Flora and Fauna Assessment: Planning Scheme Amendment for Intensive Animal Husbandry, Cape Nelson Road, Portland, Victoria Prepared for Davis Advisory

Privileged and Confidential

4 May 2016

Biosis offices Document information

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Report to: Davis Advisory

Canberra Prepared by: Chris Jones Phone: (02) 6102 1200 Email: [email protected] Ben Howells Mark Venosta

NEW SOUTH WALES Biosis project no.: 22024

Newcastle File name: 22024.capenelsonroadportland.ffa.fin.20160504.docx Phone: (02) 4911 4040 Email: [email protected] Citation: Biosis 2016. Flora and Fauna Assessment for Planning Scheme Amendment for Intensive Animal Husbandry, Sydney Cape Nelson Road, Portland, Victoria. Report for Davis Phone: (02) 9101 8700 Advisory. Authors: Jones C, Howells, B & Venosta M, Email: [email protected] Biosis Pty Ltd, Melbourne. Project no. 22024

Wollongong Phone: (02) 4201 1090 Document control Email: [email protected]

Version Internal reviewer Date issued QUEENSLAND Draft version 01 MV 15/04/16 Brisbane Phone: (07) 3831 7400 Draft version 02 MV 20/04/16 Email: [email protected] Final version 01 MV 04/05/16

TASMANIA Acknowledgements Hobart Phone: (03) 8686 4821 Email: [email protected] Biosis acknowledges the contribution of the following people and organisations in undertaking this study:

VICTORIA  Davis Advisory: Andrew Low

Ballarat  Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning for Victorian Phone: (03) 5304 4250 Biodiversity Atlas and Native Vegetation Information Tools access Email: [email protected]  Department of Environment for access to the Protected Matters Melbourne (Head Office) Phone: (03) 8686 4800 Search Tool of the Australian Government Fax: (03) 9646 9242 Email: [email protected]  BirdLife Australia for access to the New Atlas of Australian Birds 1998-2013. Wangaratta Phone: (03) 5721 9453 Other Biosis staff involved in this project were: Email: [email protected]  James Shepherd (mapping)

 Dan Lim (research assistance)

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

Biosis Pty Ltd has completed this assessment in accordance with the relevant federal, state and local legislation and current industry best practice. The company accepts no liability for any damages or loss incurred as a result of reliance placed upon the report content or for any purpose other than that for which it was intended.

Contents

1. Introduction ...... 1

1.1 Project background ...... 1 1.2 Scope of assessment ...... 1 1.3 Location of the study area ...... 1

2. Methods ...... 3

2.1 Database review ...... 3 2.2 Definitions of significance ...... 4 2.3 Determining likelihood of occurrence of significant species ...... 4 2.4 Site investigation ...... 4 2.4.1 Flora assessment ...... 4 2.4.2 Fauna assessment ...... 5 2.4.3 Permits ...... 5 2.5 Qualifications ...... 5 2.6 Legislation and policy ...... 6 2.7 Mapping ...... 6

3. Results ...... 7

3.1 Vegetation & fauna habitat ...... 7 3.2 Landscape context ...... 9 3.3 Significant species and ecological communities ...... 9 3.3.1 EPBC Act and FFG Act listed species ...... 9 3.3.2 Significant ecological communities ...... 9

4. Biodiversity legislation and government policy ...... 11

4.1 Commonwealth ...... 11 4.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ...... 11 4.2 State ...... 12 4.2.1 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) ...... 12 4.2.2 Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act) ...... 12 4.2.3 Planning and Environment Act 1987 (incl. Planning Schemes) ...... 12

5. Victoria's biodiversity assessment guidelines ...... 15

5.1 Proposed removal of native vegetation ...... 15

6. Key ecological values and recommendations ...... 17

Appendix 1 Flora ...... 20 Appendix 2 Fauna ...... 29 Appendix 3 Photos of the study area ...... 45 Appendix 4 Glossary – Biodiversity assessment guidelines...... 46

Tables

Table 1 Criteria for determining significance of species & ecological communities ...... 4 Table 2 Summary of vegetation and habitat types within the study area ...... 8 Table 3 Summary of EPBC and FFG Act listed species most likely to occur in the study area ...... 9 Table 4 Assessment of project in relation to the EPBC Act ...... 11

Figures

Figure 1 Location of the study area, Cape Nelson, Victoria ...... 2 Figure 2 Ecological features of the study area, Cape Nelson, Victoria ...... 10

Summary

Biosis Pty Ltd was commissioned by Davis Advisory to undertake a flora and fauna assessment for a planning scheme amendment to undertake intensive animal husbandry within a property on Cape Nelson Road, Portland. The area is currently zoned Rural Conservation Zone schedule 1 (RCZ1), which does not allow for the intensive land use.

Ecological values Key ecological values identified within the study area are as follows:

 Habitat for five FFG listed fauna species  Four small patches of native coastal mallee scrub vegetation

Government legislation and policy An assessment of the project in relation to key biodiversity legislation and policy is provided and summarised below.

Legislation / policy Relevant ecological feature Permit / approval Notes on site required

EPBC Act No listed flora or fauna Referral not required Development unlikely to recorded or with potential constitute a significant impact. habitat within the study area.

FFG Act Six listed species with habitat Protected Flora Permit not in the study area: required. Site is private Rufous Bristlebird land. Rufous Bristlebird (Coorong subsp.) Magpie Goose Eastern Great Egret Intermediate Egret Little Egret

Planning & Indigenous vegetation to be Planning permit required, Permit application needs to Environment Act cleared. including permission to lop address provisions of SLO3 and or remove vegetation. ESO1 (see section 4).

CaLP Act Seven noxious weeds: None required. Comply with requirements to African Boneseed control/eradicate weeds. Perennial Thistle Spear Thistle Permit only required from Flax-leaf Broom DEDJTRI to transport soil/rock off African Box-thorn site for State Prohibited weeds. Apple of Sodom Gorse

Clause 52.17 and Permitted clearing of native vegetation: Biodiversity assessment guidelines (the Guidelines) Native vegetation within the study area is coastal mallee scrub EVC 665 and can be described as either remnant patches or scattered native vegetation. The existing remnant patches of native vegetation found on the site are already fenced off and will not be removed by the proposed planning scheme amendment and development. Based on current designs, the proposed use of the site for intensive animal husbandry will not require the removal of any remnant patches of native vegetation or scattered native trees (greater then 10 year old) from within the study area.

The scattered native grasses/ shrubs found throughout the study area that do not fall under the definition of a remnant patch will continue to be impacted by grazing activities. Grazing of this scattered native vegetation by domestic stock is exempt from needing a planning permit under Clause 52.17 of the Glenelg Planning Scheme. Given the planning permit exemptions within Clause 52.17 of the Glenelg Planning Scheme which allow for the removal of native vegetation that is regrowth less than 10 years old or through the grazing of domestic stock, it is considered that a planning permit is not required under Clause 52.17.

However, if the areas of remnant patch that are already fenced become impacted or all or part of them are proposed to be removed a planning permit will be required and vegetation offset(s) will be required.

Environmental Significance Overlay schedule 1 (ESO1) Under the ESO1 a planning permit is required to remove, destroy or lop any vegetation. This does not apply to the removal of Bracken which has naturally established or regenerated. The ESO1 does not contain any permit exemptions for grazing of regrowth that is less then 10 years old.

Any permit application submitted will need to address the requirements and environmental objective of the ESO1.

Significant Landscape Overlay schedule 3 (SLO3) Under the SLO3 a planning permit is required to remove, destroy or lop any vegetation. This does not apply to the removal of Bracken which has naturally established or regenerated. The SLO3s does not contain any permit exemptions for grazing of regrowth that is less then 10 years old.

Any permit application submitted will need to address the requirements and environmental objective of the SLO1.

Recommendations The results of this assessment should be incorporated into the project design, by adding the flora and fauna mapping information into the planning maps and investigating options to retain as much of the mapped vegetation/habitats as possible. All areas of vegetation/habitat nominated as 'retained' are to be treated as no-go zones and are not to be encroached upon as development progresses. This includes the native vegetation areas currently fenced off, but also any additional areas of regrowth that may be fenced or protected in the future. If these areas are impacted then a planning permit will be required under Clause 52.17 to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation. A planning permit will be required under the ESO1 and SLO3 to remove, destroy or lop any vegetation (except Bracken).

There are unlikely to be any significant impacts to native vegetation within the study area, but there may be scope to add additional native shelter belts in the future where recruitment of native vegetation occurs.

High quality native vegetation occurs along the eastern boundary of the study area. All efforts should be made to ensure the fencing between the property and the remnant vegetation remains in good working

condition. All significant weed species should be managed to prevent their spread within the study area and to adjacent land.

The addition of a Native Vegetation Plan, Weed Management Plan and Pest Animal Management Plan will augment the implementation of an Environment Management Plan and include measures to reduce all aspects of potential deleterious impacts to biodiversity.

1. Introduction

1.1 Project background

The below was provided to Biosis by Davis Advisory to describe the proposed change in land use:

'The development of the land is solely for the purpose of satisfying the new trade in slaughter cattle for China. The protocol for this trade requires that the cattle are isolated for 7 days prior to shipment (compared with up to 30 days for breeding cattle). Allowing 4 days for receipt and 2 days for load-out, we are working on the basis of an average of 15 days for each shipment.

On the basis of 14000 head per shipment, this would mean 10 shipments per year. Thus the land would have no animals on it for a majority of the year.'

1.2 Scope of assessment

The objectives of this investigation are to:

 Describe the vascular flora (ferns, conifers, flowering plants), vertebrate fauna (mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, fishes) and decapod crustacea (e.g. crayfish).  Map native vegetation and other habitat features.  Review the implications of relevant biodiversity legislation and policy, including Victoria’s Permitted clearing of native vegetation: Biodiversity assessment guidelines ('the Guidelines').  Identify potential implications of the proposed development and provide recommendations to assist with development approvals such as input to any native vegetation plans, weed management plans and pest animal management plans.  Recommend any further assessments of the site that may be required.

1.3 Location of the study area

The study area is located on Cape Nelson, approximately 8 km south of Portland (Figure 1). It encompasses approximately 165 ha of private land and is currently zoned Rural Conservation Zone.

The study area is within the:

 Glenelg Plain Bioregion  Portland Coast River Basin  Management area of Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority (CMA)  Glenelg Shire Council.

l e y y a Heath Rd s

R W d Mildura P n o o r t tla t nd Swan u - Nelson Rd CashmHill Rd D oKerangre

Echuca Albury Wangaratta

Bendigo New St Mansfield Ararat Cann Ballarat River d Hamilton Melbourne Lakes R Entrance Geelong Traralgon s Warrnambool

Dougherties Rd a

Henty Hwy

er Rd Portland ewat Bridg

Smith St Trewalla

GLENELG SHIRE

Edgar St

d R M a n d lso e e ir N a

e d ap P C R a c e k

k e

o t

e Rd

h S

Quarry Rd

d R

n e h c it K

s l i

Legend

Study area

Figure 1: Location of the study area, Cape Nelson, Victoria 0 630 1,260 1,890 2,520 Matter: 22024, Biosis Pty Ltd Date: 11 April 2016, Metres Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Checked by: IB, Drawn by: JMS, Last edited by: jshepherd Newcastle, Sydney, Wangaratta & Wollongong Location:P:\22000s\22024\Mapping\22024_FFA_F1_Locality Scale 1:62,500 @ A4, GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54 00

2. Methods

2.1 Database review

In order to provide a context for the study area, information about flora and fauna from within 5 km of the study area (the ‘local area’) was obtained from relevant biodiversity databases. Records from the following databases were collated and reviewed:

 Flora Information System (FIS) which includes records from the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas ‘VBA_FLORA25, FLORA100 & FLORA Restricted’ August 2015 © The State of Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).  Victorian Biodiversity Atlas ‘VBA_FAUNA25, FAUNA100 & FAUNA Restricted’ August 2015 © The State of Victoria  DELWP Biodiversity Interactive Map (BIM)  DELWP Habitat Importance Models  BirdLife Australia Atlas of Australian Birds (BA)  Protected Matters Search Tool of the Australian Government Department of the Environment for matters protected by the EPBC Act.

Other sources of biodiversity information were examined including:

 Planning Scheme overlays relevant to biodiversity based on http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/glenelg

2.2 Definitions of significance

The significance of a species or ecological community is determined by its listing status under Commonwealth or State legislation / policy (Table 1).

Table 1 Criteria for determining significance of species & ecological communities

Significance

National Listed as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable under the EPBC Act

State Listed as critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or rare in Victoria on a DELWP Advisory List (DSE 2013a; DEPI 2014a) Listed as threatened under the FFG Act

Lists of significant species generated from the databases are provided in Appendix 1 (flora) and Appendix 2 (fauna) and the species have been assessed to determine their likelihood of occurrence based on the process outlined below. These species are not discussed further in this report unless they:

 have a medium or greater likelihood of occurrence  are species listed as threatened under the FFG Act with a medium or greater likelihood of occurrence  are identified as having habitat on the site by the Habitat Importance Modelling by DELWP.

2.3 Determining likelihood of occurrence of significant species

Likelihood of occurrence indicates the potential for a species or ecological community to occur regularly within the study area. It is based on expert opinion, information in relevant biodiversity databases and reports, and an assessment of the habitats on site. Likelihood of occurrence is ranked as negligible, low, medium, high or recorded. Those species for which there is little or no suitable habitat within the study area are assigned a likelihood of low or negligible and are not considered further.

Species which have at least medium likelihood of occurrence are given further consideration in this report. The need for targeted survey for these species is also considered.

2.4 Site investigation

2.4.1 Flora assessment The flora assessment was undertaken on 4 April 2016 and a list of flora species was collected (S1456300). This list will be submitted to DELWP for incorporation into the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas. Planted species have not been recorded unless they are naturalised.

Native vegetation is defined in the Victoria Planning Provisions as 'plants that are indigenous to Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses' (Clause 72).

The Guidelines classify native vegetation into two categories (DEPI 2013a):

 A remnant patch of native vegetation (measured in hectares) is either:

– An area of native vegetation, with or without trees, where at least 25 percent of the total perennial understorey cover is native plants.

– An area with three or more indigenous canopy trees where the tree canopy cover is at least 20 percent.

Remnant patch vegetation is classified into ecological vegetation classes (EVCs). An EVC contains one or more floristic (plant) communities, and represents a grouping of broadly similar environments. Definitions of EVCs and benchmarks (condition against which vegetation quality at the site can be compared) are determined by DELWP.

 A scattered tree is defined as (extent measured by number of trees):

– An indigenous canopy tree that does not form part of a remnant patch of native vegetation. A canopy tree is a mature tree that is greater than three metres in height and is normally found in the upper layer of a vegetation type. Ecological vegetation class descriptions provide a list of the typical canopy species. A condition score and extent is applied to each scattered tree based on information provided by DELWP's NVIM.

A Vegetation Quality Assessment was undertaken for all remnant patch native vegetation identified in the study area. This assessment is consistent with DELWP's Habitat hectare method (DSE 2004) and the Guidelines (DEPI 2013a). For the purposes of this assessment the limit of the resolution for the Habitat hectare assessment process is taken to be 0.001 Habitat hectares (Hha). That is, if native vegetation is present with sufficient cover but its condition and extent would not result in the identification of at least 0.001 Habitat hectares then that vegetation will not be mapped or assessed as a separate habitat zone.

Where relevant, notes were made on specific issues such as noxious weed infestations, evidence of management works, current grazing impacts and the regeneration capacity of the vegetation.

Species nomenclature for flora follows the Flora Information System (FIS).

2.4.2 Fauna assessment The study area was investigated on 4 April 2016 to determine its values for fauna. These were determined primarily on the basis of the types and qualities of habitat(s) present. All species of fauna observed during the assessment were noted and active searching for fauna was undertaken. This included direct observation, searching under rocks and logs, examination of tracks and scats and identifying calls. Particular attention was given to searching for significant species and their habitats. Fauna species were recorded with a view to characterising the values of the site and the investigation was not intended to provide a comprehensive survey of all fauna that has potential to utilise the site over time.

2.4.3 Permits Biosis undertakes flora and fauna assessments under the following permits and approvals:

 Research Permit/Management Authorisation and Permit to Take Protected Flora & Protected Fish issued by DELWP under the Wildlife Act 1975, Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and National Parks Act 1975 (Permit number 10007569).  Approvals 07.15 and 14.12 from the Wildlife and Small Institutions Animal Ethics Committee.

2.5 Qualifications

Ecological surveys provide a sampling of flora and fauna at a given time and season. There are a number of reasons why not all species will be detected at a site during survey, such as low abundance, patchy distribution, species dormancy, seasonal conditions, and migration and breeding behaviours. In many cases these factors do not present a significant limitation to assessing the overall biodiversity values of a site.

The current flora and fauna assessment was conducted in autumn, which is not an optimal time for survey due to the late stage of flowering making identification more difficult, particularly for annual plant species.

However, the survey period was adequate to identify and characterise patches of native vegetation within the study area and there are no obvious limitations to the survey.

2.6 Legislation and policy

The implications for the project were assessed in relation to key biodiversity legislation and policy including:

 Matters listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), associated policy statements, significant impacts guidelines, listing advice and key threatening processes  Threatened taxa, communities and threatening processes listed under Section 10 of the Flora & Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act); associated action statements and listing advice  Permitted Clearing of native vegetation: Biodiversity assessment guidelines (DEPI 2013a)  Native Vegetation Management Plans prepared by Catchment Management Authorities  Planning and Environment Act 1987 – specifically Clauses 12.01-2, 52.17, 66.02 and Overlays in the Glenelg Planning Scheme  Noxious weeds and pest animals lists under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act)

2.7 Mapping

Davis Advisory supplied site plans.

Mapping was conducted using hand-held (uncorrected) GPS units (WGS84) and aerial photo interpretation. The accuracy of this mapping is therefore subject to the accuracy of the GPS units (generally ± 7 metres) and dependent on the limitations of aerial photo rectification and registration.

Mapping has been produced using a Geographic Information System (GIS). Electronic GIS files which contain our flora and fauna spatial data are available to incorporate into design concept plans. However this mapping may not be sufficiently precise for detailed design purposes.

3. Results

The ecological features of the study area are described below and mapped in Figure 2.

Species recorded during the flora and fauna assessment are listed in Appendix 1 (flora) and Appendix 2 (fauna). Unless of particular note, these species are not discussed further.

Those species recorded or predicted to occur in the local area is also provided in those appendices, along with an assessment of the likelihood of the species occurring within the study area.

3.1 Vegetation & fauna habitat

The majority of the study area has been highly modified due to agricultural practices and quarry activities. Most of the study area has been significantly degraded and supports predominantly introduced vegetation that is of limited value for native fauna.

Notwithstanding the above, the study area supports ecological features including areas of native vegetation and a modified natural dam. These features are described further in Table 2 and mapped in Figure 2.

Photos are provided in Appendix 3.

Table 2 Summary of vegetation and habitat types within the study area

Vegetation or habitat Description Location Significant values type Coastal mallee scrub EVC Four small areas within the study area have been fenced off and Four separate areas The vegetation is a low quality form of the 665 contain native vegetation. These areas represent relatively along the eastern vegetation type and therefore has relatively little degraded forms of coastal mallee scrub vegetation dominated boundary of the study floristic biodiversity value, however the areas may by native shrubs: Coast Wattle Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae, area (Figure 2). be colonised over time by native species in the Seaberry Saltbush Rhagodia candolleana subsp. candolleana and nearby remnant vegetation along the coast. large Kangaroo Apple Solanum laciniatum. These areas also contain high threat weedy shrub species: African Boneseed These remnants provide suitable habitat for a Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera, Flax-leaf Broom number of species including some significant Genista linifolia.The understorey is mostly dominated by species discussed in Table 3 and Appendix 2. These introduced grasses such as Kikuyu Cenchrus clandestinus. Only patches are unlikely to support resident populations the largest patch in the north-eastern corner of the study area due to disturbance, their small size, linearity and contained a low eucalypt overstorey of Brown Stringybark high edge to area ratio. Eucalyptus baxteri s.l. Pasture: predominantly The vast majority of the study area is dominated by introduced Majority of the study This vegetation, while grazed, has little biodiversity introduced vegetation grasses, e.g. Kikuyu, Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus, Couch area. value. Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon, Perennial Rye-grass Lolium perenne, Paspalum Paspalum dilitatum and Rat-tail Grass Sporobolus africanus. These areas are maintained by regular livestock grazing. Native vegetation Large areas of the site contain recruiting Bracken fern Pteridium Throughout the study This vegetation, while grazed, has little biodiversity regrowth esculentum. This species is a common recruit into disturbed land area. value. within the local area. Other areas have been colonised by native species such as Knobby Club-sedge Ficinia nodosa in wetter grassy areas and Coast Wattle on the quarry spoil. Dam The small dam has negligible aquatic vegetation and is bordered The northern part of A number of waterbird species may use this dam. by introduces grasses and herbs. Although small, it is likely to be the study area (Figure a relatively permanent water feature within the study area. 2).

3.2 Landscape context

The study area is largely cleared of native vegetation and habitat. The predominant land use appears to have been agricultural for many years, with some limestone quarrying and more recently development of a wind energy facility. The site is bounded to the east by native coastal vegetation within the Discovery Bay Coastal Park, to the south and north by further agricultural clearing and wind energy development and to the west by Cape Nelson Road. Much of the remnant coastal vegetation and habitats have been removed from Cape Nelson, with scattered remnant patches and degraded areas remaining on private land, with the majority of remaining native vegetation contained within the coastal reserve system. The majority of the study area makes little contribution to the broader ecological landscape, with the exception of three existing linear shelter belts that contain remnants of coastal mallee scrub EVC and a large sandy depression that also supports this EVC (Figure 2, Appendix 3 Plate 2). The linear shelterbelts are relatively disturbed, particularly the ground layer, in comparison to the larger remnant, which has a more intact core habitat structure with some mature eucalypts and other shrubs.

3.3 Significant species and ecological communities

3.3.1 EPBC Act and FFG Act listed species Lists of EPBC Act and FFG Act listed species recorded or predicted to occur within 5 km of the study area or from the relevant catchment (aquatic species) are provided in Appendix 1 (flora) and Appendix 2 (fauna). An assessment of the likelihood of these species occurring in the study area and an indication of where within the site (i.e. which habitats or features of relevance to the species) is included. A summary of those species recorded or with a medium or higher likelihood of occurring in the study area is provided in Table 3.

Table 3 Summary of EPBC and FFG Act listed species most likely to occur in the study area

Species name Listing status Area of value within the study area

Rufous Bristlebird and Rufous Listed under FFG Act Previous records and suitable habitat in adjacent Bristlebird (Coorong subsp.) coastal reserve. Remaining habitat patches in study area are highly disturbed.

Magpie Goose Listed under FFG Act Suitable habitat in low lying paddocks and dam.

Eastern Great Egret Listed under FFG Act Suitable habitat in low lying paddocks.

Intermediate Egret Listed under FFG Act Suitable habitat in low lying paddocks.

Little Egret Listed under FFG Act Suitable habitat in low lying paddocks.

3.3.2 Significant ecological communities Flora and fauna within the study area do not constitute any listed ecological community.

Legend

Study area

Parcel boundary

Dam

Coastal Mallee Scrub EVC 665.

r D

d c i R

n Murrells Beach Rd n e

o c

s S

e e

d N a

e W

a n

C a

m r o Picnic Hill N

Figure 2: Location of study area, including registered VAHR places and areas of CHS

0 80 160 240 320 400 y Nelson Ba Metres Scale: 1:8,000 @ A3 Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55

Biosis Pty Ltd

Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney, Wangaratta & Wollongong

Matter: 22024, Date: 11 April 2016, Checked by: IB, Drawn by: JMS, Last edited by: jshepherd Location:P:\22000s\22024\Mapping\ Acknowledgements: VicMap data © State of Victoria 22024_ffa_F2_EcoFeatures 00

4. Biodiversity legislation and government policy

This section provides an assessment of the project in relation to key biodiversity legislation and government policy. This section does not describe the legislation and policy in detail. Where available, links to further information are provided.

4.1 Commonwealth

4.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 The EPBC Act applies to developments and associated activities that have the potential to significantly impact on Matters of National Environmental Significance (NES) protected under the Act.

Link for further information including a guide to the referral process is available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/index.html

Matters of National Environmental Significance relevant to the project are summarised in Table 4. It includes an assessment against the EPBC Act policy statements published by the Australian Government which provide guidance on the practical application of EPBC Act.

Table 4 Assessment of project in relation to the EPBC Act

Matter of NES Project specifics Assessment against significant impact guidelines

Threatened species Seven flora and 20 fauna species have been None of these species are likely to occur and and ecological recorded or predicted to occur in the project development is unlikely to constitute a significant communities search area. The likelihood of these species impact. occurring in the study area is assessed in Appendix 1 (flora) and Appendix 2 (fauna).

Migratory species 24 migratory species have been recorded or While some of these species would be expected to predicted to occur in the project search area use the study area on occasions, and some of (Appendix 2). them may do so regularly or may be resident, it does not provide important habitat for an ecologically significant proportion of any of these species.

Wetlands of The study area is not identified as being within The study area does not drain into a Ramsar site international the catchment of any Ramsar sites. and the development is not likely to result in a importance significant impact. (Ramsar sites).

On the basis of criteria outlined in the relevant Significant Impact Guidelines it is considered unlikely that a significant impact on a Matter of National Environmental Significance would result from the proposed action. However, Davis Advisory may choose to refer the proposed action to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment to determine whether the action requires approval under the EPBC Act.

4.2 State

4.2.1 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) The FFG Act is the key piece of Victorian legislation for the conservation of threatened species and communities and for the management of potentially threatening processes. Under the FFG Act a permit is required from DELWP to 'take' protected flora species from public land. A permit is generally not required for removal of protected flora from private land. Authorisation under the FFG Act is required to collect, kill, injure or disturb listed fish.

Link for further information: http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and-wildlife/threatened-species-and- communities/flora-and-fauna-guarantee-act-1988

Native vegetation on site is not a listed community, and contains no protected or listed threatened flora species or habitat for them (Appendix 1).

The land is privately owned, is not declared ‘critical habitat’ for the purposes of the FFG Act and the flora species are not being taken for the purpose of commercial sale. Therefore a protected flora permit is not required, however the presence of rare or threatened flora and habitat for threatened fauna will be considered by the Responsible Authority in determining its response to an application for vegetation clearance under Clause 52.17 (see below).

4.2.2 Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act) The CaLP Act identifies and classifies certain species as noxious weeds or pest animals, and provides a system of controls on noxious species.

Declared noxious weeds identified in the study area are listed in Appendix 1.

The proponent must take all reasonable steps to eradicate regionally prohibited weeds, prevent the growth and spread of regionally controlled weeds, and prevent the spread of and as far as possible eradicate established pest animals. The State is responsible for eradicating State prohibited weeds from all land in Victoria.

Link for further information: http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/agriculture-and-food/pests-diseases-and- weeds/protecting-victoria-from-pest-animals-and-weeds/legislation-policy-and-permits/legislation

4.2.3 Planning and Environment Act 1987 (incl. Planning Schemes) The Planning and Environment Act 1987 controls the planning and development of land in Victoria, and provides for the development of planning schemes for all municipalities.

Reforms to the native vegetation permitted clearing regulations were gazetted on 20 December 2013 through planning scheme amendment VC105. The reforms made changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions including the State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF), Clause 52.16 and 52.17 of all planning scheme within Victoria and introduced the Permitted clearing of native vegetation: Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines (DEPI 2013a).

Clause 52.17 (Native Vegetation) requires a planning permit to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation including some dead native vegetation. However exemptions identified in Clause 52.17-7 apply to the proposed development. It should be noted that where native vegetation does not meet the definition of a remnant patch or scattered trees, as described in Section 3.1, the Guidelines do not apply. However, a permit may still be required to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation under the provisions of the Scheme.

The areas of the study area that contain remnant patches are not going to be impacted by the proposal as they are already fenced off from stock. There is native shrub and understorey regrowth less than 10 years old

and regrowth Bracken on the site, however they are exempt from needing a planning permit for their removal if it was required. The table of exemptions within Clause 52.17 contains an exemption for regrowth that is Bracken or is less then 10 year old.

The table of exemptions also allows the grazing of native vegetation by domestic stock without the need for a planning permit.

The need for a permit to remove native vegetation may also be triggered by overlays within the Glenelg Planning Scheme. The study area is covered by two overlays both of which trigger the need to remove, destroy or lop vegetation. These overlays are the:

Environmental Significance Overlay schedule 1 (ESO1) Coastal Areas Under the ESO1 a planning permit is required to remove, destroy or lop any vegetation. This does not apply to the removal of Bracken which has naturally established or regenerated. The ESO1 does not contain any permit exemptions for grazing or regrowth that is less then 10 years old.

Any permit application submitted will need to address the requirements and environmental objective of the ESO1. The environmental objectives to be achieved are:

 To ensure the long term protection of coastal and marine ecosystems.

 To prevent inappropriate development in coastal areas that is likely to prejudice the long term environmental values of the coast.

Significant Landscape Overlay schedule 3 (SLO3) Cape Bridgewater and Cape Nelson Under the SLO3 a planning permit is required to remove, destroy or lop any vegetation. This does not apply to the removal of Bracken which has naturally established or regenerated. The SLO3s does not contain any permit exemptions for grazing or regrowth that is less then 10 years old.

Any permit application submitted will need to address the requirements and environmental objective of the SLO1. The landscape character objectives to be achieved are:

 To protect and enhance the coverage of indigenous coastal vegetation to ensure that it is a

 dominant feature of the landscape.

 To protect cultural vegetation patterns throughout the rural hinterland.

 To protect locally significant views and vistas which contribute to the character of the landscape.

 To retain the dominant natural landscape character and sense of isolation at the coastal cliffs and edges and the clear views to the ocean.

 To minimise visual clutter of the hinterland landscape with built development to retain open spaces that provide views to the coast, capes and hinterland.

 To retain natural landforms and indigenous vegetation as an essential component of the character of the rural hinterland.

 To preserve an appropriate landscape setting for features of cultural or heritage significance, including the Cape Nelson Lighthouse Station.

 To recognise that the wind turbine towers on the capes do not set the scale for other forms of development.

A planning report has been prepared for the proposed amendment and includes a discussion of the relevant overlays, local and state planning provisions and implications (Pierrepoint Planning Sept 2015).

Victoria's Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines The Guidelines are incorporated into the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes in Victoria (DEPI 2013a). The Guidelines replace Victoria's Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action.

The purpose of the Guidelines is to guide how impacts to biodiversity should be considered when assessing a permit application to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation. The objective for permitted clearing of native vegetation in Victoria is 'No net loss in the contribution made by native vegetation to Victoria's biodiversity'.

A detailed assessment of the implications for the project under the Guidelines is provided in Section 5 of this report.

5. Victoria's biodiversity assessment guidelines

The Guidelines were introduced in December 2013, and they describe the following objective for permitted clearing of native vegetation in Victoria:

"No net loss in the contribution made by native vegetation to Victoria's biodiversity"

This objective is to be achieved through Victoria's planning system using a risk-based approach that relies on strategic planning and the permit and offset system. The key strategies for achieving no net loss at the permit level are:

 avoiding the removal of native vegetation that makes a significant contribution to Victoria's biodiversity  minimising impacts to Victoria's biodiversity from the removal of native vegetation  where native vegetation is permitted to be removed, ensuring it is offset in a manner that makes a contribution to Victoria's biodiversity that is equivalent to the contribution made by the native vegetation to be removed.

DELWP has provided biodiversity information tools to assist with determining the risk associated with permitted clearing and the contribution that native vegetation within the study area makes to Victoria's biodiversity.

All planning permit applications to remove native vegetation are assigned to a risk-based pathway determined by the extent and location of proposed clearing. The risk-based pathway will dictate the information to be provided in a planning permit application and the decisions guidelines the responsible authority (e.g. Council) and/or DELWP as a referral authority will use to assess the permit application.

The biodiversity information tools have two components:

Site-based information The site-based information is observable at a particular site. Biosis has collected the requisite site-based information for the assessment against the Guidelines. Based on this assessment, the only native vegetation to be removed as part of the proposed works is exempt from offset obligations and therefore no data was required to be submitted to DELWP for assessment.

Landscape scale information Landscape scale information requires consideration of information beyond the site. This information is managed by DELWP and can be accessed via the NVIM.

Note: a glossary of terms used in relation to the Guidelines and Habitat hectares assessment is provided in Appendix 4.

5.1 Proposed removal of native vegetation

Based on the field assessment conducted by Biosis, there were no native remnant vegetation patches or scattered trees to be removed or directly impacted upon as a result of the proposed development. Regrowth native vegetation that is less then 10 years old, including Bracken throughout the study area is exempt from requiring a permit for removal under the Glenelg Planning Scheme. Other scattered native vegetation that

does not meet the definition of a remnant patch or scattered tree is also exempt from needing a planning permit if the land is being grazed by domestic stock animals.

6. Key ecological values and recommendations

This section identifies the key ecological features of the study area, provides an outline of potential implications of proposed development on those values and includes recommendations to assist Davis Advisory to design the development to minimise impacts on biodiversity.

The primary measure to reduce impacts to biodiversity values within the study area is to minimise removal of native vegetation and terrestrial and aquatic habitat. It is critical that this be considered during the design phase of the project, when key decisions are made about the location of roads, services, and areas for other uses. The results of this assessment should therefore be incorporated into the project design, by adding the flora and fauna mapping information into the planning maps and investigating options to retain as much of the mapped vegetation/habitats as possible. Priority should be given to highest value areas and retaining larger areas in preference to numerous smaller ones.

The current site plan does not propose to impact on any areas of native vegetation. It is proposed to continue to retain the existing fenced shelter belts/coastal mallee scrub EVC and single larger fenced patch of coastal mallee scrub EVC within the proposed development.

All areas of vegetation/habitat nominated as 'retained' are to be treated as no-go zones and are not to be encroached upon as development progresses. This includes the native vegetation areas currently fenced off, but also any additional areas of regrowth that may be fenced or protected in the future.

Construction and post-construction management Specific detail relating to preventing impacts to retained native vegetation and habitat should be addressed in a site-specific Environmental Management Plan. This will include issues relating to contractors such as environmental inductions, installation of temporary fencing/signage, drainage and sediment control. An EMP should also address weed management and pest animal management.

A Native Vegetation Plan should be prepared by an ecological consultant to provide detailed advice on the ongoing protection and long-term management of retained vegetation/ habitat, creation of linkages and other habitat features, if proposed.

References

DEPI 2013a. Permitted clearing of native vegetation - Biodiversity assessment guidelines. Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Melbourne (September 2013).

DEPI 2013b. Native vegetation gain scoring manual, version 1. Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Melbourne (May 2013).

DEPI 2014a. Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria – 2014. Victorian Government Department of Environment & Primary Industries, East Melbourne.

DEPI 2014b. Permitted clearing of native vegetation – Biodiversity assessment handbook. Version 0.2. Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Melbourne (January 2014).

DNRE 2002. Victoria's Native Vegetation Management: A Framework for Action. Victorian Government Department of Natural Resources & Environment, East Melbourne.

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

DSE 2013. Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria – 2013. Victorian Government Department of Environment & Primary Industries, Melbourne.

DSE 2007. Native Vegetation – Guide for assessment of referred planning permit applications. Victorian Government Department of Sustainability & Environment, East Melbourne.

DSE 2010. Victorian Biodiversity Atlas ‘VBA_FAUNA25, FAUNA100 & FAUNARestricted, FLORA25, FLORA100 & FLORARestricted’ August 2010 © The State of Victoria. Victorian Government Department of Sustainability & Environment, Melbourne.

DEWHA 2009d. Significant impact guidelines for 36 migratory shorebird species: Migratory species. Draft EPBC Act policy statement 3.21. Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage & the Arts, Canberra.

Appendices

Appendix 1 Flora

Notes to tables:

EPBC Act: DEPI 2014a: CR - Critically Endangered e - endangered EN - Endangered v - vulnerable VU - Vulnerable r - rare

PMST – Protected Matters Search Tool

FFG Act: L - listed as threatened under FFG Act P - protected under the FFG Act (public land only)

Noxious weed status: # - Native species outside natural range SP - State prohibited species RP - Regionally prohibited species RC - Regionally controlled species RR - Regionally restricted species

A1.1 Flora species recorded from the study area

Table A1.1. Flora species recorded from the study area.

Status Scientific Name Common Name Indigenous species #, P Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae Coast Wattle Acaena spp. Sheep's Burr Clematis microphylla s.l. Small-leaved Clematis Dichondra repens Kidney-weed Eucalyptus baxteri s.l. Brown Stringybark Ficinia nodosa Knobby Club-sedge Geranium solanderi s.l. Austral Crane's-bill Lepidosperma gladiatum Coast Sword-sedge # Leptospermum laevigatum Coast Tea-tree Leptospermum lanigerum Woolly Tea-tree Malva spp. Mallow Poa spp. Tussock Grass Pteridium esculentum Austral Bracken Rhagodia candolleana subsp. candolleana Seaberry Saltbush Rytidosperma racemosum var. racemosum Slender Wallaby-grass Solanum laciniatum Large Kangaroo Apple Tetragonia implexicoma Bower Spinach Introduced species Acetosella vulgaris Sheep Sorrel Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass Arctotheca calendula Cape Weed Avena spp. Oat Brassica rapa White Turnip Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass Bromus diandrus Great Brome Cenchrus clandestinus Kikuyu Chenopodium album Fat Hen RC Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera African Boneseed RC Cirsium arvense Perennial Thistle RR Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Cucumis myriocarpus subsp. leptodermis Paddy Melon Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon Couch RR Genista linifolia Flax-leaf Broom Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Hypochaeris radicata Flatweed Lagurus ovatus Hare's-tail Grass Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass RC Lycium ferocissimum African Box-thorn Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic

Status Scientific Name Common Name Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum Paspalum distichum Water Couch Phalaris aquatica Toowoomba Canary-grass Plantago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain Polygonum aviculare s.l. Prostrate Knotweed Rumex crispus Curled Dock RR Solanum linnaeanum Apple of Sodom Solanum nigrum s.s. Black Nightshade Sonchus asper s.l. Rough Sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle Sporobolus africanus Rat-tail Grass Taraxacum officinale spp. agg. Garden Dandelion Trifolium repens var. repens White Clover RC Ulex europaeus Gorse Urtica urens Small Nettle

A1.2 Listed flora species The following table includes the listed flora species that have potential to occur within the study area. The list of species is sourced from the Victorian Flora Information System and the Protected Matters Search Tool (DoE; accessed on 31.03.16).

Table A1.2. Listed flora species recorded / predicted to occur within 5 km of the study area.

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent records occurrence in likelihood EPBC VIC FFG database study area ranking record National significance Caladenia hastata Mellblom's EN e L - Dense coastal heath Negligible Unsuitable Spider-orchid and heathy woodlands, habitat within commonly on the the study area margins of swampy depressions.

Glycine latrobeana Clover Glycine VU v L - Grasslands and grassy Negligible Unsuitable woodlands, particularly habitat within those dominated by the study area Themeda triandra.

Ixodia achillaeoides Coast Ixodia VU v 1990 PMST Low coastal Low Unsuitable subsp. arenicola Shrublands on habitat within exposed limestone the study area headlands, often on steeply sloped sites.

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent records occurrence in likelihood EPBC VIC FFG database study area ranking record Muehlenbeckia australis Climbing Lignum EN 2004 Primarily coastal Low Highly unlikely to environments behind have withstood dunes, on clifftops and extensive grazing the margins of coastal pressure but swamps; disjunct may recruit to records occur at Mt fenced areas Arapiles and the over time if occur Grampians. in local area

Prasophyllum frenchii Maroon Leek- EN e L - Grassland and grassy Negligible Highly unlikely to orchid woodland have withstood environments on extensive grazing sandy or black clay pressure loam soils, that are generally damp but well drained. Pterostylis cucullata Leafy VU v L 1952 PMST Coastal and inland Negligible Highly unlikely to Greenhood subspecies have have withstood differing habitat extensive grazing characteristics. pressure

Taraxacum cygnorum Coast Dandelion VU e L - Confined to woodlands Low Highly unlikely to and scrub on calcerous have withstood soils. previous land use State significance Acrotriche cordata Coast Ground- r 2004 Limestone-derived Low Highly unlikely to berry soils, often near have withstood coastal or riparian cliffs previous land in coastal scrub, mallee use or woodland

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent records occurrence in likelihood EPBC VIC FFG database study area ranking record Baumea laxa Lax Twig-sedge r 1980 Wet sandy areas in Negligible Unsuitable heathlands and heathy habitat within swamps the study area

Cardamine papillata Forest Bitter- r 2004 Hilly or mountainous Negligible Unsuitable cress forest areas. habitat within the study area Colobanthus apetalus Coast Colobanth r 1980 Coastal areas, typically Negligible Unsuitable on sheltered dune habitat within slopes or in swales. the study area

Correa alba var. pannosa Velvet White r 1980 Calcareous sands and Low Highly unlikely to Correa coastal cliffs; likely to have withstood be extinct from the previous land Port Phillip region. use

Eucalyptus diversifolia Coast Gum v 2004 Low Conspicuous and subsp. megacarpa not observed Exocarpos syrticola Coast Ballart r 2004 Calcerous sands of Low Unsuitable coastal dunes and habitat within cliffs. Semi-parasitic on the study area the roots of nearby plants. Galium compactum Compact r 1980 Sandy soils of coastal Negligible Unsuitable Bedstraw and near-coastal habitat within environments. the study area

Galium curvihirtum Tight Bedstraw r 1980 Moist, shaded sites in Low Highly unlikely to open-forest and have withstood woodland. previous land use

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent records occurrence in likelihood EPBC VIC FFG database study area ranking record Haloragis eichleri Eichler's v 1980 Confined to Portland Low Highly unlikely to Raspwort area where it is known have withstood from a single previous land collection. use Heterozostera tasmanica Tasman Grass- r 1952 Locally common in Negligible Unsuitable wrack shallow waters to a habitat within depth of c. 8m in sandy the study area soil

Hibbertia pallidiflora Pale Guinea- r 1989 Coastal heath and Low Highly unlikely to flower mallee vegetation in have withstood SW Victoria previous land use Lasiopetalum schulzenii Drooping Velvet- r 1999 Confined to clifftop Negligible Unsuitable bush and dune woodland habitat within and heathland, the study area favouring sandy soils derived from limestone Lepidosperma canescens Hoary Rapier- r 1999 Sandy heaths and Negligible Unsuitable sedge woodland. habitat within the study area Logania ovata Oval-leaf r 1999 Woodlands on rocky, Low Highly unlikely to Logania calcareous soils, often have withstood near coast but not on previous land beach sands. use

Orthrosanthus multiflorus Morning Flag r 1980 Heathland Negligible Highly unlikely to communities have withstood previous land use Poa billardierei Coast Fescue r 1980 Coastal dunes Negligible Unsuitable habitat within

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent records occurrence in likelihood EPBC VIC FFG database study area ranking record the study area Prasophyllum litorale Coastal Leek- v L 1983 Coastal scrub and Negligible Unsuitable orchid heath on sandhills or habitat within headlands, in sand the study area over moisture- retentive clays. Pterostylis dolichochila Long-tongue r 1992 Often growing under Negligible Highly unlikely to Shell-orchid Mallee-scrub or Callitris have withstood gracilis/Eucalyptus previous land leucoxylonwoodland, use on well-drained sandy soil Pterostylis sp. aff. Portland Shell- e L 2006 Often growing under Negligible Highly unlikely to dolichochila (Portland) orchid Mallee-scrub or Callitris have withstood gracilis/Eucalyptus previous land leucoxylonwoodland, use on well-drained sandy soil Pultenaea canaliculata Coast Bush-pea r 1999 Coastal dunes and Negligible Unsuitable limestone cliffs. habitat within the study area Pultenaea prolifera Otway Bush-pea r 1980 Restricted to eastern Low Uncommon Victoria in dry or moist within the local forests. area

Schoenus deformis Small Bog-sedge v 1980 Coastal mallee on Low Highly unlikely to sandy soils near Cape have withstood Nelson previous land use Senecio X orarius Coast Fireweed r 1990 Coastal areas on rear Low Unsuitable dunes and swales. habitat within the study area

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent records occurrence in likelihood EPBC VIC FFG database study area ranking record Veronica hillebrandii Coast Speedwell v 1952 Rare in Victoria, Low No recent confined to coastal records within shrubland, in sand the local area over dune limestone

Viola seppeltiana Tiny Violet r 1995 Lowland heaths, and Low Unsuitable alpine heathlands and habitat within grassland. the study area

Zygophyllum billardierei Coast Twin-leaf r 1983 Dunes and limestone Negligible Unsuitable cliffs in scrubby habitat within vegetation the study area

Appendix 2 Fauna

Notes to tables:

EPBC Act: DSE 2013:

EX - Extinct ex - extinct CR - Critically Endangered cr - critically endangered EN - Endangered en - endangered VU - Vulnerable vu - vulnerable CD - Conservation dependent nt - near threatened dd - data deficient rx - regionally extinct

FFG Act:

L - listed as threatened under FFG Act N - nominated for listing as threatened I - determined ineligible for listing

PS - pest species listed under the CaLP Act * - introduced species

Most recent database records are from the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas unless otherwise specified as follows

# – Protected Matters Search Tool

BA – Birds Australia

Fauna species in these tables are listed in alphabetical order within their taxonomic group.

A2.1 Fauna species recorded from the study area

Table A2.1. Vertebrate fauna recorded from the study area

Scientific name Common name Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon Threskiornis molucca Australian White Ibis Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron Tadorna tadornoides Australian Shelduck Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel Petrochelidon neoxena Welcome Swallow Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren Zosterops lateralis Silvereye Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling Corvus spp. Raven

A2.2 Listed fauna species The following table includes a list of the listed fauna species that have potential to occur within the study area. The list of species is sourced from the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas and the Protected Matters Search Tool (DoE; accessed on 31.03.16).

Table A2.2. Listed fauna species recorded, or predicted to occur, within 5 km of the study area.

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status database records occurrence in likelihood ranking EPBC VIC FFG record study area Mammals Isoodon obesulus Southern Brown EN nt L 2010 PMST Typically occurs in heathland, Low Previous records obesulus Bandicoot shrubland, heathy forest and and suitable habitat woodland habitat across southern in adjacent coastal Victoria. Previously recorded on the reserve. Remaining outskirts of Stawell and also known habitat patches in from within the Grampians National study area highly Park. disturbed. Potorous tridactylus Long-nosed Potoroo VU en L - PMST Six populations of Long-nosed Low Previous records tridactylus Potoroo occur in Victoria within a and suitable habitat range of habitats from open forests in adjacent coastal to heathy woodlands. The majority reserve. Remaining of their habitat are dominated by habitat patches in Eucalypts. study area highly disturbed. Pteropus Grey-headed Flying- VU vu L - PMST Utilises a wide range of habitats Negligible No habitat poliocephalus fox from lowland rainforest in East Gippsland and coastal Stringybark forests to agricultural land and suburban gardens, with permanently established colonies in Melbourne, Geelong and Mallacoota.

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status database records occurrence in likelihood ranking EPBC VIC FFG record study area Miniopterus Southern Bent-wing CR cr L - PMST A range of open forests in relatively Likely Known from cave schreibersii bassanii Bat high rainfall areas. The species has roosts at nearby a requirement for caves (or similar Bats Ridge Wildlife human-built structures such as Reserve and from mineshafts) for roosting, mating sea caves in the and raising young. Some caves may Portland coastline. hold many thousands of animals Likely to fly over the from a wide catchment area. study area, but no roost habitat likely to be impacted by proposed land use. Pseudomys fumeus Smoky Mouse EN cr L - PMST Disjunct Victorian distribution with Low No previous records populations in the Snowfields, nearby. Suitable Eastern Highlands, East Gippsland, habitat in adjacent Otway Range and the Grampians. coastal reserve. Recorded from a variety of Remaining habitat vegetation communities ranging patches in study form coastal heath and heathy area highly woodland in East Gippsland to disturbed. subalpine heath and dry forest. The understorey vegetation is typically dominated by heathy shrubs, with seeds and berries providing an important food resource. Pseudomys Heath Mouse VU nt L - PMST Inhabits cool-temperate heathlands Low Previous records shortridgei and forest with a heathy and suitable habitat understorey, recorded extensively in adjacent coastal throughout the Grampians and the reserve. Remaining southern half of the Wannon habitat patches in region, south of Dergholm and the study area highly west of Mt Clay. Readily exploits disturbed. suitable areas that have recently been burnt, with populations declining as the heathland ages and

Neophoca cinerea Australian Sea Lion VU 1984 Marine habitat is the continental Negligible No suitable habitat sea off south-western and southern Australia, with the few Victorian records found west of Peterborough. Arctocephalus Subantarctic Fur VU 2000 Widely distributed in the Southern Negligible No suitable habitat tropicalis Seal Ocean, records on Victoria's central coast are thought to be part of an influx of stranded individuals in southern Australia since 1986.

Birds Pedionomus Plains-wanderer CR cr L - PMST The Plains-wanderer is a small Negligible No suitable habitat torquatus ground-dwelling bird that occupies high quality native grassland with a sparse, open structure. Due to a range of threatening processes, the species has declined markedly across most of its range. Populations are now patchily distributed throughout south-west Queensland, the Riverina district of NSW and north-central Victoria.

Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove nt L 1941 Is found in small flocks in grassy Negligible No suitable habitat woodlands, semi-arid grasslands, spinifex and dry scrub areas. The species is rarely found far from water and is also known to inhabit open riparian woodlands.

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status database records occurrence in likelihood ranking EPBC VIC FFG record study area Lewinia pectoralis Lewin's Rail vu L 1979 Inhabits densely vegetated Negligible No suitable habitat wetlands, including swamps, farm dams, saltmarshes, lakes and small pools that can range from fresh to saline water. May also use riverine forest. Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross EN vu L 2014 The Shy Albatross is a marine Negligible No suitable habitat pelagic species inhabiting sub- Antarctic and subtropical waters, spending the majority of their time at sea. Occasionally it is observed in continental shelf waters in bays and harbours. Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern nt L 1980 Occurs on exposed ocean beaches Negligible No suitable habitat or in sheltered coastal embayments including harbours, lagoons, inlets, estuaries and river deltas usually with sandy or muddy margins and breeds in a variety of coastal habitats including banks, ridges and beaches of sand and shell, often in open or among low or sparse vegetation. Sternula albifrons Little Tern vu L - PMST This bird is mostly recorded in Negligible No suitable habitat sheltered coastal environments, including bays, lagoons and estuaries. Nests on sandy substrates containing much shell- grit, which provides good camouflage for their eggs.

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status database records occurrence in likelihood ranking EPBC VIC FFG record study area Sternula nereis Fairy Tern VU en L - PMST Fairy Terns inhabit coastal Negligible No suitable habitat environments including intertidal mudflats, sand flats and beaches. Nests above high-water mark on sandy shell-grit beaches. Thinornis rubricollis Hooded Plover VU vu L 1981 PMST In south-east Australia, prefers Negligible No suitable habitat sandy ocean beaches, especially those that are broad and flat, with a wide beach zone for feeding. Prefer beachcast seaweed for feeding activities and sparsely vegetated back dunes for shelter and nesting. Rostratula australis Australian Painted EN cr L - PMST Generally found in shallow, Negligible No suitable habitat Snipe terrestrial freshwater wetlands with rank, emergent tussocks of grass, sedges and rushes. Australian Painted Snipe can occur in well vegetated lakes, swamps, inundated pasture, saltmarsh and dams. Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew en L 1966 This species generally occurs in Negligible Extinct in region open woodland habitats, including mallee and mulga, which have a sparse layer of small shrubs, grass and litter. The species is mostly restricted to low rainfall areas in the north central and western regions of Victoria.

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status database records occurrence in likelihood ranking EPBC VIC FFG record study area Grus rubicunda Brolga vu L 2010 Prefers shallow marshland areas, Negligible No suitable habitat usually less than 50 cm deep with emergent vegetation. Most commonly found in south-west Victoria, the Northern Plains and associated parts of the Murray River. Feeds predominantly on wetland plants, but also forages in crops and pasture. Egretta garzetta Little Egret en L 1979 Occupies a wide range of wetlands Medium Suitable habitat in and typically prefers the shallows of low lying paddocks wetlands for foraging activities. Occasionally they will forage in small waterways or wet grassland areas. Ardea intermedia Intermediate Egret cr L 1980 Breeds in flooded or fringing trees Medium Suitable habitat in alongside wetlands. low lying paddocks Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret vu L 1981 PMST Usually found in terrestrial wetland, Medium Suitable habitat in estuarine and wet grassland low lying paddocks habitats particularly permanent well-vegetated water bodies but also use freshwater meadows, channels and larger dams. Forages by wading on shallow open water, generally avoiding dry or deeply flooded areas preferring moist, low- lying, poorly drained pasture, especially near hollows and ditches and where tussocks of long grass are present . Uses estuarine mudflats as summer-autumn or drought refuges.

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status database records occurrence in likelihood ranking EPBC VIC FFG record study area Botaurus Australasian Bittern EN en L - PMST Occurs in wetlands with tall, dense Negligible No suitable habitat poiciloptilus vegetation where it forages in shallow water at the edges of pools or waterways. Prefers permanent freshwater habitats, particularly when dominated by sedges, rushes and reeds. Anseranas Magpie Goose nt L 2011 Uses aquatic and terrestrial habitat, Medium Suitable habitat in semipalmata although most activity occurs on low lying paddocks wetlands such as those associated and dam. with flood plains. Historically occurring in south-eastern Australia, however, loss of wetland habitats meant the species became extinct in Victoria in the early 1900s. Re- introduction attempts have had mixed results.

Anas rhynchotis Australasian vu 1981 Prefers large, permanent lakes and Negligible No suitable habitat Shoveler swamps with deep water, stable conditions and abundant aquatic vegetation. Less commonly recorded in small or shallow waters, such as billabongs, sewage ponds, freshwater rivers and densely vegetated farm dams. Forages in open water but nests in densely vegetated freshwater wetlands, where fringing vegetation may be an important habitat feature.

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status database records occurrence in likelihood ranking EPBC VIC FFG record study area Stictonetta naevosa Freckled Duck en L 2008 Freckled Ducks are usually found on Negligible No suitable habitat densely vegetated freshwater wetlands. During dry conditions the birds move from ephemeral wetlands to large areas of permanent open water, particularly lakes and reservoirs. Aythya australis Hardhead vu 1981 A mainly aquatic species preferring Negligible No suitable habitat large, deep freshwater environments with abundant aquatic vegetation, including slow moving areas of rivers. Also occurs in brackish wetlands and can be found in deep dams and water storage ponds. Occasionally in estuarine and littoral habitats such as saltpans, coastal lagoons and sheltered inshore waters. Avoids main streams or rivers, except in calm reaches where aquatic flora is developed. Biziura lobata Musk Duck vu 1981 A largely aquatic species preferring Negligible No suitable habitat deep water on large, permanent swamps, lakes and estuaries with abundant aquatic vegetation. Often occurs in areas of dense vegetated cover within a wetland. Less commonly recorded in small or shallow waters, such as billabongs, sewage ponds, freshwater rivers and densely vegetated farm dams.

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status database records occurrence in likelihood ranking EPBC VIC FFG record study area Accipiter Grey Goshawk vu L 2007 Favours tall, wet forests in gullies Low May fly over the novaehollandiae but can occur in woodlands, dry study area and forests, wooded farmlands and forage in open suburban parks. Relies on mature areas. forests for breeding. Haliaeetus White-bellied Sea- vu L 2010 Occurs in marine habitats and Low May fly over the leucogaster Eagle terrestrial wetlands along or near study area and coastal areas in eastern Victoria, forage in open particularly around large open areas. wetlands such as deep freshwater swamps, lakes, reservoirs and billabongs. Uses tall trees in or near water for breeding. Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite vu L 1979 Typically inhabits coastal forested Low May fly over the and wooded lands of tropical and study area and temperate Australia. In NSW it is forage in open often associated with ridge and areas. gully forests dominated by Eucalyptus longifolia, Corymbia maculata, E. elata, or E. smithii Neophema Orange-bellied CR cr L - PMST Annual migrant to coastal Victoria Low May fly over the chrysogaster Parrot from breeding grounds in south- study area and west Tasmania, appearing from forage in pasture. approximately March to October. Forages on coastal or near-coastal areas such as saltmarshes, coastal dunes, pastures, shrublands, estuaries, islands, beaches and moorlands.

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status database records occurrence in likelihood ranking EPBC VIC FFG record study area Neophema elegans Elegant Parrot vu 2010 This species is typically found in Low May fly over the woodlands, open woody grasslands, study area. partially cleared farmlands and the fringes of clearings in forests, tree- lined watercourses and mallee environments. Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot EN en L - PMST Migrates to south-east mainland Low May fly over the Australia during the winter months study area. where it prefers dry, open eucalypt forests and woodlands, especially Box Ironbark Forest in north-central Victoria. Has also been recorded in urban parks, gardens, street trees and golf courses with flowering ornamental trees and shrubs. Melanodryas Hooded Robin nt L 1991 Occupies a range of open Low May fly over the cucullata woodlands including those study area. dominated by Eucalypts, Acacias and Callitris with an understorey of smaller trees, shrubs and grasses. Pomatostomus Grey-crowned en L 1950 Typically occupies open forests and Negligible Extinct in region temporalis Babbler woodlands north of the Great Dividing Range including dry forests and woodlands, acacia scrub, wooded farmlands and roadside trees. Occurs in breeding groups that seldom remain in southern areas of Victoria. Dasyornis Rufous Bristlebird L 2014 Found in coastal thickets or, in the Medium Previous records broadbenti Otways, forested valleys generally a and suitable habitat short distance inland. in adjacent coastal reserve. Remaining habitat patches in study area highly

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status database records occurrence in likelihood ranking EPBC VIC FFG record study area disturbed.

Stagonopleura Diamond Firetail vu L 1978 Occurs mostly in the lowlands and Low May fly over the guttata foothills in the north of Victoria. It study area. has specific habitat requirements, which include grassy woodlands with tree cover for refuge and an undisturbed ground layer with grasses. Dasyornis Rufous Bristlebird nt L 2006 Found in coastal thickets or, in the Medium Previous records broadbenti (Coorong subsp.) Otways, forested valleys generally a and suitable habitat broadbenti short distance inland. in adjacent coastal reserve. Remaining habitat patches in study area highly disturbed. Reptiles Lissolepis coventryi Swamp Skink vu L 2006 Occupies swamp scrub habitat in Negligible No suitable habitat cool, temperate, low-lying wetlands and swamp margins with a dense shrub layer, particularly in near- coastal areas ranging from the Mt Gambier region in the west, across southern Victoria to just beyond the NSW border to the east. Often associated with stands of paperbark and tea-tree, suitable habitat occurs along rivers, lakes, swamp margins and estuarine areas, usually in heathy or scrubby areas. Amphibians

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status database records occurrence in likelihood ranking EPBC VIC FFG record study area Litoria raniformis Growling Grass Frog VU en L - PMST Occupies a variety of permanent Negligible No suitable habitat and semi-permanent water bodies generally containing abundant submerged and emergent vegetation, within lowland grasslands, woodlands and open forests. Prototroctes Australian Grayling VU vu L - PMST A diadromous species which spends Negligible No suitable habitat maraena most of its life in freshwater within rivers and large creeks. Juveniles inhabit estuaries and coastal seas. Adults occur in freshwater habitats, typically rivers and streams with cool, clear waters and gravel substrates, but occasionally also in turbid waters. Fishes Galaxiella pusilla Dwarf Galaxias VU vu L - PMST Occurs in relatively shallow still or Negligible No suitable habitat slow flowing water bodies including streams, wetlands, drains, that in many instances are ephemeral and partially dry up over summer. Typically requires abundant marginal and aquatic vegetation. Crustaceans

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status database records occurrence in likelihood ranking EPBC VIC FFG record study area Euastacus Glenelg Spiny EN en L - PMST In Victoria, the Glenelg Spiny Negligible No suitable habitat bispinosus Crayfish Crayfish is found within the Glenelg River system. The species inhabits cool, shaded, flowing areas of rivers and streams which have intact riparian vegetation and high water quality. Springs discharging fresh water and deeper pools are important summer refuges for the crayfish.

A2.3 Migratory species (EPBC Act listed)

Table A2.3. Migratory fauna species recorded or predicted to occur within 5 km of the study area.

Scientific name Common name Most recent record Ardenna grisea Sooty Shearwater 2010 Ardenna tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater 2014 Ardenna carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater - Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern 1980 Sternula albifrons Little Tern - Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover 1978 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit 1979 Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper 1982 Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper 1978 Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint 1980 Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 2010 Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe 2010 Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe - Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret 1981 Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle 2010 Pandion cristatus Eastern Osprey - Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater 2009 Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail 1980 Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift 1980 Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail 1978 Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher 1978 Acrocephalus stentoreus Clamorous Reed Warbler 2010 Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail - Ardea ibis Cattle Egret 1981

Appendix 3 Photos of the study area

Plate 1: Predominantly introduced vegetation including the site dam within the study area. Looking approximately south-west.

Plate 2: Coastal mallee scrub native vegetation fenced-off within the study area. Looking approximately west.

Appendix 4 Glossary – Biodiversity assessment guidelines

Items marked with 'A' are cited from DEPI (2013a) ; items marked with 'B' are cited from DSE (2007b) and items marked with a 'C' are cited from DEPI (2014b).

Avoid A BushBroker A Avoiding removing any native vegetation when A program coordinated by DELWP to match undertaking a use or development. This can be parties that require native vegetation offsets either by not permitting or not going ahead with with third party suppliers of native vegetation the use or development, or locating it elsewhere offsets. so that removing native vegetation is not C Canopy Tree required. Is a mature tree greater than 3 m in height and Benchmark B is normally found in the upper layer of a A standard vegetation –quality reference point, vegetation type. Immature trees that are not yet dependent on vegetation type, which is applied able to flower and are less than three metres in in Habitat hectare assessments. Represents the height are considered part of the understorey average characteristics of a mature and (see definition of understorey). apparently long undisturbed state of the same Condition score vegetation type. The score assigned to a habitat zone that Biodiversity A indicates the quality of the vegetation relative to The variety of all life forms, the different plants, the ecological vegetation class benchmark, animals and microorganisms, the genes they usually expressed as a percentage or on a scale contain, and the ecosystems of which they form of 0 to 1. a part. B Degraded treeless vegetation Biodiversity Interactive Map (BIM) Vegetation that is neither a wetland, a remnant Web based interactive map available on the DSE patch nor scattered tree(s). website that provides information on the B DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) biodiversity of Victoria and displays flora and fauna data from the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas. The diameter of the main trunk of a tree measured 1.3 m above ground level. Bioregion B Dispersed habitat A Biogeographic areas that capture the patterns of ecological characteristics in the landscape or Habitat for a rare or threatened species whose seascape, providing a natural framework for habitat is spread over a relatively broad recognising and responding to biodiversity geographic area. values. A landscape based approach to Ecological vegetation class (EVC) A classifying the land surface using a range of environmental attributes such as climate, A native vegetation type classified on the basis geomorphology, lithology and vegetation. of a combination of its floristic, life form, environmental and ecological characteristics.

EVC (see Ecological vegetation class) B Habitat hectares benchmark A Extent risk A A reference point for each vegetation type that represents the average condition of mature The level of risk to biodiversity from the removal stands that are likely to reflect pre-settlement of native vegetation based on the area and/or circumstances. number of scattered trees to be removed. Habitat hectares site assessment A Forb A site-based measure of the condition of native A herbaceous flowering plant that is not a vegetation with reference to the benchmark for graminoid (grass, sedge or rush). the same type of native vegetation. The A Gain assessment generates a condition score of Predicted improvement in the contribution to between 0 and 1. Victoria’s biodiversity achieved from an offset, Habitat importance map A calculated by combining site gain with the A map that indicates the importance of locations strategic biodiversity score or habitat as habitat for a particular rare or threatened importance score of the site. Gain is measured species. This map is based on modelled data. with biodiversity equivalence scores or units. A B Habitat importance score Gain Target Measure of the importance of the habitat The amount of gain that needs to be achieved to located on a site for a particular rare or offset a loss measured in Habitat hectares. threatened species.

General biodiversity equivalence score / B A Habitat zone units A discrete area of native vegetation consisting of Score or units used to quantify the relative a single vegetation type (EVC) within an assumed overall contribution of a site to Victoria’s similar quality. This is the base spatial unit for biodiversity. conducting a Habitat hectare assessment. A General offset Separate Vegetation Quality Assessments (or An offset that is required when a proposal to Habitat hectare assessments) are conducted for remove native vegetation is not deemed, by each habitat zone within the designated application of the specific-general offset test, to assessment area. have a significant impact on habitat for any rare Highly localised habitat A or threatened species. Habitat for rare or threatened species whose A General provisions habitat is spread over a very restricted area (i.e. Operational requirements in planning schemes less than 2,000 ha). This can also be applied to a which are consistent across the state, relating to similarly limited sub-habitat that is matters such as administrative provisions, disproportionately important for a wide-ranging ancillary activities and referral of applications. rare or threatened species. Habitat hectares A Combined measure of condition and extent of native vegetation. This measure is obtained by multiplying the site’s condition score (measured between 0 and 1) with the area of the site (in hectares).

Improvement gain B Local Planning Policy Framework A This is gain resulting from management Framework outlining a Municipal Strategic commitments beyond existing obligations under Statement and the Local Planning Policies that legislation to improve the current vegetation apply to the local government area. quality. Achieving improvement gain is A Location risk predicated on maintenance commitments being already in place. For example, control of any The risk that removing native vegetation in a threats such as grazing that could otherwise particular location will have an impact on the damage the native vegetation must already be persistence of a rare or threatened species. agreed. Typical actions leading to an LossA improvement gain include reducing or eliminating environmental weeds, enhancement Loss in the contribution to Victoria’s biodiversity planting or revegetation over a 10-year when native vegetation is fully or partially management period. If the vegetation is to be removed, as measured in biodiversity used as an offset, a commitment to maintain the equivalence scores or units. improvement gain (i.e. no subsequent decline in Maintenance Gain B quality) will be required in perpetuity. This is gain from commitments that contribute A Incorporated document to the maintenance of the current vegetation A document that is included in the list of quality over time (i.e. avoiding any decline). incorporated documents in a planning scheme. Includes foregoing certain entitled activities that These documents affect the operation of the could otherwise damage or remove native planning scheme. vegetation, such as grazing or firewood

B collection. Also typically requires a commitment Indigenous vegetation to ensure no further spread of environmental The type of native vegetation that would have weeds that may otherwise result in the loss of normally been expected to occur on the site vegetation quality over time. If the vegetation is prior to European settlement. to be used as an offset, a commitment to maintain the vegetation quality will be required Landholder A in perpetuity.

An owner, occupier, proprietor or holder of land. A Minimise Landowner A Locating, designing or managing a use or Owner of land. development to reduce the impacts on

A biodiversity from the removal of native Landscape scale information vegetation. Mapped or modelled information based on data Native (indigenous) vegetation B collected across the landscape rather than just on a particular site. Native vegetation is plants that are indigenous

B to Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and Large Old Tree (LOT) grasses (as defined in Clause 72 of the planning A tree with a DBH equal to or greater than the scheme). large tree diameter as specified in the relevant Native vegetation credit A EVC benchmark. Gains in the contribution that native vegetation Listed species makes to Victoria’s biodiversity that are A flora or fauna species listed under the registered on the native vegetation credit Commonwealth Environment Protection and register. Native vegetation credits are offered Biodiversity Act 1999 or listed as threatened for sale to parties who are required to offset the under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee removal of native vegetation. Act 1988.

Native vegetation credit register A Old tree B A statewide register of native vegetation credits A tree with a DBH equal to or greater than 0.75 that meet minimum standards for security and of the large tree diameter as specified in the management of sites. The register is relevant EVC benchmark. Includes medium old administered by the Department of trees and large old trees (see separate Environment and Primary Industries, and definitions). Some Regional Native Vegetation records the creation, trade and allocation of Plans additionally define very large old trees (1.5 credits to meet specific offset requirements. times large tree diameter). Native vegetation extent A On-site offset B Area of land covered by native vegetation or the An offset located on the same property as the number of scattered trees. clearing. Native Vegetation Information Management Particular Provisions A (NVIM) system A Provisions in the Victoria Planning Provisions An online tool used to access information about that relate to specific activities (for example, Victoria's native vegetation. native vegetation is a Particular Provision). Native vegetation particular provision A Patch (see Remnant Patch) Clause 52.17 in the Victoria Planning Provisions PermitA that relates to the removing, destroying or A legal document that gives permission for a use lopping of native vegetation. or development on a particular piece of land.

A Perennial No net loss A A plant that lives for more than two years. An outcome where a particular gain in the Perennials include species that are always visible contribution to Victoria’s biodiversity is e.g. shrubs and trees, but also include species equivalent to an associated loss in the that are not always visible above ground. contribution to Victoria’s biodiversity from A Permitted clearing permitted clearing. Removal of native vegetation for which a Offset A planning permit has been granted to remove Protection and management (including native vegetation. revegetation) of native vegetation at a site to A Permitted clearing regulations generate a gain in the contribution that native vegetation makes to Victoria’s biodiversity. An The rules in the planning system that regulate offset is used to compensate for the loss to permits for the removal of native vegetation. Victoria’s biodiversity from the removal of native Planning provisions – See Victoria Planning vegetation. Provisions. Offset Management Plan (OMP) Prior management gain A document which sets out the requirements for This gain acknowledges actions to manage establishment, protection and management of vegetation since State-wide planning permit an offset site. controls for native vegetation removal were Offset market A introduced in 1989. A A system which facilitates trade of native Planning scheme vegetation credits between parties requiring Policies and provisions for the use, development offsets and third party suppliers of offsets. and protection of land in a local government area.

Planning system A Recruitment B Victoria’s land-use planning system that includes The production of new generations of plants, the Victoria Planning Provisions and each local either by allowing natural ecological processes government’s planning scheme. to occur (regeneration etc), by facilitating such

B processes such as regeneration to occur, or by Property Vegetation Plan actively revegetating (replanting, reseeding). See A plan which relates to the management of Revegetation. native vegetation within a property, and which is Referral authority A contained within an agreement made pursuant to section 69 of the Conservation, Forests and An authority that a permit application is referred Lands Act 1987. to for decision under Section 55 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. All referral Protected species requirements are specified in Clause 66 of A flora species protected under the Victorian planning schemes. Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Remnant patch of native vegetation A Protection (of a tree) B Either: An area with twice the canopy diameter of the  tree(s) fenced and protected from adverse an area of native vegetation , with or impacts: grazing, burning and soil disturbance without trees, where at least 25 per cent of not permitted, fallen timber retained, weeds the total perennial understorey plant controlled, and other intervention and/or cover is native plants management if necessary to ensure adequate  an area with three or more indigenous natural regeneration or planting can occur. canopy trees where the tree canopy cover Rare or threatened species A is at least 20 per cent. B A species that is listed in: Remnant vegetation  DELWP’s Advisory List of Rare or Native vegetation that is established or has Threatened Plants in Victoria as regenerated on a largely natural landform. The ‘endangered’, ‘vulnerable’, or ‘rare’, but species present are those normally expected in does not include the ‘poorly known’ that vegetation community. Largely natural category landforms may have been subject to some past surface disturbance such as some clearing or  DELWP’s Advisory List of Threatened cultivation (or even the activities of the Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria as ‘critically nineteenth century gold rushes) but do not endangered’, ‘endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’, include man-made structures such as dam walls but does not include ‘near threatened’ or and quarry floors. ‘data deficient’ categories Responsible authority A  DELWP’s Advisory List of Threatened Invertebrate Fauna in Victoria as ‘critically The authority charged with the responsibility for endangered’, ‘endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’, administering and enforcing particular aspects but does not include ‘near threatened’ or of a planning scheme. ‘data deficient’ categories. Revegetation B Establishment of native vegetation to a minimum standard in formerly cleared areas, outside of a remnant patch.

Scattered tree C Species persistence A An indigenous canopy tree that does not form The continued existence of a species into the part of a remnant patch of native vegetation future. (see definition of remnant patch of native Specific biodiversity equivalence vegetation). A score / units Section 173 agreements B With reference to a specific species, a score or A management agreement primarily between a units used to quantify the relative contribution landowner and the responsible authority of a site to Victoria’s biodiversity. according to section 173 of the Planning and A Specific-general offset test Environment Act 1987. A test used to determine whether a general or Security Gain specific offset is required based on the impact of This is gain from actions to enhance security of native vegetation removal on the habitat for the on-going management and protection of rare or threatened species. native vegetation at the offset site, either by A Specific offset entering into an on-title agreement (for example under Section 173 of the Planning and An offset that is targeted to a particular species Environment Act 1987), or by locating the offset (or multiple species) impacted by the removal of on land that has greater security than the native vegetation. clearing site, or by transferring private land to a State Planning Policy Framework A secure public conservation reserve.

A A collection of clauses in the Victoria Planning Site Provisions that inform planning authorities and An area of land that contains contiguous responsible authorities of those aspects of state patches of native vegetation or scattered trees, planning policy which they are to take into within the same ownership. account and give effect to in planning and administering their respective areas. Site-based information A Strategic biodiversity map A Information that is collected at a site. A map that shows the relative value of a location Site gain A in the landscape with regard to its condition, Predicted improvement in the condition, or the extent, connectivity and the support function it condition and extent, of native vegetation at a plays for species. The map is based on modelled site (measured in Habitat hectares) generated data. by the landowner committing to active A Strategic biodiversity score management and increased security. A score that quantifies the relative value of a Site loss A location in the landscape with regard to its Loss in the condition, or condition and extent, of condition, extent, connectivity and the support native vegetation when native vegetation is fully function it plays for species. or partially removed, measured in Habitat A Strategic planning hectares. A coordinated approach to planning where sp. areas for conservation and areas which can be Species (one species). cleared are strategically identified. spp. Species (more than one species).

Supplementary planting Establishment of overstorey and/or understorey plants within a remnant patch. Typically includes the planting or direct-seeding of understorey life forms. Taxon (plural taxa) A term used to describe any taxonomic unit. This term is typically used when referring broadly to any scientifically recognised species, subspecies or variety. Third-party offset B An offset located on a property owned by a person other than the landowner who incurs the native vegetation loss being offset. Understorey Understorey is all vegetation other than mature canopy trees – includes immature trees, shrubs, grasses, herbs, mosses, lichens and soil crust. It does not include dead plant material that is not attached to a living plant. More information on understorey life forms is set out in the Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual (DSE 2004). Vegetation Quality Assessment The standard DELWP method for assessing remnant patches of vegetation. Details of the method are outlined in the Vegetation Quality Assessment Method (DSE 2004). The results of the assessment are expressed in Habitat hectares. Also referred to as a ‘Habitat hectare assessment’ Victoria Planning Provisions A A list of planning provisions that provides a standard template for individual planning schemes. Zone A A zone in the Victoria Planning Provisions is a set of permitted uses of land which are defined spatially.