Australian Alpine Environment Regional Bushfire Recovery

Australian alpine environment regional bushfire recovery workshop report Summary of outcomes from the regional co-design workshop 23 September 2020 Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

Australian alpine environment regional bushfire recovery workshop report

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ISBN 978-1-76003-354-5

This publication is available at http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/bushfire-recovery/regional-delivery- program

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment GPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601 Telephone 1800 900 090 Web awe.gov.au

The Australian Government acting through the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has exercised due care and skill in preparing and compiling the information and data in this publication. Notwithstanding, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, its employees and advisers disclaim all liability, including liability for negligence and for any loss, damage, injury, expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing, using or relying on any of the information or data in this publication to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Acknowledgements

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment wants to thank workshop participants for their input. Thanks to Hannah Fraser, Terry Walshe and Libby Rumpff for their workshop facilitation and for compiling this report.

Cover photo credits: Pine Mountain Grevillea, J.Hitchcock CC BY-NC 2.0. Alpine Skink, Zoos Victoria.

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Contents

1 Executive summary ...... 1 2 Background ...... 2 2.1 Regional bushfire recovery funding ...... 2 2.2 Workshop approach ...... 5 3 Workshop findings ...... 6 3.1 Proposed management actions ...... 6 3.2 Additional considerations ...... 7 Appendix A: Australian alpine environment workshop agenda ...... 11 Appendix B: Participating organisations ...... 13 Appendix C: Regional profile for the Australian alpine environment region ...... 15

Tables Table 1 Proposed budget breakdown for bushfire recovery actions for the Australian alpine environment ...... 9 Table 2 Prospects for additional funding in the Australian alpine environment ...... 10

Maps Map 1 A map of the seven bushfire affected regions that are the focus of regional investment ..... 2 Map 2 A map of the Australian alpine environment region, showing bushfire severity of the 2019-20 bushfires ...... 4

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1 Executive summary

The Australian Government is investing $110 million to provide strategic on-ground support for the most impacted native species, ecological communities and natural assets across seven bushfire affected regions. A series of co-design workshops were held with regional stakeholders across the seven regions to guide the Australian Government's continued investment in bushfire recovery.

The aim of each workshop was to engage and collaborate with regional stakeholders to:

1) identify priorities amongst species, ecological communities and natural assets, identified as high priorities for urgent management intervention, that require additional funding to secure their recovery following the devastating 2019–20 summer bushfires 2) identify an action plan to guide the allocation of additional funds from the Australian Government to maximise the chances of recovery of those priority species, communities, and assets, and to build on existing planning and recovery work. This action plan can also act as a guide for other investors. The Australian alpine environment region stakeholder workshop was held on 23 September 2020. With an indicative budget of $8 million, participants developed an action plan to provide substantial benefit for priority species and natural assets. Several of the actions considered vital, such as sediment flushing and pathogen control, were not included in the action plan due to budget limitations. The action plan included traditional owner-led healing of country and fire management planning and coordination as well as: targeted herbivore and predator control, weed control, erosion control and species-specific interventions. Participants also emphasised the need to engage in community outreach and monitoring to accompany these actions.

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2 Background 2.1 Regional bushfire recovery funding

The Australian Government is investing $110 million to provide strategic on-ground support for the most impacted native species, ecological communities and natural assets, such as World Heritage Areas and Ramsar listed wetlands, across seven bushfire affected regions: Rainforests of south-east Queensland, Rainforests of the NSW north coast and tablelands, The Greater Blue Mountains and World Heritage Area, Forests of the NSW south coast, Australian alpine environment, Forests and coastal ecosystems of East Gippsland, and Kangaroo Island (Map 1).

Map 1 A map of the seven bushfire affected regions that are the focus of regional investment

A series of co-design workshops were held across the seven bushfire affected regions. The broad aim of these workshops was to engage and collaborate with regional stakeholders to inform Australian Government investment in on-ground bushfire recovery, targeted at medium- term recovery of priority species.

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The workshops were designed to build on existing recovery planning work for each region, by sharing and consolidating knowledge of existing and proposed efforts and identifying a plan for action that targets gaps in investment. Specifically, the workshops aimed to:

1) identify priorities amongst the large number of species, ecological communities and natural assets which have been identified as high priorities for urgent management intervention and that require additional funding to secure their recovery following the devastating 2019-20 summer bushfires 2) identify an action plan to guide the allocation of additional funds from the Australian Government to maximise the chances of recovery of those priority species, communities, and assets, and to build on existing planning and recovery work. The Australian alpine environment region was severely burnt due to the 2019–20 bushfires (Map 2). The region has been allocated an indicative amount of $8 million to support on-ground recovery action. The workshop agenda is provided at Appendix 1 and a list of attendees is provided at Appendix 2. The regional profile, which outlines the priority species, priority actions and existing investment, is at Appendix 3. This was provided to workshop participants before the workshop to inform discussions.

The Australian Government will use the action plans developed at this workshop to guide investment across the seven bushfire affected regions. Action plans will be reviewed by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and some aspects will be further explored with targeted stakeholders to identify key actions that can be delivered for priority environmental matters by June 2022. Investment decisions will also take into account community capacity and existing funding and recovery actions underway in the region. These investments will primarily be administered through existing delivery arrangements, for example with NRM regions and/or state governments. This will include developing or continuing formal and informal partnerships with other organisations and community groups where this will enhance recovery outcomes.

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Map 2 A map of the Australian alpine environment region, showing bushfire severity of the 2019-20 bushfires

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2.2 Workshop approach

During the regional workshop for the Australian alpine environment region, the following steps were taken.

1) Participants heard perspectives from the Australian, Victorian, ACT and NSW Governments as well as the North East Catchment Management Authority, Riverina Local Land Services and Murray Local Land Services on the: a) impacts of the 2019–2020 fires, and the shared list of draft priority matters (which are species, ecological communities and natural assets) and actions b) existing management and planning efforts within the region, relevant to the priority matters c) any perceived gaps in investment (from the regional stakeholders). 2) After a short discussion on actions and priorities, participants were split into three groups to review the information in the regional profile (Appendix 3) and to develop an action plan that maximises the chances of recovery of priority matters by 2030. An indicative budget for the action plans were defined, and participants were informed the budget should be spent by June 2022. Action plans were designed to provide high level detail on discrete actions (e.g. pest management, weed control), including the locations within the regions that actions are to be implemented, the priority matters targeted by each action, and the approximate budget allocated to each action. Participants in each group were also asked to discuss how they would allocate an additional $2 million of funding if it became available. Participants were asked to assume that: a) monitoring was included in each action (and to budget accordingly) b) budget was likely to be available to continue actions beyond 2022, not from this source of funding but as part of ‘business-as-usual’ biodiversity conservation efforts by all levels of government and non-government sources. 3) Participants were also asked to focus on action focused plans. Surveillance efforts could be included where addressing uncertainty is critical but should be accompanied with on- ground action. It was also noted that action plans should be developed given best available knowledge at the time of the workshop, noting that there will be flexibility to later refine and adapt details of the actions identified in the plan, if significant new information justified these changes. 4) Each group then presented their strategy to the larger group and other participants were asked to qualitatively evaluate each strategy, to provide a basis for discussion around preferred actions. Similarities and differences across plans were discussed as a group, to identify the actions that had achieved a consensus. The output for the workshop was one action plan, created based on these whole of group discussions.

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3 Workshop findings

With an indicative budget of $8 million, participants struggled to divide the budget between all the actions they considered necessary, in part because the region covers three jurisdictions. During discussions it was apparent that in some jurisdictions some actions are more of a priority or focus than in other jurisdictions due, for example, to the nature of the fire and existing funding and efforts. It was therefore challenging to develop a single action plan that reflected these different priorities.

The action plan the participants developed (Table 1) included investment in traditional owner-led healing and caring for country, collaborative (cross border) fire management planning, control of predators across the region and feral herbivores near priority assets (deer, horses, pigs, cats, foxes), weed control in areas near priority assets, targeted erosion control, and small scale funding of local projects to support priority species. There was also a strong emphasis on ensuring that all actions include traditional owner involvement, community engagement and monitoring (ideally involving adaptive management). 3.1 Proposed management actions

Traditional owner led healing of country

Participants agreed to dedicate 10–15 per cent of the budget towards traditional owner-led management throughout private and public land across the Australian alpine environment region, with particular emphasis on reviving the (now inactive) Australian Alps Traditional Owner Reference Group to facilitate collaboration between traditional owners across the region.

Pest animal control

Herbivore control

Participants allocated 20–30 per cent of budget to managing feral herbivores, especially in: Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens Threatened Ecological Community, riparian areas, refugia for priority species, and areas near identified priority threatened plant species. Shooting deer is considered a priority, but funding should also be allocated to pigs and horses (noting the importance of an integrated approach). Participants suggested that targeted deer control in wetter areas (e.g. bogs, fens, riparian areas) could reduce undesirable behaviours such as wallowing, but in order to reduce population size it may be more effective to undertake control activities outside these areas as well; for example, to shoot when they arrive in the foothills for winter.

Predator control

Participants dedicated 20–25 per cent to predator control across the region, with foxes, cats and alien fish (i.e. redfin, carp) raised as key threats for priority species in the alpine region. Some participants suggested that this is a particular investment priority for Victoria. Participants in one small group discussion suggested there were opportunities to trial and improve cat

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management techniques, and that NSW is using detector dogs together with trapping and ground shooting programs.

Weed control

Although there are existing weed control programs in the region, participants considered it likely that weed invasion post-fire is an emerging concern that requires additional funding. Weed control was assigned 20–25 per cent of the budget, with a focus on targeting areas with priority assets and weed source populations. With the available budget, the need to focus on transformative weeds (willows, hawkweed and others) was highlighted. Some participants noted there has been relatively limited post-fire investment in weed control in NSW to date.

Targeted erosion control

Erosion post-fire has caused degradation of habitat for aquatic species and water quality issues. Participants registered strong concerns about the impacts of erosion in the region (Table 2), but the action was assigned only 10 per cent of the budget given the importance of other priority actions, and because of the funding required to effectively implement erosion control on a wider scale. As such, this action was focused on reducing the habitat impacts for priority aquatic species once populations have been identified.

Species-specific management

There were a number of priority species that required additional actions (see Table 1), beyond the strategic actions already described. Participants assigned 10 per cent of the budget to small-scale localised projects targeted at improving outcomes for populations of priority species (e.g. genetic rescue, translocation, re-seeding). Given the suggested range of actions raised in the workshop, further consideration of priorities and actions will be required.

Fire management

Participants agreed that 5 per cent of the budget should be put towards fire management planning with an emphasis on creating a cohesive plan across state borders and effectively managing both long unburnt, highly fire sensitive and recently burnt areas. 3.2 Additional considerations Actions requiring more budget

Participants were unable to fund all actions to the extent needed given budget constraints. Actions they considered to be a priority which require more funding than that allocated in Table 1 include: erosion control, predator control, weed control, species specific management, and instream habitat recovery (see Table 2 for details).

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Actions not included in the strategy

Actions not included in the final action plan, but identified by one or more groups for investment were:

1) cohesive planning and coordination for all actions – some participants considered a dedicated fund to assist with prioritising management of actions in Table 1 is important given involvement from Vic, NSW, and ACT is required 2) active restoration of landscape functionality: a) sediment flushing, for example through targeted environmental flows to improve post- fire impacts in rivers b) regeneration and revegetation of habitat for fire affected threatened species and communities, based on planning and assessment. This included management of aquatic, riparian and terrestrial landscape connectivity (including surrounding private land) and supporting breeding habitat for the Bogong Moth (i.e. as a critical food source for the Mountain Pygmy Possum) c) disease and dieback detection and pathogen control 3) research 4) building community capacity for management actions, together with community outreach and education. Additional budget

Participants struggled to fit the actions they considered necessary into the $8 million budget. Although there were not extensive discussions around how to spend an additional $2 million, it was apparent the additional funds would be used to expand the scope of targeted actions included in the plan.

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Table 1 Proposed budget breakdown for bushfire recovery actions for the Australian alpine environment Note: All actions include traditional owner involvement, community engagement and monitoring.

Action class Action Location Assets targeted Approximate budget (per cent %)

Traditional Caring for country Region wide Culturally important assets, as determined by traditional owners 10-15% owner led healing - re-establish traditional owner of country reference group - inspect country - healing of country, ceremony, story Pest animal Herbivore control Targeted at priority Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens, other priority threatened 20-30% control (deer, horses, pigs) assets, region wide ecological communities (TECs), refugia for priority species, riparian areas, threatened plants and areas with threatened plants (e.g. Burrowa Pine Mountain National Park), endemic flora species) Predator control Region-wide Threatened prey species, including Mountain Pygmy-possum, Long- 20-25% (foxes, cats) Tailed Potoroo, Broad-toothed Rat, Smoky Mouse

Targeted Weed control Targeted at priority TEC’s (Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens, 20-25% landscape assets and weed source grassland TECs), priority plant species., Mountain Pygmy-possum interventions populations

Targeted erosion control Targeted at key refugial Several species, including Macquarie Perch, Two- 10% areas for priority aquatic spined Blackfish, Corrobboree Frog species, Spotted Tree Frog species

Species specific Small-scale localised projects targeted at Targeted, region-wide Priority plants (e.g. Pine Mountain Grevillea), Southern Greater Glider, 10% management improving outcomes for populations of Yellow-bellied Glider, Smoky Mouse, priority priority species (e.g. genetic rescue, skink species., Corroboree Frog translocation, reseeding, alien fish control) species., Spotted Tree Frog, priority woodland bird species., Broad- toothed Rat, Macquarie Perch, orchids, Rieks Crayfish Fire management - Planning for cohesive fire Whole region Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens, Alpine ash, fire sensitive 5% management across organisations threatened species, food sources for Mountain Pygmy-possum - Protecting burnt and long unburnt areas

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Table 2 Prospects for additional funding in the Australian alpine environment

Action Notes

Erosion control Participants raised strong concerns about the impacts of erosion in the region. Impacts include sedimentation and nutrification in waterways and bogs, loss of topsoil, and damage to non-ecological assets (e.g. infrastructure, drinking water quality). However, erosion control was deemed too expensive to be covered comprehensively with this funding. Therefore, despite the potential impact on priority assets, erosion control was only assigned a small proportion of the budget despite a push to see more funding dedicated this activity. Predator control Although some participants agreed that 20 per cent of the budget was sufficient for predator control (on top of other funding and efforts in the region), many considered this insufficient especially given the potential efficiencies in controlling predators in the shorter-term.

Weed control Although some participants agreed that 20-25 per cent of the budget was sufficient for targeted weed control (on top of other funding and efforts in the region), others said that weeds were an emerging concern that would need a higher level of investment.

Species specific management The amount of funding currently allocated to localised projects to support threatened species was considered ‘better than nothing’, but not sufficient to see a large improvement in the targeted species.

Instream habitat recovery Though highlighted in the discussions, the plan above provides little support for the recovery of aquatic systems beyond some targeted erosion control and potentially the removal of alien fish species.

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Appendix A: Australian alpine environment workshop agenda

Wednesday 23 September 2020

Purpose: to build on existing recovery planning work being undertaken in this region, by sharing and consolidating knowledge of existing and proposed efforts and identifying a plan for action that targets gaps in investment.

Workshop aims:

1) work with regional partners to identify the regional priorities amongst the species, ecological communities, natural assets and heritage values that have been identified as high priorities for urgent management intervention, but require additional funding to secure their recovery following the devastating and unprecedented 2019-20 summer bushfires 2) identify an action plan for allocating additional funds from the Australian Government to maximise the chances of recovery of those priority species, communities, assets, and values. The workshop will focus on sharing information between participants to get a clear understanding of the current state of knowledge of:

• the impact of these wildfires on the relevant priority species and ecological communities • the key threats facing the priority species • the key management actions to address these threats, including their effectiveness and feasibility • the recent, current, and confirmed future management actions underway, with an understanding of where and when actions have been implemented • the gaps in investment for species/communities that if resolved, could result in maximising the chances of recovery. The workshop will be facilitated by Dr Libby Rumpff, University of Melbourne, and will focus on a structured elicitation of potential on ground actions for priority species and ecological communities that require additional funding to best maximise the chance of recovery. Potential actions will be explored to try and arrive at a consensus.

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Table 1 Detailed workshop agenda

Time (AEST) Activity

10:00am Videoconference begins Welcome – Dr Fiona Fraser, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment Minister for the Environment, The Hon Sussan Ley MP to provide brief remarks.

10:25am Facilitator will outline plan for the workshop – Dr Libby Rumpff • aims, approach, outputs 10:40am What do we know so far?

• Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment - Dr Fiona Fraser 5 mins • NSW – 5 mins (Mick Pettitt, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Gary Rodda, Murray Local Land Services) • Victoria – 5 mins (Katie Warner, North East Catchment Management Authority and Anne Buchan, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) • ACT – 5 mins (Ian Walker, Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate) • Questions 11:20 Short break

11:30am Participants will break into groups to develop conservation strategies • Groups will be given a funding envelope and be asked to allocate the funding to consolidate gaps in investment and maximise the chances of recovery for priority species/communities by 2030. Groups will be asked to identify where funding should be directed spatially using a worksheet mapping attachment.

1:15 Lunch break

1:35pm Groups will come back together and present the strategies. Participants will provide feedback and vote on strategies based on estimated benefit – short/long term

2.25pm Facilitator will lead the discussion on strategies to determine if there is a preferred way forward or a consensus strategy, considering: • Where are the similarities and differences? • Can we iterate and combine elements? • Are differences about values, uncertainty, or something else? • Candidates for adaptive management? 3:50pm Facilitator will outline next steps

4:00pm Workshop ends

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Appendix B: Participating organisations

Attendees

Snowy Mountains Aboriginal Co-management Advisory Committee

ACT Natural Resource Management

Arthur Rylah Institute

Australian Alps Liaison Committee

Brungle-Tumut Aboriginal Land Council

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning – Victoria*

Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, ACT*

Forestry Corporation of NSW

Holbrook Landcare Network

HVP Plantations

Murray Local Land Services

Murray Local Land Services Aboriginal Advisory Group

North East Catchment Management Authority

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment*

NSW Department of Primary Industries

Parks Victoria*

Petaurus Education Group Inc.

Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihood, Charles Darwin University

Riverina Local Land Services*

Taungurung Land and Waters Council*

Trust for Nature

Zoos Victoria

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Observers

Minister for Environment, the Hon Sussan Ley MP

Office of the Minister for Environment, the Hon Sussan Ley MP

Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

Conservation Volunteers Australia

National Bushfire Recovery Agency

Plus additional representatives from some organisations above marked with *

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Appendix C: Regional profile for the Australian alpine environment region

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2019-20 bushfires recovery planning regional profile Australian alpine environment NSW, ACT, Victoria

September 2020

This regional profile draws from multiple sources of information and planning processes, including those undertaken by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment; Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning; NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment; ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate; North East Catchment Management Authority and Riverina and Murray Local Land Services.

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Note: minor edits have been to the regional profile which was provided to workshop participants (September 2020) to allow for publication.

Cover photo credit: Dr Henrik Wahren.

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Executive Summary

The Australian Government is investing $110 million over two years to provide strategic on- ground support for the most impacted native species, ecological communities and natural assets, such as World Heritage Areas and Ramsar wetlands, across seven bushfire affected regions. Australia’s alpine environments across the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria has been identified as one of these regions.

• An indicative allocation of $8 million will be used for discussion about how to direct investment in Australia’s alpine environments. • Recovery activities can occur on public and private land and must be completed by June 2022. • Funds can be spent anywhere within the region, not only in the burnt areas, if investment is supporting the recovery of matters directly affected by the recent bushfire. A broad analysis of available data, including burnt area, fire severity and impact on assets is summarised below.

• Based on a national analysis by the Australian Government the following matters have been identified as priorities for investment: − Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens Threatened Ecological Community − five vertebrate animals: Mountain Pygmy Possum, Alpine She-oak Skink, Spotted Tree Frog, Northern Corroboree Frog, Southern Corroboree Frog − five invertebrate animals: Alpine Crayfish, Alpine Silver Xenica, Harpactacoid Copepod, Leaf Beetle, Yarrangobilly Pinwheel Snail − five plant species: Pine Mountain Grevillea, Grevillea oxyantha subsp. Ecarinata, Olearia stenophylla, Bago Leek-orchid, Brumby Sallee. • The NSW, Victorian and ACT Governments have identified additional priorities (information has been combined): − 11 ecological communities, as priorities for investment or post-fire assessment − 21 vertebrate animal species − 51 plant species. • Protection of unburnt areas and refugia, minimising impacts from human activities, translocation (plants), feral predator and herbivore control, weed control and erosion/sediment control are identified as key actions for these priority matters. • There is existing funding on species surveying, mapping and monitoring protocols. These will not be a focus of this Australian Government funding, actions that survey or monitor species must be directly connected to on ground recovery actions. • The Australian, NSW, Victorian and ACT Governments are aware that traditional owners of the Australian Alps region are interested in all matters concerning their country, including culturally important species as priorities for bushfire recovery, and in participating in decision making and on-ground recovery of these matters.

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The purpose of the workshop will be to:

1) test and validate or edit the priority matters and actions for Australia’s alpine environments 2) discuss where in the region recovery efforts should be focused. The region

The Australian alpine environment bushfire region covers 13,114,281 hectares and is defined by:

• the boundary of the ACT • the northern boundary of the Riverina natural resource management region • the eastern boundary of Riverina, Murray and North East natural resource management regions • the southern boundary of the North East natural resource management region • the western boundary of two Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia bioregions (IBRA) (NSW South Western Slopes, and Victorian Midlands). The Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves is listed on the National Heritage List and extends across 1.6 million hectares of public land in eleven national parks and natures reserves across Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

The region contains one Ramsar wetland: Ginni Flats Wetland Complex in Namadgi National Park (ACT), which was not impacted by the 2019–20 fires. Blue Lake Ramsar wetland is located in Kosciuszko National Park (NSW) but falls just to the east of this region’s boundary.

Traditional owners

Aboriginal people have a strong cultural connection with the lands of Australia’s alpine environment and are actively engaged in managing and protecting the cultural heritage and environmental assets of the region.

The Ngunnawal, Monaro Ngarigo, Wiradjuri, Wolgalu, GunaiKurnai, Bidawal, Dudhuroa, Jaithmathang, Mitambuta, Ngarigu-Currawong, Taungurung, Waywurru and Wurundjeri are traditional owners for the alpine country.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has two Memoranda of Understanding with Aboriginal communities over parks in the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Southern Ranges Branch. The Snowy Mountains Aboriginal Community Memorandum of Understanding covers the southern part of Kosciuszko National Park and the nature reserves from around Cooma to the Victorian border. It recognises the traditional owners and other groups that have an interest in the area and commits to working with these groups to manage Aboriginal cultural heritage values in the agreement area. The Yala Ngurumbang Yindyamarra Memorandum of Understanding includes the northern part of Kosciuszko National Park and all reserves within the Tumut Brungle Local Aboriginal Land Council Area.

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In the ACT the Ngunnawal people have established the Dhawura Ngunnawal Caring for Country Committee working with the Environment Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate to improve Ngunnawal engagement in the management of country.

In Victoria, Indigenous Land Use Agreements are in place for: Taungurung Settlement; GunaiKurnai and Mt Hotham Alpine Resort; and Porepunkah Crown Land. 2019–20 fire extent and severity

Approximately four per cent of the Australian alpine environment region was burnt in the 2019–20 fires, with 88 per cent (506,643 hectares) of the fire scar occurring on public land. A summary of the fire impact and severity in the region is shown below (Table 1) and a fire severity map is at Map 1.

Table 1 Fire severity and extent in Australia’s alpine environment bushfire region

Region Total Total Per cent (%) Fire Severity Per cent (%) hectares hectares of total Index burnt at high burnt hectares or very high burnt severity Australian alpine 13,114,281 573,749 4 52/100 60 environment

Note: three classes of fire severity have been mapped (GEEBAM) with the most severe being “very high.” The fire severity index (max of 100) weights the three different classes of severity, with higher weights to more severe classes. This index is used in the calculation of the spatial priority index (SPI) discussed below. The “per cent burnt at high or very high severity” figure gives an alternative, complementary view of how severe the 2019-20 fires were. For context, the most severely burnt NRM region had a figure of 83 per cent for high and very high severity, and a severity index score of 76.

Information is also available for the Australian Alps IBRA region, which has a different boundary to that of the Australian alpine environment region (which has been defined for the purpose of the bushfire recovery investment). Approximately 27 per cent of the Australian Alps IBRA region was burnt, with 57 per cent of this burnt at a high or very high severity.

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Map 1 Fire severity mapping, Australia’s alpine environment region

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Priority matters impacted by 2019–20 bushfires

The Wildlife and Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Expert Panel (Expert Panel) has released provisional lists of species known or presumed to have been severely impacted by the 2019–20 bushfires and which are considered the highest priority for management intervention – referred to below as ‘priority matters’.

The potential impact of the 2019–20 fires on matters of national environmental significance listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999, together with priority non-listed species identified by the Expert Panel has been further rapidly analysed using spatial data on the known and likely distributions of these species. Using currently available mapping, a total of 94 priority matters have been identified within this region:

• two natural assets: Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves National Heritage Place and Ginni Flats Wetland Complex Ramsar Wetland • three Threatened Ecological Communities (note: an ecological community is a naturally occurring group of native plants, animals and other organisms that are interacting in a unique habitat. Some are listed as Threatened Ecological Communities under national environment law) • 32 priority vertebrate and 26 invertebrate species • 31 priority plant species. A full list of these matters including hectares burnt, fire severity and a spatial priority index score is provided in Appendix 1. For context, based on available data, the median number of matters across all NRM regions is 12, and the maximum is 320 (south-coast NSW).

A spatial priority index (SPI) has been developed by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment as a relative value score for the potential degree of consequence of the 2019- 20 bushfires for species and other natural values. The score is out of 100. High SPI matters are likely to have smaller, and therefore entirely burnt, ranges with a large proportion of high severity fire. The SPI is used by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment as a broad guide to bushfire impacts and a means of understanding and comparing impacts at a national scale. Finer grained data and ecological information is required to provide a more comprehensive understanding of environmental impacts and management responses for particular ecological communities or species, including information on fire history and species response to fire (for example even low severity fire can have significant impact on alpine species). Further information on the SPI is at Appendix 2.

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Areas of focus for recovery investment

Based on a review of the national data, the Australian Government suggests the following priorities for investment in the Australian alpine environment region. The priorities, in particular the species lists, will continue to be revised as our knowledge base grows and further information from field impact assessments becomes available. Threatened ecological communities • Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens: listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act and identified by the Expert Panel as a very high priority for recovery action. Approximately 36 per cent (5,612 ha) of this ecological community occurs within the region, 40 per cent of this was burnt during the fires, and it is included as a fire-sensitive community (refer Appendix 3 for a map of habitat extent). Picture 1 Additional priority ecological communities identified by the Victorian and NSW Governments as priorities, and by the ACT Government as requiring immediate post-fire assessment

Ecological community VIC NSW ACT

Ecological vegetation classes (EVC) dominated by fire sensitive eucalypt species, X e.g. Montane damp forest

Ecological vegetation classes dominated by callitris pine X X

Montane Peatlands and Swamps of the New England Tableland, NSW North Coast, X Sydney Basin, South East Corner, South Eastern Highlands and Australian Alps bioregions - at least 20 per cent is estimated to have been burnt.

Podocarpus heathland X

Kosciuszko-Namadgi Alpine Ash Moist Grassy Forest – 70 per cent of its estimated X X distribution within the region was burnt. Risk drivers include drought combined with high fire frequency.

Jounama Snow Gum Shrub Woodland – 95-100 per cent of its estimated X distribution within the region was burnt. Risk drivers include drought, erosion and die-back.

Alpine Snow Gum Woodland – 38 per cent of its estimated distribution within the X region was burnt. Risk drivers include drought, frequent fire and die-back.

Black Sallee Woodland X

White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native X Grassland – EPBC listing: Critically Endangered

Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands – EPBC listing: X Critically Endangered

Alpine Teatree shrubland X

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment 23 Australian alpine environment regional bushfire recovery workshop report

Priority vertebrate animals

• Mountain Pygmy-possum – this mammal has 71 per cent of its range in the region, of which 20 per cent was burnt, 94 per cent at high or very high severity. • Alpine She-oak Skink – this reptile has 57 per cent of its range in the region, of which 15 per cent was burnt, 92 per cent at high or very high severity. • Northern Corroboree Frog – this frog has 82 per cent of its range in the region, of which 19 per cent was burnt, 39 per cent at high or very high severity. • Southern Corroboree Frog – this frog has 86 per cent of its range in the region, of which 29 per cent was burnt, 88 per cent at high or very high severity. • Spotted Tree Frog – this frog has 60 per cent of its range in the region, of which 23 per cent was burnt, 63 per cent at high or very high severity. Picture 2 provides a list of additional animal species have been identified as priorities for investment by the Victorian, NSW and/or ACT Government, or as species at risk a regional level in the Ecological Fire Recovery Strategy for the Murray/Riverina areas.

Note: those species marked with an * are listed in Appendix 1 with information on fire impact and severity. A full list of species (Victoria) is at Attachment 1.

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment 24 Australian alpine environment regional bushfire recovery workshop report

Picture 2 Additional priority species identified for investment by the Victorian, NSW and/or ACT Government, or as species at risk a regional level in the Ecological Fire Recovery Strategy for the Murray/Riverina areas

Common name Scientific name EPBC Expert State State State Regional Comment Status Panel VIC NSW ACT NSW *Spotted-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus Endangered X X *Broad-toothed Rat Mastacomys fuscus mordicus Vulnerable X X X X Estimated that more than 35 per cent of the known species distribution has been severely burnt Eastern Bentwing Bat Miniopterus orianae oceanensis

*Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis X X X Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis X

*Southern Greater Glider Petauroides volans Vulnerable X X X X *Long-footed Potoroo Potorous longipes Endangered X X *Smoky Mouse Pseudomys fumeus Endangered X X X Estimated that 50 per cent of the known species distribution has been severely burnt. Sloanes Froglet Crinia sloanei X Booroolong Tree Frog Litoria booroolongensis Endangered X X Alpine Tree Frog Litoria verreauxii alpina Vulnerable X X *Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasica Endangered X X X X Stocky Galaxias Galaxias tantangara X X Two-spined Blackfish Gadopsis bispinosus X 50 per cent of ACT range impacted and all of NSW and VIC western drainage. All of their unregulated upstream range burnt in ACT. *Gang gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum X X X Estimated that more than 40 per cent of the known distribution has been severely burnt. Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus victoriae X

Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis X

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment 25 Australian alpine environment regional bushfire recovery workshop report

Common name Scientific name EPBC Expert State State State Regional Comment Status Panel VIC NSW ACT NSW Turquoise Parrot Neophema pulchella X Barking Owl Ninox connivens X Powerful Owl Ninox strenua X Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata X

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Priority invertebrate species Five invertebrates, all considered ‘priority matters’ by the Expert Panel, are identified as national priorities, with 75–100 per cent of their range within this region, and over 40 per cent of which was burnt (with the exception of the crayfish which had 28 per cent burnt), over which less than 57 percent burnt at high or very high severity.

• Alpine Silver Xenica Oreixenica lathalis theddora • Yarrangobilly Pinwheel Snail Hedleyropa yarrangobillyensis • leaf beetle Buburra jeanae • harpactacoid copepod Canthocamptus longipes • Alpine crayfish Euastacus crassus. The ACT Government has also identified Euastacus reiki as a priority, with 100 per cent of its range in occurring in the region, and 95 per cent of its ACT range impacted. Priority plants Five plant species, all considered ‘priority matters’ by the Expert Panel, have been identified as priorities at a national level. Four of these have 100 per cent of their range within the region, of which less than 45 per cent burnt. Of this less than 46 per cent burnt at high or very high severity.

• Pine Mountain Grevillea Grevillea jephcottii • Grevillea oxyantha subsp. ecarinata • Olearia stenophylla • Bago Leek-orchid Prasophyllum bagoense • Brumby Sallee Eucalyptus forresterae, while only 42 per cent of this species range is within the region, 92 per cent of this burnt, all of which burnt at a high or very high intensity. The following additional species have been identified as priority plants by one of the following:

• the Victorian Government, taking account of the per cent of modelled habitat in the current fire extent, per cent of modelled habitat impacted by high severity fire, genetic risk rating and localised impacts (refer Appendix 8 for a full list of species provided by the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) • the NSW Government, as illustrative of species that were significantly impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires and are facing additional cumulative threats to post-fire recovery (refer Appendix 1 for a full list of priority species identified by NSW Government) • the ACT Government, based on the Orroral Valley Fire Rapid Risk Assessment Namadgi National Park 2020 which identifies species for post fire impact assessment, monitoring and possible interventions. These species have been prioritised due to the burnt area of their habitat in the ACT; as for many, the ACT represents the core of their range

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment 27 Australian alpine environment regional bushfire recovery workshop report

• as species at risk in the Ecological Fire Recovery Strategy for the Murray and Riverina Local Land Services. Picture 3 Additional priority plant species identified for investment Those species marked with an * are listed in Appendix 1 with information on fire impact and severity.

Matter Expert VIC NSW ACT NSW Status and threats Panel Regional (where provided) priority Acacia blayana X X High fire frequency / Blay’s Wattle Herbivory / Fire severity / Cumulative fire risk Acacia phlebophylla X Mount Buffalo Wattle Acacia phasmoides X EPBC listing: Vulnerable Phantom Wattle Almalea capitata X Slender Parrot Pea *Banksia canei X X X Mountain Banksia Botrychium lunaria X Moonwort Caladenia montana X Mountain Spider Orchid Calochilus sandrae X Brownish Beard Orchid Calochilus saprophyticus Leafless Beard X Orchid Celmisia sp pulchella X A snow daisy Dampiera fusca X Kydra Dampiera Discaria nitida X Herbivory Leafy Anchor Plant Diuris ochroma X EPBC Listing: Vulnerable Pale Golden Moths Eucalyptus cinerea subsp. triplex X Euphrasia scabra X Rough Eyebright X X Drought / Herbivory / *Galium roddii Weeds / Dormancy constraints Genoplesium vernale X X EPBC listing: Vulnerable East Lynne Midge Orchid Gentiana baeuerlenii Baeuerlen's X EPBC listing: Endangered Gentian )

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment 28 Australian alpine environment regional bushfire recovery workshop report

Matter Expert VIC NSW ACT NSW Status and threats Panel Regional (where provided) priority Gentianella muelleriana subsp. X X X Herbivory / Cumulative jingerensis fire risk Mueller’s Snow-gentian X X Herbivory / Fire severity Geranium sessiliflorum / Dormancy constraints Grevillea alpivaga X Buffalo Grevillea *Grevillea neurophylla subsp fluviatilis X X Grevillea neurophylla subsp neurophylla X *Grevillea ramosissima subsp X X hypargyrea Fan Grevillea Grevillea victoriae subsp nivalis X Grevillea willisii X Omeo Grevillea Leionema lamprophyllum subsp X obovatum Shiny Phebalium Leptospermum namadgiensis X Namadgi Tea Tree Logania granitica X Mountain Logania Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor X EPBC listing: Endangered Hoary Sunray Lobelia gelida X Snow Pratia EPBC listing: Vulnerable Olearia sp Rhizomatica X Parantennaria uniceps X X Herbivory / Disease / Pimelea bracteata Cumulative fire risk *Pomaderris cotoneaster X X EPBC listing: Endangered *Pomaderris gilmourii X X Fire severity Grey Deua Pomaderris EPBC listing: Vulnerable Pomaderris phylicifolia subsp. X phylicifolia Prostanthera monticola X Buffalo Mint Bush Prasophyllum canaliculatum X Summer Leek Orchid X X X EPBC listing: Critically *Prasophyllum innubun Endangered Brandy Marys leek orchid Herbivory

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment 29 Australian alpine environment regional bushfire recovery workshop report

Matter Expert VIC NSW ACT NSW Status and threats Panel Regional (where provided) priority X X X EPBC listing: Critically *Prasophyllum keltonii Endangered Kelton's Leek Orchid Herbivory Prasophyllum venustum X Charming Leek Orchid Prasophyllum viriosum X Stocky Leek Orchid X X X X X EPBC listing: Critically *Pterostylis oreophila Endangered Blue-tongued Greenhood / Kiandra Drought / High fire Greenhood frequency / Herbivory / Fire severity / Weeds Pultenaea polifolia X Dusky Bush-pea

*Pultenaea vrolandii X X Cupped Bush-pea Rutidosis leiolepis X EPBC listing: Vulnerable Monaro Golden Daisy Sannantha crenulate X EPBC listing: Vulnerable Fern-leaf Baeckea Thesium austral X EPBC listing: Vulnerable Austral Toadflax Thynninorchis huntianus X Elbow Orchid Viola improcera X Dwarf Violet

Priority Actions for Recovery

The Expert Panel has provided advice on the kinds of actions that can best encourage recovery and avoid the extinction of a species or ecological community. These actions apply specifically to matters on the Expert Panel’s published list of priority matters. Drawing on this advice, Department understands the following high-level recovery actions as priorities for investment to assist the recovery of animals and plants identified as target areas of focus (above) in the Australian alpine environment region. Actions such as rapid assessment and emergency salvage are not included by the Australian Government in the list below given the focus of this fund on longer term recovery efforts. It is recognised that targeting and refinement of these actions is required, in particular areas and for particular species. This includes the drawing on the most up-to-date research and using an adaptive management approach.

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Additional and/or more specific recovery actions identified by the NSW and ACT Government are indicated in italics below. Actions for Threatened Ecological Communities

Note: these are general for all priority Threatened Ecological Communities.

• supporting fauna (including through controlling introduced predators) • weed, pathogen, erosion and sedimentation control, including normal hydrological function • minimising grazing and trampling pressure on recovering vegetation (including fencing, and shading and erosion control in bogs), including through control of introduced herbivores, followed by assisted revegetation/restoration in key areas if needed • protection of unburnt sites from future fires and other threats. Actions for priority animals

• protection of unburnt areas including ecological refuge areas from threats, including bushfire and prescribed fire (noting that prescribed fire may be used to protect refugia from subsequent fires) • feral herbivore control to reduce pressure on native species • feral predator control (includes introduced fish) • weed control • carefully planned translocations where appropriate • provision of supplementary food and water to fire impacted Mountain Pygmy Possum • restoration/replanting of key foraging plant species such as the Mountain Plum Pine Podocarpus lawrencei • targeted revegetation focusing on key foraging plant species such as the mountain plum pine and habitat species. • targeted habitat creation, including wood/debris, nest boxes and artificial hollows. • aquatic species: bank stabilisation works, introduction of logs, riparian fencing and revegetation • erosion and sedimentation control: stabilise actively eroding areas, restore eroded areas and restore areas where sediment deposited • field inspections to assess species persistence in known localities • support existing ex-situ population management programs for species significantly impacted by fire.

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Actions for priority plants

High priority:

• excluding prescribed fire (although noting prescribed fire may be used to protect critical refugia from subsequent wildfire) • rapid response to wildfire • minimising development impacts and habitat disturbance from human activities • preventing illegal collection or over-collecting of germplasm or plants • carefully planned translocation • weed and pathogen management and control • pest animal control • field inspections – seedling emergence, resprouting assessment. Medium priority:

• excluding forestry/silvicultural impacts • alleviate herbivory. For some fire-affected species recovery actions may not yet be well understood and additional research and adaptive management may be needed to guide recovery and develop recovery strategies. A list of specific recovery actions identified by the Expert Panel relevant to the priority animal and plant species identified for investment is at Appendix 4. Victorian priority actions

Broadly effective management actions for species located in the Australian Alps have been determined by the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Strategic Management Prospect tool. Maps in Appendix 5 identify high value sites (benefit-cost value less than 90) within the 2019–20 burnt extent which would have a demonstrable biodiversity benefit from:

• weed control • herbivore control • predator control (foxes and cats) • traditional owner healing country actions • cost-effective species-specific actions where broadscale actions are not sufficient to support their conservation. Species-specific management actions for species of concern are derived though a Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning specific needs assessment. This process uses expert elicitation to estimate probability of persistence under recommended actions

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment 32 Australian alpine environment regional bushfire recovery workshop report compared to no (or current) management activity. As part of the latest specific needs assessment (currently ongoing) species and potential actions in Appendix 6 have been identified within the Australian Alps. Analysis of these actions is currently underway to calculate the benefit to the species from each action and rank them in terms of cost- effectiveness. Actions funded to date

Australian Government

As part of the Australian Government’s initial $50 million Wildlife and Habitat Bushfire Recovery investment, $2.88 million has been directly invested in the Australian alpine environment bushfire region:

• $1,050,000 has been allocated to the NRM regions for recovery actions including pest animal control, weed control and habitat restoration: − $100,000 to ACT Natural Resource Management − $350,000 to Murray Local Land Services − $100,000 to Riverina Local Land Services − $500,000 to North East Catchment Management Authority • $1,060,000 has been provided to the NSW Government for work on threatened species within this region: Mountain Pygmy Possum, Broad-toothed Rat, Southern Corroboree Frog, Northern Corroboree Frog, Spotted Tree Frog and Smoky Mouse • $500,000 has been provided to the ACT Government for remedial works around bogs and fens, predator management, catchment stabilisation, frog assessments and improving habitat for the Broad-toothed Rat • $271,370 has been provided as a Tranche 1 grant to La Trobe University for an assessment of bushfire impacts on the Alpine Stonefly Thaumatoperla alpine and identification of priority recovery actions. A further $5 million has been provided to the Victorian and NSW governments for state/territory-wide recovery actions:

• $3 million to Victorian Government for emergency extraction and temporary housing of aquatic species, reconnaissance of priority species, healing country actions and species- specific actions to build the long-term resilience • $2 million to NSW Government for pest control work targeting pigs, goats, deer and foxes. In addition, $2.64 million has been granted for projects where some activities are being undertaken in, or are relevant to, species in the Australian alpine environment region. Activities include on-ground assessments, establishing monitoring sites and identifying priority recovery actions for species such as freshwater crayfish and frogs.

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A further $1 million has been granted to Taronga Zoo for treatment of injured wildlife and the establishment of insurance populations: activities include establishing a population of the Northern Corroboree Frog, and care and release of Platypus rescued from Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Funds of $140,000 have also been provided to the National Environment Science Program Threatened Species Hub for a project relating to threatened frogs, including the Spotted Tree Frog and Northern Corroboree Frog which occur in this region. NSW Government

Threatened species The NSW Government’s Saving our Species (SoS) program allocated $23 million across the state to protecting 450 threatened species and ecological communities in 2018–19.

The existing SoS funding, supplemented by Tranche 1 Australian Government post-fire funding, supported emergency fire response actions and assessment during the fires and in the immediate post-fire response. Activities include:

• developing innovative mapping products to define burnt areas and fire severity – information that underpins knowledge about impacts and bushfire recovery priorities • providing immediate support for the wildlife rehabilitation and care sector including $1m in emergency bushfire funding, $500k of this funding was made available as grants to wildlife rehabilitation sector through the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife • rapidly establishing a program of supplementary feeding for important populations of key threatened species including Koala, Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby and Mountain Pygmy Possum • seed collection for a number of threatened plant species • eerial shooting program – largest program undertaken on national parks and reserves in NSW to remove feral predators and herbivores • aerial and ground baiting programs to reduce feral predators post-fire • post-fire weed control activities in national parks and reserve • undertaking site assessments for species and communities identified by the Australian Government as those most in need of urgent management intervention to assess the recovery of key species and ecological communities. Funds to Local Land Services The NSW Government allocated $17 million ($1.4 million to the Riverina and Murray) to Local Land Services for a range of activities. Funding is available for pest animal control, weed control and animal welfare services, which could include ground cover reestablishment. The majority of this funding will be directed towards private land, which also contributes to biodiversity conservation.

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Funds to landholders for fencing The NSW Government committed $209 million to assist landholders re-establish boundary fences between private property and crown land such as National Park, State Forest and Travelling Stock Reserves. This helps landholders contain domestic stock so grazing does not impact on these areas which are important for biodiversity conservation. Victorian Government

The Victorian Government took immediate action to support Victoria’s bushfire impacted wildlife and biodiversity with a total of $22.5 million of funding across the state under the Bushfire Biodiversity Response and Recovery (BBRR) program. Funding of actions to December 2020 include:

• immediate reconnaissance and assessment of critical species and habitats • emergency extraction to prevent extinction and limit species decline • intensified and sustained management of threats (funding to June 2021) including, aerial deer control and fox control programs • knowledge, data and preparedness including prioritisation of actions, optimisation design for monitoring management effectiveness following bushfires and identification of important populations to support fire preparedness • maximising resilience, including through review of revegetation services in Victoria, genetic analysis of priority flora and fauna species, ash reseeding experiment design, feasibility assessments of potential safer havens and preparations for species specific actions to reduce their risk from population failure from episodic events or genetic fitness • traditional owner reading and healing country activities. The Victorian Government has also contributed:

• $240,000 towards immediate waterway damage restoration • $3 million for waterway and catchment recovery in fire impacted catchments • $7.7 million for ash reseeding • $900,000 for community grants for environmental activities. ACT Government

Natural regeneration is already resulting in considerable epicormic growth (regrowth of leaves from the trunks of burned trees) and revegetation through the majority of Namadgi National Park. Actions to support the environment’s recovery have centred on monitoring threatened species and ecosystems, biosecurity issues, managing erosion, and protecting water quality. Examples include:

• population surveys for Montane Spiny Crayfish and Greater Glider

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment 35 Australian alpine environment regional bushfire recovery workshop report

• restoration work on Bogs and Fens, and catchments • work with wildlife institutions and sanctuaries to care for and safely return animals evacuated from Tidbinbilla during the fires: Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, Koala, Platypus, and Northern Corroboree Frog • targeting and treatment of priority invasive weed species in and around Namadgi National Park and Beard, supported by existing weed control programs in Namadji National Park such as English Broom control. Species include St John’s Wort, African Lovegrass, Blackberry, Black Willow, Nodding Thistle, woody weeds, and Chilean Needle Grass across 500 ha in Namadgi National Park, and across 217 ha in Beard • feral deer monitoring program in the upper sections of the Cotter Catchment, supported by ongoing vertebrate pest in Namadgi National Park e.g. pig control program • ICON Water undertook prioritised sediment control works within Cotter Dam and Bendora Dam, to manage debris and help achieve immediate water security for the ACT and Queanbeyan. The ACT Government has now developed a long-term Bushfire Recovery Plan to guide recovery efforts. It includes a set of principles to guide the response to the recovery of bushfire and flood affected areas. Various projects will be undertaken to support natural regenerative processes throughout Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla including:

• restoring and protecting the ACT’s Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens ecological communities • protecting native ecosystems from weeds post-fire and post-fire protection of high priority threatened plant species • understanding the effect of fire on predator diet composition • frog survival and recovery in the ACT, and protecting the endangered Broad-toothed Rat • developing and implementing a catchment-scale hydrological monitoring framework • developing assessment methods and undertaking field work to assess hillslope erosion, road drainage and riparian areas, implementing erosion management actions, and research and monitoring to model catchment responses to a range of fire scenarios. Details on investment are at Appendix 7.

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment 36 Australian alpine environment regional bushfire recovery workshop report

Caveats

The information presented in this document is largely drawn from the Bushfire Recovery Environmental Analysis Decision Support (BREADS) tool, version v20.04 17Aug2020. It was prepared by the Geospatial and Information Analytics (ERIN) Branch, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

The BREADS tool has been developed to synthesize existing available environmental information to support broad level Natural Resource Management decision making needs in the context of the 2019-2020 bushfires. It includes a spatial priority index (SPI) which ranks a set of given Management Units (for example Regional Land Partnerships Management Units) by weighting and combining their potentially fire-affected environmental values, taking into account both their burnt and unburnt areas, as well as the size of their overall distribution.

The tool is being continuously improved in parallel with work across the portfolio on a national response to the environmental impacts of the 2019–20 bushfires. It is likely to evolve as new information and insight on priority setting for investments comes to bear. The BREADS tool uses outputs of a complex geospatial intersection across datasets for fire severity, fire history environmental values, tenure, and management units.

Data inputs:

• Fire History Index derived from MODIS MCD64A1 v006 (monthly, 500m, since 2000) • the severity data is GEEBAM July 2020. Search "GEEBAM" on: http://www.environment.gov.au/fed/catalog/main/home.page • Preliminary Analysis Area (PAA) comprising IBRA regions in southern and eastern Australia, as displayed at http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/pages/a8d10ce5- 6a49-4fc2-b94d-575d6d11c547/files/preliminary-analysis-area-19-jan-2020.pdf • the Database of Species of National Environmental Significance stores maps and point distribution information about Species of National Environmental Significance as listed in the EPBC Act • NRM regions 2017 • Expert Panel list of priority matters and recommended recovery actions.

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment 37 Australian alpine environment regional bushfire recovery workshop report Appendix 1: Priority matters with fire extent and severity information

The figures below are based on Australian Government data. Threatened ecological communities

This list is derived from Australian Government data on the distribution of Threatened Ecological Communities listed under the EPBC Act, and the Expert Panel’s list of priority threatened ecological communities for fire affected NRM regions.

Table 1 Threatened Ecological Communities impacted by the bushfires in the Australian alpine environment region, with fire severity and extent information, identified by the Expert Panel priorities for urgent management intervention

Matter Range states/territories EPBC Act listed Expert Panel – Total ha of Total ha Ha within fire Per cent (%) status regional TEC nationally within region extent within within fire priority region extent in region Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas Endangered Very high 15,778 5,612 2,220 40%

White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum NSW, ACT, Vic Critically Medium (for 464,095 66,054 4,403 7% Grassy Woodland and Derived Native endangered this region) Grassland

Note: Natural Temperate Grassland of the South Eastern Highlands also occurs within this region, about 22 per cent of which was burnt.

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Table 2 Additional ecological communities identified as priorities by the NSW Government with key threats

Name Threats

Kosciuszko Flanks Moist Gully Forest Drought / High fire frequency / Disturbance-Erosion-Pollution Kosciuszko Snow Gum-Mountain Gum Moist Forest Drought / High fire frequency / Disturbance-Erosion-Pollution Kosciuszko-Namadgi Alpine Ash Moist Grassy Forest Drought / High fire frequency

Jounama Snow Gum Shrub Woodland Drought / Disturbance-Erosion-Pollution Kosciuszko Western Flanks Moist Shrub Forest High fire frequency / Disturbance-Erosion-Pollution

Kosciuszko Eastern Slopes Mountain Gum Forest Drought Namadgi Subalpine Rocky Shrubland Drought / High fire frequency

Kybeyan Montane Heath Drought Eucalyptus niphophila woodlands (Alpine Snow Gum Woodland) Drought/ High fire frequency/Die-back Montane Peatlands and Swamps of the New England Tableland, NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin, South East Corner, South Eastern Highlands and Australian Alps bioregions High fire frequency/invasive herbivores/weeds/inherent fire sensitivity

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment 39 Australian alpine environment regional bushfire recovery workshop report Vertebrate animals

Priority animals were identified by the Expert Panel based on the extent to which their range has potentially been burnt, how imperilled they were before the fires (for example, whether they were already listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered), and the physical, behavioural and ecological traits which influence their vulnerability to fire. Most of these animals have had at least 30 per cent of their range burnt, and many substantially more. The framework and methods used to determine the priority species is described in the report available on the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website. The analysis includes animals in bioregions that have been impacted by fires from south-west Western Australia, southern South Australia, Victoria, southern and eastern New South Wales, south-eastern Queensland and Tasmania.

Table 3 Priority vertebrate animals in the region identified by the Expert Panel as priorities for urgent management intervention, with fire severity and extent information

Mountain Pygmy- Burramys parvus NSW, VIC Endangered 99,007 70,684 71% 14,161 20% 90% 94% 10 possum Broad-toothed Rat Mastacomys NSW, ACT, VIC Vulnerable 2,770,138 944,489 34% 315,845 33% 56% 64% 5 (mainland), fuscus mordicus Tooarrana Long-footed Potorous longipes NSW, VIC Endangered 582,294 88,215 15% 21,053 24% 40% 45% 4 Potoroo Smoky Mouse, Pseudomys NSW, ACT, VIC Endangered 2,762,881 790,063 29% 242,368 31% 56% 64% 3 Konoom fumeus Spot-tailed Quoll, Dasyurus NSW, ACT, Endangered 26,144,091 1,830,631 7% 490,923 27% 53% 62% 1 (southeastern maculatus (South- QLD, VIC mainland east mainland population) population)

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment 40 Australian alpine environment regional bushfire recovery workshop report

Per cent Range Per cent Range Per cent (%) (%) burnt Fire (%) range Spatial Range states Species total within of range Matter Scientific name EPBC listing range within severity burnt at Priority /territories range (ha) region burnt within within region index high and Index (ha) region region (ha) very high Yellow-bellied Petaurus australis NSW, QLD, SA, - 22,190,938 1,348,767 6% 325,922 24% 51% 60% 1 Glider VIC Dusky Antechinus Antechinus NSW, VIC, ACT - 9,881,659 1,039,791 11% 319,290 31% 54% 62% 1 mimetes Platypus Ornithorhynchus NSW, ACT, - 38,351,206 3,126,357 8% 491,081 16% 54% 62% 1 anatinus QLD, SA, TAS, VIC Greater Glider Petauroides NSW, ACT, Vulnerable 24,997,159 1,969,258 8% 448,911 23% 51% 60% 1 volans QLD, VIC Koala (combined Phascolarctos NSW, ACT, Vulnerable 42,031,620 1,202,040 3% 40,449 3% 40% 42% 0 populations of cinereus QLD Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) Long-nosed Potorous NSW, QLD, SA, Vulnerable 8,087,787 1,693 0% - 0% 0% 0% 0 Potoroo (SE tridactylus VIC Mainland) New Holland Pseudomys NSW, QLD, Vulnerable 9,941,275 880 - 0% 0% 0% 0 Mouse, Pookila novaehollandiae TAS, VIC Brush-tailed Rock- Petrogale NSW, VIC, Vulnerable 11,897,065 100,856 1% 25,704 25% 49% 62% 0 wallaby penicillata QLD Grey-headed Pteropus NSW, ACT, Vulnerable 27,577,551 2,548,979 9% 143,063 6% 48% 56% 0 Flying-fox poliocephalus QLD, SA, VIC Birds

Superb Lyrebird Menura NSW, ACT, - 14,784,281 1,768,272 12% 465,679 26% 53% 62% 2 novaehollandiae VIC, QLD

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment 41 Australian alpine environment regional bushfire recovery workshop report

Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera NSW, ACT, SA, Critically 23,988,334 2,474,493 10% 64,460 3% 46% 53% 1 phrygia VIC, QLD Endangered

Black-faced Monarcha NSW, QLD, Monarch melanopsis VIC Migratory 67,599,486 1,464,001 2% 314,844 22% 50% 59% 0

Glossy Black- Calyptorhynchs NSW, VIC, Cockatoo (eastern) lathami ACT, QLD - 48,312,651 1,524,519 3% 8,930 1% 47% 57% 0

Fish

Macquarie Perch Macquaria NSW, ACT, VIC - 3,021,051 1,023,397 34% 155,276 15% 48% 54% 4 (Murray-Darling australasica 'MDB Basin taxa) taxa' Flathead Galaxias, Galaxias rostratus NSW, SA, VIC Critically 983,870 431,449 44% 3,152 1% 53% 63% 1 Beaked Minnow Endangered Dargo Galaxias Galaxias rostratus VIC - 9,601 163 2% - 0% 0% 0% 0

Reptiles

Alpine She-oak Cyclodomorphs NSW, VIC Endangered 106,191 60,723 57% 9,128 15% 86% 92% 9 Skink praealtus Alpine Bog Skink, Pseudemoia VIC - 2,297,580 1,127,423 49% 225,168 20% 52% 61% 4 cryodroma

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Glossy Grass Skink, Pseudemoia ACT, NSW, SA, - 13,268,674 2,805,402 21% 554,482 20% 53% 61% 2 Swampland Cool- rawlinsoni VIC, TAS skink Southern Water- Eulamprus NSW, SA, VIC - 24,352,389 3,817,299 16% 573,602 15% 52% 60% 1 skink typmanum Frogs

Southern Pseudophryne Critically NSW 5,998 5,130 86% 1,509 29% 81% 88% 15 Corroboree Frog corroboree Endangered Spotted Tree Frog Litoria spenceri NSW, VIC Endangered 896,974 533,725 60% 121,696 23% 53% 63% 6

Northern Pseudophryne NSW, ACT Critically 40,395 32,932 82% 6,305 19% 37% 39% 5 Corroboree Frog pengilleyi Endangered

Invertebrate animals

The Expert Panel identified invertebrate species known or presumed to have been severely affected by the 2019–20 fires. The prioritisation is based mostly on spatial analysis of the extent of overlap between species’ distributional range and fire, with such analysis considering the following groups of Australian invertebrate species:

• approximately 700 invertebrate species listed as threatened under the EPBC Act or equivalent state and territory legislation or on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species • invertebrate species considered to be of concern by state and territory agencies and by some experts, because of fire impacts • some taxonomic groups likely to contain many fire-affected species.

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Susceptibility of invertebrate species to fire was considered where available, notably for a set of Kangaroo Island invertebrate species. Comparable information was not readily available for most invertebrate species. The main criterion for inclusion here is that the fires affected at least 30 per cent of the range of invertebrate species listed as threatened by any jurisdiction or the IUCN or 50 per cent of the range of species not presently listed, as per advice from the Expert Panel.

Table 4 Priority invertebrate animals in the region identified by the Expert Panel as priorities for urgent management intervention, with fire severity and extent information

Riek's Crayfish Euastacus rieki NSW - 280,292 4,171 1% 4,057 97% 87% 95% 1

Other invertebrates

Yarrangobilly Pinwheel Hedleyropa NSW - 2,169 2,169 100% 1,884 87% 60% 79% 36 Snail yarrangobillyensis Alpine Silver Xenica, Oreixenica latialis VIC - 314 314 100% 189 60% 70% 74% 36 Mount Buffalo Xenica theddora leaf beetle Buburra jeanae VIC - 314 314 100% 177 56% 73% 77% 30

Canthocamptus VIC - 314 314 100% 126 40% 54% 57% 12 harpactacoid copepod longipes Thaumatoperia VIC - 155,746 155,746 100% 10,858 7% 46% 51% 6 Alpine Stonefly alpina Castiarina VIC, NSW, - 1,256 640 51% 254 40% 59% 62% 5 jewel beetle flavoviridis ACT

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Per cent Per cent Per cent Range Range (%) of (%) Range Species (%) Fire Spatial EPBC within burnt range range Matter Scientific name states total range severity Priority listing region within burnt burnt at /territories range within index Index region (ha) within high and (ha) region region very high Austrochloritis VIC, NSW, - 12,427 7,583 61% 3,398 45% 57% 71% 5 Koscuiszko Bristle Snail kosciuszkoensis ACT Koscuiszko Carnivorous Austrorhytida VIC, NSW, - 12,310 4,844 39% 3,129 65% 52% 63% 5 Snail glaciamans ACT Lakes Entrance Pinwheel Diphyoropa illustra NSW, VIC - 5,026 2,101 42% 1,138 54% 33% 32% 3 Snail Oreixenica latialis VIC, NSW, - 3,837 926 24% 371 40% 58% 67% 3 Small Alpine Xenica ACT Austroaeschna NSW, VIC - 5,443 2,461 45% 527 21% 69% 77% 2 Alpine Darner flavomaculata Prickle Pinhead Snail Paralaoma annabelli NSW, SA, - 14,330 4,300 30% 1,596 37% 42% 47% 2 VIC, ACT Spotted Alpine Xenica Oreixenica orichora NSW, ACT, - 8,198 3,868 47% 939 24% 45% 50% 2 VIC jewel beetle Castiarina kershawi NSW, VIC - 6,416 628 10% 258 41% 58% 61% 1

Orange Alpine Xenica; Oreixenica correae NSW, VIC, - 11,792 4,111 35% 892 22% 57% 61% 1 Correa Brown ACT

Beetle Aulacopris reichei NSW, VIC - 7,434 628 8% - 0% 0% 0% 0 jewel beetle Temognatha grandis NSW - 7,059 314 4% - 0% 0% 0% 0

Mount Kosciusko Leptoperla cacuminis NSW - 628 195 - 0% 0% 0% 0 Wingless Stonefly Spider, harvestman or Asteron grayi NSW, QLD, - 6,596 314 5% - 0% 0% 0% 0 pseudoscorpion VIC Spider, harvestman or Molycria mammosa NSW, QLD - 14,262 314 2% - 0% 0% 0% 0 pseudoscorpion -

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Note: the ACT Government has advised that at least 90 per cent of the range for the Riek’s Crayfish Euastacus rieki and a large amount of the NSW range was burnt, and advise that almost 100 per cent of its known range is within the alpine region. Plant species

The initial national provisional prioritisation was undertaken to assess 19,004 plant species against a set of eleven criteria which combine the proportion of the geographic range that burned, species fire response traits, and the interactive effects of other stressors such as drought, herbivory, disease, weed invasion and erosion. Further assessment has almost been completed to consider an additional 7,058 plant taxa, new data on species traits and revised spatial analysis for several criteria. This has identified 427 priority species: these taxa had more than 80 per cent of their range burnt, or were listed as Endangered or Critically endangered under the EPBC Act or state/territory listings, or were listed as HIGH risk under two or more of the criteria assessed. This additional assessment is reflected in the data below.

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Table 5 Priority plant species in the region identified by the Expert Panel as priorities for urgent management intervention, with fire severity and extent information

Per cent Per cent Range Per cent Range (%) of Range Total (%) burnt Fire (%) Spatial within range Matter Scientific name states EPBC listing range range within severity range Priority region burnt /territories within region Index burnt at Index (ha) (ha) within region very high (ha) region

Olearia stenophylla NSW - 3,330 3,330 100% 3,097 93% 90% 96% 51

Grevillea oxyantha subsp. NSW - 4,413 4,413 100% 1,949 44% 47% 57% 24 ecarinata

Brumby Sallee Eucalyptus forresterae Vic - 2,292 970 42% 889 92% 95% 99% 23

Pine Mountain Vic - 7,062 7,062 100% 4,947 70% 58% 71% 21 Grevillea jephcottii Grevillea Bago Leek-orchid NSW Critically 68,548 68,548 100% 41,362 60% 43% 46% 20 Prasophyllum bagoense Endangered Fan Grevillea Grevillea ramosissima Vic - 4,956 4,956 100% 3,009 61% 50% 61% 19 subsp. hypargyrea Pomaderris NSW, Vic - 628 628 100% 264 42% 33% 32% 19 helianthemifolia Brandy Mary’s NSW, ACT Critically 34,557 34,557 100% 24,259 70% 31% 26% 16 Prasophyllum innubum Leek-orchid Endangered Kelton’s Leek- NSW Critically 34,075 34,075 100% 23,709 70% 31% 25% 16 Prasophyllum keltonii orchid Endangered Blue-tongue NSW, ACT Critically 1,088,418 598,943 55% 254,672 43% 54% 61% 13 Pterostylis oreophila Greenhood Endangered

Gentianella sylvicola NSW, ACT - 1,249 1,249 100% 536 43% 25% 13% 11

Pultenaea vrolandii NSW, Vic - 12,273 6,923 56% 4,024 58% 57% 68% 11

Lemon-scented NSW, Vic Vulnerable 23,333 11,266 48% 6,207 55% 42% 43% 10 Zieria citriodora Zieria

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Pomaderris gilmourii NSW - 1,256 628 50% - 0% 0% 0% 8

Dwarf Violet Viola improcera ACT, Vic - 2,013 530 26% 479 90% 71% 81% 7

Mountain NSW, Vic - 31,107 4,780 15% 1,876 39% 71% 89% 4 Banksia canei Banskia

Leafless Pinkbells Tetratheca subaphylla NSW, Vic - 15,638 2,201 14% 558 25% 55% 64% 3

Dainty Bitter- ACT, NSW, - 942 314 33% 279 89% 57% 74% 2 Cardamine tryssa cress Tas, Vic

Blotchy Mintbush Prostanthera walteri NSW, Vic - 9,631 1,044 11% - 0% 0% 0% 2

Galium roddii NSW - 1,479 1,165 79% 390 34% 26% 14% 2

Kydra Dampiera ACT, NSW, - 6,604 352 5% 351 100% 71% 96% 1 Dampiera fusca Vic Granite Grevillea ACT, NSW, - 1,256 628 50% - 0% 0% 0% 1 Grevillea neurophylla Vic

Prostanthera stenophylla NSW - 2,960 314 11% - 0% 0% 0% 1

Cotoneaster NSW, Vic Endangered 783,338 32,816 4% 40 0% 23% 9% 1 Pomaderris cotoneaster Pomaderris Philotheca myoporoides NSW, Vic - 4,218 314 7% - 0% 0% 0% 1 subsp. brevipedunculata Dwarf NSW, Vic - 20,543 350 2% 282 81% 50% 66% 0 Callistemon subulatus Bottlebrush

Dillwynia brunioides NSW - 24,553 314 1% - 0% 0% 0% 0

White Mountain NSW, Vic - 29,539 314 1% - 0% 0% 0% 0 Eucalyptus fraxinoides Ash, White Ash

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Nunniong Gum Eucalyptus elaeophloia Vic - 2,442 22 1% - 0% 0% 0% 0

Jervis Bay NSW - 9,862 314 3% 10 3% 22% 6% 0 Grevillea macleayana Grevillea Deyeuxia talariata NSW, Vic - 1,789 47 3% - 0% 0% 0% 0

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Table 6 Plants identified as priority species by NSW Government with predicted risk drivers

Scientific name Predicted risk drivers Acacia blayana High fire frequency / Herbivory / Fire severity / Cumulative fire risk Acacia covenyi Fire severity Acacia mabellae Drought / Fire severity Acacia saliciformis High fire frequency / Cumulative fire risk Acacia trachyphloia Drought / Disease / Fire severity Banksia canei Fire sensitivity / Cumulative fire risk Cassinia heleniae High fire frequency / Herbivory Cassinia venusta Fire severity / Cumulative fire risk Cassytha phaeolasia Drought / Cumulative fire risk Daviesia nova-anglica High fire frequency / Disease / Cumulative fire risk Deyeuxia reflexa Drought Dillwynia palustris Dormancy constraints Discaria nitida Herbivory Eucalyptus forresterae Herbivory / Fire severity Eucalyptus fraxinoides Fire severity / Fire sensitivity Galium roddii Drought / Herbivory / Weeds / Dormancy constraints Gentianella muelleriana subsp. jingerensis Herbivory / Cumulative fire risk Geranium sessiliflorum Herbivory / Fire severity / Dormancy constraints Goodenia glomerata Drought Grevillea imberbis Drought Grevillea macleayana Drought / Cumulative fire risk Grevillea oxyantha subsp. ecarinata Herbivory / Cumulative fire risk Hakea macraeana Fire sensitivity / Cumulative fire risk Leptospermum namadgiense Herbivory Olearia sp. rhizomatica (I.R.Telford 11549) Herbivory Olearia stenophylla Fire severity Persoonia chamaepitys Drought / High fire frequency / Fire severity Persoonia mollis subsp. mollis High fire frequency / Cumulative fire risk Persoonia procumbens Drought / Herbivory / Fire severity Pimelea bracteata Herbivory / Disease / Cumulative fire risk Pomaderris gilmourii Fire severity Prasophyllum innubum Herbivory Prasophyllum keltonii Herbivory Prostanthera decussata Disease / Cumulative fire risk Prostanthera stenophylla Drought / Herbivory Prostanthera walteri Drought / Fire severity Pterostylis oreophila Drought / High fire frequency / Herbivory / Fire severity / Weeds Pultenaea vrolandii Fire severity / Cumulative fire risk

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Scientific name Predicted risk drivers Tetratheca subaphylla Drought / Disease

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Appendix 2: the Spatial Priority Index (SPI)

This index:

• is intended to indicate the degree of consequences of fire for species persistence, with species near the top having smaller, more severely burnt ranges.

• should be taken as a broad guide only, and not used solely for determining priorities for action. It has not been scientifically peer reviewed

• was developed by bushfire analysts within the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, as part of development of the BREADS tool, described above.

• is derived from overlapping the fire severity data with the known and likely habitat for each matter in a region

• is weighted by the species distribution model (SDM) total known and likely area, so large ranging species are treated equivalently to narrow endemics

• is weighted by the SDM area, so large ranging species are scored less than endemics

• takes into account the importance of unburnt areas for highly impacted species

• includes fire severity using an index which weights ‘very high’ severity as five times that of ‘low/moderate’ severity and 1.7 times that of ‘high’ severity

• includes a fire history index for the last twenty years derived from MODIS MCD64A1 v006 (monthly, 500m, since 2000). Class "Low" combines unburnt areas with areas burnt only once and so in this version has a weight set of zero. Class 2 and Class 3 reflect increasing numbers of fires and decreasing of intervals between fires. Weights applied to fire history are currently set at about half those of fire severity. This reflects the early stage of development of our fire history index, uncertainty around the ecological consequences of fire history as it plays out across different ecosystems, and that the bushfire response efforts currently underway are more driven by perceived impacts of the 2019/20 fire season than fire history

• is not ‘set in stone’ but intentionally changeable depending on the weights applied in the BREADS tool. We are currently working on a sensitivity analysis approach to show the implications of changing weights

• could be added to in the future to incorporate a range of other criteria relevant to decision making for bushfire recovery.

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Picture 1 Picture from BREADS tool showing SPI calculations

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Appendix 3: Indicative distribution of Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens

Map 1 A broad map of known or potential distribution for the Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Ferns threatened ecological community

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Appendix 4: Specific recovery actions identified by the Expert Panel for priority species

Animal species

Picture 1 Recommended recovery actions for priority animal species (as identified as national key focus areas, above)

Matter Ecological traits Rapid on- Protecting Emergency salvage of plant and animal species for Provision of Feral predator and herbivore control to reduce the Additional actions ground unburnt ex-situ conservation or wild-to-wild translocation supplementary pressure on native species where appropriate assessment: areas shelter, food, establish extent and water of population Salvage/capture into ex Salvage/translocate to Exclude herbivores from Control introduced predators loss, & baseline situ (careful risk nearby unburnt unburnt and for monitoring assessment required) habitat or havens regenerating vegetation Burramys parvus Specialised diet and Yes Yes Maybe; noting ex situ No Yes; Yes Yes Mountain Pygmy-possum habitat; very animals already exist supplementary susceptible to feeding already introduced predators; in place, and social continuing under SoS until May Pseudophryne pengilleyi Yes Yes Maybe; expansion of No No Yes; especially horses Unknown Northern Corroboree Frog existing ex situ in terms of ESUs represented

Pseudophryne corroboree Yes Yes No; already implemented No No; but Yes Unknown Southern Corroboree Frog sufficiently. Existing captive supplementary breeding programs include watering in Taronga Zoo, Melbourne enclosures when Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary needed. and the Amphibian Research Centre.

Litoria spenceri Yes Yes Maybe; through expansion Maybe; species may No No Unknown Spotted Tree Frog of small-scale existing ex have low recruitment situ (existing captive and may need breeding program (10 translocation/captive breeding pairs, ~200 support - analysis young/year)) required. Translocation sites in NSW have been identified. Cyclodomorphus praealtus Habitat specialist, Yes Yes Maybe; there are existing No No Yes; habitat degradation Yes; predation from rats, foxes, Weed control Alpine She-oak Skink likely high mortality holdings at Healesville through grazing and cats, dogs (Hieracium during fire; predation trampling by cattle, feral aurantiacum), and post fire could be high horses, deer and pigs protect habitat from development, ski runs etc.

Euastacus crassus Yes Yes Maybe; need to assess Maybe; wild-to-wild No Yes - especially horses Maybe; pigs, foxes plus Consistent conservation Alpine Crayfish feasibility translocations possible predatory fish (Trout & Redfin) assessment (e.g. SEAP) in the future across crayfish, including the priority species

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Plant species

The criteria used in the table and picture below are:

• C. Post-fire herbivore impacts • D. Fire-disease interactions • E. High fire severity • J. Cumulative exposure to high risks Table 1 Plant species scientific names, common names, and management criteria

Scientific name Common name Criteria Grevillea jephcottii Pine Mountain Grevillea D, E, J Grevillea oxyantha subsp. ecarinata D Olearia stenophylla D Prasophyllum bagoense Bago Leek-orchid C Eucalyptus forresterae Brumby Sallee D, E

Picture 2 Recommended recovery actions for high priority plant species

Criteria

Management Action A B C D E F G H I J Urgency of action

Field inspections – damage and threats x x x x x Immediate

Germplasm collection x x x Immediate

Field inspections - resprouting assessment x x x Immediate

Field inspections - seedling emergence assessment x x x x Immediate

Disease – field assessments and emergency germplasm x Immediate collection of cuttings where resprouting is affected Exclude forestry/silvicultural impacts x x x x x Immediate

Alleviate herbivory x x x Immediate

Field inspections - recovery assessment x Medium-term

Irrigation x Medium-term

Carefully planned translocation x x x x x x x x x Medium-term

Weed control x x x Medium-term

Exclude prescribed fire x x x x x x x x x x Medium-term

Rapid response to wildfire x x x x x x x x x x Medium-term

Minimise development impacts x x x x x x x x x x Ongoing

Alleviate pollinator competition from feral bees and x x x x Medium-term / Ongoing European wasp Prevent illegal collecting or over-collecting of x x x x x x x x x x Ongoing germplasm or plants Minimise habitat disturbance from human activities x x x x x x x x x x Ongoing

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Appendix 5: Victorian high priority actions in Australian Alps fire extent

Management actions for species within the Australian Alps identified through Victorian Government Strategic Management Prospects tool. Areas within the fire extent with a high benefit-cost ranking (less than 90) should be prioritised for each action.

Map 1 Horse control cost-effectiveness

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Map 2 Weed control cost-effectiveness

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Map 3 Pig control cost-effectiveness

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Map 4 Deer control cost-effectiveness

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Map 5 Revegetation cost-effectiveness

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Map 6 Domestic stock grazing and weed control cost-effectiveness

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Map 7 Predator control cost-effectiveness

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Appendix 6: Victorian potential species specific priority actions

Specific needs assessments are currently being completed as of September 2020. The actions and species below are those identified partway through the process. More information will be obtained over the next few weeks covering a greater breath of taxon. Preliminary views of unreleased assessments suggest actions below (particularly pest control) will be beneficial for a broad range of species in the Victorian Alps. Actions are listed in no particular order as cost- benefit calculations are forthcoming. Benefits to species of each action is calculated as increased likelihood of persistence compared to no action and ranked relative to other actions in terms of cost-effectiveness.

Table 1 Management actions for species within the Victorian Alps identified through a Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning specific needs assessment

Actions Beneficiary species

Strategic burns (to protect habitat) Desmids of alpine bogs Treubia tasmanica, Triandrophyllum subtrifidum, Calomnion complanatum

Pest animal control (predator and herbivore Desmids of alpine bogs removal) Bartramia subsymmetrica Broad-toothed Rat Euphrasia crassiuscula subsp. Glandulifera Kelleria bogongensis Lobelia gelida

Collection and culture (in recognised collection Desmids of alpine bogs facilities)

Exclosure fencing (artificial refuge) Desmids of alpine bogs Bartramia subsymmetrica Kelleria bogongensis Lobelia gelida

Artificial hollows (to support prey species) Barking Owl

Protect hollow-bearing trees during fire Barking Owl management Southern Great Glider

Install tree bands to protect from lace monitors Barking Owl

Weed control Bartramia subsymmetrica Treubia tasmanica, Triandrophyllum subtrifidum, Calomnion complanatum

Propagation and establishment of new sites Bartramia subsymmetrica

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Actions Beneficiary species Treubia tasmanica, Triandrophyllum subtrifidum, Calomnion complanatum

Myrtle Wilt management Treubia tasmanica, Triandrophyllum subtrifidum, Calomnion complanatum

Habitat restoration Treubia tasmanica,Triandrophyllum subtrifidum, Calomnion complanatum

Translocation Long-footed Potoroo

Wild release from captivity Long-footed Potoroo

Control sedimentation Lobelia gelida

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Appendix 7: Funding investment

Summary

Table 1 Summary of Australian Government funding in the Australian alpine environment region relevant to bushfire recovery

Funding stream Funding amount

NRM (Phase 1 and 2 bushfire recovery) $1,050,000

NSW Government for bushfire recovery – threatened species (region-specific) $1,060,000

NSW Government for bushfire recovery – pests (state-wide) $2,000,000

Victorian Government (state-wide) $3,000,000

ACT Government (territory wide) $500,000

Bushfire recovery grants (tranche 1) with some activities occurring in / relevant to Australian Alpine region $2,914,462

Funds to zoos $1,000,000

NESP Threatened Species Hub $144,757

Table 2 Summary of NSW Government funding in the Australian alpine environment region relevant to bushfire recovery

Funding stream Funding amount

State bushfire recovery to Riverina & Murray LLS for pest animal control, weed control and animal welfare $1,400,000

Supporting our neighbour’s boundary fencing program (state-wide) $209,000,000

Save our Species 2018–19 $23,000,000 Some funds invested in emergency fire response actions and assessment

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Table 3 Summary of Victorian Government funding in the Australian alpine environment region relevant to bushfire recovery

Funding stream Funding amount

Biodiversity bushfire response $22,500,000

State recovery plan $7,700,000

Waterways and Catchments bushfire recovery $3,240,000

Table 4 Summary of ACT Government funding in the Australian alpine environment region relevant to bushfire recovery

Funding stream Funding amount

Catchment Hydrology, Erosion and Water Quality: Rehabilitation Strategies $255,000

Sambar Deer Control: Ariel component $50,000

Other funding:

• Zoos Victoria: investment relevant to species in region (not bushfire specific): $9.18 million over 5 years (2019–2024) • Taronga Park Zoo: investment in captive breeding program for Northern and Southern Corroboree Frogs (part of National Recovery Program)

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Details

Table 5 Details of funding provided to the Australian alpine environment region relevant to bushfire recovery

Funding stream Amount Recipient Project Title Project description

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT

NRM Regions

Bushfire recovery funds $100,000 ACT NRM Support to RLP Service The funding assisted the recovery of threatened species and threatened to NRM – Phase 1 Providers for Emergency Pest ecological communities in areas severely areas impacted by the 2019/2020 Mitigation and Habitat bushfires. The program implemented priority pest animal (rabbits), weed Protection control and habitat protection activities in burnt and unburnt areas. Weed control focused on controlling both priority post-fire emergent invasive grasses such as Chilean Needle Grass (a WON) and African Lovegrass, particularly along rural road reserves in southern ACT, and priority post-fire increaser noxious weeds such as Nodding Thistle. The control of woody weeds provided effective rabbit control across burnt areas by removing harbours; rabbits were also baited and warrens fumigated and ripped. will be fumigated and ripped.

Bushfire recovery funds $350,000 Murray Local Support to RLP Service This project will assist the recovery of threatened species and threatened to NRM – Phase 1 & 2 Land Services providers for Emergency Pest ecological communities at Dunns Road and Green Valley/Talmalmo through the Mitigation and habitat implementation of pest animal control, erosion control, habitat protection, protection fauna surveys, habitat augmentation activities and the development of an Ecological Fire Recovery Plan. Management interventions will occur in burnt and unburnt areas. Targeted species and ecological communities include Trout Cod, Macquarie Perch, Southern Corroboree Frog, Greater Glider, Booroolong Frog, Broad-toothed Rat, Bago Leek Orchid, Kelton’s Leek Orchid, Brandy Mary's Leek-orchid and Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens ecological communities. Details: • bank revetment work for Trout Cod habitat • sediment reduction for Booroolong Frog habitat

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Funding stream Amount Recipient Project Title Project description

• herbivore control • Peatland protection • fencing for Kelton’s Leek Orchid protection • Mannus Creek survey, management plan and pest control for Macquarie Perch conservation Greater Glider Surveys and habitat creation in Woomargama National Park.

Bushfire recovery funds $500,000 North East Support to RLP Service This project will assist the recovery of threatened species and threatened to NRM – Phase 1 & 2 Catchment providers for Emergency Pest ecological communities in areas severely impacted by the 2019/2020 bushfires. Management Mitigation and habitat Phase I will implement pest animal control, weed control and habitat protection Authority protection activities, focussing on Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens and the Mountain Pygmy-possum. Phase II will implement priority weed control, control access to EPBC species habitat sites, establish breeding programs for EPBC listed native fish species, and develop farm plans with landholders to manage the impacts of fire on EPBC habitat. Focus species: • Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens Ecological Community • Macquarie Perch Macquaria astralasica • Alpine Tree Frog Litoria verreauxii alpine • Blue Tongued orchid Pterostylis oreophila • Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby Petrogale penicillata • Greater Glider Petauroides volans • Long Footed Potoroo Potorous longipes • Macquarie Perch Macquaria astralasica • Mignonette Orchid Prasophyllum morganii • Natural Temperate grasslands of the south east highlands • Pale Golden Moths Diuris Ochroma • Phantom Wattle Acacia phasmoides.

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Funding stream Amount Recipient Project Title Project description

Bushfire recovery funds $100,000 Riverina Local Support to RLP Service This project will assist the recovery of threatened species and threatened to NRM – Phase 1 Land Services providers for Emergency Pest ecological communities in areas severely impacted by the 2019/2020 bushfire Mitigation and habitat through the implementation of priority pest animal, weed control and habitat protection protection activities in burnt and unburnt areas. Details: • regional ecological recovery plan • priority pest animal and weed control surrounding Ellerslie Nature Reserve • Upper Gilmore sediment reduction for Booroolong Frog habitat. State/Territory Governments

State Emergency $500,000 ACT Government This project supports remedial works around bogs and fens, predator intervention funding management, catchment stabilisation, frog assessments and improving habitat for the Broad-Toothed Rat.

State Emergency $750,000 Victorian Emergency extraction intervention Government

State Emergency $750,000 Victorian Reconnaissance intervention Government

State Emergency $1,500,000 Victorian Long term resilience intervention Government

State Emergency $2,000,000 NSW Government Pests State-wide: 700 hours of aerial shooting targeting feral pigs, goats and deer; intervention 30,000 km of aerial baiting (foxes)

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Funding stream Amount Recipient Project Title Project description

State Emergency $1,060,000 NSW Government Threatened species Funding contribution made to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry intervention and Environment for emergency interventions to protect threatened plants and animals. For region:

Species Funds Activity type

Mountain Pygmy Possum $ 230,000 Species specific Broad-toothed Rat $ 120,000 Species specific Southern Corroboree Frog $ 30,000 Species specific Southern Corroboree Frog $ 190,000 Species specific Spotted Tree Frog $ 40,000 Rescue $ 450,000 Smoky Mouse (Alpine & South Species specific coast NSW)

Grant recipients

Bushfire recovery grants $297,040 The Trustee for Habitat Repair and Species The project is focused on 6 privately protected conservation reserves in NSW – Tranche 1 South Endeavour Recovery on six South owned by South Endeavour Trust. It aims to secure habitat recovery on Note: Grant activities Trust Endeavour Trust reserves reserves, support recovery of 15 Priority fauna species and 3 Priority (and investment) are Endangered Ecological Communities present on the reserves, and establish a relevant, but not long term fauna and flora monitoring program on the reserves to assess longer confined, to this region term recovery from the fires. Relevant reserves for region: Crooks Racecourse (adjacent to Jagungal Wilderness).

$271,370 La Trobe Conserving Victoria’s unique The project will assess the impacts of the 2019–20 fires on Thaumatoperla University alpine stonefly genus alpina, establish the true distribution of the species, and identify priority Thaumatoperla actions to support recovery and conservation efforts.

$328,131 Deakin University Impacts of severe and Focussed on reptiles and the broad-toothed rat, the project will examine how extensive fire and interactions fire and large feral herbivores impact on these populations and inform whether with feral herbivores. translocations and/or feral animal management could be needed. Focus area includes Australian Alps.

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Funding stream Amount Recipient Project Title Project description

Bushfire recovery grants $723,811 University of NSW Building capacity for Develop adaptive fire management strategies, to improve prospects for 8 – Tranche 1 resilience & recovery of priority ecological communities and 7 species, integrating remote sensing, Note: Grant activities threatened ecological ground survey and citizen science with management. Address 4 threats, using a (and investment) are communities monitoring design to evaluate recovery and build capacity for decision making: relevant, but not frequent fire, and post-fire weed invasion, erosion and predation. confined, to this region Includes work near Tumut for the Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens. Species:

• Philoria sphagnicola Sphagnum Frog • Mixophyes balbus Stuttering Frog • Mixophyes fleayi Fleay's Frog • Mixophyes iteratus Giant Barred Frog • Eulamprus leuraensis Blue Mountains Swamp-Skink • Litoria littlejohni Littlejohn's Frog • Heleioporus australiacus Giant Burrowing Frog.

Grants – Tranche 1 $654,500 The Trustee for Saving the spinys: urgent The project will support the recovery of the 22 priority Euastacus species Nature Glenelg actions to conserve the (freshwater crayfish) affected by the bushfires, by identifying critical Trust Euastacus freshwater crayfish populations, exploring the feasibility of conservation translocations, and determining how to best conserve each species. Various locations in NSW, ACT, VIC and QLD. Species:

• Euastacus clarkae Ellen Clark's Crayfish • Euastacus suttoni Sutton's Crayfish • Euastacus claytoni Clayton's Spiny Crayfish • Euastacus polysetosus Many-bristled Crayfish • Euastacus diversus Orbost Spiny Crayfish

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Funding stream Amount Recipient Project Title Project description

• Euastacus spinichelatus Small Crayfish • Euastacus girurmulayn Smooth Crayfish • Euastacus sp. 1 Arte Spiny Crayfish • Euastacus sp. 2 Cann Spiny Crayfish • Euastacus pilosus Hairy Cataract Crayfish • Euastacus gumar Bloodclaw Crayfish • Euastacus simplex Small Mountain Crayfish • Euastacus guwinus Tianjara Crayfish East Gippsland Spiny • Euastacus bidawalus Crayfish West Snowy Spiny • Euastacus sp. 3 Crayfish • Euastacus jagabar Blue-Black Crayfish • Euastacus morgani Morgan's Crayfish • Euastacus rieki Riek's Spiny Crayfish • Euastacus gamilaroi Gamilaroi Spiny Crayfish • Euastacus jagara Jagara Hairy Crayfish • Euastacus dalagarbe Mud Gully Crayfish • Euastacus crassus Alpine Crayfish

Grants – Tranche 1 $384,550 Landcare Releasing Macquarie Perch Activities: 1) restore 20km of riparian habitat impacted by bushfires at sites Australia Ltd and Restoring Fish Habitat in across QLD, NSW and VIC, targeting habitat improvements for 1 turtle, 5 fish Bushfire Affected Areas and 4 crayfish species listed as priority matters, 2) collect mature Macquarie Perch to be used in a release breeding program (release into Buffalo River, Mount Buffalo National Park to support the persistence of a wild population).

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Funding stream Amount Recipient Project Title Project description

Grants – Tranche 1 $255,060 Monash Determining landscape-scale This project will assess impacts of the recent bushfires on freshwater University impacts of fire on biodiversity biodiversity and 14 Priority Matters taxa across southeastern Australia using using eDNA environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling. This project will enable the identification of species and areas in urgent need of management, and form an important baseline for future monitoring. Various locations (sampling over 220 sites). Species:

• Litoria spenceri Spotted Tree Frog • Eustacus claytoni Clayton's Spiny Crayfish • Eustacus crassus Alpine Crayfish • Ornithorhynchus anatinus Platypus • Mixophyes balbus Stuttering Frog • Eustacus diversus Orbost Spiny Crayfish • Litoria littlejohni Littlejohn's Tree Frog • Eustacus bidawalus East Gippsland Spiny Crayfish • Eustacus rieki Riek's Spiny Crayfish • Macquarie Perch MDB taxa Macquaria australasica 'MDB taxa' • Galaxias tatangara Stocky Galaxias • Gadopsis sp. nov. 'Western River Blackfish (SW Victoria) Victoria' • Heleioporus australiacus Giant Burrowing Frog • Galaxias rostratus Flathead Galaxias.

Zoos

Bushfire Emergency $1,000,000 Taronga Zoo Wildlife rescue and Funds for the treatment of injured wildlife and the establishment of insurance Wildlife Response rehabilitation. populations of at-risk species. Activities include securing an insurance population of the Northern Corroboree Frog, and care / release of Platypus rescued from Tidbinbilla National Park.

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Funding stream Amount Recipient Project Title Project description

National Environmental Science Program (NESP) – Threatened Species Hub

Additional funds to $ 144,757 NESP Threatened 8.1.3 Post-fire impact The impact of fire on Australian frogs, especially the 37 listed threatened NESP TSR Hub for Species Recovery assessment for priority frogs species, is poorly known. This project aims to provide new knowledge on frog research relating to the Hub responses to fire through targeted on-ground surveys. It will also draw on recovery of wildlife and Lead agency: previous and ongoing Hub research on threatened species monitoring to help habitat from the recent Australian establish or modify monitoring programs post fires. This project will help bushfires National facilitate a robust assessment of fire impact on frogs, guiding management University responses and evaluations of extinction risk, while also establishing a knowledge base to ensure improved preparedness for future fires. Species and locations to be determined. Will include advice and new information on priority species Spotted Tree Frog Litoria spenceri and Northern Corroboree Frog Pseudophryne pengilleyi.

NSW GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT

Save our Species $23,000,000 - Some funds invested in post- 2018–19 bushfire recovery

NSW Bushfire Recovery $1,400,000 Landholders via Pest animal control, weed control and animal health (including ground cover Program LLS re-establishment), mainly across private land.

Supporting our $209,000,000 Landholders via Supporting private landholders to re-establish boundary fences between crown Neighbour’s boundary (statewide) LLS land such as national parks, state forest and travelling stock reserves. fencing program

VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT

Victorian Government $1,132,000 Emergency extraction to • undertake prioritisation and emergency extraction, housing or seed biodiversity bushfire prevent extinction and limit banking and other actions to protect animal and plant populations response species decline • establish infrastructure to support emergency extraction activities.

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Funding stream Amount Recipient Project Title Project description

Victorian Government $1,000,000 Wildlife welfare Support wildlife welfare: biodiversity bushfire • establish a Wildlife Welfare Roundtable response • improve systems for intelligence gathering, reporting and monitoring of injured wildlife in real time • enhance systems for the deployment and coordination of wildlife responders and volunteers • develop Wildlife Rehabilitation Guidelines. Victorian Government $1,570,000 Program and regional biodiversity bushfire recovery co-ordination, response delivery and communication

Victorian Government $1,298,000 Immediate reconnaissance Undertake the immediate reconnaissance of critical fauna, flora and key biodiversity bushfire and assessment of critical habitats to support recovery actions: response species and habitats • identify key unburnt areas for conservation protection • create off-stream temporary ponds to support large brown tree frog recovery • create artificial habitats for hollow-using birds and mammals in East Gippsland. Victorian Government $12,000,000 Intensified and sustained Provide intensified and sustained threat management through predator, biodiversity bushfire threat management – pest herbivore and weed control. response predators, herbivores and weeds

Victorian Government $1,750,000 Knowledge, data and Commence a program of scientific knowledge, data and program management biodiversity bushfire preparedness that aligns with the Biodiversity 2037 Plan: response • provide strategic guidance for direct interventions in critical fauna populations • improve systems and data management. Victorian Government $1,750,000 Traditional owner reading Maximise long term resilience: biodiversity bushfire and healing country • facilitate traditional owner reading of country to identify culturally response significant species and habitats and understand impacts • facilitate traditional owner healing of country.

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Funding stream Amount Recipient Project Title Project description

Victorian Government $2,000,000 Maximizing resilience across Maximise long term resilience: biodiversity bushfire the landscape • establish a safe-haven network of ecological refuges across the state response • review and design requirements for revegetation and reseeding programs • spread risk by establishing new plant and animal populations and improved fitness of existing populations. Victorian Government $7,700,000 Ash reseeding Support the recovery of mountain and alpine ash forests through a mountain and alpine ash reseeding and seedbank program

Victorian Government $900,000 Community grants

Victorian Government $240,000 NECMA Emergency waterway and Funding to enable emergency waterway and catchment works to reduce the catchment response works impact of waterway damage on catchment and aquatic health

Victorian Government $3,000,000 NECMA Water and Catchments Funding to enable waterway and catchment restoration works to reduce the Bushfire Recovery impact of waterway damage on catchment and aquatic health

ACT GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT

ACT Government $255,000 Catchment hydrology, erosion and water quality: rehabilitation strategies

ACT Government $50,000 Sambar Deer control: aerial component

OTHER

Zoos Victoria $9,182,000 Wildlife Conservation Master Relevant species for region include: New Holland Mouse, Brush-tailed Rock over 5 years Plan 2019–2024 Wallaby, Mountain Pygmy Possum, Smoky Mouse, Southern Corroboree Frog, (2019–2024) Northern Corroboree Frog, Spotted Tree Frog, Alpine She-oak Skink, Guthega Skink. Various activities: captive breeding and reintroductions, survey, monitoring, creating enclosures / safe passageways, research.

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Attachment 1: Victorian priority species

The following tables have been taken from Victoria’s bushfire emergency: Biodiversity response and recovery Version 2. Localised impacts were gathered through consultation with species experts, regional Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning staff and other regional biodiversity experts from partner agencies. No thresholds or criteria were used to determine these localised impacted, other than seeking advice primarily on species that had large proportions of their habitat impacted by the fires or if advice was that they were especially vulnerable to wildfire. Species that are listed under the EPBC Act are shown in bold, and italics is Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Advisory List listed species (a species listed on both lists is bold and italics). Species marked with an asterisk (*) are Priority Species under the Australian Government's Threatened Species Strategy. Species marked with a caret (^) are currently being reviewed under the EPBC Act. Species marked with a hash (#) are migratory species with a smaller impact in their Victorian extent, but which have had their habitat impacted in other states.

Fauna species

Table 1 Fauna species of most concern across Victoria, including per cent of modelled habitat in the current fire extent, per cent of modelled habitat impacted by high severity fire, genetic risk rating and localised impacts

Scientific Name Per cent (%) of Per cent (%) of Genetic Localised impacts modelled habitat in modelled habitat in Risk Common Name Victoria within the Victoria impacted by current fire extent high severity fire

AMPHIBIANS

Alpine Tree Frog Litoria verreauxii alpina 15% 8% High

Blue Mountains Litoria citropa 66% 32% High Tree Frog

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Booroolong Tree Litoria booroolongensis 39% 13% Very high Two of three Victorian populations impacted Frog^

Dendy's Toadlet Pseudophryne dendyi 46% 23% High

Giant Burrowing Heleioporus 75% 38% Very high Frog^ australiacus

Green and Golden Litoria aurea 53% 24% High Populations around Mallacoota may be impacted. Some Bell Frog individuals observed in Cape Conran National Park since fires

Keferstein's Tree Litoria dentata 84% 53% High Frog

Large Brown Tree Litoria littlejohni 88% 47% Very high All known populations may be impacted Frog^

Leaf Green Tree Litoria nudidigita 66% 34% High Frog

Martin's Toadlet Uperoleia martini 31% 13% Very high Over 30 per cent of Gippsland populations may be impacted

Southern Barred Mixophyes balbus 96% Currently unknown Very high No confirmed records in Victoria since 1982. All known Frog (pre 1982) sites have been impacted.

Spotted Tree Frog^ Litoria spenceri 22% 13% Very high Four significant populations impacted by high severity fire

AQUATIC FAUNA

Australian Prototroctes maraena Currently unknown Currently unknown Low Eastern Victorian populations may be impacted Grayling^

Burrunan Dolphin Tursiops australis Currently unknown Currently unknown Moderate

'Cann' Galaxias Galaxias sp. 17 Currently unknown Currently unknown Very high Almost all populations impacted in sediment event. Individuals extracted. No more located within known range.

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Dargo Galaxias^ Galaxias mungadhan 16% Currently unknown High All populations impacted. Individuals extracted.

East Gippsland Galaxias aequipinnis 100% Currently unknown High All populations may be impacted Galaxias^

Flatheaded Galaxias rostratus ~25% Currently unknown Very high Impacts unknown due to difficulty in sampling. Galaxias

Galaxis olidus Galaxis olidus complex Currently unknown Currently unknown Moderate Key population in south of range may be impacted (~85% of complex populations occur within current fire extent).

Gippsland Blackfish Gadopsis sp. Currently unknown Currently unknown Very high Key populations in East Gippsland may be impacted.

Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasica ~20% Currently unknown High Population in Lake Dartmouth and Buffalo River impacted. Individuals extracted.

McDowall's Galaxias mcdowalli 77% Currently unknown High All populations may be impacted. Individuals extracted. Galaxias^

'Moroka' Galaxias Galaxias sp. 16 Currently unknown Currently unknown Very high Only known population outside of fire footprint.

Mountain Galaxias Galaxias olidus Currently unknown Currently unknown Moderate Key populations in south of range may be impacted

Roundsnout Galaxias Galaxias terenasus 97% Currently unknown Very high Entire Victorian population may be impacted. No access possible for extraction due to fires.

'Yalmy' Galaxias Galaxias sp. 14 94% Currently unknown Very high Entire population impacted in major sediment event post- fire. Individuals extracted. No more located within known range

BIRDS

Brown Gerygone Gerygone mouki 52% 26% Moderate Impact on East Gippsland population linked to extent of Warm Temperate Rainforest and Riparian Forest burnt.

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Eastern Dasyornis brachypterus 58% 39% Very high Fire boundaries very close to key sites. Individuals Bristlebird* extracted and returned. The population in adjacent Nadgee Nature Reserve has been severely impacted.

Glossy Black- Calyptorhynchus lathami 64% 26% Moderate Most of the population in East Gippsland has been impacted; Cockatoo effect of fire on food (Casuarina seeds) likely to be severe. Has since been observed eating other sheoak species

Ground Parrot Pezoporus wallicus 33% 21% Very high Most of the population in East Gippsland has been impacted. Species may have been in decline across Victorian Range before fires.

Lewin's Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii 39% 20% Moderate

Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae 54% 26% High Area burnt includes best habitat in Victoria and covers most of the recent records.

Powerful Owl Ninox strenua 26% 13% Moderate

Red-browed Climacteris erythrops 31% 16% High Treecreeper

Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa 47% 24% High Likely impacted by fire, impact on species depends on fire severity

Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma punctatum 29% 14% High

MAMMALS

Broad-toothed Rat Mastacomys fuscus 23% 14% Very High Populations in sub-alpine areas may be impacted mordicus (mainland)

Brush-tailed Rock- Petrogale penicillata 43% 26% Very high Wild Little River Gorge population not directly impacted wallaby*

Eastern Bent-wing Miniopterus schreibersii 21% 10% Moderate Most important Gippsland cave site is outside burnt area Bat oceanensis

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Eastern False Falsistrellus tasmaniensis 26% 13% Moderate Pipistrelle

Eastern Horseshoe Rhinolophus megaphyllus 39% 18% High Some cave sites within burnt area Bat

Eastern Pygmy- Cercartetus nanus 25% 13% High High proportion of best habitat in East Gippsland has been possum burnt; some tableland sites have been impacted. Most highest density sites in EG (on tableland near Bendoc) not burnt.

Feathertail Glider Acrobates pygmaeus 22% 11% High

Greater Glider Petauroides volans 32% 16% High Populations on foothill sites may be impacted

Grey-headed Pteropus poliocephalus 23% 11% Low Major population in Mallacoota may be impacted. Flying-fox

Koala Phascolarctos cinereus 13% 6% Moderate

Long-footed Potorous longipes 79% 41% Very high Populations may be impacted. Very high proportion of Potoroo^ East Gippsland distribution burnt. Evidence of individuals in recently burnt areas

Long-nosed Perameles nasuta 35% 17% High Bandicoot

Long-nosed Potorous tridactylus 45% 22% Very high Very high proportion of East Gippsland distribution has Potoroo been burnt. Recent (pre fire) detections of this species have been few; high priority to assess status

Mountain Pygmy- Burramys parvus 7% 4% Very high possum*

Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus 14% 6% Moderate

Smoky Mouse^ Pseudomys fumeus 20% 11% High

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Southern Brown Isoodon obesulus 28% 14% High Very high proportion of East Gippsland distribution has Bandicoot been burnt.

Spot-tailed Quoll^ Dasyurus maculatus 36% 19% Very High Most Upper Snowy sites (north of Gelantipy) were not in the current fire extent

White-footed Sminthopsis leucopus 36% 18% High Dunnart

Yellow-bellied Petaurus australis 35% 18% High Populations on foothill sites may be impacted Glider

REPTILES

Alpine Bog Skink Pseudomoia cryodroma 14% 9% Very high Some populations may be impacted

Alpine She-oak Cyclodomorphus 5% 2% Very high Minor impacts on southern edge of Bogong High Plains Skink praealtus population. Extensive impacts in NSW and from previous bushfires

Alpine Water Skink Eulamprus kosciuskoi 22% 14% High Likely > 50% of populations may be impacted

Copper-tailed Skink Ctenotus teniolatus 19% 9% Moderate Preference for rocky habitat which may be less impacted by fires

Diamond Python Morelia spilota 86% 45% High Most of the population may be impacted. Likely to be individuals on Howe Flat

Eastern She-oak Cyclodomorphus michaeli 55% Currently unknown High Majority of populations may be impacted. Likely to be Skink individuals on Howe Flat

Gippsland Water Intellagama lesueurii 42% 20% High Some individuals observed but numbers severely reduced in Dragon howittii some areas. Oviposition sites in some areas impacted by stream sediment

Lace Monitor Varanus varius 16% 8% High High proportion of East Gipps distribution has been burnt.

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Red-throated Skink Acritoscincus platynotus 36% 22% Very High Likely all populations may be impacted

Swamp Skink Lissolepis coventryi 17% 7% High Much of its range in East Gippsland (population stronghold) has been impacted. Few individuals observed at each site (in burrows)

Yellow-bellied Eulamprus heatwolei 39% 20% High Numerous sightings since fire, appears to be a resilient Water Skink species

Note: Localised impacts were gathered through consultation with species experts, regional Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning staff and other regional biodiversity experts from partner agencies. No thresholds or criteria were used to determine these localised impacted, other than seeking advice primarily on species that had large proportions of their habitat impacted by the fires or if advice was that they were especially vulnerable to wildfire. Bold is EPBC and italics is the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Advisory List listed species (a species listed on both lists is bold and italics). Species marked with an asterisk (*) are Priority Species under the Australian Government's Threatened Species Strategy. Species marked with a caret (^) are currently being reviewed under the EPBC Act. Species marked with a hash (#) are migratory species with a smaller impact in their Victorian extent, but which have had their habitat impacted in other states.

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Flora species Localised impacts were gathered through consultation with species experts, regional Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning staff and other regional biodiversity experts from partner agencies. No thresholds or criteria were used to determine these localised impacted, other than seeking advice primarily on species that had large proportions of their habitat impacted by the fires or if advice was that they were especially vulnerable to wildfire. Species that are listed under the EPBC Act are shown in bold, and italicised rows are Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Advisory List. Note: this table will be updated as new analyses and advice arises. Table 2 Flora species of most concern across Victoria, including per cent of modelled habitat in the current fire extent, per cent of modelled habitat impacted by high severity fire, genetic risk rating and localised impacts

Podocarpus aff. lawrencei Errinundra Plum-pine 8% 1% Moderate (Goonmirk Rocks) DICOTYLEDONS Acacia caerulescens Limestone Blue Wattle 23% 9% Very high Confined to the largely cleared limestones of the Buchan-Nowa Nowa area

Acacia dawsonii Poverty Wattle 21% 9% Currently unknown

Acacia irrorata subsp. Irrorata Green Wattle 96% 61% Currently unknown Restricted to two populations in Victoria, both impacted Acacia maidenii Maiden's Wattle 23% 6% High Only Victorian site, southernmost occurrence/end of range Acacia subtilinervis Net-veined Wattle 82% 37% Currently unknown Restricted to two populations in Victoria, both entirely impacted Acacia ureniae 100% Currently unknown Currently unknown Single population which was impacted. Plant material extracted.

Aciphylla glacialis Snow Aciphyll 13% 9% Uncertain

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Angophora floribunda Rough-barked Apple 92% 59% Currently unknown Astrotricha crassifolia Thick-leaf Star-hair 41% 18% Currently unknown Only known Victorian occurrence Banksia canei Mountain Banksia 33% 16% Currently unknown Population at Burrowa Pine Mountain impacted Banksia croajingolensis Gippsland Banksia 65% 45% Very high Restricted to a single population in Croajingolong National Park, impacted by fire. Ongoing persistence depends on fire severity. Bertya findlayi Mountain Bertya 59% 28% Currently unknown All of Victorian population impacted by fire

Boronia ledifolia Showy Boronia 69% 35% Currently unknown

Boronia sp. Currently unknown Currently unknown Currently unknown An unnamed species apparently confined to Mt Typo Brachyscome riparia Snowy River Daisy 34% 14% Currently unknown

Brachyscome salkiniae Elegant Daisy 93% 52% Very high Brunoniella pumilio Dwarf Brunoniella 93% 69% Currently unknown Restricted in Victoria to single population which was entirely impacted

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Per cent (%) of Per cent (%) of modelled habitat in modelled habitat in Scientific Name Common Name Genetic Risk Localised impacts Victoria within the Victoria impacted by current fire extent high severity fire Callistemon forresterae Forrester’s Bottlebrush 88% 45% Very high Restricted to six small populations in Gippsland, majority likely impacted Callistemon kenmorrisonii Betka Bottlebrush 93% 71% Very high Restricted to two populations in Gippsland, both impacted

Callistemon subulatus Dwarf Bottlebrush 92% 48% Very high

Cassinia maritima Coast Cassinia 86% 49% Very high

Cassinia venusta Elegant Cassinia 69% 45% Very high Commersonia dasyphylla Kerrawang 99% 86% Currently unknown Single population only, not seen recently, but likely impacted

Conospermum taxifolium Variable Smoke-bush 86% 58% Currently unknown

Coopernookia barbata Purple Coopernookia 93% 51% Currently unknown Correa lawrenceana var. cordifolia Pink Mountain-correa 93% 37% Currently unknown Restricted in Victoria to single population which was entirely impacted. Also likely impacted in NSW. Correa lawrenceana var. Genoa River Correa 86% 33% Currently unknown Restricted in Victoria to a few small genoensis populations which were impacted

Corymbia gummifera Red Bloodwood 92% 65% Currently unknown Craspedia sp. 1 Mountain Forest Billy- 0% Currently unknown Currently unknown Identified as high priority for buttons emergency extraction of seed/cuttings. Daviesia wyattiana Long-leaf Bitter-pea 96% 44% Currently unknown Restricted in Victoria to single population which was entirely impacted Dendrophthoe vitellina Long-flower Mistletoe 86% 46% Moderate Rainforest species restricted to areas around Mallacoota, likely impacted.

Discaria nitida Shining Anchor Plant 42% 20% Currently unknown

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Per cent (%) of Per cent (%) of modelled habitat in modelled habitat in Scientific Name Common Name Genetic Risk Localised impacts Victoria within the Victoria impacted by current fire extent high severity fire Dodonaea rhombifolia Broad-leaf Hop-bush 70% 37% Uncertain Snowy River Gorge and Pine Mountain populations likely impacted by fire Dodonaea truncatiales Angular Hop-bush 90% 36% Currently unknown Restricted in Victoria to single population which was impacted Epacris microphylla s.s. Coast Coral Heath 77% 51% Currently unknown All of Victorian population impacted by fire

Eucalyptus agglomerata Blue-leaf Stringybark 96% 48% Currently unknown Eucalyptus delegatensis subsp. Alpine Ash 24% 14% Moderate Although species is not of a concern delegatensis overall, some areas have been impacted by multiple burns over the last 20 years (see below). Because of vulnerability of this species to multiple burns, areas of where this is the dominant tree species are of concern. Eucalyptus denticulata Errinundra Shining Gum 42% 21% Moderate This is a keystone species of the Errinundra subalpine forests, and only a small, single seed lot is held at RBGV. Significant numbers of seed will be required if any kind of regenerative work is to be carried out in the area in future. Eucalyptus elaeophloia Olive Mallee 52% 38% Currently unknown Restricted in Victoria to single population which was entirely impacted Eucalyptus forresterae Brumby Sallee 50% 36% Currently unknown Restricted in Victoria to single population which was entirely impacted Eucalyptus mitchelliana Buffalo Sallee 23% 10% Currently unknown Buffalo endemic, collections required, at risk of repeated burns

Eucalyptus perriniana Spinning Gum 26% 17% Moderate

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Per cent (%) of Per cent (%) of modelled habitat in modelled habitat in Scientific Name Common Name Genetic Risk Localised impacts Victoria within the Victoria impacted by current fire extent high severity fire Eucalyptus regnans Mountain Ash 8% 4% Moderate Impact is isolated to easternmost areas. Although species is not of a concern overall, because of vulnerability of this species to multiple burns, areas of where this is the dominant tree species are of concern.

Eucalyptus saxatilis Rock Mallee 15% 7% Currently unknown Eucryphia moorei Eastern Leatherwood 77% 19% Very high Only known Victorian population impacted at Howe Range, population has likely been impacted.

Euphrasia scabra Rough Eyebright 28% 16% Currently unknown

Eupomatia laurina Bolwarra 93% 50% Currently unknown

Ficus coronata Sandpaper Fig 89% 52% Moderate

Gingidia algida Currently unknown Currently unknown Currently unknown Only location for Victoria, currently known only by photograph, 1 site E of Mt Hotham

Goodenia bellidifolia subsp. Daisy Goodenia 93% 51% Currently unknown bellidifolia Grevillea alpivaga Buffalo Grevillea 30% 12% Currently unknown Buffalo endemic; Grevillea is particularly fire-susceptible Grevillea celata Colquhoun Grevillea 56% 24% Very high Majority if not all populations impacted Grevillea jephcottii Green Grevillea 50% 35% Currently unknown All Victoria populations impacted by fire. Grevillea pachylostyla Buchan River Grevillea 51% 27% Currently unknown Not currently in seed collection, 2 localities only; susceptible to successive fires

Grevillea parvula Genoa Grevillea 92% 45% Currently unknown

Grevillea polychroma Tullach Ard Grevillea 74% 38% Currently unknown

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Per cent (%) of Per cent (%) of modelled habitat in modelled habitat in Scientific Name Common Name Genetic Risk Localised impacts Victoria within the Victoria impacted by current fire extent high severity fire Grevillea ramosissima subsp. Fan Grevillea 58% 31% Currently unknown Population at Burrowa Pine Mountain hypargyrea impacted by fire.

Hakea dactyloides Finger Hakea 93% 49% Currently unknown

Hakea macraeana Willow Needlewood 93% 35% Moderate

Hibbertia dentata Trailing Guinea-flower 93% 50% Currently unknown Hovea purpurea Tall Hovea 94% 34% Currently unknown Restricted in Victoria to single population which was likely impacted Irenepharsus magicus Elusive Cress 54% 28% Currently unknown Limited occurrence in Victoria Kelleria bogongensis Snow Daphne 4% 2% High Extreme range restriction, threatened by horses

Korthalsella rubra subsp. rubra Jointed Mistletoe 22% 12% Currently unknown

Lasiopetalum ferrugineum Rusty Velvet-bush 86% 44% Currently unknown Lepidium aschersonii Spiny Peppercress 1% 0% Currently unknown Extraordinary eastern outlying occurrence at Lake Omeo. Almost certainly distinct genetic races (or cryptic taxa) of this across its range

Leptomeria acida s.s. Sour Currant-bush 91% 58% Currently unknown

Leptospermum glabrescens s.s. Smooth Tea-tree 98% 88% Currently unknown

Leptospermum trinervium Paperbark Tea-tree 91% 47% Currently unknown

Leptostigma breviflorum Mountain Nertera 10% 5% Moderate

Lobelia dentata Toothed Lobelia 90% 51% Currently unknown Marsdenia flavescens Yellow Milk-vine 73% 40% Currently unknown Thought to be the only site left in Victoria Mirbelia pungens Prickly Mirbelia 96% 43% Currently unknown Restricted in Victoria to single population which was entirely impacted.

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Per cent (%) of Per cent (%) of modelled habitat in modelled habitat in Scientific Name Common Name Genetic Risk Localised impacts Victoria within the Victoria impacted by current fire extent high severity fire Mirbelia rubiifolia Heathy Mirbelia 88% 53% Currently unknown Restricted in Victoria to single population which was entirely impacted Monotoca rotundifolia Trailing Monotoca 53% 38% Currently unknown Restricted in Victoria to single population which was entirely impacted Muehlenbeckia gracillima Slender Lignum 83% 41% Very high Restricted to two populations, both potentially impacted Muellerina celastroides Coast Mistletoe 10% 5% Uncertain Both this and its common host, Banksia serrata, susceptible to fire with no obvious recruitment strategy post-fire Myoporum floribundum Slender Myoporum 16% 7% Very high Extremely rare in nature despite being common in horticulture Nematolepis frondosa Leafy Nematolepis 45% 20% Uncertain Restricted in Victoria to single population which was entirely impacted

Notothixos subaureus Golden Mistletoe 89% 61% Moderate

Olax stricta Olax 95% 36% Moderate Olearia astroloba Marble Daisy-bush 22% 12% High Only population in Victoria not currently impacted by fire.

Olearia iodochroa Violet Daisy-bush 42% 22% Very high

Olearia tomentosa Toothed Daisy-bush 80% 20% Very high

Ozothamnus adnatus Winged Everlasting 27% 13% Very high

Ozothamnus argophyllus Spicy Everlasting 86% 50% Very high

Persoonia levis Smooth Geebung 92% 48% High Persoonia silvatica Forest Geebung 54% 28% Moderate Majority of populations impacted, recovery will depend on fire severity.

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Per cent (%) of Per cent (%) of modelled habitat in modelled habitat in Scientific Name Common Name Genetic Risk Localised impacts Victoria within the Victoria impacted by current fire extent high severity fire Philotheca myoporoides subsp. Suggan Buggan Wax- 4% 1% Currently unknown Only known Victorian occurrence brevipedunculata flower

Philotheca virgata Tasmanian Wax-flower 90% 49% Currently unknown

Picris angustifolia subsp. Highland Picris 20% 10% Currently unknown merxmuelleri Pittosporum revolutum Rough-fruit Pittosporum 84% 39% Currently unknown Disjunct westerly outlier on Mt Nowa

Podolobium ilicifolium Prickly Podolobium 93% 49% Currently unknown Polyscias murrayi Pencil Cedar 79% 19% Currently unknown Restricted in Victoria to single population which was entirely impacted. Also likely impacted in NSW. Pomaderris brunnea Rufous Pomaderris 84% 30% Currently unknown Key population impacted by fire, likely all populations impacted and possibly twice burnt in the last six years.

Pomaderris costata Veined Pomaderris 92% 45% Currently unknown Pomaderris sericea Bent Pomaderris 89% 37% Currently unknown Restricted in Victoria to single population which was impacted Pomaderris virgata Upright Pomaderris 88% 54% Very high Restricted in Victoria to single small population which was entirely impacted

Poranthera corymbosa Clustered Poranthera 95% 79% Currently unknown Prostanthera incisa Cut-leaf Mint-bush 83% 35% Very high Majority if not all populations impacted

Prostanthera monticola Buffalo Mint-bush 24% 14% High Prostanthera walteri Monkey Mint-bush 66% 31% Very high Only population in Victoria impacted by fire, NSW populations also likely impacted

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Per cent (%) of Per cent (%) of modelled habitat in modelled habitat in Scientific Name Common Name Genetic Risk Localised impacts Victoria within the Victoria impacted by current fire extent high severity fire Santalum obtusifolium Blunt Sandalwood 93% 37% High Restricted to small colonies around Mallacoota Inlet and Genoa River upstream of Princes Highway, which have mostly been impacted.

Scutellaria mollis Soft Skullcap 90% 48% Currently unknown

Solanum silvestre Violet Nightshade 94% 69% Currently unknown Spyridium cinereum Tiny Spyridium 58% 40% Currently unknown Restricted to two populations in Victoria, one of which burnt

Stylidium laricifolium Giant Triggerplant 96% 76% Currently unknown Symplocos thwaitesii Buff Hazelwood 47% 30% Currently unknown Restricted in Victoria to single population which was entirely impacted Tetratheca thymifolia Thyme Pink-bells 92% 40% Currently unknown Restricted to two populations in Victoria, both impacted Viola improcera Dwarf Violet 45% 32% Currently unknown Known only from 3 localities in Australia, one at Brumby Point

Wahlenbergia gloriosa Royal Bluebell 28% 17% Currently unknown Westringia cremnophila Snowy River Westringia 68% 31% Very high Restricted in Victoria to single population which was entirely impacted Zieria citriodora Lemon-scented Zieria 70% 29% NA Restricted in Victoria to single population which was entirely impacted FERNS AND ALLIES Adiantum formosum Black Stem 95% 46% Currently unknown Both populations likely impacted by fire

Botrychium lunaria Grassy Moonwort 45% 31% Very high

Cyathea leichhardtiana Prickly Tree-fern 93% 60% Currently unknown

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Per cent (%) of Per cent (%) of modelled habitat in modelled habitat in Scientific Name Common Name Genetic Risk Localised impacts Victoria within the Victoria impacted by current fire extent high severity fire Gleichenia rupestris Rock Coral-fern 70% 51% Both populations likely impacted by fire Lastreopsis microsora subsp. Creeping Shield-fern 93% 57% Currently unknown Majority of populations likely microsora impacted

Polystichum formosum Broad Shield-fern 59% 31% Very high Pteris vittata Chinese Brake 84% 49% High Majority of populations likely impacted

Sticherus flabellatus var. Shiny Fan-fern 93% 62% High flabellatus MONOCOTYLEDONS

Caladenia ancylosa Genoa Spider-orchid 79% 48% Currently unknown

Carex jackiana Carpet Sedge 20% 13% Currently unknown

Cryptostylis erecta Bonnet Orchid 80% 49% Very high Cryptostylis hunteriana Leafless Tongue-orchid 79% 34% Very high Restricted to two populations, both potentially impacted

Cyathochaeta diandra Sheath Sedge 94% 73% Currently unknown Dendrobium speciosum var. Rock Orchid 94% 63% Very Some populations impacted and speciosum species is susceptible to fire.

Deyeuxia crassiuscula Thick Bent-grass 21% 13% Currently unknown Deyeuxia decipiens Devious Bent-grass 82% 37% Currently unknown Restricted to two populations in Victoria, both impacted

Deyeuxia frigida Forest Bent-grass 21% 10% Currently unknown Deyeuxia pungens Narrow-leaf Bent-grass 3% 1% Uncertain Only 2 known Victorian occurrences, both in this region Dipodium interaneum Yellow Hyacinth-orchid 18% 9% Currently unknown Extremely rare in Victoria, [hamiltonianum] Beechworth population not sited in decades, possibly restricted to McKillops Rd sites within the state

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Echinopogon caespitosus var. Bushy Hedgehog-grass 8% 3% Currently unknown caespitosus Hookerochloa eriopoda Snow Fescue 44% 25% Currently unknown Grass of restricted occurrence, thought to be preferentially grazed by horses Livistona australis Cabbage Fan-palm 62% 21% High Iconic, only Victorian site and southernmost locality for the species.

Patersonia sericea var. longifolia Dwarf Purple-flag 97% 34% Currently unknown

Plectorrhiza tridentata Tangle Orchid 93% 49% High

Plinthanthesis paradoxa Wiry Wallaby-grass 91% 60% Currently unknown Prasophyllum uvidulum Summer Leek-orchid 55% 29% Currently unknown Species only known from one small area, 100 per cent of the known population was impacted by fire. Pseudoraphis paradoxa Slender Mud-grass 0% 0% Currently unknown Known from few sites in Victoria, more or less centred on Colquhoun Forest Pterostylis acuminata Pointed Greenhood 94% 78% Currently unknown Restricted in Victoria to single population which was impacted by fire. Also likely impacted in NSW.

Pterostylis oreophila Blue-tongue Greenhood 52% 29% Very high

Pterostylis reflexa Small Autumn Greenhood 94% 44% Currently unknown

Pterostylis sp. aff. alveata Hill Greenhood 96% 45% Currently unknown (Montane)

Ripogonum album White Supplejack 90% 48% Currently unknown

Sarcochilus falcatus Orange-blossom Orchid 88% 28% High

Schelhammera undulata Lilac Lily 93% 50% Currently unknown

Schoenus melanostachys Black Bog-sedge 93% 49% Currently unknown Xyris juncea Dwarf Yellow-eye 26% 15% Currently unknown All of Victorian population impacted by fire

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Note: Localised impacts were gathered through consultation with species experts, regional Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning staff and other regional biodiversity experts from partner agencies. No thresholds or criteria were used to determine these localised impacted, other than seeking advice primarily on species that had large proportions of their habitat impacted by the fires or if advice was that they were especially vulnerable to wildfire. Green shading is EPBC and italicised rows are Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Advisory List. Note: this table will be updated as new analyses and advice arises. Ecological vegetation classes

Table 3 Ecological vegetation classes across Victoria and the proportion of their extent impacted by fire

Area within Area impacted by high Total extent of EVC Per cent (%) total EVC area Per cent (%) of Ecological Vegetation Class current fire severity fire (Ha) (Ha) within current fire extent EVC impacted by extent (Ha) high severity fire

Montane Grassy Shrubland 85 42 85 100% 49%

Foothill Box Ironbark Forest 526 310 584 90% 53%

Gallery Rainforest 310 146 348 89% 42%

Banksia Woodland 33107 16159 39,413 84% 41% Sub-alpine Wet Heathland/Sub-alpine Grassland 128 60 158 81% 38% Mosaic Warm Temperate Rainforest 12997 5499 16,663 78% 33%

Gallery Rainforest - former niche 532 262 709 75% 37%

Cut-tail Forest 34051 17946 46,015 74% 39%

Warm Temperate Rainforest - former niche 18786 8610 26,092 72% 33%

Coastal Sand Heathland 483 412 710 68% 58%

Clay Heathland 1869 709 3,222 58% 22%

Blackthorn Scrub 7137 4716 12,745 56% 37%

Dry Rainforest 24 8 54 44% 14%

Riparian Scrub/Swampy Riparian Forest Mosaic 12720 5621 29,582 43% 19%

Damp Forest 242561 109730 577,526 42% 19%

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Lowland Forest 216438 91986 541,094 40% 17%

Montane Herb-rich Woodland 8983 6798 24,278 37% 28%

Shrubby Dry Forest 294303 143174 795,413 37% 18%

Montane Grassy Woodland 17517 9245 48,659 36% 19%

Shrubby Damp Forest 24585 10244 68,293 36% 15%

Wet Heathland 8970 4051 28,936 31% 14%

Montane Dry Woodland 100046 53358 333,486 30% 16%

Coastal Lagoon Wetland 253 54 902 28% 6%

Montane Damp Forest 48251 26806 178,706 27% 15%

Riverine Escarpment Scrub 2608 1605 10,031 26% 16%

Dry Valley Forest 5122 1707 21,342 24% 8%

Coast Banksia Woodland 1554 906 6,473 24% 14%

Littoral Rainforest - former niche 108 63 450 24% 14%

Granitic Hills Woodland 9895 7646 44,976 22% 17%

Alpine Crag Complex 118 48 536 22% 9%

Sub-alpine Woodland 24180 14968 115,141 21% 13%

Riparian Forest/Swampy Riparian Woodland Mosaic 1577 601 7,510 21% 8%

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Invertebrate species This list includes genetic risk (if known) and known fire impacts within range. Impact assessment is based on aerial surveys of fire severity overlayed with acceptable species records from the Atlas of Living Australia and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning records. Species deemed particularly vulnerable to fire are non-flying or have low mobility, are litter and/or log dwelling and/or are aquatic-dependent in at least one life stage. Bold indicates EPBC Act listed species and italics Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Advisory List listed taxon.

Table 4 Invertebrate species of concern in Victoria, including per cent of modelled habitat in the current fire extent, per cent of modelled habitat impacted by high severity fire, genetic risk rating and localised impacts

Common name(s) Scientific name Genetic risk Highly Known fire impact vulnerable to fire BEES Metallic Green Carpenter Bee Xylocopa aeratus Currently unknown N Partial area of known range in current fire extent BEETLES fam. Elmidae gen. Simsonia Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent fam. Elmidae gen. Kingolus fam. Dytiscidae gen. Lancetes Minute Moss Beetle fam. Hydraenidae gen. Hydraena Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Plate-thigh beetles Eucinetidae spp. Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Rove Beetle supf. Staphylinoidea fam. Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Staphylinidae Water Beetle fam. Dytiscidae gen. Necterosoma Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Water Scavenger Beetle fam. Hydrophilidae gen. Berosus Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent fam. Hydrophilidae gen. Notohydrus BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS Alpine Silver Xenica/Small Alpine Oreixenica latialis/ Oreixenica High N Partial area of known range in current fire extent Xenica/Mount Buffalo Xenica theddora

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Common name(s) Scientific name Genetic risk Highly Known fire impact vulnerable to fire Australian Hairstreak/Orange Pseudalmenus chlorinda Tit/Silky Hairstreak/Victorian Currently unknown N Partial area of known range in current fire extent fisheri/zephyrus Hairstreak Bronze Flat Netrocoryne repanda Currently unknown N Partial area of known range in current fire extent Brown Azure/Western Dark Ogyris otanes (otanes) Currently unknown N Partial area of known range in current fire extent Azure/Small Brown Azure Chequered Sedge-skipper Hesperilla mastersi Currently unknown N Partial area of known range in current fire extent Common Pencilled-blue Candalides absimilis/ Candalides Currently unknown N Partial area of known range in current fire extent edwardsi Copper Ant-blue Acrodipsas cuprea Currently unknown N Partial area of known range in current fire extent Golden Ant-blue Acrodipsas aurata Currently unknown N Partial area of known range in current fire extent Large Ant Blue Butterfly/Bronze Acrodipsas brisbanensis High N Partial area of known range in current fire extent Ant-blue Orange Ringlet Butterfly Hypocysta adiante Currently unknown N Partial area of known range in current fire extent Silver-studded Ochre Trapezites iacchoides Currently unknown N Partial area of known range in current fire extent Painted Sedge-skipper Hesperilla picta Currently unknown N Partial area of known range in current fire extent Small Orange-spotted Sun-moth Currently Synemon discalis N Partial area of known range in current fire extent unknown Southern Sedge-darter Butterfly/ Currently Majority area of known range in Victoria in current Telicota eurychlora Y Dingy Darter unknown fire extent Tasmanica Skipper/Two-spotted Pasma tasmanica Currently unknown N Partial area of known range in current fire extent Skipper/Grass-skipper Wonder Brown Heteronympha mirifica Currently unknown N Partial area of known range in current fire extent Yellow Ochre Butterfly Trapezites luteus Very high N Partial area of known range in current fire extent CRAYFISH AND OTHER CRUSTACEANS Alpine Spiny Crayfish Majority of known range in current fire extent, southern Euastacus crassus High Y population primarily impacted

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Common name(s) Scientific name Genetic risk Highly Known fire impact vulnerable to fire Arte Spiny Crayfish Majority of known range in current fire extent. Euastacus sp. 1 Very high Y Individuals extracted Cann Spiny Crayfish Majority of known range in current fire extent. Euastacus sp. 2 Very high Y Seeking to extract individuals Claytons Spiny Crayfish Euastacus claytoni High Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent

East Gippsland Spiny Crayfish Entire known Victorian range in current fire extent. Euastacus bidawalus Uncertain Y Individuals extracted. Harpactacoid Copepod Canthocamptus longipes Currently unknown Y Entire known range in current fire extent Mallacoota Burrowing Crayfish Engaeus mallacoota Very high Y Entire known Victorian range in current fire extent. Orbost Spiny Crayfish Majority of known range in current fire extent. Euastacus diversus Very high Y Individuals extracted Phreatoicid isopod Colubotelson joyneri Currently unknown Y Majority of known range in current fire extent Riffle Shrimp/Eastern Freshwater Australatya striolata Moderate Y Majority of known range in current fire extent Shrimp Variable Spiny Crayfish Entire known Victorian range in current fire extent. Euastacus yanga Moderate Y Young individuals extracted, no adults located. West Snowy Spiny Crayfish Euastacus sp. 3 Uncertain Y Entire known range in current fire extent DRAGONFLIES fam. Leptophlebiidae gen. Garinjuga fam. Leptophlebiidae gen. Ulmerophlebia fam. Caenidae gen. Tasmanocoenis fam. Diphlebiidae gen. Diphlebia Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent fam. Gomphidae gen. Hemigomphus fam. Telephlebiidae gen. Notoaeschna fam. Synthemistidae gen. Eusynthemis

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Common name(s) Scientific name Genetic risk Highly Known fire impact vulnerable to fire Alpine Darner Dragonfly Austroaeschna (Austroaeschna) Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent flavomaculata Darner Dragonfly Austroaeschna spp. Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Waterfall Redspot Austropetalia patricia Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent FLIES Alpine Stonefly Thaumatoperla alpina Very high Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Biting Midge fam. Ceratopogonidae gen. Forcipomyia Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Ceratopogonidae sp. 1, 8 (DNRE), 12, 20, 32 (EPA) Black Fly Austrosimulium spp. Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Simuliidae spp. Caddisfly fam. Hydrobiosidae gen. Koetonga fam. Ecnomidae gen. Ecnomina E group fam. Tasimiidae gen. Tasiagma fam. Tasimiidae gen. Tasimia fam. Conoesucidae gen. Matasia Aphilorheithrus stepheni fam. Leptoceridae gen. Hudsonema fam. Micronectidae gen. Micronecta Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent fam. Odontoceridae gen. Genus P Hydrobiosidae spp. Conoesucidae spp. Apsilochorema spp. Ethochorema spp. Psyllobetina spp. Ptychobiosis spp. Taschorema spp. Ulmerochorema spp. Agapetus spp. Chimarra spp. Hydrobiosella spp. Asmicridea spp. Smicrophylax spp. Coenoria spp. Conoesucus spp.

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Common name(s) Scientific name Genetic risk Highly Known fire impact vulnerable to fire Costora spp. Helicopsyche spp. Tamasia spp. Austrheithrus spp. Kosrheithrus spp. Anisocentropus spp. Notalina spp. Triplectides spp. Archaeophylax canarus Ecnomus neboissi Majority of known range in current fire extent Ecnomus nibbor Partial area of known range in current fire extent Ramiheithrus virgatus Majority of known range in current fire extent Triaenodes cuspiosa Majority of known range in current fire extent Triaenodes uvida Majority of known range in current fire extent Crane Fly Tipulidae sp. 1, 7-9, 13, 29 (EPA) Tipulidae sp. 4, 5, 17-19, 25, 28, 33 Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent (SRV) Dobsonfly Archichauliodes spp. Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Lacewing Kempyninae sp. 1 Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Large Blue Lake Mayfly Tasmanophlebi lacuscoerulei Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Large Riverdamsel Caliagrion billinghursti Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent March/Horse Flies Tabanidae spp. Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent

Mayfly Coloburiscoides spp. Leptophlebiidae spp. Atalophlebia spp. Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Austrophlebioides spp. Mirawara spp. Nousia spp.

Microcaddisfly supf. Hydroptiloidea fam. Hydroptilidae fam. Hydroptilidae gen. Hellyethira Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent fam. Hydroptilidae gen. Hydroptila fam. Hydroptilidae gen. Oxyethira

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Common name(s) Scientific name Genetic risk Highly Known fire impact vulnerable to fire Netspinning Caddisfly Cheumatopsyche spp. Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Diplectrona spp. Non-biting Midge Tanypodinae spp. Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Chironomini spp. Stonefly fam. Notonemouridae gen. Austrocercella, Gripopterygidae spp. Cosmioperla spp. Dinotoperla spp. Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Leptoperla spp. Illiesoperla spp. Eunotoperla spp. Riekoperla spp. Trinotoperla spp. Water Snipe-flies Athericidae spp. Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent GRASSHOPPERS Alpine Yellow-Bellied Grasshopper Praxibulus uncinatus Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Brown Kosciuscola Kosciuscola cuneatus Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Chameleon Grasshopper Kosciuscola tristis Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Common Montane Grasshopper Kosciuscola cognatus Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Key's Matchstick Grasshopper Currently Keyacris scurra Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent unknown Pyrgomorph Grasshopper fam. Pyrgomorphidae gen. Monistria Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent LAND SNAILS Kosciuszko Carnivorous Snail Austrorhytida glaciamans Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Snowy Mountains Carnivorous Snail Vitellidelos helmsiana Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Kershaw's Panda-snail Pygmipanda kershawi Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Snowy Mountains Pinhead Snail Paralaoma gelida Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Bairnsdale Pinwheel Snail Egilodonta bairnsdalensis Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Lakes Entrance Pinwheel Snail Diphyoropa illustra Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Snowy River Pinwheel Snail Banjoropa snowyensis Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent

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Common name(s) Scientific name Genetic risk Highly Known fire impact vulnerable to fire Mount Feathertop Pinwheel Snail Alpiniropa okeana Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Bell's Pinwheel Snail Macrophallikoropa belli Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Kosciuszko Bristle Snail Austrochloritis kosciuszkoensis Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Merimbula Woodland Snail Pommerhelix mastersi Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Molluscs Austral Mussel Entire known Victorian range in current fire extent. No Hyridella (Hyridella) australis High Y individuals could be located for extraction Depressed Mussel Entire known Victorian range in current fire extent. Hyridella (Hyridella) depressa High Y Individuals extracted from 2 populations Glenelg Freshwater Mussel Partial area of known range in current fire extent. Hyridella glenelgensis High Y Fire impacted upstream of main population Gunn's Screw Shell Gazameda gunnii Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent SPIDERS Peacock Spider Maratus rainbowi , Maratus pavonis Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent WORMS AND OTHER INVERTEBRATES Giant Gippsland Earthworm Megascolides australis Very High N Partial area of known range in current fire extent Mt Buffalo glow-worm Arachnocampa sp. = Arachnocampa lucifera buffaloensis Currently unknown N Partial area of known range in current fire extent

Planarian Planarian sp. 3, 4 (RSC) Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent Velvet Worm fam. Onychophora gen. Peripatopsidae, Ooperipatellus Currently unknown Y Partial area of known range in current fire extent duwilensis, Ooperipitas pulchellus, Planipapillus biacinaces

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