Searoad Ferries Sorrento Terminal Upgrade: Flora and Fauna Assessment

Searoad Ferries Sorrento Terminal upgrade: Flora and fauna assessment

FINAL REPORT

Prepared for Searoad Ferries

20 October 2017 Biosis offices Document information

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Report to: Searoad Ferries Pty Ltd

Canberra Prepared by: Claire Hollier Phone: (02) 6102 1200 Ben Howells Email: [email protected] Chris Jones

Biosis project no.: 22270

NEW SOUTH WALES File name: 22270.Sorrento Terminal.FFA.FIN.20161123.Docx Newcastle Citation: Biosis 2017. Searoad Ferries Sorrento terminal upgrade. Report Phone: (02) 4911 4040 Email: [email protected] for Searoad Ferries. Authors: Hollier C, Howells B and Jones C, Biosis Pty Ltd, Melbourne. Project no. 22270 Sydney Phone: (02) 9101 8700 Email: [email protected] Document control

Wollongong Phone: (02) 4201 1090 Version Internal reviewer Date issued Email: [email protected] Draft version 01 MV 28/10/16

Final version 01 AJH 20/10/17 QUEENSLAND

Brisbane Phone: (07) 3831 7400 Email: [email protected] Acknowledgements

TASMANIA Biosis acknowledges the contribution of the following people and

Hobart organisations in undertaking this study: Phone: (03) 8686 4821 Email: [email protected]  Searoad Ferries Pty Ltd

 Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning for access to

VICTORIA the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas and Native Vegetation Information Tools Ballarat Phone: (03) 5304 4250  Department of the Environment and Energy for access to the Email: [email protected] Protected Matters Search Tool of the Australian Government Melbourne (Head Office)  BirdLife Australia for access to the New Atlas of Australian Birds Phone: (03) 8686 4800 Fax: (03) 9646 9242 1998-2013. Email: [email protected] Biosis staff involved in this project were: Wangaratta Phone: (03) 5718 6900  Jordan Whitmore (assistance in the field) Email: [email protected]  Lauren Harley and Lachlan Milne (mapping)

 Biosis Pty Ltd This document is and shall remain the property of Biosis Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purposes for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the Terms of the Engagement for the commission. Unauthorised use of this document in any form whatsoever is prohibited. Disclaimer:

Biosis Pty Ltd has completed this assessment in accordance with the relevant federal, state and local legislation and current industry best practice. The company accepts no liability for any damages or loss incurred as a result of reliance placed upon the report content or for any purpose other than that for which it was intended.

1. Introduction ...... 6

1.1 Project background ...... 6 1.2 Scope of assessment ...... 6 1.3 Location of the study area ...... 7

2. Methods ...... 9

2.1 Database review ...... 9 2.2 Definitions of significance ...... 10 2.3 Likelihood of occurrence ...... 10 2.4 Site investigation ...... 10 2.4.1 Terrestrial flora assessment ...... 10 2.4.2 Terrestrial fauna assessment ...... 11 2.4.3 Aquatic flora and fauna assessment ...... 11 2.5 Qualifications ...... 12 2.6 Legislation and policy ...... 12 2.6.1 Permits ...... 12 2.7 Mapping ...... 13

3. Results ...... 14

3.1 Terrestrial flora & fauna habitat ...... 14 3.2 Aquatic flora & fauna habitat...... 15 3.3 Landscape context ...... 16 3.4 Significant species and ecological communities ...... 16 3.4.1 EPBC Act and FFG Act listed species ...... 16 3.4.2 DELWP advisory list of rare and threatened species ...... 17 3.4.3 Significant ecological communities ...... 17 3.4.4 Threatening processes ...... 17

4. Biodiversity legislation and government policy ...... 19

4.1 Commonwealth ...... 19 4.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ...... 19 4.2 State ...... 20 4.2.1 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) ...... 20 4.2.2 Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act) ...... 20 4.2.3 Coastal Management Act 1995 ...... 20 4.2.4 Planning and Environment Act 1987 (incl. Planning Schemes) ...... 21 4.2.5 Environment Effects Act 1978 ...... 22 4.2.6 Fisheries Act 1995 ...... 23 4.2.7 Environment Protection Act 1970: State Environmental Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) 2003 ...... 24

5. Key ecological values and recommendations ...... 25

Appendix 2 Fauna ...... 33

Tables

Table 1 Criteria for determining significance of species & ecological communities ...... 10 Table 2 Summary of EPBC and FFG Act listed species most likely to occur in the study area ...... 16 Table 3 Assessment of project in relation to the EPBC Act ...... 19 Table 4 Summary of key ecological values, potential implications of developing the study area and recommendations to minimise ecological impacts during the design phase...... 25

Figures

Figure 1 Location of the study area, Sorrento, Victoria ...... 8 Figure 2 Ecological features of the study area, Sorrento, Victoria ...... 18

Photos

Plate 1 Planted native vegetation within the study area...... 14

Biosis Pty Ltd was commissioned by Searoad Ferries Pty Ltd to undertake a flora and fauna assessment for the proposed upgrade of their Sorrento Ferry Terminal. The study area is located approximately 60 kilometres south of the Melbourne central business district.

Ecological values Key ecological values identified within the study area are as follows:

 Varying quality habitat for 17 protected Sygnathid species (Pipefishes, Sea Horses and Sea Dragons) including;

– A small patch of marginal Seagrass habitat

– Low profile rocky reef habitat.  Suitable habitat for the state significant Chiton, Bassethullia glypta.

 Suitable habitat for the state significant Burranan Dolphin, Tursiops australis.

Government legislation and policy An assessment of the project in relation to key biodiversity legislation and policy is provided and summarised below.

Legislation / policy Relevant ecological feature Permit / approval Notes on site required

EPBC Act No habitat for listed species Referral not recommended and no listed ecological communities

FFG Act Chiton 5254 FFG Act permit may be Artificial Rock Wall provides required if rock wall is habitat for Chiton 5254 (seaward modified seaward of the of the exit gate for embarkation exit gate for embarkation and docking area) and docking area. Consultation with DELWP is required to determine impact as there is no current Action Statement for this species.

Planning & Planted native vegetation Planning permit required, Permit application needs to Environment Act proposed to be removed. including permission to lop address provisions of ESO25. or remove native vegetation.

Coastal Management Use and development of Consent required from the A consent application can be a Act coastal Crown land Minister for Energy, planning permit application if Environment and Climate referred to DELWP. Change A consent application must have regard to: a) the Victorian Coastal Strategy; and b) the Draft Central Region Coastal Action Plan; and c) any relevant coastal recommendation; and d) the purposes for which the land was reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

CaLP Act No noxious weeds. N/A

Fisheries Act 17 species listed under the Protected Aquatic Biota . Fisheries Act have the Permit may be required for potential to occur within the impacts on Syngnathid study area. Habitat. DELWP (Fisheries) will need to be consulted

SEPP Waters of Port Phillip Bay N/A Searoad Ferries Pty Ltd needs to ensure that impacts to water quality do not exceed the background levels and/or water quality objectives specified for the Waters of Port Phillip Bay.

Recommendations The results of this assessment and the recommendations in section five should be incorporated into the project design and construction.

Future requirements for infrastructure and services must be forecast as much as possible at this time and allowance made outside any nominated reserves for all construction works. This includes road batters, footpaths, drainage and services (including optic fibre). All areas of vegetation/habitat nominated in the design plan as 'retained' are to be treated as no-go zones and are not to be encroached upon as development progresses.

1.1 Project background

Biosis Pty Ltd was commissioned by Searoad Ferries Pty Ltd to undertake a flora and fauna assessment for the proposed upgrade of the Sorrento Ferry Terminal in southern Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. The proposed upgrade comprises;

• The construction of a new terminal building, which;

– Will be located between the existing pier extending into Port Phillip Bay and the south- east arm of the pier

– Will be built on a total of 60 pilings • The rerouting of access and exit points and roads, which;

– Will extend the existing embarkation and docking area into Port Phillip Bay using clean fill from Queenscliff, Victoria

– Will require the removal of vegetation 1.2 Scope of assessment

The objectives of this investigation are to:

 Describe the vascular flora (ferns, conifers, flowering plants), vertebrate fauna (mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, fishes) and decapod crustacea (e.g. crayfish)  Map native vegetation and other habitat features  Review the implications of relevant biodiversity legislation and policy, including Victoria’s Permitted clearing of native vegetation: Biodiversity assessment guidelines ('the Guidelines')  Identify potential implications of the proposed development and provide recommendations to assist with development design  Recommend any further assessments of the site that may be required (such as a vegetation impact assessment or targeted searches for significant species).

The study area is located approximately 60 kilometres south of Melbourne (Figure 1). The site is located within the southern end of Port Phillip Bay and is approximately 10 kilometres south-east of the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. It encompasses approximately 1 hectare of public land, the adjacent road reserves and built structures extending into Port Phillip Bay. The terrestrial space of the study area is currently zoned Public Park and Recreation Zone and the marine space is zoned Public Conservation and Resource Zone.

The study area is within the:

 Gippsland Plain Bioregion  Bunyip River Basin  Management area of Melbourne Water and the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (CMA)  Mornington Peninsula Shire

MORNINGTON PENINSULA SHIRE

Legend

Study area Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, © Acknowledgement:VicMap Data ©State of Victoria OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Figure 1: Location of the study area 0 240 480 720 960

Matter: 22270, Biosis Pty Ltd ± Date: 29 November 2016, Metres Ballarat, Brisb ane, C anb erra, Hobart, Melbourne, Checked by: C J, Drawn by: LH, Last edited by: lmilne Newcastle, Syd ney, Wan garatta & Wollongong Location:P:\22200s\22270\Mapping\22270_F1_Locality.mxd Scale 1:25,000 @ A4, GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 2. Methods

2.1 Database review

In order to provide a context for the study area, information about flora and fauna from within 5 kilometres of the study area (the ‘local area’) was obtained from relevant biodiversity databases. Aquatic fauna records were searched for the local area, including both the Bunyip River basin and Port Phillip Bay. Records from the following databases were collated and reviewed:

 Flora Information System (FIS) which includes records from the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas ‘VBA_FLORA25, FLORA100 & FLORA Restricted’ August 2015 © The State of Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).  Victorian Biodiversity Atlas ‘VBA_FAUNA25, FAUNA100 & FAUNA Restricted’ August 2015 © The State of Victoria  DELWP Biodiversity Interactive Map (BIM)  DELWP Habitat Importance Models  BirdLife Australia Atlas of Australian Birds (BA)  Protected Matters Search Tool of the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy for matters protected by the EPBC Act.  Melbourne Water Fish database (MWF)

Other sources of biodiversity information were examined including:

 Planning Scheme overlays relevant to biodiversity based on http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/index.html.

The significance of a threatened species or ecological community is determined by its listing status under Commonwealth or State legislation / policy. The sources used to categorise significance of threatened species and communities in this report are summarised below in Table 1.

Table 1 Criteria for determining significance of species & ecological communities

Significance

National Listed as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable under the EPBC Act

State Listed as critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or rare in Victoria on a DELWP Advisory List (DSE 2009; DSE 2013; DEPI 2014a) Listed as threatened under the FFG Act

2.3 Likelihood of occurrence

Likelihood of occurrence indicates the potential for a threatened species or ecological community to occur regularly within the study area. Determination is based on expert opinion, information in relevant biodiversity databases and reports, and an assessment of the habitats on site. Likelihood of occurrence is ranked as negligible, low, medium, high or recorded. The rationale for the rank assigned is provided for each species in Appendix 1 (flora) and Appendix 2 (fauna). Those species for which there is little or no suitable habitat within the study area are assigned a likelihood of low or negligible and are not considered further.

Only those species listed under the EPBC Act or listed as threatened under the FFG Act (hereafter referred to as 'listed species') are assessed to determine their likelihood of occurrence. The habitat value for species listed on the DELWP Advisorys cal Lists i culated by the Habitat Importance Modelling produced by DELWP (DEPI 2013a).

Listed species which have at least medium likelihood of occurrence are given further consideration in this report. The need for targeted surveys for these species is also considered.

2.4 Site investigation

2.4.1 Terrestrial flora assessment The flora assessment was undertaken on 20th May 2016 and a list of flora species was collected (T2560800). This list will be submitted to DELWP for incorporation into the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas. Planted species have not been recorded unless they are naturalised.

Native vegetation is defined in the Victoria Planning Provisions as 'plants that are indigenous to Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses' (Clause 72).

The Guidelines classify native vegetation into two categories (DEPI 2013a):

 A remnant patch of native vegetation (measured in hectares) is either:

– An area of native vegetation, with or without trees, where at least 25 percent of the total perennial understorey cover is native plants.

– An area with three or more indigenous canopy trees where the tree canopy cover is at least 20 percent.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 10 Remnant patch vegetation is classified into ecological vegetation classes (EVCs). An EVC contains one or more floristic (plant) communities, and represents a grouping of broadly similar environments. Definitions of EVCs and benchmarks (condition against which vegetation quality at the site can be compared) are determined by DELWP.

 A scattered tree is defined as (extent measured by number of trees):

– An indigenous canopy tree that does not form part of a remnant patch of native vegetation. A canopy tree is a mature tree that is greater than three metres in height and is normally found in the upper layer of a vegetation type. Ecological vegetation class descriptions provide a list of the typical canopy species. A condition score and extent is applied to each scattered tree based on information provided by DELWP's NVIM.

Species nomenclature for flora follows the Flora Information System (FIS).

2.4.2 Terrestrial fauna assessment The study area was investigated on 20th May 2016 to determine its values for fauna. These were determined primarily on the basis of the types and qualities of habitat(s) present. Fauna species were recorded with a view to characterising the values of the site and the investigation was not intended to provide a comprehensive survey of all fauna that has potential to utilise the site over time.

2.4.3 Aquatic flora and fauna assessment The aquatic fauna and flora assessment was undertaken on 20th May 2016 in order to examine biodiversity values and collect a list of species and communities present within the study area. The assessment also provides an opportunity to record any incidental observations of threatened species or communities.

The marine assessment provided a snapshot of the species present within the study area at the time of survey. The study was not intended to provide a comprehensive targeted survey of all fauna and flora that has potential to utilise the site over time.

Methodology for the assessment was adapted to the study site from the census methods for fishes (including cryptic fish), benthic invertebrates and macroalgae as described in Parks Victoria Standard Operating Procedure: Biological Monitoring of Subtidal Reefs (Edmunds and Hart 2003).

The site was divided into six 40m long transects, running parallel to the shore and a single 100m transect running perpendicular to the shore (Figure 1). These transects were labelled A – G, from north east to south west. Transects were evenly spread across the study area to capture all habitat types. The transects were snorkelled by two ecologists, noting species as they were observed. Abundance was not noted for this survey.

The survey was conducted immediately after high tide, while the intertidal zone was predominately inundated to allow for survey of intertidal fauna. Active searching for intertidal fauna was undertaken along the sea wall to be modified in the proposed upgrade.

A second site visit was conducted on 24 November 2016 to assess significant modification to aquatic habitats within the study area, due to works being undertaken by a third party. This report has been updated to reflect these changes in environmental values.

Ecological surveys provide a sampling of flora and fauna at a given time and season. There are a number of reasons why not all species will be detected at a site during survey, such as low abundance, patchy distribution, species dormancy, seasonal conditions, and migration and breeding behaviours. In many cases these factors do not present a significant limitation to assessing the overall biodiversity values of a site.

The current flora and fauna assessment was conducted in winter, which is not an optimal time for survey due to the lack of flowering or fruiting material on plants to aid species identification. However, the species composition was simplistic and easily observed and those present were highly typical of landscaped and managed vegetation within the local area. The survey effort was therefore sufficient to assess the general values of the study area.

Biodiversity Assessment Reports (BAR) and Biodiversity Impact Offset Requirement (BIOR) reports are prepared through DELWP's NVIM system or requested through DELWP's Native Vegetation Transitional Guidance team. Since no vegetation to be impacted within the study area met the criteria of native vegetation patches or scattered trees, a BAR or BIOR is not required.

2.6 Legislation and policy

The implications for the project were assessed in relation to key biodiversity legislation and policy including:

 Matters listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), associated policy statements, significant impacts guidelines, listing advice and key threatening processes  Threatened taxa, communities and threatening processes listed under Section 10 of the Flora & Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act); associated action statements and listing advice  Permitted Clearing of native vegetation: Biodiversity assessment guidelines (DEPI 2013a)  Native Vegetation Management Plans prepared by Catchment Management Authorities  Planning and Environment Act 1987 – specifically Clauses 12.01-2, 52.17 and 66.02 and Overlays in the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme  Noxious weeds and pest animals lists under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act)  Environment Effects Act  Coastal Management Act 1995  Fisheries Act 1995  Water Act 1989  Environment Protection Act 1971: State Environmental Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) 2003.

2.6.1 Permits Biosis undertakes flora and fauna assessments under the following permits and approvals:

 Research Permit/Management Authorisation and Permit to Take Protected Flora & Protected Fish issued by DELWP under the Wildlife Act 1975, Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and National Parks Act 1975 (Permit number 10007569).  Approvals 07.15 and 14.12 from the Wildlife and Small Institutions Animal Ethics Committee.  Permit RP1220 issued by DELWP (Fisheries Victoria) under the Fisheries Act 1995.

The client supplied aerial photography and site plans (Updated Sorrento Ferry Terminal plans.20160429_0001.pdf and Sketch CG150265SK08P2).

Mapping was conducted using hand-held (uncorrected) GPS units (WGS84) and aerial photo interpretation. The accuracy of this mapping is therefore subject to the accuracy of the GPS units (generally ± 7 metres) and dependent on the limitations of aerial photo rectification and registration.

Mapping has been produced using a Geographic Information System (GIS). Electronic GIS files which contain our flora and fauna spatial data are available to incorporate into design concept plans. However this mapping may not be sufficiently precise for detailed design purposes.

The ecological features of the study area are described below and mapped in Figure 2. Species recorded during the flora and fauna assessment are listed in Appendix 1(flora) and Appendix 2 (fauna). Unless of particular note, these species are not discussed further.

Those species recorded or predicted to occur in the local area are also provided in those appendices, along with an assessment of the likelihood of the species occurring within the study area.

3.1 Terrestrial flora & fauna habitat

The majority of the study area has previously been highly modified through construction of roads, carparks and landscaped parklands. The study area is dominated by planted native vegetation within the landscaped roadside beds. Within this planted native vegetation, natural colonisation of a native creeper Clematis microphyla has occurred. The parklands to the south east of the study area are predominantly introduced vegetation (Figure 2).

Planted native vegetation Several native planting areas have previously been constructed within the study area. They are typically planted with native shrubs Leucophyta brownii, herbs Lomandra longifolia, and grasses Poa poiformis with thick chipped timber mulch covering the soil surface (Plate 1). Terrestrial habitat within the study area is severely degraded and fragmented and provides limited value to native fauna.

Plate 1 Planted native vegetation within the study area.

Planted Norfolk Island Pines A row of Norfolk Island Pines has been planted along the road in the west of the study area. These trees have limited value for native fauna and are unlikely to be impacted by development, providing path construction does not severely impact the root system of these trees.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 14 Predominantly introduced vegetation The majority of the vegetated area in the south west of the study area is regularly mown lawn type vegetation dominated by Kikuyu Cenchrus clandestinus, Bermuda grass Cynodon dactylon, Bunny tail grass Lagrus ovatus, and rosette weeds. These areas provide very little value to native fauna.

3.2 Aquatic flora & fauna habitat

Three broad shallow reef community types were identified during aquatic surveys. Two types of artificial habitat were also identified; a man-made intertidal rock wall habitat and the pilings of the existing pier and dolphins (docking structures). Areas of habitat identified are mapped in Figure 2. The assessment was undertaken in clear conditions, with little swell or wave action. Visibility was approximately 8m. The assessment commenced one hour after high tide for a duration of 2 hours.

Low profile rocky reef (dense macroalgae) A large section of the study area is low profile rocky reef. This habitat type consists of rocky reef generally less that 1metre above the surrounding sea bed. Large macroalgae species, such as the Common Kelp Ecklonia radiata and Crayweed Phyllospora comosa are the dominant canopy species while the understory is formed by foliose macroalgae and hard encrusting layers of pink coralline algae. Several beds of green seaweed Caulerpa spp. are scattered across the habitat.

These dense stands of macroalgae (seaweeds) and the complex surfaces of the reef itself provide important habitat for aquatic fauna.

Low profile sedimentary reef (sparse macroalgae) Low profile sedimentary reef within the study area is comprised predominantly of sandy sediment, broken shell fragments and concreate rubble. A sparse covering of Brown macroalgae's Sargassum spp. and Common Kelp Ecklonia radiata is present and associated with larger rubble pieces.

This habitat type is important for benthic feeders such as Goatfishes, which use sensory barbels on their chin to probe the sediment for food.

Vegetated sediment (seagrass meadow) Vegetated sediment within the shallow segment of the study area is dominated by seagrass species Zostera muelleri and interspersed with Sea Lettuce Ulva spp. and free floating Macroalgae species. Medium patchiness of seagrass is present with clumps (diameters <10 m) separated by narrow bands of bare or sparsely vegetated sediment (<5 m in width) in the local area. Sediment is primarily sandy with finer trapped sediments on the surface. During the additional site inspection on the 24 November 2016 it was noted that only a small patch of seagrass remained within the study area. This extent is mapped in Figure 2.

Seagrasses occur in shallow and sheltered coastal waters and provide important habitat for many small invertebrate species and small and or juvenile fishes. Seagrass provides habitat for many of the protected Syngnathid species (Pipefishes, Sea Horses and Sea Dragons) likely to occur within the study area.

Artificial intertidal rock wall The artificial rock wall on the south eastern side of the embarkation and docking area provides habitat similar to a natural rocky shoreline. The sea wall is sloped and provides many cracks and crevices for fauna to utilise and a hard substrate for molluscs to attach. Species such as the Limpet Cellana tramoserica and Conniwinks Bembicium spp. were numerous along the seawall.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 15 During the additional site inspection on the 24 November 2016 it was noted that the artificial rock wall had been removed and replaced up to the exit gate of the embarkation and docking area. While the artificial intertidal rock wall provides potential habitat for the state significant Chiton, Bassethullia glypta it will not be present in this disturbed area of rock wall. In addition to this, the Chiton is unlikely to quickly colonise this rock wall quickly due to the low mobility of this species.

Pier and dolphins (docking structures) pilings Sheltered aspects of the pier pilings for the Sorrento Ferry Terminal have been colonized by sessile species including diverse sponges, soft corals and ascidians such as Herdmania grandis. Common Kelp, Ulva spp and other branching macroalgae dominate on aspects more exposed to wave action or movement caused by the ferry docking.

Pilings provide vertical structure that are colonised by encrusting organisms and provide refuge for mobile marine fauna.

3.3 Landscape context

The study area is located within the southern end of Port Phillip Bay and is approximately 5km south-east of the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park and 60 kilometres south of Melbourne. The Sorrento Ferry Terminal embarkation and docking areas extend from the Sorrento foreshore into Port Phillip Bay. Sorrento is a popular tourist destination, with hourly ferries arriving and departing at the terminal to take passengers and vehicles to Queenscliff Harbour on the Bellarine Peninsula, approximately 10 kilometres to the north- west.

Port Phillip Bay is a large, shallow bay with variable marine habitats available. The study area supports a bed of Seagrass, which is found throughout Port Phillip Bay in depths less than 7 metres. The ecologically important Shallow Rocky Reef habitat type is also found within the study area, a habitat type which makes up just 10% of Port Phillip Bay. The foreshore at Sorrento Ferry Terminal is zoned Crown Coastal Reserve and provides an important fauna corridor for many species along the coast of Port Phillip Bay. The intertidal zones of the study area are important areas for ecosystem function.

3.4 Significant species and ecological communities

3.4.1 EPBC Act and FFG Act listed species Lists of EPBC Act and FFG Act listed species recorded or predicted to occur within 5 kilometres of the study area or from the relevant catchment (aquatic species) are provided in Appendix 1 (flora) and Appendix 2 (fauna). An assessment of the likelihood of these species occurring in the study area and an indication of where within the site (i.e. which habitats or features of relevance to the species) is included. A summary of those species recorded or with a medium or higher likelihood of occurring in the study area is provided in Table 2.

Table 2 Summary of EPBC and FFG Act listed species most likely to occur in the study area

Species name Listing status Area of value within the study area

Caspian Tern Listed under FFG Act May forage over the study area on occasion.

Burranan Dolphin Listed under FFG Act May forage over the study area on occasion.

Chiton 5254 Listed under FFG Act Artificial intertidal rock wall.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 16 3.4.2 DELWP advisory list of rare and threatened species To support decision making under the Guidelines, DELWP has produced models for Victoria describing the extent of habitat for most listed rare or threatened species. These models are called 'habitat importance models' and they assign a 'habitat importance score' to a location based on the importance of that location in the landscape as habitat for a particular rare or threatened species, in relation to other suitable habitat for that species (DEPI 2013a).

Under the Guidelines, these models form the basis for determining the impact of potential native vegetation clearing on rare and threatened species. The models only apply where a clearing proposal is considered on the moderate or high risk-based application pathways. Therefore the models and implications for impacts to advisory list species do not apply to the proposed development and are not considered further in this report.

3.4.3 Significant ecological communities The PMST identified two EPBC Act listed ecological communities as having potential to occur within the study area: Giant Kelp Marine Forests of South East Australia and Natural Damp Grassland of the Victorian Coastal Plains. Vegetation recorded within the study area does not correspond to either of these listed ecological communities.

No FFG Act listed communities are present within the study area.

3.4.4 Threatening processes There are no threatening processes listed under the EPBC Act that apply to the proposed development. A single threatening process under the FFG Act has been identified as having the potential to apply to the proposed development. This threatening process is 'the discharge of human-generated marine debris into Victorian marine or estuarine waters'.

Given the limited temporal and physical scale of the proposed upgrade, should the mitigation measures outlined in section 5 of this report be adhered to, the likelihood of the above threatening process occurring is unlikely.

B (40m)

C (40m)

D (40m)

Legend Study area Transect E (39m) Vegetation community F Artificial intertidal rock wall (100m) Low profile rocky reef Low profile sedimentary reef Seagrass Meadow EVC 845 Planted Norfolk Pines on MORNINGTON boundary PENINSULA Planted native vegetation SHIRE Predominantly introduced vegetation

G (40m)

Figure 2 Aquatic and terrestrial ecological features of the study area

0 10 20 30 40 50

Me tres Scale: 1:1,000 @ A3 Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 ± Biosis Pty Ltd Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney, Wangaratta & Wollongong

Matter: 22270, Date: 28 November 2016, Checked by: C J, Drawn by: LH, Last edited by: lmilne Acknowledgement: Imagery © Nearmap 2016; VicMap Data © State of Victoria Location:P:\22200s\22270\Mapping\22270_F2_EcoFeatures.mxd 4. Biodiversity legislation and government policy

This section provides an assessment of the project in relation to key biodiversity legislation and government policy. This section does not describe the legislation and policy in detail. Where available, links to further information are provided.

4.1 Commonwealth

4.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 The EPBC Act applies to developments and associated activities that have the potential to significantly impact on Matters of National Environmental Significance (NES) protected under the Act.

Matters of National Environmental Significance relevant to the project are summarised in Table 3 below. It includes an assessment against the EPBC Act policy statements published by the Australian Government which provide guidance on the practical application of EPBC Act.

The proposed development does not occur in the Commonwealth marine environment, thus 'Listed marine' species under s.248 of the EPBC Act have not been considered further unless otherwise listed under the EPBC Act.

Table 3 Assessment of project in relation to the EPBC Act

Matter of NES Project specifics Assessment against significant impact guidelines

Threatened species A total of 48 species have been recorded or These species are not likely to occur within the and ecological predicted to occur in the project search area. study area and development is therefore unlikely communities The likelihood of these species occurring in to constitute a significant impact on a listed the study area is assessed in Appendix 1 threatened species. (flora) and Appendix 2 (fauna).

Two listed ecological communities are No impacts to these ecological communities will predicted to occur within 5 km of the study result from the proposed upgrade works. area: Giant Kelp Marine Forests of South East Australia and Natural Damp Grassland of the Victorian Coastal Plains.

Migratory species A total of 59 migratory species have been While some of these species would be expected to recorded or predicted to occur in the project use the study area on occasions, and some of search area (Appendix 2). them may do so regularly, the study area does not provide an ecologically significant proportion for any of these species, and is unlikely to be impacted to the point that habitat will be substantially modified.

Wetlands of The study area is identified as being within Given the limited temporal and physical scale of international 10km of the Port Phillip Bay (Western the proposed upgrade, it is considered unlikely to importance Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula have a significant impact on the ecological (Ramsar sites). character of the Ramsar site.

Commonwealth Commonwealth marine areas are matters of The proposed development does not occur within Marine areas national environmental significance under the a Commonwealth marine area and is not likely to EPBC Act. have a significant impact on the environment of a Commonwealth marine area.

On the basis of criteria outlined in the relevant Significant Impact Guidelines it is considered unlikely that a significant impact on a Matter of National Environmental Significance would result from the proposed action. Referral of the proposed action to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment is therefore not recommended.

4.2 State

4.2.1 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) The FFG Act is the key piece of Victorian legislation for the conservation of threatened species and communities and for the management of potentially threatening processes. Under the FFG Act a permit is required from DELWP to 'take' protected flora species from public land. A permit is generally not required for removal of protected flora from private land. Authorisation under the FFG Act is also required to collect, kill, injure or disturb listed fish.

Link for further information: http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and-wildlife/threatened-species-and- communities/flora-and-fauna-guarantee-act-1988.

Native vegetation documented within the study area is not a listed community, and does not contain any naturally occurring protected flora species or habitat for them.

There is the potential for protected aquatic biota to occur within the study area as suitable aquatic habitat is present. A permit from DELWP would be required if any of these species are to be affected by the proposal.

The Caspian Tern and Burranan Dolphin may at times use the study area to forage. They are not resident to the study site and are unlikely to be impacted by upgrade works.

4.2.2 Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act) The CaLP Act identifies and classifies certain species as noxious weeds or pest animals, and provides a system of controls on noxious species.

No declared noxious weeds were identified in the study area.

Link for further information: http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/agriculture-and-food/pests-diseases-and- weeds/protecting-victoria-from-pest-animals-and-weeds/legislation-policy-and-permits/legislation

4.2.3 Coastal Management Act 1995 The Coastal Management Act 1995 controls the use and development of all coastal Crown land in Victoria. Under the Coastal Management Act 1995, coastal Crown land is defined as:

(a) any land reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 for the protection of the coastline; and (b) any Crown land within 200 metres of high water mark of— (i) the coastal waters of Victoria; or (ii) any sea within the limits of Victoria; and (c) the sea-bed of the coastal waters of Victoria; and

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 20 (d) the sea-bed of any sea within the limits of Victoria; and (e) any Crown land which is declared by the Governor in Council under subsection (2) to be coastal Crown land— but does not include any land which the Governor in Council declares under subsection (2) not to be coastal Crown land for the purposes of the Coastal Management Act 1995.

It is considered that the location of the current study area falls within the above definition. As such, consent is required under Section 37 of the Coastal Management Act 1995 to use and develop coastal Crown land. An application for consent must consider:

 the Victorian Coastal Strategy; and

 the Draft Central Region Coastal Action Plan; and

 any relevant coastal recommendation; and

 the purposes for which the land was reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

Where the use and development of coastal Crown land is subject to planning approval under a Planning Scheme, Section 38 of the Coastal Management Act 1995, allows for the planning application to be an application for consent to use and develop coastal Crown land if the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change or the Secretary of DELWP are a referral authority under the planning permit process.

4.2.4 Planning and Environment Act 1987 (incl. Planning Schemes) The Planning and Environment Act 1987 controls the planning and development of land in Victoria, and provides for the development of planning schemes for all municipalities.

Under the Mornington Planning Scheme the study area is covered by the following zones and overlays:

 Public Park and Recreation Zone (PPRZ)

 Public Conservation and Resources Zone (PCRZ)

 Environmental Significance Overlay schedule 25 (ESO25) and

 Heritage Overlay -HO1 (only partially at the entrance to the existing facility).

Of particular relevance to biodiversity approvals are controls relating to the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation contained within the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme, including permit requirements. Clause 72 of the Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme defines ‘native vegetation’ as 'Plants that are indigenous to Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses'. This definition does not preclude aquatic or marine native vegetation.

Clause 52.17 (Native Vegetation) requires a planning permit to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation including some dead native vegetation. Decision guidelines are contained in Clause 52.17-5. It should be noted that where native vegetation does not meet the definition of a remnant patch or scattered trees, as described in Section 3.1, the Guidelines do not apply, as is the case in this instance. However, a permit may still be required to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation under Clause 52.17 of the Scheme.

Under Clause 66.02 a permit application to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation is required to be referred to DELWP as a recommending referral authority if any of the following apply:

 the area of native vegetation to be removed is greater than 0.5 hectares

 the class of application is on the high risk-based pathway

 a property vegetation precinct plan applies to the site or

Under the Environmental Significance Overlay 25 (ESO25) which occurs across the study area a planning permit is require to remove, destroy or lop any vegetation as well as to construct a building or carry out works. The ESO25 also requires applications be referred to the Secretary of DELWP as a mandatory referral authority under Section 55 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

It is also important to note that under Section 61(3)(a) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, a Responsible Authority cannot issue a planning permit to use or develop coastal Crown land unless the Minister administering the Coastal Management Act 1995 has consented to the use or development of the coastal Crown land.

Similarly under Section 61(3)(b) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, a Responsible Authority must refuse a planning permit to use or develop coastal Crown land if the Minister administering the Coastal Management Act 1995 has refused to grant consented to the use or develop the coastal Crown land.

Victoria's Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines The Guidelines are incorporated into the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes in Victoria (DEPI 2013a). The Guidelines replace Victoria's Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action. Advice sought from DELWP on the applicability of the Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines in relation to sea grass is that the Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines do not apply to seagrass and consent is required under the Coastal Management Act 1995.

4.2.5 Environment Effects Act 1978 The Environment Effects Act 1978 establishes a process to assess the environmental impacts of a project. If applicable, the Act requires that an Environment Effects Statement (EES) be prepared by the proponent. The EES is submitted to the Minister for Planning and enables them to assess the potential environmental effects of the proposed development.

The general objective of the assessment process is to provide for the transparent, integrated and timely assessment of the environmental effects of projects capable of having a significant effect on the environment (DSE 2006).

The ‘Ministerial Guidelines for Assessment of Environmental Effects under the Environment Effects Act 1978’ (DSE 2006a) provide a range of criteria that can be used to determine whether an EES may be required for a project. These criteria relate to individual potential environmental effects and a combination of (two or more) potential environmental effects. While Biosis believes the proposed upgrade works do not meet the referral criteria, the guidelines are not binding, and the decision as to whether an EES is required is ultimately at the discretion of the Minister for Planning.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 22 4.2.6 Fisheries Act 1995 The Fisheries Act 1995 provides a legislative frame work for the regulation, management and conservation of Victorian fisheries including aquatic habitats.

A person must not take, injure, damage, destroy, possess, keep, display for reward, release into Victorian waters or sell any protected aquatic biota without a permit. Protected aquatic biota includes all species of the family Syngnathidae (seahorses, sea dragons and pipefish), the Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) and any fish or aquatic invertebrate or community that is listed under the FFG Act.

Protected aquatic biota that have potential to occur in the identified habitats within the study site and that may be impacted upon by the development include:

 Chiton 5254 Bassethullia glypta

 Big-belly Seahorse Hippocampus abdominalis

 Short-head Seahorse Hippocampus breviceps

 Common Seadragon Phyllopteryx taeniolatus

 Widebody pipefish Stigmatopora nigra

 Crested Pipefish Histiogamphelus briggsii

 Knifesnout Pipefish Hypselognathus rostratus

 Hairy Pipefish Urocampus carinirostris

 Brushtail Pipefish Leptoichthys fistularius

 Smooth Pipefish Lissocampus caudalis

 Javelin Pipefish Lissocampus runa

 Sawtooth Pipefish Maroubra perserrata

 Red Pipefish Notiocampus ruber

 Port Phillip Pipefish Vanacampus phillipi

 Spotted Pipefish Stigmatopora argus

 Halfbanded Pipefish Mitotichthys semistriatus

 Pugnose Pipefish Pugnaso curtirostris

 Mollison's Pipefish Mitotichthys mollisoni

While minimal, the potential for protected aquatic biota as listed above to be injured, damaged or destroyed cannot be completely avoided.

For the take of any FFG Act listed aquatic biota or communities, a FFG Act permit is required from DELWP. Under section 72, subsection 2 of the Fisheries Act, a person who holds a permit under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 is absolved from the requirement to have a Protected Aquatic Biota Permit for those species. For Syngnathids or FFG Act listed aquatic invertebrates that do not meet the definition of fish, a Protected Aquatic Biota Permit is required from DELWP. Biosis can assist with this application.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 23 4.2.7 Environment Protection Act 1970: State Environmental Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) 2003 The Environment Protection Act underpins the State Environmental Protection Policy (SEPP) - Waters of Victoria which provides a legal framework for the protection and rehabilitation of Victoria’s water environments. The SEPP requires that aquatic ecosystem values be protected. Environmental quality objectives and indicators are defined to protect beneficial uses (i.e. the uses and values of the water environment) and an attainment program provides guidance on protection of the beneficial uses.

Impacts to water quality must not result in changes that exceed background levels and/or the water quality objectives specified for the Waters of Port Phillip Bay schedule. Searoad Ferries Pty Ltd needs to ensure that direct impacts to water quality (sedimentation and mobilisation of marine debris) do not exceed the background levels and/or water quality objectives.

Link to further information: http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/water/epa/wov.asp.

This section identifies the key ecological features of the study area, provides an outline of potential implications of proposed development on those values and includes recommendations to assist Searoad Ferries in the formulation of a design which minimises impacts on biodiversity.

The primary measure to reduce impacts to biodiversity values within the study area is to minimise removal of terrestrial and aquatic habitat. All areas of vegetation/habitat nominated in the design plan as 'retained' are to be treated as no-go zones and should not to be encroached upon as development progresses.

A summary of potential implications of development of the study area and recommendations to minimise impacts during the design phase of the project is provided in Table 4.

Table 4 Summary of key ecological values, potential implications of developing the study area and recommendations to minimise ecological impacts during the design phase.

Ecological feature Implications of development Recommendations (Figure 2)

Native vegetation There are no significant implications for native Where possible, retain mature woody terrestrial vegetation under the proposed vegetation such as Coast Tea-tree inside the development. development area as fauna habitat.

Aquatic habitat Removal of known/potential habitat for Removal of aquatic flora will be assessed under protected aquatic biota (as identified in Table the Coastal Management Act 2). Avoid/minimise removal of terrestrial and/or Deterioration in water quality via aquatic habitat by designing to avoid or sedimentation. minimise instream works.

Construction management The construction phase of the proposed upgrade has the potential to have substantial environmental impacts if construction activities are not appropriately managed to protect the environment. Biosis recommends a Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) is produced by a suitably qualified consultant. A SEMP is a document detailing the potential environmental impacts of a proposed use and/or development and the ways that these impacts may be reduced by management strategies and practices.

Biosis have identified several possible environmental impacts and provided mitigation recommendations below.

Identified possible impacts and mitigation measures

Mobilization sedimentation and marine debris Through the instillation of pier pilings, use of fill to extend the existing embarkation and docking area, and modification of the existing seawall, mobilisation of sediment, and possibly marine debris, into the marine environment is likely. The environmental impacts of sedimentation can include loss of important or sensitive aquatic habitat. Disturbed sediments can contain heavy metals and other chemicals which can be toxic to aquatic organisms, and impact beneficial uses such as recreation attributes and human health.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 25 Aquatic flora species found within the study area such as seagrasses and macroalgae species are particularly sensitive to increases in turbidity as they require sunlight in order to grow.

Biosis recommends;

 Undertaking sediment toxicity tests in areas to be disturbed before construction works commence

 Consider the potential for Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils to be present

 Use high quality floating silt curtains designed to contain and control sediment plumes during construction of any features considered likely to cause sediment plumes.

Shading of light dependent organisms The construction of a new terminal building will cause additional shading of low profile sedimentary reef and low profile rocky reef which supports macroalgae and other light dependant sessile organisms. A reduction in light available for photosynthetic activity will indirectly reduce the abundance and composition of light dependant sessile organisms. These organisms provide critical habitat for protected aquatic biota. It is likely that a species shift will occur towards organisms more adapted to low light environments.

In an effort to reduce the impact of shading, the new terminal building should be constructed over shallow reef habitats which support low macroalgae density. The current proposed location of the new terminal building is ideal in regards to this recommendation.

Replacement of Rock Wall Structure Should Searoad Ferries' be required to modify the rock wall structure seaward of the exit gate for embarkation and docking area, the potential for impact on the Chiton 5254 should be considered. Traditional vertical loose rock wall structures provide habitat for some species, such as the FFG Act listed Chiton 5254, but still provide relatively limited habitat compared to a natural shoreline. The current rock wall form provides some buffering between the marine and terrestrial environment which is an important ecological feature.

It is recommended that Searoad Ferries considers the salvage of any Chiton 5254 that may be utilising the current rock wall. A suitably qualified ecologist could inspect rock wall materials as they are removed for Chiton 5254 and relocate the animals to an area that will be left intact.

In addition, with the required removal and realignment of the existing rock wall and opportunity exists to improve rock wall design so that it is more environmentally friendly. Gentle slopes and a variety of habitats are important features of environmentally friendly rock wall design.

DEPI 2013a. Permitted clearing of native vegetation - Biodiversity assessment guidelines. Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Melbourne (September 2013).

DEPI 2013b. Native vegetation gain scoring manual, version 1. Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Melbourne (May 2013).

DEPI 2014a. Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria – 2014. Victorian Government Department of Environment & Primary Industries, East Melbourne.

DEPI 2014b. Permitted clearing of native vegetation – Biodiversity assessment handbook. Version 0.2. Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Melbourne (January 2014).

DNRE 2002. Victoria's Native Vegetation Management: A Framework for Action. Victorian Government Department of Natural Resources & Environment, East Melbourne.

DSE 2004. Native Vegetation: Sustaining a living landscape. Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual – Guidelines for applying the Habitat hectares scoring method. Version 1.3. Victorian Government Department of Sustainability & Environment, Melbourne.

DSE 2007. Native Vegetation – Guide for assessment of referred planning permit applications. Victorian Government Department of Sustainability & Environment, East Melbourne.

DSE 2009. Advisory List of Threatened Invertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 2009. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria.

DSE 2010. Victorian Biodiversity Atlas ‘VBA_FAUNA25, FAUNA100 & FAUNARestricted, FLORA25, FLORA100 & FLORARestricted’ August 2010 © The State of Victoria. Victorian Government Department of Sustainability & Environment, Melbourne.

DSE 2013. Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria – 2013. Victorian Government Department of Environment & Primary Industries, Melbourne.

Edmunds, M and Hart, S 2003. Parks Victoria Standard Operating Procedure: Biological Monitoring of Subtidal Reefs, Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 9, Parks Victoria, Melbourne.

PPWCMA 2004. Port Phillip and Westernport Regional Catchment Strategy. Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Victoria.

PPWCMA 2006. Port Phillip and Western Port Native Vegetation Plan. Port Phillip & Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Frankston, Victoria.

Melbourne Water 2007. Port Phillip and Western Port Regional River Health Strategy. Western Port Catchment, Melbourne Water, Melbourne.

Notes to tables:

EPBC Act: DEPI 2014a: CR - Critically Endangered e - endangered EN - Endangered v - vulnerable VU - Vulnerable r - rare

PMST – Protected Matters Search Tool

FFG Act: L - listed as threatened under FFG Act P - protected under the FFG Act (public land only)

Noxious weed status: # - Native species outside natural range SP - State prohibited species RP - Regionally prohibited species RC - Regionally controlled species RR - Regionally restricted species

Table A2.1 Flora species recorded from the study area

Status Scientific Name Common Name Indigenous species Clematis microphylla s.s. Small-leaved Clematis Planted indigenous species r, P Acacia uncifolia Coast Wirilda Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping Sheoak Atriplex cinerea Coast Saltbush Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia Coast Banksia P Correa alba White Correa Cynodon dactylon Couch P Grevillea spp. Grevillea # Leptospermum laevigatum Coast Tea-tree P Leucophyta brownii Cushion Bush Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush P Olearia spp. Daisy Bush Poa poiformis Coast Tussock-grass Rhagodia candolleana subsp. candolleana Seaberry Saltbush Zostera muelleri Dwarf Grass-wrack Introduced species Cenchrus clandestinus Kikuyu Hypochaeris radicata Flatweed Lagurus ovatus Hare's-tail Grass Silene vulgaris Bladder Campion Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle Trifolium spp. Clover

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 30 A2.2 Listed flora species The following table includes the listed flora species that have potential to occur within the study area. The list of species is sourced from the Victorian Flora Information System and the Protected Matters Search Tool (DoE; accessed on 13.07.16).

Table A2.2 Listed flora species recorded / predicted to occur within 5 km of the study area

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent records occurrence in likelihood EPBC VIC FFG database study area ranking record National significance Euphrasia collina subsp. Purple Eyebright EN e L - PMST Grasslands and grassy Negligible High level of muelleri woodlands; few disturbance populations are known and unsuitable to still exist. recruitment conditions. Glycine latrobeana Clover Glycine VU v L - PMST Grasslands and grassy Negligible High level of woodlands, particularly disturbance those dominated by and unsuitable Kangaroo Grass. recruitment conditions. Muehlenbeckia australis Climbing Lignum EN 2010 Primarily coastal Low High level of environments behind disturbance dunes, on clifftops and and unsuitable the margins of coastal recruitment swamps; disjunct conditions. records occur at Mt Arapiles and the Grampians.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 31 Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent records occurrence in likelihood EPBC VIC FFG database study area ranking record Prasophyllum frenchii Maroon Leek- EN e L - PMST Grassland and grassy Negligible High level of orchid woodland environments disturbance on sandy or black clay and unsuitable loam soils that are recruitment generally damp but well conditions. drained.

Pterostylis cucullata Leafy Greenhood VU v L 1927 PMST Sand dune scrubs in Negligible High level of coastal areas, and inland disturbance on slopes and river flats and unsuitable in moist foothill and recruitment montane forests. conditions.

State significance Adriana quadripartita s.s. Rare Bitter-bush e L 2010 Coastal dunes and sand Negligible High level of (glabrous form) plains. disturbance and unsuitable recruitment conditions.

Notes to tables:

EPBC Act: DSE 2009, DSE 2013:

EX - Extinct ex - extinct CR - Critically Endangered cr - critically endangered EN - Endangered en - endangered VU - Vulnerable vu - vulnerable CD - Conservation dependent nt - near threatened dd - data deficient rx - regionally extinct

FFG Act: Introduced species:

L - listed as threatened under FFG Act * - introduced species

N - nominated for listing as threatened PS - pest species listed under the CaLP Act I - determined ineligible for listing

Most recent database records are from the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas unless otherwise specified as follows

PMST – Protected Matters Search Tool

Table A2.1 Aquatic fauna survey results

Status Scientific name Common name Fishes Arripis trutta Eastern Australian Salmon Cheilodactylus nigripes Magpie Perch Dactylophora nigricans Dusky Morwong Diodon nicthemerus Globe Fish Eastern Blue Groper Eastern Blue Groper Enoplosus armatus Old Wife Girella zebra Zebra Fish Haletta semifasciata Blue Weed-whiting Meuschenia flavolineata Yelllow Stripe Leatherjacket Meuschenia freycineti Sixspine Leatherjacket Meuschenia hippocrepis Horse Shoe Leatherjacket Notolabrus tetricus Bluethroat Wrasse Odax cyanomelas Herring Cale Parma victoriae Scalyfin Pempheris multiradiata Big-scaled Bullseye Pseudocaranx georgianus Silver Trevally (juv.) Scorpis aequipinnis Sea Sweep Sphyraena novaehollandiae Short-finned Sea-pike Tetractenos glaber Smooth Toadfish Trygonorrhina dumerilii Southern Fiddler Ray Upeneichthys vlamingii Southern Goatfish Crustacea Palaemon serenus Red-handed Shrimp Invertebrate Cantharidella tiberiana Marine Snail Cellana tramoserica Limpet species Haliotis rubra Blacklip Abalone Venericardia bimaculata Bivalve Molusc Cephlapod Sepioteuthis australis Southern Calamari Squid

Table notes: ‡‡ - New records of species for the catchment. D - Diadromous species – species which migrate between fresh and salt water at specific parts of their lifecycle (includes anadromous, catadromous and amphidromous species). E - Euryhaline species – species which are capable of occurring in marine and freshwater environments (typically estuarine species and marine vagrants). N - Declared noxious species under the Fisheries Act 1995 P - Present – abundance not recorded (e.g. burrow observations for Engaeus spp.)

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 34 A2.2 Listed fauna species The following table includes a list of the listed fauna species that have potential to occur within the study area. The list of species is sourced from the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas and the Protected Matters Search Tool (DoE; accessed on 13.07.16).

Table A2.2 Listed fauna species recorded, or predicted to occur, within 5 km of the study area

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent record occurrence in likelihood ranking databas s study area EPBC VIC FFG e record National significance Pterodroma mollis Soft-plumaged VU - PMST A marine pelagic spending the Negligible No suitable habitat Petrel majority of its time at sea. The only within study area. known Australian breeding population occurs on Maatsuyker Island. Pterodroma Gould's Petrel EN - PMST The Gould's Petrel is a marine Negligible No suitable habitat leucoptera pelagic spending the majority of its within study area. time at sea. It has breeding colonies on Cabbage Tree Island and Boondelbah Island. Halobaena caerulea Blue Petrel VU 1989 PMST A marine species, usually pelagic Low Unlikely to make but sometimes observed over regular use of coastal shallow waters. A regular visitor to areas in Port Phillip southern Australian waters. Bay. Diomedea exulans Wandering VU en L 1989 PMST Occurs from Antarctic to Low Unlikely to make Albatross subtropical areas in the southern regular use of coastal hemisphere. In Australia, observed areas in Port Phillip over continental shelves often in Bay. areas of continental upwellings. Regularly recorded feeding in sheltered harbours, often gathering at sewerage outfalls.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 35 Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent record occurrence in likelihood ranking databas s study area EPBC VIC FFG e record Thalassarche Black-browed VU vu, I I 1989 PMST Breeds in antarctic and sub- Negligible Largely pelagic species melanophris Albatross antarctic islands, but commonly that is unlikely to make occurs in pelagic waters off the use of coastal areas in coast of Victoria. Port Phillip Bay. Thalassarche Grey-headed EN vu L - PMST Occurs in warmer areas over Negligible Largely pelagic species chrysostoma Albatross winter, its breeding grounds are that is unlikely to make found in the Antarctic and use of coastal areas in subantarctic islands. Generally Port Phillip Bay. forages over the open oceans, there have been a small number of records over inshore and offshore areas along the Victorian coast. Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross EN vu L 2010 PMST The Shy Albatross is a marine Low Unlikely to make pelagic species inhabiting sub- regular use of coastal Antarctic and subtropical waters, areas in Port Phillip spending the majority of their time Bay. at sea. Occasionally it is observed in continental shelf waters in bays and harbours. Phoebetria fusca Sooty Albatross VU L 2013 PMST A pelagic species that inhabits Low Largely pelagic species subantarctic and subtropical that is unlikely to make marine waters. use of coastal areas in Port Phillip Bay. Sternula nereis Fairy Tern VU en L - PMST Fairy Terns inhabit coastal Low Limited available environments including intertidal habitat and no records mudflats, sand flats and beaches. from within 5 km of Nests above high-water mark on the study area. sandy shell-grit beaches. Thinornis rubricollis Hooded Plover VU vu L 2012 PMST Sandy ocean beaches, estuaries Low No suitable habitat and inland lakes. within the study area.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 36 Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent record occurrence in likelihood ranking databas s study area EPBC VIC FFG e record Calidris ferruginea Curlew CR en 1960 Large intertidal sandflats, banks, Low Limited intertidal Sandpiper mudflats, estuaries, inlets, sewage foraging habitat farms, saltworks, harbours, coastal present. lagoons and bays. Rostratula australis Australian EN cr L - PMST Shallows of well-vegetated Negligible No suitable habitat Painted Snipe freshwater wetlands. within study area. Botaurus Australasian EN en L - PMST Shallow freshwater and brackish Negligible No suitable habitat poiciloptilus Bittern wetlands with abundant emergent within study area. aquatic vegetation.

Neophema Orange-bellied CR cr L - PMST Coastal vegetation including Negligible No suitable habitat chrysogaster Parrot saltmarshes, dunes, pastures, within study area. shrublands, sewage plants, saltworks, islands, and beaches. Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot CR en L - PMST A range of forests and woodlands, Negligible No suitable habitat especially those supporting nectar- within study area. producing tree species. Also well- treed urban areas.

Grantiella picta Painted VU vu L - PMST Dry open woodlands and forests. Negligible No suitable habitat Honeyeater Typically forages for fruit and within study area. nectar in mistletoes and in tree canopies. Anthochaera phrygia Regent CR cr L - PMST A range of dry woodlands and Negligible No suitable habitat Honeyeater forests dominated by nectar- and outside species producing tree species. range.

Thalassarche Campbell VU - PMST Occurs in open marine waters of Negligible Largely pelagic species melanophris Albatross southern and south eastern that is unlikely to make impavida Australia. Breeding occurs on use of coastal areas in Campbell Island, New Zealand. Port Phillip Bay.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 37 Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent record occurrence in likelihood ranking databas s study area EPBC VIC FFG e record Macronectes Southern Giant- EN vu L 1989 PMST An opportunistic scavenger and Low Edge of range, an giganteus Petrel predator, adults of this species are extremely rare visitor present all year round at Antarctic to southern Victoria. breeding colonies, from where immature birds disperse, some as far north as subtropical areas. Macronectes halli Northern Giant- VU nt L - PMST Breeds in coastal habitats on Low Edge of range, an Petrel subantarctic islands. Dispersal extremely rare visitor movements of juveniles are poorly to southern Victoria. known but have been observed along temperate coastal areas of Australia, Africa, South America and New Zealand. Often seen around sewer outfalls or seal and penguin colonies. Diomedea Royal Albatross VU vu L - PMST Occurs in open marine waters of Negligible Largely pelagic species epomophora southern and south eastern that is unlikely to make Australia. Breeding occurs on use of coastal areas in Campbell Island, New Zealand. Port Phillip Bay. Antechinus minimus Swamp VU nt L - PMST Dense wet heath and heathy Negligible Terrestrial habitat maritimus Antechinus woodland, sedgeland and dense within the study area tussock grassland. is largely degraded and fragmented. No records within 5 km. Isoodon obesulus Southern Brown EN nt L - PMST Heathland, shrubland, sedgeland, Negligible Terrestrial habitat obesulus Bandicoot heathy open forest and woodland. within the study area (eastern) Exotic vegetation, such as is largely degraded blackberry thickets and rank and fragmented. No grasses can and often do, provide local records. important habitat where native vegetation has been removed.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 38 Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent record occurrence in likelihood ranking databas s study area EPBC VIC FFG e record Pteropus Grey-headed VU vu L 1987 PMST Rainforest, wet and dry sclerophyll Low No foraging habitat poliocephalus Flying-fox forest, woodland and urban areas. within study area. May fly overhead on occasion. Mirounga leonina Southern VU 2002 Return to land to moult from Low At edge of Elephant Seal December to February, preferring distributional range. sandy beaches adjacent to Poa Individuals may use tussock. Victorian records likely to the study area on rare be of stragglers, which have been occasions however the found along the entire Victorian study area does not coast, including Port Phillip and contain important or Hobsons Bay. breeding habitat. Eubalaena australis Southern Right EN cr L 2004 PMST Migrates between summer feeding Low Migratory species Whale grounds in the Southern Ocean to where occasional warmer northern waters over individuals enter Port winter, where it can be found along Phillip Bay. the Victorian coastline. The coast 8km east of Warrnambool is a locally important calving and nursing site until late October or early November. Balaenoptera Blue Whale EN cr L - PMST Found throughout the Southern Negligible Oceanic species, musculus Ocean, though migration paths unlikely to enter Port appear to be diffuse and Phillip Bay. widespread. Often enters coastal waters, including Victoria (particularly the smaller subspecies Balaenoptera physalus).

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 39 Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent record occurrence in likelihood ranking databas s study area EPBC VIC FFG e record Megaptera Humpback VU vu L 2006 PMST Migrate between summer feeding Low Migratory species novaeangliae Whale grounds in the Southern Ocean to where some Northern waters where birthing individuals enter Port and mating occurs. Increasingly Phillip Bay. recorded along the Victorian coast, occasionally entering Port Phillip and Western Port. Caretta caretta Loggerhead EN 2013 PMST Loggerhead Turtles forage widely in Low Migratory species at Turtle the waters of coral and rocky reefs, edge of distributional seagrass beds and muddy bays and physiological throughout eastern, northern and range. Occasional western Australia. Nesting occurs in individual may use the coastal environments of northern study area for WA, NT and QLD. foraging. Chelonia mydas Green Turtle VU - PMST Marine species with a pan-tropical Low Migratory species at distribution throughout the world. edge of distributional More abundant along the tropical and physiological coasts of Australia and the Great range. Occasional Barrier Reef. Green Turtles spend individual may use the their first five to ten years drifting study area for on ocean currents. Dur foraging. Dermochelys Leathery Turtle EN cr L 1994 PMST Marine species usually sighted Low Migratory species that coriacea along the eastern seaboard often in on occasion may use bays, estuaries and rivers. No the study area to major nesting events have been forage, not considered recorded in Australia. important or breeding habitat. Litoria raniformis Growling Grass VU en L - PMST Still or slow-flowing waterbodies Negligible No suitable habitat Frog and surrounding terrestrial within study area. vegetation. Prototroctes Australian VU vu L - PMST Adults inhabit cool, clear, Negligible No suitable habitat maraena Grayling freshwater streams within study area.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 40 Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent record occurrence in likelihood ranking databas s study area EPBC VIC FFG e record Galaxiella pusilla Dwarf Galaxias VU en L - PMST Slow-flowing or still freshwater Negligible No suitable habitat wetlands such as swamps, drains within study area. and backwaters of streams. Carcharodon Great White VU vu L - PMST Near coastal and offshore waters. Low Occasional transient carcharias Shark species within Port Phillip Bay Limosa lapponica Western VU - PMST Large intertidal sandflats, banks, Low Limited intertidal baueri Alaskan Bar- mudflats, estuaries, inlets, sewage foraging habitat tailed Godwit farms, saltworks, harbours, coastal present. lagoons and bays. Limosa lapponica Northern CR - PMST Large intertidal sandflats, banks, Low Limited intertidal menzbieri Siberian Bar- mudflats, estuaries, inlets, sewage foraging habitat tailed Godwit farms, saltworks, harbours, coastal present. lagoons and bays. Diomedea Antipodean VU L - PMST Occurs in open marine waters of Negligible Largely pelagic species antipodensis Albatross southern Australia. that is unlikely to make use of coastal areas in Port Phillip Bay. Fregetta grallaria White-bellied VU - PMST A marine pelagic species which has Negligible Largely pelagic species grallaria Storm-Petrel been recorded over near-shore that is unlikely to make (Tasman Sea) waters off the coasts of mainland use of coastal areas in Australia. Breeds on offshore islets Port Phillip Bay. and rocks in the Lord Howe Island group Thalassarche bulleri Pacific Albatross VU - PMST Buller's Albatross breeds in New Negligible Largely pelagic species Zealand and is a seasonal visitor to that is unlikely to make Victorian coastal waters where it use of coastal areas in occurs in pelagic and inshore Port Phillip Bay. waters. Thalassarche steadi White-capped VU - PMST Poorly known marine pelagic Negligible Largely pelagic species Albatross species. Endemic Breeds on that is unlikely to make offshore islands of New Zealand. use of coastal areas in Port Phillip Bay.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 41 Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent record occurrence in likelihood ranking databas s study area EPBC VIC FFG e record Thalassarche salvini Salvin's VU - PMST Salvin's Albatross is a marine Negligible Largely pelagic species Albatross species occurring in subantarctic that is unlikely to make and subtropical waters. use of coastal areas in Port Phillip Bay. Diomedea sanfordi Northern Royal EN - PMST The Northern Royal Albatross Negligible Largely pelagic species Albatross ranges widely over the Southern that is unlikely to make Ocean, with individuals seen in use of coastal areas in Australian waters off south-eastern Port Phillip Bay. Australia State significance Porzana pusilla Baillon's Crake vu L 1997 Well-vegetated permanent and Negligible No suitable habitat temporary fresh and brackish within study area. wetlands. Gelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern en L 1964 Floodplains, saltmarsh, clay pans Low No suitable habitat and flooded pasture. within study area. Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern nt L 2010 Estuaries, inlets, bays, lagoons, Medium May forage over the inland lakes, flooded pasture, study area on sewage ponds, occasion. Small breeding colony present on nearby Mud Islands. Sternula albifrons Little Tern vu L - PMST This bird is mostly recorded in Low A non-breeding visitor sheltered coastal environments, to the broader local including bays, lagoons and area. May utilise the estuaries. Nests on sandy study area on substrates containing much shell- occasion, though no grit, which provides good previous records camouflage for their eggs. within 5 km. Ardea modesta Eastern Great vu L 1980 Flooded crops, pasture, swamps, Negligible No suitable habitat Egret lagoons, saltmarsh, sewage ponds, within study area. estuaries, dams, roadside ditches. Breeds in trees standing in water.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 42 Scientific name Common name Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status recent record occurrence in likelihood ranking databas s study area EPBC VIC FFG e record Anseranas Magpie Goose nt L 1994 Swamps, lakes, sewage ponds, Negligible No suitable habitat semipalmata flooded pasture, dams. within study area. Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck en L 1998 Open or densely vegetated Negligible No suitable habitat wetlands. within study area. Sminthopsis White-footed nt L 1986 Lowland heathy woodland and Low Terrestrial habitat leucopus Dunnart forest, coastal scub and coastal within the study area grasslands is largely degraded and fragmented. Bassethullia glypta Chiton 5254 vu L 1986 Under rocks in the inter-tidal and High Suitable habitat sub-tidal zones to depths of 6 m. present. Tursiops australis Burranan en, I L 2014 Marine waters in Port Phillip and High A resident species that Dolphin the Gippsland Lakes. is regularly recorded in the local area and highly likely to utilise waters within the study area as part of larger home range and foraging movements.

Table A2.3 Migratory fauna species recorded or predicted to occur within 5 km of the study area

Scientific name Common name Most recent record Ardenna tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater 1998 Ardenna carneipes Flesh-footed Shearwater 1884 Diomedea exulans Wandering Albatross 1989 Thalassarche melanophris Black-browed Albatross 1989 Thalassarche chrysostoma Grey-headed Albatross - Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross 2010 Phoebetria fusca Sooty Albatross 2013 Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern 2010 Sternula albifrons Little Tern - Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger 1989 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover 1960 Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover 1960 Charadrius bicinctus Double-banded Plover 1989 Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover 1960 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit 1960 Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank - Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper 1960 Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint 1960 Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 1980 Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe 2001 Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis 1986 Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret 1980 Anas querquedula Garganey 1896 Pandion cristatus Eastern Osprey - Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater 1895 Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail 1989 Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift 1988 Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail 2000 Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher - Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch - Acrocephalus stentoreus Clamorous Reed Warbler 2001 Thalassarche melanophris impavida Campbell Albatross - Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail - Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant-Petrel 1989 Stercorarius longicaudus Long-tailed Jaeger 1965 Macronectes halli Northern Giant-Petrel - Stercorarius pomarinus Pomarine Jaeger 1982 Sterna hirundo Common Tern 1989 Diomedea epomophora Royal Albatross - Ardea ibis Cattle Egret 2001

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 44 Scientific name Common name Most recent record Eubalaena australis Southern Right Whale 2004 Caperea marginata Pygmy Right Whale - Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale - Balaenoptera edeni Bryde's Whale - Megaptera novaeangliae Humpback Whale 2006 Orcinus orca Killer Whale 2007 Caretta caretta Loggerhead Turtle 2013 Chelonia mydas Green Turtle - Dermochelys coriacea Leathery Turtle 1994 Carcharodon carcharias Great White Shark - Limosa lapponica baueri Western Alaskan Bar-tailed Godwit - Limosa lapponica menzbieri Northern Siberian Bar-tailed Godwit - Diomedea antipodensis Antipodean Albatross - Thalassarche bulleri Pacific Albatross - Thalassarche salvini Salvin's Albatross - Thalassarche steadi White-capped Albatross - Diomedea sanfordi Northern Royal Albatross - Lagenorhynchus obscurus Dusky Dolphin - Lamna nasus Porbeagle -