Habitat Hectare and Desktop Threatened Fauna Assessment

biosis.

Harcourt Mountain Bike Park: Habitat hectare and desktop threatened fauna assessment

Prepared for Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

7 February 2017

Biosis offices Document information

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Report to: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Canberra Phone: (02) 6102 1200 Prepared by: Rohan Simkin Email: [email protected] Daniel Gilmore Lauren Stoot

NEW SOUTH WALES Biosis project no.: 21614

Newcastle File name: Phone: (02) 4911 4040 23699.harcourt.mtb.targetedsurvey.dr01.19012017.d Email: [email protected] ocx

Sydney Citation: Biosis 2016. Harcourt Mountain Bike Project: Habitat hectare and Phone: (02) 9101 8700 desktop threatened fauna assessment. Report for Department of Email: [email protected] Environment, Land, Water and Planning. Authors: Simkin, R., Gilmore, D. & Stoot, L., Biosis Pty Ltd, Melbourne. Project no. 21614 Wollongong Phone: (02) 4201 1090 Email: [email protected] Document control

QUEENSLAND Version Internal reviewer Date issued

Brisbane Draft version 01 SGM 04/03/2016 Phone: (07) 3831 7400 Email: [email protected] Draft version 02 MV 02/06/2016

Final version 01 MV 20/06/2016

TASMANIA Final version 02 MSG 20/01/2017

Hobart Final Version 03 RDS 07/02/2017 Phone: (03) 8686 4821 Email: [email protected] Acknowledgements

VICTORIA

Ballarat Biosis acknowledges the contribution of the following people and Phone: (03) 5304 4250 organisations in undertaking this study: Email: [email protected] • Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning: Minda Murray Melbourne (Head Office) Phone: (03) 8686 4800 • Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning for access to Fax: (03) 9646 9242 the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas and Native Vegetation Information Email: [email protected] Tools

Wangaratta • Department of Environment for access to the Protected Matters Phone: (03) 5721 9453 Search Tool of the Australian Government Email: [email protected] Biosis staff involved in this project were: • Martin Lee & Chris Jones (assistance in the field) • 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.

Contents

1. Introduction ...... 6

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

2. Methods ...... 8

2.1 Database review ...... 8 2.2 Definitions of significance ...... 9 2.3 Determining likelihood of occurrence of significant species ...... 9 2.4 Site investigation ...... 9 2.4.1 General flora assessment ...... 9 2.4.2 Targeted flora survey ...... 10 2.4.3 Fauna assessment ...... 10 2.4.4 Targeted survey for Golden Sun Moth ...... 10 2.4.5 Permits ...... 11 2.5 Qualifications ...... 11 2.6 Legislation and policy ...... 12 2.7 Mapping ...... 12

3. Results ...... 13

3.1 Vegetation of the study area ...... 13 3.1.1 Habitat hectares ...... 17 3.2 Targeted survey results ...... 19 3.2.1 Targeted survey for Golden Sun Moth ...... 19 3.2.2 Targeted flora survey ...... 19 3.3 Significant species and ecological communities ...... 20 3.3.1 EPBC Act and FFG Act listed species ...... 20 3.3.2 DELWP advisory list of rare and threatened species ...... 22 3.4 Significant ecological communities ...... 22 3.4.1 EPBC Act listed communities ...... 22 3.4.2 FFG Act listed Communities ...... 23 3.5 Further survey recommendations ...... 23

4. Biodiversity legislation and government policy ...... 29

4.1 Commonwealth ...... 29 4.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ...... 29 4.2 State ...... 30 4.2.1 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) ...... 30 4.2.2 Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act) ...... 31 4.2.3 Planning and Environment Act 1987 (incl. Planning Schemes) ...... 31

5. Victoria's biodiversity assessment guidelines ...... 33

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting II 5.1 Proposed removal of native vegetation...... 34 5.2 Determining the risk-based pathway ...... 34 5.3 Offset requirements ...... 34 5.4 Proposed offset strategy ...... 37

6. Key ecological values and recommendations ...... 38

Appendix 1 Flora ...... 42 Appendix 2 Fauna ...... 48 Appendix 3 Biodiversity impact and offset requirement report ...... 55 Appendix 4 Glossary – Biodiversity assessment guidelines ...... 65

Tables

Table 1 Criteria for determining significance of species & ecological communities ...... 9 Table 2 Habitat hectares of native vegetation within the study area ...... 18 Table 3 Harcourt Golden Sun Moth survey results ...... 19 Table 4 Weather conditions during Golden Sun Moth surveys at Harcourt...... 19 Table 5 Summary of EPBC and FFG Act listed species most likely to occur in the study area ...... 20 Table 6: Assessment agains the criteria for the White Box - Yellow Box - Blakely's red Gum grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands...... 23 Table 7 Assessment of project in relation to the EPBC Act ...... 29 Table 8 Summary of DELWP Biodiversity Impacts and Offset Requirements report ...... 35 Table 9 Summary of key ecological values, potential implications of developing the study area and recommendations to minimise ecological impacts during the design phase...... 39

Figures

Figure 1 Location of the study area, Victoria ...... 7 Figure 2 Ecological features of the study area, Victoria ...... 24 Figure 3: Quality of vegetation within the study area ...... 25 Figure 4: Extent of White Box - Yellow Box - Blakely's red Gum grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands within the study area...... 26 Figure 5: Targeted flora survey results ...... 27 Figure 6: Golden Sun Moth Targeted survey transects ...... 28 Figure 7: Extent of vegetaiton clearing ...... 36

Biosis Pty Ltd was commissioned by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to undertake a flora and threatened fauna assessment of the area proposed for the Harcourt Mountain Bike Project. A network of Mountain Bike trails approximately 34 kms in length is proposed for the site, along with car parking and toilet facilities.

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

• 214.779 ha of native vegetation. • Areas of White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely's Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands. • Suitable habitat for threatened fauna species. • The study area is adjacent to the Mount Alexander Regional Park

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

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

EPBC Act No listed species were recorded on Although listed species may occur site, but suitable habitat is present it is unlikely that the trail for a number of listed fauna species. development will constitute a The likelihood of EPBC-listed species significant impact under the EPBC occurring in the study area is Act. assessed in Appendices 1 and 2 and discussed in Section 3.3.1.

Habitat zones 1, 2, 3 & 7 may meet Based on the significant impact the definition of the White Box- criteria for critically endangered Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum grassy communities, it is possible that woodlands and derived native the proposed works will grasslands community (Figure 4). constitute a significant impact Proposed trails will remove due to the area of the White Box- approximately 4.789 ha of this Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum community. grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands community to be removed. DELWP should seek clarification from Department of Environment and Energy (DEE) regarding the definition of this community to determine with certainty whether it occurs on

site. DELWP may undertake a pre- referral meeting with DEE to provide clarity on the likely impacts of the works and the requirements for a referral.

FFG Act Nine protected flora species were Protected Flora Permit required Site is public land. recorded during this assessment. for the proposed works. Database searches indicate that, although not recorded, four listed threatened species have at least a medium likelihood of occurrence (Table 5, Appendix 1).

Planning & All indigenous vegetation to be Planning permit required, Permit application needs to Environment cleared. including permission to lop or address provisions of Act remove native vegetation. DELWP ESO4. will be a recommending referral authority.

CaLP Act Seven Noxious weeds identified N/A Comply with requirements within the study area to control/eradicate

Permitted clearing of native vegetation: Biodiversity assessment guidelines (the Guidelines) Based on the current preliminary design, the proposed development will require the removal of 6.245 hectares of native vegetation from within location risk A. Therefore the planning permit application will be assessed on the moderate risk-based pathway. The strategic biodiversity score of the native vegetation to be removed is 0.533.

If a permit is granted, the offset requirements would be 2.869 general biodiversity equivalence units.

The general offset must be within the North Central catchment management authority area or the Mount Alexander municipal district, and must have a minimum strategic biodiversity score of 0.426.

DELWP may provide the required offsets for the project through purchasing the credits 'over the counter', through a third party offset arrangement or a first party offset arrangement.

Once design plans for the project are finalised this assessment against the Guidelines should be updated prior to applying for relevant permits.

Recommendations The primary measure to reduce impacts to biodiversity values within the study area is to minimise removal of native vegetation. It is critical that this be considered during the design phase of the project, when key decisions are made about the location of trails and associated infrastructure. The results of this assessment should therefore be incorporated into the project design, by adding the vegetation mapping information into the planning maps and investigating options to retain as much of the mapped vegetation/habitats as possible. Priority should be given to highest value areas as shown in Figure 3.

1.1 Project background

Biosis Pty Ltd was commissioned by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to undertake a flora and fauna assessment of the area proposed for the Harcourt Mountain Bike Project. A network of Mountain Bike trails approximately 34 kms in length is proposed for the site, along with car parking and toilet facilities.

A vegetation assessment has previously been undertaken for the site by Blue Devil Consulting in 2015 (Forman 2015). Information in this report is intended to compliment the 2015 Blue Devil Consulting assessment.

1.2 Scope of assessment

The objectives of this investigation are to:

• Describe the vascular flora (ferns, conifers, flowering plants). • Map native vegetation and other habitat features. • Conduct a vegetation quality (habitat hectares) assessment. • Conduct a targeted survey for the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) listed species, Golden Sun Moth. • Undertake targeted survey for flora listed under the EPBC Act and Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act). • Identify and provide a list of any threatened species or communities identified during the survey. • Undertake an assessment of threatened fauna species known or likely to occur in the affected area. • Review the implications of relevant biodiversity legislation and policy, including Victoria’s Permitted clearing of native vegetation: Biodiversity assessment guidelines ('the Guidelines'). • Assess the extent of proposed clearing and provide an indicative Biodiversity Impacts and Offsets Requirements (BIOR) report that estimates the extent of offset required for the project. • 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.

1.3 Location of the study area

The study area is located to the east of the town of Harcourt, Victoria (Figure 1). It encompasses approximately 226 ha of public land, including the road reserve on the western boundary. The majority of the site is currently zoned Public Conservation and Resource Zone (PCRZ) while land on the western boundary is zoned Farm Zone (FZ). The study area is within the:

• Goldfields Bioregion. • Mount Alexander Shire.

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Figure 1: Location of the Study Area - Harcourt North, Victoria 0 250 500 750 1,000

Biosis Pty Ltd Matter: 21614, ± Date: 03 February 2016, M etres Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Checked by: RDS, Drawn by: SKM , Last edited by: sm itchell Newcastle, Sydney, Wangaratta & Wollongong Location:P:\21600s\21614\M apping\21614_F1_Locality 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 from within 5 km of the study area (the ‘local area’) was obtained from relevant biodiversity databases. 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) • BirdLife Australia Atlas of Australian Birds (BA) • DELWP Habitat Importance Models • Protected Matters Search Tool of the Australian Government Department of the Environment for matters protected by the EPBC Act.

Other sources of biodiversity information were examined including:

• DELWP Native Vegetation Information Management (NVIM) system. • DELWP's Native Vegetation Transitional Guidance team was provided with site-based spatial information in order to generate a Biodiversity Impact Offset Requirement (BIOR) report for the study area. • Planning Scheme overlays relevant to biodiversity based on http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/index.html. • Previous reports on the site including:

– Forman, P.W., 2015, Harcourt Mountain Bike Trail: Threatened flora and vegetation investigation, Report prepared by Blue devil Consulting for Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Bendigo.

– World Trail, 2014, Harcourt Mountain Bike Park Master Plan, Report prepared for Goldfields Tourism Inc., Author: Gerard McHugh, Melbourne.

The significance of a species or ecological community is determined by its listing status under Commonwealth or State legislation / policy (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 2013a; DEPI 2014a) Listed as threatened under the FFG Act

Lists of significant species generated from the databases are provided in Appendix 1 and the species have been assessed to determine their likelihood of occurrence based on the process outlined below. These species are not discussed further in this report unless they:

• have a medium or greater likelihood of occurrence • are flora species listed as threatened under the FFG Act with a medium or greater likelihood of occurrence

2.3 Determining likelihood of occurrence of significant species

Likelihood of occurrence indicates the potential for a species or ecological community to occur regularly within the study area. It 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. 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.

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

2.4 Site investigation

2.4.1 General flora assessment The general flora assessment was undertaken over five days 8-12 February 2016 and an incidental list of flora species was collected. This list will be submitted to DELWP for incorporation into the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas. Planted species have not been recorded unless they are naturalised. Note that this list is not exhaustive as a detailed list has already been collated for the site in the Blue Devil Consulting 2015 report (Forman 2015).

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 9 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.

A Vegetation Quality Assessment was undertaken for all remnant patch native vegetation identified in the study area. This assessment is consistent with DELWP's Habitat hectare method (DSE 2004) and the Guidelines (DEPI 2013a). For the purposes of this assessment the limit of the resolution for the Habitat hectare assessment process is taken to be 0.001 Habitat hectares (Hha). That is, if native vegetation is present with sufficient cover but its condition and extent would not result in the identification of at least 0.001 Habitat hectares then that vegetation will not be mapped or assessed as a separate habitat zone.

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

2.4.2 Targeted flora survey The targeted flora survey was undertaken from the 15-17th of November 2016. The survey was timed to coincide with the flowering season for key flora species – typically late spring to early summer.

Suitable habitat within the study area was surveyed. This concentrated on areas of higher quality vegetation that contained higher species diversity. Survey involved teams of 3 – 5 botanists scanning transects spaced at 10m apart. A total of 58 hectares was surveyed using this method.

2.4.3 Fauna assessment The fauna assessment was initially based on a desktop analysis of threatened species known or predicted to occur in or within 5 km of the project area. Following this initial assessment the site was visited by a zoologist who made a site based assessment of the suitability of habitat for threatened species.

2.4.4 Targeted survey for Golden Sun Moth Golden Sun Moth is listed as a Matter of National Environmental Significance under the Environment and Protection Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999.

Golden Sun Moth is a medium sized, diurnal (day flying) moth with clubbed antennae (Edwards 1993). The species is sexually dimorphic with the females having an enlarged abdomen and ovipositor that aids in egg laying. The species is also sexually dichromatic in wing colour. The forewings of females are brown and grey while the hind wings are yellow with black spots. Male Golden Sun Moth have dark brown forewings with grey scales and bronze-coloured hind wings. Females, which only fly irregularly, position themselves on the ground in a conspicuous location (usually inter-tussock spaces), flashing their golden hind wings (petticoats) to the males, who fly low over the grasses searching for them.

Golden Sun Moth prefer warm, dry conditions (above 20°C with little to no wind and cloud) and are usually observed flying during the warm part of the day (between 10:00 and 14:00; Clarke and O'Dwyer 2000). Since 2005, Biosis have often observed Golden Sun Moth active on cooler days, with cloud cover and moderate to strong wind conditions. Golden Sun Moth breeding season begins in mid October and continues through to early January (Commonwealth of Australia 2009). The breeding season differs slightly from year to year

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 10 depending on climate and location. During this time adult moths emerge continuously in cohorts and males are seen actively flying in search of females.

Potential habitat for Golden Sun Moth consists of areas which previously or currently have native grasslands or grassy woodlands (including derived grasslands) across the historical range of the species. Previous studies found that Golden Sun Moths display a preference for wallaby grasses Rytidosperma spp. (particularly R. carphoides, R. auriculata, R. setacea, R. eriantha and R. racemosa). However, more recent surveys have found Golden Sun Moth present in degraded grasslands and patches invaded with weedy species, including exotic Chilean Needle-grass Nassella neesiana, native Red-leg grass Bothriochloa macra, spear grasses Austrostipa spp. and Weeping Grass Microlaena stipoides (Braby and Dunford 2006; Gilmore et al. 2008).

Targeted surveys for Golden Sun Moth were undertaken on 7, 13, 23 December 2016 and 3 January 2017 when conditions were suitable for male flight (above 20°C, minimal cloud cover and wind). Surveys were conducted during the middle of the day, approximately between 10 am and 3 pm. Start and end times are presented in Table 3. The surveys were spaced at least one week apart to capture any variation in emergence patterns. . This level of survey effort was considered sufficient to achieve the objective of confirming presence of Golden Sun Moth within the site.

Surveys were conducted by qualified zoologists walking a series of transects approximately 50 m apart throughout the potential habitat. Tracks were recorded using a handheldnon-differential GPS receiver and waypoints were taken for each location where Golden Sun Moths were observed.

Additionally, reference sites throughout Melbourne, where Golden Sun Moths are known to occur, were checked on the day of survey to ensure that daily conditions were conducive to moth flight activity.

2.4.5 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).

2.5 Qualifications

Ecological surveys provide a sampling of flora 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 general flora assessment was conducted in late summer. At this time of year species such as some grasses do not produce reproductive material required for identification to species level, however, all species could be identified at least to genera, which is sufficient for undertaking a habitat hectare assessment.

The fauna assessment described in this report is based on the identification of suitable habitat and detailed field based surveys for fauna were not undertaken (i.e. spotlighting, call playback etc.).

Biodiversity Impact Offset Requirement (BIOR) reports are requested through DELWP's Native Vegetation Transitional Guidance team. Biosis supplies relevant site-based spatial information as inputs to DELWP and we are entirely reliant on DELWP's output reports for moderate and high risk pathway applications. Biosis makes every effort to ensure site and spatial information entered into the NVIM, or supplied to DELWP, is an accurate reflection of proposed native vegetation removal. The BIOR can be viewed in Appendix 2.

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 relating to flora. • 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 relating to flora. • 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 Mount Alexander Planning Scheme. • Noxious weeds and pest animals lists under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act).

2.7 Mapping

DELWP supplied mapping showing the location of trails, parking and toilet infrastructure. We note that this mapping is in a preliminary stage and trail locations are yet to be finalised.

Biosis vegetation mapping was conducted using hand-held (uncorrected) GPS units 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 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 and Figure 3.

Species recorded during the assessment are listed in Appendix 1. Unless of particular note, these species are not discussed further. A list of those species recorded or predicted to occur in the local area is also provided in those appendices, along with an assessment of the likelihood of the species occurring within the study area.

3.1 Vegetation of the study area

The vegetation of the study area has a history of disturbance and modification. It was established as a softwood plantation in the early 1900's by the Forest Commission, with the first plantings of Radiata Pine, Oak, Ash and Cedar taking place between 1910 and 1919 (Forman 2015). The area of Oak plantation still stands in the centre of the study area today. It is entirely dominated by Oak trees, and is identified as non- native vegetation for the purposes of this survey (Figure 2).

More recent plantings in the 1970's and 1980's were dominated by Radiata Pine, with smaller patches of Southern Blue Gum Eucalyptus globulus subsp. globulus, Sugar Gum Eucalyptus cladocalyx and other introduced Eucalypt species (Forman 2015). The final harvest of softwood on the property took place in 1998.

Following the plantation harvest the site was revegetated with Eucalypt species native to the general locality. The purpose of these plantings was to restore biodiversity to the area. Just over 150 ha was revegetated progressively from June 1997 to Sept 1999 with species including Manna gum Eucalyptus viminalis, Yellow Box Eucalyptus meliodora, River Red-gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Swamp Gum Eucalyptus ovata, Long-leaf Box Euclayptus goniocalyx, and Lightwood Acacia implexa (Forman 2015). The understorey of these areas consists of a mixture of indigenous understorey species that have regenerated naturally on the site, and exotic species that have colonised.

The study area falls within the natural range for the planted species, and some of them are may have occurred on the site prior to plantation establishment. However, it is unlikely that the density and distribution of the plantings is a true representation of the original vegetation of the area. Therefore, the vegetation on site likely bears little resemblance to the original community. Although modified, this vegetation meets the definition of a "remnant patch" of native vegetation under the Guidelines (see Section 2.4.1).

Vegetation within the study area was classified into four Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs). The extent of Each EVC is mapped in Figure 2 and a description of each is provided below.

Granitic Grassy Woodland

Granitic Grassy Woodland was the dominant EVC on the site. It occupies the lower slopes of the study area where soil is deep enough to support trees to 15m. The quality of this EVC varied, and a number of different habitat zones (quality zones) were identified, but most commonly this EVC was on areas that were previously occupied by plantations. In these areas vegetation consisted of a Eucalypt layer to approximately 10m dominated by various planted Eucalypt species, most commonly Manna Gum and River Red-gum. As these trees rarely reach 80% of benchmark canopy height (12m) they are considered part of the understorey. Occasional large remnant trees could be found in these areas, but their canopy contribution was minimal given the broad extent of the community.

On the edge of the study area, and on steeper rocky slopes where plantations could not be established, there is remnant indigenous vegetation that was not previously occupied by plantation. These areas of in-tact

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 13 native vegetation included a greater number of large old trees, had a greater canopy cover, and typically contained a greater diversity and cover of indigenous understorey species.

The understorey across this EVC consisted of a mixture of indigenous and non-indigenous species. Native species include grasses such as Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra, Common Tussock-grass Poa labillardierei, Wallaby Grass Rytidosperma spp. and Spear Grass Austrostipa spp. Scattered indigenous herbs such as Yellow Rush-lilly Tricoryne elatior, Blushing Bindweed Convolvulus angustissimus, and Sheep's Burr Acaena echinata were recorded. Indigenous shrubs included common disturbance colonising species such as Drooping Cassinea Cassinia arcuata, Black Wattle Acacia mearnsii and Blackwood Acacia melanoxylon.

Common grassy and herbaceous weeds were found throughout including Oat Avena spp., Fescue Vulpia spp. and Sheep Sorrel Acetosella vulgaris. Most grassy and herbaceous weeds on site are not a serious risk of spreading and are relatively benign. There are, however, a wide range of high threat herbaceous and woody weeds that can be found throughout this EVC. These are listed in Appendix 1 and discussed further in Section 4.2.2, but most notably include large outbreaks of Blackberry Rubus fruticosus (areas of which have been sprayed), Briar Rose Rosa rubiginosa, Gorse Ulex europaeus (also targeted by spraying), Flax-leaf Broom Genista linifolia and St. John's Wort Hypericum perforatum.

Plate 1: Typical Granitic Grassy Woodland occupying a previous plantation site within the study area.

This EVC is restricted to the highest elevation areas of the study area that are characterised by shallow rocky soils with large exposed granite slabs and stunted trees (typically less than 10m in height). Plantations do not occupy these areas and the vegetation present is a relatively undisturbed. The EVC consists of a sparse overstorey of Long-leaf Box and Manna Gum, a sparse shrub layer including characteristic Drooping Sheoak Allocasuarina verticilatta and Cherry Ballart Exocarpus cupressiformis. The ground layer contains of a mixture of indigenous grasses and herbs including Kangaroo Grass, Wallaby Grass, Spear Grass, Raspwort Gonocarpus spp. and Rock Isotome Isotoma axillaris. Large moss beds occur on granite outcrops in the area.

The understorey contains a number of grassy and herbaceous weeds such as Lesser Quaking-grass Briza minor, Oat and Sheep Sorell. Some high threat woody weeds are present but these are typically sparse.

Plate 2: Granitic Hills Woodland within the study area.

Occurrences of this EVC are rare in the study area. This EVC occurs along intermittent streams and drainage lines. Within the study area it is differentiated from Granitic Grassy Woodland by the dominance of large River Red-gum trees, and an understorey that contains species typical of wetter environments such as Tall Sedge Carex impressa and Finger Rush Juncus subsecundus. In some areas this EVC contains exotic Radiata Pine interspersed with native trees (Plate 3).

Remnants of this EVC are present only where plantation establishment did not occur, which is often the case along significant drainage lines. It was recordednear the un-named drainage line that runs along the north east corner of the property. It also occurs along a small drainage line at the centre of the property that appears to be fed during dry periods by a groundwater soak.

Plate 3: Creekline Grassy Woodland with remnant pine trees.

The Tall Marsh EVC is restricted to a dam in the south-west of the study area. The vegetation within the is was highly modified and dominated by Narrow-leaf Cumbungi Typha domingensis along with other scattered native vegetation. Although this area is largely artificial and persists only due to the presence of the man- made dam, it meets the definition of a remnant patch of vegetation under the Guidelines and has been mapped as part of this habitat hectare assessment.

Plate 4: Tall Marsh within the study area

3.1.1 Habitat hectares Areas of uniform quality for each EVC within the patches are termed ‘habitat zones’ and are assessed separately. The condition score of the habitat zone is multiplied by the extent of the zone to give a value in habitat hectares.

A total of 13 habitat zones are identified in the study area amounting to 214.779 ha or 70.923 habitat hectares. The results of the condition assessment are provided in Table 2, with the number of Habitat hectares in each habitat zone. The location and extent of the habitat zones is mapped in Figure 3.

Table 2 Habitat hectares of native vegetation within the study area

Habitat Zone ID 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

EVC #: Name* GGW GGW CGW GGW GHW GGW GGW GGW GGW TM GHW GGW CGW

Max Score Score Score Score Score Score Total Score Large Old Trees 10 10 3 4 4 10 3 6 5 1 0 NA 0 0 Canopy Cover 5 5 0 5 5 5 5 5 3 0 0 NA 0 0

Lack of Weeds 15 15 4 4 6 9 6 6 6 6 6 9 9 6

Understorey 25 25 15 15 20 15 10 15 15 10 10 15 15 5

Site Recruitment 10 10 10 10 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 NA 10 5 Condition Organic Matter 5 5 4 4 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 5 4 2

Logs 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 5 4 4 NA 2 4 Total Site Score 41 47 50 59 43 51 48 35 34 48 40 22 45 Patch Size 10 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

Neighborhood 10 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Value Distance to Core 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Landscape Total Landscape Score 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 HABITAT SCORE 100 57 63 66 75 59 67 64 51 50 64 56 38 61

Habitat points = #/100 1 0.57 0.63 0.66 0.75 0.59 0.67 0.64 0.51 0.5 0.64 0.56 0.38 0.61

Habitat Zone area (ha) 124.426 5.483 3.263 6.443 5.689 9.926 24.702 7.701 23.674 0.086 0.532 2.389 0.466 214.779

Habitat hectares (Hha) 70.923 3.454 2.154 4.832 3.356 6.650 15.809 3.927 11.837 0.055 0.298 0.908 0.284 70.923

GGW = Granitic Grassy Woodland CGW = Creekline Grassy Woodland GHW = Granitic Hills Woodland TM = Tall Marsh

3.2.1 Targeted survey for Golden Sun Moth Golden Sun Moth was not recorded on the study site during any of the targeted surveys (Table 3). The conditions under which the surveys were conducted were suitable as outlined in the guidelines (Commonwealth of Australia 2009) and are included in Table 4.

Table 3 Harcourt Golden Sun Moth survey results

Date Time start Time finish Observer initials GSM observed on site? 7/12/2016 11:30 15:00 MJL, MW No 13/12/2016 11:40 15:00 MJL,TD No 23/12/2016 10:00 14:00 MJL, MW No 3/01/2017 10:40 14:00 MJL, MW No

Table 4 Weather conditions during Golden Sun Moth surveys at Harcourt

Date Temperature Cloud Wind Average wind Ground Humidity (°C) cover (%) direction speed (km/hr) conditions (%)

7/12/2016 24 0 NW 7 Dry 25 13/12/2016 36 100 NW 40 Dry 11 23/12/2016 28.6 5 NNE 7 Dry 34 3/01/2017 24 0 SSE 13 Dry 35

The EPBC Act survey guidelines for Golden Sun Moth (Commonwealth of Australia 2009) require that surveys are conducted during local flying season. As the timing of the flight season varies annually and geographically, the guidelines specify that reference sites should be monitored during the expected flying period and used to guide survey timing at the target site. On all days in which surveys were complete, references sites throughout the greater Melbourne area recorded Golden Sun Moth flying.

Based on these findings, the site is considered unlikely to support a current GSM population. No further GSM surveys are recommended.

3.2.2 Targeted flora survey During targeted surveys the team re-visited the record of Matted Flax-lily as identified by Blue Devil Consulting (Foreman 2015). The location of this record is shown in Figure 5. This plant was not flowering at the time of the survey, so identification could not be confirmed. The location of this plant is marked on Figure 5.

No other threatened flora species were identified during the survey. However, several species that are listed as 'protected' under the FFG Act were found. These species are typically not considered rare or threatened, but the FFG Act places restriction on their removal. Protected species typically include plants that may be popularly collected for use in garden or as ornamental displays.

• Orchids (members of the Orchidaceae family)

– Slender Sun-orchid Thelymitra pauciflora

– Spotted Sun-orchid Thelymitra ixioides • Daisies (members of the Asteraceae family)

– Shiny Everlasting Xerochrysum viscosum

– Fuzzy New Holland Daisy Vittadinia cuneata

– Grey Everlasting Ozothamnus obcordatus

– Drooping Cassinia Cassinia arcuata

– Annual Fireweed Senecio glomeratus

– Cotton Fireweed Senecio quadridentatus

– Jersey Cudweed Helichrysum luteoalbum

– Annual Cudweed Euchiton sphaericus The Daisies listed above were common across the study area. As such, only a subset of individuals are shown in Figure 5 to illustrate their distribution. Very common species such as Drooping Cassinia, Annual fireweed, Cotton Fireweed, Jersey Cudweed and Annual Cudweed are not shown on Figure 5 as they were numerous and present in all surveyed areas.

The legislative requirements for removal of these species are discussed further in Section 4.2.1.

3.3 Significant species and ecological communities

3.3.1 EPBC Act and FFG Act listed species Lists of EPBC Act and FFG Act listed species recorded or predicted to occur within 5 km of the study area are provided in Appendix 1. 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.

The most valuable habitats within the study area are the areas of remnant woodland where pine plantations have not been established. These remnant areas occur on steep rocky slopes and higher elevation areas of the study area, along with some small sections along the edge of the study area that adjoins Mt Alexander Regional Park.

A summary of those species with a medium or higher likelihood of occurring in the study area is provided in Table 5.

Table 5 Summary of EPBC and FFG Act listed species most likely to occur in the study area

Species name Common Name Listing status Area of value within the study area

Phascogale tapoatafa Brush-tailed Phascogale FFG- L Most likely to occur in higher quality areas of woodland vegetation where plantations have not been established.

Pteropus Grey-headed Flying Fox EPBC - VU Occasional visitor to flowering poliocephalus FFG- L eucalypts within woodlands but not resident and no camps (roosts) are present,

Miniopterus Eastern Bent-wing Bat FFG- L Likely to forage aerially in woodlands schreibersii within the study area. No known oceanensis roost sites (caves or mine shafts) in the study area.

Lewinia pectoralis Lewin's Rail FFG- L Drainage lines within woodland areas.

Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed Kite FFG- L Areas of woodland and aerial foraging over site.

Ninox connivens Barking Owl FFG- L Most likely to occur in higher quality areas of woodland vegetation where plantations have not been established.

Ninox strenua Powerful Owl FFG- L Known to occur in the Mount Alexander Regional Park. Areas of woodland and plantation are suitable habitat for this species.

Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot EPBC – CR The Mount Alexander Shire area is FFG - L known to have several key sites for Swift Parrots and the species is likely to forage within the woodland areas occasionally during autumn and winter.

Chthonicola sagittata Speckled Warbler FFG - L The understorey of woodland within the study area has been modified by past clearing but there are recent records of the species from the Mount Alexander Regional Park and the species is considered likely to be present, especially in areas of high quality woodland.

Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail FFG - L The understorey of woodland within the study area has been modified by past clearing but the species is considered likely to be present, especially in areas of high quality woodland.

Pseudophryne bibronii Bibron's Toadlet FFG - L Well-vegetated creek lines and drainage lines.

Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater EPBC – VU May use the woodland areas

FFG - L occasionally.

3.3.2 DELWP advisory list of rare and threatened species One advisory listed species Arching Flax-lily Dianella sp. aff. longifolia (Benambra) was detected within Granitic Grassy Woodland in the study area.

To support decision making under the Guidelines, DELWP has produced models for Victoria describing the extent of habitat for advisory listed 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 advisory listed species. The models only apply where a clearing proposal is considered on the moderate or high risk-based application pathways.

This project will be assessed under the moderate risk based pathway (see Section 5.2), but DELWP deem that the impact on advisory listed species will not breach the acceptable limit determined through the specific/general offset test (see Section 5 for more details on the specific/general offset test). As a result these species are not considered further in this assessment.

3.4 Significant ecological communities

3.4.1 EPBC Act listed communities The study area falls within the range of the 'White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands community'. The community can occur as either a woodland or a derived grassland (a grassy woodland from which the trees have been removed). It is defined as woodland currently dominated by, or formally dominated by, any of Eucalyptus albens White Box, Eucalyptus meliodora Yellow Box or Eucalyptus blakelyi Blakely's Red-gum. It contains a ground layer dominated by native tussock grasses and herbs and a sparse scattered shrub layer.

Although the study area is not now dominated by any of these key species, it is likely that much of the study area once contained Yellow Box as a co-dominant species. Evidence for this can be seen in the large remnant Yellow Box trees within the study area and on its edges. Although the precise areas dominated by Yellow Box can not be determined due to the extensive modification of the site, it is reasonable to expect that a significant proportion of the site would have contained this species.

In addition to the overstorey requirements, the community must contain an understorey that is dominated by indigenous species, of which at least one must be classed as an important species. A list of important species is provided with the definition of the community.

DEE provide criteria for determining whether an area of vegetation meets the definition of this community (DEH 2006). Table 6 below contains an assessment against these criteria.

Criteria Assessment

Is, or was previously, at least one of the Parts of the study area are likely to have been dominated by most common overstorey species White Yellow Box. Box, Yellow Box or Blakley's Red Gum (or Western Grey Box or Coastal Grey Box in the Nandewar bioregion)?

Does the patch have a predominantly Of the habitat zones likely to have been dominated by Yellow Box native understorey? habitat zones 1, 2, 4 & 7 contain a predominantly native perennial understorey. At certain times of year these habitat zones may contain a high cover of annual weeds.

Is the patch greater than 0.1 ha in size. Habitat zones 1, 2, 4 & 7 are all larger than 0.1 ha.

Are there 12 or more understorey species Habitat zones 1, 2, 4 & 7 contain more than 12 non-grass native present (excluding grasses)? There must be understorey species and each contain at least one important at least one important species. species. Most commonly this is Kangaroo Grass, but also includes, Tricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lily and Exocarpus cupressiformis Cherry Ballart.

The information provided by DEE does not provide guidance on the impact that planted overstorey vegetation has on the classification of the community. In the absence of further guidance on this matter we must consider that the planted overstorey does not breach the definition of the community.

On the basis of this assessment there is evidence that habitat zones 1, 2, 4 and 7 meet the definition of this community as shown in Figure 4. Although the area meets the definition in a strict sense, it is a degraded version of the community that bears little resemblance in its current form. Given the extent of planted vegetation within the study area, it is unlikely that it will more closely resemble this community again without substantial intervention. We recommend that DELWP engaged with DEE to determine whether habitat zones 1, 2, 4 & 7 meet the definition of this community.

3.4.2 FFG Act listed Communities None of the vegetation on site meets the definition of a community listed under the FFG Act.

3.5 Further survey recommendations

Table 5 contains a list of listed threatened species that may occur within the study area. The current survey is did not determine the status of any populations of these species. However, the species in Table 5 are not likely to be significantly affected by due to the limited amount of habitat removal.

No further flora or fauna surveys are recommended.

Study area

Parcel boundary

Ecological Vegetation Class d R rs e Creekline Grassy Woodland p o o C J Granitic Grassy Woodlando s

Granitic Hills WoodlandY o

Harcourt u n

Non-Native Vegetationg

North D r Tall Marsh

E lys Lane

Reservoir Rd

Craigie St

Harcourt Channel

Picnic Gully Rd

Qua rry R d

Acknowledgements: Vicmap (c) State of Victoria

Figure 2: Native vegetation within the study area - Ecological Vegetation Classes

Acknowledgements: Biosis Pty Ltd 0 100 200 300 400

Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Matter: 21614, Melbourne, NewcastleSydney, Date: 04 March 2016, Metres ± Wangaratta & Wollongong Checked by: RDS, Drawn by: LDM, Last edited by: lmilne Scale 1:9,000 @ A3 Location:P:\21600s\21614\Mapping\ Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 21614_F2_EcoFeatures 2 Legend

Study area

3 Non-native vegetation

d 2 R rs Parcel boundary e p o o J C Habitat score o

12 s

0.38 - 0.40 h

Y o

Harcourt u n

0.46 - 0.50 g North D 2 0.51 - 0.55 r

E 1 0.56 - 0.60 lys Lane 2 13 0.61 - 0.65 0.66 - 0.70 2 3 0.71 - 0.75

4 13

4 8

5 7

Reservoir Rd

Craigie St

12 3 Harcourt Channel

7 1 7

7 Picnic Gully Rd 4 7

Qua rry R d 7 2 9

3 8 10 12 9 7 8 12 12 8

7 9 7 7 1 9 8 5 3 4 8 9

8 1

Acknowledgements: Vicmap (c) State of Victoria, Nearmap 2015 7

Figure 3: Native vegetation quality

Labels show habitat zone identification number. Acknowledgements: Biosis Pty Ltd 0 100 200 300 400

Studyarea

Parcelbound ary

EPBC_Community d R rs YellowBoxWhite– Box– e p o o Blakely'sRed Gum Grassy C J o

s Wood landand Derived e p

NativeGrassland s Y o

Harcourt u

North D r

E lys Lane

Reservoir Rd Reservoir

Craig ie St

Harcourt Channel

P i cni c Gu l l y R d

Qua rry R d

Acknow ledg ements:Vicm VictoriaofState ap (c)

Figure 4: Estimated extent of White Box - Yellow Box - Blakley's Red Gum grassy woodland and derived native grasslands within the study area.

Biosis Pty LtdBiosis Pty 0 100 200 300 400

Ballarat,Brisb ane,Canb erra, Matter:21614, Melb ourne,Newc astleSydney, March04Date: 2016, Metres ± Wang aratta&Wollong ong CheckedDrawRDS, by: LDM, nby:Last lmilneedited by: Scale@A3 1:9,000 Loc ation:P:\21600s\21614\Mapping \ Coord inateSystem:GDA 1994MGA Zone 55 21614_F5_EPBC_Com m unity Legend Nationally listed flora #* Matted Flax-lily FFG Act protected flora !( Fuzzy New Holland Daisy Jo s d e p R ") Grey Everlastingh s Y r o e u p n o ^_ Shiny Everlastingg o D C r Reservoir Rd !( GF Slender Sun-orchid kj Spotted Sun-orchid Harcourt ÛÚ Sun Orchid North ^_ Survey Transect

Study area Elys Lane ^_ #* !(

!(!( !(

!( !(!(!(

kj kj kj

Harcourt Channel GF GF^_

#*ÛÚ ^_

Picnic Gully Rd ^_

Quarry Rd

^_ ")

Acknowledgements: Vicmap (c) State of Victoria, Nearmap

Figure 5 Targeted Flora Survey Results

Acknowledgements: Biosis Pty Ltd 0 100 200 300 400

Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Matter: 23699, Metres Melbourne, NewcastleSydney, Date: 08 February 2017, ± Wangaratta & Wollongong Checked by: RDS, Drawn by: SSK, Last edited by: skumar Scale 1:9,216 @ A3 Location:P:\23600s\23699\Mapping\ Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 23699_F5_TargetedFlora Legend GSM Survey 07/12/2016 GSM Survey 13/12/2016 GSM Survey 23/12/2016 GSM Survey 03/01/2017

Study area

Potential Golden Sun Moth habitat

16.93ha

3.24ha

5.61ha

1.84ha

Acknowledgements: Vicmap (c) State of Victoria

Figure 6 Golden Sun Moth Survey Results

Acknowledgements: Biosis Pty Ltd 0 100 200 300 400

Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Matter: 23699, Metres Melbourne, NewcastleSydney, Date: 23 January 2017, ± Wangaratta & Wollongong Checked by: RDS, Drawn by: SSK, Last edited by: skumar Scale 1:9,709 @ A3 Location:P:\23600s\23699\Mapping\ Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 23699_F6_GSM_Results

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.

Link for further information including a guide to the referral process is available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/index.html

Matters of National Environmental Significance relevant to the project are summarised in Table 7. 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.

Table 7 Assessment of project in relation to the EPBC Act

Matter of NES Project specifics Assessment against significant impact guidelines

Threatened The likelihood of listed species occurring in Although suitable habitat for Golden Sun Moth, species and the study area is assessed in Appendix 1 and Crimson Spider-orchid and Clover Glycine was ecological discussed in Section 3.3.1. present within the study area, targeted surveys communities did not detect these species. Matted Flax-lily occurs just outside the study area boundary but targeted surveys did not detect this species within the study area. Three additional listed fauna species (see Appendix 2) may occur but development is unlikely to constitute a significant impact on these species.

Habitat zones 1, 2, 4 & 7 may meet the Based on the significant impact criteria for definition of the White Box-Yellow Box- critically endangered communities, it is possible Blakely's Red Gum grassy woodlands and that the proposed works will constitute a derived native grasslands community (Figure significant impact on the White Box-Yellow Box- 4). Proposed trails will remove approximately Blakely's Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived 4.789 ha of this community. native grasslands community. Clarification should be sought from DEE regarding whether the vegetation meets the definition of this community.

Migratory species Species listed as migratory under the EPBC While there is potential for some listed migratory Act species to occur within the study area, the study area does not support any wetlands or other habitats that are considered to contain an

Matter of NES Project specifics Assessment against significant impact guidelines

ecologically significant population of a migratory species.

Wetlands of The study area is identified as being within The study area does not drain directly into any of international the catchment of seven Ramsar sites: these Ramsar sites and the development is not importance • Banrock Station wetland complex likely to result in a significant impact. (Ramsar sites). • Gunbower Forest • Hattah-Kulkyne lakes • Kerang Wetlands • NSW Central Murary state forests • Riverland • The Coorong and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Wetland

On the basis of criteria outlined in the relevant Significant Impact Guidelines it is considered possible that a significant impact on a Matter of National Environmental Significance would result from the proposed action. Clarification should be sought from DEE to ascertain whether the vegetation on site meets the definition of White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands community. Depending on the outcome of these discussions DELWP may choose to refer the proposed action to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment to determine whether the action requires approval under the EPBC Act.

DEE now offer a pre-referral meeting for proponents to discuss the proposed action and any likely impacts to matters of NES. DELWP may wish to undertake a pre-referral meeting to discuss the project and provide clarity on the requirements for a project referral.

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 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

The study area is on public land. No listed flora species were detected but nine protected flora species were recorded during this assessment. Protected species are distributed widely and commonly across the site and it is certain that protected species will be removed during the works. A protected flora permit from DELWP will be required for construction of the trails. Application for a permit will require that DELWP estimate the number of protected plants to be removed. This can be done by Biosis based on finalised designs for the trails.

Future planning for the study area should have regard for the relevant threatening processes and the Action Statements prepared under the FFG Act for the following species.

• Brush-tailed Phascogale

• Swift Parrot

• Barking Owl

• Powerful Owl

• Painted Honeyeater

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.

Declared noxious weeds identified in the study area are listed in Appendix 1.

DELWP must take all reasonable steps to eradicate regionally prohibited weeds, prevent the growth and spread of regionally controlled weeds, and prevent the spread of and as far as possible eradicate established pest animals. The State is responsible for eradicating State prohibited weeds from all land in Victoria.

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 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.

Reforms to the native vegetation permitted clearing regulations were gazetted on 20 December 2013 through planning scheme amendment VC105. The reforms made changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions including the State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF), Clause 52.16 and 52.17 of all planning scheme within Victoria and introduced the Permitted clearing of native vegetation: Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines (DEPI 2013a).

Of particular relevance to the development proposal are controls relating to the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation contained within the Mount Alexander Planning Scheme (the Scheme), including permit requirements. The Scheme (Clause 72) defines ‘native vegetation’ as 'Plants that are indigenous to Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses'. It is an objective of Clause 12.01-2 of the SPPF (Native Vegetation Management) that permitted clearing of native vegetation results in no net loss in the contribution made by native vegetation to Victoria’s biodiversity. For more information on these reforms refer to http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and-wildlife/biodiversity/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. However, a permit may still be required to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation under the provisions of the Scheme.

As the current proposal requires removal of native vegetation, a permit under Clause 52.17 will be required.

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

• the native vegetation is on Crown land occupied or managed by the Responsible Authority. As the first and fourth dot point above will be met by the proposed works, DELWP will be a mandatory referral authority under Clause 66.02. Most of the study area is zoned Public Conservation and Resource Zone (PCRZ). This zoning exists with the purpose of protecting and conserving the natural environment and natural processes for their historic, scientific, landscape, habitat and cultural values. It also aims to provide facilities which assist in public education and interpretation of the natural environment with minimal degradation of the natural environment and natural processes. A permit is not required for the use or development of the land for informal outdoor recreation (bicycle trails) and associated carpark and public toilets as long as it is being done by or on behalf of the public land manager. The road reserve along the western boundary is zoned Farm Zone (FZ). The primary purpose of areas zoned as FZ is for sustainable agricultural production. A permit is not required for the use or development of the land for informal outdoor recreation (bicycle trails).

Environmental Significance Overlay schedule 4 (ESO4) covers the entire study area and is in place to protect Mt Alexander and its values. A permit is required to remove, destroy or lop vegetation (except planted vegetation and listed noxious weeds) under ESO4. A permit is also required for buildings and works associated with bicycle paths and trails. As the works will be conducted within 100m of the Mount Alexander Regional Park DELWP will be mandatory referral authority under the ESO.

A number of sites within the study area are included within the Heritage Overlay (HO805, HO798 and HO808), with three of the sites (HO837, HO807 and HO792) listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Should the proposed trails, car park or amenities enter those areas covered by the Heritage Overlay, a planning permit will be required for buildings and works (construction), but not the removal of vegetation as trees controls are not specified in the schedule to the Heritage Overlay.

Should the proposed trails, car park or amenities enter any of the three site that are included on the Victorian Heritage Register, then a permit will be required from Heritage Victoria.

Victoria's Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines The Guidelines are incorporated into the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes in Victoria (DEPI 2013a). The purpose of the Guidelines is to guide how impacts to biodiversity should be considered when assessing a permit application to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation. The objective for permitted clearing of native vegetation in Victoria is 'No net loss in the contribution made by native vegetation to Victoria's biodiversity'.

A detailed assessment of the implications for the project under the Guidelines is provided in Section 5 of this report.

5. Victoria's biodiversity assessment guidelines

The Guidelines were introduced in December 2013, and they describe the following objective for permitted clearing of native vegetation in Victoria:

"No net loss in the contribution made by native vegetation to Victoria's biodiversity"

This objective is to be achieved through Victoria's planning system using a risk-based approach that relies on strategic planning and the permit and offset system. The key strategies for achieving no net loss at the permit level are:

• avoiding the removal of native vegetation that makes a significant contribution to Victoria's biodiversity

• minimising impacts to Victoria's biodiversity from the removal of native vegetation • where native vegetation is permitted to be removed, ensuring it is offset in a manner that makes a contribution to Victoria's biodiversity that is equivalent to the contribution made by the native vegetation to be removed.

As the study area is predominantly occupied by native vegetation there is little scope to minimise the impacts by avoiding vegetation. The trails do, however, utilise existing management tracks where possible, where vegetation is of a lower quality. Car parks and toilet facilities are located in an area of lower quality vegetation to minimise impacts to biodiversity.

DELWP has provided biodiversity information tools to assist with determining the risk associated with permitted clearing and the contribution that native vegetation within the study area makes to Victoria's biodiversity.

All planning permit applications to remove native vegetation are assigned to a risk-based pathway determined by the extent and location of proposed clearing. The risk-based pathway will dictate the information to be provided in a planning permit application and the decisions guidelines the responsible authority (e.g. Council) and/or DELWP as a referral authority will use to assess the permit application.

The biodiversity information tools have two components:

Site-based information The site-based information is observable at a particular site. Biosis has collected the requisite site-based information for the assessment against the Guidelines.

Landscape scale information Landscape scale information requires consideration of information beyond the site. This information is managed by DELWP and can be accessed via the NVIM. Biosis has submitted the site-based data and location information to DELWP and a Biodiversity Information and Offset Requirements (BIOR) report has been prepared to accompany the planning application.

The following section summarises the results of the site-based assessment and the outputs generated by the BIOR report. The BIOR report identifies the risk-based pathway on which the planning application will be assessed. The full BIOR report can be viewed in Appendix 2.

Note: a glossary of terms used in relation to the Guidelines and Habitat hectares assessment is provided in Appendix 4.

5.1 Proposed removal of native vegetation

DELWP provided indicative mapping for the location of the proposed trails. The impact foot print of the works was calculated by placing a 1 m buffer on either side of the trails, and a 3 m buffer on the footprint of the carpark and toilet area, to allow for construction works. We note that in some places the trail extends outside of the study area into the adjacent Mt Alexander Regional Park and private land. We received advice from DELWP that the final plans would be contained within the study area presented here, so on DELWP's advice we have 'clipped' the tracks to the study area boundary for the purposes of determining the footprint of the works (see Figure 7). The result of this is that the impact footprint presented here is an approximation of the actual impact. It is provided to give an indication of the risk based pathway the project is likely to be assessed under, and the likely quantum of offsets. Once plans have been finalised this report should be updated with the precise footprint of the works so that the actual impact of the works on biodiversity, and the associated offsets, can be calculated.

The extent of native vegetation patches and the number of scattered trees were mapped within the study area (Figure 3) and the condition was assessed in relation to standard methods provided by DSE (2004). The condition of native vegetation was assessed using the DSE Vegetation Quality Assessment Sheet (DSE 2004) and pre-determined EVC benchmarks: http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/conservation-and-environment/ecological- vegetation-class-evc-benchmarks-by-bioregion.

It is proposed to remove 6.245 hectares of native vegetation as mapped in Figure 7. Spatial data (shapefiles) of proposed vegetation removal were submitted to DELWP's native vegetation support team, who provided a BIOR report for the project. This is provided in Appendix 2 and summarised in the following sections.

5.2 Determining the risk-based pathway

To determine the risk based pathway for the permit application, two factors are considered: location risk and extent risk.

Location risk has been pre-determined by DELWP for all locations in Victoria. The location of a particular site is determined using the Native vegetation location risk map available in the Native Vegetation Information Management (NVIM) system (http://nvim.depi.vic.gov.au).

The extent risk is based on the extent of native vegetation proposed to be removed. Extent risk is determined with reference to the

• area of any remnant patches of native vegetation proposed to be removed • number of any scattered trees proposed to be removed. It is proposed to remove 6.245 ha of native vegetation from within location A, therefore the application for removal of this native vegetation must meet the requirements of, and be assessed in, the moderate risk- based pathway.

5.3 Offset requirements

In order to ensure a gain to Victoria’s biodiversity that is equivalent to the loss resulting from permitted clearing of native vegetation, compensatory offsets are required. Losses and gains are measured in biodiversity equivalence scores or units.

For a moderate risk-based pathway application, the specific-general offset test will determine if a general offset, specific offset or combination of both is required. For this project the impact of the proposed clearing was determined to be below the acceptable threshold for species with habitat modelled within the study

area. Therefore, specific offsets are not required and the vegetation losses can be offset through the provision of general offsets only.

The results of the specific-general offset test are provided in Appendix 2 and summarized in Table 8.

Table 8 Summary of DELWP Biodiversity Impacts and Offset Requirements report

Attribute Outcome Notes

Native vegetation removal 6.245 hectares extent

Risk-based pathway Moderate

Habitat hectares to be 3.627 removed

Strategic Biodiversity Score 0.533

General Biodiversity Habitat Hectares x Strategic Biodiversity 1.931 Equivalence Scores Score

Offset type General

Offset risk factor 1.5

Offset amount: General General Biodiversity Equivalence Score x Biodiversity Equivalence 2.896 Offset Risk Factor Units

Offset Vicinity Offset must be within the North Central

CMA or Mount Alexander Shire Council

Offset minimum Strategic 0.426 Biodiversity Score

Study area

3 Vegetation clearing extent

d 2 R rs Non-native e p o vegetation o C J o

12 s e Parcel boundaryp

Y o

Harcourt u

Habitat score n

g North D 2 0.38 - 0.40 r 0.46 - 0.50 E 1 lys Lane 2 13 0.51 - 0.55 0.56 - 0.60 2 3 0.61 - 0.65

4 13 0.66 - 0.70

4 0.71 - 0.75 8

5 7

Reservoir Rd

Craigie St

12 3 Harcourt Channel

7 1

7 Picnic Gully Rd 4 7

Q uar ry R d 7 2 9

3 8 10 12 9 7 8 12 12 8

7 9 7 7 1 9 8 5 3 4 8 9

8 1

7 Acknowledgements: Vicmap (c) State of Victoria, Nearmap 2015

Figure 7: Extent of vegetation clearing

Labels show habitat zone identification number. Acknowledgements: Biosis Pty Ltd 0 100 200 300 400

Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Matter: 23699, Metres Melbourne, NewcastleSydney, Date: 20 January 2017, ± Wangaratta & Wollongong Checked by: RDS, Drawn by: SSK, Last edited by: skumar Scale 1:9,000 @ A3 Location:P:\23600s\23699\Mapping\ Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 23699_F7_VegeClearingExtent

5.4 Proposed offset strategy

DELWP have a number of options to provide the required offsets for the project: purchasing the credits 'over the counter', through a third party offset arrangement or a first party offset arrangement.

Over the counter purchase

DELWP may meet their offset requirements through purchasing the offset credits from the Victorian native vegetation credit register. DELWP should seek a quote from a registered offset broker to determine the market availability and pricing for the required offsets. The offset broker will ensure that all legal instruments are in place and that the site is registered through Bushbroker.

Third party offset

DELWP may make an agreement with a landholder to retain and manage an area of native vegetation as a general third party offset site.

The third party offset site would need to be located in the North Central CMA area and the Mt Alexander Shire Council. It would need to have a minimum strategic biodiversity score of 0.426.

Based on the offset site security standards detailed in page 6 of DEPI 2013b, the offset owner will be required to enter into a security agreement that meets the following security standards:

• Contains a legally enforceable provision • Has no termination date • Is implemented by a statutory body on the list of statutory bodies that have agreed to the Agreement with the Secretary to the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) for implementing offsets on freehold land. DELWP maintains an up to date list of the statutory bodies who have provided written confirmation to the agreement. The list is available on the DELWP website.

An offset management plan will need to be developed and this area will need to be actively managed for a nominated 10 year period and then maintained as an offset in perpetuity.

First party offset

There may be scope for DELWP to provide the required offset within the study area. In order to do this DELWP would retain and manage and area of native vegetation as a general first party offset site. This would require that an additional level of security is placed on the land to ensure that conservation is the primary objective. Given the administrative difficulties associated with re-zoning a portion of the study area in this way, we advise that this may not be the most appropriate offset option for the project. However, DELWP may choose to pursue this option if it is deemed appropriate.

6. Key ecological values and recommendations

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 DELWP to design a development to minimise impacts on biodiversity.

The primary measure to reduce impacts to biodiversity values within the study area is to minimise removal of native vegetation. This should include designing the trails to minimise the removal of trees wherever possible. It is critical that this be considered during the design phase of the project, when key decisions are made about the location of trails and associated infrastructure. The results of this assessment should therefore be incorporated into the project design, by adding the vegetation mapping information into the planning maps and investigating options to retain as much of the mapped vegetation/habitats as possible. Priority should be given to highest value areas as shown in Figure 3. Impacts to fauna can be further reduced by avoiding or minimising impacts to sensitive fauna habitat such as high quality vegetation, creeks and drainage lines, large old tree and trees containing hollows.

Note that the assessment under the Guidelines presented in this report is based on preliminary designs for the mountain bike trails. Once the designs are finalised this Guidelines assessment will need to be done again to account for any changes in the trail designs. This assessment has gathered all the necessary biodiversity information, so any updates to the Guidelines assessment can be done as a desktop exercise.

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 9.

Table 9 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 The permanent removal of approximately Avoid and minimise removal of native 6.425 ha of vegetation. The application will be vegetation, in accordance with the Guidelines assessed on the moderate risk-based (no net loss). Refer to Section 5. pathway. Identify and implement appropriate offsets for vegetation losses as outlined in Section 5.3.

At the micro-siting stage flora values such as trees, shrubs, grasses and forbs should be avoided and trails should be located on existing management tracks where possible.

Listed threatened Removal potential habitat for significant flora No listed threatened species were detected species and and fauna species (as identified in Table 5). during the survey but three EPBC Act listed communities fauna species and 12 FFG Act listed fauna species may occur within the study area. Where removal of trees and shrubs is minimised the trail development is unlikely to have a significant impact on these species.

Removal approximately 4.789 ha of the EPBC Seek further advice from DEE regarding the listed White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely's Red definition of this community to clarify whether Gum grassy woodlands and derived native it is present. If present, minimise the extent of grasslands community. clearing required through trail design. A project referral under the EPBC Act may be required.

Removal of flora species listed under the FFG A permit will be required to 'take' protected act, as identified in Appendix 1, and potential and threatened flora species listed under the habitat for listed species in Table 5 and fauna FFG Act. species listed in Appendix 2.

References

Braby, M and Dunforn, M 2006. Field observations on the ecology of the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana Walker (Lepidoptera: Castniidae). The Australian Entomologist 33: 103-110.

Clarke G M and O’Dwyer C 2000. Genetic variability and population structure of the endangered Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana. Biological Conservation 92: 371-381.

Commonwealth of Australia 2009. Significant impact guidelines for the critically endangered golden sun moth (Synemon plana). Nationally threatened species and ecological communities EPBC Act policy statement 3.12, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage & the Arts. Australian Government, Canberra.DoE 2013. Matters of National Environmental Significance. Significant impact guidelines 1.1. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Australian Government Department of the Environment, Canberra.

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

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

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.

DEH 2006. White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands. Nationally threatened species and ecological communities. EPBC Policy Statement, Australian Government Department of the Environment & Heritage, Canberra.

Edwards, T. 1993. Golden Sun Moth. Australian Natural History. 24 (6): 16-17.

Forman, P.W., 2015, Harcourt Mountain Bike Trail, Threatened flora and vegetation investigation. Report prepared by Blue Devil Consulting for the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning, Bendigo.

Gilmore, D., Koehler, S. O’Dwyer, C. and Moore, W. 2008. Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana (Lepidoptera: Castniidae): results of a broad survey of populations around Melbourne. The Victorian Naturalist. 125 (2): 230-37.

Appendices

Appendix 1 Flora

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

A1.1 Flora species recorded from the study area

Table A1.1. Flora species recorded from the study area.

Status Scientific name Common name

Indigenous species: Acacia implexa Lightwood P Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood Acaena echinata Sheep's Burr Allocasuarina verticilata Drooping Sheoak Amyema spp. Mistletoe Anthosachne scabra Common Wheat-grass Austrostipa spp. Spear Grass Carex apressa Tall Sedge P Cassinia arcuata Drooping Cassinia Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia Green Rock-fern Convolvulus angustissimus Blushing Bindweed Dianella admixta Black-anther Flax-lily v Dianella sp. aff. Longifolia (Benambra) Arching Flax-lily Dichondra repens Kidney-weed Dodonea viscosa Sticky Hop-bush Epilobium bilardierianum Variable Willo-herb Erodium crinitum Blue Heron's-bill Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red-gum Eucalyptus goniocalyx Bundy Eucalyptus meliodora Yellow Box Eucalyptus microcarpa Grey Box Eucalyptus viminalis Manna Gum P Euchiton spharicus Annual Cudweed Euphorbia drummondii Flat spurge Geranium spp. Crane's Bill Gonocarpus spp. Raspwort P Helichrysum luteoalbum Jersey Cudweed Juncus spp. Rush Juncus subsecundus Finger Rush Lomandra filiformis Wattle mat-rush Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass Oxalis perennans Grassland Wood-sorrel Pelargonium rodneyanum Magenta Stork's-bill

Status Scientific name Common name

Poa labillardierei Common Tussock-grass Rytidosperma pallidum Silvertop Wallaby-grass Rytidosperma spp. Wallaby Grass P Senecio glomeratus Annual Fireweed P Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed P Thelymitra ixioides Spotted Sun-orchid P Thelymitra pauciflora Slender Sun-orchid Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass Tricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lily Typha domingensis Narrow-leaf Combungi P Vittadinia cuneata Fuzzy New Holland Daisy Wahlenbergia spp. Bluebell Introduced species: Acacia baileyana Cootamundra Wattle Acetosella vulgaris Sheep Sorrel Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass Avena spp. Oat Briza maxima Large Quaking-grass Briza minor Lesser Quaking-grass Bromus diandrus Great Brome RR Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Eucalyptus cladocalyx Sugar Gum Eucalyptus globulus Southern Blue-gum RR Genista linifolia Flax-leaf Broom RC Hypericum perforatum St Johns Wort Hypocharis radicata Flatweed RC Marrubium vulgare Horehound Pinus radiata Radiata Pine Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Prunus spp. Prunus RC Rosa rubiginosa Briar rose RC Rubus fruticosus Blackberry RR Silybum marianum Variegated Thistle Vulpia spp. Fescue

A1.2 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 (DEE; accessed on 05.02.2016).

Table A1.2. Listed flora species recorded / predicted to occur within 5 km of the study area.

Scientific Common Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for likelihood name name status recent records occurrence in ranking EPBC VIC FFG database study area record National significance Amphibromus River VU - PMST Swampy areas, mainly along the Low Wetter areas of Creekline fluitans Swamp Murray River between Wodonga Grassy Woodland are Wallaby- and Echuca with scattered typically weedy and unlikely grass records from southern Victoria. to support this species. Ballantinia Southern EN e L 2008 PMST Restricted to granite rockplates Low Previous searches for this antipoda Shepherd's or moist moss mats, and species (Forman 2015) failed Purse occasionally shallow soil pockets. to detect this species.

Caladenia Crimson VU e L - PMST Open, grassy understorey in Box Low Suitable habitat present but concolor Spider- Ironbark and dry foothill forests. targeted survey failed to orchid detect this species. Caladenia Rigid Spider- EN v - PMST Woodland dominated by Yellow Low No records in the vicinity of tensa orchid Gum and Cypress-pine, heathy the study area. All records woodland and mallee. for the species further west. Caladenia Candy VU e L - PMST Herb-rich Yellow Box (Eucalyptus Low No records in the vicinity of versicolor Spider- melliodora) woodland on sandy the study area. All records orchid loam soils. for the species further west. Dianella Matted Flax- EN e L 2005 PMST Lowland grassland and grassy Low Occurs just outside the amoena lily woodland, on well-drained to boundary of the study area. seasonally waterlogged fertile Suitable habitat within the sandy loam soils to heavy study area was surveyed but cracking clays. failed to detect this species.

Scientific Common Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for likelihood name name status recent records occurrence in ranking EPBC VIC FFG database study area record Euphrasia Purple EN e L 1500 Grasslands and grassy Low Nearby records are collina subsp. Eyebright woodlands; few populations are relatively old (15yrs). Species muelleri known to still exist. is very rare now in central Victoria. Glycine Clover VU v L 1984 PMST Grasslands and grassy Low Suitable habitat present but latrobeana Glycine woodlands, particularly those targeted survey failed to dominated by Themeda triandra. detect this species. Leucochrysum White EN e L - PMST Grasslands of the Victorian Low No recent records in the albicans var. Sunray Volcanic Plains, primarily on vicinity of the study area. tricolor acidic clay soils derived from basalt, with occasional occurrences on adjacent sedimentary, sandy-clay soils. Pimelea Spiny Rice- CR e L - PMST Primarily grasslands featuring a Low Habitat highly disturbed. spinescens flower moderate diversity of other subsp. native species and inter-tussock spinescens spaces, although also recorded in grassland dominated by introduced perennial grasses. Thelymitra Spiral Sun- VU v L - PMST Typically on well-drained soils on Low No records of species in the matthewsii orchid slightly elevated sites, but also on vicinity. Typically occurs in coastal sandy flats. Often in open Western Victoria. situations following disturbance. State significance Cullen tenax Tough e L 1500 Lowland grasslands, including Low Suitable habitat present but Scurf-pea pastures and occasionally in targeted survey failed to otherwise disturbed grassy detect this species. areas. Dianella sp. Arching v 2009 The habitat requirements of this Recorded Recorded in Granitic Grassy aff. longifolia Flax-lily species are poorly known. Woodland. (Benambra)

Scientific Common Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for likelihood name name status recent records occurrence in ranking EPBC VIC FFG database study area record Diuris palustris Swamp v L 1997 Grasslands and open woodlands, Low Old records within the study Diuris often in swampy depressions; area and on Mt Alexander. confined to the west of the State. Wetter areas of the study area are highly disturbed. Diuris Purple v L 1997 Fertile, loamy soils and Low Old records on Mt punctata var. Diuris periodically wet areas in lowland Alexander. Wetter areas of punctata grasslands, grassy woodlands, the study area are highly heathy woodlands and open disturbed. heathlands. Euphrasia Rough e L 1500 Grassy woodlands and clearings Low Old records on Mt scabra Eyebright in subalpine woodlands or Alexander. Specie now very sclerophyll forests. rare in central Victoria. Myriophyllum Striped v L 2003 Locations only known from Low No suitable areas of aquatic striatum Water- Wedderburn and Nathalia areas or emergent habitat on site. milfoil of northern Victoria. Grows mainly fully emergent in damp areas on creekbanks and around waterholes, but occasionally found in deep water.

Swainsona Silky v L 2001 Grasslands and grassy Low Recent records north-east of sericea Swainson- woodlands. Mt Alexander but species pea likely to be affected by high density of rabbits in the area.

Appendix 2 Fauna

Notes to tables:

EPBC Act: 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:

L - listed as threatened under FFG Act N - nominated for listing as threatened

I - determined ineligible for listing

PS - pest species listed under the CaLP Act * - introduced species

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

# – Protected Matters Search Tool

BA – Birds Australia

Fauna species in these tables are listed in alphabetical order within their taxonomic

A2.1 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 (DEE; accessed on 05.02.2016).

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

Scientific name Common Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for likelihood name status database records occurrence ranking EPBC VIC FFG record in study area Mammals Sarcophilus Tasmanian EN 1991 Various habitats in Tasmania Negligible No known populations in the harrisii Devil wild on mainland Australia. Phascogale Brush-tailed vu L 1999 Occurs in dry foothill forest High Multiple records from Mount tapoatafa Phascogale which is open with sparse Alexander Regional Park. ground cover. Favours areas dominated by box, ironbark and Stringybark eucalypts. Pteropus Grey-headed VU vu L 1964 PMST Established camps in a High Likely to forage in flowering poliocephalus Flying-fox number of Victorian localities. eucalypts; attracted to study Uses a variety of wooded area due to proximity to habitats including orchards orchards. and urban areas. Miniopterus Eastern Bent- vu L 2011 Found in a variety of woodland High Likely to forage in woodlands in schreibersii wing Bat and agricultural landscapes. study area. No roost sites oceanensis Roosts in caves and mine known from study area. shafts. Birds Lewinia pectoralis Lewin's Rail vu L 1994 Inhabits densely vegetated Medium May use well-vegetated wetlands, including swamps, drainage lines. farm dams, saltmarshes, lakes and small pools that can range from fresh to saline water. May also use riverine forest.

Scientific name Common Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for likelihood name status database records occurrence ranking EPBC VIC FFG record in study area Hydroprogne Caspian Tern nt L 2004 A variety of wetland habitats. Low No suitable habitat. caspia Rostratula Australian EN cr L - PMST Generally found in shallow, Low No suitable habitat. australis Painted Snipe terrestrial freshwater wetlands with rank, emergent tussocks of grass, sedges and rushes. Ardea intermedia Intermediate cr L 2001 Breeds in flooded or fringing Low Limited suitable habitat. Egret trees alongside wetlands. Ardea modesta Eastern Great vu L 2007 PMST Usually found in terrestrial Low Limited suitable habitat. Egret wetland, estuarine and wet grassland habitats particularly permanent well-vegetated water bodies. Botaurus Australasian EN en L - PMST Occurs in wetlands with tall, Low Limited suitable habitat. poiciloptilus Bittern dense vegetation.

Anas rhynchotis Australasian vu 2009 Prefers large, permanent lakes Low No suitable habitat. Shoveler and swamps with deep water, Stictonetta Freckled en L 2006 Freckled Ducks are usually Low No suitable habitat. naevosa Duck found on densely vegetated freshwater wetlands. Aythya australis Hardhead vu 2014 A duck preferring large, deep Low No suitable habitat. freshwater environments with abundant aquatic vegetation. Oxyura australis Blue-billed en L 2004 Prefers deep, large permanent Low No suitable habitat. Duck wetlands with stable conditions and abundant aquatic vegetation. Biziura lobata Musk Duck vu 2014 Prefers deep, large permanent Low No suitable habitat. wetlands with stable conditions and abundant aquatic vegetation.

Scientific name Common Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for likelihood name status database records occurrence ranking EPBC VIC FFG record in study area Circus assimilis Spotted nt 1993 Inhabits open and wooded High Suitable woodland habitat Harrier country of inland and sub- present. inland Australia, Lophoictinia isura Square-tailed vu L 2009 Typically inhabits coastal High Suitable woodland habitat Kite forested and wooded lands of present; observed nearby. tropical and temperate Australia. Ninox connivens Barking Owl en L 1998 Prefers dry, open sclerophyll High Suitable woodland habitat forests and woodlands across present. Australia Ninox strenua Powerful Owl vu L Occurs in a variety of forests High Although not recorded in the and woodlands throughout local area in the DELWP south-eastern Australia databases, this species is known to occur at Mount Alexander. Lathamus Swift Parrot CR en L 1997 PMST On mainland Australia prefers High Suitable woodland habitat discolor dry, open eucalypt forests and present. woodlands, especially Box Ironbark Forest in north- central Victoria. Oreoica gutturalis Crested nt L 1974 Occupies dry acacia Low Although suitable habitat is Bellbird shrublands and woodlands in present the species is believed arid and semi-arid areas. to no longer occur in the local Typically found in northern area. and central Victoria in Mallee woodlands and tall shrublands. Pomatostomus Grey- en L 1974 Typically occupies open forests Low Although suitable habitat is temporalis crowned and woodlands north of the present the species is believed Babbler Great Dividing Range to no longer occur in the local area.

Scientific name Common Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for likelihood name status database records occurrence ranking EPBC VIC FFG record in study area Chthonicola Speckled vu L 2010 Occurs in open forest and Box High Recent records from Mount sagittata Warbler Ironbark Woodlands, usually Alexander Regional Park and with scattered shrubs and a suitable habitat present. cover of acacias. Seldom seen far from dense patches of shrubs. Climacteris Brown nt 1999 Open eucalypt forests, High Recent records from Mount picumnus Treecreeper woodlands and mallee. Alexander Regional Park and victoriae (south- suitable habitat present. eastern ssp.) Grantiella picta Painted VU vu L 1932 PMST Dry open woodlands and Medium May use the woodland areas Honeyeater forests located on the inland occasionally. foothills of the Great Dividing Range. Anthochaera Regent CR cr L - PMST Inhabits dry woodlands and Low Very rarely recorded from phrygia Honeyeater forests dominated by Box central Victoria. Ironbark eucalypts. Stagonopleura Diamond vu L 1974 Occurs mostly in the lowlands Medium May use woodland within the guttata Firetail and foothills in the north of study area. Victoria. It has specific habitat requirements, which include grassy woodlands with tree cover for refuge and an undisturbed ground layer with grasses. Reptiles Chelodina Common dd 2006 Occurs in swamps, dams, Medium May occur in dam or disperse longicollis Long-necked billabongs and slow-moving along drainage lines. Turtle rivers overland.

Scientific name Common Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for likelihood name status database records occurrence ranking EPBC VIC FFG record in study area Aprasia Pink-tailed VU en L - PMST Isolated population near Low Not known to occur in local parapulchella Worm-Lizard Bendigo. Favours areas with area. Confined to Greater native grasses and partially Bendigo National Park. buried rocks, sheltering beneath rock and in ant tunnels. Pogona barbata Bearded vu A variety of woodlands High Suitable woodland habitat Dragon present and recorded from Mt Alexander Regional Park. Delma impar Striped VU en L - PMST Inhabits native and modified Low Habitat not considered to be Legless grasslands, where sufficient suitable for this species and Lizard cover is available to provide there are no local records. protection from predators. Often associated with soils of cracking clays with embedded and surface rocks. Occasionally recorded from grassy woodlands. Amphibians Pseudophryne Brown en L 1964 Gullies in forest and Medium May occur within areas of bibronii Toadlet woodlands. woodland, especially in association with drainage lines. Litoria raniformis Growling VU en L - PMST Permanent and semi- Low No records in local area and Grass Frog permanent water bodies limited suitable wetland habitat generally containing abundant in study area. submerged and emergent vegetation. Fishes Maccullochella Murray Cod VU en L 1970 PMST Found within the Murray River Negligible No suitable habitat. peelii peelii catchment usually in sluggish turbid rivers, in deep holes or amongst fallen

Scientific name Common Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for likelihood name status database records occurrence ranking EPBC VIC FFG record in study area Macquaria Macquarie EN en L - A riverine fish preferring deep Negligible No suitable habitat. australasica Perch holes, its natural distribution extends north of the Great Dividing Range in tributaries of the Murray River. Invertebrates Synemon plana Golden Sun CR cr L 2010 PMST Inhabits grassy woodlands and Low Potential habitat identified, Moth grasslands. Once thought to however, targeted survey did be a specialised species not detect the species. inhabiting grasslands dominated by Wallaby-grasses, it is now recognised that this species can occur in exotic grasslands dominated by Chilean Needle Grass Nassella neesiana. Crustaceans Cherax destructor Common dd 1999 Burrowing freshwater crayfish Low May occur in dam in study area. albidus Yabby that occur in and around lakes, swamps, watercourses and artificial dams, ponds and drains.

Appendix 3 Biodiversity impact and offset requirement report

This report does not represent an assessment by DELWP of the proposed native vegetation removal. It provides additional biodiversity information to support moderate and high risk-based pathway applications for permits to remove native vegetation under clause 52 .16 or 52.17 of planning schemes in Victoria.

Date of issue: 04/03/2016 DELWP ref: 810_0235 Time of issue: 11 :58 am

Project ID HarcourtMTB_21614_Vegloss

Summary of marked native vegetation

Risk-based pathway Moderate

Total extent 6.245 ha

Remnant patches 6.245 ha

Scattered trees 0 trees

Location risk A

Strategic biodiversity score of all I 0.533 marked native vegetation

Offset requirements if a permit is granted

If a permit is granted to remove the marked native vegetation , a requirement to obtain a native vegetation offset will be included in the permit conditions. The offset must meet the following requirements:

Offset type General offset

General offset amount (general 2.896 general units biodiversity equivalence units)

General offset attributes

Vicinity North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) or Mount Alexander Shire Council Minimum strategic biodiversity 0.4261 score

See Appendices 1 and 2 for details in how offset requirements were determined. NB: values presented in tables throughout this document may not add to totals due to rounding

1 Minimum strategic biodiversity score is 80 per cent of the weighted average score across habitat zones where a general offset is required

ORIA I Environment, tote Lend, Water overnment ond Planning Page1

Next steps

Any proposal to remove native vegetation must meet the application requirements of the moderate risk-based pathway and it will be assessed under the moderate risk-based pathway.

If you wish to remove the marked native vegetation you are required to apply for a permit from your local council. Council will then refer your application to DELWP for assessment, as required. This report is not a referral assessment by DELWP.

The biodiversity assessment report from NVIM and this biodiversity impact and offset report should be submitted with your application for a permit to remove native vegetation you plan to remove, lop or destroy.

The Biodiversity assessment report generated by the tool within NVIM provides the following information: • The location of the site where native vegetation is to be removed. • The area of the patch of native vegetation and/or the number of any scattered trees to be removed. • Maps or plans containing information set out in the Permitted clearing of native vegetation - Biodiversity assessment guidelines • The risk-based pathway of the application for a permit to remove native vegetation

This report provides the following information to meet application requirements for a permit to remove native vegetation: • Confirmation of the risk-based pathway of the application for a permit to remove native vegetation • The strategic biodiversity score of the native vegetation to be removed • Information to inform the assessment of whether the proposed removal of native vegetation will have a significant impact on Victoria's biodiversity, with specific regard to the proportional impact on habitat for any rare or threatened species. • The offset requirements should a permit be granted to remove native vegetation.

Additional application requirements must be provided with an application for a permit to remove native vegetation in the moderate or high risk-based pathways. These include: • A habitat hectare assessment report of the native vegetation that is to be removed • A statement outlining what steps have been taken to ensure that impacts on biodiversity from the removal of native vegetation have been minimised • An offset strategy that details how a compliant offset will be secured to offset the biodiversity impacts of the removal of native vegetation.

Refer to the Permitted clearing of native vegetation - Biodiversity assessment guidelines and for a full list and details of application requirements.

©The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Disclaimer Melbourne 2016 This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability licence. You are free to re-use the work under that licence, on the condition that for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on you credit the State of Victoria as author. The licence does not apply to any any information in this publication. images, photographs or branding, including the Victorian Coat of Arms, the Victorian Government logo and the Department of Environment, Land, Water Obtaining this publication does not guarantee that an application will meet the and Planning logo. To view a copy of th is licence, visit requirements of clauses 52.16 or 52.17 of the Victoria Planning Provisions or http://creativecommons. orq/Iicenses /by/3.O /au/deed .en that a permit to remove native vegetation will be granted.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne. Notwithstanding anything else contained in this publication, you must ensure that you comply with all relevant laws, legislation, awards or orders and that you For more information contact the DELWP Customer Service Centre 136 186 obtain and comply with all permits, approvals and the like that affect, are applicable or are necessary to undertake any action to remove, lop or destroy or otherwise deal with any native vegetation or that apply to matters within the scope of clauses 52.16 or 52.17 of the Victoria Planning Provisions.

www.delwp.vie.gov.au

Page2 Appendix 1 - Biodiversity impact of removal of native vegetation

Habitat hectares

Habitat hectares are calculated for each habitat zone within your proposal using the extent and condition scores in the GIS data you provided.

i Site assessed condition Habitat zone Extent (ha) Habitat hectares sco.re

1-1-1 0.630 0.005 0.003

2-1-2 0.660 I 0.008 0.005 3-1-3 0.510 0.028 0.014

4-2-21 0.510 0.011 0.006

5-2-1 0.560 0.028 0.016

6-2-49 I 0.510 0.005 0.002 7-2-2 0.570 0.026 0.015

8-2-80 0.510 0.020 0.010

9-2-84 0.510 0.126 0.064

10-2-83 0.640 0.007 0.004

11-2-93 0.640 0.010 0.006

12-2-96 0.640 0.009 0.006

.13-2-11 0.640 0.012 0.008

14-2-3 0.380 I 0.012 0.004 15-2-22 0.380 0.005 0.002

16-2-31 0.380 0.006 0.002

17-1-42 0.380 0.033 0.013

18-1-13 0.380 0.038 0.014

19-1-41 0.660 0.002 0.001

20-1-14 0.630 0.009 0.006

21-1-15 0.630 0.015 0.009

22-1-16 0.630 0.001 0.001

23-1-17 0.630 0.006 0.004

24-1-18 0.630 0.004 0.003

25-1-4 0.750 0.001 0.001

26-1-5 0.750 0.061 0.046

27-1-6 0.590 0.054 0.032

28-1-7 0.590 0.031 0.018

29-1-19 0.750 0.029 0.022

Page 3 I~

Site assessed condition Habitat zone Extent (ha) Habitat hectares score

30-1-20 0.750 0.008 0.006

31-1-8 0.670 0.046 0.031 i~ 32-1-9 0.670 0.201 0.135 "· 33-1 -10 0.670 0.022 0.015

34-2-23 0.640 0.069 0.044

35-2-24 0.640 0.026 0.017

36-2-85 0.630 0.325 0.205

37-2-86 0.630 0.001 0.001

38-2-87 0.630 0.009 0.006

39-2-88 0.630 0.011 0.007

40-2-89 0.630 0.001 0.001

41-2-90 0.630 0.002 0.001

42-2-91 0.630 0.033 0.021

43-2-92 0.630 0.007 0.004

44-2-4 0.500 0.118 0.059

45-2-5 0.500 0.031 0.016

46-2-6 0.500 0.029 0.015

47-2-7 0.500 0.039 0.019

48-2-8 0.500 0.010 0.005

49-2-9 0.500 0.002 0.001

50-2-10 0.500 0.016 0.008

51-2-32 0.660 0.020 0.01 3

52-2-33 0.660 0.008 0.005

53-2-34 0.660 0.018 0.012

54-2-25 0.500 0.094 0.047

55-2-26 0.500 0.062 0.031

56-2-27 0.500 0.001 0.000

57-2-35 0.500 0.008 0.004

58-2-36 0.500 0.040 0.020

59-2-37 0.500 0.003 0.002

60-2-38 0.500 0.046 0.023

61-2-50 0.500 0.068 0.034

62-2-51 0.500 0.01 1 0.005

Page4 Habitat.zone Extent (ha) Habitat hectares score

63-2-52 0.500 0.008 0.004

64-2-39 0.510 0.005 0.003

65-2-40 0.510 0.001 0.001

66-2-41 0.510 0.004 0.002

67-2-81 0.500 0.026 0.013

68-2-42 0.640 0.011 0.007

69-2-43 0.640 0.004 0.002

70-2-44 0.640 0.006 0.004

71-2-45 0.640 0.034 0.022

72-2-46 0.750 0.005 0.003

73-2-47 0.750 0.027 0.020

74-2-48 0.750 0.062 0.047

75-2-28 0.590 0.002 0.001

76-2-29 0.590 0.060 0.035

77-2-30 0.590 0.004 0.002

78-2-82 0.640 0.006 0.004

79-2-53 0.750 0.005 0.004

80-2-54 0.750 0.001 0.001

81-2-94 0.510 0.030 0.016

82-2-95 0.510 0.022 0.011

83-1-21 0.570 0.032 0.018

84-1-22 0.570 0.066 0.038

85-1-23 0.570 0.049 0.028

86-1-24 0.570 0.009 0.005

87-1-25 0.570 0.196 0.111

88-1-26 0.570 0.015 0.008

89-1-27 0.570 0.028 0.016

90-1-28 0.570 0.079 0.045

91-1-29 0.570 0.061 0.035

92-1-30 0.570 0.053 0.030

93-1-31 0.570 0.110 0.063

94-1-32 0.570 0.058 0.033

95-1-33 0.570 0.040 0.023

Page 5 1 Habitat zone Extent (ha) Habitat hectares score

129-2-72 0.570 0.123 0.070

130-2-73 0.570 0.017 0.010

131-2-74 0.570 0.012 0.007

132-2-75 0.570 0.018 0.010

133-2-76 0.570 0.276 0.157

134-2-77 0.570 0.001 0.001

135-2-78 0.570 0.040 0.023

136-2-79 0.570 0.152 0.087

137-1-11 0.640 0.005 0.003

138-1-12 0.640 0.032 0.021

TOTAL 3.627

Impacts on rare or threatened species habitat above specific offset threshold

The specific-general offset test was applied to your proposal. The test determines if the proposed removal of native vegetation has a proportional impact on any rare or threatened species habitats above the specific offset threshold. The threshold is set at 0.005 per cent of the total habitat for a species. When the proportional impact is above the specific offset threshold a specific offset for that species' habitat is required. · The specific-general offset test found your proposal does not have a proportional impact on any ra re or threatened species' habitats above the specific offset threshold. No specific offsets are required. A general offset is required as set out below.

Clearing site biodiversity equivalence score(s)

The general biodiversity equivalence score for the habitat zone(s) is calculated by multiplying the habitat hectares by the strategic biodiversity score.

Proportion of General biodiversity Strategic Habitat zone Habitat hectares habitat zone with equivalence score ' biodiversity score general offset (GBES)

1-1-1 0.003 100.000 % 0.711 0.002

2-1-2 0.005 100.000 % 0.535 0.003

3-1-3 0.014 100.000 % 0.546 0.008

4-2-21 0.006 100.000 % 0.656 0.004

5-2-1 0.016 100.000 % 0.657 0.010

6-2-49 0.002 100.000 % 0.423 0.001

7-2-2 0.015 100.000 % 0.431 0.006 I 8-2-80 0.010 100.000 % 0.234 0.002

9-2-84 0.064 100.000 % 0.324 0.021

10-2-83 0.004 100.000 % 0.283 0.001

11-2-93 0.006 100.000 % 0.633 0.004

12-2-96 0.006 100.000 % 0.252 0.002

Page 7 -·

'' Proportion of General biodiversity Strategic Habitat zone Habitat hectares habitat zone with equivalence score -.· biodiversity score _-, general offset (GBES) --·

13-2-11 0.008 100.000 % 0.652 0.005 f=: 14-2-3 0.004 100.000 % 0.717 0.003

15-2-22 0.002 100.000 % 0.746 0.001

16-2-31 0.002 100.000 % 0.740 0.002

17-1-42 0.013 100.000 % 0.198 0.003

18-1-13 0.014 100.000 % 0.630 0.009

19-1-41 0.001 100.000 % 0.189 0.000

20-1-14 0.006 100.000 % 0.417 0.002

21-1-15 0.009 100.000 % 0.362 0.003

22-1-16 0.001 100.000 % 0.364 0.000

23-1-17 0.004 100.000 % 0.339 0.001

24-1 -18 0.003 100.000 % 0.489 0.001

25-1-4 0.001 100.000 % 0.602 0.001

26-1-5 0.046 100.000 % 0.612 0.028

27-1-6 0.032 100.000 % 0.609 0.019

28-1-7 0.018 100.000 % 0.295 0.005

29-1-19 0.022 100.000 % 0.639 0.014

30-1-20 0.006 100.000 % 0.639 0.004

31-1-8 0.031 100.000 % 0.394 0.012

32-1-9 0.135 100.000 % 0.285 0.038

33-1-10 0.015 100.000 % 0.316 0.005

34-2-23 0.044 100.000 % 0.663 0.029

35-2-24 0.017 100.000 % 0.666 0.011

36-2-85 0.205 100.000 % 0.635 0.130

37-2-86 0.001 100.000 % 0.633 0.001

38-2-87 0.006 100.000 % 0.626 0.003

39-2-88 0.007 100.000 % 0.620 0.004

40-2-89 0.001 100.000 % 0.617 0.001

41-2-90 0.001 100.000 % 0.609 0.001

42-2-91 0.021 100.000 % 0.597 0.012

43-2-92 0.004 100.000 % 0.589 0.003

44-2-4 0.059 100.000 % 0.683 0.040

45-2-5 0.016 100.000 % 0.674 0.011

Page 8 Proportion of General biodiversity Strategic Habitat zone Habitat hectares habitat zone with equivalence score biodiversity score general offset (GBES)

46-2-6 0.015 100.000 % 0.661 0.010

47-2-7 0.019 100.000 % 0.686 0.013

48-2-8 0.005 100.000 % 0.666 0.003

49-2-9 0.001 100.000 % 0.714 0.001

50-2-10 0.008 100.000 % 0.651 0.005

51-2-32 0.013 100.000 % 0.605 0.008

52-2-33 0.005 100.000 % 0.609 0.003

53-2-34 0.012 100.000 % 0.605 0.007

54-2-25 0.047 100.000 % 0.657 0.031

55-2-26 0.031 100.000 % 0.614 0.019

56-2-27 0.000 100.000 % 0.626 0.000

57-2-35 0.004 100.000 % 0.748 0.003

58-2-36 0.020 100.000 % 0.797 0.016

59-2-37 0.002 100.000 % 0.851 0.001

60-2-38 0.023 100.000 % 0.824 0.019

61-2-50 0.034 100.000 % 0.707 0.024

62-2-51 0.005 100.000 % 0.576 0.003

63-2-52 0.004 100.000 % 0.194 0.001

64-2-39 0.003 100.000 % 0.714 0.002

65-2-40 0.001 100.000 % 0.719 0.000

66-2-41 0.002 100.000 % 0.748 0.001

67-2-81 0.013 100.000 % 0.362 0.005

68-2-42 0.007 100.000 % 0.723 0.005

69-2-43 0.002 100.000 % 0.466 0.001

70-2-44 0.004 100.000 % 0.194 0.001

71-2-45 0.022 100.000 % 0.208 0.005

72-2-46 0.003 100.000 % 0.851 0.003

73-2-47 0.020 100.000 % 0.654 0.013

74-2-48 0.047 100.000 % 0.350 0.016

75-2-28 0.001 100.000 % 0.851 0.001

76-2-29 0.035 100.000 % 0.701 0.025 ----- 77-2-30 0.002 100.000 % 0.851 0.002

78-2-82 0.004 100.000 % 0.369 0.002

Page 9 Proportion of General biodiversity Strategic Habitat zone Habitat hectares habitat zone with equivalence score biodiversity score general offset (GBES)

79-2-53 0.004 100.000 % 0.573 0.002

80-2-54 0.001 100.000 % 0.563 0.000

81-2-94 0.016 100.000 % 0.481 0.007

82-2-95 0.011 100.000 % 0.477 0.005

83-1-21 0.018 100.000 % 0.629 0.011

84-1-22 0.038 100.000 % 0.633 0.024

85-1-23 0.028 100.000 % 0.492 0.014

86-1-24 0.005 100.000 % 0.418 0.002

87-1-25 0.111 100.000 % 0.609 0.068

88-1-26 0.008 100.000 % 0.364 0.003

89-1-27 0.016 100.000 % 0.419 0.007

90-1-28 0.045 100.000 % 0.488 0.022

91-1-29 0.035 100.000 % 0.608 0.021

92-1-30 0.030 100.000 % 0.628 0.019

93-1-31 0.063 100.000 % 0.614 0.039

94-1-32 0.033 100.000 % 0.412 0.014

95-1-33 0.023 100.000 % 0.347 0.008

96-1-34 0.024 100.000 % 0.249 0.006

97-1-35 0.061 100.000 % 0.320 0.020

98-1-36 0.065 100.000 % 0.171 0.011

99-1-37 0.030 100.000 % 0.322 0.010

100-1-38 0.008 100.000 % 0.189 0.001

101-1-39 0.052 100.000 % 0.258 0.013

102-1-40 0.015 100.000 % 0.364 0.006

103-2-12 0.061 100.000 % 0.720 0.044

104-2-13 0.014 100.000 % 0.706 0.010

105-2-14 0.013 100.000 % 0.714 0.009

106-2-15 0.019 100.000 % 0.725 0.014

107-2-16 0.010 100.000 % 0.748 0.008

108-2-17 0.009 100.000 % 0.749 0.007

109-2-18 0.018 100.000 % 0.755 0.014

110-2-19 0.085 100.000 % 0.557 0.047

111-2-20 0.051 100.000 % 0.642 0.033

Page 10 Proportion of General biodiversity Strategic Habitat zone Habitat hectares habitat zone with equivalence score biodiversity score general offset (GBES)

112-2-55 0.003 100.000 % 0.602 0.002

113-2-56 0.298 100.000 % 0.637 0.189

114-2-57 0.462 100.000 % 0.539 0.249

115-2-58 0.013 100.000 % 0.661 0.008

116-2-59 0.020 100.000 % 0.658 0.013

117-2-60 0.005 100.000 % 0.649 0.003

118-2-61 0.006 100.000 % 0.643 0.004

119-2-62 0.002 100.000 % 0.626 0.001

120-2-63 0.005 100.000 % 0.694 0.003

121-2-64 0.001 100.000 % 0.685 0.000

122-2-65 0.001 100.000 % 0.617 0.000

123-2-66 0.009 100.000 % 0.612 0.005

124-2-67 0.011 100.000 % 0.659 0.007

125-2-68 0.012 100.000 % 0.715 0.008

126-2-69 0.002 100.000 % 0.713 0.001

127-2-70 0.037 100.000 % 0.657 0.025

128-2-71 0.014 100.000 % 0.740 0.010

129-2-72 0.070 100.000 % 0.615 0.043

130-2-73 0.010 100.000 % 0.748 0.007

131-2-74 0.007 100.000 % 0.383 0.003

132-2-75 0.010 100.000 % 0.436 0.005

133-2-76 0.157 100.000 % 0.393 0.062

134-2-77 0.001 100.000 % 0.411 0.000

135-2-78 0.023 100.000 % 0.338 0.008

136-2-79 0.087 100.000 % 0.242 0.021

137-1-11 0.003 100.000 % 0.627 0.002

138-1-12 0.021 100.000 % 0.643 0.013

Page 11 Mapped rare or threatened species' habitats on site

This table sets out the list of rare or threatened species' habitats mapped at the site beyond those species for which the impact is above the specific offset threshold. These species habitats do not require a specific offset according to the specific-general offset test.

Species Species common name Species scientific name number I 10230 Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura

10246 Barking Owl Ninox connivens connivens

10498 Chestnut-rumped Heathwren Calamanthus pyrrhopygius

10504 Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittatus

11017 Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa

12283 Lace Monitor Varanus varius

13117 Brown Toadlet Pseudophryne bibronii

15021 Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana

4868 Bluenose Cod (Trout Cod) Maccullochella macquariensis

503455 Rye Beetle-grass Tripogon loliiformis

505337 Austral Crane's-bill Geranium solanderi var. solanderi s.s.

505344 Pale-flower Crane's-bill Geranium sp. 3

505560 Arching Flax-lily Dianella sp. aff. longifolia (Benambra)

Page 12 Appendix 2 - Offset requirements detail

If a permit is granted to remove the marked native vegetation the permit condition will include the requirement to obtain a native vegetation offset.

To calculate the required offset amount required the biodiversity equivalence scores are aggregated to the proposal level and multiplied by the relevant risk multiplier.

Offsets also have required attributes: • General offsets must be located in the same Catchment Management Authority (CMA) boundary or Local Municipal District (local council) as the clearing and must have a minimum strategic biodiversity score of 80 per cent of the clearing. 2 The offset requirements for your proposal are as follows:

Clearing site Offset requirements Offset biodiversity Risk Offset amount type equivalence multiplier (biodiversity Offset attributes score equivalence units)

Offset must be within North Central CMA or Mount Alexander Shire Council General 1.931 GBES 1.5 2.896 general units Offset must have a minimum strategic biodiversity score of 0.426

2 Strategic biodiversity score is a weighted average across habitat zones where a general offset is required Page 13 ~=----~~=-~[=" ~

Appendix 3 - Images of marked native vegetation

1. Native vegetation location risk map

B I~

2. Strategic biodiversity score map

Page 14 3. Aerial photograph showing marked native vegetation

Page 15 f'

Page 16 Page 17 ,__ _, ,._

f.:

Page 18 Glossary

Condition score This is the site-assessed condition score for the native vegetation. Each habitat zone in the clearing proposal is assigned a condition score according to the habitat hectare assessment method. This information has been provided by or on behalf of the applicant in the GIS file.

Dispersed habitat A dispersed species habitat is a habitat for a rare or threatened species whose habitat is spread over a relatively broad geographic area greater than 2,000 hectares.

General biodiversity The general biodiversity equivalence score quantifies the relative overall contribution that the equivalence score native vegetation to be removed makes to Victoria's biodiversity. The general biodiversity equivalence score is calculated as follows:

General biodiversity equivalence score = habitat hectares x strategic biodiversity score

General offset amount This is calculated by multiplying the general biodiversity equivalence score of the native vegetation to be removed by the risk factor for general offsets. This number is expressed in general biodiversity equivalence units and is the amount of offset that is required to be provided should the application be approved. This offset requirement will be a condition to the permit for the removal of native vegetation.

Risk adjusted general biodiversity equivalence score = general biodiversity equivalence score clearing x 1. 5

General offset attributes General offset must be located in the same Catchment Management Authority boundary or Municipal District (local council) as the clearing site. They must also have a strategic biodiversity score that is at least 80 per cent of the score of the clearing site.

Habitat hectares Habitat hectares is a site-based measure that combines extent and condition of native vegetation. The habitat hectares of native vegetation is equal to the current condition of the vegetation (condition score) multiplied by the extent of native vegetation. Habitat hectares can be calculated for a remnant patch or for scattered trees or a combination of these two vegetation types. This value is calculated for each habitat zone using the following fo rmula:

Habitat hectares= total extent (hectares) x condition score

Habitat importance score The habitat importance score is a measure of the importance of the habitat located on a site for a particular rare or threatened species. The habitat importance score for a species is a weighted average value calculated from the habitat importance map for that species. The habitat importance score is calculated for each habitat zone where the habitat importace map indicates that species habitat occurs.

Habitat zone Habitat zone is a discrete contiguous area of native vegetation that: • is of a single Ecological Vegetation Class • has the same measured condition.

Page 19 Highly localised habitat A highly localised habitat is habitat for a rare or threatened species that is spread across a very restricted area (less than 2,000 hectares). This can also be applied to a similarly limited sub-habitat that is disproportionately important for a wide-ranging rare or th reatened species. Highly localised habitats have the highest habitat importance score (1) for all locations where they are present.

., Minimum strategic The minimum strategic biodiversity score is an attribute for a general offset. biodiversity score -· The strategic biodiversity score of the offset site must be at least 80 pe r cent of the strategic biodiversity score of the native vegetation to be removed. This is to ensure offsets are located in areas with a strategic value that is comparable to, or better than, the native vegetation to be removed. Where a specific and general offset is required, the minimum strategic biodiversity score relates only to the habitat zones that require the general offset.

Offset risk factor There is a risk that the gain from undertaking the offset will not adequately compensate for the loss from the removal of native vegetation. If this were to occur, despite obtaining an offset, the overall impact from removing native vegetation would result in a loss in the contribution that native vegetation makes to Victoria's biodiversity. To address the risk of offsets failing, an offset risk factor is applied to the calculated loss to biodiversity value from removing native vegetation.

Risk factor for general offsets= 1. 5

Risk factor for specific off set = 2

Offset type The specific-general offset test determines the offset type required. When the specific-general offset test determines that the native vegetation removal will have an impact on one or more rare or threatened species habitat above the set threshold of 0.005 per cent, a specific offset is required. This test is done at the permit application level. A general offset is required when a proposal to remove native vegetation is not deemed, by application of the specific-general offset test, to have an impact on any habitat for any rare or threatened species above the set threshold of 0.005 per cent. All habitat zones that do not require a specific offset will require a general offset.

Proportional impact on This is the outcome of the specific-general offset test. The specific-general offset test is species calculated across the entire proposal for each species on the native vegetation permitted clearing species list. If the proportional impact on a species is above the set threshold of 0.005 per cent then a specific offset is required fo r that species.

Specific offset amount The specific offset amount is calculated by multiplying the specific biodiversity equivalence score of the native vegetation to be removed by the risk factor for specific offsets. This number is expressed in specific biodiversity equivalence units and is the amount of offset that is required to be provided should the application be approved. This offset requirement will be a condition to the permit for the removal of native vegetation.

Risk adjusted specific biodiver sity equivalence score = specific biodiversity equivalence score clearing x 2

Page 20 Specific offset attributes Specific offsets must be located in the modelled habitat for the species that has triggered the specific offset requirement.

Specific biodiversity The specific biodiversity equivalence score quantifies the relative overall contribution that the equivalence score native vegetation to be removed makes to the habitat of the relevant rare or threatened species. It is calculated for each habitat zone where one or more species habitats require a specific offset as a result of the specific-general offset test as follows:

Specific biodiversity equivalence score = habitat hectares x habitat importance score

Strategic biodiversity This is the weighted average strategic biodiversity score of the marked native vegetation. The score strategic biodiversity score has been calculated from the Strategic biodiversity map for each habitat zone. The strategic biodiversity score of native vegetation is a measure of the native vegetation's importance for Victoria's biodiversity, relative to other locations across the landscape. The Strategic biodiversity map is a modelled layer that prioritises locations on the basis of rarity and level of depletion of the types of vegetation , species habitats, and condition and connectivity of native vegetation.

Total extent (hectares) This is the total area of the marked native vegetation in hectares. for calculating habitat The total extent of native vegetation is an input to calculating the habitat hectares of a site and hectares in calculating the general biodiversity equivalence score. Where the marked native vegetation includes scattered trees, each tree is converted to hectares using a standard area calculation of 0.071 hectares per tree. This information has been provided by or on behalf of the applicant in the GIS file.

Vicinity The vicinity is an attribute for a general offset. The offset site must be located within the same Catchment Management Authority boundary or Local Municipal District as the native vegetation to be removed.

Page 21

Appendix 4 Glossary – Biodiversity assessment guidelines

Items marked with 'A' are cited from DEPI (2013a) ; items marked with 'B' are cited from DSE (2007b) and items marked with a 'C' are cited from DEPI (2014b).

Avoid A BushBroker A Avoiding removing any native vegetation when A program coordinated by DELWP to match undertaking a use or development. This can be parties that require native vegetation offsets either by not permitting or not going ahead with with third party suppliers of native vegetation the use or development, or locating it elsewhere offsets. so that removing native vegetation is not Canopy Tree C required. Is a mature tree greater than 3 m in height and Benchmark B is normally found in the upper layer of a A standard vegetation –quality reference point, vegetation type. Immature trees that are not yet dependent on vegetation type, which is applied able to flower and are less than three metres in in Habitat hectare assessments. Represents the height are considered part of the understorey average characteristics of a mature and (see definition of understorey). apparently long undisturbed state of the same Condition score vegetation type. The score assigned to a habitat zone that Biodiversity A indicates the quality of the vegetation relative to The variety of all life forms, the different plants, the ecological vegetation class benchmark, animals and microorganisms, the genes they usually expressed as a percentage or on a scale contain, and the ecosystems of which they form of 0 to 1. a part. Degraded treeless vegetation B Biodiversity Interactive Map (BIM) Vegetation that is neither a wetland, a remnant Web based interactive map available on the DSE patch nor scattered tree(s). website that provides information on the DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) B biodiversity of Victoria and displays flora and fauna data from the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas. The diameter of the main trunk of a tree measured 1.3 m above ground level. Bioregion B Dispersed habitat A Biogeographic areas that capture the patterns of ecological characteristics in the landscape or Habitat for a rare or threatened species whose seascape, providing a natural framework for habitat is spread over a relatively broad recognising and responding to biodiversity geographic area. values. A landscape based approach to Ecological vegetation class (EVC) A classifying the land surface using a range of environmental attributes such as climate, A native vegetation type classified on the basis geomorphology, lithology and vegetation. of a combination of its floristic, life form, environmental and ecological characteristics.

EVC (see Ecological vegetation class) B Habitat hectares benchmark A Extent risk A A reference point for each vegetation type that represents the average condition of mature The level of risk to biodiversity from the removal stands that are likely to reflect pre-settlement of native vegetation based on the area and/or circumstances. number of scattered trees to be removed. Habitat hectares site assessment A Forb A site-based measure of the condition of native A herbaceous flowering plant that is not a vegetation with reference to the benchmark for graminoid (grass, sedge or rush). the same type of native vegetation. The Gain A assessment generates a condition score of Predicted improvement in the contribution to between 0 and 1. Victoria’s biodiversity achieved from an offset, Habitat importance map A calculated by combining site gain with the A map that indicates the importance of locations strategic biodiversity score or habitat as habitat for a particular rare or threatened importance score of the site. Gain is measured species. This map is based on modelled data. with biodiversity equivalence scores or units. Habitat importance score A Gain Target B Measure of the importance of the habitat The amount of gain that needs to be achieved to located on a site for a particular rare or offset a loss measured in Habitat hectares. threatened species. General biodiversity equivalence score / Habitat zone B units A A discrete area of native vegetation consisting of Score or units used to quantify the relative a single vegetation type (EVC) within an assumed overall contribution of a site to Victoria’s similar quality. This is the base spatial unit for biodiversity. conducting a Habitat hectare assessment. General offset A Separate Vegetation Quality Assessments (or An offset that is required when a proposal to Habitat hectare assessments) are conducted for remove native vegetation is not deemed, by each habitat zone within the designated application of the specific-general offset test, to assessment area. have a significant impact on habitat for any rare Highly localised habitat A or threatened species. Habitat for rare or threatened species whose General provisions A habitat is spread over a very restricted area (i.e. Operational requirements in planning schemes less than 2,000 ha). This can also be applied to a which are consistent across the state, relating to similarly limited sub-habitat that is matters such as administrative provisions, disproportionately important for a wide-ranging ancillary activities and referral of applications. rare or threatened species. Habitat hectares A Combined measure of condition and extent of native vegetation. This measure is obtained by multiplying the site’s condition score (measured between 0 and 1) with the area of the site (in hectares).

Improvement gain B Local Planning Policy Framework A This is gain resulting from management Framework outlining a Municipal Strategic commitments beyond existing obligations under Statement and the Local Planning Policies that legislation to improve the current vegetation apply to the local government area. quality. Achieving improvement gain is Location risk A predicated on maintenance commitments being already in place. For example, control of any The risk that removing native vegetation in a threats such as grazing that could otherwise particular location will have an impact on the damage the native vegetation must already be persistence of a rare or threatened species. agreed. Typical actions leading to an LossA improvement gain include reducing or eliminating environmental weeds, enhancement Loss in the contribution to Victoria’s biodiversity planting or revegetation over a 10-year when native vegetation is fully or partially management period. If the vegetation is to be removed, as measured in biodiversity used as an offset, a commitment to maintain the equivalence scores or units. improvement gain (i.e. no subsequent decline in Maintenance Gain B quality) will be required in perpetuity. This is gain from commitments that contribute A Incorporated document to the maintenance of the current vegetation A document that is included in the list of quality over time (i.e. avoiding any decline). incorporated documents in a planning scheme. Includes foregoing certain entitled activities that These documents affect the operation of the could otherwise damage or remove native planning scheme. vegetation, such as grazing or firewood collection. Also typically requires a commitment B Indigenous vegetation to ensure no further spread of environmental The type of native vegetation that would have weeds that may otherwise result in the loss of normally been expected to occur on the site vegetation quality over time. If the vegetation is prior to European settlement. to be used as an offset, a commitment to maintain the vegetation quality will be required Landholder A in perpetuity. An owner, occupier, proprietor or holder of land. Minimise A Landowner A Locating, designing or managing a use or Owner of land. development to reduce the impacts on biodiversity from the removal of native Landscape scale information A vegetation. Mapped or modelled information based on data Native (indigenous) vegetation B collected across the landscape rather than just on a particular site. Native vegetation is plants that are indigenous to Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and Large Old Tree (LOT) B grasses (as defined in Clause 72 of the planning A tree with a DBH equal to or greater than the scheme). large tree diameter as specified in the relevant Native vegetation credit A EVC benchmark. Gains in the contribution that native vegetation Listed species makes to Victoria’s biodiversity that are A flora or fauna species listed under the registered on the native vegetation credit Commonwealth Environment Protection and register. Native vegetation credits are offered Biodiversity Act 1999 or listed as threatened for sale to parties who are required to offset the under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee removal of native vegetation. Act 1988.

Native vegetation credit register A Old tree B A statewide register of native vegetation credits A tree with a DBH equal to or greater than 0.75 that meet minimum standards for security and of the large tree diameter as specified in the management of sites. The register is relevant EVC benchmark. Includes medium old administered by the Department of trees and large old trees (see separate Environment and Primary Industries, and definitions). Some Regional Native Vegetation records the creation, trade and allocation of Plans additionally define very large old trees (1.5 credits to meet specific offset requirements. times large tree diameter).

Native vegetation extent A On-site offset B Area of land covered by native vegetation or the An offset located on the same property as the number of scattered trees. clearing. Native Vegetation Information Management Particular Provisions A (NVIM) system A Provisions in the Victoria Planning Provisions An online tool used to access information about that relate to specific activities (for example, Victoria's native vegetation. native vegetation is a Particular Provision). Native vegetation particular provision A Patch (see Remnant Patch) Clause 52.17 in the Victoria Planning Provisions PermitA that relates to the removing, destroying or A legal document that gives permission for a use lopping of native vegetation. or development on a particular piece of land.

Perennial A No net loss A A plant that lives for more than two years. An outcome where a particular gain in the Perennials include species that are always visible contribution to Victoria’s biodiversity is e.g. shrubs and trees, but also include species equivalent to an associated loss in the that are not always visible above ground. contribution to Victoria’s biodiversity from Permitted clearing A permitted clearing. Removal of native vegetation for which a Offset A planning permit has been granted to remove Protection and management (including native vegetation. revegetation) of native vegetation at a site to Permitted clearing regulations A generate a gain in the contribution that native vegetation makes to Victoria’s biodiversity. An The rules in the planning system that regulate offset is used to compensate for the loss to permits for the removal of native vegetation. Victoria’s biodiversity from the removal of native Planning provisions – See Victoria Planning vegetation. Provisions. Offset Management Plan (OMP) Prior management gain A document which sets out the requirements for This gain acknowledges actions to manage establishment, protection and management of vegetation since State-wide planning permit an offset site. controls for native vegetation removal were Offset market A introduced in 1989. A system which facilitates trade of native Planning scheme A vegetation credits between parties requiring Policies and provisions for the use, development offsets and third party suppliers of offsets. and protection of land in a local government area.

Planning system A Recruitment B Victoria’s land-use planning system that includes The production of new generations of plants, the Victoria Planning Provisions and each local either by allowing natural ecological processes government’s planning scheme. to occur (regeneration etc), by facilitating such processes such as regeneration to occur, or by Property Vegetation Plan B actively revegetating (replanting, reseeding). See A plan which relates to the management of Revegetation. native vegetation within a property, and which is Referral authority A contained within an agreement made pursuant to section 69 of the Conservation, Forests and An authority that a permit application is referred Lands Act 1987. to for decision under Section 55 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987. All referral Protected species requirements are specified in Clause 66 of A flora species protected under the Victorian planning schemes. Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Remnant patch of native vegetation A Protection (of a tree) B Either: An area with twice the canopy diameter of the • tree(s) fenced and protected from adverse an area of native vegetation , with or impacts: grazing, burning and soil disturbance without trees, where at least 25 per cent of not permitted, fallen timber retained, weeds the total perennial understorey plant controlled, and other intervention and/or cover is native plants management if necessary to ensure adequate • an area with three or more indigenous natural regeneration or planting can occur. canopy trees where the tree canopy cover Rare or threatened species A is at least 20 per cent. B A species that is listed in: Remnant vegetation Native vegetation that is established or has • DELWP’s Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria as regenerated on a largely natural landform. The ‘endangered’, ‘vulnerable’, or ‘rare’, but species present are those normally expected in does not include the ‘poorly known’ that vegetation community. Largely natural category landforms may have been subject to some past surface disturbance such as some clearing or • DELWP’s Advisory List of Threatened cultivation (or even the activities of the Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria as ‘critically nineteenth century gold rushes) but do not endangered’, ‘endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’, include man-made structures such as dam walls but does not include ‘near threatened’ or and quarry floors. ‘data deficient’ categories Responsible authority A • DELWP’s Advisory List of Threatened Invertebrate Fauna in Victoria as ‘critically The authority charged with the responsibility for endangered’, ‘endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’, administering and enforcing particular aspects but does not include ‘near threatened’ or of a planning scheme. ‘data deficient’ categories. Revegetation B Establishment of native vegetation to a minimum standard in formerly cleared areas, outside of a remnant patch.

Scattered tree C Species persistence A An indigenous canopy tree that does not form The continued existence of a species into the part of a remnant patch of native vegetation future. (see definition of remnant patch of native Specific biodiversity equivalence vegetation). score / units A Section 173 agreements B With reference to a specific species, a score or A management agreement primarily between a units used to quantify the relative contribution landowner and the responsible authority of a site to Victoria’s biodiversity. according to section 173 of the Planning and Specific-general offset test A Environment Act 1987. A test used to determine whether a general or Security Gain specific offset is required based on the impact of This is gain from actions to enhance security of native vegetation removal on the habitat for the on-going management and protection of rare or threatened species. native vegetation at the offset site, either by Specific offset A entering into an on-title agreement (for example under Section 173 of the Planning and An offset that is targeted to a particular species Environment Act 1987), or by locating the offset (or multiple species) impacted by the removal of on land that has greater security than the native vegetation. clearing site, or by transferring private land to a State Planning Policy Framework A secure public conservation reserve. A collection of clauses in the Victoria Planning A Site Provisions that inform planning authorities and An area of land that contains contiguous responsible authorities of those aspects of state patches of native vegetation or scattered trees, planning policy which they are to take into within the same ownership. account and give effect to in planning and administering their respective areas. Site-based information A Strategic biodiversity map A Information that is collected at a site. A map that shows the relative value of a location Site gain A in the landscape with regard to its condition, Predicted improvement in the condition, or the extent, connectivity and the support function it condition and extent, of native vegetation at a plays for species. The map is based on modelled site (measured in Habitat hectares) generated data. by the landowner committing to active Strategic biodiversity score A management and increased security. A score that quantifies the relative value of a Site loss A location in the landscape with regard to its Loss in the condition, or condition and extent, of condition, extent, connectivity and the support native vegetation when native vegetation is fully function it plays for species. or partially removed, measured in Habitat Strategic planning A hectares. A coordinated approach to planning where sp. areas for conservation and areas which can be Species (one species). cleared are strategically identified. spp. Species (more than one species).

Supplementary planting Vegetation Quality Assessment Establishment of overstorey and/or understorey The standard DELWP method for assessing plants within a remnant patch. Typically includes remnant patches of vegetation. Details of the the planting or direct-seeding of understorey life method are outlined in the Vegetation Quality forms. Assessment Method (DSE 2004). The results of the assessment are expressed in Habitat Taxon (plural taxa) hectares. Also referred to as a ‘Habitat hectare A term used to describe any taxonomic unit. assessment’ This term is typically used when referring Victoria Planning Provisions A broadly to any scientifically recognised species, subspecies or variety. A list of planning provisions that provides a standard template for individual planning Third-party offset B schemes. An offset located on a property owned by a Zone A person other than the landowner who incurs the native vegetation loss being offset. A zone in the Victoria Planning Provisions is a set of permitted uses of land which are defined Understorey spatially. Understorey is all vegetation other than mature canopy trees – includes immature trees, shrubs, grasses, herbs, mosses, lichens and soil crust. It does not include dead plant material that is not attached to a living plant. More information on understorey life forms is set out in the Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual (DSE 2004).