MULLUM MULLUM CREEK LINEAR PARK STAGE 3

MANAGEMENT PLAN

DRAFT

June 2008

Contents

Acknowledgments...... iv Executive Summary...... v 1 Introduction...... 1 1.1 Manningham’s Open Space Vision...... 1 1.2 Development of the Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park...... 2 1.3 Purpose of the Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park Stage 3 Management Plan...... 4 1.4 Plan Development...... 5 2 Context ...... 8 2.1 The Study Area ...... 8 2.2 Policy Background...... 11 2.2.1 State and Regional Policies and Studies ...... 11 2.2.2 Local Studies and Policies...... 14 3 Community Consultation ...... 20 3.1 Community Survey...... 20 3.1.1 Results from the community survey ...... 20 3.2 Information Session...... 22 4 Cultural Heritage...... 24 4.1.1 Legislative Responsibilities...... 24 4.1.2 Methodology ...... 25 4.1.3 Implications for the trail alignment...... 28 5 Flora, Fauna and Habitat...... 31 5.1 Ecological Survey...... 31 5.2 Biogeographical Regions ...... 32 5.3 Vegetation Types ...... 33 5.4 Ecological Condition of Habitat ...... 39 5.5 Flora ...... 42 5.5.1 Diversity of Indigenous Flora...... 43 5.5.2 Significant Plant Species...... 43 5.5.3 Weeds...... 45 5.6 Fauna ...... 46 5.6.1 Invertebrates...... 47 5.6.2 Fish...... 50 5.6.3 Frogs...... 50 5.6.4 Reptiles...... 51 5.6.5 Mammals ...... 51 5.6.6 Birds...... 52 5.6.7 Birds’ Tolerance of Shared Paths...... 53 5.7 Ecological Connections to Other Habitat ...... 55 5.8 Overall Biological Significance Rating...... 56 5.9 Summary of Implications for the Shared Path Route...... 56 5.10 Implications for Bushland Management...... 57 6 Fire Management ...... 59 6.1 Municipal Fire Prevention Plan ...... 59 6.2 Background ...... 59 6.3 Emergency Access...... 60 6.4 Designated Fire Breaks...... 63 7 Waterway Management...... 64 7.1 Mullum Mullum Waterway Management Activity Plan ...... 64 7.2 Mullum Mullum Creek Geomorphology Investigation (March 2007)...... 68 7.3 Wastewater Management ...... 70 7.4 Melbourne Water Requirements for shared paths and waterway crossings ...... 70 7.4.1 Bridges and waterway crossings...... 71 8 Recreation Use...... 73 8.1 Walking and cycling...... 73 8.1.1 Link to Alder Court Reserve, Park Orchards...... 76 8.2 Nature Appreciation...... 76 8.3 Horse Riding...... 76 8.4 Dog walking...... 78

June 2008 i 9 Infrastructure and Facilities ...... 80 9.1 Mullum Mullum Trail ...... 80 9.1.1 Shared Paths...... 80 9.1.2 Boardwalks ...... 82 9.1.3 Footbridges...... 84 9.1.4 Melbourne Water Pipe Track (Pipeline Reserve)...... 84 9.1.5 Description of Shared Path Route...... 85 9.1.6 Shared Path Maintenance...... 110 9.2 Secondary Paths...... 110 9.3 Car Parking ...... 112 9.4 Seating ...... 112 9.5 Signage ...... 112 9.6 Fencing...... 112 9.7 Public Toilets ...... 113 10 Vision and Objectives...... 114 10.1 Vision...... 114 10.2 Objectives...... 114 10.3 Development priorities and funding...... 130 References ...... 141 Appendix A – Community Survey Results...... 142 Appendix B – Vegetation Community Descriptions...... 145 Swampy Riparian Complex (EVC 126) ...... 145 Creekline Herb-rich Woodland (EVC 164) ...... 146 Riparian Forest (EVC 18) ...... 146 Valley Grassy Forest (EVC 47) ...... 148 Valley Heathy Forest (EVC 127) ...... 149 Appendix C – Indigenous Plant Inventory ...... 152 Appendix D – Introduced Plant Inventory...... 161 Appendix E – Fauna Inventory ...... 165 Butterflies...... 165 Fishes ...... 166 Frogs...... 167 Reptiles...... 167 Mammals ...... 168 Birds ...... 169

Figures

Figure 1. Map of Manningham’s shared path network...... 3 Figure 2. Stages of implementation of the Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park...... 4 Figure 3. Mullum Mullum Creek Valley...... 7 Figure 4. Study Area and Land Tenure ...... 9 Figure 5. Mullum Mullum valley bushland...... 14 Figure 6. A view along the Study Area’s sole strip of Swampy Riparian Complex...... 34 Figure 7. A typical view of the creek channel (vegetation type 18a) ...... 34 Figure 8. A scene within type 18b of Riparian Forest...... 35 Figure 9. A scene within type 18c of Riparian Forest...... 35 Figure 10. An example of Valley Grassy Forest, showing its lush, grassy ground flora...... 36 Figure 11. A typical example of Valley Heathy Forest...... 36 Figure 12a. Map of vegetation types in the northern half of the Study Area...... 37 Figure 13. Example of the damaging spread of weeds into the park ...... 46 Figure 14. Bright Copper butterfly...... 48 Figure 15. Lilac Grass-skippers feeding on Small-leaf Bramble...... 49 Figure 16. Spotted Sedge-skipper on its larval food plant, Gahnia radula...... 49 Figure 17. Fire Plan ...... 61 Figure 18. Natural tributary into Mullum Mullum Creek...... 65 Figure 19. Weed infestation of Council Reserve ...... 67 Figure 20. Eroding stream bank (below) ...... 68

June 2008 ii Figure 21. Stream bank rehabilitation by Melbourne Water (bottom) ...... 68 Figure 22. Existing Mullum Mullum Trail with typical asphalt surface ...... 81 Figure 23. Existing typical Mullum Mullum Trail boardwalk (above) ...... 83 Figure 24. Existing typical Mullum Mullum Trail footbridge (left)...... 83 Figure 25. Section 1 of Mullum Mullum Trail...... 86 Figure 26. Existing Park Road pedestrian refuge...... 86 Figure 27. Existing crushed rock footpath...... 87 Figure 28. Existing Park Road footbridge...... 87 Figure 29. Existing narrow management vehicle access along creek bank...... 88 Figure 30. Section 2 of Mullum Mullum Trail...... 89 Figure 31. Rehabilitation of creek bank at 208 Park Road proposed Council Reserve...... 89 Figure 32. Mown Council reserve below Paddy Lane...... 90 Figure 33. Section 3 of Mullum Mullum Trail...... 91 Figure 34. Possible footbridge location...... 91 Figure 35. Section 4 of Mullum Mullum Trail...... 93 Figure 36. Existing College track below sewerage treatment ponds...... 93 Figure 37. Proposed footbridge location...... 94 Figure 38. Section 5 of Mullum Mullum Trail...... 95 Figure 39. Council Reserve on east side of creek...... 95 Figure 40. Section 6 of Mullum Mullum Trail...... 97 Figure 41. Location of proposed boardwalk on east side of creek...... 97 Figure 42. Section 7 of Mullum Mullum Trail...... 99 Figure 43. Squeeze point on narrow Melbourne Water Reserve...... 99 Figure 44. Looking into adjoining residential property from Melbourne water Reserve...... 100 Figure 45. Looking into Whitefriars College bushland from eastern side of Mullum Mullum Creek ...... 100 Figure 46. Section 8 of Mullum Mullum Trail...... 101 Figure 47. Possible footbridge and boardwalk location...... 102 Figure 48. Existing Council walking track to Heads Road...... 102 Figure 49. Section 9 of Mullum Mullum Trail...... 103 Figure 50. Heads Road looking east (proposed footbridge to left)...... 104 Figure 51. Heads Road looking east (proposed footbridge to right)...... 104 Figure 52 (top). Existing narrow Council path and Figure 53 (bottom)...... 105 Figure 54. Section 10 of Mullum Mullum Trail...... 106 Figure 55. Existing pipe track with steep descent to a gully crossing...... 107 Figure 56. Section 11 of Mullum Mullum Trail...... 108 Figure 57 (top). Looking towards the proposed shared path from the pipe track into Mullum Mullum Park, and Figure 58 (bottom)...... 109 Figure 59. Existing informal walking track along east side of Mullum Mullum Creek running parallel to pipe track...... 111 Figure 60. Bike jumps illegally constructed along existing walking track...... 111 Figure 61a. Map of management zones in the northern half of the Study Area...... 118 Figure 62a. Proposed Mullum Mullum Trail shared path route...... 124 Figure 63. Map of numbered areas with separate plant lists...... 152

Tables

Table 1. Ecological Vegetation Classes in the Mullum Mullum Stage 3 Study Area...... 33 Table 2. Statistical distribution of the ecological condition of vegetation ...... 42 Table 3. Population details of plant species in the Study Area that are believed to be threatened with extinction from the Melbourne area...... 44 Table 4. Population details of plant species in the Study Area that are suspected to be at risk of local extinction from the municipality...... 44 Table 5 Summary of recommendations and capital works implications for Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park Stage 3 Management Plan...... 131

June 2008 iii Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the following people who contributed information for this Management Plan:

Father Paul Cahill, Principal Whitefriars College Mike Cusack, Parks Victoria David De Angelis, Biologist Cecily Falkingham, local naturalist Maree Gloag, Whitefriars College teacher Lesley Harris, local resident Ken McInnes, Convenor of Friends of Mullum Mullum Valley Steve Mathews, local naturalist Brian Pell, local naturalist Geoff Williams and Dr Melody Serena, Aust. Platypus Conservancy Lee Quach, Melbourne Water David Taylor, Melbourne Water Members of the Municipal Fire Prevention Committee

We would also like to thank Whitefriars College for permission to include the area below its ovals as part of the area investigated.

Submissions

Council is seeking comments on the MMCLP Stage 3 Draft Management Plan which is released for Public Exhibition from Wednesday 4 June to Wednesday 16 July, 2008.

Written submissions should be addressed to:

Teresa Dominik Manager Economic and Environmental Planning PO Box 1 Doncaster, VIC 3108

Or email: [email protected]

June 2008 iv Executive Summary

The Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park Stage 3 (MMCLP) draft Management Plan describes how the City of Manningham can protect and improve the natural environment and wildlife corridor of Mullum Mullum Creek valley for visitor enjoyment and appreciation.

This Management Plan outlines recommendations for the future use, development, management and maintenance including the extension of the Mullum Mullum Trail from Park Road to Huggins Reserve, Donvale. Capital works funding to improve the Linear Park is also outlined. This is the final stage of the Linear Park to be developed and will complete the gap in Manningham’s shared path network connecting the Main Yarra Trail with the Koonung Trail via the Mullum Mullum Trail.

The MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area is characterised by a narrow valley with steep terrain in a predominately enclosed bushland setting. Significant stands of remnant and riparian vegetation exist along the creek within and adjacent to the Study Area. The tall Manna Gums are a major feature of the area. The adjoining residential densities are medium to low and there are few houses visible to the creek corridor. In some locations the reserve is very narrow between the creek bank and private properties.

Several feasibility studies of the MMCLP Stage 3 were undertaken including desktop cultural heritage impact, flora and fauna, land tenure and engineering assessments. This work formed the basis of the investigation and evaluation of options for the proposed shared path route.

An assessment of the preferred shared path alignment is outlined in this plan. The Mullum Mullum Trail will be a 2.5 metre wide sealed surface shared path with boardwalks and footbridges as required to negotiate the difficult site constraints along the Mullum Mullum Creek valley. The preferred route is located on a combination of Council and Melbourne Water Reserves and a portion of Whitefriars College by negotiation with the College.

An extensive community consultation process has been undertaken, including a community survey of 400 residents and a Community Information Session. Key stakeholders consulted include Whitefriars College, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, and Southern and Eastern Integrated Transport Authority.

Council is seeking comments on the MMCLP Stage 3 Draft Management Plan which is released for Public Exhibition from Wednesday 4 June to Wednesday 16 July, 2008.

June 2008 v 1 Introduction

1.1 Manningham’s Open Space Vision

The City of Manningham is located twelve kilometres north east of the Melbourne Central Activity District and covers 114 square kilometres. The municipality had a June 2007 population of 116,449 residents within the suburbs of Bulleen, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Donvale, Lower Templestowe, Templestowe, Parks Orchards, Warrandyte, Wonga Park and North Ringwood. The Yarra River provides Manningham’s northern boundary while the Mullum Mullum Creek divides the more urban west and more natural east of the municipality.

Manningham is fortunate to have one of the largest networks of public open space in Metropolitan Melbourne with over 300 parks adding up to 19.8 square kilometres of public open space representing 17% of the municipality. Manningham City Council’s vision for public open space is:

“An open space network which provides a range of active and passive recreation opportunities in accordance with community needs, which is readily accessible, conserves and enhances the natural and cultural resources of the municipality, contributes to the local economy, and offers an amenable environment in which to live, work and visit for current and future generations”.

Manningham City Council is involved in the provision of open space recreation opportunities because it believes that there are a number of benefits that derive from participation in, or provision of, a diverse range of quality recreation opportunities. Benefits can be in the fields of social, health, environment, urban liveability, culture and economy. Specific benefits in these fields may include:

Social / Health

Environment is a major influence on health. By providing high quality open space networks, Council can create an environment that is supportive of health and encourages activity that reduces the likelihood and extremity of disease. Activities within open space areas such as walking and dog walking have health benefits such as improved cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, stronger muscles and bones (built up by walking regularly), and decreased stress. Open space areas are also socialising spaces that provide links with the broader community and encourage social connections.

Environment

Open space provides for important ecological aspects such as waterways, flora and fauna. Vegetation in open space provides habitat for wildlife, including corridor links to and along waterways.

June 2008 1 Urban liveability

Open space brings an aesthetic value to a neighbourhood by providing a “green break” between houses and roads.

Culture

Open space can be a venue for cultural displays, festivals, programs and activities. Open space can also have pre settlement or post settlement cultural significance associated with specific sites or features.

Economic

The economic benefit of open space can be measured in the spin-off effects of tourism and the role of high quality open space in attracting residents to Manningham and enhancing property values.

1.2 Development of the Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park

The Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park (MMCLP) extends 16 kilometres from where the creek originates near Cherry Tree Grove, Croydon and ends at the confluence of Mullum Mullum Creek and the Yarra River at Tikalara Park, Templestowe. The Mullum Mullum Creek flows through the Cities of Maroondah, Whitehorse and Manningham.

Manningham’s Public Open Space Strategy defines linear parks as continuous park systems which form an important part of the open space network within the municipality. MMCLP is classified as a Linear Park of Regional Significance. It is a significant waterway and is the most important Linear Park next to the Yarra River within Manningham, as it contains significant riparian vegetation, forms an important faunal corridor and caters for a variety of recreational activities.

The MMCLP forms strategic links to local trails, other areas of open space, such as picnic areas and playspaces, sporting and community facilities and the residential street network. The MMCLP is extensively used by local and wider community for walking, walking dogs, nature appreciation and cycling. Horse riding is allowed along some sections of the park.

The planning and development of the MMCLP is a major initiative and high priority for Manningham City Council. It is also Council’s vision to provide a continuous path system for the entire length of the Mullum Mullum Creek. The Mullum Mullum Trail is integral to the Metropolitan Trail Network within Manningham which will link the Koonung Trail in Donvale to the Main Yarra Trail in Templestowe. This linkage will result in a shared path network covering over half the size of the municipality. (Refer Figure 1).

June 2008 2 Figure 1. Map of Manningham’s shared path network.

Since 1992, Council has been working to develop and improve the linear park in partnership with many community groups and Government Agencies, including Melbourne Water, VicRoads, Parks Victoria, and Friends of Mullum Mullum. The work has included the purchase of private land, provision of wetlands to improve water quality and provision of additional habitat, as well as extensive pest and animal control, weed control works and revegetation.

In 1992, Council endorsed the MMCLP Concept Plan, which provided for the staged development of the MMCLP. Council has prepared and implemented a number of Management Plans for different sections of the Linear Park. The Management Plans provide a guide for the future use, development, landscaping, environmental management, on-going maintenance and are the basis for capital works funding to develop and improve the Linear Park. Development of the shared path has occurred in stages as shown in Figure 2 and is outlined below:

• MMCLP Stage 1 (Reynolds Road-Heidelberg/Warrandyte Road) was completed in 1994;

• MMCLP Stage 2 (Reynolds Road-Tindals Road, Donvale) was completed in 1998 and was subsequently reviewed in 2005; and

• MMCLP Stage 5 (Heidelberg/Warrandyte Road – Main Yarra Trail) was completed in 2003.

• MMCLP Stage 4 (Tindals Road to Park Road, Donvale). The construction of the shared path along this section will be completed in the 2009/10 financial year.

June 2008 3 • MMCLP Stage 3 is between Park Road and Huggins Reserve, Donvale and is the final stage of the Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park to be developed within the City of Manningham.

As part of the project that has become EastLink, the Southern and Eastern Integrated Transport Authority (SIETA) constructed a 2.75 kilometre shared path extending from Park Road, Donvale to Deep Creek Road in Mitcham. The shared path route predominantly follows long established foot and cycle routes and is located on the edge of much of the bushland, including the Mullum Mullum Park, which was preserved by the construction of EastLink’s two tunnels underneath the Mullum Mullum valley. Parks Victoria will construct a short link path to connect to the southern boundary of the trail in MMCLP Stage 3.

Figure 2. Stages of implementation of the Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park.

1.3 Purpose of the Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park Stage 3 Management Plan

The purpose of MMCLP Stage 3 Management Plan is to provide a guide for the future use, development, landscaping, management and maintenance of the Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park from Park Road to Huggins Reserve, Donvale.

The Management Plan aims to provide a clear future park vision articulated through objectives, actions, resources and responsibilities and provides a basis for new capital works funding to develop and improve this section of the

June 2008 4 Linear Park. The development of MMCLP Stage 3 will complete strategic open space links to the Koonung Trail and Main Yarra Trails.

The MMCLP Management Plan contains recommendations for capital works, including the construction of the shared path, including bridges and boardwalks, fencing, weed control, revegetation, seating, dog controls, park access points, waterway and on-going management. It is envisaged that MMCLP Stage 3 Management Plan will be reviewed 5 years after completion of capital works.

Management issues addressed in the draft Management Plan relate to the provision of park facilities, the opportunity to extend the shared path to link with other trails and areas of open space, the relationship to Parks Victoria and adjoining private properties, waterway management and general park maintenance.

Recommendations are made that relate to areas of responsibility for Melbourne Water, which will assist in coordination between management authorities and provide an opportunity to achieve sustainable management of open space for this section of the Mullum Mullum Creek. Melbourne Water is the Authority responsible for the restoration, maintenance and management for the bed and banks of the Mullum Mullum Creek.

1.4 Plan Development

The MMCLP Stage 3 draft Management Plan has been prepared on the basis of a detailed analysis of the Study Area coupled with an extensive consultation process with residents and key stakeholders. Development of the Management Plan includes the following stages: • A feature survey, heritage impact assessment, engineering assessment and flora and fauna studies of the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area; • Community survey; • Key Stakeholder consultation; • Analysis of Study Area/ identification of key issues; • Community Information Session; • Draft Management Plan; and • Public exhibition and community and stakeholder consultation.

In April 2007, a newsletter and feedback form was distributed to 400 households in the area surrounding the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area and an additional 24 newsletters were sent to residents on request and major interest groups within Manningham. An article about the project inviting comments was also placed in Manningham Matters, April 2007 edition. Results of the feedback form are contained in Appendix A.

June 2008 5 Key stakeholders in Council, Government Agencies, Schools, community groups and park users were involved in the preparation of the Management Plan. Consultation was undertaken with key stakeholders including Whitefriars College, Melbourne Water, South Eastern Integrated Transport Authority, Parks Victoria and the Country Fire Authority.

The Management Plan contains a detailed assessment and analysis of the Study Area in the context of: • A description of the Study Area, land tenure, landscape and landform; • A description and assessment of cultural heritage; • A summary of the policy background in terms of relevant State and Local Policies and Studies; • An analysis of environmental values of the Mullum Mullum Creek, including a description and assessment of vegetation management regime, flora and flora and habitat management; • An analysis of existing recreation uses, including walking, cycling and dog walking; • An analysis of infrastructure and facilities including traffic management, roads, park access, car parking, fencing and drainage; • A description and assessment of environmental values in terms of waterway and fire management; and • Adjoining landowners.

The draft Management Plan has been prepared to express a vision for the future use, development and management of MMCLP Stage 3 based on various studies and research and initial feedback from individuals, community groups and major stakeholders.

Further consultation will be undertaken through the public exhibition of the draft Management Plan for a six week period including: • Circulation of the draft Management Plan to people who responded to the initial newsletter and feedback form and key user groups; • Advertisements of the public exhibition in the local newspapers and on the Council’s web site; and • A call for submissions.

Following consideration of submissions the MMCLP Stage 3 Management Plan will be further considered by Council and endorsed with any changes considered necessary. The endorsed Plan will primarily be used as a resource document for Council Officers involved in the planning, development and management of MMCLP. It will also form the basis for new capital works funding to improve the reserve over the next 5 years, including the construction of the shared path. Timing of shared path construction is dependent on available funding from Council and the State Government.

June 2008 6 It is anticipated that a substantial amount of State Government funding will be attracted for this project.

Figure 3. Mullum Mullum Creek Valley

June 2008 7 2 Context

2.1 The Study Area

The Study Area for the Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park Stage 3 Management Plan includes all private and public land which abuts the Mullum Mullum Creek between Park Road and Huggins Reserve, Donvale. The MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area extends 2.5 kilometres along the Mullum Mullum Creek and is shown in Figure 4.

The MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area comprises 10.2 hectares of Public land managed by Council, Melbourne Water and Parks Victoria. This also includes 2 sections of the Melbourne Water Pipe Track, (Pipeline Reserve), which adjoins Council land abutting the creek in the vicinity of Aquarius Court and south of Heads Road. There are two private properties south of Park Road comprising the parts of Whitefriars College and the rear of 208 Park Road along the Mullum Mullum Creek.

The MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area is characterised by a narrow valley with steep terrain in a predominantly enclosed bushland setting. Significant stands of remnant and riparian vegetation exist along the creek within and adjacent to the Study Area. This section of the MMCLP has many unmade tracks, including the Melbourne Water Pipe Track, which are used extensively by the local community for walking and nature appreciation.

The new Mullum Mullum Park is adjacent to the southern part of the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area and has been preserved for its significant conservation values with the construction of Eastlink’s two tunnels underneath the Mullum Mullum Valley. In October, 2006 the State Government announced that the VicRoads land not required for the Eastern Freeway Extension and the Scorseby Freeway projects will become Reserved Crown land in the future to be managed by Parks Victoria.

June 2008 8 Figure 4. Study Area and Land Tenure

June 2008 9 Public Land

Of the total area, Council freehold owned land comprises 15 land parcels, which amounts to 7.02 ha in total area. Council land is located predominantly on the eastern side of the Mullum Mullum Creek for most of the length of Study Area. Three of the land parcels which cover an area 2.09 hectares are Drainage and Sewerage Reserves and the remaining twelve land parcels which total an area of 4.93 hectares are Recreation Reserves.

Huggins Reserve is located at the southern boundary of the Study Area and comprises 3 land parcels which amount to 1.35 hectares in total area. Huggins reserve is located on the western side of the creek and is surrounded by the Mullum Mullum Park. It is classified as a Conservation Reserve of Regional Significance in Council’s Public Open Space Strategy.

Department of Sustainability and Environment owns two parcels of land within the Study Area, which amount to 0.57 hectares in total area. These parcels of land are reserved Crown Land and are part of the Mullum Mullum Park, which is managed by Parks Victoria. The parcels of land are located in the southern part of the Study Area and are wedged between the Melbourne Water Pipe Track at its eastern boundary and bounded by Council land on the other three sides with Huggins Reserve as the southern boundary.

Melbourne Water freehold land comprises ten land parcels, which amount to 2.61 hectares in total area. Most of the Melbourne Water land is located on the Melbourne Water Pipe Track, which adjoins Council land abutting the Mullum Mullum Creek. The Pipe Track comprises 8 land parcels with a total area of 2 hectares. Seven of the land parcels are located south of Heads Road and extend to the southern boundary of the Study Area and one land parcel is located north of Aquarius Court.

The remaining two land parcels owned by Melbourne Water amount to 0.61 hectares in total area and directly abut the Mullum Mullum Creek. One land parcel is located on the eastern side of the Mullum Mullum Creek north of Heads Road and the other land parcel is located on the western side of the creek south of Heads Road.

Whitefriars College

Whitefrairs College land extends for approximately 600 metres along the western side of the Mullum Mullum Creek and is owned by the Carmelite Province. There is an existing informal path within the College property, some of which is extremely steep, linking Park Road with the Heads Road Council Reserve. The College has consented to Council’s consideration of some shared path options within the College property.

June 2008 10 208 Park Road

A 3 lot subdivision of 208 Park Road was approved by Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal (VCAT) in October 2007. As part of this subdivision Council requested a 30 metre setback to provide for the Mullum Mullum Trail and to allow for re-planting to re-instate the characteristics of the creek corridor and improve/protect the biological significance of the creek. However Council was unsusccessful in obtaining this land and only a narrow strip of land along the creek will be reserved as a Council Reserve for Drainage and Municipal purposes. Council is also negotiating with the owners to obtain some additional road reserve which will enable a wider shared path to be constructed near the Park Road bend.

Adjoining Landowners

MMCLP Stage 3 section is characterised by a narrow valley with steep terrain in a predominantly bushland setting. The adjoining residential densities are medium to low. Approximately 50 private properties adjoin the Study Area.

In June 2007, Council engaged surveyors to undertake a land survey of existing Council land along some sections the Mullum Mullum Creek. The purpose of the survey was to accurately define Council land with private land in the vicinity of Aquarius Court and Heads Road. Residents were notified about the survey. The work clarified if existing boundary fences were on the legal boundary and ascertained how much available public land existed between the boundary and the creek bank for possible construction of a shared path. In some locations there are squeeze points where there is little space between the creek bank and the private property boundaries.

2.2 Policy Background

The MMCLP Stage 3 Management Plan has been developed in the context of State Government and Council policies and strategies which are listed below.

2.2.1 State and Regional Policies and Studies

Melbourne 2030

In 2003 the State Government adopted Melbourne 2030 a strategy for future development within Metropolitan Melbourne for the next 30 years. The strategy contains several policies and initiatives which are relevant to MMCLP Stage 3, which aim to improve community safety, protect open spaces for future generations including major open space corridors including waterways along with the need to give priority for cycling and walking in planning urban development and managing the road system and neighbourhoods.

June 2008 11 Metropolitan Open Space Strategy (2002)

In September 2002, the State Government released Linking People and Spaces, A Strategy for Melbourne’s Open Space Network. Prepared by Parks Victoria. the Strategy provides for the long term planning of open space and protection of areas of environmental significance within Metropolitan Melbourne.

Manningham is located in the East Region of the Strategy. Open space areas within this region have a high visitor use and high conservation value particularly waterways, such as the MMCLP as they support a variety of functions, including protection of natural values and habitat corridors, trail linkages and recreational opportunities. The key focus for this region is to enhance existing facilities at a range of sites, to protect open space areas of environmental significance from increasing visitor numbers and pressure for recreation facilities and enhance vegetation links, especially along streams.

The Strategy identifies actions to link the Mullum Mullum Trail to the Koonung Trail and the Main Yarra Trail. There will be a need to balance the protection and enhancement of existing riparian vegetation as a habitat for native fauna along the Mullum Mullum Creek particularly in regard to the location and construction of the shared path.

Melbourne’s Principal Bicycle Network

The State Government is committed to implementing the Principal Bicycle Network for on-road and the Metropolitan Trail network for off-road over the next 10 years. The Metropolitan Trail Network supports completion of the Mullum Mullum Trail to link to the Koonung and Main Yarra Trails. Over the years State Government funding has contributed to the construction of the shared path along the MMCLP. It is anticipated that a significant amount of State Government funding could be attracted to complete the Mullum Mullum Trail.

VicRoads provides bicycle facilities such as on-road bicycle lanes and off- road bicycle paths and seeks to improve safety. To support the Government’s commitment and the key strategic directions for cycling, VicRoads’ objective which is particularly relevant to MMCLP Stage 3 states that:

Create visible and connected cycling networks that are made up of continuous routes by completing strategic sections and by closing gaps that exist in current networks.

Mullum Mullum Creek Waterway Management Activity Plan (2001)

In 2001, Melbourne Water developed the Mullum Mullum Creek Waterway Activity Plan, which provides a broad strategic direction for the publicly owned land within the floodplain, as well as some privately owned land adjacent to the waterway. It also outlines actions for specific reaches of the creek and provides a framework to enable Melbourne Water to prioritise works for the

June 2008 12 next 10-15 years. It will assist in the co-ordination between management agencies in the provision of recreation and management of open space, and the need to improve community amenity and recreation along stream corridors.

The reaches identified in the Waterway Activity Plan located within the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area are: • Reach 5: Deep Creek Road to Heads Road; and • Reach 6: Heads Road to Berrima Road

Native Vegetation Management Framework (Net Gain)

In 2002, the State Government released the Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action Strategy for the protection of native vegetation and biodiversity. The primary goal of the Strategy is to achieve “a reversal, across the entire landscape, of the long-term decline in the extent and quality of native vegetation leading to a net gain”. Net gain is the outcome for native vegetation and habitat where overall gains are greater than overall losses and individual losses are avoided, where possible.

The Framework introduces the concept of ‘Net Gain’ to redress the loss of indigenous vegetation as is approved through the Victoria Planning Schemes. The Framework seeks to achieve a net gain by a three-step approach. The removal of any indigenous trees, shrubs and ground storey for any proposed works such as the construction of the shared path will need to contribute to a net gain by the three step approach. The steps include: • Avoiding the removal of vegetation, where possible; • Minimising the removal of vegetation; or • Providing a net gain offset if the above steps cannot be achieved and vegetation removal is required. The offset should be in the form of active protection management or replanting of indigenous vegetation to redress the loss of any vegetation through development.

Local government is required to implement Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management Policy. The framework applies to wherever a planning permit is required for the removal of native vegetation and has significant implications for the shared path alignment within MMCLP Stage 3.

Road Safety Act 1986

The Mullum Mullum Trail is a designated shared path and must comply with the provisions of the Road Safety Act 1986 The Road Rules- Victoria. Shared path signs are required at access points along the trail.

The Road Safety Act Division 2.4 – Roads and Public Places states “that horse riders must only use roads and public places on footways that have been designated for that us”e.

June 2008 13

Figure 5. Mullum Mullum valley bushland.

2.2.2 Local Studies and Policies

Manningham 2006-2010 Council Plan

The 2006~2010 Council Plan is a strategic plan that aims to improve Manningham for the benefit of the whole community and outlines the objectives, strategies and a set of actions for Manningham City Council to achieve the Community Vision for a “strong community, liveable Manningham, convenient local services and a leading Council”.

Strategy 2.6 of the Council Plan aims to further integrate and improve Manningham’s transport network of roads, bike paths and walkways, for efficient, enjoyable and safe travel.

Action Item 2.6.4 of the Council Action Plan implements Council Policy which aims to “Further extend Manningham’s Linear Park network by preparing a Management Plan for the Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park Stage 3 to maximise access to Manningham’s extensive shared path network, the residential street network, activity centres and recreational precincts”.

Manningham Public Open Space Strategy (2004)

The Manningham Public Open Space Strategy provides a guide for the strategic planning, development, management, use and maintenance of Manningham’s open space. The Open Space Strategy identifies the MMCLP as a Linear Park of regional significance, as it provides one of the most important informal recreation opportunities within Manningham.

June 2008 14 The Strategy supports the retention of the land in this area as public open space, the preservation and rehabilitation of the remnant vegetation and the development of a Linear Park along this section linking with the rest of the MMCLP up and downstream. The Strategy also notes the significant vegetation, land ownership and linkage issues and the need to link to the Melbourne Water Pipe Track.

Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park Concept Plan (1992)

The Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park Concept Plan (1992) recommended that a Linear Park be created along the entire length of the Mullum Mullum Creek from Croydon to its junction with the Yarra River, Templestowe. The Concept Plan provided the framework for the staged development of the MMCLP. Stage 3 of the Linear Park is the final stage to be developed within Manningham.

Healthy Living in Manningham- Municipal Public Health Plan (2005)

Council endorsed the Municipal Public Health Plan in 2002, which cites the importance of physical activity and its link to people’s health and lifestyle. The provision of shared paths for people to use for recreation to increase their health levels is a key component of the Public Health Plan.

Disability Access Policy and Action Plan (2004)

Manningham’s City Council’s Disability Access Policy and Action Plan (2004) outlines Council’s direction over the years 2004-2008. It identifies themes and a framework for addressing access, inclusion and participation for people with disabilities who live, work, study, and visit or otherwise have a connection to Manningham.

The Disability Access Policy and Action Plan (2004) states “that Council provide mechanisms that enhance access and inclusion, in Council owned or leased public open spaces and recreational amenities, buildings and facilities, pedestrian networks and roads”.

Manningham Recreation Needs Study (2003)

A Recreation Needs Study was undertaken by Council in December 2003 to assess the current and future culture and leisure needs of residents within Manningham. 500 people participated in the survey. Walking was identified as the most popular sporting or recreation activity with 28% of the respondents indicating that they participate in a walking activity. Of these, 34% of the respondents indicated that they walk everyday and 38% indicated that they walk 3-5 times a week.

June 2008 15 Manningham Bicycle Strategy (2001)

The 2001 Bicycle Strategy for the City of Manningham was reviewed and approved by Council in October 2007. The Strategy aims to develop a framework to facilitate the realistic and effective implementation of bicycle facilities throughout the municipality. Existing and future on and off-road cycling trails are identified within Manningham.

• Following extensive consultation with the community and stakeholders a supplementary Action Plan in the Council Plan was approved by Council which states:

Item 2.6.2 Improve bicycle facilities through the ongoing implementation of Council’s Bicycle Strategy, providing links to recreation facilities to improve community health and well being.

The Bicycle Strategy supports the extension of the off-road shared path along the Mullum Mullum Creek between Park Road and the Eastern Freeway Extension. The shared path is considered to be a major recreational path extension of the Mullum Mullum Trail providing a key link to the Eastern Freeway extension and will create a major recreational loop. The main issues identified in the Strategy include cycling/pedestrian conflict on the shared path, access constraints across Park Road and potential waterway and vegetation impacts. The Strategy notes that external funding could be attracted from Parks Victoria for this project.

Manningham Horse Riding Strategy (2007)

The Horse Riding Strategy for the City of Manningham was reviewed in 2007 and aims to improve the horse trail network and local practices towards environmental sustainability. A series of recommendations are provided which recognise the need to develop an environmentally sustainable horse trail network, to reduce road safety risks and develop further off-road riding links. The strategy seeks to ensure that there is a balance between environmental protection and responsible rider access to the network.

The Horse Riding Strategy proposes that a horse trail circuit be investigated along MMCLP from Tindals Road to approximately half a kilometre south of Park Road to link with the Stinton Pipe Track. However horse ridng will not be permitted between Park Road and Tindals Road in accordance with MMCLP Stage 4 Management Plan. The Strategy also proposed a trail along the Mullum Mullum Creek in the Stage 3 Study Area south of Park Road to link with the Melbourne Water Pipe track.

Due to horse riding not being permitted in the MMCLP Stage 4 area, the link through MMCLP Stage 3 is now redundant.

June 2008 16 Manningham Domestic Animals Strategy (2004)

The Domestic Animals Strategy (2004) aims to promote and facilitate responsible ownership of dogs and cats, support animal welfare and promotes the benefits of animal companionship, with an emphasis on the protection and enhancement of community safety and the environment.

Dogs and their owners are significant users of public open space, however some dogs in public places can have an adverse effect on community safety and the environment. The Strategy aims to balance the needs of all users of open space through its Dog in Public Places policy by providing a network of on lead, off lead and prohibited areas. The principal means of control of dogs in public places is by way of the Council Order in accordance with S26 (2) of the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994 which is the responsibility of Health and Local Laws Unit, Manningham City Council.

The Strategy identifies MMCLP as a designated dogs on lead area. Huggins Reserve located within MMCLP Stage 3 is also a designated dogs on lead area. Dogs are prohibited from fenced areas containing significant remnant vegetation within other parts of the MMCLP.

Manningham Council’s Domestic Animals Strategy will be superseded by the introduction of a Domestic Animals Management Plan by November 2008. The plan must be submitted to the Minister for Agriculture every three years and will include the management of dogs throughout Council Reserves.

Manningham Planning Scheme

The Manningham Planning Scheme provides a policy framework for the implementation of State and Local policies affecting land use and development within the City of Manningham.

The MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area is contained within four different Zones and three different Overlays within the Manningham Planning Scheme.

Low Density Residential Zone (LDRZ): This Zone provides for low-density residential development on lots which, in the absence of reticulated sewerage, can treat and retain all wastewater and applies to most of the Study Area, with the exception of: • a small parcel of land owned by Melbourne Water located north of Heads Road on eastern side of the creek,which is zoned PUZ1; • the Melbourne Water Pipe Track which is zoned PUZ1; and • VicRoads freehold land located in the southern part of the Study Area which is zoned RDZ1.

Public Park and Recreation Zone (PPRZ): This Zone recognises areas for public recreation and open space and aims to conserve areas of significance while allowing for commercial uses where appropriate. This Zone applies to the western part of Huggins Reserve. It may be desirable to rezone all

June 2008 17 Council land within the Study Area to PPRZ. to reflect the public ownership and park function of the land.

Road Zone Category 1 (RDZ1): This Zone identifies significant existing roads within the Study Area and applies to VicRoad’s freehold land located in the southern part of the Study Area. This land is not required for the freeway extension and will become Reserved Crown land in the future as part of the new Mullum Mullum Park.

Public Use Zone Service and Utility (PUZ1): This Zone recognises the public land use for public utility and community services and facilities and provides for associated uses that are consistent with the intent of public land reservation or purpose. This zone applies to most of the Melbourne Water Pipe Track within the Study Area and a parcel of land abutting the Mullum Mullum Creek north of Heads Road, which is owned by Melbourne Water.

Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO2): This Overlay protects areas of botanical and zoological significance and maintains ecological processes and genetic diversity. The protection and enhancement of environmentally significant sites and strengthening of connecting habitat links will assist in the maintenance of biodiversity within the municipality and surrounding areas.

This overlay applies to all the Study Area, except for the Melbourne Water Pipe Track north of Huggins Reserve and the Ennismore Crescent Drain.

Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO): This Overlay ensures that the visual impact of development is minimised in areas with significant visual, landscape and environmental attributes. The landscape qualities are maintained through the sensitive siting of buildings, access and earthworks and the development of land and removal of vegetation are managed in a way that are not detrimental to the natural environment, character of the area, heritage values or any other environmental features or identified values.

Significant landscape areas are often attractive, low density residential areas that form an attractive back drop similar to the area adjacent to the Mullum Mullum Creek. The SLO1 Overlay applies to the areas adjacent to the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area including the rear of the Whitefriars College property along the Mullum Mullum Creek.

Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO): This Overlay identifies land in a flood storage or flood fringe area affected by the 1 in 100 year flood and ensures that any development maintains a free passage and temporary storage of floodwaters, minimises flood damage and is compatible with the flood hazard. The Overlay applies to the majority of the Study Area except for the Melbourne Water Pipe Track north of Huggins Reserve.

Public Acquisition Overlay 1 (POA 4 ): The POA 4 applies to some Council Land, including parts of Huggins Reserve, and a parcel land on the eastern side of the creek. Public acquisition of these areas for the EastLink freeway extension is no longer required by VicRoads for freeway works. The land will

June 2008 18 become Reserved Crown land in the future as part of the Mullum Mullum Park.

Manningham Local Law

Council enforces restrictions on use in Manningham’s General Law Part 3 (Reserves) that aims to ensure that Council reserves are used in a safe and orderly manner. Relevant provisions of the local law are outlined below:-

Restrictions on Use 3.1 Except with a permit, or except as otherwise authorised in writing, a person must not, on a reserve - (I) ride or drive a horse or a motor vehicle, or other vehicle or any bicycle except that this sub-clause does not apply to: (iii) the riding of a bicycle in a manner that does not interfere with the enjoyment of the reserve by any other person; (v) a designated roadway or bicycle path; or (vi) the riding of a horse where that has been permitted by Council.

June 2008 19 3 Community Consultation

The preparation of the MMCLP Stage 3 draft Management Plan was undertaken in consultation with the community and key stakeholders, including Whitefriars College, Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria and the South Eastern Integrated Transport Authority.

3.1 Community Survey

In April 2006, an initial community newsletter and feedback form was distributed to 400 households in the area surrounding the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area. The newsletter was also sent to major interest groups within Manningham, including Friends of Mullum Mullum Valley, Friends of Manningham Cats and Dogs, Manningham Bicycle Users Group, Koonung Bushwalking Club and Manningham YMCA. It was also sent to 10 interested residents on request and given to a group of eight residents, who attended an informal meeting with the Consultant for the MMCLP Stage 3 Flora and Fauna Study.

The newsletter and feedback form was designed to inform the community about the first stage of the project and ascertain how the MMCLP is used by the community, what attributes are the most valued by the community and ideas and issues which should be addressed in the Management Plan. The feedback form was a mixture of tick boxes (yes, no or neutral), space for individual written comments. Respondents were given the opportunity to indicate if they wished to be involved in future consultation.

An article about the project inviting comments was placed in Manningham Matters, April/May 2007 edition.

3.1.1 Results from the community survey

A total of 59 responses were received during the six week survey period with 52 respondents supporting the project outright. Although supportive, 5 respondents expressed concern that the location and use of the shared path could affect the privacy and amenity of neighbours. Two respondents did not complete the survey. Forty-one respondents indicated that they would like to be involved in future consultation regarding the MMCLP Stage 3 Management Plan.

The results from the survey provide a number of insights into how the MMCLP is used, the reasons why it is so highly valued by the community and identifies the community’s concerns with its future development and management, particularly the construction of the shared path and the need to protect and maintain the significant environmental values of the area. A major challenge will be to ensure that there is a balance between the protection of the natural

June 2008 20 environment as the habitat for native fauna, residential amenity and the enjoyment of park users of this unique area.

The full results of the survey are shown in Appendix A. Key findings include:

Established sections of the MMCLP

• 59% of survey respondents use the established sections of the MMCLP. • 64% of survey respondents cite the natural bush environment and flora and fauna as the most valued attributes of the MMCLP; • 79% of survey respondents cite walking in conjunction with nature appreciation as the reason they use the MMCLP; • 33% of survey respondents cite cycling as the reason they use the MMCLP; and • 16% of respondents cite walking the dog as the reason they use the MMCLP.

MMCLP Stage 3 section

This section of the MMCLP is not developed with a shared path, but has many unmade tracks and the Melbourne Water Pipe Track. • 79% of survey respondents use the MMCLP Stage 3 section; • 62% of survey respondents cite walking in conjunction with nature appreciation as the reason they use MMCLP Stage 3 section; and • 15% of survey respondents cite walking the dog as the reason they use the MMCLP Stage 3 section.

The main issues identified by the respondents which should be considered by the Management Plan include: • Maintain and protect the natural environment, keep tranquillity of the area; • Address environmental issues such as weed control, creek bank erosion and prohibit trail and mountain bikes; • The shared path gradient, width and surface should be suitable for cyclists and walkers and designed to minimize the conflict between users. Some respondents indicated that a sealed path is better and safer for cyclists, wheelchairs and prams; whereas other respondents indicated that a crushed rock surface would be more suitable to fit in with the natural environment. Careful placement of the path is required particularly in regard to clearing of vegetation; • Loss of adjoining landowner amenity and privacy; • Provide safe access to the trail from Heads and Park Roads; • Provide dog off-lead/on lead areas;

June 2008 21 • Stop horse riding access/ allow horse riding access and horse riders want to be consulted; and • On going maintenance/ management issues including rubbish removal.

3.2 Information Session

Following completion of the fauna and flora survey and the engineering assessment of the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area further consultation was undertaken with the community and major stakeholders, including Whitefriars College and Melbourne Water.

An information session was held on 19 November 2007, which was advertised in the local newspapers and on the Council’s web site. People who initially registered with Council via the feedback form were also notified of the meeting and all adjoining landowners were sent an invitation. The Information Session provided an overview of the environmental and engineering issues including a summary of opportunities and constraints. The planning process was also explained followed by a discussion of issues. Approximately 40 residents and other stakeholders attended the meeting.

The following points were made at the meeting: • The minimum standard for a shared path is 2.5 m. Some people were concerned that the path would be similar to the new 3 metre path constructed by SIETA; • The use of the shared path may affect the wildlife, particularly if the path is located near nesting trees; • The use of the shared path may create problems of rubbish, dog faeces and graffiti; • Currently there are few fences along the creek, which may become a security concern for adjoining land owners if a shared path is built; • Some people stated that a shared path should not be built on the floodplain. However many shared paths in Manningham are built on a floodplain and Council adheres to the Melbourne Water requirements; • The Mullum Mullum corridor is very precious and there is a real need to assist some adjoining landowners with weed control. Land disturbance associated with development over the years has lead to the spread of weeds which needs to be addressed. Properly managed this project would improve the area; • Horse riders are a major concern, particularly horse droppings which spread weeds; • Feeding rainbow lorikeets is a major problem, as the lorikeet population has increased, which has lead to a decline in the population of other native birds;

June 2008 22 • Whitefriars College has been consulted for the use of the existing tracks on the College land for the shared path alignment. The College is open to options. One option is to use the existing track between the ponds and the creek which would avoid significant engineering and environmental costs associated with the steep terrain on the eastern side of the creek. Use of the Whitefriar Collete land may also avoid significant bridge costs over the Ennismore Drain; • It may be possible for Council to enter into an agreement with Whitefriars College for the use of part of their land for the shared path, similar to other arrangements Council has used for shared paths; • Fire access needs to be considered; • The path should provide for people with disabilities, however due to the constraints of the terrain may be difficult to achieve; and • A landowner who lives next to the Hillcrest area observed that people are tending to use the old tracks less with the new shared path constructed by SIETA. He therefore supports the shared path along the MMCLP Stage 3.

June 2008 23 4 Cultural Heritage

4.1.1 Legislative Responsibilities

Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006

The Parliament of Victoria proclaimed a new Aboriginal Heritage Act in May 2007, which aims to upgrade existing cultural heritage protection programs by placing an onus on developers to demonstrate that associated impacts will either be eliminated or substantially reduced by any particular proposal. Administrative and practical measures in the new legislation impose much more rigorous responsibilities on investigative and protective measures through the development of a Management Plan for each development proposal which involve ground disturbances. The Aboriginal Heritage Act applies to the heritage assessment of the MMCLP Stage 3 trail development.

According to the Regulations in the Act an activity that will involve ground disturbances, if ‘all or part of the activity area for the activity is an area of cultural sensitivity and all or part of the activity is a high impact activity’ will trigger the requirement to prepare a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP). Bicycle tracks outside a road reserve and walking tracks are considered instances of ‘high impact activity’ and are regarded as ‘significant disturbances’ and fall within the regulatory restrictions under the new legislation. Division 3 of the Regulations also stipulate that an area within 200m of a waterway is an area of cultural sensitivity; hence a CHMP will be required for the MMCLP Stage 3 trail development

A CHMP consists of an assessment of an area to determine the nature of any Aboriginal cultural heritage followed by a report outlining the results and recommendations in regard to the management and protection of any Aboriginal cultural heritage identified in the assessment. The assessment may include background and research, a ground survey and excavation of the ground.

The CHMP must comply with the prescribed standards and two processes are available to assess impact risks: A Simple Assessment and a Complex Assessment. A Complex Assessment involves rigorous investigative techniques, including the geotechnical methods that will ensure adequate detection of cultural materials by excavation.

For the purposes of the Act, a Sponsor is considered the person or entity that proposes an activity that is described as constituting a significant disturbance that could cause harm to Aboriginal cultural materials. The sponsor of a CHMP must engage a cultural heritage Advisor to assist in the preparation of the CHMP. In accordance with the Act, the Advisor must be qualified in a discipline directly relevant to the management of Aboriginal cultural heritage or has the extensive experience or knowledge regarding Aboriginal cultural heritage.

June 2008 24 The Act provides for the formation of the Aboriginal Heritage Council to advise the Minister in respect to cultural heritage matters and to oversee the registration of Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAP) with a cultural heritage interest in given areas of the State. The Council is empowered to approve CHMP.

The RAP who declare interests within set boundaries of the state will be responsible for reviewing and proposing actions to protect cultural heritage in their areas. The RAP may:

• Evaluate, approve, or refuse to approve Cultural Heritage Managment Plans that relate to the area for which they are registered;

• Enter into cultural heritage agreements; and

• Apply for interim and ongoing protection declarations; and carry out any further functions permitted under the terms of the Act.

Following approval of a CHMP by the Aboriginal Council in consultation with RAPS a development permit will be issued in respect to heritage conservation outcomes.

Non-Indigenous Heritage

All historical non-indigenous archaeological sites in Victoria are protected under section 127 of the Heritage Act 1995, which is administered by Heritage Victoria (HV) in the Department of Planning and Community Development. It is an offence to excavate, damage, or disturb relics and sites even if they are not included on the Heritage Inventory, unless a consent has been issued under Section 129 of the Act. Any person discovering or uncovering an archaeological relic is required to report the discovery to the Heritage Council.

4.1.2 Methodology

Luebbers and Associates, were commissioned by Council to conduct a heritage desktop study of the Mullum Mullum Creek Reserve for Stage 3 to identify areas of least impact to cultural heritage that will assist to identify the best options for trail alignment in the design stage of the assessment.

A site inspection and an informal landscape analysis of the Study Area was also undertaken to evaluate the existing trail network, environmental character and terrain features, to locate potential stone sources in the stream corridor and assess the surface visibility in key sections of the corridor.

The objectives of the study included:

• To assess the risks of impacts to Aboriginal and non- indigenous cultural materials in the Study Area;

June 2008 25 • To review the existing records of heritage materials reported for the area, including registered information, with the view of preparing a forecast of risks associated with Stage 3 development of the MMCLP; and

• To advise on the optimal trail alignments using existing heritage documentation.

Ethnohistory

Four Aboriginal clans of the WOI WURRNG language group inhabited the Maribynong and Yarra River water sheds in the early 19th century. Four major clans and adjacent sub-clans are recognised within the WOI WURRUNG according to natural geographic boundaries. The clans include the Gunung William Balug and the Talling Willum, the Kurang Jang Balug, the Marin Balug, and the Wurundjeri Balug. The latter clan further divides into the Wurundjeri William and the Bulag William.

The Wurundjeri William comprised two groups who resided in the Mid-Yarra River catchment: with Bebejan’s group living in a tract between Heidelberg and Yering in the Upper Yarra and by Billibellary and his group living in the area downstream and to the west as far as Lancefield.

Although it is difficult from a fragmented and limited existing historical account from the early years of early European contact to name individual groups of the Woi Wurrung in the Study Area, it is probable that it was Bebejan’s mob and his descendants that occupied the areas in the study region.

There is unbroken chain of legitimate contact with cultural and social tradition in the 19th century. In 1846, Billibellary, headman or ngrungaeta of the Moiwurrung manufactured green-stone axes from Mt William quarries and traded within a vast trading and exchange network which operated across Victoria, areas of NSW and South Australia. His son, Simon Wonga was one of the founders of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Station and his cousin and the son of Bebejan, William Barak, was a well known artist and an advocate and spokesperson of the Wurundjeri-William seeking social and political justice at Coranderrk Station.

Many descendants today maintain a strong cultural and spiritual affinity to their country in the Yarra catchment. Wurundjeri opinion in the management of cultural sites across greater Melbourne area is therefore considered a significant element in the conservation of Aboriginal heritage in Victoria.

Cultural materials near the Study Area

A review of the Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV), indicate that no site surveys have been conducted specifically in the Study Area and that no archaeological materials from Aboriginal enterprise had been registered for the Study Area.

June 2008 26 However there are a number of registered Aboriginal sites located along the Mullum Mullum Creek in Donvale near the Study Area, which help to forecast the character of the archaeological record of Stage 3 and identify the potential risks associated with the trail development.

Assessment programs were conducted on the Mullum Mullum Creek between Warrandyte Road and Tindals Road in Donvale 1990, 2000 and 2006. The search results indicate that the surface archaeology is characterised by a very low density of stone artefacts and a single scarred tree, which was recovered as a submerged log in the creek near its likely stump after it was dislodged from its growth position. It is highly likely on the basis of their isolated location that artefacts in bank sediments were deposited in a secondary context as a result of stream outflow, sediment transport and fluvial scouring that caused dispersal of artefacts from a primary context higher in the catchment.

The lithic component of the surface archaeology identified in these studies pertains to lithic reduction products in the manufacture of quarzt , chert, and silcrete implements, with two from a sample of seventeen specimens exhibiting traces of resharpening to indicate a history of use. The remaining artefacts are presumably non-utilised discarded flakes. The dispersal of these artefacts in bank sediments, both vertically and horizontally, describe a pattern of fluvial transport form and original discard site or sites in the valley floor or its adjacent hill slopes at some point further upstream.

Studies carried out on the Mathews property on the Mullum Mullum Creek north of the Study Area recorded Aboriginal artefacts at seven locations. The sites comprised artefact scatters or isolated artefacts (less than 5 items) and are located on the surrounding hill slopes or ridges whereas no sites were located in the valley itself.

Two Aboriginal artefacts were recorded in the field work conducted for this Management Plan. Located by Council personnel, the first find consisted of a sandstone flake located in the Mullum Mullum Park at the junction of two trails. According to its shape, it is likely that the implement was used for heavy chopping or planing. The find site is relatively flat gradient of a hill slope land unit and is considered an ideal attribute for campsite habitation in otherwise steep terrain.

The second artefact recorded is a small coarse-grain mudstone flake with a sharp cutting edge that was possibly used for wood working. It was found on a pedestrian track on moderately flat terrain at the southern end of the Melbourne Water Pipe track approximately 70 metres east of the creek alignment. The open forest setting is considered an ideal location for aboriginal habitation in close proximity to the riparian corridor.

It is difficult to detect mudstone artefacts by a casual pedestrian survey as mud stone is abundant in the Study Area and until this find had not been identified in the local lithic assemblage. Therefore survey techniques deployed on the Mullum Mullum Creek in the future will require modification to ensure that mudstone deposits are adequately investigated.

June 2008 27 4.1.3 Implications for the trail alignment

The most likely locations at which site preservation is best mainted are expected at higher elevations above the floodplain where rates of water transportation and surface erosion are lower. To date, site searches in the area have located more cultural material, particularly artefact assemblages, in the slopes and ridges adjacent to the drainage line than the channel itself. The incidence of survival of the older forest elements used in timber implement construction will be low due to logging operations that removed most standing timber that potentially carried scars from prehistoric use.

The current inventory of Aboriginal cultural materials on the Mullllum Mullum Creek mainly comprises lithic assemblages that were generated during the manufacture, repair or maintenance of implements utilised for a variety of functions such as woodworking, debarking and pounding. These are referred to as flakes and cores from which sharp edges were made for cutting or chopping. Hammerstones are present in very low numbers for the creek as a whole and accordingly anvils and other stone working implements for flake production can be expected to occur in the local archaeology. Plant processing tools may also be present in the riparian setting, although specific identification has yet to be made. To date, trees scarred by Aboriginal enterprise have not been recorded in the upper creek catchment.

The inventory of recorded sites does not include materials from the Study Area and information from the wider catchment is too sparse to identify landscape correlations to create a detailed statistically valid model of land use for the MMCLP Stage 3. Based on the limited data sets it would be difficult to assemble a distribution model for the cultural heritage for avoiding impacts in the Study Area or identifying some areas that are more sensitive than others. Additional field assessment will be required to guide the placement of the trail alignment, including stream crossings, in order to avoid impacts to the local heritage.

There are some trends in the artefact distribution of the Mullum Mullm Creek to suggest a hypothetical model in land use for heritage risk management in some areas of the corridor including: • Lithic assemblages mainly occur on land surfaces with relatively low topographic relief well above the peak discharge level of the creek bed. These consist of hill slopes and ridges with limited colluvium deposition that presumably were forested in prehistoric times; • The highest density of artefact discard also occurs in low relief land units above the submersion zone of the corridor; • The converse of these two associations identified above occurs in the floodplain of the creek, including the adjoining embankment and creek bed; • There is a high likelihood that the proposed MMCLP Stage 3 development will potentially damage Aboriginal heritage either on the ground or buried below the surface of the ground. The most

June 2008 28 appropriate measure to establish the nature of this risk under the legislation is to conduct a Complex Assessment to identify heritage sensitivity for the proposed alignment and recommend mitigation and management measures; and • The Complex assessment will form the basis of the Plan. The process for the preparation of the Plan which addresses cultural protection issues in the development of the Linear Park includes: • Commission an Advisor to prepare the CHMP on behalf of the Council (Sponsor) in consultation with the Regional Aboriginal Party (RAP). The Secretary, AAV is the current RAP for MMCLP Stage 3; and • The Advisor will give formal notification to AAV for the compilation of the CHMP on behalf of Council. The process of notification commences a program of geotechnical and archaeological assessment across the whole property in Stage 3. The likelihood that cultural materials are present in both alluvium and colluvium in the Study Area necessitate the completion of a Complex Assessment. Sub-surfacing testing of the proposed alignment and bridge construction sites will be undertaken to establish the level of risk of impact and the degree of sensitivity of individual localities. Once risk management strategies are put in place in light of test results, the development will have demonstrated that heritage materials protected under the current legislation will not be damaged or that risk is considered to be low.

Low artefact detection rates and survey coverage on the Mulllum Mullum Creek has made it difficult to identify any particular location or land unit in MMCLP Stage 3 that is at risk in the development, or that any one sedimentary unit is free of cultural materials. As with other riparian settings in the region and given the local archaeology of the area, the wetland and its adjacent valley slopes are archaeologically sensitive and will contain significant cultural heritage both on the surface and buried below it. Legislative protection applies to these materials irrespective of where they occur or how they arrived.

A design strategy for finalising a layout of the trail and the bridge placement should be developed to help minimise impacts on the cultural heritage sites. Design strategies to achieve protection of cultural heritage sites include: • Minimising impacts by Construction: ¾ Utilising existing trails, wherever possible, to confine construction to areas of existing disturbance; ¾ Placing bridge structures on hard rock or slopes with colluvial scree where human discard is unlikely to have occurred; and ¾ Avoiding soil disturbance by building above ground, as for example with new bedding material or raised boardwalks. • Minimising Impacts by Land Unit:

June 2008 29 ¾ Higher risks to cultural heritage will occur on slopes and ridges with gentle gradients above high water mark than below high water mark; ¾ Risks to cultural material are low or non-existent on narrow, rock- strewn sections of the creek corridor, or on steep slopes with dense colluvium; and ¾ Risks to cultural material are low on the floodplain. • Issues that should be considered in finalising the trial alignment include: ¾ Soil coring, and other forms of geotechnical studies that may be required in the normal course of engineering assessment should be coordinated with the heritage study, to maximise archaeological appraisal of sedimentary information in the vicinity of stream crossings, elevated walkways, and other areas in which significant soil disturbance will be required; ¾ Construction techniques should be adopted that will minimise soil disturbance as a means of confining potential heritage damage wherever practical. This is ‘best practice’ approach to heritage conservation and is consistent with the ‘avoiding harm’ objective of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006; ¾ Although bridges erected on bare hard rock or the junction of colluvium with the creek floor are unlikely to adversely impact cultural heritage, a visual inspection will be required; and ¾ Confine impacts to areas of known disturbance including utilising existing trails for the path alignment is an effective strategy for conserving cultural heritage.

June 2008 30 5 Flora, Fauna and Habitat

Nature and the natural environment are unsurpassed among the things that residents value about living in Manningham, according to a 2005 focus group survey*. Council therefore places a high importance on protecting natural assets as important as those in the MMCLP Stage 3.

For some years, it has been known that the Stage 3 area contains high-quality habitat for flora and fauna, including many species rarely seen in the Melbourne region. It has also been known that the slopes mainly support types of vegetation that are listed as Endangered or Vulnerable (the highest and second-highest threat categories). Along the valley floor, the majestic Manna Gums, verdant understorey and the presence of the creek are important for wildlife as well as for scenic and recreational values. The creek itself supports aquatic wildlife such as native fish and tortoises.

The Mullum Mullum valley as a whole is a major wildlife corridor that connects to the Yarra River wildlife corridor. Wildlife that moves up and down the corridor also tends to digress to varying degrees into the surrounding residential areas, helping to give those areas the natural feel that so many residents appreciate.

Because the area has no formal paths or visitor facilities and is accessible only at each end and at Heads Rd, Council and Melbourne Water have conducted only very basic management, such as clearing fallen trees and limited weed control. With the prospect of a shared path being constructed and increased public visitation, it becomes feasible to consider much greater management effort, which the site’s natural values deserve.

In recognition of these factors, a major ecological study was conducted by Council in support of this Management Plan. As a result, the flora, fauna and habitat in the Study Area have been investigated more thoroughly than anywhere else in Manningham.

The rest of this chapter describes the study, its findings and the implications for the route of a shared path. This information has been used in preparation of recommendations for future management of the valley’s natural assets, presented in Section 10.3.

5.1 Ecological Survey

Council’s ecologist (Dr Graeme Lorimer) conducted fieldwork to: • Map areas with different types and quality of vegetation, as well as rare plants and weed infestations, to a precision of a few metres;

* ‘Community Values: A Market Research Report into the Values of Manningham’s Residents’. Marketing Unit, Manningham City Council.

June 2008 31 • Record the abundance of every species of plant present in each part of the valley, including population counts of the species at greatest risk; • Actively search for all vertebrate fauna, butterflies and wildlife habitat, during day and night; • Seek and map opportunities for environmental improvements; and • Assess the possible impact of the proposed shared path (along whatever route it may take).

This work produced 2,107 records of plants and approximately 5,000 records of wildlife.

Concurrently, a study into wildlife corridors in Manningham was being conducted, due to be published soon as ‘Wildlife Movement and Habitat Needs in Manningham’. The Mullum Mullum valley was one of the focus areas for that study, and information obtained within the Stage 3 Study Area and its surroundings has contributed to the ecological analysis below.

Information from the investigations described above was combined with information obtained from literature, databases and community consultation. Particular acknowledgment and thanks are due to community members who contributed information, including at a meeting of local naturalists on 18th April 2008 convened specifically for this project. We also acknowledge the use of the Victorian Flora Information System database and the Victorian Faunal Display database, both of which are administered by the Department of Sustainability and Environment* and contain data contributed by large numbers of individuals and organisations across Victoria.

5.2 Biogeographical Regions

The Stage 3 section of the MMCLP valley crosses two recognised biogeographical regions (or ‘bioregions’). The section north of Heads Road is in the ‘Highlands – Southern Fall’ bioregion and the remainder is in the ‘Gippsland Plain’ bioregion. The distinction between these areas is important not so much because of the subtle differences in the types of vegetation present, but because the Department of Sustainability and Environment places much higher importance on conserving the very scarce remnants of the Gippsland Plain’s native vegetation compared with the more vegetated Highlands – Southern Fall bioregion.

Consequently, some vegetation types described in the following subsection have a ‘conservation status’ (a measure of depletion relative to pre-European abundance) that varies from one bioregion to another, and hence from one side of Heads Rd to the other.

* © The State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability & Environment.

June 2008 32 5.3 Vegetation Types

There is a standard system of classifying types of native vegetation in Victoria, called Ecological Vegetation Types, or EVCs. Each EVC has a standard name and number assigned by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. Four EVCs were found in the Mullum Mullum Stage 3 Study Area, some with multiple variants – See Table 1, the photographs following Table 1 and the detailed descriptions in Appendix A (page 142). Note the prevalence of EVCs that are listed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment in the two highest categories of depletion – Endangered and Vulnerable. A fifth EVC (Creekline Herb-rich Woodland) once occurred in the Study Area but has been completely destroyed by drainage works.

Table 1. Ecological Vegetation Classes in the Mullum Mullum Stage 3 Study Area. ID Area EVC name Rarity no. (ha) Swampy Riparian Complex 126 Endangered (the highest level) 0.02 Riparian Forest – 3 types 18 mostly Vulnerable (the 2nd-highest level) 10.3 Valley Grassy Forest 47 Vulnerable 4.2 Valley Heathy Forest 127 Endangered 2.3 Total: 16.7

Valley Grassy Forest and Valley Heathy Forest are ecologically reliant on occasional burning. Only the latter has substantial areas on public land in the Study Area, in the far south, where it abuts Parks Victoria’s ‘Hillcrest Bushland’.

June 2008 33

Figure 6. A view along the Study Area’s sole strip of Swampy Riparian Complex.

Figure 7. A typical view of the creek channel (vegetation type 18a) with Riparian Forest type 18b on the banks. Note the various microhabitats of rock, crevices, sand, gravel, embankments, pools and riffles.

June 2008 34

Figure 8. A scene within type 18b of Riparian Forest.

Figure 9. A scene within type 18c of Riparian Forest. Note the slope and the sparse ground flora.

June 2008 35

Figure 10. An example of Valley Grassy Forest, showing its lush, grassy ground flora.

Figure 11. A typical example of Valley Heathy Forest. Note the abundance of twiggy shrubs.

June 2008 36 Figure 12a. Map of vegetation types in the northern half of the Study Area. 341,400 341,500 341,600 341,700 341,800 341,900

E N PARK F RD IE L D AV 5,816,200 5,816,200

A 342,000 342,100 342,200

L

S

Y D

D Inset – Joins the A

P T

C eastern edge of

R 5,816,100 5,816,100

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the main map D L in A

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n rai e D 5,815,900 × r 5,815,900 mo Metres nis 05010025 En

Legend 5,815,800 5,815,800 A Q Existing path U A R IU Vegetation Types and Condition S C Aquatic & Amphibious T Stream channel 5,815,700 5,815,700 Pond Riparian Forest Condition B Condition C

5,815,600 Condition D 5,815,600 Condition E

Swampy Riparian ComplexY A

W

Condition C S R

A I

D 5,815,500 Condition D R 5,815,500 F R E

T S I

D Valley Grassy Forest H

A W E Condition B H Condition C Condition D 5,815,400 5,815,400 CLERY Condition E AV Valley Heathy Forest Condition A Condition B 5,815,300 5,815,300 Condition C Condition D Condition E

341,400 341,500 341,600 341,700 341,800 341,900 June 2008 37 Figure 12b. Map of vegetation types in the southern half of the Study Area. 341,400 341,500 341,600 341,700 341,800 341,900 5,815,400 5,815,400 CLERY AV 5,815,300 5,815,300

W

5,815,200 H 5,815,200

I T

E D F R R

I S A D R A

S E

H W

A

Y 5,815,100 × 5,815,100 Metres 05010025 5,815,000 5,815,000 Legend

Existing path

Vegetation Types and Condition R

C

K

O 5,814,900 Aquatic & Amphibious 5,814,900

O

R

Stream channel A

D

N Pond A T Riparian Forest Condition B 5,814,800 5,814,800 Condition C Condition D Condition E Swampy Riparian Complex 5,814,700 5,814,700 Condition C Condition D Valley Grassy Forest Condition B

5,814,600 Condition C 5,814,600 LConditionISBETH AV D Condition E Valley Heathy Forest 5,814,500 5,814,500 ConditionV A ST

G YOUNG

Y

ConditionE B D

S R H A U

V G Condition C W G IE I NS V R E D Condition D G N A Condition E R 5,814,400 5,814,400

341,400 341,500 341,600 341,700 341,800 341,900 June 2008 38 The spatial arrangement of vegetation types is mapped on Figure 12, which spans two pages to provide adequate resolution of detail. Figure 12 also shows areas of different ecological condition, as explained in Section 5.4.

As explained in Appendix A (page 142), an uninformed application of the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s rules about the conservation significance of native vegetation would lead one to conclude that the areas of Riparian Forest north of the Heads Road are much less significant than areas of the same EVC south of Heads Road, because the department has drawn a boundary between two bioregions through the Heads Road bridge. However, ecological principles dictate that the Riparian Forest should be managed and treated as a single entity, because of the ways that streams and their riparian habitat function. The Riparian Forest north of Heads Road should therefore not be discounted as ‘Least Concern’, as the Department’s guidelines might suggest.

5.4 Ecological Condition of Habitat

The ecological condition of native vegetation in the Study Area was mapped according to a simple, five-level scale following Lorimer et al. (1996). This approach relies on the observation that human modification of a natural environment generally causes a reduction in biodiversity (i.e. species and genetic variability) over time and a shift from native to introduced species. Plants are very good indicators of this process; indigenous plants tend to be replaced by weeds, and the total number of plant species declines.

This process goes through several stages. With low levels of human impact, a few indigenous plant species that are sensitive to disturbance disappear (particularly orchids) while most other species survive and reproduce. With greater disturbance, the number of lost indigenous species increases and some of the remaining ones struggle to reproduce, typically due to reproductive problems or because seedlings are out-competed by weeds. A stage may then arise where half or more of the indigenous species die out, leaving only hardy species that can survive against weed invasion and loss of the native fauna that provide pollination, pest control and seed dispersal. If vegetation is removed to make way for urban development, underground services, recreation grounds, gardens or similar uses, only the hardiest plants are likely to survive or regenerate (such as isolated remnant trees in gardens), and these generally gradually decline because they cannot reproduce effectively (e.g. tree seedlings being mowed).

In response to this, a scale from A to E was devised, based on the position of vegetation in the stages of degradation just described. The ratings are designed to be easily determined in the field, using criteria based on two factors:

June 2008 39 • The number of indigenous plant species remaining compared with expectations of a pristine site of the same size and vegetation type; and • The ability of the indigenous species present to survive and reproduce.

The categories are:

Rating A: Contains almost all of the indigenous plant species that one could expect to occur in that type of vegetation (taking into account the size of the area); at least 80% of plant species able to reproduce adequately to maintain their numbers.

Rating B: Contains at least half of the indigenous plant species that could be expected, but not reaching rating A due to loss of species or reproductive problems. Better management and some revegetation can usually raise the rating to A.

Rating C: Contains less than half of the indigenous plant species that could be expected, but more than about 20% (or at least with the vegetation structure fairly natural); most of the indigenous plants are likely to be able to reproduce successfully.

Rating D: Contains less than half of the indigenous plant species that could be expected, frequently less than 20%. Only a handful of species are likely to be reproducing successfully. These areas usually have value only for landscape and hardier wildlife, or as buffers or stepping-stones to areas of better habitat.

Rating E: Scattered trees (or at least their overhanging branches) with indigenous species representing less than 25% of the understorey cover. If mature canopy trees have a density that meets the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s benchmark level for the relevant EVC, the rating rises to D.

In cases where it is hard to decide between two ratings, attention is focused on the plant species that are expected to play the most important ecological role, such as the naturally dominant species in the overstorey and understorey. If the loss of biodiversity is particularly evident among the most ecologically important species, the lower ranking is assigned.

While this method for assessing ecological condition is based on plants, it can be combined with an analysis of the spatial distribution of ecologically connected habitat (Section 5.7) to obtain a reasonable indication of an area’s value to wildlife.

We also believe that the ecological condition scale above is a good workable indicator of the value of a site for conservation of biodiversity. Note that it differs from most indicators of vegetation ‘quality’ published elsewhere, in that it does not downgrade a site solely for the presence of weeds. For example, many wetlands have a relatively high density of weeds in a stable coexistence with high numbers of indigenous species. The ecological condition rating may

June 2008 40 be ‘B’ in such a case, despite the weediness, because the indigenous plants are secure. A typical ‘vegetation quality’ indicator would rate such a site as being of poor quality because of the significant proportion of weeds.

The ecological condition scale above places value on conservation of biodiversity, not on naturalness. A site such as the one quoted above may disappoint people who value naturalness very highly, but that is a secondary consideration for an ecological assessment.

This method differs from the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s ‘Habitat Hectares’ method (DSE 2004) in that it: • Allows mapping to a precision of between 1 and 5 metres in most situations (as opposed to 30-100 metres for Habitat Hectares, which is too great for the patchiness present in the MMCLP Study Area); • Is fast enough to allow complete mapping of the whole Study Area; • Takes full account of the level of impact of weeds, not just the total cover and whether ‘high impact’ weeds dominate; • Takes into account the vegetation’s stage of regeneration or senescence as a result of its history of disturbance, rather than marking down vegetation that differs from a presumed ‘long undisturbed state’; • Does not take into account the presence of logs or the age of trees, which are considered separately in this report; and • Requires a higher level of professional expertise and familiarity with the type of vegetation being assessed and the weed species that are present.

The mapping of the ecological condition of vegetation is included in Figure 12. The fine-scale patchiness illustrates why the Habitat Hectares method was not appropriate. This map will be useful for monitoring changes in vegetation condition, provided that new assessments are done with as much care and expertise as for this Management Plan.

The ecological condition within the creek channels is extremely patchy and can vary from month to month at any particularly location because of the dynamic nature of stream channels. This prevents small-scale mapping of the ecological condition of the creek channels. Overall, the creek channels fit the description of rating D.

Summary statistics about the areas of each EVC in each category of ecological condition appear in Table 2.

The vast majority of the route of the proposed shared path avoids native vegetation altogether by following existing tracks. The small exceptions to this have been designed to pass through the least intact areas, thereby minimising vegetation removal.

June 2008 41 Table 2. Statistical distribution of the ecological condition of vegetation among the vegetation types in the Mullum Mullum Stage 3 Study Area. Hectares in each EVC name Rarity condition rating A B C D E Total Creek channel Not assigned 2.65 2.7 Riparian Forest - types b, c mostly Vulnerable 0.24 4.02 2.12 1.19 7.6 Swampy Riparian Complex Endangered 0.01 0.01 0.02 Valley Grassy Forest Vulnerable 0.10 2.17 1.88 0.05 4.2 Valley Heathy Forest Endangered 0.16 1.08 0.67 0.30 0.05 2.3 Totals: 0.2 1.4 6.9 7.0 1.3 16.7

5.5 Flora

The fieldwork for this study gathered thirty-one lists of plants, each one pertaining to a particular EVC and a particular part of the Study Area. In total, these lists contain 2,107 records of plants, each record including the species name and an indication of whether, within the relevant part of the Study Area, the species is dominant, abundant, scarce or otherwise. In the case of the least common species, population sizes were recorded and their locations carefully mapped.

Appendix C (p. 152) tabulates the data and provides a map of the areas that correspond to the thirty-one lists.

The southern third of the MMCLP Study Area was previously studied in 1979 by the Ministry for Conservation and in 1989 as part of the assessment of a proposed above-ground freeway (Yugovic et al. 1990). From these studies we located four lists of plants for the Study Area, each one pertaining to a plot (or ‘quadrat’) measuring 400 m². These lists contain a total of 210 plant records, or 10% of what was gathered during the present study.

A plant list for Whitefriars College, which included the northern third of the Study Area, was graciously contributed by biologist Mr David De Angelis. He compiled the list during his time as a student at the college during 1999-2004, and he provided additional information about which species on his list had been seen within this Management Plan’s Study Area.

All other plant lists that could be located were for areas that were not entirely within the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area.

All the available plant lists are stored in Council’s flora database and will be available through the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s Flora Information System in due course.

June 2008 42 5.5.1 Diversity of Indigenous Flora

In aggregate, the number of indigenous species found in this study’s fieldwork was 179. These are listed in Appendix C (p. 152). This is a high number for an area of its size within metropolitan Melbourne. The number of species in each plant group was as follows: two liverworts, seven mosses, four ferns and 166 flowering plants. Three of the flowering plant species were each represented by two subspecies or varieties and there were several hybrid eucalypts not included in the tallies above. Some species of moss and liverwort are likely to have been overlooked.

The plant species visible within any site vary from season to season and year to year, according to factors such as drought and how recently the area was burned or subject to major flooding. Longer-term trends are also normal. Consequently, some species (particularly orchids) probably went undetected in the present study because they were underground (as seeds or storage organs) at the time their location was surveyed. Other species, such as the Scented Sundew Drosera whittakeri, were detected but probably not at all the locations where it actually grows.

The only plant species or subspecies that have definitely been recorded for the Study Area in earlier research, but not in the present study, were Drosera peltata subsp. peltata and Wurmbea dioica, both of which are highly seasonal and could not be expected to be detected at the time of year that the relevant locations were surveyed in the present study. There is therefore no indication of any plant species disappearing from the Study Area in recent decades – an uncommon situation for suburban Melbourne.

Conversely, this study detected ninety indigenous plant species that had not been recorded previously (excluding mosses and liverworts, which were not sought in previous studies). In other words, this study has more than doubled the number of indigenous species of flowering plant and fern recorded for the Study Area.

5.5.2 Significant Plant Species

No plant species in any of the lists for the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area is rare or threatened throughout Victoria. The species of greatest significance are the two in Table 3, which are likely to be threatened with extinction from the Melbourne metropolitan area (but with too few population statistics across that region to be sure).

June 2008 43

Table 3. Population details of plant species in the Study Area that are believed to be threatened with extinction from the Melbourne area.

Scientific name Common name Population details

Goodenia elongata Lanky Goodenia A single patch, on the floodplain below Whitefriars College’s ponds. Austrostipa rudis subsp. nervosa Dozens in the Valley Grassy Forest on Whitefriars a subspecies of Veined Spear-grass College. Perhaps present in other patches of Valley Grassy Forest but overlooked due to the time of year that those areas were surveyed.

The species in Table 4 are on Manningham City Council’s shortlist of species suspected to be at risk of local extinction from the municipality, but are secure elsewhere in the Melbourne area.

Table 4. Population details of plant species in the Study Area that are suspected to be at risk of local extinction from the municipality.

Scientific name Common name Population details

Acacia aculeatissima Thin-leaf Wattle A pair of individuals in each of two patches of Valley Heathy Forest, one beside the pipe track and the other in the far southwest. Acaena ovina Australian Sheep’s Burr An isolated patch beside the pipe track. Chrysocephalum semipapposum One between the pipe track and the creek and 5- Clustered Everlasting 10 in the far south, all in Valley Heathy Forest. Crassula helmsii Swamp Crassula 8 plants at low-flow level along the length of the creek channel, 5 south of Heads Rd and 3 north. Derwentia derwentiana Derwent Speedwell One beside Ennismore Drain and another on the opposite side of Mullum Mullum Ck from the Whitefriars College ponds. Kennedia prostrata Running Postman A single colony of four young plants in disturbed soil just west of where the pipe track crosses Mullum Mullum Ck. Pelargonium inodorum Kopata One immature individual in hillside Riparian Forest 80 m southeast of the Heads Rd bridge, and a colony of forty, 170 m northwest of the Heads Rd bridge. Pimelea curviflora Curved Rice-flower One individual in Valley Heathy Forest in the far southwest, an outlier of a larger population on nearby Parks Victoria land. Solanum aviculare Kangaroo Apple One young plant and one adjacent senescent plant in the creek channel opposite the Whitefriars College ponds.

Importantly, none of the species in the two preceding tables are at risk from the proposed shared path.

June 2008 44 The most important action to conserve these species is to maintain healthy habitat for them by controlling weeds. In the case of four species, it is also very important to increase their population sizes by horticultural intervention. Those species are Goodenia elongata, Derwentia derwentiana, Pimelea curviflora and Solanum aviculare. Of these, only the Pimelea presents any challenge to propagate.

5.5.3 Weeds

Weeds are the major environmental problem within the Study Area, as is normal for suburban bushland.

Within each of the thirty-one plant lists compiled during this study, Dr Lorimer recorded both the abundance of each weed species and his judgement of how serious the weed was in the relevant part of the Study Area. This was done using a four-level scale that was based on that of Carr et al. (1992) and refined by Lorimer (2008).

An inventory of the weed species found, their abundance and their severity is provided in Appendix C (p. 161). The severity shown for each species corresponds to the part of the Study Area where that species is at its most serious.

The severity of weed species is a primary consideration for ranking their priority for control, but it must be considered alongside other factors such as how tractable each species is to control and how much benefit can be achieved by quick intervention. These factors have been taken into account in the preparation of the management recommendations in Section 10.3 and will be further taken into account in each year’s program of weed control by Council.

Adjoining landowners also have an important role to play. The vast majority of weed problems in the Study Area have emanated from adjoining land. Some weeds are spreading progressively from gardens by their own means (e.g. Figure 13), and infestations are being continually started or worsened by dumping of garden waste into the park.

June 2008 45

Figure 13. Example of the damaging spread of weeds into the park (in the foreground) from garden plants that were originally planted on the other side of the (now smothered) fence. Indigenous trees and understorey in the park have been destroyed by the weeds.

Whitefriars College is to be commended for its recent and ongoing work to control weeds in its part of the valley. This is producing substantial environ- mental benefits and serves as a good example to others.

5.6 Fauna

The fieldwork for this study produced 39 lists containing 552 fauna records within the Study Area, spanning all seasons. Records were obtained by active searching and incidental observations, without any trapping, electrofishing or use of electronic sensors. Spotlighting was conducted on four nights, including play-back of taped calls of nocturnal birds, frogs and Sugar Gliders.

A concurrent study by Council contributed 76 additional lists containing approximately 800 fauna records from other parts of the Mullum Mullum valley, and Mr Baker also contributed his copious data gathered in 1985-1987 for a project on birdlife in the Mullum Mullum valley.

We also sought records from: • Local naturalists; • The Australian Platypus Conservancy (2006a, 2006b, pers. comm.); • A review of aquatic fauna in the report by Hardwick and Lake (2000);

June 2008 46 • Reports of various investigations into the fauna along a proposed route for an extension of the eastern freeway (Yugovic et al. 1990, Horne 1999, Botanicus Pty Ltd 1998, 1999, 2000); and • The Department of Sustainability and Environment’s database called the ‘Victorian Faunal Display’* (or VFD).

The location of each record in the VFD is specified in the database as the coordinates of a single point, even though some lists correspond to large areas (particularly in the case of data from pioneers and early explorers). We extracted all records with coordinates within the Mullum Mullum valley between Ringwood and the Yarra River, extending laterally to the flanking ridges. Three fauna lists were discarded because their headings stated that they came from ‘Eltham’, ‘north of Nagambie’ and 'Near Ferntree Gully', indicating erroneous coordinates. This left approximately 5,500 fauna records in the database that appear to originate from the valley.

5.6.1 Invertebrates

The Study Area has a very rich butterfly (Lepidoptera) fauna, as indicated by Appendix E (page 165). Dr Lorimer recorded eleven indigenous species within the Study Area in 2008 and seven more were recorded by others in previous years. Three other species were recorded in 1989 in other parts of the Mullum Mullum Valley, one of which (the Caper White) would have passed through the Study Area in some recent years when unseasonally strong winds blew millions of them out of the species' normal outback range and over Melbourne's eastern suburbs. The only introduced butterfly species was the Cabbage White.

None of the butterfly species that have been recorded in the valley are regarded by Sands and New (2002) as being of conservation significance at the state or national level.

* © The State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability & Environment.

June 2008 47

© G.S. Lorimer Figure 14. Bright Copper butterfly.

The most significant butterfly species in the valley is the Bright Copper (Paralucia aurifer – Figure 14), deemed by Beardsell (1997) to be regionally significant. There are at least two resident colonies of this species in the MMCLP Study Area, in patches of Sweet Bursaria close to Mullum Mullum Creek. The species' critical habitat needs are: • Patches of its larval food plant (Sweet Bursaria); • Colonies of their symbiotic ant; and • Proximity to the stream.

The only apparent significant threat to these colonies is weed invasion, which may have the potential to upset the complex ecological interactions that sustain the Bright Copper. Sensitive weed control is therefore included in the recommendations in Section 10.3.

There are no known local threats to other butterfly species in the Study Area.

June 2008 48

© G.S. Lorimer Figure 15. Lilac Grass-skippers feeding on Small-leaf Bramble.

© G.S. Lorimer Figure 16. Spotted Sedge-skipper on its larval food plant, Gahnia radula.

Apart from butterflies, no records could be found of rare or threatened invertebrates that are likely to be present within the Study Area. While invertebrates are poorly studied in general, the southern end of the Study Area has been subject to an uncommonly high level of invertebrate study during investigations for what has become the EastLink road, and because of observations by local naturalist Mrs Cecily Falkingham. This provides more confidence that significant invertebrates have not been overlooked.

June 2008 49 Pollution in Mullum Mullum Creek and its tributaries is likely to be a significant problem for most invertebrates that are either aquatic or have aquatic phases in their lifecycle. This pollution is being dealt with by Manningham City Council separately from this Management Plan.

5.6.2 Fish

A list of all fish records uncovered in this study appears on page 166 of Appendix E.

In the absence of any trapping or electrofishing, the only indigenous fish species observed during the present study were Shortfin Eel and Common Galaxias. Two additional indigenous species – the Broadfin Galaxias and Spotted Galaxias – were recorded in recent thorough fish surveys of Mullum Mullum Creek, and these are all likely to occur in the Study Area today.

These surveys reveal an impoverished community of native fish species compared with Victorian streams generally.

The number of introduced fish recorded in the creek in recent years is six. Among these are serious pest species that are known to directly compete with native fish or eat their young, or (in the case of Carp) to cause massive ecological damage by churning the stream bottom, thereby turning the water turbid and destroying the substrate habitat for numerous bottom-dwelling organisms (particularly those at the bottom of the food chain).

It is worrying that Carp had not been recorded in Mullum Mullum Creek until the present study, but are now so numerous that they, or the murky water that accompanies them, can be seen any day or night in the creek.

The abundance of introduced fish, particularly Carp and Mosquitofish, represent a major ecological problem. No solutions appear to be available.

Pollution in Mullum Mullum Ck and its tributaries is also likely to be a significant problem for most indigenous aquatic vertebrates present. This pollution is being dealt with by Manningham City Council separately from this Management Plan.

5.6.3 Frogs

A list of all frog records uncovered in this study appears on page 167 of Appendix E.

Three of the four species recorded within the Study Area are common urban species. The fourth, Verreaux’s Tree Frog, is uncommon in metropolitan Melbourne and is present in very small numbers in and near the Whitefriars College ponds.

June 2008 50 Of the four species recorded elsewhere in the Mullum Mullum valley, the only one of importance to this Management Plan is the Southern Toadlet. This species is listed as ‘vulnerable’ in Victoria by DSE (2007). The small, local colony extends within 100 metres of the southwestern tip of the Study Area and may be the last remaining colony in metropolitan Melbourne. The closest record of the species to the Study Area a solitary male calling in 2008 from a location remote from the colony, indicating that some individuals can be expected to enter the Study Area from time to time as they disperse from the colony. This heightens the need for sensitive, diligent habitat management of that part of the Hillcrest area by Council and Parks Victoria. This has been recognised in the management recommendations in Section 10.3.

5.6.4 Reptiles

A list of all reptile records uncovered in this study appears on page 167 of Appendix E. The only notable species recorded within the Study Area was the Weasel Skink, which is relatively uncommon in Melbourne.

There is a 2008 record of an Eastern Small-eyed Snake (a regionally rare species) on a ridge several kilometres away, but the chances of one occurring within the Study Area seem slight.

The information about local reptiles does not introduce any specific implications for management of the Study Area or the route of a shared path.

5.6.5 Mammals

A list of all mammal records uncovered in this study appears on page 168 of Appendix E.

The only regionally uncommon mammals that are recorded within the study are Koala and Eastern Grey Kangaroo. Both of these are much more common in the section of the Mullum Mullum valley immediately north of the Study Area, where excessive numbers of kangaroos are an ecological problem.

Although not particularly rare in parts of the Melbourne region, the Study Area’s population of Sugar Gliders and Black Wallabies are remarkable for such urbanised surroundings. Black Wallabies in the Study Area have been scarce for many years, whereas our spotlighting indicates that Sugar Gliders are now much scarcer than found by Yugovic et al. (1990). The decline in Sugar Gliders may be because they are favoured prey of Powerful Owls, as evidenced by analysis of the contents of regurgitated Powerful Owl pellets from the local area about a decade ago.

The only specific implication of the indigenous mammal fauna for this Management Plan is that it heightens the importance of keeping as much as possible of the Study Area secluded from visitors. The route of the shared

June 2008 51 path has acted on this. In particular, the proposed route follows the pipe track as much as possible, maintaining the seclusion of the opposite side of the valley (where the wallabies are usually seen).

Two introduced mammals have a significant environmental impact in the Study Area: foxes and rabbits. Foxes in urban areas like this are intractable. The rabbit problem is focused on private land near Park Rd, but burrows are found on the floodplain throughout. Many burrow entrances are located just below the brow of the creek banks. Control of rabbits is addressed in the management recommendations in Section 10.2.

5.6.6 Birds

Birdlife is a highlight of the Study Area, being exceptional for metropolitan Melbourne.

Bird lists for the Study Area and for the rest of the Mullum Mullum valley start on page 169 of Appendix E. They are characterised by substantial numbers of rare or threatened species, some of which are resident or regularly present.

The most significant bird species is the Powerful Owl, which is listed by DSE (2007) as vulnerable in Victoria. Different individuals have been seen within the Study Area, consistently for many years. Despite the absence of breeding records, the behaviour of the birds and the succession of generations suggests that breeding does occur within or very close to the Study Area. The abundance of large Manna Gums makes it likely that large tree hollows suitable for Powerful Owl nests are present. The paucity of such hollows in Victoria generally limits the species’ breeding opportunities, contributing to the species’ vulnerable status. Conversely, their likely abundance in the Study Area is particularly significant.

The main implication for this Management Plan is that the safety of large, old Manna Gums should be considered alongside their importance for a vulnerable species that is listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Manna Gums are very impressive but prone to drop limbs, presenting a management dilemma between habitat value, aesthetics and public safety in proximity to heavily trafficked areas such as shared paths. This is another reason why the shared path is proposed to be routed through areas with as few overhanging trees as far as practicable.

It is worth noting that Powerful Owls have been known to roost and nest in close proximity to fairly substantial daytime human presence, so the proposed shared path is not expected to significantly disadvantage Powerful Owls.

A solitary Grey Goshawk has become a more regular visitor to the Mullum Mullum valley in recent years, possibly in response to drier conditions that may be related to drought or a permanent change in climate. This species is listed by DSE (2007) as vulnerable in Victoria. Taking into account the extent of the species’ usage of the valley and its habitat needs, there are no specific implications for this Management Plan.

June 2008 52 There are other species listed by DSE (2007) as threatened in Victoria (shown in bold type in Appendix E) either within the Study Area or nearby, but they are only vagrants or rare visitors. This includes the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater, which are listed as Endangered under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Because these species are so rarely present, in extremely low numbers and making so little use of the habitat, they do not appear to introduce any specific management implications for this Management Plan.

The bird fauna of the Study Area are being strongly affected by larger-scale changes in the distribution and behaviour of certain bird species, both native and introduced. Some species have greatly increased their numbers in southern and eastern Australian cities since 1990 while others have plummeted in numbers.

Examples of species that have moved into the local area include the Little Corella, Long-billed Corella, Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Rainbow Lorikeet, Noisy Miner and Crested Pigeon (all of them native to Australia). The Rainbow Lorikeet and Noisy Miner have proliferated so greatly that they have become major environmental problems, displacing other species and upsetting the forest ecosystem (e.g. by displacing insect eaters that formerly suppressed tree dieback).

Examples of bird species that have plummeted in numbers since 1990 include the Eastern Yellow Robin, Scarlet Robin, Pink Robin, Sacred Kingfisher, Painted Button-quail, Crested Shrike-tit, Southern Boobook and White-plumed Honeyeater.

No explanation has been found for these major ecological changes, which have also occurred suddenly during the same period in Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane (although not with all the same species).

The only response that the present authors can propose for this Management Plan is to discourage local residents from feeding Rainbow Lorikeets, a practice which appears to be increasing the numbers of this pest species.

5.6.7 Birds’ Tolerance of Shared Paths

Because birdlife is recognised as an important feature of the Study Area, particular care was taken to investigate whether a shared path would discourage the presence or nesting of birds.

A literature search revealed that the practice of walking dogs in woodland or forest parks in eastern Australia’s urban fringes has a major adverse effect on the presence of birds. Banks and Bryant (2007) have shown ‘that dog walking in woodland leads to a 35% reduction in bird diversity and 41% reduction in abundance, both in areas where dog walking is common and where dogs are prohibited. These results argue against access by dog walkers to sensitive conservation areas’.

June 2008 53 Banks and Bryant also found that ‘Humans walking alone also induced some disturbance but typically less than half that induced by dogs’.

The findings regarding humans without dogs heighten the importance of separating a shared path as much as practicable from bird habitat, as has been done in this Management Plan.

The findings regarding dog walking have more major implications for future management of the MMCLP Stage 3. Other parts of the linear park do not restrict the presence of dogs, and if this were to occur in Stage 3, we should expect a major decline in the area’s renowned birdlife. The linear nature of the park is likely to heighten the effect because much of the park lays within fifty metres each side of any possible path – the distance believed by Banks and Bryant to be most influenced by the presence of dogs.

It should be borne in mind that the research only investigated birds, but other fauna such as the shy Black Wallaby may be discouraged by dogs at least as much as the most-affected bird species in the study by Banks and Bryant.

No literature could be found about the impact of a shared path (or anything similar) on bird nesting. This was regarded as important in this study because of the high prevalence of nesting in the Study Area, particularly in Manna Gums that, in some parts, are close to the proposed shared path. Dr Lorimer and Mr Baker therefore conducted an experiment to fill this knowledge gap.

Two 500-metre-long stretches of the Mullum Mullum corridor were selected: one north from Schafter Dr in Doncaster East and the other south from Park Rd within the Study Area. The two stretches have rather similar vegetation and habitat generally, but the former has had a shared path for some years whereas the latter has no formal path. Along each stretch, every eucalypt was inspected from the ground during September 2007 to count the number of visible hollows that were occupied or not by birds. The observer knocked on tree trunks to encourage nesting birds (particularly in hollows) to make themselves visible. Records were also taken of birds seen inspecting hollows or appearing to defend a hollow from a nearby perch.

The 58 trees in the stretch with a shared path contained 86 hollows, 20 of which showed signs of nesting.

The 46 hollow-bearing trees in the stretch without a shared path contained 65 hollows, 16 of which showed signs of nesting.

Consequently, the ratio of the number of hollows that showed signs of nesting to the total number of trees was 35% in each case (20/58 = 35% = 16/46).

Alternatively, if we take the ratio relative to the total number of hollows, the figures are 20/86 = 23.3% for the corridor with a shared path and 16/65 = 24.6% without a shared path.

Any conclusions must be tempered by the fact that we have sampled only two sites and that there may be species that are more sensitive to human

June 2008 54 presence than the ones observed in this experiment (mainly parrots, cockatoos and Wood Ducks). However, it seems unlikely that a shared path along the Manna Gum corridor of Mullum Mullum Creek has a significant effect on the general level of nesting.

This conclusion can be coupled with the observation that the most significant bird species of the valley (Powerful Owl) can roost and nest in proximity to daytime human activity. The current proposal for a shared path in MMCLP Stage 3 took this into account, including the route proposed.

5.7 Ecological Connections to Other Habitat

Information about the movement of wildlife between the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area and other habitat was gained from: • Local naturalists’s advice; • This study’s fieldwork; and • A concurrent study into wildlife corridors in Manningham by Dr Lorimer, Mr Baker and Mr David Lockwood, due to be published as ‘Wildlife Movement and Habitat Needs in Manningham’.

Aquatic fauna such as fish and Platypus are known to move along Mullum Mullum Creek through the Study Area. Most bird species, the Black Wallaby and the Grey Kangaroo are observed to move along the valley to areas downstream and (in the case of birds) upstream. Nearly all fauna species present in the Study Area are expected to also occur in the adjacent Hillcrest area (within the new park that has a provisional title of Mullum Mullum Gorge Park). It is therefore expected that there is extensive genetic exchange of most fauna species between the Study Area and the other areas just mentioned.

There is also good circumstantial evidence that Koalas and some bird species regularly move to and from the Study Area via treed residential areas to the east. These species are often found transiently in backyards and probably spend longer periods in bushland reserves such as Loughies Bushland.

It follows that conservation of the Study Area’s fauna relies to a significant degree on maintaining continuity of habitat and corridors between the Study Area and surrounding habitat.

It is also very important that the Valley Heathy Forest in the Study Area’s southwest be recognised as part of a larger expanse that is mostly managed by Parks Victoria. In addition to the importance of the ecological linkages, fire management in this area should be managed cooperatively between Council and Parks Victoria for practical reasons of practicality and safety.

June 2008 55 5.8 Overall Biological Significance Rating

The following is an assessment of the Study Area’s biological significance according to the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s standard criteria (Amos 2004). Under these criteria, the site’s significance is deemed to be the highest rating (in this case, State) of any of its natural assets.

Ecological Integrity and Viability

Criterion 1.1.1 attributes Local significance to ‘All parts of riparian systems with riparian vegetation present’, which applies to parts of this site.

Criterion 1.2.6 attributes Regional significance to any corridor that meets the description ‘Important at regional scale (link within bioregion or catchment)’, which may also apply.

Regionally Threatened Ecological Vegetation Classes

According to the criteria of ‘Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action’ (NRE 2002a), areas of native vegetation belonging to an endangered EVC (like much of the remnant native vegetation in this site) have a conservation significance rating of High or Very High. In either case, this gives the site State significance under criterion 3.2.3 of Amos (2004). The better-quality sections of vulnerable EVCs (particularly Valley Grassy Forest) would also qualify for State significance under the same criterion.

Rare or Threatened Flora

The substantial population of Austrostipa rudis subsp. nervosa gives the site Local significance under criterion 3.1.5.

Rare or Threatened Fauna

Of the site’s significant fauna, the most significant is the Powerful Owl, which is a listed Vulnerable species, regularly observed and making substantial use of the habitat (including probable breeding). The species is not endemic to Victoria. This qualifies for Regional significance under criterion 3.1.2. The Study Area’s other significant fauna discussed in Section 5.6 give the site Local significance under criterion 3.1.5.

5.9 Summary of Implications for the Shared Path Route

Because of the very high conservation significance of so much of the valley’s native vegetation, it is very important to ensure that it not be materially damaged by any new path. Fortunately, it is possible to route the proposed shared path along existing paths and a pipe track through most of the valley, with negligible removal of native vegetation. The only difficulties have been at these locations:

June 2008 56 • A diversion out of public land and onto the western side of the creek near the Whitefriars College ponds (therefore requiring two bridges) to avoid high-quality vegetation, prime fauna habitat and a very steep cross-slope; • A pinch-point below Aquarius Court, where vegetation removal can be minimised by bridgework and by reclaiming part of the park that is currently used as an extension to the backyard of an adjoining property; and • A short stretch just south of Heads Road, where the existing path is too narrow to accommodate a shared path without widening it slightly into native vegetation.

The valley’s exceptional birdlife and some of the most significant fauna species are sensitive to increased presence of humans and (particularly) dogs. The route of the proposed shared path has been designed to maintain the seclusion of as much as possible of the valley by using existing, wide tracks where possible and passing through the least valuable areas of habitat.

5.10 Implications for Bushland Management

The information about the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area’s natural assets in the preceeeding parts of Chapter 1.1 points to the need for this Management Plan’s recommendations (in Section 10.3) to deal with the following issues: • The habitat is of very high conservation significance, warranting increased commitment of management resources by Council (particularly weed control); • There is an important role for adjoining landowners to control weeds on their own land to prevent them from spreading into the park (and also to refrain from dumping garden waste into the park); • The varying vegetation types and ecological condition of vegetation, coupled with the spatial distribution of significant species of fauna and flora, means that the Study Area is a complex matrix of areas with different management priorities and needs; • The area’s birdlife is particularly significant, and the presence of dogs would represent a major threat to this natural asset; • Many species of flora are present in such small numbers that they are at acute risk from reproductive problems (e.g. inbreeding) and chance events such as destruction of the last remaining individuals of a species by a cyclist casually cycling over them. The plight of some of these species can be improved by propagation and planting; • Damage to the Study Area’s native vegetation has already increased from bicycles leaving the new shared path that skirts the Study Area’s southern boundary. A new shared path through the Study Area should be accompanied by sensitive and carefully located barriers to discourage such behaviour;

June 2008 57 • The area’s wealth of natural assets provides excellent opportunities for environmental education and discovery, which can be helped by appropriate use of signs and publications; • Proper management of the Valley Heathy Forest in the Study Area’s southwest requires cooperation between Council and Parks Victoria (the adjoining land manager), for ecological and practical reasons.

June 2008 58 6 Fire Management

6.1 Municipal Fire Prevention Plan

The Manningham Municipal Fire Prevention Plan (MFPP) 2006-2010 aims to create a safer community who work, live and recreate in Manningham by identifying, assessing and treating fire risks.

The MFPP identifies a number of Priority Risk Environments within the Municipality. The MMCLP Stage 3 is a ‘Natural’ priority risk environment with an assessed risk of ‘High’ for a ‘Wildfire’ hazard event. Risk factors include large areas of native forest, visitors, and ignition sources, exposure of adjacent residential areas, topography, vegetation type, biodiversity and public expectations.

Of most relevance to this Management Plan is Strategy 5.2 in the MFPP, Undertake planning and works to assist wildfire suppression. The tasks specified under Strategy 5.2 include: • Develop fire Management Plans for bushland areas where required; • Report to the Municipal Fire Prevention Committee (MFPC) on the implementation of fire Management Plans; • Provide and maintain adequate water supplies; • Provide and maintain adequate fire access roads; • Identify potential control lines and undertake appropriate fuel management, where required; • Identify areas of high fuel loads and conduct appropriate fuel reduction burns as deemed necessary by land manager: and • Undertake a pre-summer tour of significant bushland areas. A detailed Fire Management Plan has been developed for MMCLP Stage 3 including a list of areas nominating the range of treatments to be implemented for ecological and/or for safety purposes.

6.2 Background

Most of the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area consists of riparian vegetation with non-riparian vegetation occurring on slopes mainly on Whitefriars College land and around the Huggins Reserve area. There is limited vehicle access to the Linear Park, particularly along the western side of the Creek. Low density housing occurs adjacent to most of the Linear Park with the exception of two large bushland areas, being the Whitefriars College land along the western side of the creek and the Parks Victoria’s managed Mullum Mullum Park,

June 2008 59 which abuts the Study Area along the western side of the creek south of Heads Road.

The MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area is located outside the Wildfire Management Overlay.

Generally, riparian vegetation does not require burning for ecological reasons and burning brings a risk of serious weed invasion. By contrast, the non- riparian vegetation of the slopes may benefit from periodic burning, provided conditions are suitable and intensive weed management can be implemented subsequent to conducting the burn.

Frequent prescribed burning of sections of the park to reduce fuel loads is undesirable, particularly in riparian vegetation. Rather, the emphasis for fire prevention should be on education of adjoining property owners in relation to fire preparedness, and on a well maintained system of fire breaks and fire vehicle access tracks and gates, where possible.

The MMCLP Management Plan Stage 3 aims to: • Identify suitable tracks and entry points for emergency vehicle access; • Designate fire breaks and fuel reduced zones, where appropriate; • Prescribe the nature and extent of fire prevention and maintenance works that should be regularly undertaken in MMCLP Stage 3; and • Consider the possibility of controlled burns, where appropriate, to assist in fuel reduction and/or management of vegetation or biodiversity.

It is recommended that suitable access tracks and entry points nominated in the Management Plan be forwarded to CFA for inclusion within response plans. In addition, fire breaks and fuel reduced zones, identified in the Management Plan be forwarded to CFA. Prescribed fire prevention and maintenance works are to be specified and included in the City Parks fire hazard checklist to support the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan.

6.3 Emergency Access

Fire management issues not only relate to Council land within Study Area, but also include adjacent bushland and open space areas relevant to the management of the Linear Park. Hence some recommendations relate to areas of responsibility for Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water and Whitefriars College, which will assist in the coordination between land managers, particularly in relation to maintenance/emergency access arrangements.

Emergency / maintenance vehicle access points and tracks are shown on the attached map (Figure 17) and are discussed below.

June 2008 60 Figure 17. Fire Plan

June 2008 61 Park Road to Heads Road

From the north, it is recommended that two emergency vehicles access points be maintained off Park Road: • The entrance to Paddys Reserve provides access along the Council Reserve on the eastern side of the creek for approximately 500 metres. Further south, the creek reserve then becomes inaccessible due to steep terrain with extensive vegetation; • The northern entrance to Whitefriars College provides access to the western side of the creek which follows a well defined track alongside the Whitefriars College playing fields for approximately 300 metres and then falls quite steeply for a further 300 metres until it reaches the ponds area. The track then follows a circuit around the ponds and connects back up the hill to the existing track at the base of the playing fields. Whitefriars College maintains the track as a fire truck route for emergencies; and • From the south, it is recommended that an emergency vehicle access point be maintained off Heads Road to provide access to the Council Reserve along the western side of the creek.

Heads Road to Huggins Reserve

On the western boundary of the Linear Park, emergency vehicle access is restricted, due to adjoining private properties and the Mullum Mullum Park. There will be a need to liaise with Parks Victoria to integrate fire management treatments including identification of access points within the Mullum Mullum Park.

Emergency/maintenance access to the south-west section of the Linear Park on the western side of the Mullum Mullum Creek is at the entrance to Hillcrest Reserve (off Lisbeth Avenue) and follows the existing shared path through Mulllum Mullum Park. It is recommended that Council negotiate with Parks Victoria to formalise this arrangement.

On the eastern side of the creek there is suitable emergency vehicle access to the Linear Park via the Melbourne Water Pipe Track. It is recommended that the two emergency vehicle access points be maintained at entrances to the Pipe Track: • From the north, at the entrance to the Pipe Track off Heads Road; and • From the south, along the proposed access track from Beckett Road (near Craig Road intersection) through Parks Victoria Land to the Melbourne Water Pipe Track. Parks Victoria is considering the proposed emergency/maintenance track and Council will need to negotiate with Parks Victoria to formalise this arrangement.

It is recommended that signage at all of these entry points stating ‘KEEP CLEAR - 24hr Emergency Access Required’ or similar needs be erected.

June 2008 62 6.4 Designated Fire Breaks

The Melbourne Water Pipe Track should be maintained as a strategic fire break. It should be slashed at least annually prior to fire season and 4WD tanker access should be maintained in accordance with CFA requirements.

Melbourne Water is responsible for the maintenance of the Pipe Track, which is cut a minimum of five times per year, with two cuts before Christmas, one cut in February and two pre-winter. Maintenance of the area targets heavy growth particularly before the summer period, which assists in preparation of pre-fire season. Edge treatment is also undertaken around assets, structures and along fences bordering the Pipe Track.

The option to construct the shared path alignment along the pipe track will need to ensure that 4WD tanker access is maintained in accordance with CFA requirements.

Council will need to enter into a formal agreement with Melbourne Water in relation to liability and maintenance of the Pipe Track in the event that the Pipe Track is used for the shared path alignment. It is recommended that the width of mowing adjacent to bushland be kept to a minimum necessary for weed control, fire hazard and amenity. The aim should be to conserve the environmental values of this easement without compromising fire safety.

All works on designated fire breaks and adequate vegetation maintenance and track inspection should occur on all fire access tracks prior to the declared Fire Danger period and be regularly checked during the fire season.

June 2008 63 7 Waterway Management

7.1 Mullum Mullum Waterway Management Activity Plan

Melbourne Water is the Authority responsible for the restoration, maintenance and management for the bed and banks of the Mullum Mullum Creek. In 2001 Melbourne Water prepared the Waterway Management Activity Plan for Mullum Mullum Creek. The plan covers all publicly owned land within the stream corridor and some privately owned land adjacent to the waterway. It focuses mostly on the waterway, the riparian zone, factors impacting upon the stream environment and identifies opportunities for improvement of stream condition, waterway health and vegetation cover along the corridor.

The Mullum Mullum Creek system has been historically subjected to a series of systematic disturbances which have shifted the stream ecology away from that of a high valued natural ecosystem. Land uses which have impacted on the stream health include land clearance and use for orchards followed by increasing urbanization of the catchment. This has lead to dramatic changes in hydrology and water quality of the Mullum Mullum Creek. Urban runoff is a major issue throughout the entire length of the creek, which has resulted in the decline on the stream health and subsequently impacted on the receiving waters of the Yarra River.

MMCLP Stage 3 has an important role in the community as an urban setting and wildlife or biodiversity corridor. There is a need to protect and enhance significant stands of riparian vegetation, extend platypus distribution and permit fish passage and survival. Vegetated banks provide better habitat for platypus and a natural source of woody debris to the stream. Retaining the stream’s appearance as a natural waterway is a major consideration and will benefit the community amenity of the MMCLP.

The Mullum Mullum Waterway Activity Plan examines nine individual reaches, identifies the key waterway issues, and recommends general and site specific actions to achieve improved stream health. The management focus is more of remedial and rehabilitation works that mitigate degrading impacts on the creek environment as well as the need to retain and enhance the remnant corridor values. Actions specified include: • Drainage and flood management, such as stabilization works and techniques; • Improving water quality through improved sewerage techniques in the catchment area, addressing pollution problems impacting on the creek and educating property owners; • Improving stream system values such as implementing rabbit and vermin controls, removal of willows, improving vegetation cover along creeks which enhance habitat value of creek corridor;

June 2008 64 • Vegetation measures, including weed control and protection of remnant Manna Gums and enhancement of the indigenous over storey, and strengthening floristic diversity; and • Community interface ensures that environmental values of the waterway corridor are protected in the provision of recreational access along the Mullum Mullum Creek.

A key recommendation of the Activity Plan is to assist in the co-ordination of management agencies which promote a shared vision of the waterway between Melbourne Water, Councils and the community. The plan recommends that Melbourne Water take a leadership and advocacy role and provide a framework to assist Councils and community groups to ensure that areas of responsibility, open space management, amenity and recreation provision are addressed when undertaking additional planning or works along the creek.

The issues and actions for specific reaches identified in the Waterway Activity plan relevant to MMCLP Stage 3 are described below:

Figure 18. Natural tributary into Mullum Mullum Creek

June 2008 65 Deep Creek to Heads Road (Reach 5)

Part of this reach is located within the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area and extends from Huggins Reserve to Heads Road. The creek upstream of Heads Road flows through a steep narrow incised valley surrounded by lower density residential development as well as the newly created Mullum Mullum Park in the southern section of the Study Area. The creek consists of a series of pools and rock bars. In the late 1980’s bank stabilisation of the creek was completed between Quarry and Heads Road. The remodelling of the channel was undertaken in a manner unlike the shape it would naturally form, which resulted in the Activity Plan recommending that Melbourne Water investigate new techniques for any future stabilisation works.

The key actions recommended in the Activity Plan for this reach relevant to Council’s area of responsibility relate to the protection of the riparian zone including veteran Manna Gums and indigenous ground flora (including orchids, fungi and liverworts) through weed control and vegetation enhancement. Actions include: • Undertake woody weed (including Pittosporum) control and investigation of ground flora weed invasion (including Morning Glory and Dock) address management issues and undertake control program; • Review and rationalise unsealed tracks in bushland reserves in regard to the on-going maintenance, the need to improve sediment control and maximise the distance of tracks from the stream; and • Control illegal horse use of Quarry Road to Heads Road Pipe Track for jumping and lunging.

Heads Road to Berrima Road (Reach 6)

Part of this reach is located within the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area and extends from Heads Road to Park Road, Donvale taking in Whitefriars College and Ennismore Drain. Residential densities are low and significant stands of remnant vegetation exist along the creek, which require protection. There is evidence of improvement in the reach with the extension of platypus distribution as well as the appearance of two migratory fish species recorded in the reach that have re-colonised the Yarra River, which supports that this reach still has a direct connection with the Yarra River with no physical barriers downstream.

The major impact on water quality in this reach comes from the Ennisnore Drain with unsewered housing in the drain’s catchment at Alder Court, Park Orchards. The source of the problem mainly comes from properties not connected to sewage networks, but use septic tanks that are poorly maintained leading to discharge of sewerage and sullage loads into the drain. There are also three sewerage and sullage discharge licences in this reach

June 2008 66 which contribute to nutrients inputs. The Ennismore Drain is a major factor in the reduction of water quality for the remainder of the creek downstream.

Melbourne Water is planning to undertake remedial treatment wetlands at Alder Court Reserve to improve water quality of the Ennismore Drain flowing into the Mullum Mullum Creek.

The key actions recommended in the Activity Plan for this reach relevant to Council’s area of responsibility include: • In conjunction with the Environmental Protection Authority, Melbourne Water, and Yarra Valley Water, Manningham Council investigate options to address pollution of the Ennismore Drain such as sewering the catchment; educating property owners; treating flows via heavily vegetated treatment ponds; or connecting the drain to the sewer; • Implement rabbit and vermin controls; • Protect native fish habitat in future works and enhance through permitting natural recruitment of large woody debris and improving vegetation cover; • Undertake additional woody and other weed control; and • Protect remnant Manna Gums and indigenous overstorey through weed control and enhancement of their cover.

The MMCLP Stage 3 Management Plan recognises the responsibility of Melbourne Water for Mullum Mullum Creek and does not seek to override or replace this responsibility. The recommendations in the Mullum Mullum Creek Waterway Management Activity Plan are consistent with the objectives of the MMCLP Stage 3 Management Plan. However there will be a need for a co- ordinated management approach and ongoing consultation between Council and Melbourne Water. This Management Plan supports Melbourne Water’s continued waterway management role and the implementation of the Mullum Mullum Creek Waterway Activity Plan.

Figure 19. Weed infestation of Council Reserve

June 2008 67 Figure 20. Eroding stream bank.

Figure 21. Stream bank rehabilitation by Melbourne Water.

7.2 Mullum Mullum Creek Geomorphology Investigation (March 2007)

A Geomorphology Investigation was undertaken in 2007 by Dr Christopher Gippel to provide advice to Melbourne Water on the geomorphic processes operating in the creek downstream of Ringwood Street, Ringwood to the Yarra River in Templestowe.

The investigation determined the erosion/migration rate of the creek and provided an assessment of active geomorphologic processes. The effectiveness and limitations of previous stabilisation projects were reviewed and recommendations were made for appropriate styles of stabilisation for

June 2008 68 areas where stabilisation is required to protect key assets. The study also investigated sediment issues within the creek and commented on large woody debris loads (LWD) in the creek, including the likely geomorphic impact of increasing the LWD loadings at a reach scale, including the localised effects of large pieces, such as fallen trees.

A number of conclusions were drawn from the investigations which are outlined below: • There is a need to monitor stream stability on an on-going basis to determine erosion/migration rates. Five cross sections should be established for each reach. To determine the rate of channel change associated with bank erosion, and possible future bed sedimentation; • Over the past 30-50 years the channel has undergone a dramatic phase of incision and erosion, which is showing signs of slowing. The trajectory of the geomorphic state of the channel is for a continued slowed rate of incision and widening. The channel should be allowed to continue to widen where assets are not threatened, however natural rock controls or works may impact of these processes. Unsustainable meander bends should be allowed to naturally cut-off where valuable assets are not under threat; • Most of the previous stabilisation projects have proven appropriate and highly effective but could be improved by incorporation of LWD; • The creek still carries bedload, however indications are that it is decreasing over time. Any further reduction in sediment load may be detrimental to the natural process of the creek, as coarse sediment is necessary for building in-channel features such as bars and benches and assists in stabilising structures; and • LWD loads in the creek are variable, but are generally lower in places where works have been undertaken. Increasing the LWD loadings at a reach scale will likely improve reach stability through sediment trapping. However individual items of LWD may exacerbate bank erosion through deflections of flows. As a general rule the wood should not be removed from the channel, but rotated or relocated. For example, if a large tree falls into the creek or close to the bank rather than removal, it should be placed into a position where it provides habitat, without threatening assets, or causing major bank instability.

This Management Plan supports the recommendations of the Mullum Mullum Creek Geomorphology Investigation. The MMCLP Stage 3 Management Plan will assist in biodiversity objectives and will need to provide an environmental management framework to sustain, protect, and enhance significant vegetation within the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area. The improvement of the Mullum Mullum Creek corridor will provide for a healthier and more sustainable future and will assist in the maintenance of the water quality through the protection of indigenous vegetation, weed control and stream stabilisation programs.

June 2008 69 7.3 Wastewater Management

Manningham City Council adopted a Domestic Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP) in 2002, which outlines a strategy to minimise the impact of wastewater on human health and the environment. The DWMP is closely linked to Council’s Stormwater Management Plan which identified unsewered residential properties as the greatest negative impact on water quality in the City of Manningham including the Mullum Mullum Creek. As part of the Manningham DWMP the Council undertakes a program to improve awareness of local property owners and encourages responsible septic tank operation and maintenance.

Council recognises, as a long term solution, the need to provide reticulated sewerage to unsewered residential areas where septic tanks are impacting on the environment and has advocated to the State Government to implement a sewerage backlog program within Manningham. Yarra Valley Water has also agreed to a draft partnership agreement to provide for reticulated sewer throughout the municipality and establish similar projects to Wembley Gardens where opportunities exist. Any proposal to extend the sewer to cater for development within the Ennismore Drain catchment will need to consider the impact on the MMCLP.

7.4 Melbourne Water Requirements for shared paths and waterway crossings

Melbourne Water is a waterway and floodplain manager and has jurisdiction over the main waterways, including the Mullum Mullum Creek. As a Referral Authority under the Planning and Environment Act (1987), Melbourne Water has the responsibility to review and approve new path proposals along waterway corridors and also has a responsibility to advise Councils about matters of flood risk and limitations in the design and construction of waterway paths.

The Draft Melbourne Water Guidelines for Approval of constructed paths (along waterways and within Melbourne Water Property) was prepared by Melbourne Water in 2002. The guidelines provide assistance to Councils and other agencies in the design and construction of paths along waterways, pipe tracks, retarding basins and within floodplains. The guidelines provide a range of criteria which provide information relating to matters such as standards of design for paths, waterway crossings and bridges as well as path width, pavement surface and drainage. The guidelines form the basis for Melbourne Water to assess planning applications or other referrals for approval of waterway paths.

Councils are advised to undertake a two stage process in the design of a proposed path, especially where a number of landowners or stakeholders are involved and where issues are likely to be complex and/or controversial. The first stage involves initial consultation with Melbourne Water which includes

June 2008 70 submitting a feasibility design and a survey of the proposed route to Melbourne Water for comment. Following an assessment of flood heights, velocities and flood transmission capacities at critical culverts, the design can then be adjusted so that the preparation of the final proposal will more likely be accepted by Melbourne Water. Stage 2 involves lodging a formal planning application to Melbourne Water to construct the path.

A planning permit under the Manningham Planning Scheme will be required for the construction of the path including any removal of native vegetation along the Mullum Mulum Creek. The design and construction of the shared path will require approval by Melbourne Water as all the area is covered by an Urban Floodway Overlay (with the exception of the Melbourne Water Pipe track north of Huggins Reserve) and the area is also within Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule 2. Both overlays automatically trigger a planning referral to Melbourne Water for formal comment. The detailed layout of the path in relation to access points required and the distance from the creek will be determined as part of the planning permit process.

It is Melbourne Water’s position that the location of the path should not compromise: • The hydraulic function of the waterway; • The relationship between the waterway and its floodplain and any special floodplain features; • The establishment and maintenance of appropriate riparian and fringing vegetation along the waterway and associated habitat; • Waterway maintenance access; and • The safety of path users and particularly, exposure of the public risk associated with flood events.

7.4.1 Bridges and waterway crossings

Bridges are used to cross streams, drains, low points or sections of crumbling embankment. Boardwalks may be designed to achieve required grades in steep sidling country, where vegetation removal is considered acceptable or they may be used over marshy ground or over sensitive flora. In accordance with Melbourne Water Guidelines waterway crossings should not increase flood heights or present significant flow obstruction to low flows or flood events.

The type of structure depends on the parameters of the site including the constraints of the site, such as verifying the location of power lines; underground cables and assets; consideration of archaeological sites; flora and fauna surveys, the span; the flood level; and the type of soil on the banks. Melbourne Water has minimum stipulations for pedestrian bridges which typically include the following:

June 2008 71 • The crossing must be a single span bridge with abutments located a minimum distance of 5 metres from the top of the bank; • Any damage to the bed and banks of the creek, including riparian vegetation, is to be rectified and the creek restored to its preconstruction condition; • Removal of any native vegetation shall be consistent with the Victorian Native Vegetation Framework; • Council must ensure that there is adequate signage warning users of any approaches which may be flooded in a 1 in 100 year ARI (Average Return Interval) event; • Detailed design plans are to be submitted to Melbourne Water for approval, which may result in further conditions and possible modifications to the design; • A legal Crossing Agreement shall be entered into with Melbourne Water; and • Prior to commencement of construction a Site Environmental Management Plan must be submitted to Melbourne Water for approval and a Work Statement and a Risk Task Assessment must be submitted outlining the general construction technique to be adopted.

Hydraulic requirements for bridge construction must ensure that: • Existing flood levels must not rise due to the structure; • Downstream velocities must not increase; and • The proposed bridge must not reduce the existing waterway.

June 2008 72 8 Recreation Use

8.1 Walking and cycling

Walking along the Mullum Mullum Trail is one of the most popular recreational activities undertaken in the MMCLP. Walkers share the existing trail with joggers, cyclists, people walking their dogs and horse riding is allowed along some sections of the Linear Park. Nature appreciation and the environmental values are the major features of the MMCLP and are highly valued by users of the trail. Visitation to the MMCLP is enhanced by its accessibility from the surrounding residential areas, other trails and areas of open space. Future development and management of MMCLP Stage 3, including construction of the shared path, will need to protect the natural environment as a habitat for native fauna, residential amenity and for the enjoyment of park users.

Over the past 14 years Council has developed the MMCLP including the construction of the shared path from the Main Yarra Trail, Templestowe to Tindals Road, Donvale. The section between Park Road and Huggins Reserve known as MMCLP Stage 3 is the final stage of the MMCLP to be developed and will complete Council’s vision to provide a continuous path system for the entire length of the MMCLP within Manningham.

The existing sections of the Mullum Mullum Trail consist of a 2.5m wide asphalt shared path, with the exception of the path from The Parkway through Tikalara Park to the Main Yarra Trail at Templestowe. This surface is the same created rock surface as the existing Main Yarra Trail.

As part of the implementation of the MMCLP Stage 4 Management Plan, the section between Tindals Road and Park Road Donvale will be completed in the 2007/08 financial year and will be 2.5m wide asphalt surface as it provides access to the greatest number of residents. A pedestrian refuge on Park Road (opposite Conos Court) has been constructed as a recommendation of the MMCLP Stage 4 Management Plan to provide safe road access across Park Road to connect to the future shared paths in MMCLP Stage 3 section.

Walking is seen as an inexpensive exercise that can be undertaken by the majority of the population in a variety of settings. The extension of the shared path network along the Mullum Mulllum Creek within Manningham will increase opportunities for social interaction and community connectedness. It will also enhance increased opportunities for people to engage in physical activity leading to increased health and well being.

Not only is walking the most popular activity undertaken in Manningham, but it is also the most frequently participated in and appeals to a wide range of people. Many formal and informal walking groups have developed within the municipality, particularly over the last 5 years. To foster community participation Council also provides a list of walking groups Walking is further encouraged with the publication of the Walks in Manningham booklet.

June 2008 73 The Manningham Residential Strategy set a population target of 120,000 by 2021. The MMCLP will become increasingly important for future generations as people will become more reliant on public open space. It is estimated that there will be an increase in apartment dwellers through the Doncaster Hill development and the continued increase in density of the urban residential area through the development of dual occupancies, town houses and units.

Results from the community survey undertaken in April 2007 indicate that the established sections of the Linear Park from Tindals Road to the Main Yarra Trail are extensively used by the local community, because of its environmental values (64%). The most popular activities are walking (45%), nature appreciation (33 %) and cycling (33%). There is also a high community use (79%) of the undeveloped MMCLP Stage 3 section, particularly the use of many unmade tracks in the bushland as well as the Melbourne Water Pipe Track. Walking (62%) is the most popular pursuit followed by nature appreciation (16%) and walking the dog (15%).

The majority of respondents (88%) support the extension of the shared path network from Park Road to Huggins Reserve. However, several residents expressed concern about the impact of the shared path on the amenity and privacy of private properties adjoining the Linear Park. Approximately 50 properties adjoin the MMCLP Stage 3 section.

The path surface, width and gradient were some of the main issues raised in the survey. Some respondents indicated that a sealed path is safer for cyclists and more suitable for wheelchairs, prams and for people who are mobility impaired. Whereas other respondents indicated that a crush rock surface is more suitable to fit in with the natural environment and it also discourages cyclists from speeding. The path should be designed to minimise conflict between users and there should be careful placement of the path particularly in regard to the clearing of trees.

The issue of access for people of all abilities has been considered as part of this Management Plan. However, there may be some people in the community unable to enjoy the experience that MMCLP Stage 3 section has to offer due to the physical constraints of the area, particularly steepness of the terrain which limits access.

The existing Mullum Mullum Trail is a designated shared path and is extensively used by cyclists with 33% of survey respondents using the established sections of the Linear Park for cycling. The Mullum Mullum Trail consists of an easy grade for cyclists and is a 2.5m wide asphalt surface with the exception of the path from The Parkway through Tikalara Park to the Main Yarra Trail at Templestowe. This surface is the same surface as the existing Main Yarra Trail and is consistent with the conservation objectives for this area.

Respondents highlighted that the MMCLP Stage 3 Management Plan will need to consider the shared path gradient, width and surface which should be suitable for both cyclists and pedestrians and designed to minimise the

June 2008 74 conflict between users, where practicable. These issues have been discussed in the previous section under walking.

The development of the MMCLP Stage 3 is a major initiative of the Manningham Bicycle Strategy to link the Mullum Mullum Trail to the Koonung Creek Trail and the Main Yarra Trail.

The Koonung Trail is already linked to the Main Yarra Trail at Bulleen by following the Koonung Creek Trail west over Bulleen Road through the City of Boroondara parkland and under the Eastern Freeway via an underpass. The Trail then joins the Main Yarra Trail near the Bourke Road Bridge. The linkage of the Koonung and the Mullum Mullum Trails will create a huge circuit over half the size of the municipality.

At a time of huge environmental challenges and widespread obesity problems, traffic congestion and overcrowding of public transport, cycling will become an increasingly important form of transport in the future. There are signs which indicate that the number of people cycling is increasing, but is influenced by the level of bicycle infrastructure provided throughout Metropolitan Melbourne. The inner suburbs tend to attract higher participation cycling rates particularly commuting to work. It is estimated that 4,700 riders currently enter the CBD with a 36% increase in cycling over the past year. By contrast, cycling in middle suburbs such as Manningham tends to be more popular for recreation and cycling to school, which may be attributed to a bicycle network made up of fragmented paths and trails.

For every four bikes sold to children or young people in Australia, seven are sold to adults, which indicates that the bike boom is very much an adult phenomenon, which has implications for extending Manningham’s bicycle network along the Mullum Mullum Creek. Manningham is attractive to relatively active and affluent retirees because of the availability of quality recreation opportunities. The development of MMCLP Stage 3 will provide increased recreation and leisure opportunities to meet the demand associated with the growth in the development of independent living retirement communities that have occurred in Manningham over the last five years.

Results from people counters along the Main Yarra Trail have implications for the potential increase in cycling numbers along the Mullum Mullum Trail, particularly when MMCLP Stage 3 section is completed. Approximately 500,000 people use the Main Yarra Trail through Heidelberg, while about 450,000 people per year enter the Templestowe section. There is potential for over 450,000 people per year to use the Main Yarra Trail, due to the eastern suburbs catchments entering via the MMCLP.

The State Government has committed $70,000 million for the proposed 3000 kilometre-long Melbourne Principal Bicycle Network for on and off- road over the next ten years, of which only 30% has been developed. This investment recognises the importance of cycling and to some extent walking as travel modes, especially for shorter trips which have the potential to grow as the community seeks more sustainable forms of transport. The Mullum Mullum Trail is an important link in the Principal Bicycle Network and has been

June 2008 75 developed by Council with the assistance of State Government funding. It is anticipated that a substantial amount of grant money could be attracted to develop the MMCLP Stage 3 section.

A planning permit under the Manningham Planning Scheme will be required for the construction of the path as it is within 30 metres of the Mullum Mullum Creek and is within the Environmental Significance Overlay, Schedule 2. Detailed layout of the path in relation to access points required and the distance from the creek will be determined as part of the planning permit process.

8.1.1 Link to Alder Court Reserve, Park Orchards

Council’s Open Space Strategy states that Alder Court has the future potential to provide access from Park Orchards to link the MMCLP, which has been investigated as part of the preparation of MMCLP Stage 3 Management Plan. Council has also considered a proposal from local residents to provide walking/cycling access from Alder Court Reserve, Park Orchards to the Linear Park.

Following detailed investigations of the area, it is not feasible to construct a path link from Alder Court to the Linear Park at this stage, due to major land ownership issues, physical constraints of the drainage reserve and proximity to private properties. There is not a continuous strip of Council land along the proposed path link and the creek reserve is too narrow to construct a boardwalk. Development of the path link is not a priority of this Management Plan as public acquisition of the rear of 4 properties would be required. However, as a long term aim this link should be reconsidered at the completion of the Mulllum Mullum Trail when MMCLP Stage 3 Management Plan is reviewed.

8.2 Nature Appreciation

Native appreciation was cited by 14% of the survey respondents cited nature appreciation as one of the main reasons for walking along the MMCLP Stage 3. This is understandable as the area provides a natural landscape, a wealth of wildlife and good wildflower displays (Chapter 1.1, page 1). As indicated in Section 5.6, birdlife is a highlight, with many species rarely seen elsewhere in suburbia. Koalas, Kangaroos and Wallabies are also present.

8.3 Horse Riding

The Horse Riding Strategy (2007) aims to develop a safe and environmentally sustainable horse riding trail network within Manningham. The Strategy identifies a system of existing and proposed trails, including on and off-road riding routes. The Horse Riding Strategy proposes that a horse trail circuit be

June 2008 76 investigated along MMCLP from Tindals Road to approximately half a kilometre south of Park Road to link with the Stinton Pipe Track. However there will not be an opportunity to provide a circuit as horse ridng access will not be allowed in the Linear park between Tindals Road and Park Road (Stage 4) and there are major environmental and land constraints which would limit horse riding access within MMCLP Stage 3.

The Strategy recommends that a trail assessment be undertaken of the botanical values, existing trail alignment, rider destinations, soil types, drainage, road safety, sight lines and trail surfacing.

There is also a need to consider the potential conflict with other users of the Mullum Mullum shared path, particularly at bridge crossings and boardwalks. Council has the responsibility to manage the reserve in a way that minimise the chance of something occurring that has the potential to cause loss, damage or injury to a person or people visiting the reserve.

Horse riding can adversely affect bushland areas as follows: • Browsing and grazing of native vegetation; • Dispersal of weeds on faeces and on hooves; • Trampling; • Progressive track widening; • Repetitive trampling of the soil surface causing soil compaction and erosion; and • Water contamination through faeces deposited along waterway; There is no horse trail link along the Mullum Mullum Creek upstream of Park Road to the existing trail network. In accordance with the MMCLP Stage 4 Management Plan, horse riding access will not be permitted on the shared trail between Park Road and Tindals Road Donvale, due to the impact on the significant environmental values of the area, particularly in low lying and narrow areas where land disturbances need to be kept to a minimum. It is considered that horse riding access along the Mullum Mullum Stage 3 is inappropriate and should not be allowed, due to the significant vegetation, the physical constraints of the area and the potential conflict with other users of the trail, particularly at the more confined parts of the trail, including boardwalks and bridges. Park Road and Heads Road crossings are also a major safety constraint for horse riders. There is no opportunity to extend the trail network along the Mullum Mullum Creek north of the Study Area and it is anticipated that horse riding access will not be permitted in the Mullum Mullum Park.

The control of horse use including agistment on the Pipe Track reserve and the illegal use of the Pipe Track for jumping and lunging at the southern end of the Study Area will be addressed in the future agreement between Council and Melbourne Water. Council intends to use part of the Pipe Track for the shared path alignment and will be responsible for the liability and maintenance

June 2008 77 of the path. It is recommended as part of the agreement that horse agistment and horse riding access be not allowed on the Pipe Track reserve.

8.4 Dog walking

The MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area is popular for dog walking with 15 % of the survey respondents cited dog walking as the main reason for visiting the Linear Park. Unlike the section between Park Road and Heads Road in Stage 3 Study Area, there is good access south of Heads Road with an informal track along the creek which links to the Pipe Track Reserve and connects to the trail within the Mullum Mullum Park.

The Domestic Animals Strategy dog controls for the MMCLP state: The MMCLP is declared a designated dog on leash area for environmental reasons and dogs are excluded from the fenced areas containing significant remnant vegetation in the MMCLP.

The Domestic Animals Strategy will be superseded by the introduction of a Domestic Animals Management Plan by November 2008 which must be submitted to the Minister for Agriculture every three years. The plan will include the management of dogs throughout Council Reserves, including the MMCLP.

With the development of MMCLP Stage 3 it will become more accessible and will lead to an increase in the prevalence of dogs, particularly between Park and Heads Roads. Even if the dogs are on leads there will be a major environmental risk to the area recognised for its significant native birdlife. There are also kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and koalas.

A major challenge to the future management of the reserve will be the need to balance the dog walking opportunities by visitors to the Mullum Mullum trail with the need to protect the area as an important faunal corridor. The development of the trail will need to consider the line of the path to reduce incidents and conflicts between cyclists and dog walkers particularly in regard to blind corners.

Fencing will be required along sections of the trail and extra resources will be required to monitor the use of the trail, particularly the impact on native fauna and potential conflict with other users of the trail.

Signage should also be provided along the trail to inform visitors of the environmental significance of the corridor and to request they give consideration of other trail users.

June 2008 78

Given that there is a dog on lead policy for the Mullum Mullum Trail and dogs are required to be on lead in the Mullum Mullum Park managed by Parks Victoria, it is recommended that the MMCLP Stage 3 be a designated dog on lead area. Walking, cycling and dog walking use of the shared trail should be monitored so that dog controls of this area can be considered as part of the Domestic Animals Management Plan.

June 2008 79 9 Infrastructure and Facilities

9.1 Mullum Mullum Trail

Several detailed feasibility studies of the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area were undertaken including a vegetation and engineering assessment of the Study Area and a survey of Council land along the Mullum Mullum Creek. This work formed the basis to formulate options for the shared path route and evaluate their cost/benefits. It has assisted in the consultation process with residents and major stakeholders, including Whitefriars College, Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria and SEITA.

The Mullum Mullum Trail will be a 2.5 metre wide sealed surface shared path with boardwalks and footbridges as required to negotiate the difficult site constraints along the Mullum Mullum Creek valley. Determination of the preferred shared path route will be based on an evaluation of the following criteria: • Recreational value and usability of the shared path by walkers and cyclists; • Impact of the shared path on adjoining residents; • Public land tenure or ability to enter licence agreements; • Mullum Mullum Creek flooding limitations and Melbourne Water requirements; • Impact on archaeological sites; • Impact on flora and fauna values; • Engineering feasibility; and • Cost of construction and maintenance.

9.1.1 Shared Paths

The proposed sealed shared path will match the standard of the existing Mullum Mullum Trail. The following standards will be applied to the shared path: • 2.5 metre wide asphalt paths without edging; • Horizontal alignment to avoid sharp bends; • Open sightlines on bends through appropriate vegetation management; • Minimising tree trunks and overhanging vegetation, less than 2.5 metres high, over the shared path or within 1.0 metre of the trail edge; • Reduce vertical undulations as far as possible;

June 2008 80 • Maximum desirable grade of 1 in 14 with grades up to 1 in 10 for short sections where no other option is available; • As far as possible constructed above the 1 in 10 year flood level with appropriate warning signs where this is not achievable; • As far as practical set back path a minimum 2.0 metres from the top of the creek bank. Appropriate fencing and bank stabilisation works to be considered where the minimum setback is not achievable; • Within the floodplain ensure a balance of cut and fill; • Follow the alignment of existing paths as far as possible to minimise vegetation removal; • Avoid sensitive archaeological and environmental areas; • Provide as much separation between the path and large trees as possible and minimise construction disturbance within the root zone; and • Plan for site drainage either side of the path.

Figure 22. Existing Mullum Mullum Trail with typical asphalt surface.

June 2008 81 9.1.2 Boardwalks

Boardwalks may be preferable to asphalt path construction where proximity to the creek, steep cross-slopes, undulating topography or significant vegetation would result in unacceptable levels of site disturbance for path construction. The following standards will be applied to boardwalks: • 2.5 metre wide clear deck between handrails; • Handrail essential when boardwalk is over 500 mm above ground or on the creek side where the creek is within 3.0 metres of the boardwalk edge; • An edge board or kick rail, is still required where the handrail is not necessary; • Horizontal alignment to avoid sharp bends; • Minimise tree trunks and overhanging vegetation, less than 2.5 metres high, over the boardwalk; • Maximum desirable grade of 1 in 20 with grades up to 1 in 14 for short sections where no other option is available; • As far as possible constructed above the 1 in 10 year flood level with appropriate warning signs where this is not achievable; • As far as possible set back a minimum 2.0 metres from the top of creek bank. Appropriate bank stabilisation works to be considered where the minimum setback is not achievable; • Steel or timber sub frame with timber deck and handrails to match in style the recently completed boardwalks along other sections of the Mullum Mullum Trail; • Non slip surface over the timber decking as appropriate; • Avoid sensitive archaeological and environmental areas; • Provide as much separation between the boardwalk and large trees as possible; and • Construction techniques to minimise environmental impact.

June 2008 82

Figure 23. Existing typical Mullum Mullum Trail boardwalk (above).

Figure 24. Existing typical Mullum Mullum Trail footbridge (left).

June 2008 83 9.1.3 Footbridges

The existing Mullum Mullum Trail between the Main Yarra Trail and Park Road has required the construction of six footbridges. Stage 3 of the Mullum Mullum Trail will require additional footbridges which should be similar in style to that shown in Figure 24. The following standards will be applied to footbridges: • Generally 2.5 metre wide clear deck between handrails; • Handrails with infill panels essential; • Maximum grade of 1 in 14 for approach ramps; • Constructed above the 1 in 100 year flood level; • Siting of footbridge to consider stream hydrology and bank stability; • Abutments set back 5 metres from the creek bank top as far as possible. Appropriate bank stabilisation works to be considered adjacent to abutments; • Steel or timber sub frame with timber deck and handrails to match in style the recently completed footbridges along other sections of the Mullum Mullum Trail; • Non slip surface over the timber decking as appropriate; • Avoid sensitive archaeological and environmental areas; • Provide as much separation to large trees as possible; and • Footbridge design to consider construction techniques that minimise environmental impact.

9.1.4 Melbourne Water Pipe Track (Pipeline Reserve)

The section of the Melbourne Water Pipe Track located within the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area extends from Aquarius Court to the southern boundary of the Study Area. It comprises 8 parcels of land with a total area of 2 hectares.

Seven of the land parcels are located south of Heads Road and extend to the southern boundary of the Study Area. To avoid tree removal and protect the riparian vegetation along the Mullum Mullum Creek, there is an opportunity to utilise this part of the Pipe Track for the shared path alignment. Melbourne Water has agreed in principle to this option. The detailed design of the path alignment will need to be forwarded to Melbourne Water and Council will need to enter into a formal written agreement with Melbourne Water in relation to liability and maintenance associated with the shared path.

Melbourne Water is currently drafting a standard formal written maintenance agreement for the use of shared paths along Pipe Tracks, which will be available in the near future.

June 2008 84 The eighth parcel of Pipe Track land is located immediately north of Aquarius Court and links to the Council Reserve at the confluence of the Ennismore Drain with the creek. The construction of a boardwalk along the drainage reserve to link the pipe track with the Mullum Mulllum Trail would not be feasible as the Reserve’s boundary follows the top of the embankment, which does not allow enough space for the boardwalk.

9.1.5 Description of Shared Path Route

Construction of the Mullum Mullum Trail between Park Road and the Eastern Freeway will require a combination of asphalt paths, timber boardwalks and footbridges in addition to the pedestrian crossing of Heads Road. As far as possible the standard and style of the trail elements will match those of the already constructed sections north of Tindals Road and the works currently in progress between Tindals Road and Park Road.

The Mullum Mullum Trail will be a 2.5 metre wide sealed surface shared path with appropriate signage and protective fencing as required. Boardwalks and footbridges will be required to negotiate the difficult site constraints along the Mullum Mullum Creek valley. The trail will be designed to meet the requirements of walkers, dog walkers, pram pushers, joggers and cyclists.

In order to describe the alternative trail alignments the MMCLP Stage 3 has been divided into 12 sections starting at the existing Park Road pedestrian refuge near Conos Court and continuing upstream (southerly direction) along the Mullum Mullum Creek valley to the existing Eastlink commuter trail.

Section 1: Park Road crossing to Mullum Mullum Creek

This section starts at the existing Park Road pedestrian refuge and continues along the verge of Park Road to the Mullum Mullum Creek. There is an existing 1.5 metre wide crushed rock footpath along this route. The existing road reserve is very narrow on the bend of Park Road and the existing path is located very close to the road edge. In places the path winds between trees and the path grade is also more than 1 in 10. As part of the subdivision of 208 Park Road Council is negotiating to obtain some additional road reserve which will enable a wider shared path to be constructed near the Park Road bend.

Access through Whitefriars College to the Mullum Mullum Creek is not a viable option as this route would divide the school property and may interfere with future improvements to the schools grounds and facilities.

Given the relationship of Park Road to the Mullum Mullum Creek the only practical route for the shared path in this section is along the eastern/southern side of Park Road from the pedestrian refuge near Conos Court to the Mullum Mullum Creek. The intention is to follow the alignment of the existing crushed rock footpath as far as possible and widen the path by approximately 500 mm on each side. The existing steep grades will be addressed through path

June 2008 85 realignment and minimal earthworks to reduce the grade of the path to a maximum of 1 in 10 for a short section.

Fencing along parts of the Park Road verge will be required to help ensure people use the pedestrian refuge, rather than taking a shortcut across the road.

Figure 25. Section 1 of Mullum Mullum Trail.

Fence

Carpark Purchase corner of land

Realign path to reduce existing grade

Pedestrian refuge

Figure 26. Existing Park Road pedestrian refuge.

June 2008 86

Figure 27. Existing crushed rock footpath.

Figure 28. Existing Park Road footbridge.

June 2008 87 Section 2: Park Road to northern Whitefriars College boundary

This section starts at the Mullum Mullum Creek on Park Road and extends to the northern boundary of Whitefriars College. There are two possible routes for this section being through the private land at 208 Park Road and along the existing path in the Council Reserve on the eastern side of the creek.

As part of the 3 lot subdivision of 208 Park Road Council tried to obtain a 25 metre wide reserve along the west bank of the creek which would have enabled construction of a shared path. Council was unsuccessful at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal in obtaining this land. Subsequent discussions with the owners indicate little scope for Council to acquire the necessary land.

The second option is to cross the Mullum Mullum Creek at the existing footbridge beside the road bridge and construct a new shared path along the alignment of the existing management track/path. A path realignment into Paddy Reserve before the existing management gate will avoid the steep grade of the existing management vehicle access track.

Following the existing track will limit the environmental impacts of constructing the shared path and there are no issues with crossfall or gradient. A section of the route, approximately 50 metres in length, is very close to the creek bank. A handrail along the path edge and protective stabilisation works on the creek bank may be required. Due to the topography and vegetation cover there is little scope to relocate this small portion of the shared path.

Given the land tenure on the western side of the creek the eastern route is the only practical option.

Figure 29. Existing narrow management vehicle access along creek bank.

June 2008 88 Figure 30. Section 2 of Mullum Mullum Trail.

Existing footbridge

Realign path into reserve

Paddys

Reserve

208 Park Road

Proposed Council Reserve

Figure 31. Rehabilitation of creek bank at 208 Park Road proposed Council Reserve.

June 2008 89 Section 3: Whitefriars College (north)

This section starts at the northern boundary of Whitefriars College and extends to the southern end of the cleared river flats on the east side of the Mullum Mullum Creek. The two possible options are to cross the creek into Whitefriars College or continue along the open Council Reserve on the eastern side of the creek. A third possible route, being the top route through Whitefriars College, has already been discounted as impractical.

The western (Whitefriars) option would require construction of a footbridge near the northern boundary of the college land and construction of approximately 50 metres of new path through bushland before linking up to the existing college river track. Approximately 100 metres of this existing narrow bare earth track would require upgrading. Most of the existing track is in very close proximity to the creek bank. A handrail along the path edge and protective stabilisation works on the creek bank may be required.

The loss of this river track circuit would be of some loss to the College. Fencing and gates between the shared path land and the remainder of the college property would need to be considered with the college.

The opposite eastern side of the creek is a relatively flat and mown Council Reserve. There is sufficient space to locate a shared path to avoid the creek bank and large Manna Gums. The reserve varies from 12 to 20 metres wide. The boundary to the adjoining Paddy Lane private property is generally unfenced. The houses are situated well above the floodplain and more than 30 metres back from the reserve boundary.

Given the land tenure, bushland and proximity to the creek on the western side of the creek the eastern route is the most practical option.

Figure 32. Mown Council reserve below Paddy Lane.

June 2008 90 Figure 33. Section 3 of Mullum Mullum Trail.

Whitefriars

College

Proposed footbridge location

College security fence

Figure 34. Possible footbridge location.

June 2008 91 Section 4: Sewerage treatment ponds

This section starts at the southern end of the cleared river flats on the east side of the Mullum Mullum Creek and extends upstream to the Ennismore Drain. This is one of the most difficult sections in which to construct a shared path. Flooding issues with the Ennismore Drain, steep topography, narrow Council reserves and high environmental values complicate shared path construction in this area.

The two options in this section are to cross the creek into Whitefriars College and upgrade the existing College track or continue with a new path, boardwalk and Ennismore Drain footbridge on the eastern side of the creek.

The western option requires a footbridge across the creek from the southern end of the eastern creek flats to link up with the existing college track on the western side. In addition to the footbridge this option will require upgrading approximately 150 metres of the existing college river track. The northern 100 metres of this track is in very close proximity to the creek bank. A handrail along the path edge and protective stabilisation works on the creek bank may be required. The southern 50 metres below the sewerage ponds is set back further from the creek bank. Security fencing would be required to separate shared path users from the remainder of the College grounds.

Continuing the shared path on the eastern side of the creek has a number of significant constraints. The topography is very steep on the outside of the creek bend with a cross slope of 1 in 2 metres (50%) above the creek bank. This would require approximately 50 metres of boardwalk which would be extremely difficult to construct. The Council Reserve is narrow adjacent to 5 Aquarius Court where there is very little land between the creek bank and the property boundary.

There are no defined tracks in this area to follow. The area has high environmental values given the habitat the area provides and construction of a boardwalk and shared path would impact on these values.

Crossing of the Ennismore Drain would require a substantial structure given the width of the floodplain and Melbourne Water requirement to construct bridges above the 1 in 100 year flood level. The scale of this structure, and associated approach ramps, would be within 15 metres of the house at 5 Aquarius Court. Access for construction of this footbridge could only be obtained through the private property on the east side of the creek.

Given the land tenure, environmental values, topography and flood issues on the eastern side of the creek the western route, by agreement with Whitefriars College, is the most practical option. This would involve approximately 0.4 hectares of College land.

June 2008 92 Figure 35. Section 4 of Mullum Mullum Trail.

Proposed footbridge

Proposed security fence

Sewerage treatment ponds

Ennismore Drain Proposed footbridge

Figure 36. Existing College track below sewerage treatment ponds.

June 2008 93 Section 5: Upstream of Ennismore Drain

This section starts at the Ennismore Drain and extends to the southern boundary of 3 Aquarius Court. The two options for this section are to upgrade the existing tracks within Whitefriars College or to construct a footbridge over the creek onto a new shared path along the eastern side of the creek. Construction of a new path beside the creek on the western (College) side is not a practical option due to the extremely steep topography and high environmental values along the western side of the creek.

The existing maintenance and walking track beside the sewerage ponds are wider than the river tracks but also steeper, with a grade up to 1 in 8. This track would require some minor redirection and regrading to reduce the grade to a maximum 1 in 10. A narrow existing track then leads south through the bushland towards Heads Road. This 120 metre part of the track has a moderate grade although the cross-slope above and below the track is approximately 1 in 4. Construction of a 2.5 metre wide shared path would result is significant environmental disturbance. This route is only feasible if an alternate route down the slope south of Whitefiars College can be found. Refer to Section 7 for a description of these issues.

The eastern option requires a footbridge across the creek upstream of the Ennismore Drain. A 15 metre link would be required from the sewerage pond track to the footbridge. Much of this could be a boardwalk approach to the footbridge. The approach ramp on the eastern side of the creek would be more substantial and visible from 4 Aquarius Court although located approximately 35 metres from the house.

The eastern side of the creek is a relatively flat Council Reserve with sufficient space to locate a 100 metre long shared path that avoids the creek bank and large Manna Gums. The Reserve varies from 10 to 20 metres wide and part of this area has already been disturbed with vegetation removal.

Given the land tenure, bushland, and difficulty with path grades on the western side of the creek the eastern route is the most practical option.

Figure 37. Proposed footbridge location.

June 2008 94 Figure 38. Section 5 of Mullum Mullum Trail.

Ennismore Drain

Proposed footbridge

Whitefriars

College

Existing College track

Figure 39. Council Reserve on east side of creek.

June 2008 95 Section 6: Narrow Council Reserve

This section starts at the southern boundary of 3 Aquarius Court and extends upstream to the southern boundary of 49 Heads Road. The three options for this section are to upgrade the existing tracks within Whitefriars College, construct a footbridge over the creek onto a new shared path along the western side of the creek, or continue the shared path on the eastern side of the creek.

The first option upgrades the narrow Whitefriars College track which continues south through the bushland towards Heads Road. This 50 metre part of the track has a moderate grade although the cross-slope above and below the track is approximately 1 in 3. Construction of a 2.5 metre wide shared path would result is significant environmental disturbance. This route is only feasible if an alternate route down the slope south of Whitefiars College can be found. Refer to Section 7 for a description of these issues.

The second option involves constructing a footbridge across the Mullum Mullum Creek near the southern boundary of 3 Aquarius Court and continuing a 60 metre long shared path through the relatively flat land on the western (Whitefriars) side of the creek. Another footbridge would then be required to cross back to the eastern side as the very steep topography excludes construction of a 60 metre long path or boardwalk to link into the Council Reserve to the south. This area of Whitefriars bushland has no public access at present and construction of a shared path or boardwalk would impact on this relatively undisturbed area. Given the topography vehicle access to the footbridge site is not possible from the Whitefriars side. Access for construction of this footbridge could only be obtained through the private property on the eastern side of the creek.

The third option involves continuation of the shared path on the eastern side of the creek. This will be difficult given the narrowness of the reserve, location of drainage lines, undulating topography and steep cross slope in places. For one 15 metre long section there is only 3 metres between the creek bank and the private property boundary at 49 Heads Road. A handrail along the path edge and protective stabilisation works on the creek bank may be required. It is also likely that parts of the shared path may be located below the 1 in 10 year flood level. However, the weed growth and limited natural vegetation lessen the environmental impact.

This option will require construction of a substantial section of boardwalk of more than 60 metres in total length. Construction of the boardwalk would be difficult as the building materials will need to be carried to the site along the constructed shared path. While the shared path will not be highly visible to the houses at 2 and 3 Aquarius Court and 49 Heads Road the shared path would be more visible from the house and garden at 47 Heads Road.

Given the land tenure, bushland, and difficulty with path grades on the western side of the creek the eastern route is the most practical option. Serious consideration needs to be given to the form of shared path or

June 2008 96 boardwalk construction to limit environmental impacts and visual impacts on adjoining residents.

Figure 40. Section 6 of Mullum Mullum Trail.

Fencing Whitefriars College Proposed boardwalk Existing College track

Fencing

Proposed boardwalk

Squeeze point

Figure 41. Location of proposed boardwalk on east side of creek.

June 2008 97 Section 7: Whitefriars College (southern end)

This section starts at the southern boundary of 49 Heads Road and extends to the creek flats on the Council Reserve on the west side of the Mullum Mullum Creek. The three options for this section are to upgrade the existing Whitefriars College access track, construct a new link from the top Whitefriars track to the creek flats that reduces the path grade, or construct a new 50 metre long shared path adjacent to 45 and 47 Heads Road.

Upgrading of the existing track from Whitefriars College to the Council Reserve is not feasible due to the unacceptably steep grade, which is up to 1 in 2.5 in places and could only be constructed as a 50 metre long set of steps. It is unacceptable to include any steps along the Mullum Mullum Trail.

The second option requires replacement of the existing Whitefriars track with a new route through the bushland below. The area has high environmental values given the habitat the area provides and construction of a shared path would impact on these values. Approximately 120 metres of diversion would be required to achieve a path grade of approximately 1 in 9. Construction of a 2.5 metre wide shared path would result is unacceptable environmental disturbance as the cross slope above and below the track is approximately 1 in 2.

Approximately 200 metres of boardwalk would be required to achieve the maximum acceptable grade of 1 in 14. The area has high environmental values given the habitat the area provides and construction of a boardwalk would impact on these values. The upper Whitefriars College route would also impact on the function of the College and separates an additional 1.5 hectares of the College land.

The eastern side of the creek is a relatively flat Melbourne Water Reserve with sufficient space to locate a 50 metre long shared path that avoids the creek bank and large Manna Gums. The reserve varies from 6 to 15 metres wide and part of this area has been partly mown by adjoining residents.

Given the land tenure, bushland, and difficulty with path grades on the western side of the creek the eastern route is the most practical option.

June 2008 98 Figure 42. Section 7 of Mullum Mullum Trail.

Whitefriars Proposed College boardwalk

Squeeze Existing point College track

Existing track

Heads Road

Council

Reserve Proposed footbridge and boardwalk

Figure 43. Squeeze point on narrow Melbourne Water Reserve.

June 2008 99 Figure 44. Looking into adjoining residential property from Melbourne water Reserve.

Figure 45. Looking into Whitefriars College bushland from eastern side of Mullum Mullum Creek

June 2008 100 Section 8: Creek flats to Heads Road

This section starts the northern end of the Council Reserve on the west side of the Mullum Mullum Creek and continues upstream to Heads Road. The two options for this section are to construct a footbridge over the creek with an upgrade of the existing track to Heads Road or construct a new 150 metre long shared path to Heads Road on the eastern side of the creek.

The first option involves construction of a new footbridge adjacent to 45 Heads Road located approximately 35 metres from the house. Construction access for the footbridge would be on the west side of the creek via Heads Road. The existing track along the creek flats would be upgraded to a shared path. There is sufficient space to construct the 150 metre long shared path upgrade to avoid the creek bank and large Manna Gums.

The second option on the eastern side of the creek is more difficult due to the undulations of old water course across the area requiring extensive boardwalk construction. In one 10 metre section there is only 2 metres between the creek bank and the private property boundary while in another 20 metre section there is only 4 metre separation. At the southern end there is a steep rise from the Melbourne Water Reserve up to Heads Road

Given the undulating topography, and difficulty with path grades up to Heads Road on the eastern side of the creek the western route is the most practical option.

Figure 46. Section 8 of Mullum Mullum Trail.

Proposed Heads Road footbridge and boardwalk

Proposed pedestrian crossing

Proposed footbridge

June 2008 101 Figure 47. Possible footbridge and boardwalk location.

Figure 48. Existing walking track to Heads Road.

June 2008 102 Section 9: Heads Road crossing

The safe crossing of Heads Road provides many challenges given the single lane bridge, lack of pedestrian access across the creek adjacent to Heads Road, and poor sight lines. The crossing is also complicated by the choice of the most appropriate route south of Heads Road. A pedestrian underpass under the road bridge is not an option given the lack of space and public safety and flooding issues.

Pedestrian refuge is not feasible given the narrowness of the road, single lane bridge, the bends in the road and poor sight lines. The single lane bridge makes it difficult for pedestrians to anticipate vehicles stopping for oncoming traffic when judging when to cross the road.

The most beneficial option may be pedestrian activated traffic lights. However, given the single lane bridge this could create confusion and difficulties for traffic flow when and after the lights are activated. Continuously operating traffic lights with pedestrian activated signal in the sequence would appear to be the only viable option. More investigation and community consultation is required to determine the best community outcome for the crossing of Heads Road.

The crossing of Heads Road is also an opportunity to improve the pedestrian movement along Heads Road. Pedestrians currently walk across the single lane bridge with inadequate separation from vehicles.

Figure 49. Section 9 of Mullum Mullum Trail.

Proposed pedestrian crossing

Proposed footbridge

Upgrade existing creek track

Pipe track

June 2008 103 Figure 50. Heads Road looking east (proposed footbridge to left).

Figure 51. Heads Road looking east (proposed footbridge to right).

June 2008 104 Section 10: Heads Road to Pipe Track

The choice of the most appropriate route south of Heads Road is complicated by the crossing of Heads Road. The preferred route is to cross the Mullum Mullum Creek on a new footbridge on the northern (downstream) side of the road bridge. This would lead to a pedestrian crossing on the eastern side of the bridge. This new footbridge would also provide pedestrian access along Heads Road.

From the road crossing the existing creek track would be upgraded to a 2.5 metre wide shared path. Sections of boardwalk may be required along this 290 metre long section where the existing track is in very close proximity to the creek bank or where there are existing drainage issues. Given the close proximity of the proposed shared path to the creek it may be necessary, in consultation with Melbourne Water, to undertake creek bank stabilisation and fencing to protect the shared path and shared path users.

Figure 52 (top). Existing narrow path and Figure 53 (bottom). Existing path with fencing adjacent to previous Melbourne Water creek bank rehabilitation works

June 2008 105 Figure 54. Section 10 of Mullum Mullum Trail.

Pipe track

Upgrade existing river path

Proposed boardwalk

Fence

Proposed boardwalk

June 2008 106 Section 11: Pipe Track to Mullum Mullum Park

There are two options in this section. The first option involves following the existing Pipe Track, and the second option involves following the existing creek track. Option one involves upgrading of the already 2.5 metre wide Pipe Track to shared path standard. Option two involves upgrading the existing narrow track beside the Mullum Mullum Creek to a shared path.

This section of Pipe Track is 650 metres long with a crushed rock or bare earth surface. It has a number of steeper sections where the Pipe Track crosses gullies. Council would need to investigate with Melbourne Water the most practical means of reducing the existing Pipe Track gradient over the main gully along the pipe track. Construction of a shared path along the Pipe Track must be undertaken by agreement with Melbourne Water and must consider protection, access and maintenance of the pipeline asset.

The Council creek track is in close proximity to the Mullum Mullum Creek, often within two metres of the creek bank. Construction of a shared path would require significant vegetation removal and environmental impact.

Existing Pipe Track is already well used by walkers and cyclists and upgrading to a shared path has much less environmental impact than the alternative.

Figure 55. Existing pipe track with steep descent to a gully crossing.

June 2008 107 Figure 56. Section 11 of Mullum Mullum Trail.

Existing Council creek path

Steep gully crossing

Pipe track

Access to Mullum Mullum Park

June 2008 108 Section 12: Mullum Mullum Park

At the southern end of the Study Area the Pipe Track is located adjacent to the new Mullum Mullum Park managed by Parks Victoria. The approximately 250 metre link from the Pipe Track through Mullum Mullum Park to the existing Mullum Mullum Creek footbridge and the Eastlink commuter trail is to be constructed by Parks Victoria.

Parks Victoria is considering the area on Beckett Road near the Craig Street intersection as a visitor node. This would provide a good starting point for walking and cycling with possible car parking and picnic facilities.

Figure 57 (top). Looking towards the proposed shared path from the Pipe Track into Mullum Mullum Park, and Figure 58 (bottom). New footbridge on the Eastlink Trail within Mullum Mullum Park.

June 2008 109 9.1.6 Shared Path Maintenance

The design of the shared path, boardwalks and footbridges will need to consider the long term maintenance requirements. Key maintenance criteria to consider include: • Maintain management vehicle access to at least one side of each footbridge; • Access through Whitefriars College by agreement for two footbridges and 180 metres of shared path located on College land; • No vehicle access allowed over footbridges (small motorised maintenance machinery excepted); and • No management vehicle access (small motorised machinery excepted) to 300 metres of shared path between Ennismore Drain footbridge and 45 Heads Road footbridge.

9.2 Secondary Paths

There is also a need to rationalise many uncontrolled informal tracks in the bushland areas, particularly south of Heads Road. Unwanted tracks should be physically closed and revegetated where necessary for site re- establishment. Existing and future minor, informal paths are to be closed to prevent damage to vegetation and disturbance of shy wildlife. Unobtrusive barriers (e.g. a short ringlock fence with shrubs planted beside it) are proposed to be installed across unwanted paths (or alignments where unwanted paths are expected if no action is taken).

The existing creek track located west of the pipe track is likely to become wider and more eroded, causing increased environmental damage, as the number of people visiting the area increases with the construction of the Mullum Mullum Trail. A particular issue is the number of mountain bike riders now using this trail and the likely increase in use in the next few years. Even though closure of this path may inconvenience existing users, the closure of this existing path may be the only environmentally sustainable option.

The only secondary path that may be retained, in consultation with Whitefriars College, is the southern steep access into the College from MMCLP. Upgrading of this existing rough track would require the construction of a large set of in ground steps and a handrail on one side of the path.

June 2008 110

Figure 59. Existing informal walking track along east side of Mullum Mullum Creek running parallel to pipe track.

Figure 60. Bike jumps illegally constructed along existing walking track.

June 2008 111

9.3 Car Parking

Visitors to the northern entrance of the trail within MMCLP Stage 3 can use the existing Conos Court Reserve car park. The asphalt car park has a capacity for six cars and was developed as part of the implementation of the MMCLP Stage 4. A possible visitor node with car park and picnic facilites within the Mullum Mullum Park located off Beckett Street near the Craig Road intersection may be considered as part of the Management Plan currently being prepared by Parks Victoria.

9.4 Seating

The provision of seating throughout MMCLP Stage 3 is seen as an important way of increasing recreation opportunities for users, particularly providing for nature appreciation. Seating allows people to rest and enjoy the surroundings of the MMCLP. Proximity to residential properties and potential overlooking will be considered when deciding on the location of seating.

9.5 Signage

The signage for the MMCLP includes regulation, prohibition, instruction and information signs. The signage for MMCLP Stage 3 should be located at strategic entry and access points to the Linear Park.

There is a need to provide signs explaining the designated dog controls, and directional information. The provision of Council‘s shared path safety signs should also be included in the development of trail and there is a wonderful opportunity to use interpretive signs to enhance visitors enjoyment and environmental appreciation of the area’s significant natural assets.

9.6 Fencing

Fencing will be required to delineate the boundary of the public reserve and will also be required for safety reasons and environmental management in specific areas. The shared path within Wghitefriars College will be separated by a fence and access gate from the other College land.

June 2008 112 9.7 Public Toilets

The Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park Stage 2 Management Plan (2005) proposed the provision of public toilets within Mullum Mulllum Reserve on Reynolds Road. These toilets would be located 3.0 kilometres along the Mullum Mullum Trail north of the Study Area.

Public Toilets are already provided along the Mullum Mullum Trail at Beasley’s Nursery on Heidelberg/Warrandyte Road in Warrandyte and Schwerkolt Cottage and Yarran Dheran within the City of Whitehorse approximately 1- 1.5 kilometres respectively south of the Study Area.

Given this frequency of public toilets it would appear to be unnecessary to provide any additional public toilets within the MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area.

June 2008 113 10 Vision and Objectives

10.1 Vision

Council’s vision for MMCLP Stage 3 is to protect and enhance in a sustainable manner the natural environment and wildlife corridor of the MMCLP Stage 3 as an important Linear Park and to extend the shared path along the Mullum Mullum Creek as part of Manningham City Council’s open space and shared path network in order to provide visitor enjoyment, appreciation and health benefits balanced with the need to protect the fauna, flora and cultural values of the reserve.

10.2 Objectives

A set of objectives has been developed to achieve the above vision. These objectives identify the role of the MMCLP Stage 3 in the context of Manningham’s open space and shared path network, and provide the basis for the action plan for the future development, management and maintenance of MMCLP Stage 3. Figures 61a and 61b shows the concept plan for MMCLP Stage 3.

Objective 1. Co-ordinate land management with Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water

Complementary management of open space will ensure that solutions based on agreed priorities and community consultation will meet broader social and environmental goals. It is therefore important that Council, Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water coordinate the development and management of the MMCLP Stage 3 in relation to the adjacent Mullum Mullum Park, which is managed by Parks Victoria and other land managed by Melbourne Water. Melbourne Water is the Authority responsible for the restoration, maintenance and management for the bed and banks of the Mullum Mullum Creek.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Coordinate the management of public land with Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water.

2. Liaise with Melbourne Water and Parks Victoria on a regular basis to ensure that there is a coordinated approach to the management of environmental, recreational and other values of the Mullum Mullum Creek corridor.

June 2008 114 3. Support Melbourne Water’s continued waterway management role for the bed and banks of the Mullum Mullum Creek, including weed control, revegetation and stream stabilisation programs.

4. Support Melbourne Water proposed Ennismore Drain/ Alder Court treatment wetlands.

5. Enter into a formal maintenance agreement with Parks Victoria to rationalise land management responsibilities and access for maintenance and management, including fire management purposes to the Mullum Mullum Park.

6. Enter into a formal agreement with Melbourne Water for the use of part of the Melbourne Water Pipe Track for the shared path alignment, including designation of liability and maintenance of the Pipe Track and clarifiy future maintenance responsibilites of the Pipe Track culverts.

7. Undertake on-going vegetation maintenance, such as grass cutting and weed control of the Melbourne Water Pipe Track in accordance with the agreement.

8. Remove horse agistment and prohibit horse riding on the Pipe Track as part of the formal agreement with Melbourne Water.

9. Support the continued rollout of Council’s Domestic Wastewater Management Plan.

Objective 2. Protect and improve the conservation and biodiversity values of the Mullum Mullum Creek corridor.

The key issues for management of the area’s natural assets are as follows: • Weeds are the greatest threat to the area’s conservation values, and a substantial part of the problem has emanated from adjoining private land; • There is a tendency for pedestrians and cyclists in parks like this to divert from the paths provided for each of those uses. This damages flora and displaces fauna species that do not tolerate much human presence (particularly in the case of nesting wildlife); • Any increase in the presence of dogs within bushland is expected to cause a significant decline of the valley’s renowned birdlife and presents a significant risk to other fauna such as the Black Wallaby and Koala; • The park includes localised populations of significant plants and small patches of endangered vegetation types (particularly Valley Heathy Forest) in good condition. These areas deserve highest priority for regular, sensitive management;

June 2008 115 • Large Manna Gums represent critical habitat for some of the park’s wildlife, including the most significant species (Powerful Owl). However, they are prone to drop limbs or fall over (mainly in stormy conditions); • Rabbits are causing significant erosion and damage to vegetation (and hence wildlife habitat) in the vicinity of Park Rd, mainly on private land; • Fire management of Valley Heathy Forest west of Mullum Mullum Creek is important for reasons of safety and ecology and fire management treatment of this area should be integrated with the surrounding bushland of the Mullum Mullum Park; • Substantial environmental change is expected in the next few years as a result of this Management Plan and possible climate change. Environmental monitoring can reveal the changes and provide useful guidance for adjusting ongoing management activity in response to the observed changes (called ‘adaptive management’).

Management Zones are identified in Figure 61 where the Zones have the following meanings: • Zone 1 (‘Comprehensive Weeding’): Areas of highest conservation significance where all weed species are to be controlled as a high priority and with maximum sensitivity. Management objective is for ecological condition to improve over time; • Zone 2 (‘Selective Weeding’): Areas where complete removal of weeds is unrealistic but large benefits can be achieved by targeting control at specific species, typically large woody weeds, aggressive vines and new outbreaks of high-threat species (e.g. Black Bindweed). Follow-up is required at a frequency that prevents a new generation of the target weeds from reaching maturity. Management objective is to remove (or prevent establishment of) mature specimens of the target species and hence achieve natural vegetation structure, improved habitat value for wildlife and increased regeneration of indigenous plants; • Zone 3 (‘Minimal Weeding’): Areas of poor ecological condition that have low likelihood of becoming good habitat without a disproportionate effort and cost. These areas may represent low-grade wildlife habitat (e.g. linking patches of better habitat) or significant sources of infestation into more significant areas. Management objective is to control high-threat weeds (typically woody weeds and vines) and any other weed species where control is a legislative requirement, aiming to prevent the spread of weeds within the zone or onto other land.

RECOMMENDATIONS

10. Monitor the ecological impact of capital works undertaken as part of this Management Plan and take any remedial or preventative action that may become needed.

June 2008 116 11. Design and implement a program of environmental monitoring to detect change over the next few years and support adaptive management.

12. Develop and implement a detailed weed and pest control program to reduce the impact on indigenous flora and fauna. The degree and type of effort can be guided by the management zones mapped on Figure 61.

13. Close existing and future minor, informal paths to prevent damage to vegetation and disturbance of shy wildlife. Consult Council’s ecologist (or equivalent at the time) about the habitat significance of any mature Manna Gum that is proposed to be removed or lopped.

14. Include MMCLP Stage 3 as a principal focus of Council’s proposed program of breeding and planting locally threatened plant species.

Objective 3. Maintain and enhance the landscape values

The MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area is characterised by a narrow valley with steep terrain in a predominantly enclosed bushland setting. Significant stands of remnant and riparian vegetation exist along the creek within and adjacent to the Study Area. The tall Manna Gums are a major landscape feature of the area. Residential properties at the upper reaches of the stream channel and on adjacent rocky cliffs encroach on the Stage 3 section of the stream at various locations. However there are few visible houses from the creek corridor providing a natural setting.

RECOMMENDATIONS

15. Maintain visual links to the Mullum Mullum Creek and views of the Mullum Mullum Creek corridor throughout the formation of the Mullum Mullum trail.

16. Ensure footbridges, boardwalks, fences and furniture complement the theme developed for the MMCLP.

17. Advocate for minimising the visual impact of adjoining development on the significant landscape and environmental values of the MMCLP.

June 2008 117 Figure 61a. Map of .management zones in the northern half of the Study Area. 341,500 341,600 341,700 341,800 341,900 342,000

E N PARK F RD IE L D A V

5,816,200 5,816,200

A

L

S

Y

D

D

A P 5,816,100 5,816,100 5,816,000 5,816,000

5,815,900 × 5,815,900 Metres 025 50 100 5,815,800 5,815,800 A Q Legend U A R IU Existing path S C T Zone Category

5,815,700 1 - Comprehensive Weeding 5,815,700 2 - Selective Weeding 3 - Minimal Weeding 5,815,600 5,815,600

Y

A

W

S

AR I

5,815,500 R D 5,815,500 F R E

T S

D HI

A W E

H 5,815,400 5,815,400 CLERY AV 5,815,300 5,815,300

341,500 341,600 341,700 341,800 341,900 342,000 June 2008 118 Figure 61b. Map of management zones in the southern half of the Study Area. 341,400 341,500 341,600 341,700 341,800 341,900 5,815,400 5,815,400 CLERY AV 5,815,300 5,815,300

W

5,815,200 H 5,815,200

I T

E D F R R

I S A D R A

S E

H W

A

Y 5,815,100 5,815,100 5,815,000 5,815,000

R

C

K

O 5,814,900 5,814,900

O

R

A

× D

Metres N

A

025 50 100 T 5,814,800 5,814,800 Legend

Existing path Zone Category 5,814,700 5,814,700 1 - Comprehensive Weeding 2 - Selective Weeding 3 - Minimal Weeding 5,814,600 5,814,600

LISBETH AV 5,814,500 5,814,500 V ST

G YOUNG

Y

E D

S R H A U V W GG IE I NS V R E D G N A R 5,814,400 5,814,400

341,400 341,500 341,600 341,700 341,800 341,900 June 2008 119 Objective 4. Provide recreation opportunities in a natural environment for people to engage in nature appreciation and physical exercise, leading to increased health and wellbeing.

The trail will be designed to meet the requirements of walkers, dog walkers, pram pushers, joggers and cyclists. Due to the significant environmental values of the valley’s natural assets and the physical constraints of the area, horse riding will not be permitted within MMCLP Stage 3 of the Linear Park. Dogs will be required to be on lead and confined to the shared path, as dogs entering the surrounding bushland would significantly reduce the park’s renowned birdlife, with consequences for conservation, public enjoyment, insect pest proliferation and tree dieback.

Recreational activities, such as BMX bikes, which have an environmental impact and which have the potential to conflict with other park users will not be permitted off established trails. Bicycles will be restricted to the shared path and will not be permitted to enter the bushland.

Extra resources for ranger patrols will be required to monitor user conflicts and inappropriate recreational activities within the Linear Park. Dog controls will also be monitored and assessed in relation to the impact on the native fauna and will be reviewed every three years as part of the Council’s Domestic Animals Management Plan.

Signage will be required, including park directional and regulatory signs, behavioural and risk warning signs and interpretation signs. Signs should be erected at major entrance points to the MMCLP to provide park information include:

• Prohibition of horse riding;

• Dog controls; and

• Cyclists to remain on the shared path and not to enter bushland.

Visitors to the northern end of the Linear Park will use the Conos Court Reserve car park. At the southern entrance to the Linear Park, on Beckett Street near the Craig Road intersection, a possible visitor node with carparking and picnic facilities in Mullum Mullum Park may be considered by Parks Victoria.

Toilets are provided on the Mullum Mullum Trail at Yarran Dheran and Schwerkolt Cottage in the City of Whitehorse approximately 1.0 -1.5 kilometres respectively from Quarry Road, and toilets will be provided on Mullum Mullum Reserve approximately 3.0 kilometres downstream of Park Road.

Link paths provide safe access from the surrounding residential network to the Linear Park for the local community. The Alder Court Reserve link was investigated as a possible link from Park Orchards to the MMCLP. However this link is not feasible at this stage due to sections of private land ownership

June 2008 120 issues, physical constraints and proximity to private properties. However, as a long term aim this link should be re-considered as a high priority at the completion of the Mullum Mullum Trail when the MMCLP Stage 3 Management Plan is reviewed.

RECOMMENDATIONS

18. Provide recreational opportunities for visitors to the Linear Park including walking, dog walking, jogging, pram pushers, joggers and cyclists.

19. Consider access to all members of the community, including people with all abilities, whereever feasible.

20. Manage the impact of recreational activities on the MMCLP for the safe and enjoyable use of all appropriate users, to minimise the undesirable impacts on the amenity of the adjoining landowners and the landscape, cultural and environmental values of MMCLP Stage 3.

21. Provide seating along the shared path at strategic points within the MMCLP, which provide resting opportunities for the quiet enjoyment and nature appreciation of the area.

22. Provide park information, directional, regulatory, and educational signage at major entrance points to the Linear Park.

23. Provide interpretative environmental and cultural signs at strategic points along the Mullum Mullum Trail.

24. Investigate improved links from adjoining residential areas to access the MMCLP from Park Road and Heads Road.

25. Designate MMCLP Stage 3 as a ‘dogs on lead’ area on the shared path and ‘no dogs’ in all other parts of the MMCLP Stage 3, including the Mullum Mullum Creek.

26. Prepare an amendment to the Council Order under the Domestic Animals Strategy Section (2) of the Domestic Feral and Nuisance Animals Act 1994 to implement the dog controls for MMCLP Stage 3.

27. Prohibit horse riding in MMCLP Stage 3 and on Melbourne Water Pipe track between Heads Road and the Mullum Mullum Park.

28. Prohibit recreational activities which utilise the bushland areas, such as BMX bike riding and mountain bike riding, in MMCLP Stage 3 to prevent negative environmental impacts and conflicts with other park users.

29. Support new public toilets at the Mullum Mullum Reserve in Donvale.

June 2008 121 Objective 5. Construct the Mullum Mullum shared path trail between Park Road Donvale and Huggins Reserve.

The Mullum Mullum Trail will be a 2.5 metre wide sealed surface shared path with boardwalks and footbridges as required to negotiate the difficult site constraints along the Mullum Mullum Creek valley. Determination of the preferred shared path route was based on an evaluation of the following criteria: • Recreational value and usability of the shared path by walkers and cyclists; • Impact of the shared path on adjoining residents; • Public land tenure or ability to enter licence agreements; • Mullum Mullum Creek flooding limitations and Melbourne Water requirements; • Impact on archaeological sites; • Impact on flora and fauna values; • Engineering feasibility; and • Cost of construction and maintenance.

The safe crossing of Heads Road provides many challenges given the single lane bridge, lack of pedestrian access across the creek adjacent to Heads Road, and poor sight lines. A pedestrian refuge is not feasible given the narrowness of the road, single lane bridge, the bends in the road and poor sight lines. The preferred option is pedestrian activated traffic lights. This option will be further investigated in consultation with the local community.

RECOMMENDATIONS

30. Prepare detailed designs of shared path route, in consultation with adjoining residents and other stakeholders, based on the route shown in Figure 62.

31. To maximise recreational value and usability of the shared path the construction should minimise the shared path gradient and tightness of bends as far as practical, given site constraints.

32. Construct footbridges over the Mullum Mullum Creek in a manner that minimises the flooding and environmental impacts.

33. Investigate and construct, in consultation with Melbourne Water, appropriate Mullum Mullum Creek bank stabilisation works to protect proposed footbridges, boardwalks and shared paths.

34. Construct boardwalks in areas where construction of an on ground shared path would result in significant additional environmental damage.

June 2008 122 35. Construct a 2.5 metre wide asphalt shared path along a route which minimises earthworks and native vegetation removal by utilising existing paths as far as practical.

36. Investigate the use of dark coloured concrete as an alternative to asphalt where difficult construction and maintenance access affects the practicality of asphalt.

37. Investigate with Melbourne Water the condition of exsiting culverts and the most practical means of reducing the existing pipe track gradient over the main gully along the pipe track.

38. Provide appropriate handrails or fencing beside the shared path route where it is in close proximity to the Mullum Mullum Creek bank or other potentially dangerous elements.

39. Investigate and construct, in consultation with the local community, a pedestrian crossing of Heads Road including the possible installation of traffic lights.

40. Council to acquire specialised maintenance equipment in order to properly maintain the section of the shared path and boardwalk where normal management vehicle access is not possible.

Objective 6. Providing for public safety of users of the trail

Council has a Duty of Care to undertake measures that ensure the safety and enjoyment of all people using the Linear Park. There will be a need to monitor the use of the shared path, particularly in minimising the conflicts between users and the need to keep dogs on lead. Appropriate signage to promote trail etiquette will be provided and the provision of additional educational enforcement will be the responsibility of Health and Local Laws Unit, Manningham City Council.

The shared path will be regularly inspected as part of Council’s maintenance program.

RECOMMENDATIONS

41. Following completion of capital works development, allocate additional Council resources each year from Council’s operational budget for the path maintenance.

42. Monitor and remove overhanging vegetation along the shared path.

43. Provide additional resources for ranger patrols to monitor the use of the shared trail to minimise the conflict between users, and monitor the impact of recreational activity on the adjacent bushland, native fauna and the amenity of adjoining landowners.

June 2008 123 Figure 62a. Proposed Mullum Mullum Trail shared path route.

June 2008 124 Figure 62b. Proposed Mullum Mullum Trail shared path route.

June 2008 125 Objective 7. Protect cultural heritage sites

Planning approval for Stage 3 will depend on the submission of an approved Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) under Division 3 of the Regulations of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 that requires a plan be provided for proposed development within 200 metres of a waterway.

The desktop study undertaken for this Management Plan has identified records that suggest that there is a likelihood that the proposed Stage 3 of the MMCLP development will potentially damage Aboriginal heritage either on the ground or buried below the surface of the ground. The most appropriate measure to establish the nature of this risk under the legislation is to conduct a Complex Assessment to identify heritage sensitivity for the proposed trail development and recommend appropriate mitigation and management measures.

The Complex Assessment will form the basis of the CHMP and will involve rigorous investigative techniques, including geotechnical assessment to ensure adequate detection of cultural materials by excavation. Adequate time should be allowed to complete the Complex Assessment, which should be instigated as early as possible in the technical assessment phase of the design layout.

RECOMMENDATIONS

44. Prepare a Cultural Heritage Management Plan and commission an Advisor to conduct a Complex Assessment under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, designed to establish the heritage sensitivity of the footprint of the shared path.

Objective 8. Providing for fire management arrangements

Fire management issues relate to Council land within MMCLP Stage 3 Study Area and the adjacent bushland and open space areas relevant to the management of the Linear Park. Some recommendations relate to areas of responsibility for Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water and Whitefriars College, which will assist in the coordination between land managers, particularly in relation to maintenance/emergency access arrangements.

RECOMMENDATIONS

45. Implement a detailed fire Management Plan for MMCLP Stage 3, including a list of areas nominating the range of treatments to be implemented for ecological purposes.

46. Liaise with Parks Victoria to integrate fire management treatments and formalise agreed emergency/maintenance access points and tracks to the MMCLP Stage 3 as shown in Figure 17.

June 2008 126 47. Suitable access tracks and entry points nominated in this Management Plan be forwarded to CFA for inclusion with response plans. In addition, fire breaks identified in this Management Plan and areas, where deemed appropriate, as fuel reduction zones be forwarded to CFA. Prescribed fire prevention and maintenance works specified be included in City Parks fire hazard checklist to support the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan.

48. Maintain access tracks for emergency vehicles in MMCLP Stage 3 as shown in Figure 17.

49. Provide signage indicating ’KEEP CLEAR-24hr Emergency Access Required’ at all designated access points to MMCLP Stage 3.

50. All works on designated fire breaks and adequate vegetation management and track inspection to occur on all fire access tracks prior to the declared Fire Danger period and regularly checked during the fire season.

51. Ensure 4WD tanker access is maintained in accordance with CFA requirements in the event that the Pipe Track is used for the shared path alignment.

Objective 9. Working with adjoining landowners

Whitefriars College land extends for approximately 600 metres along the western side of the Mullum Mullum Creek and is owned by the Carmelite Province. There is an existing informal path within the College property, some of which is extremely steep, linking Park Road with the Heads Road Council Reserve. The College has consented to Council’s consideration of some shared path options within the College property.

A 3 lot subdivision of 208 Park Road was approved by Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal (VCAT) in October 2007, which resulted in the creation of a five metre strip of land along the western side creek reserved for drainage purposes, however this reserve is too narrow to construct a shared path. Council is negotiating with the owners to purchase a small parcel of land to widen the Park Road Reserve at the bend to enable the construction of the shared path along Park Road.

Results from the community survey indicate that the MMCLP is highly valued by the local community for environmental reasons and the majority of respondents support the development of Stage 3. The MMCLP Stage 3 Management Plan will provide the basis for an increased level of management to improve the valley’s significant vegetation and associated habitat.

Security issues, loss of residential amenity and privacy are the major concerns for some adjoining landowners, whose properties are located in close proximity to the shared path alignment. Council will need to liaise with adjoining property owners in the detailed design and construction of the

June 2008 127 shared path, in terms of fencing requirements and screen planting. It is recommended that one rear pedestrian access gate to the park for each property be permitted and no vehicle access be permitted to adjoining properties from the Linear Park.

RECOMMENDATIONS

52. Enter into a formal agreement with Whitefriars College to use part of the College land along the creek for the shared path alignment.

53. Fence the shared path along the section on Whitefriars College land and provide a lockable pedestrian access gate to the College in consultation with the College.

54. Negotiate with the owners of 208 Park Road for the acquisition of the Park Road land for the construction of the shared path along Park Road.

55. Delineate the boundaries between the MMCLP and privately owned land with fencing.

56. On completion of the detailed design for the shared path, including boardwalks and footbridges, in consultation with adjoining residents discuss the option of Council acquisition of additional land at squeeze points along the route with affected property owners.

57. Prohibit rear vehicle access gates from each adjoining property to the MMCLP.

58. Promote local landowner understanding of the MMCLP problems of rabbits, weeds and garden waste emanating from adjoining private land and assist landowners in environmental management, such as weed control and revegetation. Also provide information about the environmental harm done by feeding native fauna.

59. Support an education program targeting adjoining land owners in relation to fire preparedness.

Objective 10. Foster community partnerships in the development and ongoing management of MMCLP Stage 3

The successful development and management of the MMCLP Stage 3 will involve on-going consultation with the major stakeholders and adjoining residents.

The development of MMCLP Stage 3 provides an important opportunity for environmental education to improve the valley’s bushland environment through active management, particularly in regard to ending the destructive use of the valley for activities such as dirt-bike riding and dumping of garden waste. The education of local residents about how they can help maintain

June 2008 128 and improve the significant environmental values of the Linear Park should be fostered.

An opportunity exists to encourage more people to assist in the development of the MMCLP. Community involvement should be encouraged with the establishment of a Friends Group for MMCLP Stage 3 to work with Council and Melbourne Water as part of the implementation of the Management Plan.

Given the prevalence of the highly significant natural assets in the Study Area, there is an opportunity to develop environmental interpretative information to help visitors add environmental appreciation to their recreational experience. This is particularly important for children, who are generally experiencing less and less of nature from one generation to the next. Environmental education relevant to Stage 3 should include the availability of self education through signage and pamphlets and encourage school based environmental education programs associated with the MMCLP.

RECOMMENDATIONS

60. Facilitate the establishment of a community environmental group to participate in environmental programs, such as tree planting and maintenance of vegetation, drawing on the resources of the Friends of the Mullum Mullum and the Hillcrest Association Inc.

61. Foster community awareness and appreciation of the significant environmental values of the area, including increased opportunities for environmental education and support ongoing community involvement and school based environmental education programs associated with the MMCLP.

Objective 11. Monitoring the development of the MMCLP Stage 3

To facilitate the success of the MMCLP Stage 3, the implementation of the plan needs to be monitored and reviewed by Council officers in consultation with stakeholders and the local community. In this way problems can be addressed and, where appropriate, adjustments can be made to the program.

There is high community and State Government expectation to complete the Mullum Mullum Trail as part of the Metropolitan Trail Network. The State Government has contributed significantly to the construction of the existing Mullum Mullum Trail and external sources of funding for capital works development should be investigated. The availability of Melbourne Water grants to improve vegetation and habitat along waterways should also be investigated.

June 2008 129 RECOMMENDATIONS

62. Consult with key stakeholders, community groups and adjoining landowners in the ongoing development, monitoring and management of the MMCLP Stage 3.

63. Investigate opportunities for future sources of revenue for the development and ongoing maintenance of the MMCLP, including State Government capital works grants.

64. Carry out a review of the MMCLP Stage 3 Management Plan five years after the completion of the capital works recommended in this plan.

10.3 Development priorities and funding

Table 5 provides a summary of recommendations contained in the MMCLP Stage 3 Management Plan. The agency responsible for implementing each recommendation is identified. For those recommendations which have a capital and ongoing maintenance cost this cost is included.

The proposed major development works are to be undertaken in 3 stages with provision for ongoing management and maintenance of MMCLP Stage 3. The cost of these stages is beyond the funding in the Draft Capital Works Program for the next 5 years and therefore the works could take a considerable time to implement unless external funds become available. The funding of capital works is part of Council’s annual open space development. It is anticipated that this project may attract significant State Government funding.

June 2008 130 Table 5 Summary of recommendations and capital works implications for Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park Stage 3 Management Plan Rec No. Recommendation Agency Stage 1 ($) Stage 2 ($) Stage 3 ($) Operate ($) 1 Coordinate the management of public land with Council ParksVictoria Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water Melb.Water Liaise with Melbourne Water and Parks Victoria on a regular basis to ensure that there Council 2 is a coordinated approach to the management ParksVictoria of environmental, recreational and other values Melb.Water of the Mullum Mullum Creek corridor Support Melbourne Water’s continued waterway management role for the bed and Council 3 banks of the Mullum Mullum Creek, including Melb.Water weed control, revegetation and stream stabilisation programs Support Melbourne Water proposed Council 4 Ennismore Drain/ Alder Court treatment ParksVictoria wetlands Enter into a formal maintenance agreement with Parks Victoria to rationalise land management responsibilities and access for Council 5 ParksVictoria $2,000 maintenenance and management, including Melb.Water fire management purposes to the Mullum Mullum Park Enter into a formal agreement with Melbourne Water for the use of part of the Melbourne Council 6 Water Pipe Track for the shared path Melb.Water $3,000 alignment, including liability and maintenance of the Pipe Track and clarifiy future

June 2008 131 Rec No. Recommendation Agency Stage 1 ($) Stage 2 ($) Stage 3 ($) Operate ($) maintenance responsabilites of the Pipe Track culverts Undertake on-going vegetation maintenance, such as grass cutting and weed control of the Council 7 $8,000 p.a. Melbourne Water Pipe Track in accordance with the agreement Remove horse agistment and prohibit horse Council 8 riding on the Pipe Track as part of the formal Melb.Water agreement with Melbourne Water Support the continued rollout of Council’s Council 9 Domestic Wastewater Management Plan Monitor the ecological impact of capital works undertaken as part of this Management Plan Council 10 and take any remedial or preventative action that may become needed Design and implement a program of environmental monitoring to detect change Council 11 $2,000 $5,000 p.a. over the next few years and support adaptive management Develop and implement a detailed weed and pest control program to reduce the impact on Council 12 indigenous flora and fauna. The degree and $10,000 $10,000 $25,000p.a. type of effort can be guided by the management zones mapped on Figure 61 Close existing and future minor, informal paths to prevent damage to vegetation and Council 13 $10,000 $2,000 p.a. disturbance of shy wildlife. Consult Council’s ecologist (or equivalent at the time) about the

June 2008 132 Rec No. Recommendation Agency Stage 1 ($) Stage 2 ($) Stage 3 ($) Operate ($) habitat significance of any mature Manna Gum that is proposed to be removed or lopped Include MMCLP Stage 3 as a principal focus of Council 14 Council’s proposed program of breeding and planting locally threatened plant species Maintain visual links to the Mullum Mullum Creek and views of the Mullum Mullum Creek Council 15 corridor throughout the formation of the Mullum Mullum trail Ensure footbridges, boardwalks, fences and Council 16 furniture complement the theme developed for the MMCLP Advocate for minimising the visual impact of adjoining development on the significant 17 Council landscape and environmental values of the MMCLP Provide recreational opportunities for visitors to 18 the Linear Park including walking, dog walking, Council jogging, pram pushers, joggers and cyclists Consider access to all members of the 19 community, including people with all abilities, Council where feasible Manage the impact of recreational activities on the MMCLP for the safe and enjoyable use of all appropriate users, to minimise the 20 Council $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 undesirable impacts on the amenity of the adjoining landowners and the landscape, cultural and environmental values of MMCLP

June 2008 133 Rec No. Recommendation Agency Stage 1 ($) Stage 2 ($) Stage 3 ($) Operate ($) Stage 3 Provide seating along the shared path at strategic points within the MMCLP, which 21 Council $5,000 $200 p.a. provide resting opportunities for the quiet enjoyment and nature appreciation of the area Provide park information, directional, 22 regulatory, and educational signage at major Council $8,000 $8,000 $480 p.a. entrance points to the Linear Park Provide interpretative environmental and 23 cultural signs at strategic points along the Council $5,000 $150 p.a. Mullum Mullum Trail Investigate improved links from adjoining 24 residential areas to access the MMCLP from Council Park Road and Heads Road Designate MMCLP Stage 3 as a ‘dogs on lead’ area on the shared path and ‘no dogs’ in other 25 Council parts of the MMCLP Stage 3, including the Mullum Mullum Creek Prepare an amendment to the Council Order under the Domestic Animals Strategy Section 26 (2) of the Domestic Feral and Nuisance Council Animals Act 1994 to implement the dog controls for MMCLP Stage 3 Prohibit horse riding in MMCLP Stage 3 and on Council 27 Melbourne Water Pipe Track between Heads Melb.Water Road and the Mullum Mullum Park Prohibit recreational activities which utilise the 28 Council bushland areas, such as BMX bike riding and

June 2008 134 Rec No. Recommendation Agency Stage 1 ($) Stage 2 ($) Stage 3 ($) Operate ($) mountain bike riding, in MMCLP Stage 3 to prevent negative environmental impacts and conflicts with other park users Support new public toilets at the Mullum 29 Council Mullum Reserve in Donvale Prepare detailed designs of shared path route, 30 in consultation with adjoining residents, based Council $150,000 on the route shown in Figure 62 To maximise recreational value and usability of the shared path the construction should 31 minimise the shared path gradient and Council tightness of bends as far as practical given site constraints Construct footbridges over the Mullum Mullum 32 Creek in a manner that minimises the flooding Council $900,000 $300,000 $5,000 p.a. and environmental impacts Investigate and construct, in consultation with Melbourne Water, appropriate Mullum Mullum Council 33 Creek bank stabilisation works to protect Melb.Water $40,000 $60,000 $60,000 proposed footbridges, boardwalks and shared paths Construct boardwalks in areas where construction of an on ground shared path 34 Council $380,000 $5,000 p.a. would result in significant additional environmental damage Construct a 2.5 metre wide asphalt shared 35 path along a route which minimises earthworks Council $145,000 $200,000 $370,000 $7,000 p.a. and native vegetation removal by utilising

June 2008 135 Rec No. Recommendation Agency Stage 1 ($) Stage 2 ($) Stage 3 ($) Operate ($) existing paths as far as practical Investigate the use of dark coloured concrete as an alternative to asphalt where difficult 36 Council construction and maintenance access affects the practicality of asphalt Investigate with Melbourne Water the condition of exsiting culverts and the most practical Council 37 means of reducing the existing Pipe Track Melb.Water $5,000 $55,000 gradient over the main gully along the Pipe Track Provide appropriate handrails or fencing beside the shared path route where it is in 38 Council $13,000 $13,000 $500 p.a. close proximity to the Mullum Mullum Creek bank or other potentially dangerous elements Investigate and construct, in consultation with the local community, a pedestrian crossing of Council 39 Local $240,000 Heads Road including the possible installation Community of traffic lights Council to acquire specialised maintenance equipment in order to properly maintain the 40 section of the shared path and boardwalk Council $35,000 where normal management vehicle access is not possible Following completion of capital works development, allocate additional Council 41 Council resources each year from Council’s operational budget for the path maintenance 42 Monitor and remove overhanging vegetation Council $4,000 p.a.

June 2008 136 Rec No. Recommendation Agency Stage 1 ($) Stage 2 ($) Stage 3 ($) Operate ($) along the shared path Provide additional resources for ranger patrols to monitor the use of the shared trail to minimise the conflict between users and 43 Council monitor the impact of recreational activity on the adjacent bushland, native fauna and the amenity of adjoining landowners Prepare a Cultural Heritage Management Plan and commission an Advisor to conduct a 44 Complex Assessment that is designed to Council $25,000 establish the heritage sensitivity of the footprint of the shared path Implement a detailed fire Management Plan for MMCLP Stage 3, including a list of areas 45 Council nominating the range of treatments to be CTA implemented for ecological purposes Liaise with Parks Victoria to integrate fire management treatments and formalise agreed Council 46 emergency/maintenance access points and Parks Vic tracks to the MMCLP Stage 3 as shown in Figure 17 Suitable access tracks and entry points nominated in this Management Plan be forwarded to CFA for inclusion with response Council 47 plans. In addition, fire breaks identified in this CFA Management Plan and areas, where deemed appropriate, as fuel reduced zones be forwarded to CFA. Prescribed fire prevention

June 2008 137 Rec No. Recommendation Agency Stage 1 ($) Stage 2 ($) Stage 3 ($) Operate ($) and maintenance works specified be included in City Parks fire hazard checklist to support the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan Maintain access tracks for emergency vehicles 48 Council $1,000 p.a. in MMCLP Stage 3 as shown in Figure 17 Provide signage indicating ’KEEP CLEAR-24hr 49 Emergency Access Required’ at all designated Council $1,000 $30 p.a. entry points to MMCLP Stage 3 All works on designated fire breaks and adequate vegetation management and track 50 inspection to occur on all fire access tracks Council prior to the declared Fire Danger period and regularly checked during the fire season Ensure 4WD tanker access is maintained in accordance with CFA requirements in the 51 Council event that the use of the Pipe Track is for the CFA shared path alignment Enter into a formal agreement with Whitefriars Council 52 College to use part of the College land along Whitefriars $4,000 the creek for the shared path alignment College Fence the shared path along the section on Whitefriars College land and provide a lockable Council 53 Whitefriars $15,000 $500 p.a. pedestrian access gate to the College in College consultation with the College Negotiate with the owners of 208 Park Road Council for the acquisition of the Park Road land for the 54 Property construction of the shared path along Park Owner Road 208 Park Rd

June 2008 138 Rec No. Recommendation Agency Stage 1 ($) Stage 2 ($) Stage 3 ($) Operate ($) Delineate the boundaries between the MMCLP Council 55 $10,000 and privately owned land with fencing On completion of the detailed design for the shared path, including boardwalks and Council footbridges, in consultation with adjoining 56 Relelvant residents discuss the option of Council Adjoining acquisition of additional land at squeeze points Residents along the route with affected property owners Prohibit rear vehicle access gates from each Council 57 adjoining property to the MMCLP Promote local landowner understanding of the MMCLP problems of rabbits, weeds and garden waste emanating from adjoining private land and assist landowners in environmental 58 management, such as weed control and revegetation. Also provide information about the environmental harm done by feeding native fauna Support an education program targeting Council 59 adjoining land owners in relation to fire preparedness Facilitate the establishment of a community Council environmental group to participate in Friends of the environmental programs, such as tree planting Mullum 60 Mullum $3,000 $500 p.a. and maintenance of vegetation, drawing on the Hillnest Assoc. resources of the Friends of the Mullum Mullum Inc. and the Hillcrest Association Inc Foster community awareness and appreciation Council 61 Community

June 2008 139 Rec No. Recommendation Agency Stage 1 ($) Stage 2 ($) Stage 3 ($) Operate ($) of the significant environmental values of the and area, including increased opportunities for School Group

environmental education and support ongoing community involvement and school based environmental education programs associated with the MMCLP Consult with key stakeholders, community Council Key groups and adjoining landowners in the Stakeholders 62 ongoing development, monitoring and adjoining management of the MMCLP Stage 3 Landowner

Investigate opportunities for future sources of revenue for the development and ongoing 63 maintenance of the MMCLP, including State Government capital works grants Carry out a review of the MMCLP Stage 3 Council Management Plan after the completion of the State 64 Government capital works recommended in this plan Agencies

TOTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN COST $700,000 $1,240,000 $1,153,000 $64,360p.a.

June 2008 140 References

Amos N. (2004). ‘Standard Criteria for Sites of Biological Significance in Victoria’. Victorian Government, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne; available from www.dse.vic.gov.au. iv + 53 pp. (Despite the nominal date of 2004, this document was actually published in May 2005.) Australian Platypus Survey (2006a). ‘Distribution Of Platypus In The Melbourne Metropolitan Region Survey Results 2005/2006’. Report to Melbourne Water. Australian Platypus Survey (2006b). ‘Distribution Of Platypus In The Melbourne Metropolitan Region Survey Results 2005/2006 – Supplement: Summary of Survey Findings for Individual Creeks and Rivers 1995-2006’. Report to Melbourne Water. 29 pp. Carr G.W., Yugovic J.V. and Robinson K.E. (1992). ‘Environmental Weed Invasions in Victoria: Conservation and Management Implications’. 1st. Edition. Department of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne. Banks P.B and Bryant J.V. (2007). Four-legged friend or foe? Dog walking displaces native birds from natural areas. Biology Letters 3:611-613. Beardsell C.M. (1997). ‘Sites of Faunal and Habitat Significance in North East Melbourne’. Report prepared for NEROC – The North East Regional Organisation of Councils. Published by Nillumbik Shire Council, Greensborough, Vic. 5 volumes (4 of which are only available electronically) plus 3 loose maps. Botanicus Australia Pty Ltd (1998). ‘Eastern Freeway Extension between Springvale Road and Ringwood – Flora and Fauna Assessment’. Report to VicRoads. 178 pp + photographs + maps. Botanicus Australia Pty Ltd (1999). ‘Eastern Freeway Extension between Springvale Road and Ringwood – Protected Flora Surveys’. Report to VicRoads. Botanicus Australia Pty Ltd (2000). ‘Eastern Freeway Extension between Springvale Road and Ringwood – Significant Plant Surveys (Spring). Report to VicRoads. DSE (2004). ‘Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual – Guidelines for Applying the Habitat Hectares Scoring Method’. Version 1.3. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne. 158 pp. DSE (2005). ‘Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria – 2005’. Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment : East Melbourne. 34 pp. DSE (2007). ‘Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria – 2007’. Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment : East Melbourne. i+13 pp. Hardwick R. and Lake M. (2000). ‘Stream Health Discussion on the Mullum Mullum Creek Catchment’. Report from Australian Water Technologies to Melbourne Water. 24 pp. Horne P.A. (1999). ‘Eastern Freeway Extension between Springvale Road and Ringwood – Butterfly and Skipper Survey’. Report from IPM Technologies Pty Ltd to VicRoads. Lorimer G.S., Reid J.C., Smith L.P. and Moss H. (1997). ‘Sites of Biological Significance in Maroondah’. 1st Edition. Maroondah City Council, Ringwood, Vic. 2 volumes, c.300 pp. Lorimer G.S. (2008). ‘Sites of Biological Significance in Knox’, 2nd Edn. 2 volumes, c. 550 pp. NRE – Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria (2002). ‘Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action’. Melbourne. 59 pp. Oates A. and Taranto M. (2001). ‘Vegetation Mapping of the Port Phillip and Westernport Region’. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (now part of the Department of Sustainability and Environment). Available from the department’s website in two volumes. Note that the true date of release was 2002. Sands, D.P.A. and New, T.R. (2002) 'The Action Plan for Australian Butterflies'. Environment Australia, Canberra Walsh N.G. and Stajsic V. (2007). ‘A Census of Vascular Plants of Victoria’, 8th Edn. Royal Botanic Gardens : Melbourne. 307 pp. Yugovic J.V., Crosby D.F., Ebert K., Lillywhite P., Saddlier S.R., Schulz M., Vaughan P.J., Westaway J. and Yen A.L. (1990). ‘Flora and Fauna of the Koonung and Mullum Mullum Valleys (Proposed Eastern Arterial Road and Ringwood Bypass), Victoria’. Dept of Conservation, Forests and Lands, East Melbourne.

June 2008 141 Appendix A – Community Survey Results

1. Do you use the established section of the MMCLP (Tindals Road, Donvale to Main Yarra Trail, Templestowe? YES NO No comments TOTAL provided on feedback form

35 22 2 59

2. If yes, how so? ( Multiple responses recorded) USE No of Reponses Walking 28 Nature Appreciation 21 Walking Dog 10 Horse Riding 1 Cycling 20 Other 1

3. What do you value most about this section of the MMCLP? (Multiple responses recorded) Values of the existing Linear Park No. Of Responses Natural bush environment 26 Fauna/Flora 12 Quiet/ peaceful area 9 Accessibility /links to other trails 7 Safe place to walk or cycle, bush 4 tacks

4. Do you use the section of the Linear Park from Park Road and Huggins Road, Donvale? YES NO 45 12

How? USE No. of Responses Walking/Running 37 (35/2) Walking dog 9 Nature Appreciation 10 Cycling 8 Horse Riding 3

June 2008 142 5. Are there particular issues you would like considered in the MMCLP Stage3 Management Plan? Issues to be considered Creek bank erosion Weed control, remove non-native vegetation Prohibit trail bikes and control mountain bikes Maintain and protect natural environment, keep tranquillity of the area Damage to the area caused by bikes and walkers, negative impact on environment and fauna Loss of adjoining landowners’ amenity and privacy Shared Path • No sealed paths only crushed rock. to fit in with natural environment, as it would slow down cyclists and is a good surface for mountain bikes; • Mountain bikes cause more damage to an unsealed path; • The path should be wide enough path to cater for walkers and cyclists; • Path width to be kept to a minimum; • Path should be suitable for pushers and wheelchairs; • Path gradient and surface should be suitable for cyclists- a sealed path is safer; but not a white concrete path as it would spoil the area, bitumen would be better, 2m wide for cyclists and walkers. • Need to separate cyclists and walkers; • Path should be maintained and kept clear from hazards; • Make path safe for all users • Conflict between cyclists and walkers because of cyclists’ speed. Heads Road to Whitefriars college is very steep and dangerous for pedestrians , need to devise ways to slow down speeding cyclists; • Protect natural bushland need careful placement of path; concern that vegetation will be removed which has not been disturbed for years. • Smooth out bumps of existing track • Trail access is a problem along the eastern side of the creek between Park Road and Heads Road. The existing tracks on Whitefriars College land should be considered a better option to locate the shared path – the paths are above the flood level. • Poor drainage north of Heads Road- the area becomes a swamp in wet weather. Existing tracks in Stage 3 section are not well defined and difficult to negotiate. Very few people use the area which makes the area feel unsafe. Clean up rubbish Dogs • Would like a dog off-lead area • Allow responsible dog owners to use the area • Area should be a dog-on-lead area • Signage required for dog owners to clean up dog faeces • Dogs off-lead is a problem for cyclists. Horse Riding • Stop horse riding along Linear Park; • Horse riders want to be consulted Provide seating along the path, particularly at the creek end. Could become and area where youths meet and hang around. More erosion has occurred since the willows have been removed, need more tree planting June 2008 143 Issues to be considered Heads Road crossing is very dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. Safety issues • There needs to be safe access to the Mullum Mullum trail for residents of Park Orchards via Park Road, currently this road is too dangerous for people to walk /cycle to the trail. • There is a need for a footpath along the Beckett/ Heads Road (like Craig Road) to provide safe access to the Linear Park from Beckett Road along Heads Road. Currently it is very dangerous. • There is a need for a shared footpath/bike path on one side of Park Road from Mitcham Road and the Freeway bike path to Mullum Creek to White friars College.

Do you have further comments? Comment Want to be consulted in the future and comment on the draft plan ( 5 concerned adjoining land owners) Comments in support of project : • The link between the trails will be great and very beneficial to the local community of Donvale and Park Orchards. • Looking forward to completion of the shared path; • ‘Just get on with it; please do it ASAP; can’t wait for it to open; make it as fast as possible; please don’t get bogged down in too much consultation; and • The new track will provide convenient recreation/ walking area for my family. Query whether State Government money has been provided to increase creek water flow.

Would you like to be involved in future consultation regarding the Management Plan?

YES NO NO COMMENT TOTAL 41 16 2 59

June 2008 144 Appendix B – Vegetation Community Descriptions

The descriptions below have been ordered so that the most closely related EVCs appear next to each other in sequence.

Photographs of typical scenes of each vegetation type appear in Section 5.3

Swampy Riparian Complex (EVC 126)

Swampy Riparian Complex represents vegetation that is intermediate between Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83) and Swampy Woodland (EVC 937). This contemporary concept of the EVC is narrower than was adopted by Oates and Taranto (2001), when the term Swampy Riparian Complex was often applied when too little information or precision was available to distinguish between a range of EVCs along low-energy streams.

Quick recognition: Identifiable as a corridor of Eucalyptus ovata along a minor creek or drainage line flanked by Valley Heathy Forest (not Valley Grassy Forest), growing in friable alluvium which is often inundated but drains freely. Compared with Creekline Herb-rich Woodland (EVC 164), Swampy Riparian Complex has fewer ferns (both species and individuals) and is less likely to contain any Acacia mearnsii.

Position in the landscape: In general, this EVC occurs in narrow bands along minor creeks (often non-perennial), in the zone where inundation occurs during most rainfall events. It occurs in terrain that is undulating and not very dissected. It is usually flanked by Valley Heathy Forest (EVC 127) or sometimes Swampy Woodland (EVC 937). Within the Mullum Mullum Stage 3 Study Area, the only occurrence is a short strip along a minor gully in the far south.

Tree canopy: Dominated by E. ovata typically 15-20 m tall, sometimes mixed with E. cephalocarpa that are rather shorter. Mature stands are rare in the Melbourne region and can reach over 25 m tall.

Lower trees: Acacia melanoxylon and A. dealbata tend to dominate, sometimes with veteran Melaleuca ericifolia. Exocarpos cupressiformis may be encroach from adjacent EVCs such as Valley Heathy Forest. Pomaderris aspera is absent or sparse.

Tall shrubs: Typically 4-8 m tall, dominated by any combination of Melaleuca ericifolia, Leptospermum scoparium and Ozothamnus ferrugineus, or sometimes Bursaria spinosa encroaching from adjacent areas of Valley Heathy Forest. The density of tall shrubs is variable, depending on recency of clearing or floods.

Lower shrubs: Similarly variable density. Dominants are Coprosma quadrifida, Goodenia ovata and sometimes L. lanigerum or Acacia verticillata. Senecio minimus is often abundant, as in the related communities, Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83) and Swampy Woodland (EVC 937). Visibility typically 10 m.

Vines: Sparse, most commonly represented by Glycine clandestina and Billardiera scandens.

Ferns: Pteridium esculentum is dense in patches; Blechnum species are often scattered. The presence of any Doodia species or Polystichum proliferum is more indicative of the similar Creekline Herb-rich Woodland. June 2008 145 Ground flora: Typically patchy and variously dominated by Gahnia radula, Lomandra longifolia, Poa ensiformis (or P. labillardierei), Pteridium esculentum, rushes, Lepidosperma elatius or Carex species. Smaller herbs that are typically present in more intact areas (but not in the Mullum Mullum Stage 3 Study Area) include Centella cordifolia, Goodenia humilis, Lepidosperma filiforme and Patersonia species. Austrofestuca hookeriana is often present in the most intact sites but not often in large numbers.

Conservation status: Extremely scarce in Manningham and the rest of the Melbourne region due to clearing for urban development and installation of drains and sewers. Overwhelmingly, the remaining vestiges are in poor ecological condition due to insensitive land use and the vegetation’s vulnerability to environmental weeds such as Japanese Honeysuckle and Wandering Jew. All riparian native vegetation is significant for its critical roles in maintaining stream ecology, wildlife corridors and waterway protection through its particular characteristics of shade, flood response, nutrient cycling and use by fauna. Without taking these factors into account, the Department of Sustainability and Environment gives the conservation status of Swampy Riparian Woodland as ‘Endangered’ in the Gippsland Plain bioregion (which includes the only representation within the Mullum Mullum Stage 3 Study Area). This is the highest level of depletion recognised by the department.

Creekline Herb-rich Woodland (EVC 164)

A narrow strip of this EVC once occurred along the creek that flowed through the intersection of Park Rd and Paddys Lane, and another narrow strip occurred along part of the creek that has been transformed into the Ennismore Drain. Both strips were completely cleared and the associated creek replaced by an underground pipe, leaving practically no trace.

Riparian Forest (EVC 18)

This EVC comprises three quite distinct components within the Mullum Mullum Stage 3 Study Area: • Treeless, largely amphibious vegetation of the creek channel, subject to inundation by rapidly flowing floodwater following each rainfall event; • Very tall forest of the floodplain, growing in alluvium kept moist (at least at depth) by water from the creek and subject to inundation only after major rainfall events; and • Very tall forest of sheltered slopes (not alluvium) abutting the previous vegetation type, not subject to inundation.

To aid discussion, these three components are here referred to as vegetation types 18a, 18b and 18c, respectively. From an ecological or botanical perspective, type 18a is better regarded not as part of Riparian Forest but as a vegetation type in its own right, found dissecting a range of riparian EVCs. However, this differs from the approach adopted by the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

June 2008 146 Quick recognition: Type 18a is immediately identifiable by its location within creek channels (up to about the brow of the channel) and the dominance of its characteristic suite of stream-adapted species such as species of Persicaria, Juncus and Isolepis. Type 18b is identifiable as a gallery or corridor of very tall Eucalyptus viminalis growing in the alluvium of perennial streams, with abundant Acacia dealbata, Pomaderris aspera, Coprosma quadrifida, soft-leafed shrubs and Poa ensiformis. Wetland areas often occur within type 18b. The eucalypt canopy of type 18c is the same as for type 18b, but the location is sheltered slopes and there are larger numbers of understorey trees such as Pomaderris aspera and sparser ground flora, with fewer swampy elements. The presence of any Hymenanthera dentata or Rapanea howittiana is more likely to indicate Floodplain Riparian Woodland (EVC 56) than Riparian Forest.

Position in the landscape: In general, Riparian Forest occurs along stretches of major streams with narrow floodplains.

Tree canopy: Types 18b and 18c are dominated by very tall Eucalyptus viminalis usually over 30 m tall, sometimes with lesser numbers of other eucalypt species from neighbouring vegetation types – particularly E. melliodora and E. obliqua.

Lower trees: Tall Acacia melanoxylon, A. dealbata and Pomaderris aspera are usually present, but the latter two species may be left absent or scarce after clearing. Rapanea howittiana is rarely if ever present, distinguishing Riparian Forest from Floodplain Riparian Woodland (EVC 56).

Shrubs: Very variable in density depending on the history of disturbance (including floods). Types 18b and 18c have abundant Coprosma quadrifida and a mixture of soft-leafed shrubs that typically include Prostanthera lasianthos, Olearia lirata and Ozothamnus ferrugineus in more intact stands, and sometimes Gynatrix pulchella. Patches of dense Melaleuca ericifolia are common. Some of the Melaleuca and Coprosma typically extend into the stream channel in places. Hymenanthera dentata is rarely if ever present, distinguishing Riparian Forest from Floodplain Riparian Woodland (EVC 56).

Vines: Clematis aristata and sometimes Pandorea pandorana are common in types 18b and 18c. Glycine clandestina may also be conspicuous but was not found in the Mullum Mullum Stage 3 Study Area.

Ground flora and ferns: Type 18a has a very distinctive suite of species, dominated by stream-adapted species such as species of Persicaria, Juncus and Isolepis and with minor occurrences of dry-land species such as Microlaena stipoides and Austrodanthonia racemosa. Other characteristic species include Lobelia anceps, Crassula helmsii, Lunularia cruciata and the weeds Ranunculus repens, Cyperus eragrostis, Tradescantia fluminensis and Erigeron karvinskianus. At maturity, the ground flora of type 18b is usually dense and approximately knee- deep, with extensive grassy areas and patches of sedges in wetter spots. The grassy areas are normally dominated by Poa ensiformis, with abundant Lomandra longifolia, Acaena novae-zelandiae and patches of ferns such as Adiantum aethiopicum and Pteridium esculentum. The wetter spots are dominated by Lepidosperma elatius, Carex species (particularly C. appressa) or both. Gahnia species may be abundant throughout. The ferns Cyathea australis and Blechnum species are typically present, concentrated along the stream bank. In type 18c, the ground flora typically has bare patches (but strewn with eucalypt bark, branches and litter) and water-loving species such as Lepidosperma elatius and Carex appressa are confined to wetter spots such as drainage lines. Poa ensiformis is still dominant and most of the other ground flora species of type 18b are present.

June 2008 147 Conservation status: Within 150 km of Melbourne, Riparian Forest is generally seriously ecologically degraded by clearing, agriculture and weed invasion. It is significant for its critical roles in maintaining stream ecology, wildlife corridors and waterway protection through its particular characteristics of shade, flood response, nutrient cycling, use by fauna and (when intact) resistance to serious riparian weeds. Without taking these factors into account, the Department of Sustainability and Environment gives the conservation status (not significance) of Riparian Forest as ‘Vulnerable’ in the Gippsland Plain bioregion and ‘Least Concern’ in the ‘Highlands – Southern Fall’ bioregion. The latter bioregion extends from Manningham through to Far East Gippsland, and the ‘Least Concern’ status relies on the existence of large areas of intact Riparian Forest far to the east of Manningham. Regardless, Riparian Forest can be deemed vulnerable within 150 km of Melbourne and extremely important for ecology and waterway protection, so any occurrences in Manningham that are not seriously degraded should be deemed highly significant. ‘Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action’ (NRE 2002) explicitly recognises the very high significance of riparian vegetation for waterway protection, but not for the ecology of streams or riparian corridors. It does, however, indicate on p.22 that an assessment of any site’s conservation significance should take into account ‘the strategic location in the local landscape’, which would generally be very important for Riparian Forest.

An unthinking application of the department’s rules for determining of conservation significance would lead to a discontinuity in the inferred conservation significance of Riparian Forest at the Heads Rd bridge where it crosses the somewhat arbitrary boundary that the department has drawn between the two bioregions. Although there is no difference in the vegetation composition upstream and downstream of the bridge, the department’s rules suggest that the vegetation upstream is much more precious than downstream. This is not a sound outcome because of the ways that a stream corridor functions ecologically. It is more ecologically defensible to treat all of the Riparian Forest in this study as having the ‘Vulnerable’ conservation status. In addition, any assessment of the conservation significance of an area of Riparian Forest has to take into account the environmental significance of riparian corridors, consistent with ‘Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action’ (NRE 2002).

Valley Grassy Forest (EVC 47)

Quick recognition: A tree canopy dominated by Eucalyptus melliodora, often mixed with E. radiata, not on swampy or poorly drained soil. E. rubida is not always present, but when it is, it is a very good indicator of this EVC. The ground layer is very grassy and herbaceous, whereas the related Valley Heathy Forest has more woody and tough ground flora species such as Hibbertia riparia and Platylobium obtusangulum.

Position in the landscape: Downhill from Grassy Dry Forest (EVC 22) or occasionally Valley Heathy Forest (EVC 127), or on low ridges and hills of hilly terrain where soil conditions are too mesic (conducive to plant growth) for Grassy Dry Forest to establish. Grassy Forest (EVC 128) occupies equivalent positions in areas of higher winter rainfall.

Tree canopy: Crowns are separated slightly or just touching each other, 20-30 m tall in fully developed stands. Eucalyptus melliodora is always present, often mixed with Eucalyptus radiata. Eucalyptus rubida is less common but is an excellent indicator of Valley Grassy Forest. Eucalyptus goniocalyx may be present near a

June 2008 148 transition toward Valley Heathy Forest, or Eucalyptus obliqua in the vicinity of riparian EVCs or Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23).

Lower trees: Not dense, but fairly rich in species: Exocarpos cupressiformis, Acacia mearnsii, Acacia melanoxylon and Acacia implexa are common.

Shrubs: Probably once fairly sparse, but Acacia paradoxa, Kunzea ericoides and Cassinia species are now often dense due to soil disturbance. Bursaria spinosa can also be abundant in regrowth, particularly in the vicinity of Valley Heathy Forest.

Vines: Light twiners such as Billardiera scandens and Comesperma volubile are fairly common. More substantial climbers are usually absent or limited to occasional plants of Clematis species.

Ferns: Pteridium esculentum or Adiantum aethiopicum can become abundant where the vegetation approaches Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23) or riparian EVCs.

Ground flora: Dense and grassy, often with many lilies. Themeda triandra is usually one of the most dominant grasses, along with Microlaena stipoides, Austrostipa rudis and species of Poa and Austrodanthonia. Lomandra longifolia is also often abundant. The most abundant lilies are Arthropodium strictum, Burchardia umbellata, Caesia parviflora, Dianella admixta and Dianella longifolia. Other species that are more common in Valley Grassy Forest than similar EVCs are Galium species, Ranunculus lappaceus and Veronica species (although V. gracilis is also common in Valley Heathy Forest). In addition to the Veronicas, other creepers such as Dichondra repens and Acaena novae-zelandiae can be quite abundant. Daisies such as Brachyscome decipiens were apparently fairly common once, but now rare.

Conservation status: Valley Grassy Forest is one of the best conserved EVCs in Manningham, but more widely, its grassy, productive understorey has led to widespread degradation and clearing associated with grazing by stock. The conservation status is ‘Vulnerable’ in both bioregions of interest here, according to the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

Valley Heathy Forest (EVC 127)

The Department of Sustainability and Environment’s BioMaps of pre-1750 EVCs indicate that Valley Heathy Forest’s distribution in the Port Phillip and Westernport region was confined within an area roughly between Templestowe, Kilsyth, Ferntree Gully, Rowville and Burwood, plus minor intrusions into the sand belt to the southwest. The remnants that remain show a strong gradient of characteristics across this range, both north-south and east-west. From Templestowe to North Ringwood, it approaches Valley Grassy Forest; from Kilsyth South to Boronia it approaches Lowland Forest; in Ferntree Gully it approaches the Dandenong Ranges form of Grassy Forest; and there is a noticeably different form between Scoresby and Lysterfield. There are also marked variations at the local scale. For example, the vegetation of Stringybark Reserve in Wantirna can be regarded as falling wholly within the range of variability of Valley Heathy Forest even though the northern half is scarcely distinguishable from Valley Grassy Forest and the southern half is quite similar to Grassy Forest.

June 2008 149 Quick recognition: Check the tree species and heights for conformity with the description below. Eucalyptus cephalocarpa should be present. Eucalyptus melliodora is often present, unlike Grassy Forest and Lowland Forest. The shrub layer is usually rather dense and prickly. Bursaria spinosa and Microlaena stipoides are often abundant (typically dominant in their respective strata after grazing or clearing), and Acacia paradoxa has a similar tendency. Twiggy shrubs such as Daviesia leptophylla and Epacris impressa are conspicuous. Hibbertia riparia is common in Valley Heathy Forest, unlike similar EVCs. Gahnia radula, Stipa rudis, Poa morrisii and/or wallaby-grasses (particularly Austrodanthonia tenuior) are typically abundant. Intact examples should have abundant lilies, particularly Dianella admixta, D. longifolia, Tricoryne elatior and Arthropodium strictum. Platylobium obtusangulum and Leptospermum continentale are very common (whereas P. formosum and L. scoparium are more associated with Grassy Forest and other foothill forests). Daviesia latifolia and Pterostylis nutans are much more common than in other EVCs in the metropolitan area or the hills to the east. Members of the Protea family are usually absent and never abundant. Lowland Forest is distinguishable by its generally taller canopy (>20 m), abundant members of the Protea family and a dense, tangled ground layer that includes Tetrarrhena juncea.

Position in the landscape: Within the Gippsland Plain part of Manningham (or just outside), on the undulating terrain between the perennial stream valleys. Also extending down to the bank of Mullum Mullum Ck in a few narrow constrictions in the valley.

Tree canopy: Height varies from below 15 m to 20 m. Foliage density is typically 25% cover, with the tree crowns overlapping slightly. Eucalyptus cephalocarpa is nearly always present. E. melliodora and E. radiata are often present. E. obliqua is abundant in more mesic areas and E. macrorhyncha in less mesic areas. E. rubida is associated more with Valley Grassy Forest than Valley Heathy Forest.

Lower trees: Exocarpos cupressiformis and Acacia melanoxylon are usually present, and often also Acacia mearnsii, A. implexa or Allocasuarina littoralis. Patches of Acacia pycnantha are common. A. dealbata is rarely present.

Shrubs: There is usually a shrub layer approximately 2-3 m deep, often becoming dense in patches depending on the history of fire and other disturbance. Visibility is typically 20 m. This layer is pricklier and denser than the similar Grassy Forest and is typically dominated by Bursaria spinosa and sometimes Acacia paradoxa (particularly in areas that have been grazed or cleared). Acacia species tend to be more numerous than other EVCs. Leptospermum continentale is common, but L. scoparium is much less common (being more associated with foothill forests such as Grassy Forest). Cassinia species are common. Cassinia arcuata and sometimes Daviesia latifolia can be prolific following disturbance (unlike Grassy Forest). Epacris impressa and Dillwynia cinerascens are typically present in more intact areas.

Vines: Moderately common but representing a very low foliage cover compared with the rest of the understorey. Billardiera scandens and Comesperma volubile are the most common climbers, and Hardenbergia violacea is the most common creeper (although Kennedia prostrata becomes abundant after fire). The vine component of Valley Heathy Forest is very similar to Grassy Forest.

Ferns: Pteridium esculentum is often dense in patches, particularly after disturbance. Other ferns are much less common.

Ground flora: Mostly less than knee deep and with a foliage cover usually above 80% in mature vegetation; Densely grassy, rich in species and with a minor but important component of heathy elements (e.g. Hibbertia riparia) that distinguish June 2008 150 this community from Valley Grassy Forest and Grassy Forest. Microlaena stipoides is consistently abundant and often a dominant species, becoming very dense in areas with a history of grazing. Gahnia radula, Stipa rudis, Poa morrisii and/or wallaby-grasses (particularly Danthonia tenuior) are typically abundant and any of these can dominate the ground flora. Themeda triandra and/or Joycea pallida are often conspicuous but not as much as the other grasses just mentioned. Tetrarrhena juncea only occurs where the vegetation approaches Lowland Forest. As in EVCs related to Valley Heathy Forest, the following species are very common but with much less foliage cover than the grasses: Lomandra filiformis, Gonocarpus tetragynus, Acrotriche serrulata, Hypericum gramineum, Oxalis perennans / exilis, Stylidium sp.2 and Hovea heterophylla. Xanthorrhoea minor is common in more intact areas. A high frequency of Hibbertia riparia is a distinctive feature of this EVC. Platylobium obtusangulum is usually present, whereas P. formosum is more associated with Grassy Forest and some other foothill forests. Veronica gracilis is common and tends to be replaced by V. calycina in Grassy Forest. Valley Heathy Forest has abundant Pterostylis nutans and lilies, particularly Dianella admixta, D. longifolia, Tricoryne elatior, Burchardia umbellata and Arthropodium strictum (the last of which can sometimes dominate the ground flora in spring). Caesia parviflora is often present in more intact areas. Opercularia ovata tends to be more abundant than O. varia, whereas the reverse is true in Grassy Forest. Drosera whittakeri is also much more common in Valley Heathy Forest than Grassy Forest. Until the 1960s, Valley Heathy Forest was very rich in orchids (with suburbs like Ringwood, Bayswater and Boronia renowned for them), but broad scale environmental changes have caused a massive decline.

Conservation status: The Department of Sustainability and Environment rates the conservation status of Valley Heathy Forest as ‘Endangered’ in the Gippsland Plain bioregion (which applies to all cases within the Mullum Mullum stage 3 Study Area). It is very scarce within Manningham generally.

June 2008 151 Appendix C – Indigenous Plant Inventory

Separate plant lists were compiled for each of the 31 areas mapped on Figure 62.

Figure 62. Map of numbered areas with separate plant lists. 341,300 341,400 341,500 341,600 341,700 341,800 341,900 342,000 342,100 342,200 342,300

2 3 T

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5,815,700 18 5,815,700 19

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26 5,815,300 27 5,815,300 TALLAWARRA RS

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C T 5,814,600 5,814,600 LISBETH AV 26 27 28 24 YOUNG ST D 5,814,500 R 5,814,500

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June 2008 152 June 2008 The table below indicates the abundance of each indigenous species of fern, flowering plant, moss and liverwort recorded in the Mullum Mullum Stage 3 Study Area. All species except Drosera peltata subsp. peltata and Wurmbea dioica were observed by Dr Lorimer in 2007- 8. 153 Species are ordered alphabetically within the major groupings of ferns, flowering plants, liverworts and mosses. The scientific names are those adopted by the National Herbarium of Victoria in the eighth edition of the Census of Vascular Plants of Victoria (Walsh and Stajsic 2007). Species whose names are shown in bold type are suspected by Manningham City Council to be threatened with local extinction in the municipality.

The second column indicates a broad measure of each species’ abundance within the Study Area. The symbols in this column have the following meanings: + Scarce 9 Present in moderate numbers, not dominant within a vegetation stratum; D Dominant (or sharing dominance) of a vegetation stratum somewhere in the Study Area; M Many individuals.

Cells with a grey background indicate that the identity of the species was less than 95% certain.

Numbered Areas, as per Figure 62 Scientific Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Ferns Adiantum aethiopicum Common Maidenhair M 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + + 9 Cyathea australis Rough Tree-fern + Polystichum proliferum Mother Shield-fern + Pteridium esculentum Austral Bracken 9 + + 9 + M D D 9 D M D D + + + D + D +

Flowering Plants Acacia aculeatissima Thin-leaf Wattle + + Acacia dealbata Silver Wattle + 9 D 9 D 9 D + 9 D D D D D D 9 + D 9 9 D D 9 Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle + D 9 D 9 + 9 + + + D + 9 M D 9 9 + + 9 Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood + 9 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 9 9 + 9 + D 9 9 9 9 + Acacia myrtifolia Myrtle Wattle +

Numbered Areas, as per Figure 62

June 2008 Scientific Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Acacia paradoxa Hedge Wattle + + 9 Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle + + 154 Acacia stricta Hop Wattle 9 + Acacia verticillata Prickly Moses + 9 9 9 + + + 9 9 9 + + Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee + 9 + 9 9 9 9 9 M 9 9 9 + 9 M M + + 9 M Acaena ?ovina Australian Sheep’s Burr + Acrotriche serrulata Honey-pots + + 9 M 9 Alisma plantago-aquatica Water Plantain + 9 Alternanthera denticulata Lesser Joyweed + Amyema pendula Drooping Mistletoe + Arthropodium strictum Chocolate Lily 9 M M M 9 M M + Asperula conferta Common Woodruff + Astroloma humifusum Cranberry Heath + Austrodanthonia fulva Leafy Wallaby-grass 9 9 + + + Austrodanthonia penicillata Slender Wallaby-grass 9 9 + + 9 9 9 Austrodanthonia racemosa Clustered Wallaby- D D M 9 + 9 M 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 + + 9 + 9 + 9

grass Austrodanthonia setacea Bristly Wallaby-grass 9 + + + + 9 9 Austrodanthonia tenuior Purplish Wallaby-grass + 9 Austrostipa pubinodis Tall Spear-grass + Austrostipa rudis subsp. nervosa 9 + + Veined Spear-grass Austrostipa rudis subsp. rudis Veined Spear-grass 9 9 9 9 9 + 9 M M 9 M 9 Billardiera scandens Common Apple-berry 9 9 + 9 M M Bossiaea prostrata Creeping Bossiæa + + + 9 Brunonia australis Blue Pincushion + 9 Bulbine bulbosa Yellow Bulbine-lily + +* Burchardia umbellata Milkmaids + 9 +* Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria D + 9 D 9 D + 9 M + + 9 9 M 9 9 D D D D 9 D D 9 9 D Carex appressa Tall Sedge + + 9 Carex breviculmis Short-stem Sedge + + + + + + + Cassinia aculeata Common Cassinia 9 9 M 9 + + + + 9 9 9 + + + + 9 9

* Last recorded in 1989 and may well have been overlooked in this study due to seasonal factors.

Numbered Areas, as per Figure 62

June 2008 Scientific Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Cassinia arcuata Drooping Cassinia + M + + + + + 9 + Cassinia longifolia Shiny Cassinia + M D 155 Cassytha melantha Coarse Dodder-laurel 9 + + + + + 9 Cassytha pubescens Downy Dodder-laurel 9 9 + Chrysocephalum semipapposum + 9 Clustered Everlasting Clematis aristata Mountain Clematis + + + + + + + Clematis microphylla Small-leafed Clematis + 9 + 9 Comesperma volubile Love Creeper 9 + 9 Coprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant-bush 9 D D 9 + 9 9 9 D M + 9 9 9 M M M + D 9 + 9 Correa reflexa Common Correa + 9 9 Crassula helmsii Swamp Crassula + + Daviesia leptophylla Narrow-leaf Bitter-pea + + 9 9 Derwentia derwentiana Derwent Speedwell + + Deyeuxia quadriseta Reed Bent-grass + + + 9 9 9 Dianella admixta Black-anther Flax-lily 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Dianella longifolia s.l. Pale Flax-lily + 9 + + + + + 9 9 Dichelachne rara Common Plume-grass + 9 Dichondra repens Kidney-weed 9 + 9 + 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 M Dillwynia cinerascens Grey Parrot-pea + + M M 9 Dipodium roseum Hyacinth Orchid + Drosera peltata subsp. auriculata Tall Sundew + +* +* + Drosera peltata subsp. peltata† Pale Sundew + Drosera whittakeri Scented Sundew +* 9 Echinopogon ovatus Common Hedgehog-grass + + 9 + Elymus scaber Common Wheat-grass + 9 + + + 9 Epacris impressa Common Heath 9 9 9 + + Epilobium hirtigerum Hairy Willow-herb + + Eragrostis brownii Common Love-grass + + Eucalyptus cephalocarpa Mealy Stringybark 9 + 9 9 9 + Eucalyptus goniocalyx Bundy, Long-leaf Box + + 9 9 9

* Last recorded in 1989 and may well have been overlooked in this study due to seasonal factors. † Last recorded in 1978 close to the pipe track, in an area that still supports suitable habitat.

Numbered Areas, as per Figure 62

June 2008 Scientific Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Red Stringybark + 9 9 + + + 9 Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box D + D 9 9 9 + + D + + + D D + 9 9 D 156 Eucalyptus obliqua Messmate Stringybark + + + + + + 9 9 + + 9 + 9 + 9 M 9 D 9 9 + Eucalyptus ovata Swamp Gum 9 + + 9 9 + + M D 9 9 + 9 + + D 9 + Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box 9 + + Eucalyptus radiata Narrow-leaf Peppermint + 9 9 + + 9 + 9 + 9 9 Eucalyptus rubida Candlebark 9 D 9 D + + + + Eucalyptus viminalis Manna Gum D D D D D D D D D D D 9 + D + D + Euchiton collinus Clustered/Creeping Cudweed + Euchiton involucratus Common Cudweed + + Exocarpos cupressiformis Cherry Ballart D + + 9 9 9 D 9 9 + + 9 D D 9 9 D 9 D D D Exocarpos strictus Pale-fruit Ballart + + + + + Gahnia radula Thatch Saw-sedge + 9 9 9 9 + + 9 D M M + 9 9 9 D M 9 + M Galium ?gaudichaudii Rough Bedstraw + Geranium potentilloides Cinquefoil Cranesbill + + + + 9 +* Geranium ?sp. 2 Variable Cranesbill + 9 9

Glycine clandestina Twining Glycine + Gonocarpus tetragynus Common Raspwort + + 9 9 + 9 M 9 + 9 9 M Goodenia elongata Lanky Goodenia + Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia + + + + + + + + + + + + + D D D D 9 9 Hardenbergia violacea Purple Coral-pea + + + 9 9 + Helichrysum scorpioides Button Everlasting 9 + Hemarthria uncinata Mat Grass + Hovea heterophylla Common Hovea + 9 + + Hydrocotyle hirta Hairy Pennywort + 9 Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort + + + 9 + 9 +* Hypericum gramineum Small St John’s Wort + 9 9 Isolepis cernua var. cernua Nodding Club-rush 9 9 Isolepis inundata Swamp Club-rush + + Joycea pallida Silvertop Wallaby-grass + 9 9 M 9 Juncus amabilis Hollow Rush 9 + 9 + + + + Juncus bufonius Toad Rush 9

* Last recorded in 1989.

Numbered Areas, as per Figure 62

June 2008 Scientific Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Juncus gregiflorus Green Rush 9 9 9 + + 9 9 M 9 M + + Juncus pallidus Pale Rush + + + 9 + + 9 + + + 157 Juncus pauciflorus Loose-flower Rush + + 9 Juncus sarophorus Broom Rush + + + Juncus subsecundus Finger Rush + + + + Kennedia prostrata Running Postman + Kunzea ericoides spp. agg. Burgan 9 + D + 9 Lachnagrostis filiformis Common Blown Grass + Lagenophora ?stipitata Common Lagenophora 9 Lepidosperma elatius Tall Sword-sedge 9 9 + + 9 + D + Lepidosperma gunnii Slender Sword-sedge + Lepidosperma laterale var. laterale Variable Sword- 9 9 + 9 9 9 9 9 9 sedge Lepidosperma laterale var. majus Variable Sword- 9 9 + sedge Leptorhynchos tenuifolius Wiry Buttons + 9

Leptospermum continentale s.s. Prickly Tea-tree + Leptospermum scoparium Manuka + 9 + 9 9 9 + 9 9 Leucopogon virgatus Common Beard-heath + 9 + Linum marginale Native Flax + + Lobelia anceps Angled Lobelia 9 9 Lomandra filiformis subsp. coriaceaWattle Mat-rush 9 9 + + 9 9 9 9 9 + M M 9 Lomandra filiformis subsp. filiformis Wattle Mat-rush + + + 9 9 + + Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush + 9 9 9 9 D 9 + 9 9 + 9 + + D + + D 9 9 9 9 Lythrum hyssopifolia Small Loosestrife + + Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark 9 + + + + Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass + D 9 D 9 M D M 9 9 9 M M 9 D 9 M 9 9 D 9 9 M M M 9 9 9 Olearia lirata Snowy Daisy-bush + + + + 9 9 + + Opercularia ovata Broad-leaf Stinkweed + 9 Opercularia varia Variable Stinkweed + Oxalis exilis/perennans Wood-sorrel 9 + 9 9 M 9 9 M 9 9 + M + 9 9 9 9 9 9 Ozothamnus ferrugineus Tree Everlasting 9 9 + + + 9 9 + + + + 9 + + 9 + + Pandorea pandorana Wonga Vine + + Pelargonium inodorum Kopata 9 +

Numbered Areas, as per Figure 62

June 2008 Scientific Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Persicaria decipiens Slender Knotweed 9 9 M M M Persicaria hydropiper Water-pepper 9 M 158 Persicaria lapathifolia Pale Knotweed + Phragmites australis Common Reed + 9 + 9 Pimelea curviflora Curved Rice-flower + Pimelea humilis Common Rice-flower 9 9 9 + Plantago varia Variable Plantain + 9 Platylobium obtusangulum Common Flat-pea + + 9 9 9 Poa ensiformis Purple-sheathed Tussock-grass 9 9 D M M + + M D M + + 9 D M D 9 + + M + 9 M Poa labillardierei Common Tussock-grass + + + + Poa morrisii Soft Tussock-grass 9 9 9 9 Poa sieberiana Grey Tussock-grass + Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry Panax + + + Pomaderris aspera Hazel Pomaderris D 9 + + + 9 D + + + + D + D D + Poranthera microphylla Small Poranthera 9 9 9 M 9 9 9 M M 9 Potamogeton ochreatus Blunt Pondweed +

Prostanthera lasianthos Victorian Christmas-bush 9 + D 9 9 9 + 9 D 9 9 D 9 D 9 D 9 + 9 9 Pterostylis nutans Nodding Greenhood 9 Pultenaea gunnii Golden Bush-pea + 9 9 + Rubus parvifolius Small-leaf Bramble 9 9 + + 9 9 9 M M 9 + Schoenus apogon Common Bog-rush + Senecio glomeratus Annual Fireweed + + + + +* Senecio hispidulus Rough Fireweed 9 9 9 9 + + 9 + 9 M 9 + + 9 9 Senecio minimus Shrubby Fireweed 9 M + + + + Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed 9 Senecio prenanthoides Narrow Groundsel + + 9 + Solanum aviculare Kangaroo Apple + Solanum laciniatum Large Kangaroo Apple 9 + + + Spyridium parvifolium Australian Dusty Miller + + + + 9 M 9 Stackhousia monogyna Candles + 9 Stylidium armeria Grass Trigger-plant + 9 Tetratheca ciliata Pink-bells +

* Last recorded 1989.

Numbered Areas, as per Figure 62

June 2008 Scientific Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Thelymitra sp. a Sun-orchid + Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass 9 + + + 9 + M 9 + 9 9 159 Tricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lily + + 9 9 + 9 9 Triglochin procera Water-ribbons + Veronica gracilis Slender Speedwell + Veronica plebeia Trailing Speedwell 9 + Viola hederacea Ivy-leaf Violet + 9 Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell + 9 + Wurmbea dioica* Common Early Nancy + Xanthorrhoea minor Small Grass-tree + + +

Liverworts Lunularia cruciata Moonwort + + 9 Chiloscyphus semiteres Green Worms 9 9 9 M 9 + M 9 9

Mosses Campylopus clavatus Broody Swan-neck Moss 9 + 9 9 9 9 9 9 Campylopus introflexus Heath Star Moss 9 9 9 9 9 + 9 9 9 Hypnum cupressiforme Common Hypnum 9 9 9 + 9 9 9 Polytrichum juniperinum Common Juniper-moss + Ptychomnion aciculare Paper Moss + 9 9 Rosulabryum billardierei Common Thread-moss + + 9 Thuidiopsis furfurosa/sparsa Weft Moss 9 9 9 9 9 + 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Planted Species Acacia dealbata Silver Wattle + Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood + Acacia paradoxa Hedge Wattle + Acacia ulicifolia Juniper Wattle +

* Last recorded in 1989 and likely to be still present, just overlooked this survey due to seasonality.

Numbered Areas, as per Figure 62

June 2008 Scientific Name Common Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa var. macrophylla* + Sweet Bursaria 160 Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa Sweet Bursaria + Cassinia aculeata Common Cassinia + Cassinia longifolia Shiny Cassinia + Coprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant-bush + Eucalyptus ovata Swamp Gum + Eucalyptus viminalis Manna Gum 9 Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia + Gynatrix pulchella Hemp Bush + Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush + Melicytus dentatus Tree Violet + Olearia lirata Snowy Daisy-bush + Ozothamnus ferrugineus Tree Everlasting + Poa labillardierei Common Tussock-grass 9 Pomaderris aspera Hazel Pomaderris +

Prostanthera lasianthos Victorian Christmas-bush + Spyridium parvifolium Australian Dusty Miller +

* Not indigenous.

Appendix D – Introduced Plant Inventory

The table below shows the abundance and severity of all species of introduced plants in the Mullum Mullum stage 3 Study Area, in a similar manner to Appendix C for indigenous species. The abundance of each species is indicated by the symbols in the second column as explained on page 152, and the severity is colour-coded as follows:

Currently becoming denser and/or more widespread, to the extent that the vegetation’s current value for indigenous flora or fauna is expected to suffer a very serious reduction within the next few years if new measures are not introduced to control this species. This excludes weeds that have already done such damage but are no longer actively and very seriously replacing the remaining indigenous flora and fauna

Seriously diminishing the vegetation’s value for habitat or protection of land and water by either causing active deterioration or preventing ecological recovery, or else likely to have such an effect within five years if preventative action is not taken.

Not as serious as above, but still causing (or likely to cause in future) significant diminution of the vegetation’s value for habitat or protection of land and water, either by causing active deterioration or preventing ecological recovery.

Not representing any significant threat for the foreseeable future, e.g. weeds that are expected not to spread beyond the edges of paths and tracks.

The severity indicated by the colour-coding is for the area where each species is at its most severe. No weed species is uniformly serious throughout the Study Area.

The severity of weed species is a primary consideration for ranking their priority for control, but it must be considered alongside other factors such as how tractable each species is to control and how much benefit can be achieved by quick intervention.

Abun- No. Scientific Name Common Name dance Lists

Moss Pseudoscleropodium purum Moss 9 5

Flowering Plants Acacia baileyana Cootamundra Wattle + 1 Acacia floribunda White-sallow Wattle + 3 Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia Sallow Wattle + 2 Acer negundo Box Elder 9 3 Agapanthus praecox subsp. orientalis Agapanthus 9 7 Agrostis capillaris s.l. Brown-top Bent 9 13 Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent + 2 Aira elegantissima Elegant Hair-grass + 1 Allium triquetrum Angled Onion M 23 Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel 9 14

June 2008 161 Abun- No. Scientific Name Common Name dance Lists Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass M 24 Araujia sericifera White Bladder-flower + 2 Arbutus unedo Irish Strawberry Tree + 1 Arctotheca calendula Cape Weed 9 4 Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper + 3 Aster subulatus Aster-weed 9 6 Atriplex prostrata Hastate Orache + 2 Avena barbata Bearded Oat + 1 Avena fatua Wild Oat + 1 Avena sativa Oat 9 2 Briza maxima Large Quaking-grass D 13 Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass M 9 Bromus diandrus Great Brome M 8 Bromus hordeaceus Soft Brome 9 3 Callitriche stagnalis Water Starwort 9 1 Calystegia silvatica Greater Bindweed 9 5 Calystegia hybrids Bindweed 9 1 Cardamine flexuosa Wood Bitter-cress + 1 Cardamine hirsuta Hairy Wood-cress 9 4 Catapodium rigidum Fern Grass + 1 Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury + 8 Centaurium tenuiflorum Branched Centaury + 1 Cerastium glomeratum Common Mouse-ear Chickweed 9 5 Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant + 1 Chrysanthemoides monilifera monilifera Boneseed + 3 Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle M 18 Cistus creticus Pink Rock-rose + 1 Coleonema pulchellum Pink Diosma + 1 Conium maculatum Hemlock M 6 Conyza ?bilbaoana Fleabane 9 1 Conyza sumatrensis Fleabane + 3 Cordyline australis New Zealand Cabbage Tree + 3 Cortaderia selloana Pampas Grass 9 2 Cotoneaster divaricatus Cotoneaster + 1 Cotoneaster glaucophyllus var. serotinus Cotoneaster 9 8 Cotoneaster pannosus Cotoneaster M 10 Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn 9 4 Crepis capillaris Smooth Hawksbeard + 5 Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora Montbretia 9 5 Cynodon dactylon Couch D 18 Cyperus eragrostis Drain Flat-sedge M 13 Cyperus tenellus Tiny Flat-sedge + 1 Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot M 27 Delairea odorata Cape Ivy + 1 ?Digitaria sanguinalis Summer-grass + 2 Echinochloa crus-galli Common Barnyard Grass + 2 Egeria densa Dense Waterweed 9 1 Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt-grass M 28 Ehrharta longiflora Annual Veldt-grass M 6 Erica lusitanica Spanish Heath 9 8 Erigeron karvinskianus Bony-tip Fleabane M 3 Eriobotrya japonica Loquat + 3 Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge + 4 Fallopia convolvulus Black Bindweed 9 2 Festuca arundinacea Tall Fescue M 4 Foeniculum vulgare Fennel + 2 Fraxinus angustifolia Desert Ash 9 13 Fumaria capreolata Ramping Fumitory M 7

June 2008 162 Abun- No. Scientific Name Common Name dance Lists Fumaria officinalis spp. agg. Fumitory M 11 Galium aparine Cleavers M 23 Gamochaeta purpurea Spiked Cudweed + 2 Genista linifolia Flax-leafed Broom 9 4 Genista monspessulana Montpellier Broom 9 12 Gladiolus undulatus Wild Gladiolus M 14 Grevillea hybrids and cultivars 9 6 Hakea laurina Pincushion Hakea + 1 Hakea salicifolia Willow-leaf Hakea 9 1 Hedera helix Ivy M 16 Helminthotheca echioides Ox-tongue 9 7 Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog M 16 Hypericum androsaemum Tutsan + 2 Hypericum perforatum St John’s Wort 9 2 Hypochoeris radicata Cat’s Ear M 27 Jasminum poylanthum Winter Jasmine + 2 Juncus articulatus Jointed Rush + 2 Juncus imbricatus Folded Rush 9 2 Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce + 1 Laurus nobilis Bay Laurel 9 1 Leontodon taraxacoides Hairy Hawkbit + 3 Ligustrum lucidum Large-leafed Privet 9 5 Ligustrum vulgare European Privet + 2 Linum trigynum French Flax + 2 Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass 9 4 Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle M 10 Lotus subbiflorus Hairy Bird’s-foot Trefoil 9 1 Malus pumila Domestic Apple + 2 Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic + 1 Modiola caroliniana Carolina Mallow + 2 Myosotis sylvatica Wood Forget-me-not 9 5 Nassella neesiana Chilean Spear-grass + 1 Nasturtium officinale Watercress M 2 Oxalis incarnata Pale Wood-sorrel M 16 Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob 9 6 Oxalis ?purpurea Large-flower Wood-sorrel + 1 Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum 9 11 Pelargonium × domesticum Garden Geranium 9 1 Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu M 11 Phalaris aquatica Toowoomba Canary-grass 9 9 Photinia sp. Photinia + 1 Phytolacca octandra Red-ink Weed + 1 Pinus radiata Monterey Pine D 13 Piptatherum miliaceum Rice Millet + 1 Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum M 16 Plantago coronopus Buck’s-horn Plantain + 3 Plantago lanceolata Ribwort M 23 Plantago major Greater Plantain + 5 Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass 9 3 Poa sp. a tussock-grass + 1 Poa trivialis Rough Meadow-grass 9 1 Polycarpon tetraphyllum Four-leafed Allseed + 1 Portulaca oleracea Common Purslane + 2 Prunella vulgaris Self-heal 9 7 Prunus cerasifera Cherry-plum D 19 Pyracantha crenulata Nepal Firethorn + 1 Quercus robur English Oak + 2 Ranunculus muricatus Sharp Buttercup + 1

June 2008 163 Abun- No. Scientific Name Common Name dance Lists Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup M 13 Raphanus raphanistrum Wild Radish 9 8 Rhaphiolepis indica Indian Hawthorn + 2 Romulea rosea Common Onion-grass M 10 Rosa rubiginosa Sweet Briar + 6 Rubus anglocandicans Blackberry M 33 Rumex conglomeratus Clustered Dock 9 5 Rumex crispus Curled Dock + 6 Rumex obtusifolius subsp. obtusifolius Broad-leaf Dock 9 3 Sagina procumbens Spreading Pearlwort + 2 Salix ?nigra Black Willow + 1 Salix × reichardtii Pussy Willow + 1 Salpichroa origanifolia Pampas Lily-of-the-Valley + 1 Senecio vulgaris Common Groundsel + 1 Solanum americanum Glossy Nightshade 9 7 Solanum mauritianum Tobacco-bush 9 8 Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade 9 9 Solanum pseudocapsicum Madeira Winter-cherry + 1 Soleirolia soleirolii Baby’s Tears + 1 Sollya heterophylla Bluebell Creeper 9 6 Sonchus asper Rough Sow-thistle 9 4 Sonchus oleraceus Sow-thistle 9 19 Sporobolus africanus Indian Rat-tail Grass 9 4 Stellaria media Chickweed + 2 Taraxacum officinale spp. agg. Garden Dandelion 9 15 Tradescantia fluminensis Wandering Jew M 19 Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify + 1 Trifolium dubium Suckling Clover + 2 Trifolium repens White Clover + 5 Trifolium subterraneum* Subterranean Clover + 1 Tropaeolum majus Nasturtium + 2 Ulex europaeus Gorse (Furze) 9 7 Verbena bonariensis Purple-top Verbena 9 3 Veronica persica Persian Speedwell 9 1 Viburnum tinus Laurustinus + 2 Vicia hirsuta Tiny Vetch 9 2 Vicia sativa Common Vetch 9 6 Vicia ?tetrasperma Slender Vetch + 1 Vinca major Blue Periwinkle M 10 Viola odorata Fragrant Violet 9 6 Vulpia bromoides Squirrel-tail Fescue 9 6 Watsonia meriana var. bulbillifera Bulbil Watsonia 9 5 Zantedeschia aethiopica White Arum Lily + 6

* Last recorded in 1989. Quite likely to have died out since.

June 2008 164 Appendix E – Fauna Inventory

The following lists include all reliable records of vertebrates and butterflies in the Mullum Mullum Stage 3 Study Area, either from this study’s fieldwork or from other sources checked in this study.

Taxonomy

Fauna species listed in the tables below are given the scientific and common names used in the Australian Faunal Directory of the Federal Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. The species in each list other than butterflies are ordered according to a systematic taxonomic sequence. The numbers in the columns headed ‘Code’ are the ‘biocodes’ used in the Census of Australian Vertebrate Species (CAVS), which are also used in the Australian Faunal Directory and the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife.

Observational Statistics

Several columns in the tables below are included to assist interpretation of how commonly and recently each species has been observed in or near the Study Area.

The column headed ‘Most recent’ indicates the year of the most recent observation, either in this study or in the records researched for this report.

‘# Observers’ indicates how many observers have reported each species in the Mullum Mullum valley. When a species has multiple records with no observer name recorded, these observations are treated as being from a single observer. ‘# Records’ indicates how many records of each species have been found (including this study).

Butterflies

No butterfly species in this table is listed as rare or threatened at the national or state level. Species listed as being recorded near the Study Area probably occur within the Study Area as well, at least occasionally.

Most # Obs- # Rec- Common Name Scientific Name Comments Recent ervers ords

Recorded inside the Study Area Australian Admiral Vanessa itea 2008 2 2 Australian Painted Lady Vanessa kershawi 2008 3 4 Bright Copper Paralucia aurifer 2008 3 6 Rare in the Melbourne region. *Cabbage White Pieris rapae rapae 2008 4 6 Introduced. Common Brown Heteronympha merope merope 2008 4 8 Common Grass-blue Zizina labradus labradus 2008 3 5

June 2008 165 Most # Obs- # Rec- Common Name Scientific Name Comments Recent ervers ords

Common Imperial Blue Jalmenus evagora 1989 1 1 Dingy Swallowtail Papillio anactus 2008 1 1 Reliant on exotic garden plants. Double-spotted Line-blue Nacaduba biocellata 1990 1 1 Probably occasionally present. Doubleday’s Skipper, Lilac Grass-skipper 2008 2 3 Toxidia doubledayi Eastern Ringed Xenica Geitoneura acantha 2008 2 4 Heath Ochre Trapezites phigalia 1989 1 1 Imperial White Delias harpalyce 1989 2 3 Klug’s Xenica Geitoneura klugii 1991 1 4 Meadow Argus Junonia villida calybe 2008 3 3 Montane Ochre Trapezites phigalioides 1989 2 3 Splendid Ochre, Symmomus Skipper 1989 1 2 Trapezites symmomus soma Spotted Skipper, Spotted Sedge-skipper 2008 2 3 Hesperilla ornata ornata White-banded Grass-dart 1989 1 1 Taractrocera papyria papyria Yellow-banded Dart, Greenish Grass-dart 2008 3 6 Reliant on exotic garden plants. Ocybadistes walkeri sothis

Recorded near the Study Area Caper White Belenois java teutonia 1989 1 1 Vagrant. Common or Varied Dusky-blue 1989 1 2 Candalides hyacinthina Orange Ochre Trapezites eliena 1989 1 1 Rare in the Melbourne region. Shouldered Brown Heteronympha penelope 1990 1 1 Probably occasionally present.

Fishes

Species whose names are underlined below must migrate between freshwater and the sea as part of their lifecycle.

Most # Obs- # Rec- Code Common Name Scientific Name Comments Recent ervers ords

4032 Broadfin Galaxias Galaxias brevipinnis 2000 1 4 Regionally rare. 4035 Common Galaxias Galaxias maculatus 2008 2 29 Regionally uncommon. 4038 Spotted Galaxias Galaxias truttaceus 1999 1 2 Regionally rare. 4043 *Goldfish Carassius auratus 2000 1 1 4044 *Carp Cyprinus carpio 2008 2 3 Serious pest. 4046 *Roach Rutilus rutilus 2000 1 19 Pest. 4165 Flatheaded Gudgeon 2000 1 1 Regionally uncommon. Philypnodon grandiceps 4015 Shortfin Eel Anguilla australis 2008 3 38 4028 *Brown Trout Salmo trutta 2000 1 13 Pest.

June 2008 166 Most # Obs- # Rec- Code Common Name Scientific Name Comments Recent ervers ords

4048 *Oriental Weatherloach 2000 2 45 Pest. Misgurnus anguillicaudatus 4069 *Mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki 2000 1 4 Serious pest.

Frogs

Records of Bibron's Toadlet up to 1980 from what is now the northern portal of the EastLink tunnels is believed to have been a misidentification of Southern Toadlet. After that site was destroyed, Dr Lorimer found a colony of Southern Toadlets a few hundred metres away (identity confirmed visually).

All frog species below are indigenous.

Most # Obs- # Rec- Code Common Name Scientific Name Comments Recent ervers ords

Recorded inside the Study Area 3134 Common Froglet Crinia signifera 2007 14 25 Southern Bullfrog or Pobblebonk 3058 2008 4 5 Limnodynastes dumerilii 3182 Southern Brown Tree Frog Litoria ewingii 2008 7 19 3906 Verreaux’s Tree Frog Litoria verreauxii verreauxii 2007 4 5

Recorded near the Study Area; May appear within the Study Area in future 3061 Striped Marsh Frog Limnodynastes peronii 1992 1 3 Uncommon in Melbourne. 3063 Spotted Marsh Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis 1997 5 5 3125 Southern Toadlet Pseudophryne semimarmorata 2008 6 6 Vulnerable in Victoria. 3204 Peron’s Tree Frog Litoria peronii 1994 1 1 Uncommon in Melbourne.

Reptiles

All reptile species below are indigenous.

Most # Obs- # Rec- Code Common Name Scientific Name Comments Recent ervers ords

Recorded inside the Study Area Common Long-necked Tortoise 2017 2007 3 7 Chelodina longicollis 2450 Delicate Skink Lampropholis delicata 1992 3 10 2451 Garden Skink Lampropholis guichenoti 1999 8 31 2452 Weasel Skink Saproscincus mustelinus 2007 6 13 Uncommon in Melbourne. 2578 Blotched Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua nigrolutea 2007 4 11 2681 Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus 2000 7 9

June 2008 167 Most # Obs- # Rec- Code Common Name Scientific Name Comments Recent ervers ords

Recorded near the Study Area; May appear within the Study Area in future 2194 Tree Dragon Amphibolurus muricatus 1996 3 4 Southern Water Skink 2956 1992 2 2 Eulamprus tympanum tympanum 2580 Common Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua scincoides 1993 6 12 2973 Lowland Copperhead Austrelaps superbus 1989 3 4 2665 White-lipped Snake Drysdalia coronoides 1995 3 7 Uncommon in Melbourne. 2699 Eastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja textilis 2007 4 5 Eastern Small-eyed Snake 2650 1996 1 1 Rare in Melbourne. Rhinoplocephalus nigrescens

Mammals

Most # Obs- # Rec- Code Common Name Scientific Name Comments Recent ervers ords

Recorded inside the Study Area 1162 Koala Phascolarctos cinereus 2008 15 21 Uncommon in Melbourne. 1113 Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula 2008 14 34 1138 Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps 2007 9 12 Common Ringtail Possum 1129 2008 17 64 Pseudocheirus peregrinus 1265 Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus 2007 7 9 Uncommon in Melbourne. 1242 Black Wallaby Wallabia bicolor 2007 6 6 1324 White-striped Freetail Bat Nyctinomus australis 2007 5 12 1408 *Black Rat Rattus rattus 1993 6 13 Pest. 1532 *Red Fox Canis vulpes 2008 18 52 Serious pest. 1510 *European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 2007 10 22 Serious pest.

Recorded near the Study Area; Suspected to also be present within the Study Area 1003 Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus 1996 6 6 1280 Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus 2007 2 2 1349 Gould’s Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii 1992 2 2 Uncommon in Melbourne. 1351 Chocolate Wattled Bat Chalinolobus morio 1989 2 2 1335 Lesser Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi 1992 3 6 1334 Gould’s Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus gouldi 1989 1 1 Rare in Melbourne. 1341 Common Bent-wing Bat Miniopterus schreibersii 2007 2 2 Adjacent to Study Area 1381 Large Forest Bat Vespadelus darlingtoni 1992 2 3 1378 Southern Forest Bat Vespadelus regulus 1989 1 1 1379 Little Forest Bat Vespadelus vulturnus 1992 2 4 1415 Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster 1999 1 1 1412 *House Mouse Mus musculus 1992 5 9 Serious pest. 1409 *Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus 1989 1 1 Rest.

June 2008 168 Most # Obs- # Rec- Code Common Name Scientific Name Comments Recent ervers ords

Recorded near the Study Area; May appear within the Study Area in future 1001 Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus 2002 4 42

Birds

In addition to the columns that appear for the other fauna groups, the bird list below has a column headed ‘# Breeding Records’ that indicates the number of records of breeding by each species. This provides a guide to the species’ resident status and extent of reliance upon habitat in the area. Note that in the second part of the list, which is for birds recorded in other parts of the valley than the Study Area, none of them has been reported breeding.

In the column headed ‘Comments’, the description ‘vagrant’ refers to species that are very rarely present and quickly move on, not finding suitable habitat in the area. ‘Occasional visitor’ refers to species that occur in the area for more than just a day or two at a time, but are not expected to visit every year – making opportunistic (not regular) use of habitat in the area.

Species whose names have bold type are on the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s advisory list of threatened wildlife of Victoria (DSE 2007).

Birds recorded inside the Study Area

# Breed- Most # Obs- # Rec- Code Common Name Scientific Name ing Comments Recent ervers ords Records

202 Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata 2007 10 41 8 208 Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa 2007 14 70 9 211 Grey Teal Anas gracilis 2007 1 3 0 210 Chestnut Teal Anas castanea 2007 1 7 0 61 Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae 1990 2 3 0 Little Pied Cormorant 100 2007 5 8 0 Phalacrocorax melanoleucos 99 Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius 2007 1 1 0 Vagrant. 96 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 2000 6 12 0 Occasional visitor. 188 White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae 2000 10 19 2 189 White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica 1987 4 4 0 Occasional visitor. 187 Great Egret Ardea alba 1992 3 5 0 Vagrant. 179 Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca 2007 7 11 0 180 Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis 2007 5 9 0 230 Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura 1987 1 1 0 Vagrant 221 Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus 2008 10 21 1 220 Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae 2007 1 1 0 Occasional visitor.

June 2008 169 Birds recorded inside the Study Area

# Breed- Most # Obs- # Rec- Code Common Name Scientific Name ing Comments Recent ervers ords Records

224 Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax 2008 8 9 0 Uncommon in Melbourne. Resident; 225 Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides 2007 2 2 0 Uncommon in Melbourne. 239 Brown Falcon Falco berigora 2007 6 6 0 235 Australian Hobby Falco longipennis 1990 8 11 1 Occasional visitor. 237 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 2007 5 8 0 Uncommon in Melbourne. 46 Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis 2008 2 2 1 Occasional visitor. 56 Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa 2007 7 15 0 Visited regularly until 14 Painted Button-quail Turnix varia 2004 3 4 1 recent years, rare since. 133 Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles 2007 8 11 0 957 *Rock Dove Columba livia 2006 10 31 0 989 *Spotted Turtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis 2007 19 110 9 34 Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera 2007 11 44 2 43 Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 2007 1 1 0 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo 267 2007 10 23 0 Calyptorhynchus funereus 268 Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum 2007 8 11 0 273 Galah Cacatua roseicapilla 2007 15 90 7 272 Long-billed Corella Cacatua tenuirostris 2007 4 20 3 271 Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea 2007 1 7 1 269 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita 2007 18 107 3 254 Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus 2007 18 160 12 Scaly-breasted Lorikeet 256 ~2006 6 9 0 Aviary escapees; rare. Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus 258 Musk Lorikeet Glossopsitta concinna 2007 6 30 0 281 Australian King-Parrot Alisterus scapularis 2007 8 22 0 Uncommon in Melbourne. 282 Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans 2007 11 51 0 288 Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius 2007 23 143 8 309 Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor 2002 1 1 0 Vagrant. 337 Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus 1999 7 9 0 Strangely uncommon. 338 Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis 2000 10 31 4 Regular visitor. 344 Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus 2007 9 29 2 248 Powerful Owl Ninox strenua 2007 6 15 0 Resident 242 Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae 2007 10 16 1 313 Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides 2007 13 33 10 317 Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus 2007 7 12 0 334 White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus 1988 7 9 0 Occasional visitor. 322 Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae 2008 20 110 10 Common in the 1990s, 326 acred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus 1992 6 17 7 rare since. White-throated Treecreeper 558 2007 11 26 1 Cormobates leucophaeus 529 Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus 2007 16 89 6 565 Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus 2007 19 118 13

June 2008 170 Birds recorded inside the Study Area

# Breed- Most # Obs- # Rec- Code Common Name Scientific Name ing Comments Recent ervers ords Records

976 Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus 2007 13 38 2 488 White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis 2007 15 87 10 465 Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris 2007 10 45 4 463 Western Gerygone Gerygone fusca 1987 2 2 0 Vagrant. 475 Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla 2007 17 115 5 471 Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana 1997 6 14 1 470 Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata 2007 15 60 4 638 Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata 2007 23 186 16 633 Bell Miner Manorina melanophrys 2007 19 94 8 634 Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala 2007 17 99 5 605 Lewin’s Honeyeater Meliphaga lewinii 1987 1 2 0 Vagrant. 614 Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops 2007 12 29 0 617 White-eared HoneyeaterLichenostomus leucotis 2007 8 17 0 White-plumed Honeyeater Common until the 1990s, 625 2001 14 41 2 Lichenostomus penicillatus much scarcer since. 578 White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus 2007 11 40 4 New Holland Honeyeater 631 2007 6 11 2 Phylidonyris novaehollandiae 591 Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris 2007 14 62 5 586 Scarlet Honeyeater Myzomela sanguinolenta 1987 3 3 0 Vagrant Common until the 1990s, 380 Scarlet Robin Petroica multicolor 1997 10 12 0 now locally rare. 384 Rose Robin Petroica rosea 1996 9 10 0 Occasional visitor. 392 Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis 2007 15 82 12 549 Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera 2000 11 15 2 416 Crested Shrike-tit Falcunculus frontatus 2007 10 21 1 398 Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis 2007 14 53 3 401 Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 2007 11 45 5 408 Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica 2007 19 81 6 365 Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula 2007 4 4 0 Uncommon in Melbourne. 366 Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca 1992 5 7 0 Occasional visitor. 369 Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta 1996 5 8 0 Occasional visitor. 415 Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca 2007 20 105 8 362 Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons 1992 5 6 0 361 Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa 2007 19 106 5 364 Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 2007 12 43 6 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 424 2008 15 71 5 Coracina novaehollandiae 671 Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus 2007 10 51 7 Common until the 1990s, 547 Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus 2004 11 21 6 much scarcer since. 702 Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus 2007 19 143 5 705 Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 2007 19 160 14 694 Pied Currawong Strepera graculina 2007 17 89 1 697 Grey Currawong Strepera versicolor 2007 18 69 11

June 2008 171 Birds recorded inside the Study Area

# Breed- Most # Obs- # Rec- Code Common Name Scientific Name ing Comments Recent ervers ords Records

930 Australian Raven Corvus coronoides 2000 5 17 0 954 Little Raven Corvus mellori 2007 15 82 7 693 White-winged Chough Corcorax melanorhamphos 2000 7 8 3 Uncommon in Melbourne. 995 *House Sparrow Passer domesticus 2001 10 33 1 662 Red-browed Finch Neochmia temporalis 2007 15 56 12 996 *European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis 2000 8 22 0 564 Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum 2007 10 30 0 357 Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena 2007 13 63 6 574 Silvereye Zosterops lateralis 2007 20 86 4 779 Bassian Thrush Zoothera lunulata 1996 6 7 2 Uncommon in Melbourne. 991 *Common Blackbird Turdus merula 2007 18 160 15 Pest 992 *Song Thrush Turdus philomelos 2000 10 20 4 Uncommon in Melbourne. 999 *Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 2007 16 61 4 Pest 998 *Common Myna Acridotheres tristis 2007 19 126 4 Pest

Birds recorded elsewhere in the valley that might appear inside the Study Area (cont.)

# Breed- Most # Obs- # Rec- Code Common Name Scientific Name ing Comments Recent ervers ords Records

9 Stubble Quail Coturnix pectoralis 1989 2 4 0 Vagrant. 216 Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis 1990 1 1 0 Vagrant. 217 Musk Duck Biziura lobata 1990 1 1 0 Vagrant. 207 Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides 1997 1 1 0 Occasional visitor. 948 *Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 1999 2 2 0 Pest 97 Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris 2007 1 1 0 Occasional visitor. 977 Cattle Egret Ardea ibis 1980 1 1 0 Occasional visitor. 192 Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus 1996 4 4 0 Occasional visitor. 182 Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes 1980 1 1 0 Occasional visitor. 232 Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris 1990 4 4 0 Occasional visitor. 228 Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus 1980 2 2 0 Vagrant. 219 Swamp Harrier Circus approximans 1980 1 1 0 Vagrant. 222 Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrhocephalus 2007 3 4 0 Occasional visitor. 240 Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides 1991 3 4 0 Occasional visitor. 58 Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio 1990 1 2 0 Occasional visitor. 59 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 1993 2 4 0 Occasional visitor. 168 Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii 1980 1 1 0 Occasional visitor. 162 Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis 1990 1 1 0 Vagrant. 144 Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops 1990 1 1 0 Occasional visitor. 125 Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae 1988 3 3 0 Occasional visitor. 35 Brush Bronzewing Phaps elegans 1980 2 2 0 Vagrant. 260 Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla 2007 4 4 0 Uncommon in Melbourne. Purple-crowned Lorikeet 259 2008 2 2 0 Vagrant. Glossopsitta porphyrocephala

June 2008 172 Birds recorded elsewhere in the valley that might appear inside the Study Area (cont.)

# Breed- Most # Obs- # Rec- Code Common Name Scientific Name ing Comments Recent ervers ords Records

294 Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius zonarius 1980 1 1 0 Probable aviary escapee. 295 Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus 1999 5 10 0 Occasional visitor. 306 Blue-winged Parrot Neophema chrysostoma 2007 2 2 0 Occasional visitor. 339 Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus 1977 1 1 0 Vagrant. 342 Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis 1999 3 5 0 335 Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus 1984 2 2 0 Occasional visitor. 318 Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis 1980 1 1 0 Vagrant. 560 Red-browed Treecreeper Climacteris erythrops 1980 2 2 0 Vagrant. 504 Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittata 1990 1 1 0 Vagrant. 453 White-throated Gerygone Gerygone olivacea 1989 1 1 0 Occasional visitor. 484 Buff-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza reguloides 1996 5 5 0 Occasional visitor. 486 Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa 1997 6 9 0 Occasional visitor. 637 Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera 2001 1 14 0 603 Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia 1996 1 1 0 Vagrant. Brown-headed Honeyeater 583 2007 2 2 0 Occasional visitor. Melithreptus brevirostris 377 Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans 1977 1 1 0 Vagrant. 381 Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii 1980 1 2 0 Vagrant. 382 Flame Robin Petroica phoenicea 1993 3 3 0 Occasional visitor. 383 Pink Robin Petroica rodinogaster 1990 3 3 0 Occasional visitor. 421 Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus 2007 4 4 0 Occasional visitor. 405 Olive Whistler Pachycephala olivacea 1980 1 1 0 Occasional visitor. 673 Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus 1977 1 1 0 Vagrant. 430 White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii 1990 1 1 0 Vagrant. 997 *European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 2000 6 7 0 Occasional visitor. 359 Tree Martin Hirundo nigricans 2008 2 3 0 Occasional visitor. 522 Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus 1988 1 1 0 Vagrant. 509 Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi 2007 2 3 0 Vagrant. 525 Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis 1991 2 2 0 Occasional visitor.

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