass, Button Wrinklewort, Swamp Everlasting, and Salt-Lake Tussock-Grass, specimens were located during the targeted survey. It is considered unlikely that these are present within any vegetation that will be impacted by either the optimised or permitted infrastructure layout for the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm.

3.2.2 State Significant Species

Despite the presence of suitable habitat and nearby documented records (Figure 3), no Hairy Tails, Small Milkwort, and Australian Anchor Plant plants were located during the targeted survey. It is considered unlikely that these are present within any vegetation that intersects with the optimised or the permitted infrastructure layout for the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm.

Approximately 13 Golden Cowslips were recorded within the study area during the targeted surveys (Figure 2a – 2c) (Plate 2). Golden Cowslips is considered vulnerable in Victoria (DSE 2005; DSE 2010). The Golden Cowslips is often associated with Grasslands and grassy woodlands (Walsh and Entwistle 1994).

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys Plants were located within the road reserve on the east side of the Eurambeen Streatham Road occurring alongside the EPBC Act listed White Sunray. During the current assessment, this area of vegetation was also identified as meeting the thresholds for the EPBC Act listed NTGVVP (Figure 2a). As was previously mentioned, this area is intersected by the proposed access track leading to turbine number 22 and is present within both permitted and optimised tracks. It is recommended that this area be avoided by any proposed infrastructure.

Golden Cowslip was also present within Heathy Dry Forest vegetation located within the northern section of the study area (Figure 2b–2c). These plants are intersected by infrastructure in two areas both affected by the optimised and permitted access tracks to turbine 11 (Figure 2b–2c).

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys 4 LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

4.1 Legislative and Policy Implications

This section identifies biodiversity policy and legislation relevant to the proposed development, and principally addresses the:

Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999; Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 ; Planning and Environment Act 1987;

4.2 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 NES, 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 the action has, will have, or is likely to have, a ‘significant impact’ on a matter of NES.

A significant impact is an impact which is important, notable, or of consequence, having regard to its context or intensity. Whether or not an action is likely to have a significant impact depends upon the sensitivity, value, and quality of the environment which is impacted, and upon the intensity, duration, magnitude and geographic extent of the impacts. All of these factors need to be considered when determining whether an action is likely to have a significant impact on matters of NES.

Listed flora 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.

A total of 14 patches (totalling 5.55 hectares) of native vegetation within the study area meet condition thresholds that qualify as the nationally significant ecological community NTGVVP under the EPBC Act.

A population of the EPBC Act-listed White Sunray listed as endangered, was recorded during the current assessment, along Eurambeen Streatham Road reserve and intersects with a proposed access track to turbine number 22 (Figure 2a). Six nationally significant flora species have previously been recorded, or have the potential to occur within a 10 kilometre radius of the study area, due to the presence of suitable habitat (Figure 3). However these species were not recorded during the current assessment and it is considered unlikely that these are present within any vegetation that intersects with either the optimised or permitted

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys infrastructure layout for the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm. Therefore these species require no further consideration.

EPBC Act recommendation

Areas that met the condition thresholds according to the EPBC Act listing advice for the ecological community are considered a matter of National Environmental Significance. These areas should be avoided as part of the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm development. The results of this survey must be used to inform the preparation of the plans and used to inform detailed design of the wind farm and micro-siting under Condition 1 and 2 of the Planning Permit to the satisfaction of the Minister on the advice of DSE. If areas are avoided during the planning stages, these areas should be protected during construction and appropriately managed after the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm is constructed.

In this instance the proponent has indicated that potential impacts to species and ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act are intended to be avoided, therefore currently there are no additional legislative requirements under the EPBC Act.

Due to the presence of White Sunray; a nationally significant species listed under the EPBC Act, the proposed infrastructure options for the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm may have a significant impact on a matter of NES. In this instance the proponent has indicated that potential impacts to species and ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act are intended to be avoided, therefore currently there are no additional legislative requirements under the EPBC Act.

4.3 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988

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.

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys FFG Act recommendation

The state significant species Lemon Beauty-heads which belongs to the protected family Asteraceae (Daisies), Golden Cowslips, considered vulnerable in Victoria and Sun-orchids, both of the latter being members of the orchid family (Orchidaceae), were identified during the current study in areas of NTGNVVP located within road reserves on public land.

Areas within the study area identified as Plains Grassland and some scattered indigenous grasses within road reserves are remnants of the FFG Act listed threatened vegetation community: Western (Basalt) Plains Grassland.

Implications for the Proposed Development

The majority of the proposed wind farm development will take place on private land; therefore the FFG Act will be largely irrelevant to the development. However, 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 to clear or disturb protected flora species within the study area. Protected flora species include all members of the orchid family (Orchidaceae), some Acacia species, all members of the Asteraceae (Daisy) family and all ferns (except Bracken Fern Pteridium esculentum).

Remnants of the threatened vegetation community, Western Basalt Plains Grassland, listed on the FFG Act, and species from protected families were identified during the current assessment. If future impacts cannot be avoided on these matters, then an FFG Act permit will be required prior to disturbance.

Pyrenees Shire Council

The wind farm site is almost wholly located within the Pyrenees Shire Council municipality, and there are no overlays within the study area. There is a requirement to satisfactorily complete Condition 9 of the wind energy facility Permit No: PL-SP/05/0548 (in relation to the wind farm site).

Implications for the Proposed Development

A Planning Permit under the Pyrenees Planning Scheme has already been obtained (Permit No: PL-SP/05/0548) and Condition 3 and 9 refers to the listed threatened community Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and any endangered species of flora (See section 1.2). Additional permit requirements are listed in the Planning Permit, including Condition 14, which requires the preparation of a native vegetation offset management plan.

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys 5 MITIGATION MEASURES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Any loss of ecological values should be viewed in the context of the overall ongoing loss, fragmentation and deterioration in the quality of remnant vegetation within the study area and the surrounding landscape. It should be noted that potential impacts to species and ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act are intended to be avoided; however measures should be adopted during the design, planning and construction phases for the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm including:

Restriction of construction activities to areas of modified or predominantly introduced vegetation to minimise loss of potential habitat for the nationally and state significant flora species and communities;

Avoiding native vegetation and areas that have been identified as NTGVVP, through construction and micro-siting techniques, including fencing retained areas of native vegetation. The final design plans should aim to avoid any threatened flora identified during the surveys; Minimising and where possible avoiding individuals of White Sunray within PG1 (Figure 2a). A population of 30 individuals may be lost if any of the current proposed alignment options are chosen for the access route for turbine location number 22. If the plants cannot be avoided, salvage and translocation of White Sunray individuals will need to be considered prior to the commencement of construction activities;

Fencing and sign-posting the populations of White Sunray and areas that have been identified as NTGVVP to protect any retained individuals and vegetation during construction works;

Developing a Conservation Management Plan, and ensuring that the plan is implemented if any individuals of White Sunray or areas of NTGVVP are proposed to be removed or disturbed as part of the project;

Minimising, and where possible, avoiding (as guided by DSE) individuals of Golden Cowslips within the study area (note: Golden Cowslips are only visible in spring so known areas should be fenced off during an appropriate time of year prior to works commencing);

Where possible, minimising the impact of construction equipment on areas supporting remnant native vegetation, including areas supporting high quality habitat for significant flora species; and,

Removing weeds and replacing them with locally indigenous species appropriate to the former EVC.

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys 5.1 Prior to Project Works

Preparing an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the project with particular reference to the protection of significant flora species, threatened communities and areas of remnant native vegetation within the project area.

5.2 During Project Works

Where possible, works should minimise impact on areas of retained vegetation (e.g. adjacent areas of road reserve and known locations of significant flora species and threatened communities); and,

Any sites proposed to be retained should be clearly fenced and marked as ‘no-go zones’ for the duration of construction.

5.3 Post Project Works

Undertaking all post-construction monitoring as outlined in the CMP and EMP prepared for the project;

Undertaking population monitoring of nationally significant flora species known from the study area for a period of 3–5 years (as guided by DSE); and,

Carrying out appropriate post-works clean-up of the site in accordance with environmental best practices, including the stabilisation of exposed soils with local native vegetation from the appropriate EVC.

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys 6 CONCLUSION

Native vegetation within the study area met condition thresholds to qualify them as NTGVVP located within road reserves and some areas on public land. These areas have proposed access tracks and may be impacted by electrical cabling based on the current layouts. Nationally significant White Sunray plants were recorded within the study area during the targeted surveys. All plants were recorded within the road reserve on the eastern side of the Eurambeen Streatham Road.

Although not specifically targeted, Golden Cowslips were recorded during the targeted surveys, located in Heathy Dry Forest vegetation in the northern section of the study area and are considered vulnerable in Victoria.

Other significant flora species, belonging to the protected family Asteraceae (Daisies), to members of the orchid family (Orchidaceae) were also identified during the current study.

Legislative and policy implications

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm Pty Ltd has indicated that potential impacts to significant species, including the White Sunray, and ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act will be avoided; therefore currently there are no additional legislative requirements under the EPBC Act. Therefore the results of this survey will be used to inform detailed design of the wind farm and micro-siting.

A detailed Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for areas of Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and populations of White Sunray within the study area should be developed as part of the project.

If future impacts to flora and communities listed in the FFG Actcannot be avoided to these matters, then an FFG Act permit will be required prior to disturbance.

Potential impacts and mitigation measures

Measures should be adopted during the design, planning and construction phases for the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm and are summarised in Section 5.

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys REFERENCES

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys References BiosisResearch Pty Ltd 2010. Flora and Fauna Matters of National Environmental Significance peer review report, Unpublished report for Stockyard Hill Wind Farm Pty Ltd. Brett Lane and Associates 2009. Stockyard Hill Wind Farm - Flora and Fauna Assessment, Unpublished report for Stockyard Hill Wind Farm Pty Ltd. Brown, A.J. 2001. Survey and monitoring of Adamson's Blown Grass (Agrostis adamsonii) over the 1998/99 to 2000/01 Seasons. State Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Werribee (unpublished). Costin B.J. 1999. Effects of habitat fragmentation on the seed set of Leucochrysum albicans susp. albicans var. tricolor (Ateraceae). Honours thesis, Department of Botany, La Trobe University, Victoria. Costin B.J. Morgan J. W. and Young A. G. 2001. Reproductive success does not decline in fragmented populations of Leucochrysum albicans susp. albicans var. tricolor (Ateraceae). Biological Conservation 98: 273-284. DEWHA 2008. Commonwealth Listing Advice on Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain [Online]. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

DEWHA 2008. EPBC Act Policy Statement 3.8, Nationally Threatened Ecological Communities of the Victorian Volcanic Plain: Natural Temperate Grassland & Grassy Eucalypt Woodland [Online]. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

DSE 2005. Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria - 2005. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria. DSE 2011b. Ecological Vegetation Class [online] URL: www.dse.vic.gov.au. Site visited 12 August 2011. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria, East Melbourne, Victoria Ecology and Heritage Partners (in preparation) Stockyard Hill Wind Farm Spiny Rice-Flower Targeted Surveys, unpublished report for Stockyard Hill Wind Farm Pty Ltd Hall, K.F.M. & Parsons, R.F. (1987) Ecology of Discaria (Rhamnaceae) in Victoria. Proc. R. Soc. Vict. 99(3) Kirkpatrick, J., McDougall, K. & Hyde, M. (1995) Australia’s most threatened ecosystems: the southeastern lowland native grasslands, Surrey Beatty & Sons, NSW FIS 2009. Flora Information System (Department of Sustainability and Environment), Viridans Pty Ltd. Bentleigh East, Victoria. Jeanes, JA 1999, 'Asteraceae', in NG Walsh & TJ Entwisle (eds), Flora of Victoria - Volume 4: Dicotyledons Cornaceae to Asteraceae, Inkata Press, Melbourne, pp. 652-984. NRE 2002. Victoria's Native Vegetation Management: A Framework for Action. Department of Natural Resources & Environment, Victoria.

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys SEWPaC 2011. Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST). Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Community. VBA 2010. Victorian Biodiversity Atlas (VBA). Sourced from: ‘VBA_FLORA25’ and ‘VBA_FLORA100’, August 2010. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria. Walsh, N. G. and Entwistle, T. J. 1994. Flora of Victoria. Inkata Press, Melbourne. Walsh, N.G. and Stajsic, V. 2007. A Census of the Vascular Plants of Victoria. 8th Edition. Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne.

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys FIGURES

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys N Trawalla Optimised - Turbines eill St Arara F t Line ie Station Optimised - 50m access track ry Shirley Creek Ararat Line Trawalla Wes tern Permitted - Turbines Hwy Permitted - 50m access track

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Metres

Figure 3, Tile:01 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es 04 so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track Optimised turbine 100m U n na m e d Permitted turbine 100m Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling d Ba e llyroga m n R d a Electrical_132kV n n U Electrical_33kV Contours (1m) Potential Habitat for Detailed Targeted Surveys Study Area

d R m a th a e tr S - n e e b m 01 02 a r 03 u E 04 05 06 07 09 08 10 11 15 02 12 13 14 17 18 16 19 20

01 d 22 23 e 21 24 25

a 26 n 27 33

n U 29

U n 28 30

a T10 31 m 32

d T10 03

T16 0 150 300

Metres

Figure 3, Tile:02 Eura mbeen - Settl e T20 Potential Habitat for ment R d Targeted Flora Surveys T20 Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

T22 T22

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication 04 and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track Optimised turbine 100m ed na m Un Permitted turbine 100m

T3 Permitted Substations T3 Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV Contours (1m) T6 T6 Potential Habitat for Detailed Targeted Surveys T8 Study Area T9 T9 T8 02 T11 T11 T16 T16

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 09 08 10 11 12 15 T19 03 13 14 17 18 T19 16 19 20 22 23 21 24 25 26 27 33 29 28 30 31 32 U n n a m e d

T24 0 150 300 T24 Metres

Lon g Gul ly Rd Figure 3, Tile:03 Potential Habitat for

U Targeted Flora Surveys nna T27 med Stockyard HIll Wind Farm d ll y R Long Gu T27 T30

T30

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication 05 and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines 01 Optimised - 50m access track 02 Permitted - Turbines U nnam ed Permitted - 50m access track Optimised turbine 100m

d R Permitted turbine 100m

m a Permitted Substations h t

a e r Access Tracks t

S - Permitted Onsite UG n e Reticluated Cabling e b d e m m Electrical_132kV a

r a u n E n Electrical_33kV

d Contours (1m) e

a Potential Habitat for n n Detailed Targeted Surveys

U Study Area

T opper s Lane

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 09 08 10 11 15 04 12 13 14 17 18 16 19 20 22 23 Unnamed 21 24 25 26 27 33 29 28 30 31 32

U nn a m ed

05 0 150 300 U n U n n na a med m Metres e d Figure 3, Tile:04 Potential Habitat for Unn amed Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

Unna m d ed e

n Un n na U med

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es 08 so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, Unnam ed defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines 03 Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling 04 Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV

d e Contours (1m)

m a Potential Habitat for n

d Detailed Targeted Surveys

e m

a Study Area

U T opper s Lane

ed m a nn 01 02 U 03 U nn 04 am 05 06 07 e d 09 08 10 11 15 05 12 13 14 17 18 16 19 20 22 23 21 24 25 26 27 33 29 28 30 31 32

0 150 300

Metres

Unnam ed d R 05 c Figure 3, Tile: lla ba n Potential Habitat for rra a C t - Targeted Flora Surveys or uf ea B 09 Stockyard HIll Wind Farm 08

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the U accuracy or completeness of information in this publication n n and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es a m so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no e ed responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, d am Unn defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines ed am nn U Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines d e d Permitted - 50m access track m e

n m

n a U Optimised turbine 100m n

n U Permitted turbine 100m Unn amed ed Unnam Permitted Substations Access Tracks U nnam ed Permitted Onsite UG d R Reticluated Cabling l il H Electrical_132kV d r a y Electrical_33kV k c t o Contours (1m) S Potential Habitat for Detailed Targeted Surveys T33 Study Area T33

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 09 08 10 11 15 06 07 12 13 14 17 18 T43 16 19 20 T43 22 23 T44 21 24 25 T45 26 Unn 27 33 am T45 T44 e 29 d 28 30 T48 T48 31

d 32 R l il H d r a T51 y k c T51 t o S Th ompso T56 ns Rd 0 150 300

T57 T56 Metres T58 T58

T57 Figure 3, Tile:06 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

T60 09 T61 T60

T61

T63 VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es T63 10 so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, 11 defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF ed Optimised - Turbines am nn U Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m U

n n Permitted Substations Unn a amed m ed Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV Contours (1m) Potential Habitat for E l Detailed Targeted Surveys lis R d d Study Area

m T37 a

T37 U

T39 T39 T40 T40

T41 01 02 03 06 d 04 06 T41 R 05 07

o 09 t 08 10 11 p i k 12 15 S 07 13 14 17 18 T46 16 19 20 T46 22 23 21 24 25 26 27 33 T52 29 28 30 T50 T50 31 T53 T52 32

T53 d

T55 a

e T59 T55 e 0 150 300 h T59 C Metres

Th ompso ns Rd Figure 3, Tile:07 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm Mill ars Rd

T62 T62 T64

T64 R

s 10 n a Car land R m d VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the e accuracy or completeness of information in this publication s e and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es 11 e h so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no C responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines 04 Optimised - 50m access track

d e Permitted - Turbines U m nnam a ed n Permitted - 50m access track n U Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG 05 Reticluated Cabling Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV Contours (1m) Potential Habitat for Detailed Targeted Surveys U Study Area n

n a

e d

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 09 08 10 11 d R 12 15 08 c 13 14 la a l nb 17 18 ra 16 19 20 a r C 22 23 t - 24 25 or 21 uf 26 ea 27 33 B 29 28 30 U 31 n 32 n a m e d

0 150 300

Metres

Figure 3, Tile:08 e d m n a Potential Habitat for n U Targeted Flora Surveys

G U e n Stockyard HIll Wind Farm e n l a o m n e g d

R d

e d m

Un nam ed

U nnamed e d d am e VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the Un n m accuracy or completeness of information in this publication a n and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es n U 12 so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF d R Optimised - Turbines c T58 lla T58 a n b Optimised - 50m access track ra ar - C Permitted - Turbines rt fo au Permitted - 50m access track B e Optimised turbine 100m

d Permitted turbine 100m Unname Permitted Substations 06 Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG 05 Reticluated Cabling

d Electrical_132kV

l l i Electrical_33kV H T63 d r Contours (1m) a

k c Potential Habitat for o t T63 Detailed Targeted Surveys S Study Area

T65 T65 T66 T66 d e U n a m n T68 T67 T68 ed T67 n am Un T69

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 09 08 10 11 T71 T70 T70 12 15 T72 09 13 14 17 18 16 19 20 22 23 21 24 25 26 27 33 29 28 30 31 10 32

0 150 300

Fro g Hol low Rd Metres d e d m a e

n m

n a U n Figure 3, Tile:09

n U Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys

d Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

H d

r k

a c i

y r

k t

c a

o p

t k r S i

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines 06 T62 T64 T64 07 Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m T67 Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV Contours (1m) Potential Habitat for Detailed Targeted Surveys Study Area

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 09 08 10 11

d 12 13 15 10 R 14

o 17 18 t 16 19 20 p i k 22 23 S 21 24 25 Fro g Hollo 11 26 w R d 27 33 29 28 30 31 32

0 150 300 D ool ey s Rd Metres

Figure 3, Tile:10 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm T74

T74 T75 T75

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, 14 defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines 06 Ca rland R 07 d Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV Contours (1m) Potential Habitat for Detailed Targeted Surveys Study Area

01 02 03 04 06 d 05 07 d

R R 09 s 08 n 10 n 11 o a t p 12 15 i m 13 14 k 10 11 e s S e 17 18 e 16 19 20 h

C 22 23 F 21 24 25 ro g 26 H 27 33 o l 29 lo w 28 30 R 31 d 32

0 150 300

Metres Doole ys R d Figure 3, Tile:11 Potential Habitat for T74 Targeted Flora Surveys 15 Stockyard HIll Wind Farm T74 T75 T75

T76

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication 14 T76 and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF 08 Optimised - Turbines Optimised - 50m access track Rd a nce Permitted - Turbines E ntr allok M aw Permitted - 50m access track U n n a Optimised turbine 100m m e d Permitted turbine 100m Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV Contours (1m)

n n Potential Habitat for

m Detailed Targeted Surveys

d d Study Area e

m a n n U

01 02 03 d 04 R 05 06 07 c

a l 09 l 08 10 11 a

b n 12 13 15 a 12 14 r

r a G 17 18 C e 19 20 e 16 - lo t n 22 23 r g 24 25 o 21 f R u d 26 a 27 33 e

B 29 28 30 31 13 32

T87

T87 0 150 300

Metres

Figure 3, Tile:12 Potential Habitat for T90 T91 T91 Targeted Flora Surveys d e Stockyard HIll Wind Farm m

a n T90 n

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the T94 Stock accuracy or completeness of information in this publication yard H ill - W and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es anga T94 tta Rd so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no 17 18 responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines

Kirkp Optimised - 50m access track d atrick R e d

m Permitted - Turbines a d n e n Permitted - 50m access track U m a n n Unna Optimised turbine 100m U med Permitted turbine 100m Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling

S Electrical_132kV t o

T80 y Electrical_33kV

r d Contours (1m) H

i T80 l l Potential Habitat for R T84 d Detailed Targeted Surveys T84 Study Area

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 09 08 10 11 15 13 12 13 14 17 18 T89 T89 16 19 20 22 23 21 24 25 26 T91 T91 27 33 29 Un 28 30 name 31 d 32 Un nam ed

0 150 300

Metres T95 T95 Figure 3, Tile:13 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm Sto ckyard T96 T96 Hill - W anga tta Rd 18 Stockyard Hill

Lake Golds mith -

d Sto VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the

d ckya e rd H

e i lll Rd accuracy or completeness of information in this publication m

a and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es

a n

n 19 so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no

n U responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, U defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF 10 Optimised - Turbines T76 11 Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines T77 Permitted - 50m access track Optimised turbine 100m T77 Permitted turbine 100m

T78 Permitted Substations Access Tracks T78 Permitted Onsite UG T81 Reticluated Cabling Electrical_132kV T79 Electrical_33kV T79 T81 Contours (1m) Cro ss Rd Potential Habitat for Detailed Targeted Surveys Study Area T85 T86 T85 15 C ro T86 ss Rd

S k d i p 01 02 t R o 03 n s n U R 04 n a 06 07 n d 05 a m m e 08 09 e d s 10 11 e e 15 h 14 12 13 14 C T88 17 18 T92 16 19 20 22 23 21 24 25 T88 26 27 33 29 T92 28 30 31 32

0 150 300

T93 T93 Metres Figure 3, Tile:14 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

Cus hing R Unnam ed d

Un named

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the ek Cre accuracy or completeness of information in this publication u m and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es E M oun t so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no 19 20 responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG 11 Reticluated Cabling Electrical_132kV D oole ys Rd Electrical_33kV Contours (1m) Potential Habitat for Detailed Targeted Surveys T76 Study Area

T76

01 02 03 04 T78 05 06 07 09 08 10 11 15 T78 15 12 13 14 T81 17 18 16 19 20 22 23 21 24 25 26 T81 27 33 29 28 30 T82 31 T82 32

T85 T86 T85

0 150 300 14 T86 Metres C ro ss Rd

m a Figure 3, Tile:15 n

n U Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

T92

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the k e accuracy or completeness of information in this publication re C and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es u m so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no Mo n t E u responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV Contours (1m) Potential Habitat for Stonele igh Dr Detailed Targeted Surveys Study Area

Unnam ed 17

01 02 d 03 R 04 c 06 07 a 05 l l a 08 09 b 10 11 n

a r 12 15 r 16 13 14 a C 17 18 - 16 19 20 t r

o f 22 23 24 25 u T122 21 a

e 26 B 27 33 T122 29 28 30 31 32

T125 T125 W on g 0 150 300 a

C T131

r Metres

e e

k T131 Figure 3, Tile:16 Potential Habitat for 22 Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

T142

T149 T142 T149

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, 21 defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines 12 T94 Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m Permitted Substations Access Tracks T97 T97 Permitted Onsite UG T98 Reticluated Cabling T98 Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV Contours (1m) T99 Potential Habitat for T99 Detailed Targeted Surveys Study Area

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 09 18 08 10 11 15 17 12 13 14 T106 17 18 16 19 20 T106 22 23 21 24 25 T107 26 T107 27 33 29 28 30 T110 31 T110 32 16

0 150 300

T117 Metres 17 T117 Figure 3, Tile: Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys T120 T120 Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

T126

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the T125 22 T126 accuracy or completeness of information in this publication 23 and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines S 12 tockya T95 T95 rd Hi l Optimised - 50m access track l - Wan gatta Rd Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track T96 Optimised turbine 100m d T96 e Permitted turbine 100m m a n n 13 Permitted Substations

U Stockyard Hill Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling L d a ke Go e lds mith - Electrical_132kV m Stocky a a rd Hil

n ll Rd Electrical_33kV

n U Contours (1m)

d Potential Habitat for R l Detailed Targeted Surveys l i

d Study Area r a y k c o t S

T101 T101 01 02 T103 03 T104 04 05 06 07 08 09 17 T103 10 11 T104 15 18 12 13 14 17 18 16 19 20 22 23 21 24 25 26 27 33 T111 29 28 30 19 31 Unn 32 am ed T111

T112

T112 T114 0 150 300 T115 Metres T115 T114 Figure 3, Tile:18

S Potential Habitat for t

y Targeted Flora Surveys

r T119 d Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

T119 l l

T124

T124 VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the 23 accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es 22 so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines 13 14 Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines L ake G oldsm ith - S Permitted - 50m access track tockya rd Hi lll Rd Optimised turbine 100m ed am Permitted turbine 100m nn U Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling Electrical_132kV Lake Electrical_33kV Goldsmith Contours (1m) Potential Habitat for Detailed Targeted Surveys Study Area

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 09 d 08 10 R 11 n o 20 12 15 19 t 13 14 i p k Unn S 17 18 19 amed 16 20 d 22 23 e d 21 24 25 m R

a n 26 n o 27 33 n t

p 29 U i

k 28 30 S 31

d l 32

Unn amed

0 150 300

Metres

Figure 3, Tile:19 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

T135 T135

T147 VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no 24 25 T147 responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF d Optimised - Turbines e 14 m a Optimised - 50m access track n

n U d Permitted - Turbines R

s n Permitted - 50m access track a

m e Optimised turbine 100m s

h Permitted turbine 100m

C Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling Lake Electrical_132kV

Goldsmith d e Electrical_33kV

m d

a R n Contours (1m) n n

o U t Potential Habitat for p i k Detailed Targeted Surveys S Car ngham - Lak Study Area e Gol dsmith Rd d e

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 09 08 10 11 15 20 12 13 14 17 18 19 16 19 20 22 23 21 24 25 26 27 33 29 28 30 31 32

e i

0 150 300

Unn amed Metres M ou n t Emu C re ek Figure 3, Tile:20 T132 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys T132 Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

T147

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the T147 accuracy or completeness of information in this publication 25 and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF 16 Optimised - Turbines Un Optimised - 50m access track nam T156 ed Permitted - Turbines T156 Permitted - 50m access track T163 T163 Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m Permitted Substations Access Tracks

d R Permitted Onsite UG

a l Reticluated Cabling l

a b Electrical_132kV n

a r

r a Electrical_33kV

t Contours (1m) r

o f u Potential Habitat for a e d Detailed Targeted Surveys

d R B nt

e e tlem m et Study Area a h S n leig n e ton

U S 22 U

a m e d

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 09 08 10 11 15 21 12 13 14 17 18 16 19 20 22 23 21 24 25 26 27 33 29 28 30 31 32

0 150 300

Metres

Figure 3, Tile:21 26 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

Mt W i lliam Rd

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines T125 17 T126 18 Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track T130 Optimised turbine 100m T130 Permitted turbine 100m Permitted Substations Access Tracks 16 T136 T138 Permitted Onsite UG T141 Reticluated Cabling T138 T142 T141 T136 Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV T142 Contours (1m) Potential Habitat for Detailed Targeted Surveys T151 Study Area

T151 T155 T154 T154 T155 T157 T157

T163 01 02 03 T163 04 05 06 07 T173 23 09 08 10 11 12 13 15 T168 22 14 17 18 T168 T173 16 19 20 22 23 T169 21 24 25 26 27 33 29 T169 28 30 31 32

U 0 150 300

a m Metres e d Figure 3, Tile:22 Potential Habitat for Ston eleig Targeted Flora Surveys h S et tlem e nt Rd Stockyard HIll Wind Farm T177

T179 T177

T179

26 VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines T124 T124 18 Optimised - 50m access track 17 Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track T129 Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m T129 Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling Electrical_132kV T136 Electrical_33kV Contours (1m) Potential Habitat for Detailed Targeted Surveys T148 Study Area T148 S

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 09 08 10 11 15 23 12 13 14 17 18 16 19 20 Dunne 22 ts Rd 22 23 21 24 25 26 27 33 29 28 30 31 32 24

0 150 300

Metres

Figure 3, Tile:23 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

U n

B n a l a m c e k d s

C e d r e am e U n VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the

k n n U n accuracy or completeness of information in this publication a 26 m and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es e d so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF 19 Optimised - Turbines Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m Permitted Substations

m Access Tracks

n n Permitted Onsite UG U Reticluated Cabling Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV Contours (1m) Potential Habitat for Dunn ets Rd Detailed Targeted Surveys Study Area

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 09 25 08 10 11 15 24 12 13 14 d R 17 18 n 16 19 20 o t

p 22 23 i 24 25 k 21 S 26 27 33 29 28 30 31 32

U 0 150 300 n n a m Metres e d Figure 3, Tile:24

e Potential Habitat for

m a S n to Targeted Flora Surveys n c k U y a Stockyard HIll Wind Farm rd H i ll R d

U nn a med VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, 27 defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF 19 T147 Optimised - Turbines 20 Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV

d Contours (1m) R

n o Potential Habitat for t

p i Detailed Targeted Surveys k

S Study Area

o u n t E m k u C re e

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 09 24 08 10 11 O d 12 15 25 d 13 14 i e s 17 18 R 19 d 16 20 22 23 21 24 25 26 27 33 29 28 30 31 32

0 150 300

Metres

Figure 3, Tile:25 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, 27 defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF T179 Optimised - Turbines 22 Optimised - 50m access track 23 Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track T182 Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m T182 Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling 21 Electrical_132kV U nnamed Electrical_33kV Contours (1m) Potential Habitat for Detailed Targeted Surveys Study Area

e l t t e 01 02 S 03

g 04 i 05 06 07 e l e 08 09 n 10 11 o t S 15 26 12 13 14 17 18 16 19 20 22 23 21 24 25 26 27 33 29 28 30 31 32

0 150 300

Metres

Figure 3, Tile:26 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

d VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the R accuracy or completeness of information in this publication am ath d and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es re e - S t m m so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no

a a ng h responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, Ca r n n defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation .

U 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF 24 25 Optimised - Turbines Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV Contours (1m) Potential Habitat for Detailed Targeted Surveys Study Area

d R 01 02 n 03 o t

p i 04 06 k 05 07 S 09 08 10 11 15 27 12 13 14 17 18 Rd 16 19 20 tham tre a 22 23 m - S 21 24 25 g ha Ca rn 26 27 33 29 28 30 31 32

0 150 300

Metres

Figure 3, Tile:27 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

S t o c k y a r d 28 H i l l R d VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines Optimised - 50m access track 27 Permitted - Turbines Permitted - 50m access track Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV Contours (1m) Potential Habitat for S Detailed Targeted Surveys t o c k y Study Area a r d H

i l l T212 R M o d unt E T215 mu S e T212 ttlem e nt Rd T215

n 01 02 o t 03

p i k 04 05 06 07 S 09 08 10 11 15 28 12 13 14 17 18 29 16 19 20 22 23 24 25 Un 21 named 26 T220 27 33 29 T220 28 30 31 32

31 0 150 300 Metres

Figure 3, Tile:28 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines T194 Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines T196 Permitted - 50m access track T196 Optimised turbine 100m T197 Permitted turbine 100m 33 Permitted Substations T197 T200 Access Tracks T199 T200 Permitted Onsite UG T201 U n Reticluated Cabling n a m e T199 Electrical_132kV d T201 Electrical_33kV T202 Contours (1m) T203 Potential Habitat for U T205 Detailed Targeted Surveys T203 nnamed T206 T205 Study Area T206

T209 T208 T209 T210 T208 T210

d 28 R 01 02 t 03 i P 04 06 a 07 i 05

m i 08 09 n 10 11 a

N 15 29 12 13 14 T217 T217 T216 17 18 16 19 20 22 23 T216 21 24 25 26 27 33 29 28 30 Mo 31 unt E d T219 mu e 32 Settle m ent m Rd a T219 30 n

0 150 300 T223 Metres M oun t E mu Se 31 ttleme T223 nt Rd Figure 3, Tile:29 T225 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys T225 T226 T226 Stockyard HIll Wind Farm 32

T229 T229 VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines Optimised - 50m access track T198 M ou Permitted - Turbines T198 nt E 33 mu C ree k Permitted - 50m access track Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m Permitted Substations Access Tracks T202 T202 Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling T204 T207 T204 Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV Contours (1m) T207 Potential Habitat for Detailed Targeted Surveys T210 Study Area T211 T211

29 T213 T214 T214 T213 01 02 T216 03 04 05 06 07 09 08 10 11 15 30 12 13 14 17 18 16 19 20 22 23 21 24 25 26 27 33 29 28 30 31 32

d e 0 150 300

n n Metres U Figure 3, Tile:30 Potential Habitat for 32 Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

M ount E m u Se ttl eme nt Rd

a m VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the e accuracy or completeness of information in this publication d and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no d e responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, n am Un defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF Optimised - Turbines T215 Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines

t Permitted - 50m access track M i ount Em P u Sett lem a ent d i Optimised turbine 100m Rd e m i m n a Permitted turbine 100m a n

N n

U Permitted Substations Access Tracks T220 T220 Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling M T223 ount Emu S ettlem Electrical_132kV ent Rd Electrical_33kV 29 T223 Contours (1m) Potential Habitat for Detailed Targeted Surveys 28 Study Area

T229 T229 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 09 08 10 11 15 31 T232 12 13 14 17 18 16 19 20 22 23 21 24 25 26 27 33 29 28 30 31 32 32

0 150 300

Metres T239 Figure 3, Tile:31 T239 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

U nnam ed

VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF T223 Optimised - Turbines T225 Optimised - 50m access track Permitted - Turbines M ount Emu S Permitted - 50m access track ettlem T225 T226 ent Rd T226 Optimised turbine 100m Permitted turbine 100m 29 30 Permitted Substations Access Tracks Permitted Onsite UG Reticluated Cabling T229 Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV Contours (1m) T232 Potential Habitat for T232 Detailed Targeted Surveys Study Area T233 T233

31 T235

T235

01 02 03 04 T238 T238 05 06 07 09 08 10 11 15 T239 32 12 13 14 17 18 16 19 20 T239 22 23 21 24 25 T240 26 27 33 T240 29 28 30 31 32 T241 T241 T242

T242 0 150 300

Metres Un nam ed Figure 3, Tile:32 Potential Habitat for Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard HIll Wind Farm

a n Permitted - Turbines

Mount d

n e

Emu m Permitted - 50m access track

a n

n Optimised turbine 100m U C Permitted turbine 100m a rn gha m - Permitted Substations Str eat ham Access Tracks Rd Permitted Onsite UG Mo u n t Em u Creek Reticluated Cabling Electrical_132kV Electrical_33kV

m Contours (1m)

a n n Potential Habitat for U ed am Detailed Targeted Surveys nn U Study Area

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 ed 08 09 10 am 11 nn 15 33 U 12 13 14 T188 17 18 16 19 20 T188 22 23 21 24 25 26 27 33 29 28 30 31 32

T192 T191 T191 0 150 300 T193 T192 Metres T193 T194 Figure 3, Tile:33 Potential Habitat for T194 Targeted Flora Surveys T195 T195 Stockyard HIll Wind Farm T196 T196 T198 29 T198 30 T200 T199 T200 VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication T199 and any p erson u sing or relying upo n su ch inf ormatio n do es so on the bas is that the S tate of Vic toria sh all be ar no responsibilit y or liability whatsoever for any errors , faults, T202 defe cts or omissions in th e info rmation . 3316_Fig03_Potential_Habitat.mxd 09/12/2011 BF

APPENDICES

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys Appendix 1 – Co-ordinates for Threatened Flora Species

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys Appendix 2.1 – Flora database results

EPBC Environment Protection and biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) FFG Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) DSE Advisory List of Threatened Flora in Victoria (DSE 2005); VROTS 1 Known occurrence X Extinct 2 Habitat present CR Critically endangered 3 Habitat present, but low likelihood EN Endangered 4 Unlikely VU Vulnerable 5 No suitable habitat e Endangered v Vulnerable r Rare k Poorly Known L Listed as threatened under FFG Act D De-listed from the FFG Act # Records identified from EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool. * Native non-indigenous species

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE Ballantinia antipoda Southern Shepherd's Purse 1770 4 EN L e #Carex tasmanica Curly Sedge - - VU L v #Daviesia laevis Grampians Bitter-pea - - VU L v #Dodonaea procumbens Trailing Hop-bush - - VU - v Eucalyptus crenulata Buxton Gum 1982 1 EN L e #Glycine latrobeana Clover Glycine 1992 5 VU L v #Grevillea floripendula Ben Major Grevillea 2002 41 VU L v #Lachnagrostis adamsonii Adamson's Blown-grass 2008 24 EN L v Lepidium aschersonii Spiny Peppercress 1770 1 VU L e Lepidium hyssopifolium Basalt Peppercress 1865 2 EN L e #Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor White Sunray 2007 12 EN - e #Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens Spiny Rice-flower 2007 10 CR L e #Poa sallacustris Salt-lake Tussock-grass 2007 14 VU L v #Rutidosis leptorhynchoides Button Wrinklewort 2007 38 EN L e Senecio macrocarpus Large-headed Fireweed 1770 1 VU L e #Senecio psilocarpus Swamp Fireweed - - VU - v #Thelymitra matthewsii Spiral Sun-orchid - - VU L v Xerochrysum palustre Swamp Everlasting 2008 23 VU L v STATE SIGNIFICANCE Acacia aspera subsp. parviceps Rough Wattle 2000 10 - - r Alternanthera sp. 1 (Plains) Plains Joyweed 2002 2 - - k Amphibromus sinuatus Wavy Swamp Wallaby-grass 1990 3 - - v Comesperma polygaloides Small Milkwort 2008 22 - L v Convolvulus angustissimus subsp. omnigracilis Slender Bindweed 2004 8 - - k Discaria pubescens Australian Anchor Plant 1994 1 - L r Diuris behrii Golden Cowslips 2007 5 - - v

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys Eucalyptus yarraensis Yarra Gum 2001 13 - - r Grevillea micrantha Small-flower Grevillea 1770 1 - - r Helichrysum aff. rutidolepis (Lowland Swamps) Pale Swamp Everlasting 1990 2 - - v Lachnagrostis perennis spp. agg. Perennial Blown-grass 1990 5 - - k Lachnagrostis punicea subsp. filifolia Purple Blown-grass 1997 3 - L r Lachnagrostis punicea subsp. punicea Purple Blown-grass 2004 6 - - r Lachnagrostis robusta Salt Blown-grass 2008 11 - - r Leptorhynchos elongatus Lanky Buttons 1770 1 - - e Leptospermum turbinatum Shiny Tea-tree 1982 1 - - r Olearia asterotricha Rough Daisy-bush 1992 1 - - r Olearia speciosa Netted Daisy-bush 1893 1 - - k Podolepis sp.1 Basalt Podolepis 1990 1 - - e Ptilotus erubescens Hairy Tails 1982 2 - L - Ranunculus diminutus Brackish Plains Buttercup 1990 4 - - r Ranunculus papulentus Large River Buttercup 2000 7 - - k

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Natural Temperate Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Targeted Flora Surveys