Final Report Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria
Prepared for
Brand Architects
October 2018
Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd
MELBOURNE: 292 Mt Alexander Road, Ascot Vale VIC 3032 GEELONG: 230 Latrobe Terrace, Geelong West Vic 3218 BRISBANE: Level 22, 127 Creek Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 ADELAIDE: 22 Greenhill Road, Wayville SA 5034 CANBERRA: PO Box 6067, O’Connor ACT 2602 SYDNEY: Level 5, 616 Harris Street, Ultimo, NSW, 2007 www.ehpartners.com.au | (03) 9377 0100
Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3 2 METHODS ...... 5 3 RESULTS ...... 9 4 LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS ...... 15 5 AVOIDANCE AND MINIMISATION STATEMENT ...... 18 6 FURTHER REQUIREMENTS ...... 19 7 REFERENCES ...... 20 8 FIGURES...... 21 APPENDIX 1 - FLORA ...... 25 APPENDIX 2 - FAUNA ...... 31 APPENDIX 3 - SITE PHOTOGRAPHS ...... 36 APPENDIX 4 – OFFSET STATEMENT ...... 40
Document Control
Assessment Flora and Fauna Assessment Address MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria Project number 11344 Project manager Matthew Lee (Technical Officer) Other staff Andrew Hill (Principal Botanist) and Cat Stephenson (Botanist) Mapping Monique Elsley (GIS Consultant), Chad Browning File name 11344_EHP_NHFF_MacPhersonPark_161018 Client Brand Architects Bioregion Victorian Volcanic Plains CMA Port Phillip and Westernport Council Melton City Council
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1 INTRODUCTION
Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd was commissioned by Brand Architects to complete a flora and fauna assessment aimed at identifying ecological values within MacPherson Park in Toolern Vale, Victoria (the study area) (Figure 1). It is understood that Brand Architects are working with Melton City Council to facilitate redevelopment of the park to create a well-connected and active sports precinct. The purpose of the Flora and Fauna Assessment was to assess the impacts of the project on significant flora and fauna values including native vegetation, wetlands, and threatened species and -ecological communities, and determine the required environmental permits and approvals under relevant environmental legislation and policy, specifically:
• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth); • Environment Effects Act 1978 (Victoria); • Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Victoria);
• Planning and Environment Act (Victoria), including the Local Planning Scheme and ‘Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation’ (herein referred to as the Guidelines) (DELWP 2017);
• Wildlife Act 1975 (Victoria); and, • Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (Victoria). As part of the scope of works Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd were requested to complete the following tasks:
• Desktop review of relevant biodiversity databases, such as the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas and Protected Matters Search Tool;
• Assess native vegetation extent and quality in accordance with the habitat hectares method; • Calculate permit and offset requirements for removal of native vegetation in accordance with Victoria’s ‘Guidelines for the removal, destruction, or lopping of native vegetation’ (DELWP 2017);
• Determine the area required on site to establish a first-party offset site that can provide all the offsets required for the project in accordance with Victoria’s ‘Guidelines for the removal, destruction, or lopping of native vegetation’ (DELWP 2017);
• Report on the implications of project under relevant environmental legislation and policy; • Demonstrate steps taken by the client to avoid and minimise impacts to native vegetation, and recommend any further steps to be taken during the construction phase of the project; and, • Advise whether any additional flora and/or fauna surveys are required to support project approval (e.g. targeted surveys for significant flora and fauna species). 1.1 Study Area The study area is 63.2 hectares in size and is located in Toolern Vale, Victoria, approximately 35 kilometres north-west of Melbourne (Figure 1). The site is bound by Coburns Road to the east, a motor track to the west and agricultural land to the north and south (Figure 2). According to the Victorian Department of
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Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) NatureKit Map (DELWP 2018a), the study area occurs within the Victorian Volcanic Plains bioregion, within the jurisdiction of the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and the Melton City Council municipality. The study area is generally flat, with elevation ranging from approximately 90 – 80m ASL. Existing features include sporting ovals/ courts, car parks, sports pavilions, shelters, toilets, car parks, jet boat circuit, landscaping, roads and footpaths. Surrounding land uses is largely agricultural, with scattered rural residences. High density residential development is located in Melton West, approximately 1.7 kilometres south of the study area. There are no conservation reserves or significant wetlands (Ramsar or nationally-listed) located within the study area or its immediate surrounds. The study area supports ephemeral waterbodies, including a strip of wetlands along the eastern site boundary and scattered farm dams. The highly modified Arnolds Creek East Branch traverses the south-east corner of the study area. The wetlands located along the eastern site boundary are classified as a ‘Current Wetland’ by DELWP. Under the Guidelines (DELWP 2017), ‘Current Wetlands’ are classified as native vegetation and must be accounted for when applying for a permit to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation and calculating offset requirements (Figure 2) (Sections 3.2.3 Under the Guidelines, most of the study area is classified as ‘Location 1’, the lowest location category. Small areas of ‘Location 2 and 3’ are mapped within the eastern extents of the study area.
1.2 Project Description
Upgrades to MacPhersons Park will feature the following: • New cricket net access,
• New stands and pavilion; • Removal of earth mounds;
• New Netball court; • Slab for tanks;
• Water treatment and septic facility;
• New and upgraded carparks; and • New synthetic oval. The location of the study area within the context of the surrounding landscape is shown on Figure 1. The project footprint is approximately 1.327 hectares.
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2 METHODS
2.1 Desktop Assessment Relevant literature, online-resources and databases were reviewed to provide an assessment of flora and fauna values associated with the study area. The following information sources were reviewed: • The DELWP Native Vegetation Information Management (NVIM) Tool (DELWP 2018b) for: o Modelled data for location category, remnant vegetation patches, scattered trees and habitat for rare or threatened species; and, o The extent of historic and current Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs). Note: EVCs are the standard unit for classifying vegetation types in Victoria.
• EVC benchmarks (DELWP 2018c) for descriptions of EVCs within the Victorian Volcanic Plains bioregion; • The Victorian Biodiversity Atlas (VBA) for previously documented flora and fauna records within the project locality (DELWP 2018d); • The Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy (DoEE) Protected Matters Search Tool (PMST) for matters of National Environmental Significance (NES) protected under the EPBC Act (DoEE 2018); • Relevant listings under the Victorian FFG Act, including the latest Threatened and Protected Lists (DELWP 2015a; DELWP 2015b);
• The Planning Maps Online (DELWP 2018e) and Planning Schemes Online (DELWP 2018f) to ascertain current zoning and environmental overlays in the study area; • Other relevant environmental legislation and policies as required;
• Aerial photography of the study area; and, • Previous ecological or other relevant assessments completed within the project locality. 2.2 Field Survey A field assessment was undertaken on 14 November 2017 to obtain information on flora and fauna values within the study area. The study area was traversed on foot, with all observed vascular flora and fauna species recorded, any significant records mapped and the overall condition of vegetation and habitats noted. Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) were determined with reference to DELWP pre-1750 and extant EVC mapping (DELWP 2018b) and their published descriptions (DELWP 2018c). On 26 March 2018 a second survey was undertaken to obtain the additional information of an additional area within the roadside reserve and along Coburns Road where a slip lane is proposed. A native vegetation assessment was undertaken to establish the extent and quality of native vegetation in accordance with Victoria’s Guidelines (DELWP 2017) and the Vegetation Quality Assessment manual (DSE 2004). Under the Guidelines native vegetation is considered either a patch or scattered tree where a patch is defined as:
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• An area of native vegetation where at least 25 per cent of the total perennial understorey cover is native; or,
• Any area where three or more native canopy trees where the drip line of each tree touches the drip line of at least one other tree, forming a continuous canopy; or, • Any mapped wetland included in the Current wetlands map, available in DELWP systems and tools. A scattered tree is defined as:
• A native canopy tree that does not form part of a patch. All patches of native vegetation were assessed against the condition thresholds/listing statements for threatened ecological communities listed under Commonwealth and State environmental legislation and policy.
2.3 Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation (Guidelines)
Under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Clause 52.17 of the Planning Schemes requires a planning permit from the relevant local Council to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation. The assessment process for the clearing of vegetation follows the ‘Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation’ (Guidelines) (DELWP 2017a). The ‘Assessor’s handbook – applications to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation’ (Assessor’s handbook) (DELWP 2017b) provides clarification regarding the application of the Guidelines.
2.3.1 Assessment Pathway Guidelines manage the impacts on biodiversity from native vegetation removal (DELWP 2017a). The assessment pathway for an application to remove native vegetation reflects its potential impact on biodiversity and is determined from the location and extent of the native vegetation to be removed. The location risk (1, 2 or 3) has been determined for all areas in Victoria and is available on DELWP’s Native Vegetation Information Management (NVIM) Tool (DELWP 2018a). Determination of assessment pathway is summarised in Table 1.
Table 1. Assessment pathways for applications to remove native vegetation (DELWP 2017a) Location Extent 1 2 3
< 0.5 hectares, and not including any large trees Basic Intermediate Detailed
Native Less than 0.5 hectares, and including one or more large trees Intermediate Intermediate Detailed Vegetation
0.5 hectares or more Detailed Detailed Detailed
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Notes: For the purpose of determining the assessment pathway of an application to remove native vegetation the extent includes any other native vegetation that was permitted to be removed on the same contiguous parcel of land with the same ownership as the native vegetation to be removed, where the removal occurred in the five-year period before an application to remove native vegetation is lodged.
2.3.2 Vegetation Assessment Native vegetation (as defined in Table 2) is assessed using two key parameters: extent (in hectares) and condition. Extent is determined through a field assessment. The condition score for Detailed Assessment pathways must be assessed through a habitat hectare1 assessment conducted by a qualified ecologist. The condition score for Basic or Intermediate Assessment pathways may be based on either modelled data available on the NVIM Tool (DELWP 2018a), or through a habitat hectare assessment.
Table 2. Determination of remnant native vegetation (DELWP 2017a)
Category Definition Extent Condition An area of vegetation where at least 25 per cent of the total perennial understorey plant cover is native. Measured in hectares. Vegetation Quality Remnant patch of OR Assessment Manual native vegetation Based on hectare area of An area with three or more native canopy the remnant patch. (DSE 2004). trees where the drip line of each tree touches the drip line of at least one other tree, forming a continuous canopy. Measured in hectares. A small tree is assigned an extent of 0.031 hectares Scattered trees are A native canopy tree that does not form part Scattered tree (10m radius). assigned a default of a remnant patch. A large tree is assigned an condition score of 0.2. extent of 0.071 hectares (15m radius). Notes: Native vegetation is defined in the Victoria Planning Provisions as ‘plants that are indigenous to Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses’.
2.3.3 Offsets Offsets are required to compensate for the permitted removal of native vegetation. Further details regarding offset obligations associated with this assessment are provided in Section 4.3.
2.4 Assessment Qualifications and Limitations
Data and information held within the ecological databases and mapping programs reviewed in the desktop assessment (e.g. VBA, PMST, NatureKit etc.) are unlikely to represent all flora and fauna observations within, and surrounding, the study area. It is therefore important to acknowledge that a lack of documented records does not necessarily indicate that a species or community is absent.
1 A ‘habitat hectare’ is a unit of measurement which combines the condition and extent of native vegetation.
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The ‘snap shot’ nature of a standard biodiversity assessment meant that migratory, transitory or uncommon fauna species may have been absent from typically occupied habitats at the time of the field assessment. In addition, annual or cryptic flora species such as those that persist via underground tubers may also be absent. Targeted flora or fauna surveys were not undertaken, as this was beyond the scope of the project. Nevertheless, the terrestrial flora and fauna data collected during the field assessment and information obtained from relevant desktop sources is considered adequate to provide an accurate assessment of the ecological values present within the study area.
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3 RESULTS
3.1 Flora and Fauna Species
During the field survey, 52 flora species were recorded within the study area, including 32 non-indigenous species. Of the 32 introduced species recorded, five are listed as noxious under the Victorian CaLP Act (Artichoke Thistle Cynara cardunculus, Cape Broom Genista monspessulana, Cress Lepidium ssp., Chilean Needle Grass Nassella neesiana and Serrated Tussock Nassella trichotoma). A consolidated list of flora species recorded is provided in Appendix 1.1. A range of common fauna species were recorded during the field survey, predominately common and urban adapted birds (Appendix 2.1).
3.2 Vegetation
Modelling by DELWP indicates that the study area would have once supported one EVC prior to European settlement (DELWP 2018a), Plains Grassland (EVC 132). Extant (2005) modelled mapping suggests that this EVC persists within the site, albeit with a reduced and fragmented extent (4.2 hectares). The field survey recorded 23.2 hectares Plains Grassland across the study area and 0.3 hectares of Plains Sedgy Wetland (EVC 647) in the south-east section of the site (Figure 2). The remnant patches of Plains Grassland have been grouped into five Habitat Zones based on similarities in quality (Appendix 1.3). Of the Plains Grassland mapped, 14.8 hectares were of sufficient quality to meet the description of Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain (NTGVVP). No scattered remnant trees were recorded within the study area.
In addition to the remnant patches, a 2.86-hectare area along the eastern boundary of the study area is classified as a ‘Current Wetland’ by DELWP. In accordance with the Guidelines (DELWP 2017), this area is defined as native vegetation, with modelled condition scores used to calculate the offset obligations. The recorded EVCs and area classified as a ‘Current Wetland’ are described in the following sections. The results of the habitat hectare surveys are presented in Appendix 1.3.
3.2.1 Plains Grassland This EVC is generally applied to treeless vegetation mostly less than one metre tall dominated by largely graminoid and herb life forms (DELWP 2018c). There were several species common to all Plains Grassland patches (i.e. PG1-5), being Bristly Wallaby Grass Rytidosperma setacea, Perennial Ryegrass Lolium perenne, Cocks-foot Dactylis glomerata, Ribwort Plantago lanceolata and Buck’s Horn Plantain Plantago coronopus. Many other weedy herb and graminoid species were observed throughout the Plains Grassland, but not consistently (Plate 1 & Plate 2). While all areas classified as Plains Grassland were similar, there were some differences that constituted the need for five separate Habitat Zones. These differences were based on the weed density, potential for recruitment (i.e. proportion of bare ground) and level of organic litter. Several noxious weeds were observed in low numbers, particularly in the western half of the study area.
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3.2.2 Plains Sedgy Wetland This EVC is generally applied to sedgy-herbaceous vegetation supporting a range of aquatic herbs (DELWP 2018c). One remnant patch of Plains Sedgy Wetland was recorded in the south-eastern section of the study area. This patch is strongly delineated from the adjoining Plains Grassland and non-native grassland by the strong presence of Common Spike-sedge Eleocharis acuta throughout the Bristly Wallaby Grass Rytidosperma setacea. This is the only patch were Brown-back Wallaby Grass Rytidosperma duttonianum was observed. A small ‘island’ of River Red-gums Eucalyptus camaldulensis exists within this patch, however these are not remnant (Plate 3 and Plate 4).
3.2.3 Current Wetland An artificial wetland system exists along the eastern boundary of the study area, which contains a wide variety of native and introduced plants. The wetlands comprise a series of lakes, with levees separating each waterbody. The majority of the lakes were dry during the field survey, with the beds, slopes and banks containing a mosaic of bare ground and plants at various strata. Grasses and Gazania Gazania ssp. were common at these locations. One Cape Broom Genista monspessulana plant was observed along the northern boundary of the wetland system. The southern lake contained standing water up to approximately one metre deep. This area was dominated by Bulrush Typha ssp. in the basin, and Rush Juncus ssp., Blown Grass Lachnagrostis filiformis and Gazania Gazania ssp. along the banks. Mature River Red-gums up to 20 metres tall lined the banks in the wetlands system, with recruitment of this species observed throughout the wetlands.
3.2.4 Introduced vegetation The majority of the study area has been heavily disturbed from vehicle, management and human activity associated with the sports fields. Disturbed areas are dominated by environmental weeds such as Toowoomba Canary-grass Phalaris aquatica, Rye-grass Lolium spp., Meadow Fox-tail Alopecurus pratensis, Galenia Galenia pubescens var. pubescens, Ribwort Plantago lanceolata, Couch Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon, Cocksfoots Dactylis spp. and Wild Oat Avena fatua (Plate 5 and Plate 6). Noxious weeds are present throughout the study area, with scattered occurrences of Artichoke Thistle Cynara cardunculus, along with the Weeds of National Significance (WONS), Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum, Serrated Tussock Nassella trichotoma and Chilean Needle-grass Nassella neesiana.
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Plate 1. Plains Grassland habitat zone 4 (PG4) within the Plate 2. Plains Grassland habitat zone 2 (PG2) within study area (Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd the study area (Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd 26/03/2018). 26/03/2018).
Plate 3. Plains Sedgy Wetland habitat zone 6 (PSWe) Plate 4. Plains Sedgy Wetland habitat zone 6 (PSWe) within the study area (Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty within the study area (Ecology and Heritage Partners Ltd 15/11/2017). Pty Ltd 15/11/2017).
Plate 5. Galenia dominated cover in disturbed areas Plate 6. Grassy weeds in disturbed areas (Ecology and (Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd 26/03/2018). Heritage Partners Pty Ltd 26/03/2018).
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3.3 Significant Species and Ecological Communities
3.3.1 Flora No significant flora species were recorded within the study area during the field survey. The VBA contains records of two nationally significant and 34 State significant flora species previously recorded within 10 kilometres of the site (DELWP 2018b) (Appendix 1.2). The PMST nominated an additional 10 nationally significant species which have not been previously recorded but have the potential to occur in the locality (DoEE 2018). Of these species, there is suitable habitat within the study area for the following:
• State Significant o Slender Bindweed Convolvulus angustissimus subsp. omnigracilis o Black Roly-poly Sclerolaena muricata var. muricata Both of the above listed species are of State significance and are classified as ‘Status Poorly Known’ on the Victorian Advisory List. Based on the highly modified nature of the study area, the landscape context and the proximity of previous records, additional significant flora species are considered unlikely to occur on site (Appendix 1.2).
3.3.2 Fauna No significant fauna species were recorded within the study area during the field survey. The VBA contains records of seven nationally significant, 34 State significant and 13 regionally significant fauna species previously recorded within 10 kilometres of the study area (DELWP 2018b) (Appendix 1.2). The PMST nominated an additional 12 nationally significant species which have not been previously recorded but have the potential to occur in the locality (DoEE 2018). Of these species, there is suitable habitat within the study area for the following:
• Nationally Significant: o Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana – Plains Grassland provides suitable habitat for this species. o Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus – Planted trees and shrubs provide suitable foraging habitat for this species. • State Significant o Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta – This relatively common species around Melbourne which is likely to forage within the study area on occasions, particularly within, or in the vicinity of the constructed wetlands which form the eastern site boundary.
• Regionally Significant o Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus hillii and Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia – As above for Eastern Great Egret. With the exception of Golden Sun Moth, redevelopment of the study area is unlikely to result in a significant impact on any of the above listed fauna species. Recommendations regarding the Golden Sun Moth are provided in Section 4.1.1.
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3.3.3 Ecological Communities High quality patches of Plains Grassland correspond with the EPBC Act listed Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain (NTGVVP) ecological community (Figure 2)(Plate 7 and Plate 8). The study area supports 14.8 hectares of this community, with the footprint proposing to impact 0.678 hectares of this. All patches of Plains Grassland within the study area correspond with the FFG Act listed Western (Basalt) Plains Grasslands Community (23.2 hectares), of which 1.327 ha are proposed to be removed.
Plate 7. Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Plate 8. Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plains habitat zone 3 (PG3) within the study area Volcanic Plains habitat zone 3 (PG3) within the study (Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd 26/03/2018). area (Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd 26/03/2018).
3.4 Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation (Guidelines)
3.4.1 Vegetation proposed to be removed The study area is within Location 1, with 1.327 hectares of native vegetation proposed to be removed. As such, the permit application falls under the Detailed assessment pathway (Table 3).
Table 3. Permitted Clearing Assessment (Guidelines)
Assessment pathway Detailed Extent including past and proposed (ha) 1.327 Extent of past removal (ha) 0 Extent of proposed removal (ha) 1.327 Large Trees (no.) 0 Scattered Trees (no.) 0 Location Category 1
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3.4.2 Offset Targets The offset requirement for native vegetation removal is 0.411 General Habitat Units (GHU). A summary of proposed vegetation losses and associated offset requirements is presented in Table 4. The Native Vegetation Removal report is presented in Appendix 3.
Table 4. Offset targets
General Offsets Required 0.411 GHUs Species Offsets Required N/A Vicinity (catchment / LGA) Port Phillip and Westernport CMA / Melton City Council Minimum Strategic Biodiversity Value 0.365
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4 LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS
4.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)
The EPBC Act establishes a Commonwealth process for the assessment of proposed actions (i.e. project, development, undertaking, activity, or series of activities) that are likely to have a significant impact on matters of NES, or on Commonwealth land. An action, unless otherwise exempt, requires approval from the Commonwealth Environment Minister if it is considered likely to have an impact on any of the following matters of NES:
• World Heritage properties; • National heritage places;
• Ramsar wetlands of international significance;
• Threatened species and ecological communities; • Migratory and marine species;
• Commonwealth marine area; • Nuclear actions (including uranium mining);
• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; or, • Water resources impacted by coal seam gas or mining development.
4.1.1 Implications The study area supports 14.8 hectares of the NTGVVP ecological community and 23.2 hectares of potential habitat for the Golden Sun Moth, of which 1.327 hectares are proposed for removal. Under the Significant impact guidelines for Golden Sun Moth, the removal of more than 0.5 hectares of habitat where the total extent of habitat exceeds 10 hectares is likely to be consisted a significant impact and should be referred. As the foot print proposes to remove >0.5 hectares of potential Golden Sun Moth habitat, it is recommended that targeted Golden Sun Moth surveys be undertaken to identify if this species is present on site. In addition to Golden Sun Moth habitat, the project footprint proposes to remove 0.678 hectares of the nationally significant vegetation community Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain (NTGVVP). In Ecology and Heritage Partners’ experience, projects impacting small extents and containing low species diversity are likely not to be considered a ‘significant impact’ under the EPBC Act. However, the proponent may decide to refer the project to obtain legal / project certainty.
4.2 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Victoria)
The FFG Act is the primary Victorian legislation providing for the conservation of threatened species and ecological communities, and for the management of processes that are threatening to Victoria's native flora and fauna. The FFG Act contains protection procedures such as the listing of threatened species and/or communities, and the preparation of action statements to protect the long-term viability of these values.
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Proponents are required to apply for an FFG Act Permit to ‘take’ listed and/or protected2 flora species, listed vegetation communities and listed fish species in areas of public land (i.e. within road reserves, drainage lines and public reserves). An FFG Act permit is generally not required for removal of species or communities on private land, or for the removal of habitat for a listed terrestrial fauna species.
4.2.1 Implications Field surveys did not record any flora species listed as protected or threatened under the FFG Act. The study area supports 23.2 hectares of the FFG Act listed Western (Basalt) Plains Grasslands Community (All patches of Plains Grassland), on which 1.327 hectares will be impacted. An FFG Act permit from DELWP will be required to remove the ecological community on all areas of public land.
4.3 Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Victoria)
The Planning and Environment Act 1987 outlines the legislative framework for planning in Victoria and for the development and administration of planning schemes. All planning schemes contain native vegetation provisions at Clause 52.17 which require a planning permit from the relevant local Council to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation on a site of more than 0.4 hectares, unless an exemption under clause 52.17-7 of the Scheme applies or a subdivision is proposed with lots less than 0.4 hectares3.
4.3.1 Local Planning Schemes The study area is located in the Melton City Council municipality, within the Green Wedge Zone (GWZ). No Planning Overlays relating to ecological values have been applied to the site.
4.3.2 Guidelines The State Planning Policy Framework and the decision guidelines at Clause 52.17 (Native Vegetation) and Clause 12.01 require Planning and Responsible Authorities to have regard for ‘Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation’ (Guidelines) (DELWP 2017h).
4.3.2.1 Implications The study area is within Location 1, with 1.327 hectares of native vegetation proposed to be removed. As such, the permit application falls under the Detailed assessment pathway Offset requirements for the project have been calculated by DELWP. The NVR report is presented in Appendix 3.1. The offset requirements are summarised below (Table 5). A Planning Permit from Melton City Council is required to remove, destroy or lop any native vegetation.
2 In addition to ‘listed’ flora species, the FFG Act identifies ‘protected’ flora species. This includes any of the Asteraceae (Daisies), all orchids, ferns (excluding Pteridium esculentum) and Acacia species (excluding Acacia dealbata, Acacia decurrens, Acacia implexa, Acacia melanoxylon and Acacia paradoxa), as well as any taxa that may be a component of a listed ecological community. A species may be both listed and protected. 3 In accordance with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s (VCAT) decision Villawood v Greater Bendigo CC (2005) VCAT 2703 (20 December 2005) all native vegetation is considered lost where proposed lots are less than 0.4 hectares in area and must be offset at the time of subdivision.
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4.3.3 Offset Targets Offset requirements for the project have been calculated by DELWP. The NVR report is presented in Appendix 3.1. The offset requirements are summarised below (Table 5).
Table 5. Offset targets
General Offsets Required 0.411 General Habitat Units (BEUs)
Species Offsets Required Nill Large trees 0
4.3.4 Offset Strategy Offsets for the project may be achieved by protecting and managing remaining areas of remnant vegetation within the study area as a first-party offset. Land can be secured via a Section 173 Agreement under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, and be managed to remove all traffic, control pest plants and animals, and undertake works to improve the quality of native vegetation through revegetating areas affected by salinity. Ecology and Heritage Partners are a DELWP accredited over-the-counter offset broker. We have several offset sites listed within the Port Phillip and Westernport CMA region that meet the offset requirements for the proposed development. The required offsets will be purchased through the over-the-counter system following planning approval for the proposed development.
4.4 Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (Victoria)
The CaLP Act contains provisions relating to catchment planning, land management, noxious weeds and pest animals. The Act also provides a legislative framework for the management of private and public land and sets out the responsibilities of land managers, stating that they must take all reasonable steps to:
• Avoid causing or contributing to land degradation which causes or may cause damage to land of another land owner; • Protect water resources; • Conserve soil; • Eradicate regionally prohibited weeds; • Prevent the growth and spread of regionally controlled weeds; and, • Prevent the spread of, and as far as possible eradicate, established pest animals. 4.4.1 Implications Weeds listed as noxious under the CaLP Act were recorded during the assessment (Artichoke Thistle, Cape Broom, Lepidium ssp., Chilean Needle Grass and Serrated Tussock). Landowners are responsible for the control of any infestation of noxious weeds and pest fauna species. To meet CaLP Act requirements listed noxious weeds and pests should be appropriately controlled throughout the study area to minimise their spread and impact on ecological values.
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5 AVOIDANCE AND MINIMISATION STATEMENT
In accordance with the Guidelines, any permit to remove native vegetation needs to demonstrate appropriate avoidance and minimisation to impacts to native vegetation. Further information on the avoidance and mitigation steps undertaken as part of the project are described below. The project would impact on approximately 12 hectares of native vegetation. The footprint of the project has been significantly reduced and altered during the design process reducing impacts to native vegetation and avoiding impacts to areas of NTGVVP. This has included a reduction in the extent of Plains Grassland removal to 1.327 hectares, and micro-siting the location of the route of the access road to further avoid impacts to NTGVVP. The siting of the development has been designed to avoid patches with high condition scores. Of the 1.327 hectares impacted, only 52% (0.678) is of high quality grasslands. The ‘Assessor’s handbook – applications to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation’ (DELWP 2017b), states that strategic and site level planning is to be considered when determining avoidance and minimisation. Strategic level planning should consider any relevant planning scheme amendments, precinct planning, or strategic environmental assessments. No such plans, schemes or policies apply to this project.
5.1 Best Practice Mitigation Measures Recommended measures to mitigate impacts upon terrestrial ecological values present within the study area may include:
• Minimise impacts to native vegetation and habitats through construction and micro-siting techniques, including fencing retained areas of native vegetation. Similarly, soil disturbance and sedimentation should be avoided or kept to a minimum, to avoid, or minimise impacts to fauna habitats; • All contractors should be aware of ecologically sensitive areas to minimise the likelihood of inadvertent disturbance to areas marked for retention. Habitat Zones (areas of sensitivity) should be included as a mapping overlay on any construction plans; • Where possible, construction stockpiles, machinery, roads, and other infrastructure should be placed away from areas supporting native vegetation and/or wetlands; • As indigenous flora provides valuable habitat for indigenous fauna, it is recommended that any landscape plantings that are undertaken as part of the proposed works are conducted using indigenous species sourced from a local provenance, rather than exotic deciduous trees and shrubs.
Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria 18
6 FURTHER REQUIREMENTS
Further requirements associated with development of the study area, as well as additional studies or reporting that may be required, are provided in Table 6.
Table 6. Further requirements associated with development of the study area
Relevant Legislation Implications Further Action Environment The proposed action has the potential to have a Undertake targeted surveys for Golden Sun Protection and significant impact on any matter of NES. As such, a Moth. Should greater than 0.5 hectares of Biodiversity referral to the Commonwealth Environment Minister NTGVVP or confirmed Golden Sun Moth Conservation Act is likely to be required regarding matters listed under habitat be proposed to be removed then 1999 the EPBC Act. an EPBC Act referral is recommended. The FFG Act-listed community Western (Basalt) Plains Grassland is present within the study area. A permit Flora and Fauna under the FFG Act will be required as the study area is Prepare and submit a FFG Act permit Guarantee Act 1988 located on public land. The proponent should allow up application to DELWP. to six weeks to obtain a FFG Act permit through DELWP. The study area is within Location 1, with 1.327 hectares of native vegetation proposed to be Prepare and submit a Planning Permit removed. As such, the permit application falls under application. Planning Permit conditions are the Detailed assessment pathway likely to include a requirement for: Planning and The offset requirement for native vegetation removal • Demonstration of impact Environment Act 1987 is 0.144 General Habitat Units (BEU) minimisation. A Planning Permit from Melton City Council is required • Identification of a compliant offset, as to remove, destroy or lop any native vegetation. In detailed in Section 0. this instance, the application has been referred to DELWP. Planning Permit conditions are likely to Catchment and Land Four weed species listed under the CaLP Act were include a requirement for a Weed Protection Act 1994 recorded within the study area. Management Plan.
Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria 19
7 REFERENCES
DELWP (Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) 2018a. NatureKit Interactive Map. URL: < https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity/biodiversity-interactive-map>. Melbourne, Victoria. DELWP (Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) 2018b. Native Vegetation Information Management Tool. URL:
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8 FIGURES
Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria 21 Legend Study Area Lerderderg Railway Lerderderg M t Aitken Rd State Park Freeway
Diggers Rest Major Road Collector Road Minor Road
B la Proposed Road c k H Walking Track i ll R
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b Djerriwarrh o Reservoir Major Watercourse r Yangardook n Toolern Vale e Bushland Permanent Waterbody
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Impact Area Current Wetlands
(! Photo Points (Appendix 3) Ecological Vegetation Class Plains Grassland Plains Sedgy Wetland
Vegetation impacted PG2 EPBC Act listed community Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian PG4 PG3 PG2 PG4 Volcanic Plain
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VicMap Data: The State of Victoria does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of information in this publication and any person using or relying upon such information does so on the basis that the State of Victoria shall bear no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any errors, faults, defects or omissions in the information. 11344_Fig02_EcoFeat 12/10/2018 psorensen Aerial source: Nearmap 2017
APPENDIX 1 - FLORA
Appendix 1.1 - Recorded Flora Species
Table A1.1. Flora recorded within the study area
Listed as Scientific Name Common Name Noxious under Notes the CaLP Act
Native Species Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle - Only observed around wetland area Very few isolated specimens observed. Atriplex semibaccata Creeping Saltbush - Mostly along northern boundary with Stipa Chloris truncata Australian Fingergrass - Very few isolated specimens observed Only observed in NW-most PG1 of study Convolvulus angustissimus Australian Bindweed - area Einadia nutans Climbing Saltbush - Very few isolated specimens observed Eleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedge - Only observed in PSWe Very few isolated specimens observed. Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush - Mostly along northern boundary with Stipa Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red-gum - Observed throughout the wetland area Planted along the two main internal Eucalyptus sideroxylon Red Ironbark - roads leading out to the main road as avenues Common along slopes of southern Juncus ssp. Rush - wetland area Lythrum hyssopifolia Lesser Loosestrife - Very few isolated specimens observed One specimen observed along bank at Melaleuca decussata Totem Poles - northern end of wetland area Rytidosperma caespitosum White Top Wallaby Grass - Not very common Rytidosperma duttonianum Brown-back Wallaby Grass - Only observed in PSWe Rytidosperma racemosa Clustered Wallaby Grass - Not very common Rytidosperma setacea Bristly Wallaby-grass - Very common throughout PG1-5, PSwe Sclerolaena muricata Black Roly-poly - - Common along northern boundary of Stipa bigeniculata Tall Speargrass - study area under trees where it had not been mown. Prevalent throughout the southern bay of Typha ssp. Bulrush - the wetland area, i.e. this area retained standing water Vitadinia cuneata Fuzzweed - Very few isolated specimens observed Introduced Species Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernel - - Arctotheca calendula Capeweed - -
Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria 25
Listed as Scientific Name Common Name Noxious under Notes the CaLP Act
Avena ssp. Oat - - Brassica ssp. Rapeweed - - Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass - - Bromus hordeaceus Soft Brome - - Growing in very dense clumps along the Casuarina cunninghamiana River Sheoak - southern boundary of the study area Small population seen in PG1-2 in NW Cynara cardunculus Artichoke Thistle Y corner of study area Cynodon dactylon Couch - - Cyperus eragrostis Tall Flatsedge - - Dactylis glomerata Cocks-foot - Common throughout PG1-5 Erodium ssp. Stork’s Bill - - Galenia pubescens Galenia - Common throughout PG1-5 Common along the slopes of the wetland Gazania ssp. Gazania - area Less than five plants observed along Genista monspessulana Cape Broom Y northern boundary of wetland area Helminthotheca echioides Ox-tongue - - Hordeum ssp. Barley Grass - - Common along slopes of southern Lachnagrostis filiformis Blown Grass - wetland area Lepidium ssp. - Y - Lolium perenne Perennial Ryegrass - Common throughout PG1-5 Malva ssp. Mallow - - Present within the track between PG1 Nassella neesiana Chilean Needle Grass Y and PG2 in NW corner of study area Handful of individuals observed across Nassella trichotoma Serrated tussock Y PG1-2 in NW corner of study area Phalaris aquatica Phalaris - Very few isolated specimens observed Plantago coronopus Buck’s Horn Plantain - Common throughout PG1-5 Plantago lanceolata Ribwort - Common throughout PG1-5 Polygonum aviculare Common Knotgrass - - Romulea ssp. Onion Grass - - Sonchus asper Prickly Sow-thistle - - Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle - - Trifolium angustifolium Narrow-leaved Clover - - Vulpia ssp. Rat’s Tail Fescue - -
Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria 26
Appendix 1.2 - Significant Flora Species
Table A1.2 Significant flora recorded within 10 kilometres of the study area
Total # Likelihood of Scientific Name Common Name Last Record EPBC1 FFG2 VIC3 records Occurrence NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE Dianella amoena # Matted Flax-lily - - EN L e 4 Diuris basaltica Small Golden Moths 3 2012 EN L e 4 Eucalyptus aggregata # Black Gum - - VU L e 5 Glycine latrobeana # Clover Glycine - - VU L v 4 Lachnagrostis adamsonii # Adamson's Blown-grass - - EN L v 4 Leucochrysum albicans var. tricolor # Hoary Sunray - - EN - e 4 Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens Spiny Rice-flower 2 1993 CR L e 4 Prasophyllum frenchii # Maroon Leek-orchid - - EN L e 4 Rutidosis leptorhynchoides # Button Wrinklewort - - EN L e 4 Senecio macrocarpus # Large-headed Fireweed - - VU L e 4 Thelymitra matthewsii # Spiral Sun-orchid - - VU L v 4 Xerochrysum palustre # Swamp Everlasting - - VU L v 4 STATE SIGNIFICANCE Acacia rostriformis Bacchus Marsh Wattle 171 2016 - L v 5 Allocasuarina luehmannii Buloke 7 2009 - L e 5 Alternanthera sp. 1 (Plains) Plains Joyweed 2 2009 - - k 4 Austrostipa breviglumis Cane Spear-grass 17 2014 - - r 4 Austrostipa exilis Heath Spear-grass 11 1992 - - r 4 Austrostipa hemipogon Half-bearded Spear-grass 1 1990 - - r 4
Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria 27
Total # Likelihood of Scientific Name Common Name Last Record EPBC1 FFG2 VIC3 records Occurrence
Calotis lappulacea Yellow Burr-daisy 1 1983 - - r 4 Convolvulus angustissimus subsp. omnigracilis Slender Bindweed 2 2012 - - k 3 Cullen parvum Small Scurf-pea 8 2012 - L e 4 Desmodium varians Slender Tick-trefoil 1 2010 - - k 4 Dianella sp. aff. longifolia (Benambra) Arching Flax-lily 4 2016 - - v 4 Dichondra sp. 1 Silky Kidney-weed 1 2011 - - r 4 Diuris gregaria Clumping Golden Moths 1 2012 - L e 4 Eucalyptus baueriana subsp. thalassina Werribee Blue-box 312 2011 - - e 5 Eucalyptus leucoxylon subsp. connata Melbourne Yellow-gum 57 2016 - - v 5 Geranium sp. 3 Pale-flower Crane's-bill 1 2011 - - r 4 Goodia medicaginea Western Golden-tip 2 1993 - - r 4 Grevillea rosmarinifolia Rosemary Grevillea 1 1959 - - P 5 Lepidium pseudohyssopifolium Native Peppercress 1 2011 - - k 4 Leucopogon microphyllus var. pilibundus Hairy Beard-heath 1 1980 - - r 5 Marsilea mutica Smooth Nardoo 1 2000 - - k 4 Nicotiana suaveolens Austral Tobacco 21 2011 - - r 4 Philotheca angustifolia subsp. montana Narrow-leaf Wax-flower 1 1987 - - v 4 Pimelea curviflora var. aff. subglabrata Curved Rice-flower 1 1994 - - k 4 Pimelea hewardiana Forked Rice-flower 12 2011 - - r 4 Poranthera corymbosa Clustered Poranthera 1 1982 - - r 4 Prostanthera nivea var. nivea Snowy Mint-bush 4 2011 - - r 5 Prostanthera saxicola var. bracteolata Slender Mint-bush 2 2011 - - r 5 Pterostylis bicolor Black-tip Greenhood 1 1996 - - k 5 Pterostylis truncata Brittle Greenhood 112 2013 - L e 5
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Total # Likelihood of Scientific Name Common Name Last Record EPBC1 FFG2 VIC3 records Occurrence
Rhagodia parabolica Fragrant Saltbush 515 2016 - - r 5 Sclerolaena muricata var. muricata Black Roly-poly 7 1998 - - k 3 Senecio cunninghamii var. cunninghamii Branching Groundsel 2 1994 - - r 4 Tripogon loliiformis Rye Beetle-grass 1 2007 - - r 4 Notes: 1) Listed as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (E) or Vulnerable (V) under the EPBC Act 2) Listed (L) under the FFG Act. 3) Listed as Endangered (e), Vulnerable (v), Rare (r) or Status Poorly Known (k) on the Victoria Advisory List (DEPI 2014) 4) Likelihood of occurrence: 1 Known Occurrence - Recorded within the project locality recently (i.e. within ten years), 2 High Likelihood - Previous records of the species in the local vicinity; and/or, the study area contains areas of high quality habitat, 3 Moderate Likelihood - Limited previous records of the species in the local vicinity; and/or, the study area contains poor or limited habitat, 4 Low Likelihood - Poor or limited habitat for the species however other evidence (such as a lack of records or environmental factors) indicates there is a very low likelihood of presence, 5 Unlikely - No suitable habitat and/or outside the species range. # - Species only nominated by the EPBC Act PMST.
Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria 29
Appendix 1.3 – Habitat Hectare Data
Table A1.3 Habitat Hectares results for remnant vegetation recorded within the study area
Vegetation Zone PG1 PG2 PG3 PG4 PG 5 PSWe Bioregion Victorian Volcanic Plain Plains Sedgy EVC / Tree Plains Grassland Wetland EVC 132 647 Number EVC Conservation Status Endangered
Large Old Trees /10 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Canopy Cover /5 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Under storey /25 5 5 5 5 5 10 Lack of Weeds /15 4 6 7 4 9 9 Patch Recruitment /10 0 3 3 0 6 3 Condition Organic Matter /5 3 3 3 3 0 3 Logs /5 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Treeless EVC Multiplier 1.36 1.36 1.36 1.36 1.36 1.36 Subtotal = 16.32 23.12 24.48 16.32 27.20 34.00
Landscape Value /25 8 8 8 8 8 8 Habitat Points /100 24 31 32 24 35 42 Habitat 0.24 0.31 0.32 0.24 0.35 0.42 Score
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APPENDIX 2 - FAUNA
Appendix 2.1 - Recorded Fauna Species
Table A2.1. Fauna recorded within the study area during current site assessment.
Scientific Name Common Name
Native Species Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Corvus coronoides Australian Raven Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron Eolophus roseicapilla Galah Grallina cyanoleuca Australian Mudlark Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow Melithreptus lunatus White-naped Honeyeater Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon Psephotus haematonotus Red-rumped Parrot Phylidonyris novaehollandiae New Holland Honeyeater Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail Tiliqua nigrolutea Blotched Blue-tongue Lizard Zosterops lateralis Silvereye Introduced Species Acridotheres tristis Indian Myna Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling
Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria 31
Appendix 2.2 - Significant Fauna Species
Table A2.2 Significant fauna within 10 kilometres of the study area
Likelihood of Scientific name Common name Total # records Last record EPBC1 FFG2 Vic3 Occurrence NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus - # EN L en 4 Australian Grayling Prototroctes maraena - # VU L vu 4 Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis - # VU L cr 4 Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea - # CR L en 4 Dwarf Galaxias Galaxiella pusilla - # VU L en 4 Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis - # CR L vu 4 Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana 332 2012 CR L cr 2 Grassland Earless Dragon Tympanocryptis pinguicolla - # EN L cr 4 Greater Glider Petauroides volans - # VU - vu 4 Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus 1 1968 VU L vu 2 Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis 10 1990 VU L en 3 Painted Honeyeater Grantiella picta 1 1990 VU L vu 4 Pink-tailed Worm-Lizard Aprasia parapulchella - # VU L en 4 Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus 2 1933 CR L cr 4 Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia 1 1933 CR L cr 4 Smoky Mouse Pseudomys fumeus - # EN L en 4 Spot-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus macula - # EN L en 4 Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar - # VU L en 3 Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor 13 2008 CR L en 3
Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria 32
Likelihood of Scientific name Common name Total # records Last record EPBC1 FFG2 Vic3 Occurrence STATE SIGNIFICANCE
Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis 5 2006 - - vu 4 Barking Owl Ninox connivens connivens 26 2002 - L en 4 Bearded Dragon Pogona barbata 2 1986 - - vu 4 Black Falcon Falco subniger 4 2000 - - vu 3 Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis 2 2006 - L en 4 Brown Toadlet Pseudophryne bibronii 4 2004 - L en 4 Brown Treecreeper (south-eastern ssp.) Climacteris picumnus victoriae 60 2009 - - nt 4 Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa 11 1989 - L vu 4 Bullant Myrmecia sp. 17 4 2009 - L vu 4 Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius 1 1880 - L en 4 Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia 2 2000 - L nt 4 Chestnut-rumped Heathwren Calamanthus pyrrhopygius 9 2004 - L vu 4 Common Dunnart Sminthopsis murina murina 3 1990 - - vu 4 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 1 1977 - - vu 4 Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis gutturalis 18 2003 - L nt 4 Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata 1 1905 - L nt 4 Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata 74 2011 - L nt 3 Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta 10 2001 - L vu 2 Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa 3 2006 - L en 3 Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis 2 1933 - L en 4 Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica macrotarsa 1 1986 - L en 4 Hardhead Aythya australis 14 2006 - - vu 3
Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria 33
Likelihood of Scientific name Common name Total # records Last record EPBC1 FFG2 Vic3 Occurrence
Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata cucullata 16 1990 - L nt 4 Lace Goanna Varanus varius 2 1987 - - en 4 Lewin's Rail Lewinia pectoralis pectoralis 1 1880 - L vu 3 Musk Duck Biziura lobata 11 2003 - - vu 4 Powerful Owl Ninox strenua 5 2011 - L vu 4 Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittatus 90 2014 - L vu 4 White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster 5 2006 - L vu 4 White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus 12 1994 - - vu 3 REGIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea 1 1988 - - nt 4 Black-eared Cuckoo Chrysococcyx osculans 13 2000 - - nt 4 Eastern Pygmy-possum Cercartetus nanus 4 1992 - - nt 4 Fat-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis crassicaudata 1 1989 - - nt 3 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 2 1986 - - nt 4 Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii 6 1987 - - nt 3 Little Button-quail Turnix velox 1 1880 - - nt 3 Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus hillii 11 2000 - - nt 2 Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius 4 2003 - - nt 3 Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrropygia pyrropygia 1 1986 - - nt 4 Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia 7 1991 - - nt 2 Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis 5 2001 - - nt 3 Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma punctatum 7 2010 - - nt 4
Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria 34
Notes: 1) Listed as Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (E), Vulnerable (V) or Migratory (M) under the EPBC Act 2) Listed (L) under the FFG Act 3) Listed as Critically Endangered (cr), Endangered (e), Vulnerable (v) or Near Threatened (nt) on the Victoria Advisory List (DSE 2013) 4) Likelihood of occurrence:
• Known resident in the Study area based on site observations, database records, or expert • The species is likely to visit the Study area regularly (i.e. at least seasonally); and/or, advice; and/or, High Moderate 1 2 • Previous records of the species in the local area (DSE 2011b); and/or, Likelihood• Recent records (i.e. within five years) of the species in the local area (VBA 2011); and/or, Likelihood • The Study area contains some characteristics of the species’ preferred habitat. • The Study area contains the species’ preferred habitat.
• The species is likely to visit the Study area occasionally or opportunistically whilst en route to • No previous records of the species in the local area; and/or, more suitable sites; and/or, • The species may fly over the Study area when moving between areas of more suitable Low 3 • There are only limited or historical records of the species in the local area (i.e. more than 20 4 Unlikely habitat; and/or, Likelihood years old); and/or, • Out of the species’ range; and/or,
• The Study area contains few or no characteristics of the species’ preferred habitat. • No suitable habitat present. # - Species only nominated by the EPBC Act PMST.
Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria 35
APPENDIX 3 - SITE PHOTOGRAPHS
Plate A1: Looking north-east. PG1 to left. PG2 to Plate A2: Looking north-east. PG1 to left. PG2 to right. Plate A3: Looking south-east across PG1 right. Strip of Nassella along track Strip of Nassella along track
Plate A4: Looking east across PG4 Plate A5: Looking SW across PG2 Plate A6: Looking west across PG2
Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria 36
Plate A7: Looking east along the northern boundary at Plate A8: Looking south-east across PG4 Plate A9: Looking east across the isolated patch of Stipa in the un-mown section River Red-gum in PGWe
Plate A10: Looking east across PGWe with the Plate A11: Looking east across PGWe Plate A12: Looking west across PGWe isolated patch of River Red-gum to the left
Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria 37
Plate A13: Looking north-east across the wetlands. Plate A14: Looking west across the wetlands. This Plate A15: Looking north across PG1 This southern section of the wetland was the only area southern section of the wetland was the only area to to contain some standing water contain some standing water
Plate A16: Looking south across the wetlands. This Plate A17: Looking south across the wetlands. This Plate A18: Looking north across the wetlands area contained dry ground area contained dry ground
Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria 38
Plate A19: Looking south across PG3 Plate A20: Looking west across PG2
Flora and Fauna Assessment: MacPherson Park, Toolern Vale, Victoria 39
APPENDIX 4 – OFFSET STATEMENT
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