ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE EIGHT – SEPTEMBER 2020

PRESIDENT’S NOTE INSIDE Events Our new recruits PAGE 2 T’S BEEN all systems go for our events over the Improving our understanding past few months. Our pre-COVID event plans were of threatened flora and all put on hold and we’ve instead had to rethink fauna habitats I and detection PAGES 3-8 everything, learn quickly and move online. We’ve had some good success with our online The Victorian events to date, the highlights being a briefing on Biodiversity Atlas PAGES 9-11 the Melbourne Strategic Assessment (Environment The MSA PAGES 12-14 Mitigation Levy) Act, 2020 by Warrick McGrath How has COVID-19 affected the from DELWP; an update on the Native Vegetation ecological consulting industry and Removal Regulations by Penny Croucamp from what have we learnt? PAGES 15-16 DELWP; and our Victorian Biodiversity Atlas training Fauna and flora series, produced by Mel Hardie and Bev Yen also taxonomic updates PAGES 17-18 from DELWP. Legislation and policy Submissions and survey standards for consultants PAGES 19-21 We also made our submission to the EPBC Act, New and forthcoming 1999 review, compiled a submission into the books PAGES 22-25 Parliament of Victoria’s Inquiry into ecosystem decline in Victoria, and progressed our first survey Contact us [email protected] standard project on Pseudophryne toadlets.

Brown Toadlet, Pseudophryne bibronii. © Matt Clancy

1 PRESIDENT’S NOTE Thanks to new volunteers To help us progress these tasks we sought to recruit a number of volunteers, and I’m very happy and thankful that we had a great response! We’ve also had some terrific help with the government inquiries for the EPBC Act Review Discussion Paper, EPBC Act Review Interim Report and Inquiry into Ecosystem Decline in Victoria. I’d like to extend a big thank you to the teams Dendy’s that have helped me Toadlet, pull the submissions and how to use the Pseudophryne together – Cameron Victorian Biodiversity endyi. Miller, Andrea Fullagar, Atlas. We also have © Matt Clancy Sera Cutler, Leila Brook, Matt Dell, Yasmin information about Kelsall, Andrea Canzano and Mel Birtchnell. how our industry has responded to COVID-19 based on results from the This newsletter surveys we sent out in June and a piece on the This edition of Transects has taken an early Melbourne Strategic Assessment (Environment career focus, but contains articles that should still Mitigation Levy) Act, 2020. Of course, regular be applicable to all levels of knowledge either as features include the taxonomic updates and the latest a refresher, an all in one summary or something book releases too. to share with a colleague. Articles include an We hope you stay healthy, both physically introduction to biodiversity legislation, habitat and mentally. requirements for you should know about, Fiona Sutton

Our new recruits – thankyou and welcome! E HAD a recruitment drive over the past Administration and Communications few months to help us deliver our events Manager – Katie Stevenson Wand newsletters, as well as to help run Finance Officer – Prima Emery the back of house parts of the organisation. We Events Subcommittee – Yasmin Kelsall, Rose were very lucky to have a great response and Baulch, Mark Vergara, Ryan MacManus, Daniel Lim we welcome each and every one of them! Newsletter Subcommittee As well as our new volunteers we’re also really and contributors – Yasmin Kelsall, Mike pleased to welcome our new paid administration Timms, Sally Waller, Chris Dunk, Danelle and communications manager, Katie Stevenson. Scicluna, Jessie Moyses, Sally Waller, Katie will help to support the committee and David De Angelis and Leigh Kett our subcommittees, aiming to ensure that Early Career Representatives – we’re able to deliver more for our members. Imogen Merlo and Lachlan McLennan An introduction to the whole ECA Vic Social media and website support – team now is as follows: Jonathan Brière, Josh Driver, Kait The ECA Vic committee comprises Fiona Sutton Gouge, James Garden (President), Jake Urlus (Vice President), Kait Gouge Without our volunteers, ECA Vic would not (Secretary), Katherine Smedley (Treasurer), James exist. We have a few vacancies come up on our Garden, Nic McCaffrey and Michelle Savona. committee and additional volunteer opportunities We’re very grateful for the help and too. If you’d like to know more, please don’t support of the following people: hesitate to get in contact [email protected].

2 ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 Improving our understanding of threatened flora and fauna habitats and detection David De Angelis and Mike Timms OR an ecological consultant, increasing your there are quantitative studies lending support to it familiarity with the habitats or appropriate for some threatened species, and case studies that survey techniques for threatened species at least demonstrate the ability of other species to has the potential to result in improved persist in or recolonise a wider range of habitat types Fconservation outcomes, even though they might or conditions than was previously thought. often seem slight or to be heavily influenced by For example, while the nationally threatened other factors such as policy directives. Of course, Striped Legless Delma impar is known to it can also help to further your own professional occupy relatively undisturbed native grasslands development and career path, particularly for a dominated by tussocks such as Kangaroo Grass graduate or early career consultant. Themeda triandra and spear-grass Austrostipa spp. Our understanding of what constitutes potentially (Williams and Kukolic 1991; Osborne et. al. 1993), it suitable habitat for rare and threatened flora and is also able to persist in secondary grasslands and fauna is constantly evolving. Biases or assumptions areas dominated by perennial introduced grasses placing more emphasis on the floristic composition such as Serrated Tussock Nassella trichotoma and or ‘nativeness’ of habitat rather than its disturbance Chilean Needle-grass N. neesiana (e.g. O’Shea history or structural integrity have previously, and in 1996; O’Shea 2005), and past management is likely some cases continue to, result in poor conservation to play a greater role in predicting occupancy than and planning decisions being made. floristics (Dorrough and Ash 1999).

Figure 1a. Low-lying site dominated by introduced grasses where Swamp were found. Photo: David De Angelis. More subtle factors like regular mowing, intensive Similarly, the state-listed Swamp Lissolepis fire or grazing regimes, and historic ploughing can coventryi is known from relatively undisturbed sites have a greater influence on the ability of populations with largely indigenous plant cover (e.g. Clemann to persist than floristic composition or quality per se. and Beardsell 1999; Homan 2006), but can also As a result, some species are being increasingly occur in areas dominated by exotic vegetation (e.g. recognised from habitats that might otherwise be Homan 2006; Clemann 2015). Figure 1a shows perceived as being too highly disturbed, polluted or a site on the Mornington Peninsula dominated weedy. by introduced Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum While it isn’t hard to overstate or cherry-pick from odoratum where Swamp Skinks were found under the literature to support an argument such as this, artificial shelters (roof tiles) and caught in Elliott traps.

ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 3 Figure 1b. Seasonal dominated by native sedges where no Swamp Skinks were found after a similar survey effort to the site in Figure 1a. Photo: David De Angelis.

By contrast, Figure 1b shows a sedge wetland with populations more likely to persist linked to the former site by contiguous vegetation in breeding habitats with elevated where no Swamp Skinks were found after a similar temperatures and salinity, as these have negative effort of approximately 580 trap days, suggesting that effects on the probability and intensity of infection occupancy at these sites is likely to be influenced by the amphibian chytrid fungus (Heard et al. by factors other than the origin of dominant flora 2014). Strangely, this can mean that more exposed, species. This situation was reversed at other sites warm and highly saline waterbodies have a greater surveyed at the same time though. likelihood of supporting the Growling Grass Frog Perhaps the most extreme example of a local than waterbodies that are fresher or support denser, threatened fauna species not only occupying but shading vegetation. with the potential to thrive in introduced habitat is the Just as for considerations of habitat suitability, nationally-listed Golden Sun plana. survey methodology and effort also influence the It not only seems capable of persisting in areas likelihood of detecting threatened species. In recent dominated by the introduced Chilean Needle-grass, years, techniques have been developed or enhanced but in Canberra its underground larvae have been to improve the detection of some of the species found to grow larger when feeding on it (Richter targeted by consultants in greater Melbourne. et al. 2013). This poses a significant challenge for However, in several cases, further research or land managers and consultants working within the analysis is needed to quantify and compare their species’ range, with some large populations known efficacy. to have declined as a result of spraying out Chilean Such is the case with surveying for the Swamp Needle-grass (Richter et al. 2013). Skink. While Elliott trapping has previously been Several threatened flora species are also capable the main technique recommended to survey for the of persisting in areas that have been disturbed or species (e.g. DSE 2010), it has since been found are otherwise largely dominated by exotic plants. to be less reliable than using remote cameras or For example, although competition or smothering artificial shelters (roof tiles) at some sites (Humphrey by weeds can pose a threat to the nationally-listed et al. 2017). However, the relative reliability of these Matted Flax-lily Dianella amoena, almost all of the techniques may differ between sites and surveys sites where it occurs have a high cover of introduced (Urlus et al. 2018). vegetation including pasture grasses (Carter While there have been refinements to techniques 2010). The Fragrant Saltbush Rhagodia parabolica that can be used to survey for some federally listed (considered rare in Victoria), is another example of a species, minimum requirements for most are still species that is not only relatively robust and capable informed by EPBC Act referral and survey guidelines. of competing with many weeds, but is often planted In some cases, however, there is room for improving in northern and western Melbourne, leading to some survey methods beyond the scope of the guidelines uncertainty about its natural occurrence and potential while still conforming to their requirements. impacts for indigenous flora and fauna in some areas Roof tiles are commonly used as artificial shelters (Marshall 2015). to survey for the Striped Legless Lizard, being the Other factors influencing the persistence of preferred method recommended in the federal threatened species can be more subtle than referral guidelines for the species (DSEWPC 2011). habitat structure, but with results that are just as However, double waved or grooved concrete tiles consequential. The nationally threatened Growling seem to result in higher rates of detection than using Grass Frog Litoria raniformis is one such example, terracotta or ceramic ones (M. O’Shea unpub. data),

4 ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 although it is unknown if this is due to differences longer unburnt grasslands smothering them and in their thermal or insulative properties and/or as making visual detection difficult, and the usually concrete tiles are slightly larger. vigorous regeneration of Spiny Rice-flowers after More broadly, remote cameras are increasingly burning (Mueck 2000) (Figure 3). Burning in late being used for survey, but can miss spring avoids the time plants are actively detections if the passing by them are growing or dropping seed and will a similar temperature to the surroundings. The allow sufficient time for regrowth Camera Overhead Augmented Temperature (COAT) leading into winter, but early technique largely overcomes this issue, with the autumn is also acceptable cameras typically attached to a post facing down over (Reynolds et al. 2017), and a cork tile with a drift fence to either side (Welbourne will avoid the breeding et al. 2015). The use of a cork background has been season for the Striped found to provide better thermal contrast with reptiles Legless Lizard (Kutt moving over them than natural substrates and some 1992). other materials, therefore triggering the camera’s Figure 3. A Spiny passive infrared detector (Welbourne 2014). Rice-flower A slightly different technique using cameras re-emerging after focussed on artificial burrows was successful at a burn was detecting the Morano Grassland Earless Dragon undertaken to Tympanocryptis osbornei (McGrath et al. 2012), and enhance the species’ configurations similar to the COAT method have been regeneration and make used to survey for the Victorian Grassland Earless detection easier. Dragon T. pinguicolla without luck (Banks et al. 2017; Photo: Sandra Mijatovic. De Angelis 2018) (Figure 2), although it is possible The habitat and survey this species may now be extinct in the state (Melville requirements for most threatened et al. 2019). flora and fauna species found in the greater Melbourne area are too many and varied to mention here, but a list of species often encountered or surveyed for is provided in Table 1. This list is not comprehensive though, and there are many more highly localised or less often encountered species that we should familiarise ourselves with as consultants. While some of us move away from the place where we studied or initially worked, many of the factors likely to influence the occurrence and detection of threatened flora and fauna in Victoria also apply to species found across other regions and jurisdictions. Likewise, resources relating to national assessments of threatened species occurrence like the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act ‘Protected Matters Search Tool’ apply across all states and territories, and some of the methods used to survey for particular species or groups will be applicable over most areas where consultants are working. Unfamiliarity with habitats or the most effective survey techniques for threatened species have evidently led to oversights and lapses in standards, Figure 2. Remote cameras facing down over cork especially where subjective and often rapid tiles and with sections of drift fence between assessments of habitat suitability or likelihood of them, used to survey for the Grassland Earless occurrence need to be made (Clemann 2015). Dragon and other reptiles. Furthermore, being able to identify when expert Photo: David De Angelis. advice or application of the precautionary principle The Spiny Rice-flower Pimelea spinescens ssp. might be needed is just as, if not more, important. spinescens presents an unusual but not unique Greater awareness of these issues will hopefully not challenge, in that surveying for it is often easier after only help to further the professional development fire, with a greater number of plants usually being of ecological consultants, but lead to improved detected. This is often due to thick grass cover in conservation outcomes.

ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 5 Improving our understanding of threatened flora and fauna habitats and detection Table 1. Some rare and threatened flora and fauna species frequently surveyed for by consultants or otherwise encountered in the greater Melbourne area

Vic FFG EPBC Common name Scientific name Adv FLORA Dandenong Range Cinnamon r P Acacia stictophylla Wattle River Swamp Wallaby-grass Amphibromus fluitans VU Veined Spear-grass Austrostipa rudis ssp. australis r P Velvet Apple-berry Billardieria scandens s.s. r P Wine-lipped Spider-orchid Caladenia oenochila vu P Mountain Bird-orchid Chiloglottis jeanesii r P Pale Swamp Everlasting Coronidium gunnianum vu P Small Scurf-pea Cullen parvum en L Tough Scurf-pea Cullen tenax en L Matted Flax-lily Dianella amoena en L EN Pale Flax-lily Dianella logifolia var. grandis vu P Small Golden Diuris basaltica en L EN Green Scentbark Eucalyptus fulgens r P Yarra Gum Eucalyptus yarraensis r P Melbourne Yellow-gum Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. connata vu P Studley Park Gum Eucalyptus X studleyensis en P Austral Crane’s-bill Geranium solanderi var. solanderi s.s. vu P Large-flower Crane’s-bill Geranium sp. 1 en L Pale-flower Crane’s-bill Geranium sp. 3 r P Western Golden-tip Goodia medicaginea r P Grevillea rosmarinifolia ssp. r P Rosemary Grevillea rosmarinifolia Clover Glycine Glycine latrobeana vu L VU Austral Tobacco Nicotiana suaveolens r P Spiny Rice-flower Pimelea spinescens en L CR Cobra Greenhood Pterostylis grandiflora r P Fragrant Saltbush Rhagodia parabolica r P Large-fruit Fireweed Senecio macrocarpus en L VU Rye Beetle-grass Tripogonella loliiformis r P FAUNA Birds Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae vu L Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta vu L Plumed Egret Ardea intermedia plumifera en L Hardhead Athya australis vu P Barking Owl Ninox connivens en L Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus en L EN Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla vu L

6 ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 Vic FFG EPBC Common name Scientific name Adv Little Egret Egretta garzetta en L White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster vu L White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus vu L VU Australian Little Bittern Ixobrychus dubius en L Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor en L CR Lewin’s Rail Lewinia pectoralis vu L Powerful Owl Ninox strenua vu L Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis en L Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus cr L CR Speckled Warbler Pyrrholaemus sagittatus vu L Australasian Shoveler Spatula rhynchotis vu P Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa vu L Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa vu L Mammals Southern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon obesulus nt L EN Greater Glider Petauroides volans vu L VU Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa vu L Grey-headed Flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus vu L VU Reptiles Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar en L VU Swamp Skink Lissolepis coventryi vu L Tussock Skink pagenstecheri vu P Glossy Grass Skink Pseudemoia rawlinsoni vu P Grassland Earless Dragon Tympanocryptis pinguicolla cr L EN Lace Monitor Varanus varius en P Amphibians Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis en L VU Southern Toadlet Pseudophryne semimarmorata vu P Fish Eastern Dwarf Galaxias Galaxiella pusilla en L VU Invertebrates Dandenong Freshwater Amphipod Austrogammarus australis en L Tubercle Burrowing Crayfish Engaeus tuberculatus en P Dandenong Burrowing Crayfish Engaeus urostrictus cr L Foothill Burrowing Crayfish Engaeus victoriensis en P Yellow Sedge (Altona)-skipper vu L Butterfly Hesperilla flavescens ssp. flavescens Eltham Copper Butterfly Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida en L EN Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana cr L CR

Vic Adv = Advisory list of threated vertebrate fauna in Victoria (DSE 2013), Advisory list of rare of threatened plants in Victoria (DEPI 2014), and Advisory list of threatened invertebrate fauna in Victoria (DSE 2009): r = Rare, vu = Vulnerable, en = Endangered, cr = Critically Endangered. FFG = Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988: L = Listed as a threatened species, P = Listing pending review of the Act. EPBC = Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999: VU = Vulnerable, EN = Endangered, CR = Critically Endangered.

ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 7 Improving our understanding of threatened flora and fauna habitats and detection References of south-eastern . Pp. 151‒158. CSIRO, Melbourne. Banks, C. B., Robertson, P., Magrath, M. J. L. and Harley. D. (2017). Searching for the Grassland Earless McGrath, T., Hunter, D. Osborne, W. and Sarre, S. D. Dragon Tympanocryptis pinguicolla in western (2012). A trial use of camera traps detects the highly Victoria. The Victorian Naturalist 134: 187‒198. cryptic and endangered Grassland Earless Dragon Tympanocryptis pinguicolla (Reptilia: Agamidae) Carter, O. (2010). National Recovery Plan for the on the Monaro Tablelands of New South Wales, Matted Flax-lily Dianella amoena. Department of Australia. Herpetological Review 43: 249–252. Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne. Melville, J., Chaplin, K., Hutchinson, M., Sumner, J., Clemann, N. (2015). Cold-blooded indifference: a case Gruber, B., MacDonald, A. J. and Sarre, S. D. (2019). study of the worsening status of threatened reptiles and conservation of grassland earless from Victoria, Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology dragons: new species and an assessment of the first 21: 15‒26. possible extinction of a reptile on mainland Australia. Clemann, N. and Beardsell, C. (1999). A new inland record Royal Society Open Science 6: 190233. http://dx.doi. of the Swamp Skink Egernia coventryi Storr, 1978. org/10.1098/rsos.190233 The Victorian Naturalist 116: 127‒128. Mueck, S. (2000). Translocation of Plains Rice-flower De Angelis, D. (2018). Mouyong Road Reserve, Little (Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens), Laverton, River: Fauna survey results. Report prepared for Victoria. Ecological Management and Restoration 1: Wyndham City Council by Abzeco Pty Ltd., Eltham, 111–116. Victoria. Osborne, W. S., Kukolic, K. and Williams, K. D. (1993). DEPI (2014). Advisory list of rare or threatened plants in Conservation of reptiles in lowland native grasslands Victoria. Victorian Department of Environment and in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales and Primary Industries, Melbourne. the Australian Capital Territory. In: D. Lunney and Dorrough, J. and Ash, J. E. (1999). Using past and D. Ayers (eds), Herpetology in Australia: a diverse present habitat to predict the current distribution discipline. Pp. 151‒158. Surrey Beatty and Sons, and abundance of a rare cryptic lizard, Delma impar Sydney. (Pygopodidae). Australian Journal of Ecology 24: O’Shea, M. B. (1996). An ecological study of the population 614‒624. of striped legless Delma impar (Fischer 1882) DSE (2009). Advisory list of threatened invertebrate fauna inhabiting native and exotic Grasslands in the North- in Victoria. Victorian Department of Sustainability and east Corner of the Albion Explosives Factory Site (St. Environment, Melbourne. Albans, Victoria). Honours Thesis, Victoria University of Technology, Melbourne. DSE (2010). Biodiversity precinct structure planning kit. Department of Sustainability and Environment, O’Shea, M. B. (2005). Methods for assessment and Melbourne. techniques for management of striped legless lizard Delma impar populations in South-eastern Australia. DSE (2013). Advisory list of threatened vertebrate Ph.D. Thesis, Victoria University, Melbourne. fauna in Victoria. Department of Sustainability and Richter, A., Osborne, W., Hnatiuk, S. and Rowell, A. Environment, Melbourne. (2013). Moths in fragments: insights into the biology DSEWPC (2011). Environment Protection and Biodiversity and ecology of the Australian endangered golden Conservation Act 1999 referral guidelines for the sun moth Synemon plana (: ) vulnerable striped legless lizard, Delma impar. in natural temperate and exotic grassland remnants. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Journal of Conservation 17: 1093‒1104. Population and Communities, Canberra. Urlus, J., Humphrey, J. and De Angelis, D. (2018). A skink Heard, G. W., Scroggie, M. P., Clemann, N. and Ramsey, in the hand. Transects 2: 3‒5. D. S. L. (2014). Wetland characteristics influence Welbourne D. J. (2014). Using camera traps to survey disease risk for a threatened amphibian. Ecological diurnal terrestrial reptiles: a proof of concept. In: P. Applications 24: 650‒662. Meek, P. Fleming, G. Ballard, P. Banks, A. Claridge, Homan, P. (2006). New locality records for reptiles, J. Sanderson and D. Swann (eds), Camera Trapping: including the vulnerable Swamp Skink Egernia Wildlife Management and Research. Pp 225‒232. coventryi, in South Gippsland, 2001-2005. The CSIRO, Melbourne. Victorian Naturalist 123: 335‒338. Welbourne, D. J., MacGregor, C., Paul, D. and Humphrey J. E., Robert, K. A. and Leonard, S. W. J. Lindenmayer, D. B. (2015). The effectiveness and (2017). Elliott traps found to be ineffective for the cost of camera traps for surveying small reptiles and survey of swamp skink (Lissolepis coventryi): a critical weight range mammals: a comparison with cautionary tale of outdated survey guidelines. Wildlife labour-intensive complementary methods. Wildlife Research 44: 514‒522. Research 42: 414‒425. Kutt, A. (1992). Microhabitat selection and mobility of the Williams, K, D. and Kukolic, K. (1991). Fauna of the ACT’s Striped Legless Lizard, Delma impar. Honours Thesis, native grasslands. In: R. Falconer (ed), The ACT’s University of Melbourne. native grasslands. Pp. 11‒19. Conservation Council Marshall, A. (2015). Designing and planning for native of the South-east Region and Canberra, Canberra. grassland in urban areas. In: N. S. G. Williams, A. Reynolds, D., Walsh, N., Mueck, S., Leahy, J. and Craigie, Marshall and J. W. Morgan (eds), Land of sweeping V. (2017). Burning Pimelea spinescens. Pimelea plains: managing and restoring native grasslands spinescens Recovery Team, Melbourne.

8 ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 The Victorian Biodiversity Atlas How to use it like a professional A summary of the ECA Vic first lunchbox series, compiled by Jessie Moyses

The four Victorian Biodiversity Atlas (VBA) tutorial allows maps to be prepared for export videos provide an incredibly useful summary for • The VBA contains verified data from other consultants. We learnt about the background to the databases such as Field Naturalists, Ebird resource, how to navigate and search ecological data (threatened species only) and Birdlife Australia. and how to upload our own data. The Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) taxonomy does 1. What is the VBA and why use it? not always align with state species list and so is not included in the VBA; Victoria and other states and https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity/ territories are working to resolve this issue. The victorian-biodiversity-atlas ALA has not been updated with VBA records for a The first video gave an engaging background to few years. the VBA and how to use it. We were introduced to the faces responsible for managing the resource: Melanie Hardie, Senior Biodiversity Curator and Bev Yen, VBA Administrator. The team can be contacted if you have any queries on using the VBA email address [email protected]. The VBA: • Captures and manages information about species distribution and abundance • Is a core input for decision-making • Reviews and validates data • An online biodiversity atlas The data is used in many ways; for example, to help species recovery in the Victorian bushfire emergency response and recovery. It also informs monitoring, investment and planned burning activities, as well as Hot-tips for using the VBA: land use planning, including forestry—so collectively When signed in (see video on how to register) or we can best utilise the available information to •  using the site as a guest, you can obtain a species manage and conserve Victorian biodiversity. checklist under ‘Search’ for a full list of species in What we learnt about the data: Victoria (includes current names and synonyms). • All data submitted is expert-reviewed before being Guests can obtain summary information from a published search whereas registered users can view and • 40% of records submitted come from consultants download all verified records • The VBA contains sensitive records, for which only • As data input to the resource is verified by approximate site locations are shown (e.g. species minimum data standards, please correctly assign targeted for hunting or illegal poaching, occurring observers and ensure observer emails are on private property, or most at risk of collection) up-to-date • All species records are transferred into spatial data • The database is continually added to and updated. sets and are available as data layers: VBA25 and Always note the date of the VBA search, data VBA100. These datasets are mutually exclusive, version and ‘last reviewed’ date and sensitive datasets are handled separately. The • Record species absence. Information about where VBA25 dataset contains high accuracy records species are not found is just as important as while the VBA100 is less fine-scale. presence records. The data flows: • If sensitive data is required, contact VBA help to • Reporting through the VBA will eventually be request access, stating the reason for the request. diverted to NatureKit as it contains all other • Share your data, record effort, take care to ensure government resources for biodiversity data, and all records are attributed to the correct observer.

ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 9 2. VBA search functions The second lunchbox tutorial took us through the basics of using the VBA, including searching records, and filtering and downloading results. Searching The VBA is flexible to searching a range of area types. We can select an area by point, polygon or line, and search a buffer area of choice around these shapes. It is generally more efficient to use a point/line with a buffer than to draw a polygon or shape. A ‘detailed search’ obtains a list of each record, whereas a ‘summary search’ combines records of the same species and obtains a species list. Records shown by a diamond symbol are most accurate. Click on individual records for more information. Records represented by blue rectangles are sensitive records and are ganeralised to a 1 minute grid. Access is via the Spatial Datamart Victoria. Filtering 3. How to create a project in the VBA We can filter results by discipline (e.g. flora, fauna), The third lunchbox tutorial took us through creating or do a more detailed search, e.g. only mosses, our own projects and uploading data records to the by species name or conservation status. Local VBA. Project details can be entered by selecting Government areas, parks and reserves can also be ‘Data Entry’ and then ‘Project’ from the VBA home interrogated individually for records. page. Data can also be filtered by contributor or project Hot tips for creating a new project: under ‘Contributor Reports’. This may be useful to • A project groups data together and allows search through your own submitted observations. contributors to find the data easily Downloading data • Name the project something meaningful, using A species list for an area is created by exporting keywords in the title the summary search results. This can be exported in • Use keywords in the project title different file formats, such as ‘.pdf’, ‘.csv’ etc. • Complete project details including organisation Species distribution maps associated with the project, permit numbers if You can view the geographic distribution of a necessary, personnel, contributor and observers species in a results list. Select the checkbox beside Species records can be added manually. This the species on the right and enter ‘geographic is the best method to use for a small number of distribution map’. The distribution of that species, records. Manually enter records within a project by using mapped records loads onto the map viewer. adding a survey and the affiliated site (or create a This map can be also printed and exported. new site). Add details including survey method, extra The VBA data is also available for free as GIS layers. information and the species observed

10 ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 Hot tips when batch-uploading: • Create sites first; then flora and fauna batch uploads can be recorded at the same time with the same site ID • Ensure contributor login names are also added to the project ID that the batch upload is associated with • Counts – leaving blank indicates presence, whereas putting a ‘0’ in the count column can be used to indicate a species was searched for and not detected

VBA Go For sites previously used, only the site ID is VBA Go is an app where you can login using your •  required (i.e. no other site information other than VBA login details. Adding a record through the app the survey name and start date) is simple: Multiple survey methods can be included in a Add the VBA Go link to your device •  •  single sheet; refer to the instructions tab for • Take a photo – even if the image is not perfect, it examples will record the date and location • The ‘data entry’ tab is copied into the ‘final upload’ • Upload and submit the record on the app tab for uploading--copy all data ‘as values’ and • Videos on how to ensure you get the functionality delete extra columns as marked (check date on VBA Go can be viewed here: formatting after pasting data into the first tab) https://publish.viostream.com/play/c-nu95w3n • On the VBA site, go to ‘batch upload’; to add a 4. Batch uploads new batch, upload your file, then save and close. The fourth video takes us through the process of • Any errors will be listed upon uploading; records uploading species records using the ‘batch upload’ >1,000 may take one day to upload option on the VBA, including what information Some issues such as ‘failed to parse’ (incorrect is needed, how to complete a batch upload and number of columns in upload file) and repetition of common issues experienced. site details for observations at the same location will This is an efficient method of uploading records prevent your file from successfully uploading. Such in bulk. What you need to do is as follows: errors will be an output under the upload attempt; • Request upload template (a variety of templates these need to be fixed, and then the data uploaded are available, e.g. flora, fauna, aquatic) and enable again. batch upload function by emailing Help guides can be found at: [email protected] https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity/ • Create a project (all batch uploads must be linked victorian-biodiversity-atlas to a project) or email [email protected] • Create sites, if multiple sites are applicable Catchup viewing The batch upload ‘.xls’ templates include a data If you missed the screening of these videos or entry sheet, lookups and an instruction sheet. In the would like to re-watch them, they are available now tutorial they underline the columns to be completed via the ECA Vic members resource area of our and which fields are mandatory, contain already website: www.ecavic.org.au included information (e.g. VBA site ID) or are Many thanks again to Mel and Bev for these great optional. resources.

ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 11 Photo: Yasmin Kelsall The MSA, a new Act for Victoria The Melbourne Strategic Assessment (Environment Mitigation Levy) Act 2020 came into effect on 1st July 2020. This report was compiled from information supplied by DELWP MSA Team.

HE Melbourne Strategic Assessment (MSA) (Environment Mitigation Levy) Act 2020 provides program has been in operation since 2010 – a basis in Victorian law. The new Act also aims to providing an environmental approvals process further streamline and clarify aspects of the program. for urban development works in Melbourne’s Under the new Act, the term Habitat Compensation Tgrowth corridors. The program provides a simplified Fee is replaced by Environmental Levy. pathway that aims to meet the requirements of both In summary, the Act: the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Sets the levy rates and provides for their annual Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Victorian •  Native Vegetation Regulations. indexation The MSA program means that separate • Reduces the number of triggers for the levy environmental assessments for EPBC Act listed payment ​and sets out who is liable and when matters or native vegetation are not required within payment is due the growth corridors created by the 2010 expansion • Establishes additional reporting, transparency and of Melbourne’s urban growth boundary. Under the oversight mechanisms EPBC Act, a Strategic Assessment of the growth • Includes a trigger where future increases beyond areas was conducted in 2009 and 2010, with the the indexation method in the Bill will require an results, particularly in relation to native vegetation, amendment Bill to the principal Act timestamped to form a baseline for measuring all • Provides for clear review mechanisms future impacts. At the same time, some areas were • Establishes a legislated fund solely for the identified for protection, and the remainder identified operation of the MSA Program for clearing, mitigation and offset. Part of the offset • Requires biennial Strategic audits of the arrangements for areas permitted for clearing, was Program by the Commissioner for Environmental the obligation to pay Habitat Compensation Fees for Sustainability (e.g. progress towards the mapped locations identified as providing habitat value conservation outcomes) every two years. for certain EPBC-listed species or communities. To be tabled in Parliament These fees were originally set in 2013 and had not • Codifies agreed conservation outcomes against been altered since. which the MSA will be audited Since 2010, the MSA program has operated solely under Commonwealth law – which had limited New processes DELWP’s capacity to administer elements of the Ecological consultants who have dealt with the MSA program. Now, the Melbourne Strategic Assessment Program will be familiar with registering a case and

12 ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 providing information through the Native Vegetation On Crown land, the levy ‘triggers’ under the Act are Information Management (NVIM) system. As the new • an application for a building permit Act links the MSA levy framework with the subdivision • the approval of an extractive industry workplan process, the team administering the MSA levy will soon construction of utility infrastructure have direct access to SPEAR, the system handling •  construction of a road subdivision applications for applicants, Councils and •  the Titles Office. This means that less information Note that levies are only ever payable once on any will need to be submitted directly to DELWP by given piece of land – once paid, the MSA levy liability developers or their consultants. Additionally, the NVIM on that land is discharged forever. will be transitioning to a new or updated system, the The Act also: Environmental Mitigation Information System (EMIS). • Includes a mechanism to adjust the levy rates Further information about new systems and processes each year according to a tailored composite index, will be provided soon. and a full review of the levy rates every five years. Indexation will be calculated according to the ABS’s When are MSA levies payable? consumer price index (CPI), weighted at one-third, The existing scheme required payment for all and wage price index (WPI) weighted at two-thirds. ‘actions associated with urban development’. This ‘Phases in’ the increase to full cost has been a difficult requirement to define and •  recovery over five years implement. Provides an avenue for liable persons Under the new Act, the ‘triggers’ for MSA levy •  to object to, or seek a review of, an payment on private land have been reduced to three assessment of MSA levy liability clearly defined events: Further information on the MSA and the new MSA the issue of a statement of compliance for a plan •  (Environmental Mitigation Levy) Act, 2020 can of subdivision be sought via the DELWP website: https://www. • an application for a building permit msa.vic.gov.au/melbourne-strategic-assessment- • the approval of an extractive industry workplan act-2020 This means that MSA levies are no longer required Or by contacting: msa.habitatcompensation@ for infrastructure projects or utility works on private delwp.vic.gov.au land within the MSA program area.

Figure 1. Map showing the extent of the Melbourne Strategic Assessment Area and its associated land allocations. Source: DELWP presentation, May 2020

ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 13 Changing terms Old term New term Habitat Compensation Fees Environment Mitigation Levy Urban development Levy event Habitat compensation obligation Levy liability MSA area Levy area Native Vegetation Information Management System Environment Mitigation Information System (NVIM) (EMIS) Works in Kind Land Transfer Agreement Staged obligations agreement Staged payment approval N/A MSA Fund N/A Levy recording

Changing fees (levies)

Habitat area levy type Old rate per hectare New rate per hectare until 30 June 2020 from 1 July 2020) Native Vegetation patch $95,075 $113,441 Scattered tree (per tree) $13,218 $15,768 Golden Sun Moth $7,914 $10,005 Growling Grass Frog $7,529 $7,846 Matted Flax-lily $11,196 $11,351 Southern Brown Bandicoot $4,015 $4,138 Spiny Rice-flower $7,937 $8,522

When are MSA levies payable? • the approval of an extractive industry workplan The existing scheme required payment for all • construction of utility infrastructure ‘actions associated with urban development’. This construction of a road. has been a difficult requirement to define and •  Note that levies are only ever payable once on any implement. given piece of land – once paid, the MSA levy liability Under the new Act, the ‘triggers’ for MSA levy on that land is discharged forever payment on private land have been reduced to three clearly defined events: The Act also: • the issue of a statement of compliance for a plan of • Includes a mechanism to adjust the levy rates subdivision each year according to a tailored composite index, • an application for a building permit and a full review of the levy rates every five years. • the approval of an extractive industry workplan Indexation will be calculated according to the ABS’s This means that MSA levies are no longer required consumer price index (CPI), weighted at one-third, for infrastructure projects or utility works on private and wage price index (WPI) weighted at two-thirds. land within the MSA program area • ‘Phases in’ the increase to full cost recovery over five years On Crown land, the levy ‘triggers’ • Provides an avenue for liable persons to object to, under the Act are: or seek a review of, an assessment of MSA levy • an application for a building permit liability

14 ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 How has COVID-19 affected the ecological consulting industry and what have we learnt? Yasmin Kelsall

IKE all other industries, the ecological consulting onsite. One person stated: ‘I’d like to have more client industry has had to adapt to the restrictions meetings online as opposed to meeting in person. associated with COVID-19 and we wondered Site meetings I can understand as you’re presenting how everyone was finding it? We were the aspects of the site, but a meeting with council Linterested in three key questions: what was working or the CFA to discuss a letter does not necessitate well, what hasn’t worked so well and what should a 3-hour round trip for a half hour meeting.’ continue in the future? We were also interested to see In regard to team meetings, some respondents felt what changes have been made by different companies that they were missing important elements of personal to adapt. Here’s a little of what we discovered. interaction that can only come from in-person meetings We sent out a survey that was completed and casual interaction within the workplace. This by 30 respondents, which informs this article. included for some managers who felt that they were Thanks to everyone who participated! not able to support their team as well as they could in person, and instead need to call individuals more This survey was completed in early June often. Others are really missing the social elements of 2020, under Stage 3 restrictions in Victoria. the workplace and linking with their team. One person Since then the Melbourne metropolitan area stated, ‘Really relish and enjoy fieldwork all the more has experienced Stage 4 restrictions with the as I get to interact with colleagues face-to-face’. remainder of Victoria in Stage 3, affecting our Frustrations too were expressed with online industry further. Should ECA Vic be able to assist meetings, where people couldn’t speak as much any of its members under these circumstances, as they otherwise might or as naturally. please let us know. Email: [email protected] Fieldwork Respondents included representatives from senior When it comes to fieldwork, most respondents managers through to graduates and those from larger reported that there has been relatively little change international companies through to sole traders. in how they approach fieldwork, with the main As far as the changes that different companies exception being restrictions on staff travelling together. have made, the biggest change has been that work Most sites have still been able to be accessed. that was once being done in the office is now often Changes to fieldwork include some clients being done at home. While some smaller workplaces introducing stricter guidelines, with more approval have some staff attending the office in line with processes meaning that fieldwork needs to social distancing restrictions, larger companies be organised well in advance. Some projects have been encouraging staff to work from home. have also been held up as guidelines were This increase in working from home has come developed for responding to COVID-19. with some challenges, particularly for companies Most organisations have adjusted how they have which relied on office-based desktop PCs and did not their staff travel to the field, i.e. only one person have effective management structures to facilitate per vehicle. There were a couple of exceptions remote working. These were generally medium-sized to this with one or two organisations allowing two consultancies. In some cases these businesses people in the car and others allowing two people had to purchase laptops for staff home use and on longer drives where they feel driver safety invest in home office setup and network upgrades. outweighs virus risk. Some organisations require Online meetings high-level manager approval to undertake fieldwork while others restrict travel distances to less than We also asked about modes of communication 1hr away. Safety measures like face masks and before and after restrictions came into place. Most hand sanitiser have also been introduced. respondents stated they would normally rely on face-to-face meetings with clients and colleagues, Workload and interaction with supplementing this with phone calls and emails. The government agencies main change in communication as a result of the Although we didn’t specifically ask about workload COVID-19 restrictions has been online meetings or interactions with government agencies, some replacing face-to-face meetings. For client meetings, respondents reported that their workload has stayed this has generally been positive as it has resulted in the same or increased, while the workload of other reductions in travel time and/or limiting client time consultants has decreased. One person said, ‘We’re

ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 15 busier now than before the virus – lots of smaller those with regional employees or staff who live far projects being pushed by Councils, Parks Vic and from the office. It also included more opportunities DELWP, larger infrastructure projects are continuing to attend online learning and professional develop- as before the virus. The housing/subdivision industry ment events. The move to at-home, online office work has stopped though which is a worry.’ work also had other benefits including more flexibili- And there were conflicting reports regarding ty around working hours and better work–life bal- response times from agencies like DELWP and ance. Less time spent travelling has been another local government. For example: ‘DELWP and important benefit of the restrictions. Councils are responding to our queries very Elements that ecological consultants would promptly which has facilitated project turnaround.’ like to see continue after the restrictions Although others have found ‘increased timeframes ease included: for responses from external authorities due Flexibility to work from home at least for to working from home connectivity issues’ or •  part of the week, allowing more time for the responses from government staff indicating that family, personal interests and exercise. they are not able to fully respond to normal planning More use of online meetings with processes under the current circumstances. •  colleagues and with clients. What has been difficult • Opportunity to attend local, interstate and Most respondents reported some negative international webinars and training. experiences. These included: • Less reliance on the office or depot. For example, • Poor home office setup, making it an staff heading straight to site where possible. uncomfortable or ineffective option. Insights • Some people’s internet connections are not as good as in the workplace which becomes During the survey, some respondents provided problematic when working with large some other useful insights that are worth sharing: datasets or working to a tight deadline. • Using laptops means you can work • Some people have reported blurring the anywhere, including when you are in lines between work and home time, working the field, no matter what happens. longer hours and taking less breaks because • Working from home has proved not to be there is no social interaction, or cue to log off the risk it was originally perceived to be. in the evening as colleagues go home. • It would be useful to obtain a guide as to the • A few people reported feeling socially isolated. level of government funding for conservation • Some communication is much more effective in projects in the future. Like many industries, person and this has not always been possible there is a fair bit of uncertainty. which means it can take longer to finish a project. • We should communicate to our clients that • It can be tiring working from home all day, every day. we can still deliver during these events and • Meeting clients face-to-face and not being able to that it’s a good opportunity to get things done talk in groups of three due to social distancing rules. – planning applications can be sorted and environmental works can still be carried out. • Difficulty in accessing office resources and mapping. • Having ArcGIS capability (licenses) only • It’s nice to see that changes can be made on desktop computers in the office. quickly by all when there’s no other option. When people tell me now ‘that will take Accessing work equipment, such as •  time to be rolled out’ I question it. pool cars and field equipment. Thankyou again to everyone who participated What has been good, what should be kept for your valuable insights into your experiences in Reported positive elements were often linked to this extraordinary time. They help to capture an benefits provided by online communication, some- event which will likely provide a lasting impact on thing that had not been so widely used prior to the our industry and provide pointers on what we can restrictions. This included better connectivity for take from this to improve our work in the future. Support and connection For anyone feeling the need for some support or tips for managing your mental health there are some resources available via the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgZP9MuN5Eq_WA4ezinViBQ/search?query=covid+mental+health Or if you’d like to reach out and connect with a group of ecological practitioners, one of our members Jennifer Johnston has initiated a weekly Zoom catchup called Enviro Cuppa, created to support the mental well-being of Environmental consultants, community members and other people passionate about the environment. The Enviro Cuppa aims to generate a Tea Room style webinar, where anyone is free to talk and discuss ideas or issues. It is on Tuesdays at 7.30 pm and is promoted within the Facebook group, here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1079804612400196

16 ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 Photo: Katherine Smedley Fauna taxonomic updates The following fauna occurring in Victoria have been described or subject to taxonomic changes within the last four months. Note this list may not be comprehensive.

Common name Synonym/s Current scientific name Authority Update Mammals Krefft’s Glider (for- Petaurus breviceps Petaurus notatus Peters, 1859 Cremona et al. (2020) merly Sugar Glider) Fishes East-Australian Microcanthus strigatus Microcanthus joyceae Whitley, 1931 Tea and Gill (2020) Stripey (formerly Stripey) Invertebrates pin-hole borer Platypus quadricinctus, Crossotarsus armipennis Beaver and Beaver and Sanguansub Crossotarsus nitescens Sanguansub 2020 (2020) robber fly Daptolestes Robinson and Robinson, Li and Yeates illusiolautus sp. nov. Yeates 2020 (2020) robber fly Dasypogon sergius Humorolethalis sergius Walker, 1849 Robinson, Li and Yeates (2020) satellite fly Macronychia rubesca Johnston, Wallman, Johnston, Wallman, sp. nov. Pape and Pape and Whitmore Whitmore 2020 (2020) strongyloid Macropostrongyloides Sukee, Beveridge Sukee, Beveridge and nematode mawsonae sp. nov. and Jabbar 2020 Jabbar (2020) skeleton shrimp Pseudoprotella Guerra-García and Guerra-García and (caprellid australiensis sp. nov. Ahyong 2020 Ahyong (2020) amphipod) latrunculid sponge Strongylodesma Kelly and Goudie Kelly and Goudie (2020) australiense sp. nov. 2020

Threatened fauna status updates (relevant to Victorian taxa) within the last four months

Common name Scientific name Act or listing Change Date Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos EPBC Act Listed as Vulnerable 3 July 2020 Shy Albatross Thalassarche cauta EPBC Act Moved from Vulnerable to 3 July 2020 Endangered

ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 17 Flora taxonomic updates The following flora occurring in Victoria have been described or subject to taxonomic changes within the three months from April to July. Note this list may not be comprehensive

Newly New to Taxon name described Previous name Notes Victoria taxon Acacia ureniae X Atriplex stipitata subsp. miscella X Blechnum deltoides Blechnum vulcanicum Cyperus leptocarpus Lipocarpha microcephala Dendrobium kingianum X Sparingly established as a weed Hackelia latifolia Austrocynoglossum latifolium Hackelia suaveolens Cynoglossum suaveolens Hymenophyllum marginatum X Machaerina acuta Baumea acuta Machaerina arthrophylla Baumea arthrophylla Machaerina articulata Baumea articulata Machaerina gunnii Baumea gunnii Machaerina juncea Baumea juncea Machaerina laxa Baumea laxa Machaerina planifolia Baumea planifolia Machaerina rubiginosa Baumea rubiginosa Machaerina tetragona Baumea tetragona Mesembryanthemum cordifolium Aptenia cordifolia Mesembryanthemum granulicaule Psilocaulon granulicaule Psilocaulon tenue has previously been misapplied for this species Pimelea curviflora subsp. X planiticola Pimelea curviflora subsp. X fusiformis Solanum americanum Solanum nodiflorum Solanum styleanum Solanum physalifolium var. nitidibaccatum

Southern Toadlet, Pseudophryne semimarmorata. © Matt Clancy

18 ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 Legislation and policy for consultants – the non-boring way Danelle Scicluna S an environmental science student, I was more inclined to get my hands dirty conducting field surveys than I was to embrace Athe topics covered in my environmental policy class. EPBC Act. FFG Act. EES. MSA – these were all acronyms that I was familiar with, but I failed to understand how they were put into practice. It wasn’t long after I started my job as a graduate ecologist that I began to realise I couldn’t keep dodging these little acronyms anymore. It became evident that a good consultant must not only be able to trap and identify threatened species. A good consultant must also be able to identify environmental impacts and understand the implications of those impacts under the national, state and local environmental legislation and policy. A small sample of key legislation, policy and guidelines are outlined below. These are considered to be most useful to Victorian ecological consultants for a range of different sized projects, Striped Legless Lizard. and ones that I come across almost every day in my job. Danelle Scicluna

When is it Relevant Legislation & Policy Description Links relevant? Authority Commonwealth Legislation Environmental Protection This EPBC Act is If a project is likely DAWE Matters of National and Biodiversity essentially the head to have a significant Environmental Significance- Conservation Act 1999 honcho of environmental impact on one of the Significant Impact Guidelines (EPBC Act) legislation in Australia. It nine MNES, then 1.1 http://www.environment. provides a legal framework the proposed project gov.au/system/files/ to protect and manage must be referred to resources/42f84df4-720b- Matters of National DAWE for approval 4dcf-b262-48679a3aba58/ Environmental Significance by the Environment files/nes-guidelines_1.pdf (MNES). There are Minister. EPBC Act policy Statements nine MNES to which the EPBC Act applies http://www.environment.gov. including nationally and au/epbc/policy-statements internationally important Protected Matters Search Tool flora, fauna and ecological communities. http://www.environment.gov. au/webgis-framework/apps/ pmst/pmst.jsf Melbourne Strategic The Melbourne Strategic When projects DAWE MSA information Assessment is based on a occur within defined Assessment (MSA) DELWP https://www.msa.vic.gov.au/ 2009 agreement between MSA areas, habitat home the Victorian and federal compensation governments to streamline obligations must be environmental assessments met through payment Contact the local government and requirements under the of relevant fees to biodiversity officer if in EPBC Act an d Native DELWP. doubt about any tricky details Vegetation Regulations Keep an eye out for associated with your site. in Melbourne’s growth areas that are listed boundary. The MSA as ‘logical inclusions’ evaluated the impacts on - added after the MNES listed under the main MSA was EPBC Act and established established. Different measures to mitigate those arrangements may impacts within the MSA apply to these areas. area.

ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 19 State Legislation & Policy Description When is it Relevant Links relevant? Authority Environment Effects Act Under Victoria’s This Act applies The Minister Ministerial Guidelines for 1978 Environment Effects Act, to any public for Planning is assessment of environmental projects that could have works ‘reasonably responsible for effects a ‘significant effect’ on considered to have or assessing whether https://www.planning.vic. Victoria’s environment be capable of having this Act applies. gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_ can potentially require a significant effect on file/0026/95237/DSE097_ an Environment Effect the environment’ EES_FA.pdf Statement (EES). This Act will The EES process in Victoria generally be relevant to larger projects https://www.planning.vic.gov. or locations which au/environment-assessment/ are particularly what-is-the-ees-process-in- important, victoria ecologically. Flora and Fauna Guarantee The FFG Act was When a project may DELWP FFG Act threatened list established to provide potentially impact a Act 1988 (FFG Act) https://www.environment.vic. a legal framework for flora or fauna species gov.au/conserving-threatened- enabling and promoting that is listed as species/threatened-list the conservation of all threatened under the Victoria’s native flora and FFG Act. Victoria’s Framework for conserving threatened species fauna. The FFG Act assists Under this Act you in identifying species and will require a permit https://www.environment.vic. communities that require to collect ‘take’ gov.au/conserving-threatened- management to survive and protected flora and species/victorias-framework- threatening processes that fauna species. for-conserving-threatened- require management. species This Act was recently updated and the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Amendment Act 2019 came into effect on June 1, 2020. Although some elements of its implementation will still take some time. Guidelines for the removal, Seek out these Guidelines When a project DELWP The Guidelines for all your native requires the removal, destruction or lopping of https://www.environment. vegetation removal needs. destruction or native vegetation 2017 vic.gov.au/__data/assets/ lopping of native (the Guidelines). An These guidelines aim to pdf_file/0021/91146/ vegetation (i.e. plants incorporated document help manage the risk to Guidelines-for-the-removal,- that are indigenous under the Planning and Victoria’s biodiversity destruction-or-lopping-of- to Victoria, including Environment Act, 1987 associated with the removal native-vegetation,-2017.pdf of native vegetation. The trees, shrubs, herbs Native Vegetation Information Guidelines are incorporated and grasses). into the Victoria Planning https://www.environment. Provisions and all planning vic.gov.au/native-vegetation/ schemes in Victoria native-vegetation under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Wildlife Act 1975 The Wildlife Act 1975 is If a project involves Authority to Control https://www.wildlife.vic. the primary legislation in wildlife control Wildlife (ATCW) gov.au/managing-wildlife/ Victoria for the protection (fauna removal, under the Wildlife wildlife-management-and- of wildlife. The Act salvage capture or Act must be granted control-authorisations requires that wildlife relocation). from DELWP. research is regulated through a permit system, which is managed by DELWP. FFG only applies to public land in most cases, and controls for FFG-listed fauna (apart from fish and invertebrates) come under the Wildlife Act. The Wildlife Act applies more broadly to the harm, taking or killing of native wildlife as well as control. DAWE: Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. DELWP:Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning. DEDJTR: Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources CONTINUES PAGE 21

20 ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 State Legislation Description When is it Relevant Links & Policy relevant? Authority Catchment and This is the main legislation that When there are DEDJTR About the CALP Act deals with weeds and pest noxious weeds and Land Protection Act http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/ management in Victoria. This pest species. 1994 agriculture/pests-diseases- legislation aims to manage land and-weeds/protecting- and water resources from the victoria/legislation-policy- effects of noxious weeds and and-permits/legislation pest by identifying pest species and defining the roles List of noxious weeds and and responsibilities of their pest animals management. http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/ agriculture/pests-diseases- and-weeds/protecting- victoria/legislation-policy- and-permits/declared- noxious-weeds-and-pest- animals-in-victoria

Locally Relevant Legislation Planning & The P&E Act provides the legal In Victoria, planning Usually local Browse Planning Schemes framework for the operation schemes apply to all council, but it can Environment Act https://www.planning.vic.gov. of Victoria's planning system, private and public be the Planning and 1987 (P&E Act) & au/schemes-and-amendments/ commonly referred to as ‘the land. Of importance Environment Act Council Planning browse-planning-schemes Schemes Planning Scheme’ are Environmental Minister or any other Minister or public MapShare (for property A planning scheme is a legal Significance authority specified in reports) document that is prepared by the Overlays (ESOs) and the scheme. Minister for Planning or the local Vegetation Protection https://mapshare.vic.gov.au/ council. Planning Schemes contain Overlays (VPOs) vicplan/ policies and provisions that control land use and development within a given area.

The content outlined above is really only the tip of and your clients, is important. ECA Vic aims to the iceberg. Not only is there a mountain of additional keep its members up to date on the most relevant information to get your head around but there are legislative changes and topics of interest via Industry several other policies, including exemptions, to be Updates, Newsletters and events and via regular aware of. Ultimately, depending on the location, the participation in government forums and submission existing conditions of a site, the nature processes. Recent submissions have been of the works and the likely impacts, made to the EPBC Act review process and each project will need to be also to the state government Inquiry into assessed for implications Ecological Decline.All in all, the best way against slightly different to start learning is to dive head first environmental legislations, into the available resources. There policies and procedures. is an incredible amount of online In addition, consultants content to read through, as well need to be mindful of as online maps and databases to updates, revisions and play with and industry events and changes to legislation courses to attend. For example the and policy. For example, Planning Institute Australia (PIA) the FFG Act has recently often have training that is relevant to been amended to strengthen ecologicalc consultants including the the framework that protects Native Vegetation Regulations, as well Victoria’s biodiversity values. as other elements of ecological planning One of the key changes will be how considerations. For more information, visit threatened species are assessed and https://www.planning.org.au/events/event/2020- listed in the hope of producing a more consistent planet-online-applying-the-native-vegetation- national approach. This is a big deal given that this guidelines. Also keep a look out for upcoming ECA legislation hasn’t been changed in over 30 years! Vic events, posted on social media and on the ECA Understanding the implications of legislative Vic webpage https://ecavic.org.au/. changes and what this might mean for your projects, Photo: Growling Grass Frog. Danelle Scicluna

ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 21 New and forthcoming books

Fire Country: How illustrated, this definitive volume on the barn owl Indigenous Fire is for researchers, professionals and graduate Management Could students in ornithology, animal behaviour, ecology, Help Save Australia conservation biology and evolutionary biology, Victor Steffensen and will also appeal to amateur ornithologists and Published: February 2020, nature lovers. Explore Australia Gariwerd: An A powerful perspective of Environmental Aboriginal fire management History of the by Indigenous land Grampians management professional Benjamin Wilkie and Tagalaka man from Published: April 2020, north Queensland, Victor Steffensen. It details CSIRO Publishing how the revival of cultural burning practices and improved ‘reading’ of country could help This book explores the rehabilitate fire-dependent landscapes. Fire geological and ecological Country is written in a way that reflects the nature significance of the of yarning and may be of value to those looking Grampians, and combines to integrate cultural burning perspectives into fire research from across management. disciplines to tell the story of how humans and the environment have interacted. It examines how of Djab wurrung and Jardwadjali people lived and the World how they managed the land, and the evidence they Paul Zborowski left behind. It also explores the history of European Published: March 2020, colonisation. The book covers the rise of science, New Holland industry and tourism in the Grampians, traces the eventual declaration of the Grampians National An overview of all insect Park in 1984, and considers more recent debates orders. Each of the 1,000 about the area’s history and future. stunning images was taken in the wild, and Animal Physiology: is accompanied by an An Environmental explanatory caption. It Perspective is an essential reference Patrick Butler, Anne Brown, for invertebrate enthusiasts everywhere, from George Stephenson, children fascinated with creepy crawlies through to John Speakman professionals. Published: April 2020, Oxford University Press Barn Owls: Evolution and This book shows how Ecology – With an understanding of the Grass Owls, physiology of animals helps Masked Owls us to understand how and and Sooty Owls why animals evolved the way they did and how we Alexandre Roulin can protect at least some of them from the changes affecting their environments. Part One introduces Published: March 2020, a range of processes essential to life, parts two to Cambridge University Press four explore how different organ systems enable This book brings animals to interact with their environment, and how together the main global environmental temperature profoundly affects their perspectives on the physiology. Part five considers how sensory and evolution, ecology and behaviour of the barn nervous systems provide animals with information owl and its relatives, discussing topics such on their internal and external environments, and as reproductive potential, physiology, social how they, together with the endocrine system, are and family interactions, colour variations and involved in the control and co-ordination of other global distribution. Accessible and beautifully bodily functions, organs and systems.

22 ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 New and forthcoming books

A Naturalists microscopic organisms that drive food webs to Guide to the Birds tropical reefs and apex predators we exploit for of Australia food ourselves. Human impacts on marine life Dean Ingwersen including overfishing, plastic and nutrient pollution Published: April 2020, are considered, as well as the spread of exotic Australian Geographic species, ocean warming and acidification. The book concludes with a new chapter offering an The third edition of this inspiring vision for the future of our oceans in photographic identification 2050 that can be realised if we are wise enough guide to 280 bird species to accelerate actions already underway and be in Australia includes a bold with implementing new approaches to marine selection of the most conservation. commonly seen and rare endemic species. High quality photographs are Reed Concise accompanied by detailed species descriptions, Guide: Lizards which include details on nomenclature, size, of Australia distribution, habits and habitat. The introduction Steve Wilson covers climate, vegetation, biogeography, and the Published: June 2020, key sites for viewing the listed species. A checklist New Holland of all of the birds of Australia is also included. This small book punches 21st Century well above its weight Guidebook to Fungi in terms of usefulness, David Moore, Geoffrey containing more than 200 Robson, Anthony Trinci images covering many of Published: May 2020, the lizard species most Cambridge University likely to be encountered in Australia, from parks Press and gardens in our towns and cities to the plains and highest mountains. This second edition provides readers with Complexity in an all-embracing view Landscape Ecology of the kingdom Fungi, David Green, Nicholas including ecology and Klomp, Glyn Rimmington, evolution, diversity and Suzanne Sadedin taxonomy, cell biology and biochemistry, genetics Published: July 2020, and genomics, biotechnology and bioinformatics. Springer International Explanatory figures and colour illustrations help Publishing emphasise the diverse interactions between fungi and other organisms. This is a fascinating and This second edition accessible professional guide, which will appeal examines key concepts to a broad readership from aspiring mycologists and analytical approaches at undergraduate and graduate level to those to landscape ecology, and studying related disciplines. reviews the ways that these ideas have led to new insights into the nature of ecosystems and role of Marine Biology: landscape processes. It explores innovations in A Very Short ecotechnology, including automated monitoring, Introduction big data, simulation and machine learning, and Philip Mladenov shows how they are revolutionising ecology. The Published: May 2020, book also examines the impact of humans on Oxford University Press landscapes and ecosystems, as well as efforts to embed sustainability, commerce and industrial This second edition development in the larger context of ecosystem provides an accessible services and ecological economics. It is informative and up-to-date overview for general readers, professionals and students of of marine biology, from ecology. polar ecosystems and

ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 23 New and forthcoming books Spiders of the current phylogenetic classification, and new World: A Natural insights revealing that many of the old evolutionary History lineages comprised only a few species that Norman Platnick remained in their area of origin or underwent Published: July 2020, limited dispersal. In addition to describing the The Ivy Press revised evolutionary history of passerine birds, the authors try to identify adaptational changes, This title explores the huge including shifts in life history strategies, that diversity of spiders and underlie major evolutionary expansions. their fascinating traits. An introduction outlining the Conservation spider’s natural history is Biology: followed by 117 illustrated Foundations, profiles spanning the world’s spider families. Concepts, Photographs of species from each family are Applications shown, along with population distribution maps, Fred Van Dyke, information tables, and commentaries revealing Rachel Lamb notable characteristics. The family profiles are also Due for release: August organized phylogenetically, and the commentaries 2020, in each account reflect different aspects of a Springer International spider’s biology. Publishing All the Birds This third edition provides of the World an up-to-date examination of conservation Josep Del Hoyo biology and supporting disciplines that comprise Due for release: conservation science. Beginning with a concise August 2020, review of the history of conservation, the authors Lynx Edicions go on to explore the interplay of conservation with genetics, demography, habitat and This 968 page book shows landscape, aquatic environments, and ecosystem all the birds of the world, management. An entirely new chapter on the allowing readers to browse Anthropocene breaks new ground in its exploration and compare earth’s entire of how conservation can be practiced in novel avian diversity between ecosystems and urban habitats. The concluding the covers of one volume chapter offers insight into how to become a for the first time. The book is fully-illustrated, conservation professional, in both traditional and with distribution maps, and IUNCN and BirdLife non-traditional roles. This book will be of benefit to International conservation status provided for each students as well as working conservation scientists species. The book caters for a broad audience, and managers. from novice birders to expert ornithologists and anyone interested in the spectacular diversity of Field Guide to the world’s birds. Shallow Water Seastars in The Largest Australia Avian Radiation: Loisette Marsh, The Evolution of Jane Fromont Perching Birds, Due for release: or the Order August 2020, Passeriformes Western Australian Jon Fjeldså, Les Museum Christidis, Per Ericson Due for release: This detailed guide August 2020, covers over 200 species Lynx Edicions of shallow water seastars found in Australia, how to identify them, where they live, what they eat, This book reveals the when and how they reproduce, and many other remarkable history of how passerines diversified fascinating aspects of their biology. and dispersed across the world. It explains the

24 ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION VICTORIA TRANSECTS EIGHT, SEPTEMBER 2020 New and forthcoming books Ecology: A Very habits. The user-friendly introduction covers the Short Introduction rise of butterflies, pests, pollinators, and the life Jaboury Ghazoul cycle of butterflies. Also included is a checklist of Due for release: the butterflies of Australia, providing the common September 2020, name, scientific name and IUCN status of each Oxford University Press species. This book explores how Australia Weevils: ecology has evolved Volume IV rapidly from natural history Rolf Oberprieler, to become a predictive Elwood Zimmerman science that explains Due for release: how the natural world December 2020, works, and which guides environmental policy CSIRO Publishing and management decisions. Drawing on a range of examples, it shows how ecological science Volume IV covers the can be applied to management and conservation, 11 smaller tribes of the including the extent to which theory has shaped weevil subfamily Entiminae practice. The book concludes by considering the (broad-nosed weevils), future of ecology, particularly in the light of current comprising over 100 and future environmental challenges. genera and 700 described species in Australia. Around half of this fauna is covered in this volume, A Naturalist’s Guide featuring keys to all the tribes, genera and to the Butterflies described species, as well as updated concepts of Australia and diagnoses of the tribes and summarising the Peter Rowland, taxonomy, nomenclature, distribution and known Rachel Whitlock hostplants of all genera and species. The book Due for release: also includes colour plates of diagnostic features September 2020, needed for identifying these weevils, an obituary John Beaufoy Publishing and full publication list of the late Elwood C. Zimmerman, as well as an updated list of recent This is an easy-to-use literature on the Australian Entiminae and other identification guide to weevils. It is considered an essential reference for 280 species of butterfly researchers and students working with entimine commonly seen in Australia. weevils both in Australia and abroad. High-quality photographs are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include notes Note: Text for the above listed books is mainly on nomenclature, size, distribution, habitat and supplied by the publisher.

Southern Toadlet, Pseudophryne semimarmorata. © Matt Clancy

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