BIOSIS RESEARCH
Ecological assessment of the Diamond Gully Structure Plan area, Castlemaine, Victoria
June 2008
Biosis Research
Natural & Cultural Heritage Consultants 449 Doveton Street North (PO Box 18N) Ballarat Victoria 3350
BIOSIS RESEARCH
Report to Mount Alexander Shire Council
Ecological assessment of the
Diamond Gully Structure Plan area,
Castlemaine, Victoria
June 2008
Final Report
Melbourne: 38 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne VIC 3207 Ph: (03) 9646 9499 Fax: (03) 9646 9242 email: [email protected] prepared by Sydney: 15-17 Henrietta Street, Chippendale NSW 2008 Ph: (02) 9690 2777 Fax: (02) 9690 2577 John Miller email: [email protected]
Ballarat: Ruth Marr 449 Doveton Street North, Ballarat VIC 3354 Ph: (03) 5331 7000 Fax: (03) 5331 7033 email: [email protected]
Queanbeyan: 55 Lorne Road (PO Box 1963), Queanbeyan NSW 2620 Ph: (02) 6284 4633 Fax: (02) 6284 4699 Project no. 6861 email: [email protected]
Wollongong: 8 Tate Street, Wollongong NSW 2500 Ph: (02) 4229 5222 Fax: (02) 4229 5500 email: [email protected] © Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. This document is and shall remain the property of Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. The document may only be used for the purposes for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the Terms of BIOSIS RESEARCH Pty. Ltd. A.B.N. 65 006 175 097 the Engagement for the commission. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever Natural & Cultural Heritage Consultants is prohibited. Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Biosis Research wishes to acknowledge the contribution of the following people and organisations in undertaking this study:
Mount Alexander Shire Council • Fiona McMahon, Manager Sustainable Development • Kevin Jackson, Project Manager • Wayne Bell, ITC Manager • John Anthony – Environment Officer, Mount Alexander Shire Council • Virginia Adrian – Landcare Coordinator, Mount Alexander Shire Council
The Diamond Gully Ecological Assessment Workshop Group • Frank Panter – Friends of the Box Ironbark Forest • Jan Hall – McKenzie Hill Landcare Group • Natalie daMaccus – Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club. • Jenny Thomas – DSE, Bendigo • Noel Muller - Parks Victoria, Castlemaine. • Philip Slessar – North Central CMA
Landholders and local people with an interest in flora and fauna • Lisa Hall – resident adjoining the Structure Plan area • Debbie Worland – for bird observation records in the local area • Mr and Mrs Murley • All landholders who provided permission for access to their properties
Department of Sustainability and Environment • Vanessa Stubbs • Peter Johnson • Alison Oppermann • Andrea Keleher • for access to ecological databases (Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, Flora Information System)
Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. • Maria Pham, for mapping • Victoria Allen, for database searches • Rebecca Steer, for report review
BIOSIS RESEARCH Acknowledgements & Abbreviations III Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
ABBREVIATIONS AVW Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (DSE 2005) BA Birds Australia CAMBA China – Australia Migratory Bird Agreement DBH Diameter at breast height (130 cm above ground surface) DEWHA Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts DSE Department of Sustainability & Environment EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 EVC Ecological vegetation class FFG Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.) FIS Flora Information System (DSE 2005) IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature JAMBA Japan – Australia Migratory Bird Agreement ROKAMBA Australia- Republic of Korea Migratory Bird Agreement sp. Species (one species) spp. Species (more than one species)
Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. has completed this assessment in accordance with the relevant federal, state and local legislation and current industry best practice. The company accepts no liability for any damages or loss incurred as a result of reliance placed upon the report content or for any purpose other than that for which it was intended.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Acknowledgements & Abbreviations IV Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... III ABBREVIATIONS ...... IV CONTENTS ...... V SUMMARY ...... VII 1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 1 1.1 Project Background...... 1 1.2 Objectives...... 1 1.3 Study Area ...... 1 2.0 METHODS ...... 2 2.1 Classification...... 2 2.2 Literature and Database Review...... 2 2.3 Site Visit ...... 2 2.3.1 Ecological assessment ...... 2 2.3.2 Vegetation Quality Assessment for Net Gain ...... 3 2.4 Qualifications ...... 3 2.5 Defining Significant Species and Communities ...... 4 3.0 RESULTS ...... 5 3.1 Flora ...... 5 3.1.1 Species ...... 5 3.1.2 Ecological Vegetation Classes...... 6 3.1.3 Condition of Native Vegetation ...... 9 3.2 Vegetation quality assessment for Net Gain...... 9 3.2.1 Vegetation in Patches ...... 10 3.2.2 Scattered Trees ...... 14 3.3 Terrestrial Fauna...... 15 3.3.1 Species ...... 15 3.3.2 Terrestrial Habitats...... 15 3.3.3 Landscape Context ...... 17 4.0 ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE ...... 18 4.1 Significance of the Structure Plan area...... 18 4.2 Previous assessments of significance...... 19 4.3 Significant Flora Species ...... 20 4.3.1 National significance ...... 20 4.3.2 State significance...... 20 4.3.3 Regional significance ...... 21 4.4 Significant Vegetation Communities ...... 21 4.5 Significant Terrestrial Fauna Species...... 22 4.5.1 National significance ...... 22 4.5.2 State significance...... 24 4.5.3 Regional Significance ...... 26 4.6 Significant Fauna Communities ...... 28 5.0 BIODIVERSITY LEGISLATION AND GOVERNMENT POLICY ...... 29
BIOSIS RESEARCH Contents V Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
5.1 Commonwealth ...... 29 5.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ...... 29 5.2 State ...... 31 5.2.1 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 ...... 31 5.2.2 Planning and Environment Act 1987 ...... 31 5.2.3 Native Vegetation Management Framework ...... 32 5.2.4 Wildlife Act 1975 and Wildlife Regulations 2002 ...... 33 5.2.5 North Central CMA: Native Vegetation Plan...... 33 5.2.6 Environment Protection Act 1970: State Environmental Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) 2003 ...... 34 5.3 Local...... 35 5.3.1 Local Government Planning Scheme (Mount Alexander Shire Council)...... 35 6.0 CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES...... 37 6.1 Constraints ...... 37 6.2 Opportunities...... 38 7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 40 8.0 FURTHER ECOLOGICAL STUDIES ...... 42 REFERENCES ...... 43 APPENDICES...... 45 APPENDIX 1...... 46 DSE Vegetation Assessment Methodology...... 46 APPENDIX 2...... 47 Significance Assessment...... 47 APPENDIX 3...... 51 Flora Results ...... 51 APPENDIX 4...... 58 EVC Benchmarks ...... 58 (http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/nrence.nsf/)...... 58 Heathy Dry Forest – EVC 20...... 59 Grassy Dry Forest – EVC 22 Box-Ironbark Forest – EVC 61 ...... 61 Box-Ironbark Forest – EVC 61 ...... 63 Alluvial Terraces Herb-rich Woodland – EVC 67 ...... 65 APPENDIX 5...... 67 Fauna Results...... 67 FIGURES ...... 80 1 Location of the Structure Plan area, Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria..... 81 2 Land tenure of the Structure Plan area, Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria.82 3 Ecological features of the Structure Plan area, Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria...... 83 4 Areas of vegetation conservation significance of the Structure Plan area, Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria...... 84 5 Ecological constraints and opportunities within the Structure Plan area, Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria...... 85
BIOSIS RESEARCH Contents VI Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
SUMMARY
Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. was commissioned by Mount Alexander Shire Council to undertake an ecological assessment of the Diamond Gully Structure Plan area. The site is located approximately 5 km south west of Castlemaine in central Victoria. The assessment is to provide an understanding of the ecological considerations in the formulation of the Structure Plan.
Flora and Fauna The whole of the Structure Plan area has been modified, to various extents, by past land use including gold mining, stock grazing and timber harvesting. However, the relatively undisturbed areas that have experienced only light grazing and sporadic timber harvesting support good quality native vegetation. In the areas that are regenerating from more recent clearing or other major disturbances the quality of the native vegetation is poor. Very few large trees are present within the remnant patches and most of the larger trees occur along road sides and scattered in paddocks.
The Structure Plan area supports a mixture of remnant native forest vegetation, cleared paddocks and existing occupied house blocks. Modified remnants of four Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) occur within the Structure Plan area: Grassy Dry Forest EVC, Heathy Dry Forest EVC, Box Ironbark Forest EVC and Alluvial Terraces Herb-rich Woodland EVC. The four terrestrial fauna habitats recognised within the Structure Plan area are forest, grassland, water bodies; and planted trees and shrubs.
No flora or fauna of national or state conservation significance were recorded during the current assessment but it is likely that the nationally significant Swift Parrot is a regular visitor when the eucalypts are in flower. Scats of the state significant Brush-tailed Phascogale were collected adjacent to the Structure Plan area and it assumed that they are present in the Heathy Dry Forest and Grassy Dry Forest EVCs within the Structure Plan area.
The better patches of vegetation (EVCs with a habitat score >0.50) and large trees have regional significance for conservation and the vegetation with lower habitat scores and smaller scattered trees have local significance for conservation.
Government legislation and policy Development of the site is unlikely to trigger the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as development is unlikely to have a significant impact on any matters of national ecological significance.
A permit under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 would be required
BIOSIS RESEARCH Summary VII Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
from DSE if listed flora species are likely to be impacted on public land and a permit from the Mount Alexander Shire Council would be required to remove native vegetation if the site is to be developed. Removal of native vegetation is also subject to state and local planning controls including the Native Vegetation Management Framework (Net Gain policy).
Constraints and opportunities Based on the findings of the assessment, there are a number of ecological constraints and opportunities that should be considered during the development of the Structure Plan.
The ecological constraints relate primarily to the presence of areas of high conservation significance native vegetation; the presence of scattered large trees in various locations; and, the presence of threatened fauna species primarily within the areas of higher quality native vegetation. A full list of the identified ecological constraints within the Structure Plan area is provided in Section 6.
There are a number of opportunities to maintain or enhance the ecological function of the Structure Plan area, in particular the maintenance and management of the high conservation significance vegetation for conservation and revegetation of selected areas to facilitate wildlife movement through the structure Plan area. A list of ecological opportunities is provided in Section 6.
Recommendations To ensure that the ecological function of the Structure Plan area is maintained or enhanced a range of recommendations to be considered during the Structure Plan development.
Amongst other things, it is recommended that:
• Substantial portions of the forested areas (those areas shown as supporting an Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) in Figure 3) be retained in reserves where the primary focus is conservation. However, the classification and management responsibility of any conservation reserves requires further exploration to determine the most appropriate means of achieving the desired conservation outcome.
• Retain all large trees.
• Development, including new roads, be restricted to existing cleared areas or areas of native vegetation with lower quality scores.
• The wildlife corridor potential of the retained vegetation be maximised by providing continuous bands of forest through the Structure Plan area that link
BIOSIS RESEARCH Summary VIII Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
with forest in adjoining areas.
• Restrictions be placed on the development of blocks in areas currently supporting native vegetation.
• Ensure that all unavoidable losses of native vegetation can be offset within the Structure Plan area as far as possible.
• Exclude grazing stock or pets, such as horses and donkeys, from blocks within areas that currently support native vegetation.
A full list of recommendations is provided in Section 7.
Further studies It is recommended that additional ecological and Net Gain assessments be undertaken when specific development precincts are defined within the Structure Plan area.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Summary IX Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Background
Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. was commissioned by Mount Alexander Shire Council to undertake an ecological study of the Diamond Gully Structure Plan area. The assessment is to provide an understanding of the ecological considerations in the formulation of the Structure Plan.
1.2 Objectives
The objectives of this investigation are to: • Describe the vascular flora, terrestrial vertebrate fauna and habitat values of the Structure Plan area. • Undertake a broad vegetation quality assessment to determine the relative ecological values across the Structure Plan area. • Evaluate the conservation significance of areas within the Structure Plan area. • Map any ecologically significant flora and terrestrial fauna habitats. • Provide a list of considerations that should be addressed in the formulation of the Structure Plan. • Identify opportunities and constraints for development within the Structure Plan area. • Recommend any further ecological assessments of the Structure Plan area that may be required.
1.3 Study Area
The Structure Plan area is located west of Campbells Creek approximately 3 km south-west of Castlemaine (Figure 1).
The irregular Structure Plan area, of approximately 180 hectares, is bounded on the north by the Pyrenees Highway, on the west by Willy Milly Road, on the south by Ranters Gully Road and on the east by Martin Street, Sluicers Road and Diamond Gully Road. The majority of the Structure Plan area is comprised of private land although the Lushington Bushland Reserve, former rubbish tip cells on Martin Street and road reserves are also included (Figure 2).
The Structure Plan area is within the Goldfields Bioregion (Department of Primary Industries, Victorian Resources online: www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/).
BIOSIS RESEARCH Introduction 1 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
2.0 METHODS
2.1 Classification
Common and scientific names for flora and fauna follow the Flora Information System (FIS 2005 version) and the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AVW 2005 version) of the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).
Classification of native vegetation in Victoria follows a typology in which ecological vegetation classes (EVCs) are the primary level of classification. An EVC contains one or more plant (floristic) communities, and represents a grouping of broadly similar environments. Vegetation community names follow the typology of vegetation in Victoria developed by DSE (http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/nrence.nsf/).
2.2 Literature and Database Review
Information in the FIS and AVW databases was reviewed. The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) online database for the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool) was searched (hereafter referred to as the DEWHA database). The extant and pre-1750 EVCs present within the Structure Plan area and their bioregional conservation status was reviewed (DSE web site: http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dse/nrence.nsf/).
Existing reports covering portions of the Structure Plan area, including Cheers & Cheers (2004) and Cheers & Cheers (2006), were reviewed and additional flora and fauna information was supplied by local landholders, the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club and a flora list compiled by the Trust for Nature (2003) in relation to a Covenant on the property owned by Ms. Jan Hall.
The additional information sources are cited within this report where applicable.
2.3 Site Visit
2.3.1 Ecological assessment
The ecological assessment took place on the 28 and 29 November 2007.
The entire Structure Plan area was surveyed however detailed assessment was concentrated in areas that support native vegetation remnants and other areas with potential to support threatened species.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Methods 2 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
General observations were made on the vegetation and fauna habitat of the Structure Plan area and lists of flora and incidental terrestrial fauna observations were compiled. The condition and conservation significance of the various sections of the Structure Plan area was documented.
One plant species list was recorded for the Structure Plan area in the Flora Information System (FIS list S13528). Fauna records will be submitted to the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife.
2.3.2 Vegetation Quality Assessment for Net Gain
Vegetation quality is assessed using a standard method contained in a manual published by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE 2004). A summary of this method is provided in Appendix 1. Vegetation quality assessments contribute to the assessment of a development project against the Net Gain policy, as contained in Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management Framework (NRE 2002).
A full Net Gain assessment was beyond the scope of the present study. However, vegetation quality assessments were undertaken in areas of remnant vegetation throughout the Structure Plan area with the aim of documenting the characteristics of the vegetation and habitat and to inform the planning process for the Structure Plan.
2.4 Qualifications
The study effort, combined with information available from other sources, is considered suitable to assess the terrestrial ecological values of the site. As a result, there is no significant limitation to the study. However, the following qualifications apply: • The present assessment includes only vascular flora (ferns, conifers and flowering plants), terrestrial vertebrate fauna (birds, mammals, reptiles and frogs). Non-vascular flora (e.g. mosses and liverworts) were not sampled. • The vegetation mapping and quality assessment was undertaken in a broad sense to inform the planning process for the Structure Plan. Development of specific areas within the Structure Plan area would require a more targeted approach and a full Net Gain assessment to be undertaken. • Fish or aquatic invertebrates were not surveyed in the current assessment. No search of the Victorian Aquatic Fauna (VAF) database was conducted and AVW fish records have not been included in this report. The implications of relevant biodiversity legislation (e.g. EPBC Act) cannot be fully assessed without an assessment of aquatic habitat and fauna.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Methods 3 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
• Ecological surveys and assessments provide a sampling of the flora and fauna at a given time and season and some additional species that we did not detect may occur on the site. Reference to other reports and database records and consultation with relevant DSE staff and local field naturalists serves to offset this limitation to some degree. • The AVW databases currently provide data recorded up until December 2003. Data submitted to this database since that time is not yet available (V.Stubbs, DSE, 2007, pers. comm.). • Mapping is conducted using hand-held (uncorrected) GPS units and aerial photo interpretation. The accuracy of this mapping is therefore subject to the accuracy of the GPS units (generally +/- 7 metres) and dependant on the limitations of aerial photo rectification and registration. As such, these points should only be relied upon for the broad planning for the Structure Plan and should not be relied on for detailed design purposes. • Some fauna species, particularly migratory fauna, may be seasonally absent. • Permission was provided by most land owners for access to their properties and access was available to all areas with significant ecological potential. Where permission for access was not provided the areas were viewed from the closest vantage points and observations made. It is therefore possible that some additional species or habitats occur in those inaccessible areas.
2.5 Defining Significant Species and Communities
A number of categories and criteria are formally applied to assess the ecological significance of flora and fauna and sites supporting flora and fauna. The definition and application of the criteria are detailed in Appendix 2.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Methods 4 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
3.0 RESULTS
3.1 Flora
3.1.1 Species
Records from the Structure Plan area
A total of 88 indigenous and 43 introduced plant species was recorded from the Structure Plan area in the current assessment (Appendix 3).
Planted species have not been recorded unless they are spreading (naturalised).
Database and other records
The FIS contains one species list (S13505) from the northern portion of the Structure Plan area adjacent to the Lushington Bushland Reserve. The species list was recorded by Biosis Research in September 2007 (Biosis Research 2007) along a proposed pipeline from the Pyrenees Highway to the Waste Water Treatment Plant on Langslow Street (Figure 2). The S13505 list adds a few native species (none of which are significant at the national or state level) and a number of introduced species to the current list (Appendix 3).
The FIS contains a number of single records of introduced species from around the margins of the Structure Plan area, all of which were also recorded in the current study.
Three additional lists of vascular plants have been recorded in the Structure Plan area but not included in the FIS:
• Cheers & Cheers (2004) undertook a study of the flora and fauna of the proposed Diamond Heights Development in the southern portion of the Structure Plan area (Figure 2). They recorded a number of species that were not recorded in the current study. None of the additional species have national or state significance (Appendix 3).
• Cheers & Cheers (2006) undertook an ecological and Net Gain assessment of Lot 91 Diamond Gully Road in the western portion of the Structure Plan area (Figure 2). A number of species recorded in that study, in particular orchids, were not recorded in the current study. None of the additional species have national or state significance (Appendix 3).
• Trust for Nature (2003), in association with the landholders, have compiled a list of vascular flora within the covenanted areas of the Hall
BIOSIS RESEARCH Results 5 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
properties (Figure 2). None of the additional species have national or state significance (Appendix 3).
The DSE Flora Information System contains records of 686 flora species from within 5 km of the Structure Plan area, some of which may occur within the Structure Plan area in addition to those recorded in the current study. The DEWHA database predicts the occurrence of, or suitable habitat for, four listed flora species within 5 km of the Structure Plan area. It is unlikely that any of these species would occur within the cleared and highly disturbed areas of the Structure Plan area, but it is possible that some of these species could occur in the less disturbed patches of native vegetation (Appendix 3; Figure 3).
3.1.2 Ecological Vegetation Classes
The DSE mapping of pre-1750 vegetation models the entire Structure Plan area as previously supporting Box Ironbark Forest EVC. The DSE extant vegetation mapping indicates the majority of the western portion and the south-eastern portion of the Structure Plan area support Box Ironbark Forest EVC, whilst the remainder of the area no longer supports native vegetation.
The current study confirms that Structure Plan area supports four ecological vegetation classes in the areas that retain native vegetation and predominantly introduced vegetation in the cleared and highly modified areas (Figure 3).
The characteristics of the vegetation within the Structure Plan area are:
Box Ironbark Forest EVC 61
The Box Ironbark Forest within the Structure Plan area has been variously modified through clearing, gold mining, timber cutting and invasion by introduced species; although some better quality areas remain. As a result the trees are generally small with multi-trunks. Most of the large trees occur on roadsides or as isolated trees in paddocks.
Box Ironbark Forest is dominated by Yellow Gum Eucalyptus leucoxylon and Grey Box Eucalyptus microcarpa to approximately 25 metres in height. The shrub layer is generally sparse with species such as Drooping Cassinia Cassinia arcuata, Golden Wattle Acacia pycnantha, Gold-dust Wattle Acacia acinacea s.s., Spreading Wattle Acacia paradoxa and Sweet Bursaria Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa regular but widely spaced components. The bushland in and around the Lushington Bushland Reserve supports a dense cover of Cherry Ballart Exocarpus cupressiformis.
The ground layer in the areas of dense tree cover is sparse and comprised primarily of native and introduced grasses; native lily species such as Small
BIOSIS RESEARCH Results 6 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
Vanilla-lily Arthropodium minus and Chocolate Lily Arthropodium strictum s.s.; and other small herbs such as Sheep's Burr Acaena echinata, Common Raspwort Gonocarpus tetragynus and Grassland Wood-sorrel Oxalis perennans. The litter layer is dense and comprised mainly of leaves and small branches from the overstorey trees. Large logs are absent.
In general, the area of Box Ironbark Forest north and east of Diamond Gully Road is dominated by Yellow Gum whereas the western and southern areas are dominated by Grey Box. The reasons for this are unclear but may be related to the local geology.
The areas of recent regrowth Box Ironbark Forest are characterised by a few scattered trees and a dense cover of Drooping Cassinia and Golden Wattle over an understorey of native grasses such as Spear Grasses and Wallaby Grasses, and introduced species such as Annual Veldt-grass Ehrharta longiflora, Silvery Hair- grass Aira caryophyllea, Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum, Slender Centaury Centaurium tenuiflorum and Onion Grass Romulea rosea.
The distribution of the various classes of Box Ironbark Forest EVC within the Structure Plan area is shown in Figure 3.
Heathy Dry Forest EVC 20
Heathy Dry Forest within the Structure Plan area is confined to the south western portion of the Structure Plan area. The overstorey is comprised of a mixture of Red Stringybark Eucalyptus macrorhyncha, Red Box Eucalyptus polyanthemos and Bundy Eucalyptus goniocalyx s.s. The understorey is characterised by a fairly diverse shrub layer which includes Daphne Heath Brachyloma daphnoides, Gorse Bitter-pea Daviesia ulicifolia, Common Hovea Hovea heterophylla, Grey Everlasting Ozothamnus obcordatus, Spreading Wattle Acacia genistifolia and Twiggy Bush-pea Pultenaea largiflorens. Grasses such as Silvertop Wallaby- grass Joycea pallida and Grey Tussock-grass Poa sieberiana var. sieberiana are also fairly common but the overall character of the understorey is shrubby.
The distribution of Heathy Dry Forest EVC within the Structure Plan area is shown in Figure 3.
Grassy Dry Forest EVC 22
Grassy Dry Forest within the Structure Plan area is generally located on the more protected southern and south-westerly aspects. Grassy Dry Forest is similar to Heathy Dry Forest with the overstorey dominated by a mixture of Red Stringybark, Red Box and Bundy however the understorey is instead dominated by native grasses, in particular Silvertop Wallaby-grass and Grey Tussock-grass. Shrubs such as Daphne Heath, Spreading Wattle and Twiggy Bush-pea are
BIOSIS RESEARCH Results 7 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
common but sparse.
The distribution of Grassy Dry Forest EVC within the Structure Plan area is shown in Figure 3.
Alluvial Terraces Herb-rich Woodland EVC 67
A very small area of Alluvial Terraces Herb-rich Woodland is located adjacent to Diamond Gully Road just west of Sluicers Road. The small, highly modified, patch is sandwiched between Diamond Gully Road and the rim of the seasonal wetland area to the north (Figure 3). The seasonal wetland area has resulted from the lowering of the former gully by sluice mining.
The area of Alluvial Terraces Herb-rich Woodland is characterised by an overstorey of Yellow Box Eucalyptus melliodora and a few River Red-gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis trees over a highly modified understorey of introduced shrubs including Gorse Ulex europaeus, Blackberry Rubus fruiticosus spp. agg. and a range of introduced grasses and herbs.
The distribution of Alluvial Terraces Herb-rich Woodland EVC within the Structure Plan area is shown in Figure 3.
Predominantly introduced vegetation
The areas described as predominantly introduced vegetation comprise the current residential blocks along the Pyrenees Highway and Diamond Gully Road, the cleared paddocks through the central portion of the Structure Plan area and the seasonal wetland area near the corner of Diamond Gully Road and Sluicers Road (Figure 3).
The areas of predominantly introduced vegetation in the paddocks are dominated by introduced grasses such as Sweet Vernal-grass, Toowoomba Canary-grass Phalaris aquatica, Silvery Hair-grass and Rat's-tail Fescue Vulpia myuros. The slightly damper areas at the bottom of gullies generally support species such as Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus and Paspalum Paspalum dilatatum. Native grasses such a Spear Grasses and Wallaby Grasses occur sporadically throughout, but with a cover of less than 25%, are below the threshold to be considered as an EVC.
Introduced woody species such as Montpellier Broom Genista monspessulana, Flax-leaf Broom Genista linifolia, Sweet Briar Rosa rubiginosa, Blackberry Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. and Gorse Ulex europaeus are scattered and fairly common throughout but do not dominate large areas. The Blackberry hummocks are generally confined to the damper creeklines.
The vegetation within the residential blocks is dominated by a mixture of planted
BIOSIS RESEARCH Results 8 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
species intermingled with some remnant native trees and scattered native grasses and other understorey species.
The seasonal wetland is dominated by introduced species such as Divided Sedge Carex divisa, which occurs in the area that retains water longest, and Toowoomba Canary-grass, Sharp Rush Juncus acutus subsp. acutus and Blackberry on the areas surrounding the Divided Sedge. A clump of the introduced Pampas Grass Cortaderia selloana occurs on a raised mound in the in the middle of the wetland.
3.1.3 Condition of Native Vegetation
The whole of the Structure Plan area has been modified, to various extents, by past land use including gold mining, stock grazing and timber harvesting. However, the relatively undisturbed areas that have experienced only light grazing and sporadic timber harvesting support native vegetation in good condition with a range of native species and a low weed cover. In the areas that are regenerating from more recent clearing, where the tree cover is generally restricted to sapling regrowth and a variable cover of early succession species such as Drooping Cassinia Cassinia arcuata, or other major disturbances the quality of the native vegetation is lower due to a reduced number and cover of native species and a higher incidence of weeds.
The scattered trees within paddocks and road reserves are in generally good condition with no obvious signs of dieback or other damage.
3.2 Vegetation quality assessment for Net Gain
A series of vegetation quality assessments were undertaken in representative areas within the Structure Plan area. Additional vegetation quality assessments undertaken by Cheers & Cheers (2004, 2006) have also been considered and incorporated into the assessment.
The aim of the assessments was to broadly quantify the quality of the native vegetation across the Structure Plan area to inform the Structure Plan development process. The quality assessments provide a guide to native vegetation and fauna habitat constraints for the development of the Structure Plan. However, due to the size of the Structure Plan area and the frequency of the quality assessments, we consider the current assessment is unsuitable for the calculation of specific losses associated with development within the Structure Plan area.
To ensure that the requirements of the Native Vegetation Management Framework (NRE 2002) are fully met it is recommended that, when specific
BIOSIS RESEARCH Results 9 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
areas are identified in the Structure Plan for development, targeted Net Gain assessments be undertaken to fully document the likely vegetation losses and how the offsets would be achieved.
The EVC Benchmarks for Heathy Dry Forest, Grassy Dry Forest, Alluvial Terraces Herb-rich Woodland and Box Ironbark Forest are provided in Appendix 4.
3.2.1 Vegetation in Patches
Eleven vegetation quality zones were identified (Figure 3). The assessment criteria and scores, and the overall habitat score is given in Table 1.
Approximately 118 ha (65%) of the Structure Plan area retains an EVC (Table 1).
Conservation significance Conservation significance was assessed for the patches using the criteria in the assessment manual (DSE 2004), and is given in Table 1.
Heathy Dry Forest is Least Concern in the Goldfields Bioregion, so the vegetation is defined as either medium (if the quality score is > 0.6) or low (if the quality score is < 0.6). Grassy Dry Forest and Box Ironbark Forest are both depleted in the Goldfields Bioregion, so the vegetation is defined as high (if the quality score is > 0.6), medium (if the quality score is 0.3-0.6) or low (if the quality score is < 0.3). Alluvial Terraces Herb-rich Woodland is endangered in the Goldfields Bioregion so the vegetation is defined as very high (if the quality score is > 0.4) or high (if the quality score is < 0.40).
Habitat assessment for significant species The presence of threatened species or habitat for such species is also a factor. It is known that the threatened species Swift Parrot and Brush-tailed Phascogale are present within and adjacent to the Structure Plan area.
The habitat assessment for significant species that have some potential to occur within the study area (Appendix 5) was undertaken in accordance with DSE guidelines (DSE 2007a, Table 2, Page 13).
Table 1: Assessment of threatened species ratings for conservation significance Significant species Key pathway Result National significance Australian Painted Snipe A → D Not applicable Swift Parrot A → B → C → No Remaining 50% of habitat*
BIOSIS RESEARCH Results 10 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
Significant species Key pathway Result Regent Honeyeater A → D Not applicable Grey-headed Flying-fox A → D Not applicable State significance Barking Owl A → D Not applicable Brown Treecreeper A → B → C → No Remaining 50% of habitat# Brush-tailed Phascogale A → B → C → No Remaining 50% of habitat# Diamond Firetail A → D Not applicable Great Egret A → D Not applicable Grey-crowned Babbler A → D Not applicable Powerful Owl A → D Not applicable Speckled Warbler A → B → C → No Remaining 50% of habitat#
* - only in Box Ironbark Forest areas with either large trees or a high canopy cover (BIF 1, BIF3, BIF4, BIF6) and Alluvial Terraces Herb-rich Woodland EVC. # - only in Heathy Dry Forest or Grassy Dry Forest areas with rough-barked eucalypts and diverse understorey.
The two significant species most likely to use the study area are Swift Parrot and Brush-tailed phascogale.
It is considered that the Swift Parrot would regularly visit the better quality Box Ironbark Forest areas, particularly those areas with large trees and/or a high canopy cover, but that the populations are not of above average size or importance within the bioregion (J. Thomas, DSE Bendigo, pers comm.). It is not expected that Swift Parrot would make significant use of the lower quality Box Ironbark Forests in the medium term due to the lack of large trees or a reduced overstorey canopy cover so the Threatened Species Rating was not applicable in those areas.
It is considered that the Brush-tailed Phascogale would regularly use the areas of Heathy Dry Forest and Grassy Dry Forest where there is a significant number of rough-barked eucalypts and a diverse understorey. However, the populations are not considered of above average size or importance within the bioregion (P. Johnson, DSE Bendigo, pers comm.) so in accordance with the DSE Guidelines (DSE 2007a), the Threatened Species Rating for the areas of Grassy Dry Forest and Heathy Dry Forest is ‘High’ – remaining 50% of habitat for threatened species in a Victorian bioregion.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Results 11 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
Table 1: Quantification of native vegetation within the Diamond Gully Structure Plan area.
Polygon number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
EVC name Score out of BIF1 BIF2* BIF3# BIF4 BIF5 BIF6 HDF* GDF1* GDF2# GDF3 ATH-r
EVC number 61 61 61 61 61 61 20 22 22 22 67
Large Old Trees 10 3 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 2
Canopy Cover 5 3 3 5 5 0 5 3 3 3 5 2
Lack of Weeds 15 7 5 15 15 6 9 13 11 13 9 2
Understorey 25 20 9 15 15 5 15 15 15 15 15 5
Recruitment 10 6 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 5 1 Site Condition Condition Site Organic Matter 5 5 5 3 5 3 5 3 5 3 5 4
Logs 5 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 2 0 0
Patch Size 10 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
Neighbourhood 10 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
Landscape Distance to Core 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Site Condition Score 46 23 41 43 17 43 39 37 39 39 16
Landscape Score 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17
HABITAT SCORE (/100) 0.63 0.40 0.58 0.60 0.34 0.60 0.56 0.54 0.56 0.56 0.33
Area of the Quality Zone (Hectares) 2.73 26.94 23.62 18.52 8.75 7.47 17.60 0.55 5.90 5.49 0.16
HABITAT HECTARES 1.72 10.78 13.70 11.11 2.98 4.48 9.86 0.30 3.30 3.07 5.28
BIOSIS RESEARCH Results 12 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
Bioregion Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold
EVC Conservation Status D D D D D D LC D D D E
Conservation Status x Hab Score High Medium Medium High Medium High Low Medium Medium Medium High
Threatened High N/A High High N/A High High High High High High Species Rating
Other Site N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Attribute Rating
Overall Conservation High Medium High High Medium High High High High High High Significance Conservation Significance * = Quality assessment from Cheers & Cheers, 2004 # = Quality assessment from Cheers & Cheers 2006 D = Depleted LC = Least Concern E = Endangered Gold = Goldfields Bioregion
The response to a proposal to clear and offset in both high and medium conservation significance vegetation is “clearing generally not permitted’ (NRE 2002, page 54).
BIOSIS RESEARCH Results 13 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
The majority of the habitat scores across the Structure Plan area are remarkably similar which is probably due to the similar mining, timber collection and grazing history of the patches.
The most significant features of the vegetation are the general lack of large trees and the low cover of high-threat weeds. Large trees are generally confined to roadsides or occur as isolated trees within otherwise cleared paddocks. Weeds are generally sparse within the areas of remnant forest but are more common in the areas that are regenerating following recent clearing, and along some roadsides and the moister gullies.
The better areas of native vegetation are located in the large patches of Box Ironbark Forest, Heathy Dry Forest and Grassy Dry Forest in the west and south- east of the Structure Plan area.
3.2.2 Scattered Trees
Scattered indigenous trees are located within the otherwise cleared paddocks through the central portion of the Structure Plan area.
Scattered old trees are assigned the lowest conservation significance appropriate to the conservation status of the EVC to which they originally belonged, unless there are threatened species or other attributes that increase their rating. Scattered small trees are assigned a conservation significance of low unless there are threatened species or other attributes that increase their rating (DSE 2007a, Page 11).
The vast majority of the scattered old trees within the study area are derived from Box Ironbark Forest which is depleted in the Goldfields bioregion. Based on the conservation status, scattered old trees derived from Box Ironbark Forest have low conservation significance. However, the large and medium scattered old trees old trees are deemed to provide the ‘remaining 50% of habitat’ for the Swift Parrot so their conservation significance is elevated to high.
Scattered old trees derived from Heathy Dry Forest (least concern) or Grassy Dry Forest (depleted) have low conservation significance and there are no other attributes that elevate these trees to a higher conservation significance.
There are no scattered old trees derived from the Alluvial Terraces Herb-rich Woodland EVC within the study area.
Scattered small trees have low conservation significance and there are no other attributes that elevate these trees to a higher conservation significance.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Results 14 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
3.3 Terrestrial Fauna
3.3.1 Species
Records from the Structure Plan area
A total of 45 indigenous terrestrial fauna species (three mammals, 39 birds, two reptiles and one frog) and four introduced fauna species (three mammals and one bird) were recorded from the Structure Plan area (Table A5.1, Appendix 5).
Additional records of birds in close proximity to the Structure Plan area were supplied by Debbie Worland of Muckleford (Table 5.4, Appendix 5). These records have been considered in the preparation of the report.
Database records
The AVW contains records of 161 vertebrate terrestrial fauna species from the local area from the past 20 years. These records comprise 146 birds (137 native), 11 mammals (eight native), two native reptiles and two native frogs. The Birds Australia database contains records for 143 birds (137 native) from the local area. These records have been combined with the AVW records, and the most recent record used within the fauna information tables.
The DEWHA database lists 15 terrestrial fauna species whose geographic range includes the study the area. Of these species, six (one mammal, three birds, one reptile and one frog) are listed as threatened and 11 bird species are listed under the migratory provisions of the EPBC Act, as discussed in Section 5.1.
Some of the species listed on the databases may inhabit, or visit the Structure Plan area. However, a large proportion of the Structure Plan area is highly modified and does not have suitable habitat for many of the species listed on these databases.
3.3.2 Terrestrial Habitats
Four terrestrial fauna habitats occur within the Structure Plan area: forest, grassland, water bodies, and planted trees and shrubs.
Forest
This habitat is found in Box-Ironbark Forest EVC, Heathy Dry Forest EVC and Grassy Dry Forest EVC (Figure 3). Large patches of forest are present within the southern and western portions of the Structure Plan area and smaller patches
BIOSIS RESEARCH Results 15 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
occur throughout.
The forest habitat contains an overstorey of mostly small to medium sized eucalypts and a sparse understorey of shrubs and grasses. The ground is covered by a dense layer of leaf litter and fallen timber.
The forest habitat in the majority of the area has been modified through clearing, timber cutting and mining and very few large old trees exist in the larger patches of forest. Most of the large trees observed in the Structure Plan area occurred in roadsides or as isolated trees in paddocks and only a few hollow bearing trees were recorded. The presence of hollow-dependent species such as Sulphur- crested Cockatoo and Crimson Rosella indicate that it is possible that other hollow-dependent species such as owls and possums may also be present in the forest.
To compensate for lack of hollow bearing trees, artificial nest boxes have been placed in trees on private property and crown land. Sugar Gliders have been reported using these boxes and it is likely that Parrots and other small mammals such as Brush-tailed Phascogale would also use them.
Given the low incidence of hollow-bearing trees within the Structure Plan area, the development of the Structure Plan should consider the best ways to retain and protect these trees within the Structure Plan area.
The tree cover provides shelter for birds such as Striated Pardalote, Musk Lorikeet, Yellow-faced Honeyeater and Rufous Whistler, all observed in the current assessment. The thick leaf litter and fallen branches around trees provide important habitat and resources for numerous reptile species and the rocky ridges add to the variety of shelter for small fauna species.
Grassland
Grassland habitat, or pasture, is found in paddocks within the southern and central portions of the Structure Plan area (Figure 3). The grassland habitat has resulted from the clearance of the former forest vegetation and now supports a suite of introduced grasses and herbs although some native grasses remain.
Kangaroos and some common open country native bird species such as Australian Magpie, ravens, Richard’s Pipit, Crested Pigeon, raptors and robins would commonly use this habitat. The introduced European Rabbit and Red Fox are also quite common in this habitat.
Water bodies
A number of dams are located within, or in close proximity to, the Structure Plan
BIOSIS RESEARCH Results 16 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
area (Figure 3) most of which contained water at the time of assessment
The majority of the dams are within paddocks surrounded by pasture or scattered trees although a few are surrounded by forest. Most dams support at least some fringing and submerged vegetation and areas of open water which provides a diversity of habitat types for native species such as Australian White Ibis, White- faced Heron, White-necked Heron, Southern Bullfrog and Long-necked Turtle, all of which were recorded during the assessment.
A number of natural and constructed drainage lines occur within the Structure Plan area. Although they were dry at the time of assessment, the drainage lines would probably be utilised by frogs and some water birds during wetter periods.
Planted trees and shrubs
Trees and shrubs have been planted in residential gardens and along some areas of road reserves. This habitat provides shelter for some common woodland birds such as White-eared Honeyeater, Superb Fairy-wren, Red Wattlebird and Willie Wagtail.
3.3.3 Landscape Context
Wildlife corridors are continuous or near continuous linear habitats that connect otherwise isolated areas of habitat. Corridors provide dispersal routes for species that move between larger areas of habitat. Without corridors, habitats essentially become fragmented and may become less viable for some species due to their isolation and external pressures from surrounding developments.
The Structure Plan area is a mix of forest, cleared agricultural land and scattered indigenous trees in road reserves and paddocks. The forest areas within the Structure Plan area provide habitat to a large variety of native species but they also form part of a larger regional network of forested habitat extending to the north, south and west of the Structure Plan area. The forested network forms links in the landscape that facilitates the movement of fauna, particularly birds, between areas of habitat and allows dispersal through the landscape (Figure 3). It is recognised that wildlife corridors crossing busy roads may cause conflicts with passing vehicles, particularly by Kangaroos and Wallabies. Appropriate signage and vehicle speed restrictions on roads bounded by forested areas within and adjacent to the Structure Plan area may reduce some of the conflicts. The regional wildlife corridor function of the patches of forest within the Structure Plan area should be considered during the development of the Structure Plan.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Results 17 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
4.0 ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The following section discusses the terrestrial ecological significance of the site and species within a local, regional, state and national context. The criteria for these significance levels are outlined in Appendix 2. Note that this assessment is independent from 'conservation significance' as defined in the Native Vegetation Management Framework (Section 3.2). The Framework assessment (low, medium, high, very high) applies at the bioregional level.
4.1 Significance of the Structure Plan area
The Structure Plan area supports areas of native vegetation in good to poor condition, scattered large trees along some roadsides and isolated in paddocks, and other areas of predominantly introduced vegetation
On the basis of the available flora and terrestrial fauna information, the better quality native vegetation (areas with a habitat score of >0.50) and large trees within the Structure Plan area have regional significance for biodiversity and areas of lower quality native vegetation and scattered smaller trees have local significance for biodiversity within in the Goldfields Bioregion (Appendix 4).
The areas of predominantly introduced vegetation have negligible significance for nature conservation due to the substantial modification of the original vegetation and habitats.
Reasons for significance of the areas of native vegetation are: • Presence of 17 flora species of regional significance. • Habitat for a diversity of woodland fauna species, including the nationally significant Swift Parrot (a regular visitor to the Structure Plan area when the eucalypts are in flower) and at least one state significant species, Brush-tailed Phascogale. • Presence of forest habitat that forms part of a larger regional network of remnant vegetation.
The scattered large trees along roadsides and within paddocks that are derived from Box Ironbark Forest EVC have high conservation significance within the Structure Plan area
Known biodiversity values of the Structure Plan area are mapped in Figures 3 and 4 and discussed further below.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Ecological Significance 18 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
4.2 Previous assessments of significance
A number of assessments have been conducted within the Structure Plan area. These include:
• Biosis Research (2007) conducted a flora and fauna assessment along a proposed pipeline from the Pyrenees Highway to the Waste Water Treatment Plant on Langslow Street (Figure 2). This report found that the original vegetation over much of the Structure Plan area had been cleared, however modified remnants of Box-Ironbark Forest EVC remained. A total of 68 flora species (29 indigenous, 39 introduced) and 29 terrestrial fauna species (25 indigenous, four introduced) were recorded from the Structure Plan area. No flora or fauna of national or state conservation significance were recorded during the assessment. It was concluded that the remaining patches of Box Ironbark Forest have regional ecological significance.
• Cheers & Cheers (2006) conducted an ecological and Net Gain assessment of 91 Diamond Gully Road in the western portion of the Structure Plan area (Figure 2). This assessment found a number of species, in particular orchids, that were not recorded in the current study. None of the additional flora or fauna species found by Cheers & Cheers (2006) have national or state significance (Appendix 3); and,
• Cheers & Cheers (2004) undertook a study of the flora and fauna of the proposed Diamond Heights Development in the southern portion of the Structure Plan area (Figure 2). The authors found a number of species within the Structure Plan area that were not recorded in the current study, none of which have national or state significance (Appendix 3).
Five Biosites are located within 5km of the Structure Plan area:
• Site # 7,334 Lyndham Road (DSE 2008a) – Trailing Hop-Bush Dodonaea procumbens – at Muckleford approximately 4 km west of the Structure Plan area.
• Site # 7,892 Castlemaine Cemetery (DSE 2008b) – Matted Flax Lily Dianella amoena – south end of Campbells Creek.
• Site # 7,969 (DSE 2008c) – Eltham Copper Butterfly Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida – near the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens
• Site # 8,443 (DSE, 2006) – Arching Flax-Lily Dianella sp. aff. longifolia – near the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens
• Site # 7,896 (DSE 2008d) – Matted Flax Lily Dianella amoena – near the
BIOSIS RESEARCH Ecological Significance 19 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
Castlemaine Botanical Gardens
The environments in which these Biosites are located are significantly different to those of the Structure Plan area and it is unlikely that any of the species recorded would occur within the Structure Plan area.
4.3 Significant Flora Species
Significant flora species recorded during the present assessment, recorded in the local area (FIS) or predicted to occur in the local area (DEWHA database) are discussed in the following section and listed in Appendix 3. Significant species are defined in Appendix 2.
4.3.1 National significance
No species of national significance are recorded from the Structure Plan area.
Database records
The FIS database contains recent (in the last 20 years) records of one species, Maroon Leek-orchid Prasophyllum frenchii, of national conservation significance from within 5 km (Appendix 3). The exact location of this previous record is unclear, as it is mapped in the FIS as occurring in the centre of Castlemaine, and it is well outside its normal range of coastal swampy areas. Nevertheless, it may be possible that this species occurs in the higher quality native vegetation within wetter sites in the Structure Plan area. The DEWHA database predicts the occurrence of, or suitable habitat for, four species listed under the EPBC Act. Two of these species, Spiny Rice-flower Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens and Trailing Hop-bush, have been found within 10km of the Structure Plan area but it is considered unlikely that any of the predicted species would occur within the Structure Plan area due to the lack of suitable habitat (Appendix 3).
4.3.2 State significance
No flora species of state conservation significance were recorded from the Structure Plan area during the present assessment.
Database records
The FIS database contains recent records of seven additional species of state conservation significance from the local area (within 5 km). Five of the state significant species – Midlands Spider-orchid Caladenia sp. aff. concolor
BIOSIS RESEARCH Ecological Significance 20 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
(Midlands), Goldfields Grevillea Grevillea dryophylla, Silurian Leek-orchid Prasophyllum pyriforme, Emerald-lip Greenhood Pterostylis smaragdyna and Woodland Plume-orchid Pterostylis sp. aff. plumosa (Woodland) – were recorded in a single quadrat (S23682, 1997) which is located in a patch of Heathy Dry Forest approximately 3km north of the Structure Plan area. The vegetation within the Structure Plan area is similar to that where the quadrat was recorded so it is possible that five of the species could occur in the higher quality native vegetation within the Structure Plan area (Appendix 3.3).
4.3.3 Regional significance
Seventeen recorded species have regional significance within the Goldfields Bioregion (Appendix 3). The status of the Rosemary Grevillea Grevillea rosmarinifolia, recorded in the far north-west of the Structure Plan area, is unclear and may be a garden escape.
4.4 Significant Vegetation Communities
No significant vegetation communities are located within the Structure Plan area.
The conservation status of EVCs within the Structure Plan area in the Goldfields Bioregion is shown in Table 2.
Table 2: Conservation status of EVCs in the Goldfields Bioregion and other Victorian bioregions
Source: DSE Benchmarks (http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/nrence.nsf/LinkView/023BED87C3F957D6CA256F1F002 3074B8062D358172E420C4A256DEA0012F71C)
EVC Conservation status in Conservation status in Goldfields Bioregion bioregions in Victoria
Grassy Dry Forest Depleted Depleted in 8 Least Concern in 7 Heathy Dry Forest Least Concern Least Concern in 12
Alluvial Terraces Herb-rich Endangered Endangered in 4 Woodland Vulnerable in 3 Least Concern in 1 Box Ironbark Forest Depleted Vulnerable in 5 Depleted in 3
BIOSIS RESEARCH Ecological Significance 21 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
4.5 Significant Terrestrial Fauna Species
Significant terrestrial fauna species recorded during the present assessment, recorded in the local area (AVW or BA) or predicted to occur in the local area (DEWHA database) are discussed in the following section and listed in Appendix 5. Species listed under migratory provisions of the EPBC Act are addressed in Section 5.1.
4.5.1 National significance
Species of national significance are discussed in this section. Those species listed under the EPBC Act are further summarised in Section 5.1 and the relative status of all nationally significant species is indicated in Table A.5.2 in Appendix 5.
Below is a summary of nationally significant fauna species recorded within the Structure Plan area or in the local area. Further detail on the likely occurrence of these species within the Structure Plan area is provided in Appendix 5.
Records from the Structure Plan area
No fauna species of national significance were recorded within the Structure Plan area during the present assessment.
Database records
Three fauna species of national significance have been recently recorded in the local area on the AVW or BA Database. One of these species, Superb Parrot, occurs in the northern districts of Victoria and is primarily found within the Barmah State Forest and surrounds (Higgins 1999). The record of Superb Parrot within Castlemaine on the AVW is likely to be an aviary escape and is not considered further. Two of the species of national significance have some potential to occur in the Structure Plan area. These are: EPBC Act listed species • Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus occur in a variety of habitats from Queensland to Melbourne and will feed on a range of flowering and fruiting plants. This species congregates in large camps, often in gullies with dense vegetation and a close proximity to water (Churchill, 1998). Grey-headed Flying-fox have been previously recorded on the AVW database within 5km of the Structure Plan area along Barkers Creek in 1994. Although, the Structure Plan area contains sub-optimal food resources for Grey-headed Flying-fox, a small number of individuals may visit the
BIOSIS RESEARCH Ecological Significance 22 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
woodland habitat or suburban fruiting and flowering trees of the Structure Plan area on rare occasions.
• Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor breed in Tasmania during the summer months and then migrate to the south-east mainland during winter. On the mainland, this species occurs predominantly in dry open woodlands, particularly Box Ironbark communities where it feeds in flowering eucalypts. Although largely occurring within woodland habitats described above, Swift Parrot have also been previously recorded in urban parks, gardens, golf courses and scattered trees in paddocks (Higgins 1999).
There are numerous records on the AVW and BA database of Swift Parrot within 5km of the Structure Plan area. The most recent records include one in 2007 from Ross Road, Muckleford and multiple records in 2006 at the Castlemaine Golf Course. Although Swift Parrot has been recorded in 2006 by local residents feeding on Yellow Gum between Diamond Gully and Road and Ireland Street there are no records of this species within the Structure Plan area on the AVW. There are, however a number of records on the AVW in close proximity to the Structure Plan area, including one on the corner of the Pyrenees Highway and Ranters Gully Road in 2001.
It is likely that small numbers of Swift Parrot forage within remnant vegetation and planted eucalypts within the Structure Plan area when in flower. This species is likely to be a regular visitor to the Structure Plan area.
An additional five threatened fauna species listed under the EPBC Act on the DEWHA database are predicted to occur, or their habitat is predicted to occur, within five kilometres of the Structure Plan area (Appendix 5). The Structure Plan area contains potential habitat for two of these species. These are: • Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia occur mainly in Box Ironbark and sclerophyll forests and woodlands and is sometimes found in partly cleared agricultural land with remnant patches of vegetation. This species is nomadic, feeding on flowering eucalypts throughout their range (Tzaros 2005).
Regent Honeyeater has not been recorded on the AVW or BA database within 5km of the Structure Plan area. The nearest record of this species to the Structure Plan area occurs at Newstead in 2003. Regent Honeyeater may be an infrequent and rare visitor to the Structure Plan area during times of peak eucalypt flowering.
• Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis occur within terrestrial shallow freshwater (occasionally brackish) wetlands, ephemeral and permanent swamps and inundated or waterlogged grasslands. This species
BIOSIS RESEARCH Ecological Significance 23 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
also occasionally occurs within dams, rice crops, sewage farms and drainage lines with emergent vegetation.
Australian Painted Snipe may be a rare and occasional visitor around water bodies with emergent vegetation and waterlogged grasslands of the Structure Plan area.
4.5.2 State significance
The status of all state significant species is indicated in Table A.5.2 in Appendix 5.
State significant fauna species recorded in the Structure Plan area or from the local area are summarised below. The likelihood of occurrence within the Structure Plan area is described in more detail in Appendix 5.
Records from the Structure Plan area
No state significant fauna species were recorded within the Structure Plan area. Scats of Brush-tailed Phascogale, a state significant fauna species were collected adjacent to the Structure Plan area during the current assessment. This species is described below:
• Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa are solitary animals inhabiting dry sclerophyll forest and woodlands often with sparse open ground cover. This species has shown significant range reductions across Victoria due to habitat destruction, fragmentation, and degradation (Strahan 1995). They require suitable tree hollows for den sites without which they are particularly vulnerable to predation by introduced and native carnivores (Strahan 1995). Brush-tailed Phascogale are listed as vulnerable in Victoria (DSE 2007b) and are listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
The records on the AVW indicate that Brush-tailed Phascogale have been found within the Structure Plan area at Lushington Bushland Reserve in 1997. Brush-tailed Phascogale is likely to inhabit other areas of Box Ironbark Forest within the Structure Plan area, particularly those with tree hollows or where other forms of shelter such as nest boxes or roof cavities are present.
During the current assessment, scats of this species were collected beneath an active nest in the roof of a building on L. Hall’s property adjacent to the western boundary of the Structure Plan area. Minimisation of vegetation removal and retention of old hollow bearing trees would reduce impact on this species.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Ecological Significance 24 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
Database records
Thirteen species of state conservation significance have been recently recorded in the local area on the AVW and BA Database (Appendix 5). One of these species, Eltham Copper Butterfly, has been recorded twice within 5km of the Structure Plan area: west of Wattle Flat in 1994, and within the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens (Biosite # 7969) (DSE 2008c). Although Eltham Copper Butterfly have been recorded within 5km it is considered unlikely to occur within the Structure Plan area. This species shares an obligatory relationship with ants of the genus Notoncus and the shrub Sweet Bursaria Bursaria spinosa which it relies upon for food (Webster 2003). Although Sweet Bursaria was recorded within the current assessment the occurrence of this shrub in the Structure Plan area is low and is therefore unlikely to sustain populations of the Eltham Copper Butterfly. Seven of the 13 state significant species have some potential to occur within the Structure Plan area. These are: • Great Egret Ardea alba are found in terrestrial wetlands, estuarine habitats and waterlogged grasslands. This species may forage along riparian vegetation of drainage lines and shallow pools and dams within Structure Plan area. Great Egret have been recorded in 2001 within 5km of the Structure Plan area at Bassett Creek, Muckleford and may be an occasional visitor to the Structure Plan area.
• Barking Owl Ninox connivens occur in woodlands and dry sclerophyll forests containing large hollow bearing trees suitable for breeding and roosting. This species has been recorded within 5km of the Structure Plan area along Bassett Creek, Muckleford in 1998. Barking Owl are unlikely to breed within the Structure Plan area due to the lack of large hollow bearing trees but the Box-Ironbark Forest in the Structure Plan area may form part of a larger home range for this species.
• Powerful Owl Ninox strenua is found in wet and dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands. It breeds in hollows and is often found in old growth forest but also occurs in fragmented landscapes and regrowth areas. This species was recently recorded in 2007 within 5km of the Structure Plan area and has also been recorded at Perkins Reef in 1998 and Muckleford North in 1999. Powerful Owl are unlikely to breed within the Structure Plan area due to the lack of large hollow bearing trees but the Structure Plan area may form part of a larger home range for this species.
• Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis are declining throughout their range and are now largely confined to open grassy woodlands in central and northern regions of Victoria (Davidson & Robinson 2003). Grey-
BIOSIS RESEARCH Ecological Significance 25 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
crowned Babbler are highly social and are found in family groups of 3-6 birds (Tzaros 2005). This species has been recorded within 5 kilometres of the Structure Plan area at Bassett Creek, Muckleford in 2001. A resident group of this species is unlikely to occur within the Structure Plan area but the woodland may be used as part of a larger foraging range by nearby groups. Grey-crowned Babbler may be a rare visitor to the Structure Plan area.
• Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittata predominantly inhabit the grassy ground layer of dry sclerophyll woodlands and forests, especially Box Ironbark communities with an understorey of scattered shrubs (Higgins and Peter 2002). This species has been recorded within 5km of the Structure Plan area in 2000 along Moonlight Creek, Castlemaine. It is likely that this species inhabits the larger patches of forest within the Structure Plan area in the south-eastern and western portions of the Structure Plan area.
• Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus victoriae occur in dry open forests and woodlands of eastern Australia. This species is declining in Victoria and is sensitive to habitat fragmentation, becoming locally extinct in patches of forest smaller than 300 ha (Higgins et al. 2001). The most recent record of this species within 5 kilometres of the Structure Plan area occurred in 2006 at the Castlemaine Golf Club. Brown Treecreeper is likely to be found in the larger areas of forest within the south-eastern and western portions of the Structure Plan area but it is unlikely to be found in the smaller fragmented patches of forest or woodland.
• Diamond Firetail Stagonpleura guttata mainly occur in woodland and open forests but may also occur in farmland with remnant trees (Higgins et al., 2006). Diamond Firetail have been recorded within 5km of the Structure Plan area in 2003 at the Castlemaine Golf Course. This species may occur within the forest habitat in the south-eastern and north-western portions of the Structure Plan area.
In addition, one state significant species – White-bellied Sea-Eagle – or its habitat, is predicted to occur within 5km of the Structure Plan area by the DEWHA database. This species is unlikely to occur in the local area.
4.5.3 Regional Significance
Species of regional significance include those species that are: • listed as near threatened in the Advisory List of the Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 2003 (DSE 2003).
BIOSIS RESEARCH Ecological Significance 26 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
Records from the Structure Plan area
No regionally significant fauna species were recorded in the Structure Plan area during the present assessment.
Database records
Eight species of regional conservation significance have been recently recorded in the local area on the AVW and BA database (Appendix 5). Six of these species have some potential to occur within the Structure Plan area. These are:
• Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora predominantly inhabit dense swampy heathland and grassland. This species has been recorded within 5km of the Structure Plan area at the corner of the Pyrenees Highway and Ranters Gully Road in 2000. This species is unlikely to occur within the drier Box-Ironbark and Grassy Dry Forest of the Structure Plan area but may have some potential to occur within wetter drainage lines and within grassland habitat.
• Koala Phascolarctos cinereus, feed primarily on the genus Eucalyptus (Martin & Handasyde 1999). They have a disjunct distribution in eastern Australia and are listed as near threatened under a National Action Plan. Koalas were last recorded on the AVW within 5km of the Structure Plan area in 1998. The species records on the AVW indicate that Koala have been found within the Structure Plan area in Lushington Bushland Reserve in 1987.
• Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis inhabit open forest and woodland dominated by Box and Ironbark eucalypts. This species is variously described as resident or nomadic and may occasionally visit the Structure Plan area during peak eucalypt flowering periods. This species has been recorded within 5km of the Structure Plan area at Bassett Creek in 2001 and is likely to be a rare visitor to the Structure Plan area.
• Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii is listed under the migratory wetland species provisions and is found in a variety of permanent and ephemeral wetlands, particularly those with plentiful nearby cover. This species has been recorded within 5km of the study in 2006 on the corner of Ranters Gully Road and Pyrenees Highway. This species may be a rare or occasional visitor along drainage lines and dams with abundant surrounding vegetation.
• Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax calendonicus was last recorded within 5km of the Structure Plan area in 2002. This species occurs in wetlands, grasslands and estuarine habitats where it will feed along banks, slow moving water and emergent vegetation (Marchant & Higgins 1993). This species is unlikely to occur within the Structure Plan area.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Ecological Significance 27 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
• Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma punctatum are found in dry open woodlands and sclerophyll forests with a sparse shrubby understorey and grassy or rocky ground layer. This species was last recorded within 5km of the Structure Plan area in 2001 at Campbells Creek in the Goldfields National Park.
4.6 Significant Fauna Communities
The Victorian Temperate-Woodland Bird Community is listed as threatened on Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. There is now a substantial body of evidence that indicates the presence of a unique assemblage of birds in the temperate woodlands region of Victoria. This assemblage or ‘community’ of birds is dependent on the characteristics of these temperate woodlands for their survival. The community is defined as “a group of bird species characteristically and commonly found within Box Ironbark, yellow box and other woodlands” (FFG Nomination 512). The geographic area that encompasses this bird community can be broadly defined as the country that lies in the south-east along the slopes and plains of the Great Dividing Range (FFG Nomination 512). These bird species are defined in the nomination and include 24 native woodland dependent bird species, nine of which are individually listed under Schedule 2 of the FFG Act.
Ongoing loss, fragmentation and degradation of suitable woodland habitat threaten this bird community. Many of the species that make up the community are in a demonstrable state of decline and have suffered local extinctions. This process of extinction is continuing.
No birds listed in this community were recorded within the Structure Plan area during the present assessment. However 12 of the 24 listed birds within this assemblage have been recorded recently on the AVW database within 5km of the Structure Plan area and it is possible that some of the other species included in this community also occur within the Structure Plan area.
The development of the Structure Plan should consider the likely presence of the FFG Act listed Victorian Temperate-Woodland Bird Community through the protection of the better areas of native vegetation and regional habitat linkages.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Ecological Significance 28 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
5.0 BIODIVERSITY LEGISLATION AND GOVERNMENT POLICY
Biodiversity legislation and government policy that is potentially relevant to the formulation of the Structure Plan for Diamond Gully is discussed below.
5.1 Commonwealth
5.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) applies to developments and associated activities that have the potential to significantly impact on matters protected under the Act.
Under the Act, unless exempt, actions require approval from the Australian Government Minister for Environment and Water Resources if they are likely to significantly impact on a ‘matter of national environmental significance’. There are currently seven matters of national environmental significance (NES): • World Heritage properties; • National Heritage places; • nationally listed threatened species and ecological communities; • listed migratory species; • Ramsar wetlands of international importance; • Commonwealth marine areas; and • nuclear actions (including uranium mining).
The EPBC Act also applies to the environment in general if actions are taken on Commonwealth land, or if actions that are taken outside Commonwealth land will impact on the environment on Commonwealth land.
Any person proposing to take an action that may, or will, have a significant impact on a matter of national environmental significance must refer the action to the Australian Government Minister for Environment and Water Resources for determination as to whether the action is a ‘controlled action’ or is not approved.
NES matters relevant to the Diamond Gully Structure Plan area
There are three matters of national significance that are of relevance to the proposed development: • listed threatened species and ecological communities; • listed migratory species; and
BIOSIS RESEARCH Legislation and Government Policy 29 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
• wetlands of international importance (Ramsar sites).
These are summarised below.
Listed threatened species and/or ecological communities
Ecological communities: No listed ecological communities occur within the Structure Plan area.
Listed flora species: Flora species listed under the Act are discussed in Section 4.1 and listed in Appendix 2. In summary, no listed species were recorded in the Structure Plan area but it is possible that Maroon Leek-orchid, which has been recently recorded within 5km of the Structure Plan area, may occur.
Listed fauna species: Fauna species listed under the Act are discussed in Section 4.5 and listed in Appendix 5. In summary, Grey-headed Flying-fox has some potential to occur in the Structure Plan area and Swift Parrot is a regular visitor when the eucalypts are in flower.
Listed migratory species
The list of migratory species under the EPBC Act is a compilation of species listed under three international conventions: China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), Australia- Republic of Korea Migratory Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention). Species listed under the ‘migratory’ provisions of the EPBC Act are listed in Appendix 5 and summarised below: • No species were recorded during the present assessment. • Five species have been recently recorded from the local area: Latham’s Snipe, Great Egret, Rainbow Bee-eater, White-throated Needletail and Clamorous Reed Warbler (AVW and BA database). • Seven additional species are predicted to occur, or their habitat is predicted to occur, within 5 kilometres of the Structure Plan area (DEWHA database).
While some of these species would be expected to use the Structure Plan area on occasions, and some of them may do so regularly or may be resident, the Structure Plan area does not provide important habitat for an ecologically significant proportion of any of these species.
Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites)
The Structure Plan area is identified by the DEWHA database as being within the
BIOSIS RESEARCH Legislation and Government Policy 30 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
catchment of two Wetlands of International Significance (Ramsar sites): Gunbower Forest and Kerang Wetlands. The Structure Plan area does not drain directly into either wetland and any future development is not likely to result in a significant impact to a Ramsar wetland.
Implications for the Diamond Gully Structure Plan
The future development of the Structure Plan area is considered unlikely to significantly impact on any terrestrial matters of national environmental significance. However, the Structure Plan should consider the protection and maintenance of the better areas of native vegetation and linkages to adjacent and regional vegetation.
5.2 State
5.2.1 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
The primary legislation dealing with biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of native flora and fauna in Victoria is the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act).
In most circumstances a permit is required from DSE to 'take' listed flora species, flora species that are members of listed communities or protected flora from public land. A permit is also required to 'take' listed fish species from public land. Private land that is not declared ‘critical habitat’ under the Act are not subject to the provisions of the Act.
Implications for the Diamond Gully Structure Plan
The Structure Plan area is a mixture of private and public land. A permit under the FFG Act would not be required for the removal of flora from private land but a permit is likely to be required ‘take’ listed flora species on public land.
5.2.2 Planning and Environment Act 1987
A planning permit is required under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation on a landholding of more than 0.4 hectares.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is a mandatory referral authority in some circumstances involving native vegetation removal. Following recent changes to planning schemes (Section 66.02), the removal of more than 1.0 hectare of a depleted or least concern vegetation type must be referred to the DSE. DSE is also a referral authority if the removal of more than 5 trees of
BIOSIS RESEARCH Legislation and Government Policy 31 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
greater than 40cm DBH or more than 15 trees of less than 40cm DBH is proposed.
Implications for the Diamond Gully Structure Plan
A planning permit is required from Mount Alexander Shire Council to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation unless the proposal is exempt as set out in the table Clause 52.17, and/or within any other provision of the planning scheme that requires a permit to remove or destroy the vegetation (DSE 2007a).
5.2.3 Native Vegetation Management Framework
The Native Vegetation Management Framework (the Framework) is State Government policy for the protection, enhancement and revegetation of native vegetation in Victoria (NRE 2002). Native vegetation provisions were introduced to all planning schemes in 1989 and the Framework was incorporated into the Victoria Planning Provisions in 2003. The primary goal of the Framework is: a reversal, across the whole landscape, of the long-term decline in the extent and quality of native vegetation, leading to a Net Gain (NRE 2002).
In association with the regional Native Vegetation Plans, the Framework provides decision-making tools for native vegetation management.
Where an application is made to remove native vegetation, a proponent for a development must explain the steps that have been taken to: • Avoid the removal of native vegetation, where possible
• Minimise the removal of native vegetation.
• Appropriately offset the loss of native vegetation, if required.
A proponent for a development must demonstrate that the option to avoid and minimise vegetation clearance has been fully explored before considering offsets
An offset may be achieved by improvements in the quality or extent of native vegetation in a selected ‘offset area’, either within a project area or off-site. An area that is revegetated and protected or set aside for natural regeneration may provide some, or all, of the required offset. The conservation significance of vegetation to be removed is also taken into account when offsets are determined.
Implications for the Diamond Gully Structure Plan
All native vegetation within the Structure Plan area is subject to Net Gain policy. In order to conform with this policy, the results of the current assessment should
BIOSIS RESEARCH Legislation and Government Policy 32 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
be considered in the development of the Structure Plan to ensure that loss of native vegetation is avoided or minimised as far as possible (steps 1 and 2 above).
If, following the development of the Structure Plan, removal of native vegetation is proposed targeted Net Gain assessments would be required to fully document the likely vegetation losses and how the offsets would be achieved.
5.2.4 Wildlife Act 1975 and Wildlife Regulations 2002
The Wildlife Act 1975 is the primary legislation in Victoria providing for protection and management of wildlife. For the purposes of the Act, wildlife means indigenous vertebrate species (except those declared as pest animals), invertebrate species listed under the FFG Act, and some introduced game species.
The Wildlife Regulations 2002 of the Act prescribe penalties for the purposes of the Wildlife Act. These include penalties for persons who wilfully damage, disturb or destroy any wildlife habitat without appropriate authorisation (Section 9 of the Wildlife Regulations 2002). Authorisation for habitat removal may be obtained under the Wildlife Act; through a licence granted under the Forests Act 1958; or under any other Act.
Implications for the Diamond Gully Structure Plan
A permit will be required for removal of habitat at the site. It may be that removal of habitat will be covered by a permit to remove native vegetation and therefore a separate permit under the Wildlife Act would not be required.
5.2.5 North Central CMA: Native Vegetation Plan
This document (NCCMA 2005) has been prepared to develop a strategic and co- ordinated approach to the management of native vegetation within the region. The plan is designed to complement the Native Vegetation Management Framework and contains specific information and objectives relating to the region.
The information in the plan is centred on four strategic directions: • Retain the quantity of native vegetation by minimising clearing; • Protect native vegetation with reservation and management agreements; • Maintain and improve the quality of native vegetation; and • Increase the quantity of native vegetation.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Legislation and Government Policy 33 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
Responses and offset requirements for clearing native vegetation are outlined in Appendix 4 of the document (page 117).
Implications for the Diamond Gully Structure Plan
The objectives of the Native Vegetation Plan are similar to those of the Native Vegetation Management Framework and should be met if the three step approach to achieving a Net Gain outcome is followed.
Offsets for unavoidable tree losses that are not covered by the Framework replacement ratios are calculated using the North Central Native Vegetation Plan (NCCMA 2005).
5.2.6 Environment Protection Act 1970: State Environmental Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) 2003
This policy provides a legal framework for state and local government agencies, businesses and communities to work together to protect and rehabilitate Victoria’s surface water environments.
Beneficial uses of any surface waters in the Structure Plan area need to be protected. These uses to be protected may include: • Maintenance of natural aquatic ecosystems and aquatic wildlife. • Passage of indigenous fish. • Maintenance of indigenous riparian vegetation. • Water based recreation. • Commercial and recreational use of edible fish and crustacea. • Agricultural water supply. • Other commercial purposes.
Impacts to surface water quality must not exceed water quality objectives specified to protect beneficial uses. Relevant clauses must be adhered to. Of particular relevance are: • Clause 43 - surface water management and works. • Clause 53 - vegetation protection and rehabilitation. • Clause 56 - construction activities.
Implications for the Diamond Gully Structure Plan
Development of the Structure Plan area would need to include monitoring of surface waters to ensure beneficial uses are being protected. Mount Alexander Shire Council may need to consult with EPA and the North Central CMA with regard to establishing appropriate water quality objectives and monitoring
BIOSIS RESEARCH Legislation and Government Policy 34 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
requirements.
5.3 Local
5.3.1 Local Government Planning Scheme (Mount Alexander Shire Council)
An Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO6) covers a small portion of the Structure Plan area between Ireland Street and Martin Street along the Pyrenees Highway (http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/).
The ESO6 relates to the protection of highway environs. The specific objectives of the ESO6 are to: • Maintain and enhance the safety and amenity of main roads;
• To preserve and enhance trees along roadsides;
• To preserve and improve scenic views from road zones;
• To discourage the intensification of development in undesirable locations; and
• To ensure that all existing trees within overlay are conserved within practical limits and are not unnecessarily damaged, destroyed or removed.
Under the ESO6, a permit is required from the Mount Alexander Shire Council to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation and must be referred to the Department of Sustainability and Environment and VicRoads.
It is anticipated that a Wildfire Management Overlay (WMO) will be placed over at least the forested areas within the Structure Plan area in the near future. A WMO requires landholders to remove flammable material for varying distances around houses depending on the slope and aspect of the land around the buildings. The requirement to remove or modify native vegetation for fire protection purposes has implications for the calculation of vegetation losses for Net Gain.
Implications for the Diamond Gully Structure Plan A permit to remove, destroy or lop native within the area covered by the ESO 6 would be required from Mount Alexander Shire Council. Referral to DSE and VicRoads would also be mandatory. The development of the Structure Plan should consider the implications of a WMO being placed over all or part of the Structure Plan area and that the zones
BIOSIS RESEARCH Legislation and Government Policy 35 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
and overlays applying to the site are likely to change as a result of the Structure Plan and subsequent planning scheme amendment process.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Legislation and Government Policy 36 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
6.0 CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
6.1 Constraints
Based on the findings of the assessment, there are a number of ecological issues and constraints that must be considered in the development of the Structure Plan.
Ecological constraints to consider include:
• The Structure Plan area supports significant areas of good quality native vegetation, particularly in the south and west. The areas where development is constrained by ecological issues are shown in Figure 4.
• Some of the private land within the Structure Plan area is covered by a Trust for Nature Conservation Covenant and therefore not available for development. The covenanted land is shown in Figures 2 and 4.
• The presence of large trees on roadsides and isolated in paddocks which provide a habitat resource that is very limited within the Structure Plan area and the wider region generally. All large trees should be retained and protected through design and micro-siting of roads, building envelopes and other infrastructure.
• Road widening and construction of access to the Structure Plan area from the Pyrenees Highway is likely to impact on existing large trees. Large trees are present within the Pyrenees Highway reserve in the vicinity of the intersections with Willy Milly Road, Diamond Gully Road and the western side of Ireland Street (Figures 3 and 4).
• Diamond Gully Road, particularly in the northern section, supports a significant number of large trees. Widening of Diamond Gully Road is likely to result in the loss of large trees.
• Possible presence of significant species in the existing areas of native vegetation (EVCs), particularly those of higher quality (with a habitat score >0.50).
• The existing areas of native vegetation (EVCs) which provide habitat for significant fauna species such as Swift Parrot and Brush-tailed Phascogale.
• The probable presence of the FFG listed community: Victorian Temperate- Woodland Bird Community.
• The general low level of introduced plants except in the highly disturbed paddocks and moister drainage lines. Any development must consider the
BIOSIS RESEARCH Constraints and opportunities 37 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
potential for the introduction or spread of weeds and take all measures to restrict the introduction of additional weeds to the Structure Plan area.
• The need to comply with the 3-step approach of the Native Vegetation Management Framework when proposing to remove any areas of EVC or scattered indigenous trees. Development must explain the efforts that have been made to firstly avoid the removal of native vegetation where possible and, secondly, if this is not possible how removal of native vegetation has been minimised. Offsetting vegetation losses may only be considered when opportunities to comply with the first two steps have been exhausted.
• The role of the existing areas of native vegetation (EVCs) and large trees within the Structure Plan area as corridors for the movement of wildlife within the Structure Plan area and the wider region.
The location of ecological constraints are shown in Figure 4.
6.2 Opportunities
There are opportunities to maintain and enhance the ecological value of the Structure Plan area to ensure it will both continue to function as habitat for flora and fauna into the future.
Opportunities to enhance the ecological value of the area include:
• Designation of significant areas of the better quality native vegetation as conservation reserves and manage them for conservation of ecological values.
• Revegetation of the degraded creek line south of Diamond Gully Road to provide a wildlife corridor link through the centre of the Structure Plan area.
• Revegetation of the former landfill cells to enhance the north-south wildlife corridor potential.
• Control of noxious and environmental weeds particularly in the damper drainage lines and disturbed sites.
• Design any stormwater treatment wetlands as fauna habitat. .
• Use only site indigenous native species for landscape plantings. Plantings should contain species of local provenance and appropriate for the EVCs in the Structure Plan area. Where native vegetation is to be removed plants could be salvaged or seeds collected for propagation and later use in site rehabilitation.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Constraints and opportunities 38 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
The location of ecological opportunities are shown in Figure 4.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Constraints and opportunities 39 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
To ensure that the higher quality ecological features of the Structure Plan area are maintained or enhanced it is recommended that the Structure Plan:
• Retain substantial portions of the forested areas (those areas shown as supporting an Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) in Figure 3) on the south and west of the Structure Plan area in reserves where the primary focus is conservation. However, the classification and management responsibility of any conservation reserves requires further exploration to determine the most appropriate means of achieving the desired conservation outcome.
• Restrict development of the Structure Plan area to existing cleared paddocks, larger existing residential blocks that are substantially cleared of native vegetation and currently contain houses, or areas of native vegetation with lower quality scores (for example those areas with a quality score less than 0.50) (Table 1, Figure 3).
• Require that, when specific areas are identified in the Structure Plan for development, targeted Net Gain assessments be undertaken to fully document the likely vegetation losses and how the offsets would be achieved.
• Locate new public roads on existing cleared areas to avoid or minimise any additional clearing of native vegetation and scattered trees.
• Retain Diamond Gully Road at its current formation width to avoid removal of large trees. Large trees are present within the current easement and there is little opportunity to widen this road without impacting large trees.
• Locate new public roads on cleared land adjacent to forested areas between the forest and the housing blocks. This measure establishes a public boundary to the retained vegetation and removes any temptation dump garden refuse or otherwise encroach into the forest areas from house blocks.
• Maintain all natural drainage lines free of development and, where possible, maintain other waterbodies as wildlife habitat.
• Design the conservation reserves to maximise their wildlife corridor potential by providing continuous bands of forest through the Structure Plan area that join with forest in adjoining areas.
• Ensure that any residential blocks that may be developed within areas supporting native vegetation (EVCs) are of sufficient size to allow any required vegetation offsets to be achieved within each block.
• Require that development of blocks in areas that currently support EVCs
BIOSIS RESEARCH Recommendations 40 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
(Figure 3) be contingent on placing a conservation covenant, Section 173 agreement or similar, over the land outside the building envelope.
• Within areas currently supporting native vegetation EVCs (Figure 3), position building envelopes to minimise the loss and damage to native vegetation and large scattered trees.
• Site building envelopes on adjacent blocks in a way that maximises the continuity of the retained native vegetation between the blocks.
• Maintain all remnant trees with a diameter at breast height of 70cm or greater and incorporate the retained trees into reserves that ensure natural processes can continue without interference to or from residents.
• Avoid removal of large trees within existing road reserves.
• Ensure that all unavoidable losses of native vegetation can be offset within the Structure Plan area wherever possible.
• Exclude grazing stock or pets, such as horses and donkeys, from blocks within areas that currently support EVCs (Figure 3).
• Restrict fencing in areas that currently support EVCs (Figure 3) to the perimeter of building envelopes to allow the free movement of wildlife within the remainder of the block and between blocks. Where the boundaries of blocks are required to be delineated they should be marked with corner and in-line post only.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Recommendations 41 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
8.0 FURTHER ECOLOGICAL STUDIES
The aim of this assessment was to broadly identifying the significant ecological features that should be considered in the formulation of the Diamond Gully Structure Plan. Broad areas of ecological constraint and opportunity for development have been identified and mapped to aid the planning process.
It is considered, however, that as the planning process develops and specific precincts are earmarked for development within the Structure Plan area, that finer scale ecological and Net Gain assessments would be required, particularly in areas identified in the current assessment as supporting native vegetation, to inform the micro-siting of housing and infrastructure and more precisely calculate the Net Gain implications of the specific development.
It is therefore recommended that:
• Additional ecological assessments be undertaken within defined development precincts in a timely manner to allow fine-scale planning to be undertaken.
• Targeted Net Gain assessments be undertaken within defined development precincts prior to development to ensure the requirements of Net Gain are met.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Further ecological studies 42 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
REFERENCES Biosis Research. 2007. Flora and terrestrial DSE 2007a. Native Vegetation - Guide for fauna assessment of proposed assessment of referred planning permit Castlemaine Sewer pipeline, Victoria. applications. Victorian Government, Report for Beca Planning Pty Ltd. Department of Sustainability and Authors: Marr, R. & Miller, J. Environment, East Melbourne. Briggs, J.D. & Leigh, J.H. 1996. Rare or DSE 2007b. Advisory List of the Threatened Threatened Australian Plants. CSIRO Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 2007, Australia & Australian Nature Department of Sustainability and Conservation Agency. Environment, Melbourne. Cheers, G & Cheers, B. 2004. Flora & DSE 2008a. Draft Biosite Report: Lyndam Fauna Report of Proposed Diamond Rd & adjoining private land (Site # 7334). heights Development, Diamond gully Department of Sustainability and Road, Castlemaine. Environment, Melbourne. Cheers, G & Cheers, B. 2006. Ecological DSE 2008b. Draft Biosite Report: Assessment with Net Gain of proposed Castlemaine Cemetery (Site # 7892). Development, Diamond Gully Road, Department of Sustainability and Castlemaine. Report for G. Skinner. Environment, Melbourne. Churchill, S. 1998. Australian Bats. Reed DSE 2008c. Draft Biosite Report: New Holland, Frenches Forest, NSW. Castlemaine Botanic Gardens (Site # 7969). Department of Sustainability and Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E., Sadlier, R.A. Environment, Melbourne. & Eggler, P. 1993. The Action Plan for Australian Reptiles. Australia Nature DSE 2008d. Draft Biosite Report: Conservation Agency, Canberra. Castlemaine Botanic Gardens Rail Reserve - Down side (Site # 7896). Davidson, I., & Robinson, D. 2003. Flora Department of Sustainability and and Fauna Guarantee Action Statement # Environment, Melbourne. 34: Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis. The State of Victoria, Duncan, A., Baker, G.B. & Montgomery, N. Department of Sustainability and 1999. The Action Plan for Australian Environment. Bats. Environment Australia, Canberra. DSE 2004. Native Vegetation: Sustaining a Garnett, S. & Crowley, G. 2000. The Action living landscape. Vegetation Quality Plan for Australian Birds. Environment Assessment Manual – Guidelines for Australia, Canberra. applying the habitat hectares scoring Higgins, P.J. (ed) (1999) Handbook of method. Version 1.3. Department of Australian New Zealand & Antarctic Sustainability and Environment, Birds. Volume 4 Parrots to Dollarbird. Melbourne. (HANZAB) Surrey Beaty & Sons Pty Ltd DSE 2006. Draft Biosite Report: Higgins, P.J., Peter, J.M. and Cowling, S.J. Castlemaine Botanic Gardens Rail 2006. Handbook of Australian, New Reserve (Site # 8443). Department of Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 7- Sustainability and Environment, Boatbills to Starlings. Part B Dunnock to Melbourne. Starlings, p 1212. Oxford University Press, Melbourne, Victoria. IPCC 2005. Guidance Notes for lead Authors
BIOSIS RESEARCH References 43 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
on the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report on Addressing Uncertainties.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change website: http://www.ipcc.ch/ activity/uncertaintyguidancenote.pdf IUCN 2000. 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, International Union for the Conservation of Nature & Natural Resources, Species Survival Commission, Geneva. Lee, A. 1995. Action Plan for Australian Rodents. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra. Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (eds) (1993) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 2 Raptors to Lapwings. Oxford University Press, Melbourne Martin, R., & Handasyde, K. 1999. The Koala: Natural history, conservation and management. University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Maxwell, S., Burbidge, A. & Morris, K. 1996. Action Plan for Australian Marsupials and Monotremes. IUCN Species Survival Commission. NCCMA 2005. North Central Native Vegetation Plan. North Central Catchment Management Authority, Victoria. NRE 2002. Victoria's Native Vegetation Management: A Framework for Action. Department of Natural Resources & Environment, Victoria. Trust for Nature (2003). Plant species list compiled by Trust for Nature for the covenant on J. Hall’s property, Diamond Gully Road. Tyler, M. J. 1997. The Action Plan for Australian Frogs. Environment Australia, Canberra. Tzaros, C. 2005. Wildlife of the Box- Ironbark Country. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, Victoria. Webster, A., 2003. Flora and Fauna Guarantee Action Statement # 39: Eltham Copper Butterfly Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida. The State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment.
BIOSIS RESEARCH References 44 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
APPENDICES
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendices 45 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
APPENDIX 1 DSE Vegetation Assessment Methodology
A1.1 Habitat hectares According to the Native Vegetation Management Framework (NRE 2002), habitat hectares are calculated where at least 25 % of the understorey cover is native, or a group (i.e. at least 3) of trees where the tree canopy cover is at least 20% (DSE 2007a, page 10). Such sites are termed 'patches' of native vegetation. Each vegetation patch has one or more habitat quality zones. Each habitat zone consists of one ecological vegetation class (EVC) and has uniform quality within limits. The assessment process compares the vegetation of the habitat zone against a DSE ‘benchmark’ description of the EVC, using methods described in the DSE assessment manual (DSE 2004). A habitat score for the habitat zone is calculated by this method. Each habitat zone has a habitat score of between 0 and 100, with extensive intact vegetation having a theoretical score of 100. Habitat score is calculated using ten components: large trees, tree canopy cover, understorey, weediness, recruitment, organic litter, logs, patch size, neighbourhood context and distance to core area. In naturally treeless vegetation, or vegetation that can exist in different structural forms, the score is standardised to account for the absence of some or all ‘woody’ criteria. The habitat hectare value of a habitat zone is given by its habitat score (expressed as a decimal between 0 and 1) multiplied by its land area in hectares. For example, 4 hectares of vegetation with a habitat score of 50 contain 2.0 habitat hectares. Habitat hectares are used to measure losses arising from clearing, and also gains obtained through protection measures and active management of existing vegetation.
A1.2 Indigenous canopy trees The following information on indigenous canopy trees does not apply if the subject land contains only treeless vegetation types. Large Old Trees within patches ‘Large Old Trees’ within native vegetation patches are subject to offset requirements, as outlined in the Native Vegetation Management Framework (NRE 2002: Table 6, p 55). Trees smaller than benchmark size within patches are not included in this assessment, as they are addressed in the habitat hectare analysis. Scattered trees outside patches Trees over predominantly introduced understoreys are offset through tree protection/replacement ratios. Trees in areas where less than 25 % of the understorey cover is native are assessed as ‘scattered old trees’. Trees are offset by the protection of other old trees and/or recruitment of new trees. For land parcels (usually a title boundary) where tree density is greater than eight per hectare, the offset ratios are outlined in the Native Vegetation Management Framework (NRE 2002, p 55). For areas where tree density is less, the offset ratios are specified in the Regional Native Vegetation Plan. Offsets for small trees are also included in the Native Vegetation Plan.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 1 46 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
APPENDIX 2 Significance Assessment
The common language meaning of significance is ‘importance; consequence’ (Macquarie Dictionary). While the general meaning of this is clear, in natural resource assessment and management this meaning needs to be defined in scientific terms.
A2.1 Significant Species and Communities
Species and community conservation significance is defined as follows:
A taxon or community is significant at a particular geographic level (national, state, regional, local) when it is considered to be rare or threatened at that level. A taxon is an officially recognised species, subspecies or variety of a species. The significance of a taxon or community is a function of its rarity within a specified geographic context: nation, state, region, local area. In each context a taxon or community has a conservation status: not rare, rare, vulnerable, endangered, extinct. ‘Threatened’ is a combination of the ‘vulnerable’ and ‘endangered’ categories. The significance of the taxon or community is the largest geographic context in which it is at least rare. For example, if a species is uncommon in a state and rare within a region of that state, it has regional significance within that region. Species listed as ‘poorly known’ are not considered rare or threatened at present and are assigned an intermediate rating. For example, a species listed as poorly known in a state list has potential state significance and is assigned ‘regional/state’ significance.
A2.2 Sites
Site conservation significance is defined as follows: A site is significant at a particular geographic level (national, state, regional, local) when it is considered to make a substantial contribution to biodiversity at that level. As a guideline, one per cent of the total extant population of a significant species within a specified geographic area or of the total extant area of a significant ecological community within a specified geographic area is a threshold for ‘substantial contribution’. Comprehensive data are not always available for such assessments and interpretation of available data and information is usually required. In some cases a site may be small when viewed in isolation but it forms an integral and functional part of a larger site of significance. If there is no ecological reason to divide the larger site, then the rating that applies to the larger site applies to the smaller site. Sites with a particularly high level of local or regional significance are assigned ‘high local’ or ‘high regional’ significance, respectively. These terms are not applied to state and national levels of significance or to species and communities.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 2 47 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
To determine whether a site makes a ‘substantial contribution’ to biological conservation, it is assessed against the following criteria: • Size – overall size of site or habitats/vegetation communities within the site. • Significant species and populations – number of significant species or populations known or likely to occur on the site. • Significant habitat or vegetation communities – presence and extensiveness of significant habitats and vegetation communities on the site. • Ecological integrity – degree of intactness, level of past disturbance (such as weed invasion) and overall condition of vegetation communities on the site. • Richness and diversity – quantity of species, vegetation communities and habitats. • Connectivity – Quality and quantity of linkages between site and adjacent areas of native vegetation/habitat (wildlife corridor value). • Viability – level of existing and/or future disturbances, degree of existing and/or future fragmentation. • Distribution – proximity of the site to known distribution limits for significant species, populations, habitats and/or vegetation communities. • Level of conservation – representation of site attributes in conservation reserves. As a guideline, one per cent of the total extant population of a significant species within a specified geographic area or of the total extant area of a significant ecological community within a specified geographic area is a threshold for ‘substantial contribution’. Comprehensive data are seldom available and interpretation of limited available data and information is usually required.
A2.3 Scale: Geographic Context
Significance is determined within specified geographic contexts: • Australia • State Victoria • Region Goldfields Bioregion (DSE Flora Information System) • Local area Diamond Gully area (within 5 km of the Structure Plan area)
A2.4 Conservation Status: Degree of Threat
Official government lists define species and communities that are rare or threatened (and thus significant) at national and/or state levels. Most of these lists appear as schedules under legislation and are followed unless further evidence is available. Species and communities that are rare or threatened at regional and local levels are determined from the available literature, data and information, and consultation with relevant individuals where relevant reports and government listings are not available.
National Significance
Species Species of national significance are either: • Flora or fauna listed as extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 2 48 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
• Flora listed as rare in Australia in Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (Briggs and Leigh 1996). • Fauna listed as extinct, endangered or vulnerable in Australia in an Action Plan published by Environment Australia. • Species considered to be rare or threatened in Australia by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2000). Communities Ecological communities of national significance are either: • Listed as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. • Considered to be rare or threatened in Australia by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2000). Ecological communities include flora and/or fauna communities.
State Significance
Species Species of state significance in Victoria are either: • Flora or fauna listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. • Flora listed as extinct, endangered, vulnerable or rare in Victoria in the DSE Flora Information System 2006 Version. • Flora listed as poorly known in Australia in Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (Briggs and Leigh 1996). • Fauna listed as extinct, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable in the Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria, 2003 (DSE 2003) or fauna listed as conservation dependent under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. • Fauna listed as rare/near-threatened in Australia in an Action Plan published by Environment Australia. • Species considered to be rare or threatened in Victoria by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2000). Communities Ecological communities of state significance in Victoria are either: • Listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. • Considered to be rare or threatened in Victoria by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2000).
Regional Significance
Species Species of regional significance are: • Flora recorded from less than 5% of documented sites (quadrats/defined area lists) from the Goldfields Bioregion in the DSE Flora Information System unless there is reason to believe they are undersampled in the available data. • Fauna considered to be rare or threatened at the bioregional level by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2000) or fauna considered to be near-threatened in the Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria, 2003 (DSE 2003).
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 2 49 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
Communities Ecological communities of regional significance in Victoria are: • Listed as an endangered, vulnerable or depleted ecological vegetation class within a particular bioregion in a Native Vegetation Plan. • Considered to be rare or threatened at the bioregional level by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2000).
Local Significance
Species Species of local significance are: • Flora or fauna considered to be rare or threatened at the local level by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2000).
Communities Ecological communities of local significance are: • Considered to be rare or threatened at the local level by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2000).
No Significance
Species and ecological communities are not significant when they are considered not to be rare or threatened at any geographic level by Biosis Research using IUCN criteria where applicable (IUCN 2000). Species that are not indigenous to a given Structure Plan area are not significant. Plantings are generally not significant.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 2 50 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
APPENDIX 3 Flora Results A3.1 Flora species recorded within the Structure Plan area
Table A3.1. Flora species recorded from the Structure Plan area (FIS list S13528). Species of regional significance are highlighted in bold Species also recorded in other studies within the Structure Plan area are shown in the last three columns. Cheers Cheers Trust & & for Cheers Cheers Nature Scientific Name Common Name 2004 2006 2003 Indigenous species Acacia acinacea s.s. Gold-dust Wattle X X Acacia genistifolia Spreading Wattle X Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle X Acacia paradoxa Hedge Wattle X Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle X X Acaena echinata Sheep's Burr X X Acrotriche serrulata Honey-pots X X Amyema miquelii Box Mistletoe X Amyema pendula Drooping Mistletoe Amyema preissii Wire-leaf Mistletoe X Arthropodium minus Small Vanilla-lily X Arthropodium strictum s.s. Chocolate Lily X X X Astroloma humifusum Cranberry Heath X X Atriplex semibaccata Berry Saltbush Austrodanthonia caespitosa Common Wallaby-grass Austrodanthonia eriantha Hill Wallaby-grass X Austrodanthonia racemosa var. racemosa Stiped Wallaby-grass Austrodanthonia setacea Bristly Wallaby-grass X X Austrostipa densiflora Dense Spear-grass Austrostipa mollis Supple Spear-grass X X Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata Rough Spear-grass X Brachyloma daphnoides Daphne Heath X X Brunonia australis Blue Pincushion X X Burchardia umbellata Milkmaids X X Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa Sweet Bursaria X X Carex appressa Tall Sedge X X Cassinia arcuata Drooping Cassinia X X X Cassytha melantha Coarse Dodder-laurel Centrolepis strigosa subsp. strigosa Hairy Centrolepis X Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia Green Rock-fern X Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi Narrow Rock-fern X Crassula sieberiana s.l. Sieber Crassula X Daviesia leptophylla Narrow-leaf Bitter-pea X Daviesia ulicifolia Gorse Bitter-pea X X Derwentia perfoliata Digger's Speedwell Dianella admixta Black-anther Flax-lily X X X Dichelachne hirtella Hairy Plume-grass
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 3 51 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
Cheers Cheers Trust & & for Cheers Cheers Nature Scientific Name Common Name 2004 2006 2003 Dichelachne rara Common Plume-grass Dipodium roseum s.s. Rosy Hyacinth-orchid Einadia hastata Saloop X X Einadia nutans subsp. nutans Nodding Saltbush X X Elymus scaber var. scaber Common Wheat-grass X X Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red-gum Eucalyptus goniocalyx s.s. Bundy X X Eucalyptus leucoxylon Yellow Gum X X Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Red Stringybark X X Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box X Eucalyptus microcarpa Grey Box X X Eucalyptus nortonii Silver Bundy Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box X X X Eutaxia microphylla Common Eutaxia Exocarpos cupressiformis Cherry Ballart X X Gonocarpus tetragynus Common Raspwort X X Grevillea alpina Cat's Claw Grevillea X Grevillea rosmarinifolia Rosemary Grevillea Hakea decurrens subsp. physocarpa Bushy Needlewood Hardenbergia violacea Purple Coral-pea X Hibbertia exutiacies Spiky Guinea-flower X Hovea heterophylla Common Hovea X X Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort X X Hypericum gramineum Small St John's Wort Joycea pallida Silvertop Wallaby-grass X X X Juncus planifolius Broad-leaf Rush Juncus subsecundus Finger Rush Lachnagrostis filiformis Common Blown-grass Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedge X Leptorhynchos squamatus subsp. squamatus Scaly Buttons X Lomandra filiformis subsp. filiformis Wattle Mat-rush X X X Luzula meridionalis Common Woodrush X Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping Grass X X Oxalis perennans Grassland Wood-sorrel X Ozothamnus obcordatus Grey Everlasting X X X Pelargonium rodneyanum Magenta Stork's-bill X X Philotheca verrucosa Fairy Wax-flower X Pimelea humilis Common Rice-flower Pimelea linifolia subsp. linifolia Slender Rice-flower X X Poa sieberiana var. sieberiana Grey Tussock-grass X X X Pultenaea largiflorens Twiggy Bush-pea X Schoenus apogon Common Bog-sedge X Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed X Senecio tenuiflorus s.s. Slender Fireweed X X X Stylidium armeria Common Triggerplant X Tetratheca ciliata Pink-bells X X Thelymitra spp. Sun Orchid X X Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass X Thysanotus patersonii Twining Fringe-lily X X X
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 3 52 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
Cheers Cheers Trust & & for Cheers Cheers Nature Scientific Name Common Name 2004 2006 2003 Wahlenbergia gracilenta s.s. Hairy Annual-bluebell Wahlenbergia stricta subsp. stricta Tall Bluebell X X Wurmbea dioica Common Early Nancy X X Xerochrysum viscosum Shiny Everlasting X X Introduced species Acacia baileyana Cootamundra Wattle X Acacia floribunda White Sallow-wattle Aira caryophyllea Silvery Hair-grass X X Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel X Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass Arctotheca calendula Cape Weed X Avena barbata Bearded Oat Briza maxima Large Quaking-grass X X X Bromus hordeaceus subsp. hordeaceus Soft Brome Bromus rubens Red Brome Carduus tenuiflorus Winged Thistle Carex divisa Divided Sedge Centaurium tenuiflorum Slender Centaury Cerastium glomeratum s.s. Sticky Mouse-ear Chickweed Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed Cortaderia selloana Pampas Grass Cotoneaster glaucophyllus var. serotinus Large-leaf Cotoneaster Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Cyperus tenellus Tiny Flat-sedge Cytisus scoparius English Broom Ehrharta longiflora Annual Veldt-grass Genista linifolia Flax-leaf Broom Genista monspessulana Montpellier Broom Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog X Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear X Juncus acutus subsp. acutus Sharp Rush X X Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce Lepidium africanum Common Peppercress X Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum Phalaris aquatica Toowoomba Canary-grass X Pinus radiata Radiata Pine X X Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Romulea rosea Onion Grass X X Rosa rubiginosa Sweet Briar Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry X X Rumex crispus Curled Dock Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle Spergularia rubra s.s. Red Sand-spurrey Tribolium acutiflorum s.s. Crested Desmazeria Trifolium campestre var. campestre Hop Clover X Ulex europaeus Gorse Vicia hirsuta Tiny Vetch Vulpia myuros Rat's-tail Fescue X
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 3 53 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
A3.2 Additional flora species recorded in the other studies
Table A3.1. Additional flora species recorded from the Structure Plan area in other studies but not in the current assessment.
Cheers Cheers & & Trust Cheers Cheers for Status Scientific Name Common Name 2004 2006 Nature Indigenous species Acianthus pusillus Small Mosquito-orchid X Allocasuarina luehmannii Buloke X Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping Sheoke X Caladenia caerulea var caerulea Blue Caladenia X Caladenia fuscata Dusky Caladenia X Calochilis robertsonii Purplish Beard-orchid X Chrysophyllum apiculatum Common Everlasting X Cotula australis Common Cotula X Craspedia variabilis Variable Billy-buttons X Crassula decumbens Spreading Crassula X X Cyanicula caerulea Blue Caladenia X Cymbonotus preissianus Austral Bear’s-ears Daucus glochidiatus Austral Carrot X Dillwynia sericea Showy Parrot-pea X Drosera peltata subsp. auriculata Tall Sundew X X Drosera whittackeri subsp. X aberans Scented Sundew X Eriochilus cucullatus Parson’s Bands X X Geranium spp. Geranium X Glossodia major Wax-lip Orchid X X Gnaphalium indutum Tiny Cudweed X Hibbertia riparia Erect Guinea-flower X Hyalosperma demissum Moss Sunray X Hydrocotyle callicarpa Small Pennywort X Hydrocotyle foveolata Yellow Pennywort X Leptorhynchos tenuifolius Wiry Buttons X Lomandra mulitflora subsp. multiflora Many-flowered Mat-rush X X Microseris spp. Yam Daisy X X Microtis spp. Onion Orchid X Opercularia varia Variable stinkweed X Pterostylis melagramma Tall Greenhood X Pterostylis nana Dwarf Greenhood X X Pterostylis nutans Nodding Greenhood X X Pterostylis parviflora s.l. Tiny Greenhood X X Petalochilus fuscatus Pink Fingers Hypoxis glabella Tiny Star X Ranunculus sessilflorus Annual Buttercup X Solenogyne dominii Smooth solenogyne X Stuartina muelleri Spoon Cudweed X Veronica plebia Creeping Speedwell X
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 3 54 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
Cheers Cheers & & Trust Cheers Cheers for Status Scientific Name Common Name 2004 2006 Nature Introduced species Aphanes arvensis Parsley Piert X Briza minor Lesser Quaking-grass X Cardamine hirsute s.s. Common Bitter-cress X Erodium botrys Big Heron’s-bill X Erodium moschatum Musky Heron’s-bill X Galium divaricatum Slender Bedstraw X Hypochoeris glabra Smooth Cat’s-ear X Medicago spp. Medic X Moraea fugacissima Yellow Moraea X Oxalis corniculata subsp. corniculata Creeping Wood-sorrel X Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob X Petrorhagia velutina Velvety Pink X Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass X Poa bulbosa Bulbous Meadow-grass X Stellaria pallida Lesser chickweed X
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 3 55 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
A3.3 Significant flora species
Table A3.3 Flora of national or state significance recorded or predicted to occur within 5 km of the Structure Plan area Australian status: E Listed under EPBC Act as endangered V Listed under EPBC Act as vulnerable R Rare (Briggs & Leigh 1996) Victorian status (DSE Flora Information System, 2005 Version): e Endangered v Vulnerable r Rare f Listed under the FFG Act as threatened Species indicated in bold have been recently recorded (within the past 20 years).
Source of record: FIS: Recorded within 5 km of centre of Structure Plan area, DSE Flora Information System DEWHA: Species predicted to occur in local area, EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool
Likelihood scale (adapted from IPCC 2005): Terminology Likelihood of occurrence Likely Greater than 66 % probability Possible 33 to 66 % probability Unlikely Less than 33 % probability Note: These categories should be considered to have ‘fuzzy’ boundaries (IPCC 2005).
Scientific Name Common Name Source Aust. Vic. FFG Occurrence status status in Structure Plan area
National Significance Amphibromus fluitans River Swamp Wallaby- DEWHA V Unlikely grass Dodonaea procumbens Trailing Hop-bush DEWHA V v Unlikely
Glycine latrobeana Clover Glycine DEWHA V v f Unlikely
Pimelea spinescens subsp. Spiny Rice-flower DEWHA C v Unlikely spinescens Prasophyllum frenchii Maroon Leek-orchid FIS E e f Possible
State Significance Allocasuarina luehmannii Buloke FIS f Unlikely
Caladenia sp. aff. concolor Midlands Spider- FIS v Possible* (Midlands) orchid Grevillea dryophylla Goldfields Grevillea FIS r Possible*
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 3 56 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
Scientific Name Common Name Source Aust. Vic. FFG Occurrence status status in Structure Plan area Grevillea micrantha Small-flower Grevillea FIS r Unlikely
Leptorhynchos elongatus Lanky Buttons FIS e Unlikely
Prasophyllum pyriforme Silurian Leek-orchid FIS e Possible*
Pterostylis smaragdyna Emerald-lip FIS r Possible* Greenhood Pterostylis sp. aff. plumosa Woodland Plume- FIS r Possible* (Woodland) orchid
* - closest record of species recorded in quadrat S23682, 1997. The quadrat is located south of the Castlemaine-Muckleford Road and north of the railway line, approximately 3km north of the Diamond Gully Structure Plan area, in a patch of Heathy Dry Forest.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 3 57 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
APPENDIX 4 EVC Benchmarks (http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/nrence.nsf/)
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 4 58 EVC/Bioregion Benchmark for Vegetation Quality Assessment
Goldfields bioregion EVC 20: Heathy Dry Forest
Description: Grows on shallow, rocky skeletal soils on a variety of geologies and on a range of landforms from gently undulating hills to exposed aspects on ridge tops and steep slopes at a range of elevations. The overstorey is a low, open eucalypt forest, poor in form to 20 m tall with an open crown cover. The understorey is dominated by a low, sparse to dense layer of ericoid-leaved shrubs including heaths and peas. Graminoids and grasses are frequently present in the ground layer, but do not provide much cover.
Large trees: Species DBH(cm) #/ha Eucalyptus spp. 60 cm 20 / ha
Tree Canopy Cover: %cover Character Species Common Name 30% Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Red Stringybark Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box Eucalyptus tricarpa Red Ironbark Eucalyptus goniocalyx s.s. Bundy
Understorey: Life form #Spp %Cover LF code Immature Canopy Tree 5% IT Understorey Tree or Large Shrub 1 5% T Medium Shrub 8 25% MS Small Shrub 6 15% SS Prostrate Shrub 2 5% PS Large Herb 3 5% LH Medium Herb 10 20% MH Small or Prostrate Herb 2 5% SH Large Tufted Graminoid 2 5% LTG Medium to Small Tufted Graminoid 10 25% MTG Medium to Tiny Non-tufted Graminoid 2 1% MNG Bryophytes/Lichens na 10% BL Soil Crust na 10% S/C
Ecological Vegetation Class bioregion benchmark EVC 20: Heathy Dry Forest - Goldfields bioregion
LF Code Species typical of at least part of EVC range Common Name MS Brachyloma daphnoides Daphne Heath MS Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle MS Grevillea alpina Cat's Claw Grevillea MS Cassinia arcuata Drooping Cassinia SS Tetratheca ciliata Pink-bells SS Hovea heterophylla Common Hovea SS Leucopogon virgatus Common Beard-heath SS Cheiranthera cyanea var. cyanea Blue Finger-flower PS Acrotriche serrulata Honey-pots PS Astroloma humifusum Cranberry Heath LH Senecio tenuiflorus Slender Fireweed LH Wahlenbergia stricta Tall Bluebell LH Xerochrysum viscosum Shiny Everlasting MH Gonocarpus tetragynus Common Raspwort MH Drosera peltata ssp. auriculata Tall Sundew SH Opercularia varia Variable Stinkweed SH Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort LTG Austrostipa mollis Supple Spear-grass MTG Joycea pallida Silvertop Wallaby-grass MTG Lomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rush MTG Poa sieberiana Grey Tussock-grass MTG Dianella revoluta s.l. Black-anther Flax-lily MNG Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping Grass SC Thysanotus patersonii Twining Fringe-lily
Recruitment: Episodic/Fire. Desirable period between disturbances is 20 years.
Organic Litter: 20 % cover
Logs: 20 m/0.1 ha.
Weediness: LF Code Typical Weed Species Common Name Invasive Impact MH Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear high low MH Hypochoeris glabra Smooth Cat's-ear high low MTG Briza maxima Large Quaking-grass high low MTG Briza minor Lesser Quaking-grass high low MNG Aira elegantissima Delicate Hair-grass high low MTG Vulpia spp. Fescue high low
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment April 2004 © The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2004 This publication is copyright. Reproduction and the making available of this material for personal, in-house or non-commercial purposes is authorised, on condition that: • the copyright owner is acknowledged; • no official connection is claimed; • the material is made available without charge or at cost; and • the material is not subject to inaccurate, misleading or derogatory treatment. Requests for permission to reproduce or communicate this material in any way not permitted by this licence (or by the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright Act 1968) should be directed to the Nominated Officer, Copyright, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002.
For more information contact: Customer Service Centre, 136 186 This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. www.dse.vic.gov.au EVC/Bioregion Benchmark for Vegetation Quality Assessment
Goldfields bioregion EVC 22: Grassy Dry Forest
Description: Occurs on a variety of gradients and altitudes and on a range of geologies. The overstorey is dominated by a low to medium height forest of eucalypts to 20 m tall, sometimes resembling an open woodland with a secondary, smaller tree layer including a number of Acacia species. The understorey usually consists of a sparse shrub layer of medium height. Grassy Dry Forest is characterised by a ground layer dominated by a high diversity of drought-tolerant grasses and herbs, often including a suite of fern species.
Large trees: Species DBH(cm) #/ha Eucalyptus spp. 60 cm 20 / ha
Tree Canopy Cover: %cover Character Species Common Name 30% Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Red Stringybark Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box Eucalyptus goniocalyx s.s. Bundy
Understorey: Life form #Spp %Cover LF code Immature Canopy Tree 5% IT Understorey Tree or Large Shrub 1 5% T Medium Shrub 3 5% MS Small Shrub 3 5% SS Prostrate Shrub 2 1% PS Large Herb 3 10% LH Medium Herb 16 30% MH Small or Prostrate Herb 3 5% SH Large Tufted Graminoid 2 5% LTG Medium to Small Tufted Graminoid 13 30% MTG Medium to Tiny Non-tufted Graminoid 4 5% MNG Scrambler or Climber 1 1% SC Ground Fern 1 5% GF Bryophytes/Lichens na 10% BL Soil Crust na 10% S/C
Ecological Vegetation Class bioregion benchmark EVC 22: Grassy Dry Forest - Goldfields bioregion
LF Code Species typical of at least part of EVC range Common Name MS Acacia paradoxa Hedge Wattle MS Cassinia arcuata Drooping Cassinia MS Daviesia ulicifolia Gorse Bitter-pea MS Acacia acinacea s.l. Gold-dust Wattle SS Hovea heterophylla Common Hovea SS Pimelea humilis Common Rice-flower SS Acacia aculeatissima Thin-leaf Wattle PS Acrotriche serrulata Honey-pots PS Astroloma humifusum Cranberry Heath LH Senecio tenuiflorus Slender Fireweed LH Wahlenbergia stricta Tall Bluebell LH Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed MH Hypericum gramineum Small St John's Wort MH Geranium solanderi s.l. Austral Cranesbill SH Daucus glochidiatus Australian Carrot SH Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort SH Phyllangium divergens Wiry Mitrewort LTG Austrostipa mollis Supple Spear-grass MTG Joycea pallida Silvertop Wallaby-grass MTG Lomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rush MTG Poa sieberiana Grey Tussock-grass MTG Dianella revoluta s.l. Black-anther Flax-lily MNG Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping Grass EP Amyema miquelii Box Mistletoe SC Hardenbergia violacea Purple Coral-pea
Recruitment: Continuous
Organic Litter: 20 % cover
Logs: 20 m/0.1 ha.
Weediness: LF Code Typical Weed Species Common Name Invasive Impact MH Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear high low MH Hypochoeris glabra Smooth Cat's-ear high low MH Trifolium campestre var. campestre Hop Clover high low MH Cerastium glomeratum s.l. Common Mouse-ear Chickweed high low MH Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury high low MH Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel high low MH Trifolium arvense var. arvense Hare's-foot Clover high low MH Galium divaricatum Slender Bedstraw high low MTG Briza minor Lesser Quaking-grass high low MTG Briza maxima Large Quaking-grass high low MTG Bromus diandrus Great Brome high low MNG Aira elegantissima Delicate Hair-grass high low MNG Bromus madritensis Madrid Brome high low MNG Vulpia myuros Rat's-tail Fescue high low
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment April 2004 © The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2004 This publication is copyright. Reproduction and the making available of this material for personal, in-house or non-commercial purposes is authorised, on condition that: • the copyright owner is acknowledged; • no official connection is claimed; • the material is made available without charge or at cost; and • the material is not subject to inaccurate, misleading or derogatory treatment. Requests for permission to reproduce or communicate this material in any way not permitted by this licence (or by the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright Act 1968) should be directed to the Nominated Officer, Copyright, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002.
For more information contact: Customer Service Centre, 136 186 This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. www.dse.vic.gov.au EVC/Bioregion Benchmark for Vegetation Quality Assessment
Goldfields bioregion EVC 61: Box Ironbark Forest
Description: Occurs in low rainfall areas on gently undulating rises, low hills and peneplains on infertile, often stony soils derived from a range of geologies. The open overstorey to 20 m tall consists of a variety of eucalypts, often including one of the Ironbark species. The mid storey often forms a dense to open small tree or shrub layer over an open ground layer ranging from a sparse to well-developed suite of herbs and grasses.
Large trees: Species DBH(cm) #/ha Eucalyptus spp. 70 cm 15 / ha
Tree Canopy Cover: %cover Character Species Common Name 30% Eucalyptus microcarpa Grey Box Eucalyptus tricarpa Red Ironbark Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box Eucalyptus leucoxylon Yellow Gum
Understorey: Life form #Spp %Cover LF code Immature Canopy Tree 5% IT Medium Shrub 7 25% MS Small Shrub 4 5% SS Prostrate Shrub 2 1% PS Medium Herb 9 20% MH Large Tufted Graminoid 1 1% LTG Medium to Small Tufted Graminoid 8 15% MTG Bryophytes/Lichens na 10% BL Soil Crust na 20% S/C Total understorey projective foliage cover 85%
LF Code Species typical of at least part of EVC range Common Name MS Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle MS Cassinia arcuata Drooping Cassinia MS Acacia genistifolia Spreading Wattle MS Acacia acinacea s.l. Gold-dust Wattle SS Hibbertia exutiacies Spiky Guinea-flower SS Pultenaea largiflorens Twiggy Bush-pea PS Astroloma humifusum Cranberry Heath MH Senecio tenuiflorus Slender Fireweed MH Xerochrysum viscosum Shiny Everlasting MH Gonocarpus tetragynus Common Raspwort MH Veronica plebeia Trailing Speedwell LTG Austrostipa mollis Supple Spear-grass MTG Joycea pallida Silvertop Wallaby-grass MTG Dianella revoluta s.l. Black-anther Flax-lily MTG Lomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rush MTG Austrodanthonia setacea Bristly Wallaby-grass MTG Poa sieberiana Grey Tussock-grass SC Thysanotus patersonii Twining Fringe-lily
Ecological Vegetation Class bioregion benchmark EVC 61: Box Ironbark Forest - Goldfields bioregion
Recruitment: Continuous
Organic Litter: 20 % cover
Logs: 20 m/0.1 ha.
Weediness: LF Code Typical Weed Species Common Name Invasive Impact MH Hypochoeris glabra Smooth Cat's-ear high low MH Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear high low MTG Briza maxima Large Quaking-grass high low MTG Vulpia bromoides Squirrel-tail Fescue high low MNG Aira elegantissima Delicate Hair-grass high low MH Petrorhagia velutina Hairy Pink high low
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment April 2004 © The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2004 This publication is copyright. Reproduction and the making available of this material for personal, in-house or non-commercial purposes is authorised, on condition that: • the copyright owner is acknowledged; • no official connection is claimed; • the material is made available without charge or at cost; and • the material is not subject to inaccurate, misleading or derogatory treatment. Requests for permission to reproduce or communicate this material in any way not permitted by this licence (or by the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright Act 1968) should be directed to the Nominated Officer, Copyright, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002.
For more information contact: Customer Service Centre, 136 186 This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. www.dse.vic.gov.au EVC/Bioregion Benchmark for Vegetation Quality Assessment
Goldfields bioregion EVC 67: Alluvial Terraces Herb-rich Woodland
Description: Open woodland to 15 m tall on broad alluvial plains and along ephemeral drainage lines. Soils are generally poorly drained duplex soils with sandy loam overlying a heavier clay subsoil. Understorey consists of few, if any shrubs with the striking feature of this EVC being the high species-richness of the ground-layer and the low biomass of this cover, particularly in summer.
Large trees: Species DBH(cm) #/ha Eucalyptus spp. 70 cm 8 / ha Allocasuarina spp. 50 cm
Tree Canopy Cover: %cover Character Species Common Name 15% Eucalyptus microcarpa Grey Box Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box Eucalyptus leucoxylon Yellow Gum Allocasuarina luehmannii Buloke
Understorey: Life form #Spp %Cover LF code Immature Canopy Tree 5% IT Understorey Tree or Large Shrub 1 5% T Medium Shrub 3 5% MS Small Shrub 3 5% SS Prostrate Shrub 1 1% PS Large Herb 3 5% LH Medium Herb 15 30% MH Small or Prostrate Herb 5 10% SH Large Tufted Graminoid 1 1% LTG Medium to Small Tufted Graminoid 12 30% MTG Medium to Tiny Non-tufted Graminoid 2 5% MNG Ground Fern 1 1% GF Bryophytes/Lichens na 10% BL Soil Crust na 10% S/C
Recruitment: Continuous
Organic Litter: 10 % cover
Logs: 15 m/0.1 ha.
Ecological Vegetation Class bioregion benchmark EVC 67: Alluvial Terraces Herb-rich Woodland - Goldfields bioregion
LF Code Species typical of at least part of EVC range Common Name MS Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle MS Acacia acinacea s.l. Gold-dust Wattle MS Acacia paradoxa Hedge Wattle MS Acacia genistifolia Spreading Wattle SS Lissanthe strigosa ssp. subulata Peach Heath SS Pimelea humilis Common Rice-flower SS Dillwynia cinerascens s.l. Grey Parrot-pea PS Astroloma humifusum Cranberry Heath PS Acrotriche serrulata Honey-pots LH Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed LH Senecio tenuiflorus Slender Fireweed MH Cynoglossum suaveolens Sweet Hound’s-tongue MH Oxalis perennans Grassland Wood-sorrel MH Daucus glochidiatus Australian Carrot MH Cymbonotus preissianus Austral Bear’s-ears SH Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort SH Solenogyne dominii Smooth Solenogyne SH Drosera whittakeri ssp. aberrans Scented Sundew SH Cymbonotus preissianus Austral Bear's-ear LTG Austrostipa mollis Supple Spear-grass MTG Lomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rush MTG Elymus scaber var. scaber Common Wheat-grass MTG Dianella revoluta s.l. Black-anther Flax-lily MTG Austrostipa scabra Rough Spear-grass MNG Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping Grass TTG Centrolepis strigosa ssp. strigosa Hairy Centrolepis TTG Centrolepis aristata Pointed Centrolepis GF Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia Green Rock-fern SC Thysanotus patersonii Twining Fringe-lily
Weediness: LF Code Typical Weed Species Common Name Invasive Impact LH Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle high low LH Sonchus asper s.l. Rough Sow-thistle high low MH Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear high low MH Hypochoeris glabra Smooth Cat's-ear high low MH Arctotheca calendula Cape Weed high low MH Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel high low MH Trifolium campestre var. campestre Hop Clover high low MH Cicendia quadrangularis Square Cicendia high low MH Cerastium glomeratum s.l. Common Mouse-ear Chickweed high low MH Galium murale Small Goosegrass high low MH Petrorhagia velutina Velvety Pink high low MH Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury high low MH Galium divaricatum Slender Bedstraw high low LNG Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog high high MTG Briza minor Lesser Quaking-grass high low MTG Briza maxima Large Quaking-grass high low MNG Aira elegantissima Delicate Hair-grass high low MNG Juncus capitatus Capitate Rush high low MNG Vulpia myuros Rat's-tail Fescue high low MNG Vulpia ciliata Fringed Fescue high low TTG Cyperus tenellus Tiny Flat-sedge high low
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment May 2004 © The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2004 This publication is copyright. Reproduction and the making available of this material for personal, in-house or non-commercial purposes is authorised, on condition that: • the copyright owner is acknowledged; • no official connection is claimed; • the material is made available without charge or at cost; and • the material is not subject to inaccurate, misleading or derogatory treatment. Requests for permission to reproduce or communicate this material in any way not permitted by this licence (or by the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright Act 1968) should be directed to the Nominated Officer, Copyright, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, 3002.
For more information contact: Customer Service Centre, 136 186 This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. www.dse.vic.gov.au Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
APPENDIX 5 Fauna Results A5.1 Fauna species recorded within the Structure Plan area
Table A5.1. Vertebrate fauna recorded from the Structure Plan area during the present assessment Key: * introduced species
Common Name Scientific Name Birds Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica Brown Falcon Falco berigora Musk Lorikeet Glossopsitta concinna Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Long-billed Corella Cacatua tenuirostris Galah Cacatua roseicapilla Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans Scarlet Robin Petroica multicolor Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica Magpie-Lark Grallina cyanoleuca Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus Silvereye Zosterops lateralis Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops White-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 5 67 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
Common Name Scientific Name Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata White-winged Chough Corcorax melanorhamphos Grey Currawong Strepera versicolor Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen Raven spp. Corvus spp. Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus Common Blackbird * Turdus merula Mammals Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus European Rabbit * Oryctolagus cuniculus Brown Hare * Lepus capensis Red Fox * Canis vulpes Reptiles Garden Skink Lampropholis guichenoti Long-necked Turtle Chelodina longicollis Frogs Southern Bullfrog Limnodynastes dumerilii
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 5 68 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
A5.2 Significant fauna species
Table A5.2. Fauna of national or state significance recorded, or predicted to occur, within the local area Source: DSE Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, DEWHA database • AVW data search encompassed a 5km radius (fish removed) • DEWHA data search encompassed a 5km radius
Status of species: CR critically endangered EN endangered VU vulnerable NT near threatened L listed under Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act as threatened Sources used to derive species status: EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) DSE Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria (DSE 2007b) FFG Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.) Action Plans: Maxwell et al. (1996) for marsupials and monotremes, Duncan et al. (1999) for bats, Lee (1995) for rodents, Garnett & Crowley (2000) for birds, Cogger et al. (1993) for reptiles, Tyler (1997) for amphibians, and Wager and Jackson (1993) for freshwater fishes. # denotes species predicted to occur or with habitat predicted to occur in the local area (DEWHA database)
Likelihood scale (adapted from IPCC 2005): Likelihood Likelihood of occurrence scale (adapted from IPCC 2005): Terminology Likely Greater than 66 % probability About as likely as not 33 to 66 % probability Unlikely Less than 33 % probability Note: These categories should be considered to have ‘fuzzy’ boundaries (IPCC 2005).
Common Name Scientific Name Last EPBC DSE FFG Action Likelihood Record Act 2007 Act Plan of occurrence National Significance Australian Painted Rostratula australis # VU CR L VU Not Snipe recorded, rare visitor Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii 1982 VU EN L VU Recorded in past, likely to be an aviary escape. Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor 2007/# EN EN L EN Recorded in past, likely to occur. Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia # EN CR L EN Recorded in past, likely to occur.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 5 69 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
Common Name Scientific Name Last EPBC DSE FFG Action Likelihood Record Act 2007 Act Plan of occurrence Spot-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus # EN EN L VU Not maculatus (SE recorded, mainland unlikely to population) occur in the Structure Plan area. Grey-headed Flying- Pteropus 1994 VU VU L VU Recorded in fox poliocephalus past, rare visitor Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar # VU EN L VU Not recorded, unlikely to occur. Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis # VU EN L VU Not recorded, unlikely to occur. State Significance Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia 1999 VU Recorded in past, unlikely to occur. Great Egret Ardea alba 2001/# VU L Recorded in past, rare visitor. Hardhead Aythya australis 2001 VU Recorded in past, unlikely to occur. Musk Duck Biziura lobata 1988 VU Recorded in past, unlikely to occur. White-bellied Sea- Haliaeetus # VU L Not Eagle leucogaster recorded, unlikely to occur. Barking Owl Ninox connivens 1998 EN L NT Recorded in past, likely to occur. Powerful Owl Ninox strenua 2007 VU L Recorded in past, likely to occur. Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis 1976 NT L NT Recorded in past, unlikely to occur. Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus 2001 EN L NT Recorded in temporalis past, likely to occur. Speckled Warbler Chthonicola 2000 VU L NT Recorded in sagittata past, likely to occur.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 5 70 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
Common Name Scientific Name Last EPBC DSE FFG Action Likelihood Record Act 2007 Act Plan of occurrence Brown Treecreeper Climacteris 2002 NT NT Recorded in picumnus past, likely to occur. Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura 2003 VU L NT Recorded in guttata past, likely to occur. Brush-tailed Phascogale 1997 VU L NT Recorded in Phascogale tapoatafa present assessment. Eltham Copper Paralucia pyrodiscus 1994 VU L Recorded in lucida past, unlikely to occur. Regional Significance Koala Phascolarctos 1998 NT Recorded in cinereus past, likely to occur. Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora 2000 NT Recorded in past, likely to occur. Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax 2001 NT Recorded in varius past, unlikely to occur. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus 1987 NT Recorded in past, unlikely to occur. Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii 2006/# NT Recorded in past, rare visitor. Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax 2002 NT Recorded in caledonicus past, likely to occur. Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma 2001 NT Recorded in punctatum past, likely to occur. Black-chinned Melithreptus gularis 2002 NT Recorded in Honeyeater past, likely to occur.
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 5 71 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
A5.3. Migratory species
Table A5.3. Migratory fauna species recorded, or predicted to occur, within 5kilometres of the Structure Plan area Source: DSE Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, Birds Australia Database, DEWHA database
Note: Species in bold were recorded in the Structure Plan area during the present assessment. # denotes species predicted to occur or with habitat predicted to occur in the local area (DEWHA database)
Common Name Scientific Name Last Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii 2006/# Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis # Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis s. lat. # Great Egret Ardea alba 2001/# White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster # Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus 2006/# White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus 2001/# Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus # Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca # Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus 2001 Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia # Cattle Egret Ardea ibis #
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 5 72 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
A5.4 Additional bird records from 2000-2007 - Data supplied by Debbie Worland, Muckleford.
Table A5.4 Additional bird records from the Muckleford area and Castlemaine golf Course (approximately 3km west of the Structure Plan area) from 2000-2007. Data supplied by Debbie Worland, Muckleford.
Records in bold: Species considered as significant in the local area by Worland.
Status: O – occasional; R – rare; C - common
COMMON NAME 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 BREEDING Status
AUSTRALASIAN X X X X X Y O GREBE
AUSTRALIAN X R CRAKE
AUSTRALIAN X HOBBY
AUSTRALIAN X X X X X X X X X Y C MAGPIE
AUSTRALIAN R OWLET NIGHTJAR
AUSTRALIAN X R PELICAN
AUSTRALIAN X X X X X X X X X Y C RAVEN
AUSTRALIAN X X X X X X O WHITE IBIS
AUSTRALIAN WOOD X X X X X X X X X Y C DUCK
BARKING OWL X R
BLACK CHINNED X X X X X X X X Y C HONEYEATER
BLACK EARED X CUCKOO
BLACK FACED X X X X X X X X X O CUCKOO SHRIKE
BLACK FACED X X WOODSWALLOW
BLACK FRONTED X X X X X X X X Y O DOTTEREL
BLACK X R HONEYEATER
BLACK X X X R SHOULDERED KITE
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 5 73 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
COMMON NAME 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 BREEDING Status
BLACK SWAN X X X O
BLACK TAILED X X X O NATIVE HEN
BLACKBIRD X X X X X X X X Y C
BROWN FALCON X O
BROWN GOSHAWK X X X X X O
BROWN HEADED X X X X X X X X C HONEYEATER
BROWN TREE X X X X X X X X Y O CREEPER
BUFF RUMPED X X O THORNBILL
CLAMOROUS REED X X O WARBLER
COMMON X X X X X X X X X Y C BRONZEWING
COMMON MYNA X X X C
CRESTED PIGEON X X X X X X X X X Y C
CRESTED SHRIKE X X X X X X X X Y C TIT
CRIMSON ROSELLA X X X X X X X X X Y C
DARTER X X O
DUSKY MOORHEN X
DIAMOND X R FIRETAIL
DUSKY X X X X X X X X X Y C WOODSWALLOW
EASTERN ROSELLA X X X X X X X X Y C
EASTERN SPINEBILL X X X X X X O
EASTERN YELLOW X X X X X X X X X Y C ROBIN
EURASIAN COOT X X O
EUROPEAN X X X X X X O GOLDFINCH
EUROPEAN X O GREENFINCH
FAIRY MARTIN X X X X X X X X X Y C
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 5 74 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
COMMON NAME 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 BREEDING Status
FAN TAILED X X X X O CUCKOO
FERAL PIGEON X
FLAME ROBIN X X X X O
FUSCOUS X X X X X X X X X Y C HONEYEATER
GALAH X X X X X X X X X Y C
GOLDEN WHISTLER X X X X X X X X O
GREAT X X X X X X O CORMORANT
GREAT CRESTED X R GREBE
GREAT EGRET X X X X
GREY X R BUTCHERBIRD
GREY CROWNED X X X BABBLER
GREY CURRAWONG X X X X X X X X X Y O
GREY FANTAIL X X X X X X X X O
GREY SHRIKE X X X X X X X X X Y C THRUSH
GREY TEAL X X X X X O
HARDHEAD X X R
HOARY HEADED X R GREBE
HOODED ROBIN X
HORSEFIELDS X X X X X X X X X O BRONZE CUCKOO
HOUSE SPARROW X X X X X X X X Y C
JACKY WINTER X X X O
LATHAMS SNIPE X X X X X X O
LAUGHING X X X X X X X X X Y C KOOKABURRA
LITTLE EAGLE X X X X X X X X Y C
LITTLE LORIKEET X X X X X X X X O
LITTLE PIED X X X X X X X X C CORMORANT
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 5 75 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
COMMON NAME 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 BREEDING Status
LITTLE RAVEN X X X X X X X X X Y C
LONG BILLED X X X X X X X X Y C CORELLA
MAGPIE LARK X X X X X X X X Y C
MALLARD X X O
MASKED LAPWING X X X X X X X X X Y C
MASKED X X X R WOODSWALLOW
MISTLETOE BIRD X X X X X X X X O
MUSK DUCK X O
MUSK LORIKEET X X X X X X X X X Y C
NANKEEN NIGHT X X X X X R HERON
NEW HOLLAND X X X X X X X X Y C HONEYEATER
NOISY FRIARBIRD X X Y R
NOISY MINER X X X X X X X X X Y C
OLIVE BACKED X X X X X X X X X O ORIOLE
PACIFIC BLACK X X X X X X X X Y C DUCK
PALLID CUCKOO X O
PEACEFUL DOVE X
PEREGRINE FALCON X
PIED CURRAWONG X X X X X X X X X O
PURPLE CROWNED X X X X X X X X X Y C LORIKEET
PURPLE SWAMP X O HEN
RAINBOW X X X LORIKEET
RAINBOW BEE X X X X X X X X O EATER
RED BROWED X X X X X X X X X Y C FINCH
RED KNEED X R DOTTEREL
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 5 76 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
COMMON NAME 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 BREEDING Status
RED RUMPED X X X X X X X X X Y C PARROT
RED WATTLEBIRD X X X X X X X X X Y C
RESTLESS X X X X X X X X O FLYCATCHER
RICHARDS PIPIT X X
RUFOUS SONGLARK X X X X X X O
RUFOUS WHISTLER X X X X X X X O
SACRED X X X X X O KINGFISHER
SCARLET ROBIN X X X O
SHINING BRONZE X O CUCKOO
SILVER GULL X O
SILVEREYE X X X X X O
SINGING X R HONEYEATER
SOUTHERN X X X X X X X O BOOBOOK
SPECKLED X R WARBLER
SPOTTED X X X X X X X X X C PARDALOTE
STARLING X X X X X X X C
STRAW NECKED X X X X X X X O IBIS
STRIATED X X X X X X X X Y C PARDALOTE
STUBBLE QUAIL X X X X O
SULPUR CRESTED X X X X X X X X O COCKATOO
SUPERB FAIRY X X X X X X X X Y C WREN
SWIFT PARROT X X X X X X X
TREE MARTIN X X O
VARIED SITELLA X O
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 5 77 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
COMMON NAME 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 BREEDING Status
WEDGE TAILED X X X X X X X X X O EAGLE
WEEBILL X X O
WELCOME X X X X X X X X X Y C SWALLOW
WHISTLING KITE X X X X O
WHITE BELLIED X X X X X X X X Y O CUCKOO SHRIKE
WHITE BROWED X X X X X X X X Y C BABBLER
WHITE BROWED X X X X X X X X Y O SCRUB WREN
WHITE BROWED X X X Y O WOODSWALLOW
WHITE EARED X X R HONEYEATER
WHITE FACED X X X X X X X X C HERON
WHITE NAPED X X X X X X X X O HONEYEATER
WHITE NECKED X X X X X X X X C HERON
WHITE PLUMED X X X X X X X X X Y C HONEYEATER
WHITE THROATED X X X X X X X X O NEEDLETAIL
WHITE WINGED X X X X X X X Y C CHOUGH
WHITE WINGED X X R TRILLER
WILLIE WAGTAIL X X X X X X X X X Y C
YELLOW BILLED X X X X X X X X O SPOONBILL
YELLOW FACED X X X X X X X X O HONEYEATER
YELLOW RUMPED X X X X X X X X X O THORNBILL
YELLOW TAILED BLACK X X X X X O COCKATOO
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 5 78 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
COMMON NAME 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 BREEDING Status
YELLOW TUFTED X X X X X X X X X O HONEYEATER
BIOSIS RESEARCH Appendix 5 79 Ecological assessment of Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria
FIGURES
BIOSIS RESEARCH Figures 80 ( MilduraMildura
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Biosis,Biosis, 20072007
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Legend Study area Additional area surveyed outside the study area
Previous studies Crown land Conservation covenants
Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. Figure 2: Land tenure of the Structure Plan area, Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria. 38 Bertie Street (PO Box 489) DATE: 31 March 2008 Scale: 0 90 180 270 360 450 Port Melbourne Checked by: JM Drawn by: MTP File number: 6861 VICTORIA 3207 Location: MRG 6800s\6861\Mapping\6861 Fig 2.wor metres TTTTTTT TTTTTTT TTTTTTT TTTTTTT
EEEEEEE EEEEEEE EEEEEEE EEEEEEE
EEEEEEE EEEEEEE EEEEEEE EEEEEEE
RRRRRRR RRRRRRR RRRRRRR RRRRRRR
TTTTTTT TTTTTTT TTTTTTT TTTTTTT
SSSSSSS SSSSSSS SSSSSSS SSSSSSS
DDDDDDD DDDDDDD DDDDDDD DDDDDDD
NNNNNNN NNNNNNN NNNNNNN NNNNNNN
AAAAAAA AAAAAAA AAAAAAA AAAAAAA
LLLLLLL LLLLLLL LLLLLLL LLLLLLL
EEEEEEE EEEEEEE EEEEEEE EEEEEEE LushingtonLushington BushlandBushland RRRRRRR RRRRRRR RRRRRRR RRRRRRR IIIIIII IIIIIII IIIIIII IIIIIII ReserveReserve
FormerFormer landfilllandfill cellscells FormerFormer landfilllandfill cellscells WasteWaste WaterWater TreatmentTreatment PlantPlant
QuarryQuarry
CastlemaineCastlemaine LandfillLandfill
DisusedDisused gravelgravel pitpit
Legend Study area Additional area surveyed outside the study area
Ecological Vegetation Classes Alluvial Terraces Herb-rich Woodland Box Ironbark Forest 1 Box Ironbark Forest 2 Box Ironbark Forest 3 Box Ironbark Forest 4 Box Ironbark Forest 5 Box Ironbark Forest 6 Grassy Dry Forest 1 Grassy Dry Forest 2 Grassy Dry Forest 3 Heathy Dry Forest Ephemeral Wetland Planted Vegetation Pine Trees Roadside Trees Scattered Trees
Dams
Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. Figure 3: Ecological features of the Structure Plan area, Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria. 38 Bertie Street (PO Box 489) DATE: 31 March 2008 Scale: 0 90 180 270 360 450 Port Melbourne Checked by: JM Drawn by: MTP File number: 6861 VICTORIA 3207 Location: MRG 6800s\6861\Mapping\6861 Fig 3.wor metres LushingtonLushington BushlandBushland ReserveReserve
FormerFormer landfilllandfill cellscells WasteWaste WaterWater TreatmentTreatment PlantPlant
QuarryQuarry
CastlemaineCastlemaine LandfillLandfill
DisusedDisused gravelgravel pitpit
Vegetation Conservation Significance High significance Medium significance
Legend Study area Additional area surveyed outside the study area Conservation convenants Castlemaine landfill
Former landfill cells Lushington Bushland Reserve
Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. Figure 4: Areas of Vegetation Conservation Significance of the Structure Plan area, Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria. 38 Bertie Street (PO Box 489) DATE: 7 July 2008 Scale: 0 90 180 270 360 480 Port Melbourne Checked by: JM Drawn by: MTP/SKM File number: 6861 VICTORIA 3207 Location: MRG 6800s\6861\Mapping\6861 Fig 4.wor metres TTTTTTT TTTTTTT TTTTTTT TTTTTTT
EEEEEEE EEEEEEE EEEEEEE EEEEEEE
EEEEEEE EEEEEEE EEEEEEE EEEEEEE
RRRRRRR RRRRRRR RRRRRRR RRRRRRR
TTTTTTT TTTTTTT TTTTTTT TTTTTTT
SSSSSSS SSSSSSS SSSSSSS SSSSSSS
DDDDDDD DDDDDDD DDDDDDD DDDDDDD
NNNNNNN NNNNNNN NNNNNNN NNNNNNN
AAAAAAA AAAAAAA AAAAAAA AAAAAAA
LLLLLLL LLLLLLL LLLLLLL LLLLLLL
EEEEEEE EEEEEEE EEEEEEE EEEEEEE LusLushhingtoningtonington BushlandBushland RRRRRRR LusLushhingtoningtonington BushlandBushland RRRRRRR LusLushhingtoningtonington BushlandBushland RRRRRRR LusLushhingtoningtonington BushlandBushland RRRRRRR LusLushhingtoningtonington BushlandBushland RRRRRRR LusLushhingtoningtonington BushlandBushland RRRRRRR LusLushhingtoningtonington BushlandBushland RRRRRRR IIIIIII IIIIIII IIIIIII IIIIIII ReserveReserve
FormerFormer landfilllandfill cellscells WasteWaste WaterWater TreatmentTreatment PlantPlant
QuaQuaarryaarryarrrrrryy
CastlemaineCastlemaine LandfillLandfill
DisusedDisused gravelgravel pitpit
Legend Study area Additional area surveyed outside the study area
Conservation convenants
Lushington Bushland Reserve
Castlemaine landfill Former landfill cells
Constraints Native vegetation High constraint Medium constraint
Opportunities Potential conservation reserves
Potential revegetation areas
Potential wildlife corridors
Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. Figure 5: Ecological constraints and opportunities within thee Structure Plan area, Diamond Gully, Castlemaine, Victoria. 38 Bertie Street (PO Box 489) DATE: 20 April 2009 Scale: 0 90 180 270 360 450 Port Melbourne Checked by: JM Drawn by: MTP/SKM File number: 6861 VICTORIA 3207 Location: MRG 6800s\6861\Mapping\6861 Fig 5.wor metres