STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2001
Joe Hajdu Australian Institute of Urban Studies (Project Convenor) Darrell Kraehenbuehl City of Melbourne (Project Coordinator) Michelle Bennett City of Darebin John Bruce Department of Infrastructure, Manningham City Council & Municipal Association of Victoria Phil Burn Department of Natural Resources and Environment Jo Connor City of Moonee Valley Lisa Di Felice City of Boroondara Dietmar Dinges Environment Protection Authority Jennifer Johnson Municipal Association of Victoria Oz Kayak Transport Research Centre, RMIT University Nancy Krause Moreland City Council Thomas Kuen City of Monash Kelly Miller RMIT University Peter Mondy City of Yarra Bronwyn Pegler Knox City Council Anton Rossi-Mel City of Port Phillip Anne Tourney City of Boroondara John Tunney City of Melbourne Michael Vanderzee Department of Natural Resources and Environment Pat Vaughan Banyule City Council John Wisniewski City of Greater Dandenong
Financial supporters in 2000/01 with steering committee representation
Financial support also provided by Nillumbik Shire Council and City of Stonnington.
This bulletin was prepared by Denise Elias. Please contact Andrew Parnell, City of Melbourne, Tel. (03) 9658 8742, E-mail [email protected], for additional copies of this bulletin. Earlier bulletins are available at http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
ISBN 0 86459 160 8 September 2001
Material in this publication may be reproduced subject to acknowledgment of AIUS. Printed on recycled paper. Design and production by Mediation Communications.
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 CONTENTS
FOREWORD 1 3. LITTER 15
INDICATOR: Table 1. Litter by material type: average AT A GLANCE – A SUMMARY OF for surveys conducted Dec 1988, April 1999, June 1999 WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING 2 and Oct 1999. INDICATOR: Graph 1. Average number of litter items INTRODUCTION 3 by region and survey, Dec 1998 - Oct 1999. INDICATOR: Table 2. Litter by material type for 1. AIR QUALITY 4 year Dec 98 - Oct 99. FIGURE 1: Composition of litter by mass: Coburg 1997. INDICATOR: Graph1. Concentration of 8-hour ozone during 2000. INDICATOR: Table 3. Visual litter assessment of Melbourne waterways: May/June 2000. INDICATOR: Graph 2. Number of days on which 8-hour INDICATOR: Table 4. Litter counts at Melbourne ozone concentrations exceeded the SEPP objective of beaches: average number of items per site for the 50ppb during 2000. summer periods 1998/99 and 2000/2001. INDICATOR: Graph 3. Melbourne-Geelong network: INDICATOR: Table 5. Litter by material type at Melbourne Number of days on which the 8-hour ozone objective beaches: average number of litter items per survey: was exceeded: 1983 – 2000. 2001/2001. INDICATOR: Graph 4. Airborne Particulate Index (derived CASE STUDY: Radio Tracking Litter in the Plenty River. by measuring visibility) during 2000. INDICATOR: Graph 5. Number of days on which the Airborne Particle Index exceeded the SEPP objective of 20km (API value of 2.35) during 2000. 4. COUNCIL PRIORITY & INDICATOR: Graph 6. Maximum concentration of particle COMMUNITY CONCERNS 21 (PM10) during 2000. INDICATOR: Table 1. Local government environmental INDICATOR: Graph 7. Melbourne-Geelong network: expenditure and revenue: 1998/99. number of days on which the 1-hour visibility objective CASE STUDY: City of Port Phillip – Community was exceeded: 1983 – 2000. consultation. CASE STUDY: Commuter Inhalation of Hazardous Pollutants. 5. BIODIVERSITY 23 2. TRANSPORT INDICATOR: Graph 1. Number of native and introduced 9 bird species recorded in metropolitan Melbourne, INDICATOR: Table 1. Mode of travel for all trips in 1991 – 2001. metropolitan Melbourne 1995 – 1999. INDICATOR: Graph 2. Diversity of sensitive stream macroinvertebrates (mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies) INDICATOR: Figure 1. Mode of travel to work by and imperviousness of surrounding land surface. zone (inner, middle and outer), 1996. INDICATOR: Map 1. Future growth areas. INDICATOR: Table 2. Length of bicycle network per length of road network, Dec 2000. INDICATOR: Map 2. Regional corridors. INDICATOR: Table 3. Total fuel consumption and INDICATOR: Map 3. Vegetation important to wetlands estimated greenhouse gas emissions of passenger protected under the Ramsar Convention. vehicles in Australia: 1998/99. CASE STUDY: Knox Wildlife Atlas – Native Wildlife Information and Monitoring. CASE STUDY: City of Melbourne: Pedestrian Information Management System. CASE STUDY: Community Information on Indigenous Vegetation. CASE STUDY: City of Manningham Bicycle Strategy. CASE STUDY: The Yarra Natural Heritage Strategy. CASE STUDY: Transport Management in the City of Darebin. CASE STUDY: City of Manningham – Biodiversity Initiatives Program. CASE STUDY: Biodiversity Protection – City of Darebin.
REFERENCES 31 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 33 PHOTO CREDITS 34
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 FOREWORD
It is with considerable satisfaction that I write this Foreword on behalf of the Australian Institute of Urban Studies. When the first bulletin appeared in 1998 we could not have guessed that our project would still exist four years later, in fact be going from strength to strength. This shows that the bulletins have met with a positive response and more specifically, an increasing number of councils and other organizations have given us the support needed to continue their publication. For this support we are most grateful.
We have sought to improve and expand each issue of the Bulletin so that the environmental information found in its pages becomes more interesting and valuable to its readers. With this in mind Bulletin 4 has revisited the indicators first presented in Bulletin 2.
The air quality data has been either updated, or where new statistics were not available due to differing time frames, other measures of this important indicator have been introduced.
Similarly with transport, data has been updated and expanded. However as well as that, we have included a number of case studies as examples that show the imaginative polices which some councils are developing in this area.
Case studies have also been included in the biodiversity theme. Here it is the diversity of council initiatives that is impressive. They range from policies of conservation to restoration and public education. As our data on biodiversity in Bulletin 2 was limited, we made a special effort to expand its scope.
Data on the environmental indicator of litter has been updated and made more detailed. A brief account of a novel litter assessment initiative also has been included.
We have also included some generic statistical data on funds devoted by local government to environmental expenditure. This gives some indication of councils’ relative priorities in this field. The Steering Committee is considering further qualitative research to gather more specific information of council environmental priorities. This is just one example of the gaps in environmental information that still exist, not to mention data that is incomplete or lacking in precision.
The City of Melbourne is the principal sponsor of the Bulletin and without this support the whole project would not have been possible. On behalf of the Institute I would also like to acknowledge the financial support provided during 2000/2001 by the following councils – Banyule, Boroondara, Darebin, Monash, Moonee Valley, Moreland, Nillumbik, Stonnington and Yarra.
An enthusiastic Steering Committee has produced this Bulletin, and I would like to say a special thank you to Darrell Kraehenbuehl, Peter Mondy, Dietmar Dinges, Michelle Bennett, Lisa Di Felice, and Phil Burn for their consistent contribution to the preparation of this issue.
Finally, the hard work of our consultant should be acknowledged. Denise Elias has been instrumental in collecting, interpreting and preparing the text. Thank you very much Denise for your dedication and excellent work.
Joe Hajdu Project Convenor Australian Institute of Urban Studies.
Please forward any comments on this Bulletin to: Australian Institute of Urban Studies GPO Box 262W Melbourne, 3001
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 1 AT A GLANCE – A SUMMARY OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
The, envirometer provides readers with a ‘snapshot’ of the key messages emerging from the data. The reading is not a quantitative measurement and it is important that readers do not interpret the reading in isolation from the detailed data and commentary presented.
AIR QUALITY Melbourne’s 8-hour ozone concentrations exceeded objectives on ten days during 2000. Melbourne’s airborne particle index (API) exceeded objectives on 26 days The Envirometer during 2000. Air quality is improving, but care is still required. Despite these exceedences, Melbourne’s overall air quality is improving over time.
TRANSPORT There was a slight increase in use of Melbourne’s public transport between 1997 and 1999.
The Envirometer Car usage per person has remained fairly constant, although it still makes up There have been increases in two thirds of all trips. sustainable transport use, although car usage remains an area of concern.
LITTER There has been an overall decline in litter in urban areas and on beaches, although summer brings out a higher incidence of littering. The Envirometer Litter in waterways remains an area of concern. While some areas are improving, others are still cause for concern.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS There is scope for local councils to shape environmental policies to more closely match the concerns of the community.
The Envirometer There is a scope for local councils to shape environmental polices to more closely match the concerns of BIODIVERSITY the community. Bird counts have revealed greater numbers of native bird species in metropolitan Melbourne, although not all species may be present in high numbers. Many of Melbourne’s streams have a low diversity of stream macroinvertebrates. The Envirometer Awareness of biodiversity is The Melbourne region contains some significant areas of native vegetation and improving due to increased data but a lot more needs to wetlands that require careful management. be done to manage it.
2 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 INTRODUCTION
Seventy five percent of Australia’s population now live in urban areas1. The population of metropolitan Melbourne has increased by nearly six percent (or 187,747 people) in the last five years2. Pressure placed on these urban environments is increasing as urban sprawl, population and resources consumption increases.
Many local governments in and near to urban centres are implementing strategies to improve environmental health. Environmental monitoring can indicate those areas that need to be targeted, and also provide important feedback to assist in determining how well those strategies in place are performing.
The importance of environmental monitoring is reflected in moves to re-introduce State of the Environment (SoE) reporting to Victoria. In addition a forum on local government SoE reporting was held in Geelong in November 2000, and the resulting Geelong Declaration/Resolution includes priority actions for establishing a SoE framework for Victoria. This includes identifying priority indicators and protocols for data collection, sharing and reporting between or within governments in Victoria.
This Bulletin presents environmental indicators and information for air quality, transport, litter, biodiversity and local council priorities for the Melbourne metropolitan region. It is intended to provide an executive summary style snapshot of environmental issues to decision makers in local government and industry, and to inform the general community. While it updates some of the indicators presented in Bulletin 2, many of the data collection methods have changed since this time. As a result, a number of indicators are presented here for the first time. It is anticipated that some of these indicators will continue to be reported on in the long term. Other information presented provides a snapshot at this particular point in time.
The changing nature of data collection methods, while reflecting an evolutionary process, also illustrates the need to establish an agreed set of indicators along with consistent data collection methods. Such consistency will allow long term monitoring of environmental trends to provide information to the community and to support decision-making.
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 3 AIR1 QUALITY
Introduction Air pollution consistently ranks as one of the main environmental concerns of the community1. Major contributors to Melbourne’s air pollution are motor vehicles and domestic wood combustion2. Industry is also a major contributor in localised areas. Weather is a primary influence in the build-up of pollutants and their ability to clear. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria routinely monitors air quality in the Melbourne-Geelong (or Port Phillip) region which is a priority region for air quality monitoring, as is the Latrobe Valley. Twelve monitoring sites are scattered throughout the Melbourne-Geelong Airshed at which a range of pollutants are measured3. Each pollutant has a particular impact on the environment or human health. For example, some can damage vegetation, reduce crop yields, exacerbate asthma or affect organ function (eg kidney, liver, nervous system)4. Since the early 1980’s, when uncontrolled pollution was a major problem, considerable improvements have been made in Melbourne’s air quality. This has largely resulted from the
The Envirometer introduction of the State Environment Protection Air quality is improving, Policy for Air (‘Air SEPP’)5. The Air SEPP sets but care is still required. objectives, for the protection of human health, for six common pollutants: carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, ozone and visibility reducing particles. Currently, the first four common pollutants are within acceptable levels. However, the two major remaining problems that are of widespread concern in Melbourne are ozone in summer and particles in autumn/winter. Both exceeded objectives on particular days during 2000, and are reported on here.
4 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 1 AIR QUALITY
INDICATOR: Graph1. Maximum concentration of 8-hour ozone during 2000. Ozone
Graph 1 shows the monthly maximum 10 exceedences of 8-hours average ozone were recorded in the year 2000 concentration of 8-hour ozone (measurements of average ozone over 8 hour periods) during 70 2000. It also shows the SEPP objective of 50 60 parts per billion (ppb). The goal is to not exceed 50ppb on more than three days per year. 50 Policy Objective 50 ppb Graph 2 shows the number of days on which 40 8-hour ozone concentrations exceeded the SEPP objective during 2000. The ten year goal is 30 to reduce exceedences of the 50ppb objective to 20 no more than three days per year. As ten exceedences were recorded, we are not 10 currently meeting this goal.
Ozone concentration (ppb) 0 Of note here is the increased ozone occurrence Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec during summer. In summer, oxides of nitrogen Month and hydrocarbons are trapped by light winds and temperature inversions (cold air trapped Source: EPA Victoria under hot air). These pollutants then react in the presence of strong sunlight to produce high ozone levels (or ‘smog’). Ozone is the main component of summer smog. The greatest contributor to ozone formation is the motor vehicle, particularly emissions during short trips when the engine is cold6. Improvements in Melbourne’s ozone concentrations from the early 1980s can be seen in the graph 3, which shows the number of days on which the 8-hour ozone measure exceeded the objective of 50ppb from 1983 to 2000.
INDICATOR: Graph 2. Number of days on which 8-hour ozone concentrations exceeded the SEPP objective of 50ppb during 2000.
5
4
3
2
1 No. of exceedences (days)
0 Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Source: EPA Victoria
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 5 1 AIR QUALITY
INDICATOR: Graph 3. Melbourne-Geelong network: Number of days on which the 8-hour ozone objective was exceeded: 1983 – 2000.
Fine particles
70 Airborne particles are emitted from a wide range of sources including motor vehicles (especially 60 Melbourne-Geelong Network 8-Hour Ozone exceedence (>50 ppb) those that run on diesel), industry, wood 50 combustion, and bushfires. Particles are often categorized according to size. 40 Particles measuring 10 micrometers (PM10) and
30 less can be drawn into the lungs and pose a health threat for people with respiratory or heart 20 conditions. New research shows that the smaller size PM 2.5 (2.5 micrometers), commonly known 10 No. of exceedences (days) as fine particles, are considered to be even more 0 dangerous to human health. 1983 198419851986 1987198819891990199119921993199419951996 19971998 1999 2000 Particles are particularly high in autumn/winter. This is due to burning of wood fires and weather Source: EPA Victoria conditions. High concentrations develop when there are light winds and temperature inversions, and often build up over a period of several days of stable weather. Fine particle pollution reduces visibility. Visibility reduction is measured as an ‘Airborne Particulate Index’ (API). There is an inverse relationship between API and visibility, thus, a high API means high particle concentrations and low visibility. The Air SEPP declares an objective of 20 km visibility, which corresponds to an API level of 2.35. Graph 4 shows the API measures during 2000, together with the SEPP objective of 2.35.
INDICATOR: Graph 4. Airborne Particulate Index (derived by measuring visibility) during 2000. ) 1 7.00 m - 4 6.00
5.00
4.00
3.00 Policy Objective 2.35 2.00
1.00
0.00 Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Airborne Particulate Index (Bscat 10- Source: EPA Victoria
6 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 1 AIR QUALITY
INDICATOR: Graph 5. Number of days on which the Airborne Particle Index exceeded the SEPP objective of 20km (API value of 2.35) during 2000.
Graph 5 shows the number of days on which the API exceeded the SEPP objective during 8 2000. The ten year goal was to not exceed an 7 API measure of 2.35 for more than three days 6 per year. As 26 exceedances were recorded, this goal was not met, and demonstrates that 5 fine particles are Melbourne’s biggest air 4 quality problem. 3
It can be seen that the majority of exceedances 2 occurred during winter. The still weather 1 conditions of winter (and autumn) trap 0 airborne particles, creating the phenomenon of No. of exceedences (days) Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec winter smog. The greatest contributor to Month increased particle levels is domestic solid fuel heaters that do not have emission reducing Source: EPA Victoria technology, such as old wood heaters and open fireplaces7. INDICATOR: Graph 6. Maximum concentration of To enhance the quality of data collected the particle (PM10) during 2000. EPA Victoria also measures PM10. PM10 result mainly from combustion of engines and wood heaters, as well as from natural sources such as bush fires or wind storms. The SEPP objective for PM10 is 50 micro grams per cubic metre (µg/m3) and the ten year goal is not to 10 exceed more than five days per year. Graph 6 8 shows measures of PM10 particles during 2000, along with this objective. 6 The goal for PM10 is to not exceed the 4 objective of 50 µg/m3 on more than five days per year. This goal was met with only two 2 exceedences in February. 0 Jan Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Month PM10 (micro gram per cubic metre)
Source: EPA Victoria
CASE STUDY
Commuter Inhalation of Hazardous Pollutants While the community may be concerned about emissions of hazardous pollutants from vehicles, they may not be aware of their increased exposure while commuting, particularly by car. Studies carried out by the EPA Victoria have compared the levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the exhaled breath of commuters travelling by different modes of transport. Comparison between car and train travel revealed that exposure to VOCs was generally 4.5 times higher in cars than in trains, with a range from 1.8 to 8.7. Slower traffic speeds and increased road congestion increased the levels of VOCs along these routes, with a corresponding increase in levels inside cars. Comparison between travel by car, tram, bicycle and walking along a busy road into the Melbourne Central Business District revealed that travelling by car or bicycle can expose the commuter to VOC levels up to 2.8 and 2.4 times higher than levels exposed to by walking. Travel by tram can expose commuters to levels up to 1.6 times higher than walking. The higher levels of VOCs for commuters travelling by car and bicycle are most likely a result of the closer proximity to vehicle exhaust emissions. Walkers on the other hand are further away from vehicle exhausts.
References Torre, P., Goudey, R. and Stasiliunas, A. (2000). Investigation of Volatile Organic Compound concentration while commuting to Melbourne’s CBD by car and train. Pp 215-220 in: Clean Air & Environment. Conference Proceedings. November 2000. Torre, P., Bardsley, T.B., Whillans, F.D. and Hughes, J. (1998). Measuring Volatile Organic Compounds during four modes of commuting in Melbourne. Pp 182-187 in: Clean Air & Environment. Conference Proceedings. October 1998.
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 7 1 AIR QUALITY
INDICATOR: Graph 7. Melbourne-Geelong network: number of days on which the 1-hour visibility objective was exceeded: 1983 – 2000.
Reduce council fleet emissions through vehicle substitution or conversion to Liquid Petrolium Gas / Compressed Natural Gas or dual fuel; promote alternative fuels to the 140 community (see also transport section) 120 Melbourne-Geelong Network 1-Hour Visibility exceedence Promote air quality awareness in the 100 (SEPP: ›20 Km equivalent 2.35API) community, including education on pollutants 80 from cars and wood heaters
60 Develop industry alliances to promote cleaner heating options to the community 40 Introduce restrictions to private burning 20 off if not already introduced
No. of exceedences (days) 0 Encourage alternatives to fuel reduction 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 burning on private land (eg slashing) For outer metropolitan councils, promote to Source: EPA Victoria farmers alternatives to stubble burning (eg ploughing)
Graph 7 shows the number of days on which the Individuals 1-hour visibility measure (measurements of Use modes of transport other than cars average visibility over 1 hour periods) did not especially for short trips (eg walking; cycling; meet the objective of 20km visibility from 1983 public transport) (see also transport section) to 2000. Use options other than burning to reduce It can be seen that despite increases in some waste (eg composting; green waste years, the number of exceedences has slowly collection) declined from nearly 120 in 1983 to 20 in 2000. Use alternatives to open fire places (eg dress The overall air quality improvements seen in warmly; block drafts; use gas heating) graphs 3 and 7 are the result of controls placed on industry, motor vehicles and backyard If using wood heaters ensure they burn burning8. While this is good news, continuing cleanly and efficiently: exceedances of SEPP objectives indicate that • Burn dry, seasoned, untreated wood to more steps need to be taken by State and local increase efficiency and reduce smoke- governments and individuals to further reduce forming pollutants air pollutants. • Use small logs to increase efficiency • Burn brightly to minimise emissions of What can councils and unburnt pollutants (wasted fuel that individuals do to minimise forms smoke) emissions of common • If you must burn overnight, keep a flame pollutants? burning to reduce smoke9. Councils Further information Australian Greenhouse Office (2000). Global Develop strategies to reduce use of private Warming: Cool It! A home guide to reducing motor vehicles and congestion on roads, energy costs and greenhouse gases. AGO, including: Canberra. (Note: also highly relevant to the Promote sustainable transport options (eg transport section). walking; cycling; public transport) EPA Victoria website: htt://www.epa.vic.gov.au Improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure thus making street friendlier and safer Encourage car pooling within the municipality Better integrate transport planning at a local level
8 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 2 TRANSPORT
Introduction In Australia the motor vehicle is the dominant form of transport. Our urban design, with freeways and dispersed housing, is both driven by the dominance of the car and further encourages its use1. The environmental and social consequences of a car-dependent society are numerous and significant. Effects include climate change via greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and effects on human health, resource depletion, noise, congestion, urban sprawl, loss of land to roads and parking and associated problems with impervious surfaces (see biodiversity section), and injury and death through accidents. Australia has one of the highest rates of vehicle ownership in the world, with an increase in registered vehicles from about 1 million in 1947/48 to almost 12 million in 19992, and our petrol consumption per person is the second highest amongst global regions3. About 75% of trips in urban areas are made by car, with the average car using 1,920 litres of fuel per year and 4 emitting 4.33 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) . Transport currently accounts for 16.1% of Australia’s greenhouse emissions and emissions from transport are increasing faster than any The Envirometer There have been increases other sector5. in sustainable transport Melbourne’s metropolitan train network is use, although car usage extensive by world standards, radiating from the remains an area of central city on 15 routes. Its tramway network is concern. the fourth largest in the world (and the largest outside Europe), and its fleet of 1,400 buses travel 257 routes. Operation of Melbourne’s metropolitan bus service was privatised in INDICATOR: Table 1. Mode of travel for all trips in metropolitan 1988, followed by Victoria’s train and tram Melbourne 1995 – 1999. service operation in 1999. Overall coordination of transport, transport infrastructure, planning and delivery is carried out by the Department of Infrastructure, together with VicRoads. Currently, Mode of travel 1995 1997 1999 a $1.5 billion State Government program, Linking Victoria, is investigating a number of Not stated 0.3% 0.0% 0.0% public transport projects, including extensions Walking 24.3% 25.7% 24.0% and upgrades6. Bicycle 1.5% 1.2% 1.1% Melbourne’s cyclists (averaging 70,000 people per day) undertake a total of 200,000 bicycle Car driver 42.7% 42.5% 43.7% trips per day. However, only 6 per cent of Car passenger 23.3% 22.4% 23.3% Melbourne’s 1.2 million bicycles are used on Train 2.7% 2.7% 3.0% any one day7. Tram 1.7% 1.9% 1.8% Bus 2.3% 2.3% 2.0% (school and other) Motorcycle 0.1% 0.1% 0.2% Other 1.2% 1.2% 0.9% (includes truck and taxi) Group Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Source: VATS data, provided by the Department of Infrastructure.
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 9 2 TRANSPORT
INDICATOR: Figure 1. Mode of travel to work by zone (inner, middle and outer), 1996. Inner Suburbs Modes of travel Table 1 summaries the Victorian Activity and Travel Survey (VATS) which has been carried out daily since 1994 by the Transport Research Centre, RMIT Train 9% University. The survey of 5000 households per annum covers Other 8% all forms of trips each day in metropolitan Melbourne. Data is analysed by the Transport Car 9% Walked Research Centre and available for purchase. (driver & 61% When driver and passenger figures in table 1 are Bus passenger) 3% combined they show that car usage has remained fairly constant as a proportion of total trips, 10% Tram increasing by only 1% from 66% in 1995 to 67% in 1999. However, the fact remains that car journeys make up at least two thirds of all trips. This is equal to 10 times the number of trips made by public transport combined. Walking makes up the next largest figure of all trips. Middle Suburbs The average rate of 24% has been fairly consistent. There are encouraging signs that public transport (train, tram and bus) is being utilised more across Train metropolitan Melbourne. In 1997, 5.9% of all trips were made on public transport, increasing by 0.8% 10% Other to 6.8% in 1999. Public transport makes up 6 to 5% Walked 6.5% of all trips across the melbourne Metropolitan 3% Bus Car 2% region. It is interesting to note that train travel has (driver & 2% Tram shown a steady increase from 2.4% in 1994 to 3% passenger) 78% in 1999. This contrasts with bus trips which have decreased from 2.3% to 2% and tram travel that has remained relatively constant at 1.9% over the same period. A one percent shift equates to roughly 135,000 trips. Cycling has shown only a slight decrease from 1.5% of all trips to just over 1% between 1994 and 1999. Data on mode of travel to work has been obtained Outer Suburbs from VATS data provided by the Department of Infrastructure. This has been grouped into inner, middle and outer suburbs and is shown in figure 1. Train 6% Other These charts show the increase in car use with 5% Walked increasing distance from Melbourne’s Central 2% Bus Business District. Travel to work by car (as a driver 2%1% Tram or passenger) in the inner municipalities is 61%, and increases to 77% and 84% in the middle and Car 84% outer municipalities, respectively. On the other (driver & passenger) hand, tram journeys were greater in the inner municipalities, reflecting the availability and convenience of this service in these areas. The data demonstrated that planning for pedestrian access can be highly successful, with a high incidence of walking recorded in the suburb of Southbank, reflecting its new residential developments in walking distance to Melbourne’s CBD. Source: VATS data, provided by the Department of Infrastructure.
10 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 2 TRANSPORT
INDICATOR: Table 2. Length of bicycle network per length of road network, Dec 2000.
Bicycles Shared bicycle paths and on-road bicycle lanes Municipality Road length Length bicycle km of bicycle (km) facilities (km) facilities per are being progressively built throughout the 100km of roads metropolitan Melbourne area by local councils, Central region VicRoads, and Parks Victoria. A useful indicator Melbourne 313 62 20 on the progress of the bicycle networks is to Port Phillip 288 43 15 compare the length of bicycle facilities with the Yarra 291 36 12 length of the roads in each local council area Inner region (thus comparing one transport network with Boroondara 690 85 12 another). The indicator of kilometres of bicycle Darebin 610 31 5 facilities per 100 kms of roads allows a Glen Eira 486 17 4 meaningful comparison between municipalities. Maribyrnong 328 17 5 This is shown in table 2 and includes both the Moonee Valley 498 34 7 Moreland 596 50 8 Principal Bicycle Network and Municipal Stonnington 365 43 12 Bicycle Networks . The City of Melbourne has the highest length Middle region of bicycle network in comparison to its road Banyule 612 30 5 Bayside 409 53 13 network (20km per 100km of roads), followed Brimbank 906 88 10 by Port Phillip (15km), Bayside and Hobson’s Dandenong 783 25 3 Bay (13km each) and Boroondara, Stonington Hobsons Bay 497 62 13 and Yarra (12km each). However, when the Kingston 701 45 6 actual bicycle network length is considered, Knox 835 67 8 Manningham 741 44 6 Brimbank and Wyndham have the most Maroondah 531 16 3 infrastructure at 88 and 103 kms respectively. Monash 857 70 8 Municipalities with less bicycle infrastructure Whitehorse 704 50 7 can focus on increasing this, particularly middle and outer municipalities where increased Outer region Cardinia 2910 10 1 connection of bicycle tracks to train stations and Casey 1553 39 2 improved bicycle facilities may encourage train Frankston 751 27 4 travel over car travel. Hume 1381 38 3 Melton 933 50 5 Mornington Peninsula 2531 43 2 Nillumbik 1278 35 3 Whittlesea 1273 34 3 Wyndham 1153 103 9 Yarra Ranges 4915 55 1
(Bicycle facilities include shared paths, bicycle lanes, and wide kerbside lanes).
Source: Bicycle facility lengths: VicRoads (2001)8.
CASE STUDY
City of Melbourne: Pedestrian Information Management System In May 2000, IMIS Integrated Management Information Systems Pty Ltd was commissioned by the City of Melbourne to assess the feasibility of developing a Pedestrian ‘Model’ for Melbourne’s Central Activity District (CAD). The resulting Pedestrian Information Management System (PIMS) comprises three phases. Phases one and two are complete and involved project design, scooping and feasibility. Phase three is a four-staged implementation and review process. Information derived from the Model includes: • pedestrian movements and volumes – on a range of levels; • purpose of pedestrian trip – by market segment; and • density of pedestrian activity. The information will be used strategically to enhance and promote pedestrian facilities and access throughout the CAD. As it is too expensive to count all pedestrians, extrapolated estimates will be used from a variety of data sources. Existing management systems and databases will together form a platform from which data can be extracted.
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 11 2 TRANSPORT
CASE STUDY
City of Manningham Bicycle Strategy The City of Manningham’s draft 2001 Bicycle Strategy includes a five year capital works program to improve the existing bicycle network in terms of topography, trip attractors and road constraints. Anticipated costs are approximately $390,000, with $125 000 capital expenditure in the first year. Building on the 1999 strategy, new elements include design criteria for routes, an internal council management structure (allocating responsibility for project management, path maintenance and funding applications), and education/promotion activities. These activities promote the safety of off road paths, the ease of cycling to major destinations and the many health benefits of cycling for recreation. Other elements of the overall strategy include shared paths in road reserves and on-road paths, and shared paths in open space. The new strategy complements and expands Council’s Open Space Strategy, which identifies the continued development of a network of linear parks to provide recreational opportunities including walking, horse and cycle trails. The Open Space Strategy identifies the Main Yarra Trail as a major trail system accessible to Manningham, and the staged extension and links to Mullum Mullum Creek Trail and Koonung Creek Trail as other opportunities. The accompanying (draft) maps show the existing and proposed bicycle network.
12 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 2 TRANSPORT
Motor vehicles INDICATOR: Table 3. Total fuel consumption and estimated greenhouse gas emissions of passenger vehicles Consumption of fuel is a direct indicator of the in Australia: 1998/99. environmental impacts of cars. Table 3 shows vehicle consumption of different fuel types for
1998/99 together with estimated emissions of CO2. Leaded Unleaded Diesel LPG CNG Consumption of unleaded petrol was significantly petrol petrol greater than for other fuel types during 1998/99. Fuel 2,254 11,708 547 1,576 1.6* Emissions of CO from unleaded petrol are the 2 consumption same as for leaded petrol. Liquefied Petroleum (million litres) Gas (LPG) emits less CO than petrol - about 15% 2 Conversion 2.26 2.26 2.69 1.51 1.75** less10. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a factor relatively new fuel on the market particularly for (kg CO2/litre) passenger vehicles, hence its comparatively low Estimated 5,094,040 26,460,080 1,471,430 2,379,760 2,800 consumption. CNG is predominantly methane – CO2 emissions the same gas that we use in our homes for (tonnes) heating and cooking and produces less CO2 emissions than LPG. LPG and CNG typically emit Total CO2 emissions (tonnes) less than 10% of the fine particulates emitted by 35,408,110 diesel (see also air quality section for particulates), and both fuels emit fewer hydrocarbons and * Litres petrol equivalent (consumption is 62 Terrajoules which is equivalent to oxides of nitrogen than petrol11. 1.6 million litres petrol) ** Per litre petrol equivalent
Source: Fuel consumption figures: adapted from ABS (2000)9; Conversion factors: Greenfleet and International Council for Local Environment Initiatives.
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 13 2 TRANSPORT
What can be done to Provide staff with public transport tickets and increase the sustainable taxi vouchers instead of private vehicles transport options (eg Consider loans for annual public transport tickets, repayable via salary deductions, and walking, cycling and public car parking discounts for staff who car pool transport) and reduce Reduce emissions from the council fleet dependence on cars? through vehicle substitution or conversion to Councils LPG/CNG or dual fuel; promote alternative fuels to the community Develop plans for urban villages in areas that are well-served by public transport and other Consider signing up the fleet to Greenfleet to facilities offset greenhouse gas emissions through tree planting Prepare transport strategies that encompass walking, cycling, public transport and traffic Individuals demand management Use modes of sustainable transport (eg Commit funds each year to extend local walking; cycling; public transport), especially bicycle networks for short trips Produce brochures and maps of the bicycle Encourage family members and friends to join network and promote widely you in sustainable transport options Provide bicycle racks at high use public Incorporate greater use of public transport, destinations (eg public transport stops; bicycle or walking into your daily commuting shopping centres; council facilities) arrangements Provide facilities (showers; lockers; etc) for Join Greenfleet to offset greenhouse gas employees who ride to work emissions through tree planting Sponsor events to encourage bicycle use (eg Ride to Work days) Further information Work with a health organisation (eg Heart Cities for Climate Protection™ Australia – Foundation) to promote walking for both www.iclei.org/ccp-au transportation and health Bicycle Victoria – www.bv.com.au/ Greenfleet – www.greenfleet.com.au
CASE STUDY
Transport Management in the City of Darebin. The City of Darebin is committed to facilitating and promoting sustainable transport options for the benefit of residents and the wider community. Benefits include reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, increased amenity and less congestion, and improved health and safety. In order to take a strategic and holistic approach to managing transport issues within Darebin an Integrated Transport Plan (ITP) for the municipality has been commissioned. This comprehensive study documents current transport trends across the municipality and identifies actions to help curb growth in private car use and promote more sustainable transport options. The ITP has identified the need for specific projects and programs including The Public Transport Integration Study and a Green Travel Plan for Council employees. Both of these are currently underway. Darebin is also involved in a program called ‘TravelSmart, Better Ways to Work’. TravelSmart is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority Victoria (SEAV) in partnership with the Department of Infrastructure, the Department of Human Services and Bicycle Victoria. This program involves working with businesses and organisations within the municipality to improve local accessibility. Businesses benefit from healthier employees, reduced parking problems and improved access for staff and customers. At the same time they are also doing something positive for the environment. Organisations involved in the initial program include La Trobe University, Northern Metropolitan Institute of Technology, Northland Shopping Centre, Olympia Private Repatriation Hospital Northcote High School and the Darebin Enterprise Centre. SEAV staff assist these organisations in identifying employee transport patterns and developing an Access Plan that facilitates and promotes alternatives such as walking, cycling, catching public transport and car sharing. The program has been successfully implemented in the United Kingdom with a 15% reduction in single vehicle use occupancy rates within the first 18 months. The program is being pioneered in Darebin with a view to expansion to other municipalities within the next couple of years. To encourage cycling within the municipality, Darebin liaises with Bicycle Victoria and the Darebin Bicycle Users Group regarding installation of infrastructure including on- and off-road bicycle lanes. The off-road bicycle network includes paths along the Darebin and Merri Creeks and the St Georges Rd bike track with work continuing on tracks in Bundoora Park and Ford Crescent. The marking of on-road bicycle lanes is an ongoing transport management priority.
14 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 3 LITTER
Introduction Litter is often the most visible sign of environment pollution and reduces the aesthetic appeal of beaches, waterways, parks and community spaces. It can attract vermin, cause personal injury from glass or syringe needles, and block drains which causes localised flooding. It can also be hazardous to wildlife, particularly marine animals, which may be strangled or chocked by materials, or affected by toxins released into the water. Costs to reduce and manage litter are significant1. The statutory framework for litter control is provided by the Litter Act 1987. This defines littering offences and penalties, and provides for the issue of Litter Abatement Notices which require measures to prevent litter from escaping into the environment. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA Victoria) is currently reviewing the statutory framework for litter in Victoria. A Litter Reduction Strategy for Victoria, launched by the State Government in September 1995, sets out directions and The Envirometer priority actions for the community, industry, While some areas are improving, others are still state and local government, and cause for concern. non-government organisations to reduce litter2. In April 2000, the Victorian Litter Action Alliance (VLAA), a peak body for litter in Victoria, was formed to coordinate and combine efforts to combat litter. Its membership includes state and local At the local level, EcoRecycle Victoria government agencies and industry, and it uses encourages councils to establish Local Litter Victoria’s Litter Reduction Strategy to guide its Prevention Task Forces. These Task Forces, actions. The VLAA meets quarterly and consisting of local government, business and provides input into and/or sponsorship of community representatives, identify problem projects undertaken by its members3. Recently, litter sites or sources within the municipality the VLAA has developed a business plan that and develop remedial actions. This approach documents the key activities of lead agencies was piloted by Bayside, Brimbank, Knox and for the coming year and beyond – particularly Nillumbik councils in 1996. Over $300,000 has activities requiring inter-agency cooperation – been made available by EcoRecycle since 1999 and includes actions, indicative timelines and for litter prevention activities through the performance indicators4. Task Forces5.
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 15 3 LITTER
INDICATOR: Table 1. Litter by material type: average for surveys conducted Dec 1988, April 1999, June 1999 and Oct 1999.
Waste Metal Misc. Wood Rubber Organic Ceramics Paper Plastic Glass Cig Butts Total Management Region Average number of items per site Eastern 1.78 0.71 0.23 0.27 0.00 0.33 6.52 5.33 0.22 15.82 31.22 (24 sites) Mornington 2.00 0.71 0.38 0.46 0.00 0.00 4.54 6.29 0.25 9.96 24.58 Peninsula (8 sites) Northern 1.90 0.77 0.72 0.30 0.66 0.21 13.68 10.21 1.03 9.13 38.60 (24 sites) South Eastern 0.73 0.49 0.25 0.38 0.07 0.27 5.60 5.93 0.41 7.49 21.61 (24 sites) Western 1.44 0.48 0.33 0.21 0.24 0.07 8.13 8.21 1.20 8.02 28.32 (40 sites) Average 1.57 0.63 0.38 0.32 0.19 0.17 7.69 7.19 0.62 10.08 28.86
Source: Clements (1999)7.
Litter in urban areas Graph 1 shows the average number of litter items for each survey. Up until October 1999 urban litter counts were Since December 1998 (reported on in Bulletin 2) carried out by Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria for there was, on average, a decline in most categories EcoRecycle Victoria. Information was obtained on over the remaining survey period. Most of the amounts and types of litter for a range of site waste management areas reported on here classifications (eg industrial, residential). Bulletin 2 6 recorded a greater number of litter items in the reports on the December 1998 survey . Table 1 December survey than during the other months, shows averaged data from four surveys conducted particularly the Eastern and Mornington Peninsula throughout the year from December 1988 to regions. This suggests that the summer months October 1999. bring out a higher incidence of littering, and that beaches are, particularly affected. Local councils can time and target litter awareness campaigns INDICATOR: Graph 1. Average number of litter items accordingly. by region and survey, Dec 1988 - Oct 1999. Table 2 shows the average number of litter items by material type and site classification.
50 The dominant types of litter were cigarette butts, Oct-99 Jun-99 April-99 Dec-98 Year Average paper and plastic, and the most littered site
40 classification was landfill, followed by schools. Residential sites were the least littered. Again, 30 council litter awareness campaigns can be targeted accordingly, (eg at cigarette smokers or 20 school children). EcoRecycle Victoria is currently reviewing its 10 monitoring system to account not only for litter types and amounts, but why litter is there in the 0 first place. This will draw on the updated survey Average no. of items per site Average methods of the Beverage Industry Environment South
Eastern Council (BIEC) which is incorporating behavioural Eastern Western Northern Pennisula information into its litter surveys with assistance Mornington Region from Community Change – a social and Source: Clements (1999)8. environmental research organisation. When insight
16 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 3 LITTER
INDICATOR: Table 2. Litter by material type for year Dec 98 - Oct 99.
Site Metal Cig. Glass Ceramics Misc. Organic Paper Plastic Rubber Wood Average Classification Butts items per site
Commercial 0.87 16.14 0.31 0.13 0.25 0.07 4.09 2.49 0.28 0.92 25.55 Industrial 1.48 8.44 0.81 0.14 0.80 0.06 8.71 6.05 0.52 0.27 27.28 Landfill 2.78 5.26 0.88 0.88 1.72 0.07 15.52 25.19 0.41 0.95 53.67 Parkland 1.53 8.24 1.03 0.18 0.46 0.18 7.31 6.15 0.26 0.21 25.55 Public Building 0.94 14.53 0.39 0.11 0.27 0.06 3.06 1.83 0.14 0.34 21.69 Residential 0.34 2.06 0.17 0.04 0.19 0.20 3.00 1.42 0.12 0.04 7.56 School 0.81 10.97 0.79 0.09 0.63 0.42 9.56 7.37 0.18 0.22 31.04 Waterfront 1.20 7.90 0.42 0.05 0.36 0.40 3.65 6.44 0.16 0.11 20.68 Average 1.25 9.19 0.60 0.20 0.58 0.18 6.86 7.12 0.26 0.38 26.63 items per site
into people’s littering behaviour is obtained, visual litter assessments at sites along a number EcoRecycle Victoria will be able to advise councils of metropolitan waterways (see Bulletin 2) are no on bin placement most likely to reduce litter. It is longer being updated. Instead, Melbourne Water anticipated that a subsequent Bulletin will report is commencing visual litter assessments along on BEIC’s findings. 1km stream reaches in subcatchments throughout the metropolitan region. These are Litter in waterways now being incorporated into a thorough, Most of the litter in Port Phillip Bay is transported integrated assessment of Melbourne’s there through the stormwater system. Each year, waterways. This assessment, which includes 1 to 3 billion pieces of litter (approximately 2,000 water quality monitoring (water quality will be – 3,000 tonnes) are washed into Melbourne’s updated in next year’s Bulletin), commenced in waterways through stormwater drains. This 1999 and is based on the Index of Stream equates to approximately one item of litter per Condition (ISC) methodology. Used throughout person per day. Much of this comes from the state, the ISC enables a comparison of suburban streets and is mostly generated by pedestrians, motorists and construction project9. Figure 1: Composition of litter by mass: Coburg 1997. Figure 1 shows the percentages of litter by type found through a study conducted in Coburg by the Co-operative Research Centre for Catchment Other - (2.8%) cloth, glass, syringes Hydrology in 1997. This shows paper and plastic and undentifiable objects to be the dominant litter types in waterways. Metals - All metropolitan councils, in partnership with (7.9%) foil, cans Melbourne Water and the EPA Victoria, are Consumer Plastic - installing litter traps to improve stormwater (29.1%) from pedestrians, motorists or residents quality. Sites for trap placement are identified (eg. food & drink through council Stormwater Management Plans, containers, shopping bags). with commercial areas in particular being of high priority. This work is part of the Victorian Paper- Stormwater Action Program. Administered by (50.3%) eg. Cigarette Items - newspapers, bus (3.4%) cigarette the EPA Victoria, this program is receiving tickets, food & butts, packets drink containers and wrappers government funding of $22.5 million over three years to implement litter control measures in the Commercial Plastic - (6.5%) from business activity Melbourne region11. (eg. packing polystyrene, wrapping straps). Previous litter counts carried out by Melbourne
Water at two sites on the Yarra River, as well as Source: Co-operative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology (1997)10.
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 17 3 LITTER
INDICATOR: Table 3. Visual litter assessment of Melbourne waterways: May/June 2000.
Municipality Catchment Waterway Predominant Litter Rating Litter Type Boroondara/Banyule Yarra River Chandler Hwy Plastic 1 to Kew Main Drain Brimbank Laverton Cherry Drain Foam 2 u/s Taras Rd Brimbank Maribyrnong River Maribyrnong River Plastic bottles 2 Brimbank Kororoit Creek Jones Creek Metal 1 Hobson Bay Laverton Creek Laverton Main Drain Plastic 2 Hobson Bay Laverton Creek Cherry Drain Tributary Glass 3 Hume/Brimbank Maribyrnong River Arundel Creek u/s 1 Maribyrnong River Manningham/Nillumbik Yarra River Andersons Creek to Plastic 1 Pigeon Gully Manningham/Banyule Yarra River Banksia St to Plastic 1 Banyule Drain Manningham/Nillumbik Yarra River Ruffey Creek to Plastic 1 Diamond Creek Maribyrnong/ Maribyrnong River Maribyrnong River Miscellaneous 1 Moonee Valley Steele Creek confluence to Canning St Melbourne City/ Maribyrnong River Maribyrnong River Plastic bags 2 Maribyrnong Yarra River to McCauley Bridge Melton/Brimbank Kororoit Creek Billingham Rd Drain Plastic 1 Melton Kororoit Creek Kororoit Creek Tributary Plastic; styrene 2 Moonee Valley/ Maribyrnong River Maribyrnong River Miscellaneous 1 Maribyrnong Raleigh Rd to Steele Creek confluence Moonee Valley/ Maribyrnong River Maribyrnong River Plastic bags 2 Maribyrnong McCauley Rd to Raleigh Rd Nillumbik/Manningham Yarra River Mullum Mullum Creek Plastic 1 to Alexandra Rd Nillumbik Yarra River Watsons Creek to Cans 1 5608 Yarra Tributary Wyndham/Melton Skeleton Creek Tributary of Skeleton Plastic bottles; drums 2 Creek - Skeleton Creek to Boundary Rd site Wyndham Skeleton Creek Skeleton 4 Miscellaneous 1 Wyndham Skeleton Creek Skeleton Princess Hwy Plastic; cans to Morris Rd Yarra Ranges Yarra River Dee River (Milgrove) Cans 2 to Ythan Creek Yarra Ranges Yarra River Lowes Rd Cans; glass 1 (Yarra Junction) to Platts Creek
Yarra Ranges Yarra River Olinda Creek Plastic; cans 1 (Spadonsi res) to Watts River
Key to Ratings: Source: Melbourne Water. 1 – Nil (none or very little litter to be seen; less than 10 objects per 10 metres). 2 – Minor (a scattering of litter along the bank; between 10 - 50 objects per 10 metres). 3 – Moderate (small accumulations of litter in areas; between 51 - 100 objects per 10 metres). 4 – Significant (a lot of litter visible along the whole length of the embankment; between 101 -1000 objects per 10 metres). 5 – Extreme (a carpet of litter along the whole length of the embankment; more than 1000 objects per 10 metres).
18 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 3 LITTER
INDICATOR: Table 4. Litter counts at Melbourne beaches: average number of items per site for the summer periods 1998/99 and 2000/2001.
Melbourne’s waterways with other Victorian waterways. The integrated assessment is part of Beach and Municipality 1998/99 2000/2001 Melbourne Water’s Healthy Waterways Program, Mt Martha 26.0 19.4 to which Melbourne Water contributes (Mornington Peninsula) approximately $11 million annually12. Rye (Mornington Peninsula) 54.8 36.4 Table 3 shows visual litter assessment ratings and predominant litter types for a selection of stream Seaford (Kingston) 75.0 36.4 sites in the first five subcatchments surveyed so St Kilda (Port Phillip) 77.5 97.2 far. At each site (74 in total), surveyors used Williamstown (Hobson’s Bay) 90.5 62.0 photographs with which to compare the site and assign it a ranking for litter quantity. A brief written Source: EPA Victoria. description was provided with each photograph to aid ranking, and sites falling between values were assigned the lower value. The dominant litter type found in Melbourne’s waterways is plastic. Generally, streams are rated at 1 or 2, that is, between nil to 50 litter objects per 10 metres. However, while these ratings appear low, a litter item may be an entire car body, so some reservation is required when interpreting the ratings. In addition to this assessment, some general visual litter assessments have been made during ISC data collection field trips. These assessments and major waterway issues are discussed in ISC reports. Litter was identified as one of the priority issues for streams, with other priority issues INDICATOR: Table 5. Litter by material type at Melbourne beaches: including weed infestation, lack of vegetation, bank average number of litter items per survey: 2000/2001 instability and adjacent land use (see biodiversity section of this Bulletin for related discussion). Litter was found to accumulate in lower reaches near the outfall to Port Phillip Bay, and in middle reaches to Material Mt Rye Seaford St KildaWilliams Total Percent accumulate on banks and be caught in tree type Martha town of total branches as flood debris. As well as being litter deposited by floodwaters, litter was found dumped Cigarette 0.3 25.5 21.7 50.6 38.6 136.7 57% Butts along banks, sometimes having been burnt, and to also be reaching streams from nearby, poorly Plastic 3.5 6.0 13.5 14.6 8.4 46 19% managed, construction activity. Paper 2.8 6.6 4.2 8.4 6.3 28.3 12% Wood 0.8 0.3 0.9 0.4 3.3 5.7 2% Litter on beaches Metal 0.3 1.1 1.2 2.1 0.9 5.6 2% For the third continuous year, EPA Victoria Glass 0.3 0.2 0.1 1.1 0 1.7 1% commissioned an investigation of the litter Misc 0.5 0.9 1.3 1.7 1.1 5.5 2% stream at popular Port Phillip Bay beaches as part of its Beach Report program. Ten surveys Rubber 0.4 0 0.4 0.4 0.5 1.7 1% were conducted at 12 beaches including Eastern Organic 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.2 0.4 1.9 1% Beach, Rye, Mt Martha, Seaford, St Kilda, Total 14.4 41.1 43.7 79.5 59.5 238.2 100% Williamstown, Port Melbourne, Sandringham, Mordialloc, Sorrento, Queenscliff and Werribee *1999 21.3 46.5 63.5 60.5 74.5 266.3 South. Each survey included number, type and totals composition of litter items at site of 48m2. For Percentage difference 2000/2001 vs 1998/1999 – 89% ease of comparison with the 1999 data (see Improvement – 11% Bulletin 2), we only include data here for the six beaches reported on in that Bulletin. *As in Bulletin 2, p.17. Source: EPA Victoria.
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 19 3 LITTER
Table 4 shows average litter counts for the six smokers; use planning permit conditions to selected beaches for the summer periods 1998/99 provide for these in new developments and 2000/2001. These figures were calculated Consider a ‘no bins’ policy, whereby bins are from data gathered during summer surveys only. removed from areas such as local parks and Table 5 shows litter by material type at the six users are encouraged to take their litter home selected beaches. This includes data gathered with them from summer and autumn surveys. Locate recycling bins in tandem with litter bins Compared with the 1998/99 summer survey data, (train stations would be a particularly good litter counts for these beaches, apart from St target to capture discarded daily newspapers) Kilda beach, have gone down considerably, and and provide recycling facilities at special summer and autumn counts show an 11% community events improvement overall. As with urban litter, beach Ensure that receptacles used in kerbside litter is mostly comprised of cigarette butts (57%), recycling programs are durable and retain the followed by plastic (19%) and paper (12%). These material until collection proportions have changed little from those Promote community participation in litter recorded in Bulletin 2. campaigns such as Clean Up Australia Day What can be done to Apply for funding under the Commonwealth’s reduce litter? Clean Seas program for initiatives to reduce litter in waterways and drains Councils Individuals Develop a detailed litter strategy and/or stormwater management plan (see also Ensure your litter is properly secured in bins biodiversity section) which includes community Consider taking litter home with you to bin it education and an investigation of litter removal securely techniques and practices within council Become involved in litter campaigns such as Establish a Local Litter Prevention Task Force13 Clean Up Australia Day Consider financial incentives to encourage Become involved in a Local Litter Prevention local businesses to fit ‘butt out’ containers and Task Force (contact your local council) signage outside their premises for cigarette
CASE STUDY
Radio Tracking Litter in the Plenty River Around April 1998 Banyule City Council was receiving numerous complaints about large amounts of litter in the Plenty River, Greensborough. In response, Council, Melbourne Water and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, commenced a radio-tracking study of soft drink bottles in the river. This involved releasing 11 x 600 ml bottles at three sites in the Plenty River near Greensborough and at Lower Plenty. The bottles, released in April 1998, were tagged with radio transmitters. Their locations were monitored on ten occasions until they were retrieved in March 1999. All bottles tracked had moved only a small distance downstream during the survey. Flows during this time were very low, although an intense storm in early March resulted in water levels of the Plenty River downstream of Greensborough rising 1.5 m within 1.5 hours. Four bottles released near the Greensborough Bypass had moved less than one kilometre downstream. The furthest travelled was collected just upstream of Partingtons Flat. Of the four released near Main Rd, Greensborough, two disappeared while the remaining two were recovered near the Para Road Bridge and Willinda Park. Three bottles released at Lower Plenty Road were transported a short distance downstream near Martins Lane, View Bank. Bottles were collected from eddies, often amongst reeds, or found caught in vegetation (silver wattles, willows and wandering dew). They were always found with a large collection of accumulated litter. This study has shown that litter in the Plenty River will remain there for a long time, maybe years, before being transported downstream. The large amounts of litter seen in this river around Greensborough and Lower Plenty appear to be coming from local drains. Litter can be controlled in the Plenty River area by installing litter collection devices on stormwater drains, actively removing litter from the river (may be as part of Clean Up Australia Day or another community based activity), and most importantly, by discouraging littering. While removal of willows would help flush litter further downstream, this would be transferring, rather than addressing, the problem. Information provided by V. Pettigrove and J. McKenzie.
20 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 4 COUNCIL PRIORITY & COMMUNITY CONCERNS Introduction Local councils are in a prime position to assess global environmental issues and concerns and address these at the local level through action and education. Councils must also respond to the environmental concerns of their local community. Community concerns The top five environmental concerns of Australians was not updated in the 2001 Australian yearbook. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) collects data annually on local government expenditure on various environmental sectors. These expenditure figures can be used as one indicative guide to Council priorities but should be interpreted within the context of legislative responsibilities and local environmental conditions. The 1997-98 ABS survey results showed that overall local government expenditure on the The Envirometer environment is estimated to be equivalent to There is scope for local 44% of local government current outlays and councils to shape 21% of capital outlays. Clearly environmental environmental polices to management responsibilities are a core business more closely match the of local government. concerns of the community. The ABS data presented in table 1 shows Australia wide local government expenditure and revenue in the environmental categories listed. INDICATOR: Table 1. Local government environmental In all categories, expenditure exceeds revenue. expenditure and revenue: 1998/99. Waste water management includes sewerage systems and treatment works as well as storm water drains and measures to prevent discharge Environmental Expenditure Revenue Revenue as of waste and pollution to waterways. It is the category ($m) ($m) proportion of highest expenditure overall. Solid waste and expenditure (%) biodiversity are the next highest areas of expenditure with biodiversity having a lower Waste water 965.2 825.6 85.5 percentage return via revenue. Solid waste 881.2 840.4 95.4 It is important to note in interpreting this table Biodiversity 106.4 43.6 41.0 that the categories in which the ABS collect data and landscape do not always closely match councils’ budget categories or environmental projects. For Soil and ground 48.3 5.2 10.8 example, the ABS survey lists air and climate water protection as one component of ‘other environmental protection’ and the examples Air and climate 3.7 0.1 2.7 listed for this category are ‘the purchase, Cultural heritage 19.7 18.4 93.4 cleaning or maintenance of equipment/filters to reduce or eliminate emissions to air’. Councils Other 101.7 79.9 78.6 are dedicating significant resources to air and Total 2,126.1 1,813.2 85.3 climate protection through energy management and transport management programs as well as Source: ABS (2001)1. through specialised co-ordinated programs such as Cities for Climate Protection. Expenditure on these programs are not likely to be reflected under the ABS expenditure category.
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 21 4 COUNCIL PRIORITY & COMMUNITY CONCERNS
The Yarra City Council provides a local snapshot of What can be done to local government spending. Yarra has spent about improve the response to $50,000 on stages 1 and 2 of its natural heritage strategy over the last two years (see biodiversity environmental issues section), and plans to spend $80,000 specifically on of concern? implementation of measures identified in its Councils adopted environment strategy. In addition, Yarra Ensure that environmental objectives which Council’s future operational spending on address issues of concern are incorporated in mundane environment services (eg open space the Corporate Plan and the Municipal management; waste minimisation and recycling; Strategic Statement road and streetscape improvements) will be Implement programs that address approximately $26 million or 37% of the total environmental issues/concerns at the local $71.3 million Council operating expenditure for level and that educate the community about these issues and remedial actions 2001/02. This includes plans to spend about $18 Develop a long term strategic program for million on capital works projects. involving the community in addressing environmental issues and achieving sustainable Council priorities development eg. Local Agenda 21 plan Bulletin 2 indicated three priority environmental Ensure that adequate resources are devoted issues for 24 councils (p.24), to plan and implement environment and listed councils that have developed policies, programs plans or strategies relevant to particular environmental issues (p.28)2. In a revision of the Take action to improve councils own approach used, it was decided that a more environmental performance and assist local detailed assessment of local government businesses and residents to follow suit policies (eg. significant policy milestones and expected completion dates of these milestones) Individuals would give a more accurate measure of council Contact your local council about priorities and commitment to these priorities environmental issues that concern you to through implementation of policies. ensure your voice is heard and is Such information about environmental priorities responded to and active commitment to these will provide a Get involved with local Friends or base against which future policy or particular environment groups and council organised milestone achievements can be monitored, thus activities. gauging any increase in environmental activity. Any shifts in priorities can also be monitored. It is anticipated that community involvement in directing council policy (thus reflecting community concerns) will be indicated in these surveys (eg. through a Local Agenda 21 plan). However, additional ways of gathering information on community concerns at a local level may need to be investigated.
CASE STUDY
City of Port Phillip – Community Consultation The City of Port Phillip is an inner urban municipality whose environmental issues range from transport and stormwater quality to greenhouse and air quality. Port Phillip is committed to involving the community and seeking input into Council's environmental decision-making, hence, conducts an annual community satisfaction survey that provides Council with baseline data on the communities environmental concerns. In 2000 the priority environmental concerns of the community were air pollution (54%), greenhouse effect and global warming (38%) and marine pollution (31%). These priorities form part of the monthly meetings held with Port Phillip's community based Sustainable Environment Advisory Committee (SEAC). Three years ago Port Phillip established SEAC to advise council on environmental issues and policies such as Council's Greenhouse Local Action Plan and to monitor and review the Sustainable Environment Strategy. Port Phillip works with the community to prioritise environmental issues to strategically plan for new projects and programs to address community environmental concerns. In 1999 Port Phillip established the EcoCentre, which has provided both a focus and physical site for Council to promote leadership, advice, education and services on environmental issues. A community-Council partnership model, the EcoCentre recognises that in order to achieve Council's policy initiatives it is vital to harness the commitment of local residents and businesses. Success depends upon all of the community working together under the EcoCentre's slogan 'Local Action Global Future'.
22 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 BIODIVERSITY5
Introduction Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms including plants, animals and microorganisms along with their genes and the ecosystems of which they are a part. In addition to its intrinsic value, biodiversity is essential for the survival of humanity and helps keep the environment in balance. It provides the basis for our life, including food, medicine and ecological services (eg. water purification, breakdown of pollutants), while natural places and habitats can hold immense cultural and spiritual value. Australia is rich in biodiversity, being one of only 12 nations that contain 60 to 70% of all known species. It also contains a particularly large number of species that occur nowhere else1. However, our plants, animals and ecosystems are rapidly being lost through the The Envirometer Awareness of biodiversity is improving due to increased data clearing or alteration of natural habitats, and but a lot more needs to be done to manage it.
INDICATOR: Graph 1. Number of native and introduced bird species recorded in metropolitan Melbourne, 1991 – 2001.
250 Native spp 2001 Native spp 1999 Introduced spp 2001 Introduced spp 1999 200
150
100
50
0 Knox Yarra Hume Casey Melton Darebin Bayside Monash Banyule Cardinia Kingston Nilumbik Glen Eira Moreland Brimbank Frankston Wyndham Whittlesea Melbourne Port Phillip Whitehorse Maroondah Mornington Boroondara Stonnington Maribyrnong Yarra Ranges Yarra Manningham Hobsons' Bay Moonee Valley Gtr Dandenong Source: Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, 2001.
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 23 5 BIODIVERSITY
through predation or habitat invasion by can be seen that counts of native species have introduced animals and plants. increased since the previous Bulletin as a result of In urban areas such as Melbourne, patches of the intensive Bird Atlas survey. This demonstrates natural or revegetated habitats can provide that we often do not know all of the species that wildlife habitat, an emotional refuge for people, may be present in a given place, and only discover and a place where people can interact with more as our survey effort increases. This applies nature. Remarkably, some of Australia’s most not just to birds in metropolitan Melbourne, but to threatened organisms still survive in remnant species all over the globe. As such, when habitat is vegetation patches within several kilometres of cleared or degraded, it is often unknown what plant Melbourne’s Central Business District2. or animal species we may be losing. The increase in native species counts in some of Birds the inner and middle municipalities suggests that Birds can be a useful indicator of biodiversity although they are recorded in these areas, they because they are relatively easy to see, identify and may not be present in particularly high numbers, as monitor. A greater number of native bird species they were only found with increased survey effort. often indicates a greater diversity of habitats, plants Overall, 91% of species recorded were native and and other animals. Bulletin 2 reported on the of these, between 14 to 44 species are dependent number of native and introduced bird species in on tree hollows5. This highlights the importance 3 metropolitan Melbourne . These counts have since of preserving mature trees within municipalities. increased considerably for many municipalities in Introduced species counts ranged from 9 to 15 the region, mainly as the result of a second Bird (averaging 12), with the Common Starling Atlas count (an Australia-wide community bird recorded in every municipality. Introduced count) which was coordinated by Birds Australia species such as this can threaten biodiversity by 4 during 2000/01 . Graph 1 shows the original counts competing with native species for food or of native and introduced bird species presented in habitat6. The count for species with conservation the 1999 Bulletin, together with updated counts status (eg endangered; vulnerable; rare) from data obtained during the last two years. increased across most municipalities. This is As discussed in Bulletin 2, this data needs to be highlighted by Wyndham, again recording the interpreted with caution as records are obtained highest number at 37 (previous count 26), and opportunistically and not by systematic survey. It Bayside with its count doubling from 4 to 8.
CASE STUDY
Knox Wildlife Atlas – Native Wildlife Information and Monitoring Knox City Council is establishing an electronic database to record resident and transient native wildlife. The Atlas will collect information in the same categories as the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, maintained by the Victorian Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE). Formatting the Atlas this way will allow the City of Knox to forward significant wildlife records to DNRE on a quarterly or bi-annual basis, and contribute to the state’s wildlife records. The need for a Wildlife Atlas was identified because of the current gap in wildlife knowledge in Knox. Although studies are being conducted to collect wildlife data, and past records are available from the Victorian Atlas, establishing a database that consolidates records will provide valuable information for bushland and roadside reserve management, and biodiversity monitoring. People will be encouraged to submit wildlife records to Council on data sheets available from council offices.
24 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 5 BIODIVERSITY
INDICATOR: Graph 2. Diversity of sensitive stream macroinvertebrates (mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies) and imperviousness of surrounding land surface. Stream macroinvertebrates
Freshwater streams are an important source of 10 biodiversity. On a global scale, the biodiversity in freshwater systems is more threatened than Eastern Hinterland that on land, with 20% of freshwater species 8 Western Hinterland being extinct, threatened or endangered7. Some Eastern Metropolitan of the major causes of this are physical 6 Western Metropolitan alteration of streams, habitat loss or degradation, pollution and invasion by 4 introduced species.
The diversity of macroinvertebrates that live in 2 streams is often used as an indicator of the level of stream ’health’. Macroinvertebrates are small 0
animals without backbones large enough to be No. of species per 100 individuals 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 seen with the naked eye. Of course Proportion of catchment impervious macroinvertebrates are also an element of biodiversity in their own right. Stream Source: Adapted from Walsh et al. (2001)10 macroinvertebrates were reported on in Bulletin 3 as one of a few indicators of water quality8. Here, we include them as representatives of biodiversity to demonstrate that biodiversity exists in many forms and in many habitat types, and that degradation of all such habitats is and intensity of floods and the amounts of diminishing biodiversity. pollutants being carried by the floods. Pollution, like land clearing, is a form of habitat The Cooperative Research Centre for Freshwater degradation. When pollution enters streams, Ecology (CRCFE) has assessed macroinvertebrates may be unable to survive, macroinvertebrates in small streams throughout either from the pollution, or disappearance of food the Melbourne region, and found a relationship sources. A direct way for pollutants to enter between macroinvertebrate species and level of streams is through the stormwater drainage imperviousness of the surrounding land9. Graph system (see also litter section, this Bulletin). 2 shows the occurrence of three sensitive Metropolitan Melbourne’s stormwater system is macroinvertebrate groups and percentage of highly efficient, with drains and pipes directing land surface that is impervious. water from hard (impervious) surfaces to receiving It can be seen that numbers of streams. These systems increase the frequency macroinvertebrate species decrease as the
CASE STUDY
Community Information on Indigenous Vegetation Banyule City Council has mapped and produced a poster of existing and pre European vegetation sub-communities throughout the municipality. The reverse side lists indigenous plant species associated with each sub-community, and that are important habitat species. A second poster provides colour illustrations to assist identification as well as information on the value of indigenous plants, while a companion booklet, ‘Indigenous Plants For Your Garden’, contains plant and growth habit descriptions and information on planting requirements. This user-friendly package is distributed to the community (schools are particularly interested) and strongly targets development applicants as this is a key opportunity to protect existing vegetation and further plant indigenous vegetation.
The City of Whittlesea has issued a grant to support publication of ‘Merriang Plants for Landcare’, a booklet to raise community awareness and knowledge of local plants. Jointly produced by the Merri Creek Management Committee and Merriang District Landcare Group, it features 20 common indigenous plants selected for their landcare uses (eg soil stabilisation; wildlife), and ease of identification and propagation. Information includes plant identification, seed collection, propagation and planting. Compiled in response to a lack of information on, and planting of, indigenous plants in the region, it aims to reach those who may be unaware of the value of indigenous plants and whose land use activities impact on local biodiversity. Council has also produced a list of ‘Indigenous Plants Suitable for use in Planting in the City of Whittlesea’, which links plants to common vegetation communities. This has been published in the ‘City of Whittlesea Local Conservation Strategy 2001 (summary)’ and distributed to interested residents and planning applicants.
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 25 5 BIODIVERSITY
percentage of catchment imperviousness Vegetation increases. It can also be seen that in One of the most important ways to preserve metropolitan streams, where stormwater Australia’s biodiversity is to preserve and carefully systems are most intensive, all streams have manage remnant patches of native vegetation. In very few species regardless of how impervious urban areas, clearing of native vegetation patches their catchments are. for urban growth poses a major threat to New stormwater management practices such as biodiversity. Increasing fragmentation of patches ‘water sensitive urban design’ or water quality leads to reduced resilience to perturbations such as treatment pond11 which reduce the connection weed invasion and other disturbance. between hard surfaces and receiving streams, The Port Phillip and Westernport region is one of can reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff and the most biologically diverse in Victoria. About help to maintain a diversity of 29% of its indigenous (locally occurring) vegetation macroinvertebrates in waters downstream. remains. However, much of the remaining Reducing the amount of hard, paved surfaces vegetation is in the forest areas of the Upper Yarra can also reduce the pressures on existing and Werribee catchments, with lowland, coastal stormwater infrastructure. and riparian vegetation extensively cleared12.
INDICATOR: Map 1. Future growth areas.
Source: Draft Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan.
26 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 5 BIODIVERSITY
INDICATOR: Map 2. Regional corridors.
Source: Draft Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan.
The Draft Port Phillip and Westernport Native NRE to investigate opportunities to purchase, Vegetation Plan13 has been developed to protect or reserve high quality remnants in those coordinate native vegetation conservation in the municipalities with projected growth. Developers Port Phillip and Westernport region. It is part of can also work with councils to maximise the implementation of Victoria’s Biodiversity vegetation protection, and perhaps integrate the Strategy. The maps presented here are taken natural landscape into developments and use as a from this Plan which is in the process of being marketing feature. updated and finalised. The protection or establishment of vegetation to It is helpful for vegetation conservation planning to form links, or corridors, between patches of know what the likely future urban growth areas vegetation may assist the movement of wildlife are. Map 1 shows the most likely development around the landscape, including dispersal of pattern of residential land over the next 10 years juveniles, as well as the spread of plant genetic as identified in municipal planning schemes, material over time. This can reduce the probability together with the current urban area and existing of genetic isolation which can lead to local vegetation. Those spaces between existing and extinction. Corridors can be continuous strips of proposed growth areas (shown as white) are habitat, or a series of patches close enough to known as ‘green wedges’, such as the central Yarra allow movement of wildlife such as birds, insects valley between Lillydale and Heidelberg. Some of or gliders. They are also habitat in their own right. these non-urban areas contain significant open Map 2, based on Parks Victoria’s open space plan, space, biodiversity and recreational values. Others shows the potential location for wildlife corridor contain valuable agricultural and mineral establishment in the region. The best opportunities resources. This map can assist local councils and for corridors are along riparian zones, providing
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 27 5 BIODIVERSITY
added benefits of buffering streams from What can be done to pollutants eg, the Merri Creek valley. Corridors increase biodiversity? also cross the landscape to link large areas of vegetation already reserved. They are located on Efforts to conserve and enhance biodiversity are public and private land. This map can assist being undertaken at different levels. On a global councils in developing local corridor plans. level, Australia is a signatory to a number or Although outer and middle councils are best relevant agreements, including the Ramsar placed to create corridors, particularly where treaty discussed in this section. Another is the vegetation is still intact, inner councils can also United Nations Convention on Biological find opportunities through enhancing vegetation Diversity, in which the majority of world leaders remnants and creeklines. set out commitments for the conservation, use and sharing of biodiversity around the globe15. Wetlands At the national level, there are also strategies An important habitat type for biodiversity is and agreements (eg. the National Strategy for wetlands – so important that an international the Conservation of Australia’s Biological treaty for wetland conservation was adopted in Diversity), which incorporate plans or actions to Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. Known as the Convention conserve and manage biodiversity. Initiatives on Wetlands, or Ramsar Convention, this is the and programs at the Commonwealth or only global environmental treaty that deals with State/Territory levels involve biodiversity a particular ecosystem. It promotes conservation research, identification, management, and wise use of wetlands to provide habitat for rehabilitation and education, as well as waterbirds and other aquatic fauna and flora weed/pest control. They also include legislation. through national action and international In Victoria, the State Government undertakes cooperation. Wetlands must meet specific biodiversity conservation through the Flora and criteria to be internationally recognised as Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. This legislation is 14 Ramsar sites . administered by the Department of Natural The Port Phillip and Westernport region contains Resources and Environment and addresses two Ramsar areas, which are shown on map 3 biodiversity issues on both public and private (p. 30). These sites and the surrounding native land16. The documents: Victoria’s Biodiversity vegetation are important not only for wetland –Sustaining Our Living Wealth and –Directions in birds (including migratory species that we share Management outline biodiversity conservation with other continents), but also for many other actions and management approaches17. elements of biodiversity. As well as these sites, it Local government policies, programs and must be kept in mind that all wetlands are initiatives for biodiversity conservation are as important for biodiversity. diverse as local councils themselves and can include local land management, provision of information to the community or development controls (eg. see accompanying case studies). A
CASE STUDY
The Yarra Natural Heritage Strategy The Yarra City Council area contains one of Melbourne’s last remaining areas of natural heritage within close proximity of Melbourne’s CBD, and includes many significant native flora and fauna species. Yarra Council decided in late 1999 that it needed an improved understanding of its native heritage in order to better manage & protect what remains of this asset. The resultant Yarra Natural Heritage Strategy project aims to inform the City’s planning and development process, be a reference document for the Yarra Municipal Strategic Statement, and provide researchers, policy makers and students with a valuable resource document. The project investigates and reports on the current significance and condition of Yarra’s flora (vascular and non-vascular plants), fauna (birds, reptiles, mammals and insects), geology and geomorphology. It is broken down into three stages. Stage one, a desktop study of archival resources, determined the extent, condition and significance of ecological communities, remnant flora, fauna, geology and geomorphology. This was completed in 2000. Stage 2, involving field studies to confirm the data in stage 1 has recently been completed. Species lists of significant flora and fauna were prepared, as well as ‘sites of significance’ maps for ecological communities, flora, fauna, geology and geomorphology. Stage 3, planning scheme protection of significant areas, is scheduled for completion in early 2002. This will also detail further actions to enhance and protect remaining natural heritage assets (eg weed eradication and support for community revegetation). For further information see www.yarracity.vic.gov.au.
28 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 5 BIODIVERSITY
framework for biodiversity conservation at the participate in bird surveys and the formation local level is outlined in the National Local of Friends groups Government Biodiversity Strategy. Develop a significant tree register In addition, there are countless community Increase local awareness of biodiversity, the group and private sector initiatives which importance of habitat diversity, and the threats address biodiversity conservation, as well as posed by introduced plants and animals research and programs undertaken by academic Support the Earth Alive biodiversity month institutions (eg. the stream macroinvertebrate (September each year)19. research described in this section). Require developers to provide: a) a habitat Specific actions that can be undertaken by local and landscape value assessment of native councils and individuals include: vegetation proposed to be removed, and b) Councils mitigation measures to ensure no net loss of native vegetation Use indigenous trees and shrubs in planting programs and encourage residents to do the Consider local variations to the Good Design same in private gardens Guide (for medium density housing) to address tree planting in new developments Establish or extend wildlife corridors and link open space; develop a ‘greening’ strategy Adopt an environmentally responsible purchasing policy. Include measures to protect and extend habitat in strategic plans, planning schemes and local Individuals policies; use environmental significance Plant indigenous trees and shrubs in your overlays in local planning schemes to protect garden and enhance important areas Wash your car on the nature strip or front Carry out or facilitate remediation works lawn to filter pollutants that may enter along waterways stormwater drains Develop a program to address stormwater Become involved in Earth Alive biodiversity drainage imperviousness18; educate the month (September each year)20, or other community about where stormwater goes activities Implement programs to control introduced Join a local revegetation or biodiversity animals and plants and protect native species monitoring group (contact your local council Encourage responsible pet ownership, to for information) minimise threats to native animals Keep your cat/dog inside at night to minimise Carry out flora and fauna studies to establish the threat to native birds and other animals what exists in the municipality Assist local organisations and educational Further Information institutions to measure and monitor Barrett, G. (2000). Birds on Farms. Ecological biodiversity; encourage residents to Management for Agricultural Sustainability. Birds Australia. Supplement to Wingspan, 10 (4).
CASE STUDY
City of Manningham – Biodiversity Initiatives Program The City of Manningham contains areas of State and regional significance with rare and threatened species, and areas of local botanical zoological interest. In partnership with the community, Manningham established a Biodiversity Initiatives Program in 1995 to increase awareness of the natural environment and encourage residents to make a difference. Over 2000 residents have been involved in ongoing control of pest plants and animals, and over 100 people per year have received financial assistance to protect biodiversity on their properties. The project’s innovation comes through recognising the social issues of private land management. Frequently, attempts to control pest plants and animals are hampered when adjoining properties are not engaged in similar activities. The solution here was to unite the community. With assistance from Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, residents formed small working groups through which pest plant and animal control and revegetation was co-ordinated. Resources were pooled for maximum effect. The results have not only been positive for the environment, but people have got to know their neighbours. Residents are also saving money by attending seminars and courses on planning environmental works. Recently, Council agreed to allocate $120,000 ($80,000 more than last year) annually to extend biodiversity protection to urban areas.
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 29 5 BIODIVERSITY
INDICATOR: Map 3. Vegetation important to wetlands protected under the Ramsar Convention.
Source: Draft Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan.
CASE STUDY
Biodiversity Protection – City of Darebin The City of Darebin has a number of projects and strategies that protect biodiversity within the municipality including native vegetation protection and regeneration; a domestic animal management strategy; a stormwater management plan and innovative planning controls to protect remnant vegetation under threat from housing developments. In addition, the City seeks to protect biodiversity beyond its municipal boundaries through responsible environmental purchasing. Darebin’s Environmental Purchasing Code identifies ‘Zero Habitat Destruction’ (and therefore zero species extinction) as one of its guiding principles and seeks to purchase materials, products and services from companies whose practices do not directly conflict with the principles of ecologically sustainable development. This excludes companies or wholly owned subsidiaries engaged in the clearfelling or woodchipping of Australian native forests, or vulnerable forest habitats of other nations (eg tropical rainforests). This clause was supported by Darebin residents and helps raise awareness that our every day actions at home and at work can have serious impacts on distant ecosystems. The purchasing code helps promote the importance of protecting threatened species dependent on the conservation of our forests such as the Tiger Quoll, Sooty Owl, Powerful Owl and Leadbeater’s Possum.
30 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 REFERENCES
Introduction 1 United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (1996) cited in: McDonnell, M. J. (2001). The restoration and management of urban and suburban natural areas: perspectives from the United States and Australia. Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology, Royal Botanic Gardens, C/- Botany School, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. http://www.rbgmelb.org.au/arcue/ [accessed 26/7/01]. 2 ABS Estimated Resident Population, 3218.0 Air Quality 1 EPA (1997). Air Quality Management Plan – Taking Stock. EPA Publication 535, July 1997. 2 EPA (1999). Air Quality Management Plan: Air Emissions in the Port Phillip Region. EPA Information Bulletin, March 1999. http://wwww.epa.vic.gov.au [accessed 26/6/2001]. 3 EPA (2000). Air Monitoring Report 1998. EPA Information Bulletin, March 2000. http://wwww.epa.vic.gov.au [accessed 9/6/01]. 4 As for 2. 5 State Government of Victoria (2001). Guide to SEPPs for VCE Environmental Science. http://wwww.epa.vic.gov.au [accessed 9/6/01]. 6 As for 3. 7 As for 3. 8 As for 3. 9 Environment Australia (EA) and EPA (undated). Stop your money going up in smoke: How to get more out of your wood heater. Brochure. Transport 1 ABS (2000). Australian Social Trends 1998. 2 ABS (2001). Transport: Special Article – Australia’s motor vehicle fleet since the 1920s. (Year Book Australia, 2001). 3 Newman, P. and Kenworthy, J. (1999). Sustainability and Cities. Overcoming Automobile Dependence. Island Press, Washington. 4 ABS (2001). ABS Releases Landmark Energy Use Publication. Media Release. http://www.abs.gov.au/ [accessed 4/6/01]. Greenfleet (undated). Greenfleet – Carbon Neutral Transport. Brochure. Greenfleet Australia. 5 Australian Greenhouse Office (1996). National Greenhouse Gas Inventory. http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/inventory/index.html 6 Department of Infrastructure (2001). http://www.doi.vic.gov.au [accessed 2/7/01). 7 VicRoads (2001). VicRoads - Cycling In Melbourne. http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au [accessed 2/7/01]. 8 VicRoads (2001). VicRoads - Cycling Routes in Melbourne. http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au 9 ABS (2000). Survey of Motor Vehicle Use, 1999. (9208.0). 10 Anyon, P. (1998) Liquefied Petroleum Gas as an Automotive Fuel: An Environmental and Technical Perspective. Parsons Australia, Ninderry, Qld. 11 As above. Litter 1 EPA Victoria (2001). The Statutory Framework for Litter in Victoria: Discussion Paper. http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/envquality/litter/LitterStatFrmwrk.htm [accessed 30/5/2001]. EPA Victoria (1995). Victoria’s Litter Reduction Strategy. http://www.ecorecycle.vic.gov.au/PDF/Litter%20Strategy_Sep95.pdf [accessed 30/5/2001] 2 As for 1. 3 EPA Victoria (2001). As above. EcoRecycle (2001). Victorian Litter Action Alliance. http://www.ecorecycle.vic.gov.au/litter/vic_litter_reduction_strategy.asp [accessed 30/5/2001]. 4 Victorian Litter Action Alliance (VLAA) (2001). Annual Business Plan 2001-2002. 5 EcoRecycle (2001). Litter Prevention Taskforces. http://www.ecorecycle.vic.gov.au/litter/litter_taskforces.asp [accessed 30/5/2001]. 6 Australian Institute of Urban Studies and City of Melbourne (1999). Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne. Bulletin 2 (p.16). 7 Clements M. (1999). Yearly Report on Statewide Litter Surveys December 1998 to October 1999. Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria. Submitted to EcoRecycle Victoria. 8 As for 7. 9 Melbourne Water (undated). Care about the bay… don’t throw it away. Brochure prepared by Melbourne Water. Co-operative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology, Allison R.A., Chiew F.H.S. and McMahon, T.A. (1997). Stormwater Gross Pollutants. Industry Report 97/11. 10 Co-operative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology et al. (1997) (as above). 11 As for 10. 12 Melbourne Water (1999). Health of Waterways within the Port Phillip and Western Port Catchments. Waterways Report 1999 13 See: http://www.ecorecycle.vic.gov.au/litter/litter_taskforces.asp
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 31 REFERENCES
Council Priority and Community Concerns 1 ABS (2001). Environment Expenditure, Local Government, Australia, (4611.0). http://www.abs.gov.au/ [accessed 22/6/01]. 2 Australian Institiute of Urban Studies and City of Melbourne (1999). Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne. Bulletin 2. Biodiversity 1 Beattie, A.J. (Ed) (1995). Biodiversity, Australia’s Living Wealth. Reed Books, Chatswood, NSW. 2 McDonnell, M. (2001). Urban Ecology In The Southern Hemisphere. Opinion: Preserving and Maintaining Nature in Melbourne. http://arcue.rbgmelb.org.au/pg7_html.html [accessed 18/6/01]. 3 Australian Institute of Urban Studies and City of Melbourne (1999). Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne. Bulletin 2 (p.21). 4 See Birds Australia website: http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/ 5 Whittlesea excluded from assessment due to data discrepancies. 6 See http://ens.lycos.com/ens/may2001/2001L-05-14-02.html or http://iucn.org/biodiversityday/index.html 7 World Resources Institute (2001). World Resources 2000-2001 - People and ecosystems: The fraying web of life. United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Bank, and the World Resources Institute. http://www.wri.org/wr2000/ [accessed 19/6/01). 8 Australian Institute of Urban Studies and City of Melbourne (2000). Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne. Bulletin 3 (p.17) 9 Walsh, C.J., Sharpe, A.K., Breen, P.F., and Sonneman, J.A. (2001). Effects of urbanization on streams of the Melbourne region, Victoria, Australia. I. Benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Freshwater Biology 46 (4), 533-549. Walsh (2000). Urban impacts on the ecology of receiving waters: a framework for assessment, conservation and restoration. Hydrobiologia 431: 107-114. 10 Adapted from Walsh et al. (2001) Effects of urbanization on streams of the Melbourne region, Victoria, Australia. I. Benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Freshwater Biology 46 (4), 533-549 11 Victorian Stormwater Committee (1999). Urban Stormwater: Best-Practice Environmental Management Guidelines. CSIRO Publishing. 12 Department of Natural Resources and Environment (2000). Draft Port Phillip and Westernport Native Vegetation Plan. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, East Melbourne. 13 As for 12. 14 See http://www.ramsar.org/ 15 Convention on Biological Diversity (1992). http://www.biodiv.org [accessed 19/6/01]. 16 Department of Natural Resources and Environment (2001). http://www.nre.vic.gov.au [accessed 19/6/01]. 17 Department of Natural Resources and Environment (1997). Victoria’s Biodiversity –Sustaining Our Living Wealth and –Directions in Management. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, East Melbourne. 18 See Victorian Stormwater Committee 1999 (as for 11). 19 See: http://www.tnd.com.au/cbn/ 20 As for 19.
32 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special thanks to the following people who provided data or information and/or commented on drafts of the Bulletin: Air Quality Dietmar Dinges and Sean Walsh (Environment Protection Agency) Transport Alastair Cumming (VicRoads) Oz Kayak (Transport Research Centre, RMIT University) Gordon Edgar (Department of Infrastructure) Henry O’Clery (Greenfleet) John Bruce (Department of Infrastructure & Manningham City Council) Stefan Web (Bicycle Victoria) Steven Kenihan (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives Litter Sharyn Rossrakesh, Rhys Coleman and Robin Allison (Melbourne Water) David Hitchcock (Beverage Industry Environment Council) Rob Curnow (Community Change) Dietmar Dinges and Steve Watson (Environment Protection Agency) Jenny Pickles (EcoRecycle Victoria) Libby Ward (Manningham City Council) Council Priority & Community Concerns Michelle Bennett (City of Darebin) Anton Rossi-Mel (City of Port Phillip) Biodiversity Phil Burn, Andrew Corrick and Peter Menkhorst (Department of Natural Resources and Environment) Jennifer Johnson (Municipal Association of Victoria) David Buntine (Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment and Land Protection Board) Chris Walsh (Cooperative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology, Monash University) Samantha Bradley (Manningham City Council) Pat Vaughan (Banyule City Council) Felicity Ayres (City of Whittlesea) Gwennyd Hunter-Payne and Judy Bush (Merri Creek Management Committee) Rob Dabal and Owen Gooding (Shire of Yarra Ranges) Zoë Wilson (Bird Observers Club of Australia)
Support and in-kind resources were provided by the Department of Geospatial Science, RMIT University.
Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4 33 PHOTO CREDITS
P. 4: Albert Park Lake; downloaded from http://melbourne.citysearch.com.au P. 9: Swanston Street, Melbourne; Shane Scanlan, Mediation Communications. P. 15: Litter in Merri Creek; courtesy Melbourne Water. P. 21: Gathering of community environment group coordinators; courtesy Manningham City Council. P. 23: Cheetham Wetlands; courtesy Department Natural Resources and Environment.
34 Environmental Indicators for Metropolitan Melbourne - Bulletin 4