Vic Ecology FF Long Report Template

Yarra Valley Country Club, Bulleen: Biodiversity and habitat hectare assessment

FINAL REPORT

Prepared for Eco Harvest

1 August 2018 Biosis offices Document information

NEW SOUTH WALES Report to: Eco Harvest

Albury Prepared by: Steve Mueck Phone: (02) 6069 9200 Email: [email protected] Biosis project no.: 27960 File name: 27960.YVCC.Variation 1.FIN01.20180727.docx Newcastle Phone: (02) 4911 4040 Citation: Biosis 2018. Yarra Valley Country Club: Biodiversity and habitat Email: [email protected] hectare assessment. Report for Eco Harvest. Authors: Mueck, S Biosis Pty Ltd, Melbourne. Project no 27960. Sydney Phone: (02) 9101 8700 Email: [email protected] Document control

Wollongong Phone: (02) 4201 1090 Email: [email protected] Version Internal reviewer Date issued Draft version 01 SGM 27/07/2018

Final version 01 SGM 01/08/2018

VICTORIA

Ballarat Acknowledgements Phone: (03) 5304 4250 Email: [email protected] Biosis acknowledges the contribution of the following people and Melbourne (Head Office) organisations in undertaking this study: Phone: (03) 8686 4800 Email: [email protected] • Eco Harvest: Dr. Robyn Overall

Wangaratta • Parks Victoria: Gary French Phone: (03) 5718 6900 Email: [email protected] • Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning for access to the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas and Native Vegetation Information Tools

• Department of Environment for access to the Protected Matters Search Tool of the Australian Government

• BirdLife Australia for access to the New Atlas of Australian Birds 1998-2013.

Biosis staff involved in this project were:

• Dave Kazemi (mapping)

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

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

1. Introduction ...... 1

1.1 Project background ...... 1 1.2 Scope of assessment ...... 1 1.3 Location of the study area ...... 1

2. Methods ...... 3

2.1 Database review ...... 3 2.2 Definitions of significance ...... 3 2.3 Determining likelihood of occurrence of significant species ...... 4 2.4 Site investigation ...... 4 2.4.1 Flora assessment ...... 4 2.4.2 Fauna assessment ...... 5 2.4.3 Permits ...... 5 2.5 Qualifications ...... 5 2.6 Legislation and policy ...... 6 2.7 Mapping ...... 6

3. Results ...... 7

3.1 Vegetation & fauna habitat ...... 7 3.2 Landscape context ...... 11 3.3 Significant species and ecological communities ...... 11 3.3.1 EPBC Act and FFG Act listed species ...... 11 3.3.2 DELWP advisory list of rare and threatened species ...... 12 3.3.3 Significant ecological communities ...... 12 3.4 Other ecological values ...... 12 3.5 Further survey recommendations ...... 12

4. Biodiversity legislation and government policy ...... 14

4.1 Commonwealth ...... 14 4.1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ...... 14 4.2 State ...... 15 4.2.1 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) ...... 15 4.2.2 Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act) ...... 15 4.2.3 Planning and Environment Act 1987 (incl. Planning Schemes) ...... 15 4.2.4 Environment Effects Act 1978 ...... 17 4.2.5 Fisheries Act 1995 ...... 17 4.2.6 Water Act 1989 ...... 17 4.2.7 Environment Protection Act 1970: State Environmental Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) 2003 ...... 18 4.2.8 Environmental Significance Overlays within Manningham Planning Scheme ...... 18

5. Victoria's biodiversity assessment guidelines ...... 20

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting II 5.1 Proposed removal of native vegetation ...... 21 5.1.1 Habitat hectares ...... 21 5.2 Determining the risk-based pathway ...... 21 5.3 Offset requirements ...... 25 5.4 Proposed offset strategy ...... 25

6. Key ecological values and recommendations ...... 27

Appendix 1 Flora ...... 31 Appendix 2 Fauna ...... 37 Appendix 3 Photos of the study area ...... 48 Appendix 4 2016 Biodiversity impact and offset requirement report ...... 53 Appendix 5 Glossary – Biodiversity assessment guidelines...... 65

Tables

Table 1 Criteria for determining significance of species & ecological communities ...... 3 Table 2 Summary of vegetation and habitat types within the study area ...... 8 Table 3 Summary of EPBC and FFG Act listed species most likely to occur in the study area ...... 11 Table 4 Summary of rare or threatened species' habitats modelled in the study area ...... 13 Table 5 Assessment of project in relation to the EPBC Act ...... 14 Table 6 Habitat hectares of native vegetation within the study area ...... 22 Table 7 Habitat hectare conversion for scattered remnant canopy trees within the study area ...... 22 Table 8 Summary of DELWP Biodiversity Impacts and Offset Requirements report ...... 25 Table 9 Summary of key ecological values, potential implications of developing the study area and recommendations to minimise ecological impacts during the design phase...... 28

Figures

Figure 1 Location of the Yarra Valley Country Club, Templestowe Road, Bulleen, Victoria ...... 2 Figure 2 Ecological features of the study area, Victoria ...... 9 Figure 3 Current and previous clearing footprints within the Yarra Valley Country Club development project ...... 23 Figure 4 Current proposed vegetation removal (2018) within the Yarra Valley Country Club development project ...... 24

Biosis Pty Ltd was commissioned by Eco Harvest, acting on behalf of Linked Solutions, to undertake a biodiversity assessment of the Yarra Valley Country Club (YVCC), 9-15 Templestowe Road Bulleen and Parks Victoria land, 27-33 Templestowe Road Bulleen. The study area is proposed to be developed for residential development in association with development of a series of wetlands on the floodplain of the Yarra River.

The objective of this assessment was to provide relevant information to satisfy the requirements under the Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines (DEPI 2013) for any likely losses of native vegetation and assess the project against the Environmental Significance Overlay within the Manningham Planning Scheme.

Since the biodiversity assessment was undertaken in 2016, the development proposal has been changed from the original plan, and the size of the development footprint has been slightly reduced (Figure 3). The development concept has also changed from the original proposal, which was developed as medium to high density residential development. The updated development concept now includes a proposal for a mid to low level residential development. This report has been prepared to address these changes.

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

• 6.364 ha of native vegetation. • Remnants of four EVC's: Floodplain Riparian Woodland, Aquatic Herbland, Swamp Scrub and Tall Marsh. • 8 scattered trees. • Modelled habitat for two listed flora species and 13 listed fauna species. • Habitat for threatened wetland birds such as Australasian Bittern, Lewin's Rail and Baillon's Crake. • Riparian vegetation that connects to the Yarra River and forms part of the Yarra River habitat corridor.

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 Permit / approval Notes policy on site required

EPBC Act No rare or threatened Referral not required No additional surveys recommended. species were recorded during the current assessment

FFG Act One protected flora species Protected Flora Permit not Site is private land. No action required. (Black Wattle Acacia mearnsii) required occurs as scattered individuals.

Planning & Indigenous vegetation and Planning permit required, Permit application needs to address Environment Act scattered trees proposed for including permission to provisions of the ESO and schedules removal. lop or remove native including ESO 1, ESO2 and ESO3. vegetation.

CaLP Act Six noxious weeds Not Applicable Comply with requirements to Two pest animals control/eradicate noxious species.

Water Act Yarra River Referral to Melbourne Implications for specific waterways. Water Approvals for works should be sought from Melbourne Water

SEPP Receiving waters of the Yarra Not applicable Comply with EPA requirements. River Management of relevant actions identified by the EPA have been incorporates into the mitigation measures (Section 6)

Permitted clearing of native vegetation: Biodiversity assessment guidelines (the Guidelines) Based on the design provided the proposed YVCC development will require the removal of 0.326 habitat hectares of native vegetation including 0.675 ha remnant native vegetation patches and 8 scattered trees from within location risk A. Therefore a planning permit application would be assessed on the moderate risk- based pathway. The strategic biodiversity score of the native vegetation to be removed is 0.158.

If a permit is granted, the offset requirements would be 0.077 general biodiversity equivalence units.

The general offset must be within the Port Phillip and Westernport catchment management authority area or the Manningham municipal district, and must have a minimum strategic biodiversity score of 0.126.

It is unlikely that the required general offsets could be generated through management of retained native vegetation within the study area. If Linked Solutions intends to retain native vegetation as a 'first party' offset it would require the appropriate vegetation security agreements and the development of a 10 year offset management plan. Alternatively, Linked Solutions may seek to purchase 'third party' offset credits via an accredited trading scheme. Biosis is able to assist in sourcing the prescribed general offsets in consultation with an accredited offset broker. Biosis would request a quote from the broker for the prescribed offsets and provide the quote to Linked Solutions at no additional cost. Beyond this, Linked Solutions would deal directly with the broker to secure the offsets. Any further involvement by Biosis in securing the offset (i.e. the development of an offset management plan) would be subject to additional fees.

Recommendations Linked Solutions have finalised the project design and have retained as much native vegetation as practicably possible. No state or nationally rare or threatened species were recorded from within the study area and no additional targeted surveys are recommended.

During construction mapped areas of native vegetation designated as 'retained' within the design plan are to be treated as no-go zones and are not to be encroached upon as the development progresses. This is particularly important for the patches of native vegetation beyond the area where cut/fill activities are proposed. Appropriate signage/barriers should be installed to prevent any unnecessary impacts to native vegetation during construction.

1.1 Project background

Biosis Pty Ltd was commissioned by Eco Harvest, acting on behalf of Linked Solutions, to undertake a biodiversity assessment of the Yarra Valley Country Club (YVCC) and Parks Victoria land adjoining the Country Club. The study area is proposed to be developed for residential housing in association with development of a series of wetlands on the floodplain of the Yarra River.

The objective of this assessment is to provide relevant information to satisfy the requirements under the Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines (DEPI 2013) for any likely losses of native vegetation and assess the project against the Environmental Significance Overlay within the Manningham Planning Scheme.

1.2 Scope of assessment

The objectives of this investigation are to: • Describe the biodiversity values of the study area including the vascular flora and fauna habitat values. • Map native vegetation and other habitat features. • Conduct a vegetation quality assessment. • Review the implications of relevant biodiversity legislation and policy, including Victoria’s Permitted clearing of native vegetation: Biodiversity assessment guidelines ('the Guidelines'). • Review the implications of the Environmental Significance Overlays (ESO 1 and ESO 3) within Manningham Planning Scheme. • 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 (targeted searches for significant species).

1.3 Location of the study area

The study area includes the Yarra Valley Country Club (9-15 Templestowe Road Bulleen), and an area of Parks Victoria land (27-33 Templestowe Road Bulleen). The study area is approximately 12 km north east of Melbourne’s central business district (Figure 1). The Yarra Valley Country Club comprises a number of buildings and facilities including a car park, clubhouse and entertainment complex and a nine-hole golf course. It is located in an urbanised environment supporting areas of remnant and planted vegetation along the Yarra River corridor which has otherwise been developed for passive and active recreation (Figure 1).

The study area is currently zoned Special Use Zone 1 (SUZ1). It is also covered in full or in part by an Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO) and schedules to the overlay.

The study area is within the: • Gippsland Plain bioregion. • Yarra River Basin. • Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (PPWCMA). • City of Manningham.

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B ill ice B H nt Av Figure 1: Location of the Yarra Valley Country Club development project, Templestowe Road, Bulleen, 0 250 500 750 1,000 Victoria Biosis Pty Ltd ± Matter: 27960, Date: 27 July 2018, Metres Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Checked by: KLS, Drawn by: DK, Last edited by: dkazemi Newcastle, Sydney, Wangaratta & Wollongong Location:P:\27900s\27960\Mapping\27960_F1_Locality.mxd Scale 1:25,000 @ A4, GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55 2. Methods

2.1 Database review

In order to provide a context for the study area, information about flora and fauna from within 5 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) • DELWP Habitat Importance Models • BirdLife Australia Atlas of Australian Birds (BA) • 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 which generates a Biodiversity Assessment Report (BAR) for the study area. • DELWP NaturePrint; accessed through the Biodiversity Interactive Map • 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.

2.2 Definitions of significance

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

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 3 Lists of significant species generated from the databases are provided in Appendix 1 (flora) and Appendix 2 (fauna) 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; or • are identified as having habitat on the site by the Habitat Importance Modelling by DELWP.

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 Flora assessment The flora assessment of YVCC was undertaken on 5 June 2015 and an assessment of Parks Victoria land was undertaken on 23 May 2016. A list of flora species was collected (# S14540). This list will be submitted to DELWP for incorporation into the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas. Planted species have not been recorded unless they are naturalised.

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

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

• A remnant patch of native vegetation (measured in hectares) is either: – An area of native vegetation, with or without trees, where at least 25 percent of the total perennial understorey cover is native plants. – An area with three or more indigenous canopy trees where the tree canopy cover is at least 20 percent. 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 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 Fauna assessment Fauna values were determined primarily on the basis of the types and qualities of habitat(s) present. All species of fauna observed during the assessment were noted. Particular attention was given to searching for significant species and their habitats. Fauna species were recorded with a view to characterising the values of the site and the investigation was not intended to provide a comprehensive survey of all fauna that has potential to utilise the site over time.

No assessment of aquatic fauna or associated aquatic environments was conducted.

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

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

2.5 Qualifications

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

The current assessment was conducted in early winter, which is a sub-optimal time for survey. Nonetheless, the survey effort was sufficient to assess the general values of the study area, to map the EVCs and vegetation condition and to assess the site for the presence of potential habitat for any threated species.

Biodiversity Assessment Reports (BAR) and Biodiversity Impact Offset Requirement (BIOR) reports are prepared through DELWP's NVIM system or requested through DELWP's Native Vegetation Transitional Guidance team. 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 implications for the project were assessed in relation to key biodiversity legislation and policy including:

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

2.7 Mapping

The client supplied aerial photography and site plans (C151003-CV-020).

Mapping was conducted using hand-held (uncorrected) GPS units (WGS84) and aerial photo interpretation. The accuracy of this mapping is therefore subject to the accuracy of the GPS units (generally ± 4 metres) and dependent on the limitations of aerial photo rectification and registration.

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

The ecological features of the study area are described below and mapped in Figure 2.

Species recorded during the flora and fauna assessment are listed in Appendix 1 (flora) and Appendix 2 (fauna). Unless of particular note, these species are not discussed further.

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

3.1 Vegetation & fauna habitat

DELWP modelled 2005 EVC mapping shows sections of the study area as supporting areas of Floodplain Riparian Woodland (EVC 56) and Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55). These EVCs are both considered endangered within the Gippsland Plain bioregion.

This assessment identified remnants of Floodplain Riparian Woodland (EVC 56) as well as small remnants of native vegetation classified as Swamp Scrub (EVC 53), Aquatic Herbland (EVC 653) and Tall Marsh (EVC 821).

Floodplain Riparian Woodland was dominated by River Red-gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis including scattered mature trees and a range of smaller canopy trees. Along the Yarra River this vegetation supports a sparse understorey of shrubs and understorey trees dominated by Silver Wattle Acacia dealbata and Tree Violet Melicytus dentatus and a ground-layer of largely introduced grasses and herbs.

In between the golf course fairways, this community is largely restricted to stands of River Red-gum with isolated understorey shrubs and a regularly mown or slashed ground cover dominated by exotic grasses. Scattered indigenous species include Nodding Saltbush Einadia nutans and Common Purslane Portulaca oleracea.

A single stand of Swamp Paperbark Melaleuca ericifolia delineated the remnant of Swamp Scrub. This patch only supported one other indigenous species represented by a single individual of Tree Violet with the ground cover otherwise dominated by exotic species.

Remnants of Tall Marsh and Aquatic Herbland were associated with constructed waterbodies. The Tall Marsh occurs in association with one golf course water feature and is dominated by Narrow-leaf Cumbungi Typha domingensis with lesser occurrences of other wetland plants such as Common Duckweed Lemna disperma and Slender Knotweed Persicaria decipiens.

The area of Aquatic Herbland represents an ephemeral water hazards constructed for the golf course. This vegetation was dominated by species such as Hairy Knotweed Persicaria subsessilis, Common Spike-sedge Eleocharis acuta, Common Blown-grass Lachnagrostis filiformis and Lesser Joyweed Alternanthera denticulata.

The EVCs and other ecological features on site are described further in Table 2and are mapped in Figure 2.

Photos are provided in Appendix 3.

EVC / habitat Description Location Significant values Floodplain Floodplain Riparian Woodland is dominated by River Red-gum. Silver Found along the Yarra River. Scattered large hollow bearing trees present. These Riparian Wattle and Tree Violet are recorded in the understorey while the ground Most River Red-gums have patches represent remnants of an endangered EVC Woodland layer is dominated by exotic grass species with few indigenous regenerated since construction although old aerial photos (1946 - 1971) suggest EVC 56 remnants. Some isolated occurrences of Nodding Saltbush were noted of fairways although some large most of these trees are less than 45 years old while as part of the groundcover for this EVC (Plate 1, 2 & 3). remnant trees persist. the larger trees are 65+. Swamp Scrub Consists of a stand of Swamp Paperbark with a single Tree Violet. The A small isolated remnant within This EVC is unlikely to provide important habitat EVC 53 understorey is dominated by exotic species including Panic Veldt-grass the study area. values for fauna. Ehrharta erecta, Soursob Oxalis pes-capre and African Box-thorn Lycium ferocissimum (Plate 4). Tall Marsh This EVC was recorded within a constructed wetland. The vegetation is Isolated remnants along Wetland areas provide potential habitat for EVC 821 dominated by Narrow-leaf Cumbungi while rushes also border the constructed drains. threatened wetland birds and River Swamp Wallaby- water body (Plate 5). grass. Natural occurrences of this EVC are endangered within the bioregion. Aquatic The small area of Aquatic Herbland exists in a constructed waterbody. An isolated wetland was located Wetland areas provide potential habitat for Latham's Herbland EVC During wetter periods this would periodically fill with water but at the within the study area. Snipe, Lewin's Rail, Baillon's Crake and River Swamp 653 time of the survey was dry. Hairy Knotweed and Common Spike-sedge Wallaby-grass. Natural occurrences of this EVC are were abundant in the wetland with some isolated occurrences of endangered within the bioregion. Common Blown-grass and Lesser Joyweed. Aster Weed Aster subulatus was a common within the wetland (Plate 6) Scattered trees Scattered remnant trees within the study area (Plate 7) provide a Throughout the study area. These trees offer possible foraging habitat for Swift foraging resource for mobile fauna species. Parrot and Grey-headed Flying-fox. Predominantly The majority of the golf course contains regularly mown exotic grasses. Majority of the study area. These degraded and/or maintained areas provide introduced Within Parks Victoria land the majority of vegetation consists of foraging habitat for some significant fauna. vegetation introduced grasses and Blackberry thickets. Planted Landscape plantings of exotic and indigenous vegetation are located Throughout YVCC. Landscape plantings may support common native vegetation throughout the golf course. These may provide important habitat values and introduced bird species, particularly when in for a variety of fauna (Plate 8 & 9). flower. Regenerating River Red-gum recruitment is dispersed throughout Parks Victoria land Parks Victoria land Land is disturbed and has little ecological value. eucalypts amongst the Blackberry thickets (Plate 10). River Red-gum recruitment is approximately 8 years old (pers. Comm. Gary French, Parks Victoria).

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Figure 2.2: Ecological features of the Yarra Valley Country Club development project

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Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Wangaratta & Wollongong

Ma tter: 27960, Da te: 06 July 2018, Checked by: KS, Dra w n by: DK , La st edited by: dkazem i Location:P:\27900s\27960\M apping\ 27960_F2_EcoFeatures 3.2 Landscape context

The golf course and associated native vegetation is contiguous with a larger stretch of native vegetation along the Yarra River. DELWP 2005 EVC Mapping identifies the native vegetation along the Yarra as a matrix of Floodplain Riparian Woodland (EVC 56), Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55), Grassy Dry Forest (EVC 22), Riparian Forest (EVC 18), Valley Grassy Forest (EVC 47) and Floodplain Wetland Aggregate (EVC 172). The majority of remnant native vegetation is restricted to the banks of the river but a network of parklands associated with the Yarra River and Plenty River also contain remnant native vegetation. The rivers and associated parklands represent the most intact native vegetation within the surrounding urbanised area. The golf course also lies in close proximity to Yaruk Tambore Wetlands and Bolin Bolin Lake.

The majority of the YVCC is a floodway subject to a 1 in 100 year flood (ARI floodway layer, DSE interactive maps).

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 or from the relevant catchment (aquatic species) are provided in Appendix 1 (flora) and Appendix 2 (fauna). An assessment of the likelihood of these species occurring in the study area and an indication of where within the site (i.e. which habitats or features of relevance to the species) is included. A summary of those species recorded or with a medium or higher likelihood of occurring in the study area is provided in Table 3.

Table 3 Summary of EPBC and FFG Act listed species most likely to occur in the study area

Species name Listing status Area of value within the study area

River Swamp Wallaby-grass Vulnerable under EPBC Act Wetlands

Grey-headed Flying-fox Vulnerable under EPBC Act Indigenous and planted eucalypts Listed under FFG Act

Wetland birds such as Little Egret, Endangered/Vulnerable under EPBC Wetlands Lewin's Rail, Baillon's Crake, Act Intermediate Egret, Eastern Great Listed under FFG Act Egret, Little Bittern & Australasian Bittern

Grey Goshawk Listed under FFG Act Woodland habitat

Swift Parrot Endangered (EPBC), Listed (FFG), Woodland habitat Endangered (DELWP)

Powerful Owl Listed (FFG), Vulnerable (DELWP) Woodland habitat

Mask Owl Listed (FFG), Endangered Woodland habitat (DELWP)

Grey Falcon Listed (FFG), Endangered Woodland habitat (DELWP)

Brown Toadlet Listed (FFG), Endangered Wetlands (DELWP)

• Wetlands and drains which provide potential habitat for River Swamp Wallaby-grass and listed fauna. • Patches of remnant and regenerated (post 1971) River Red-gums.

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

Under the Guidelines, these models form the basis for determining the impact of potential native vegetation clearing on rare and threatened species. The models only apply where a clearing proposal is considered on the moderate or high risk-based application pathways. The habitat importance scores are used to calculate the type and extent of biodiversity offsets required for native vegetation removal that impacts on individual rare or threatened species habitat for moderate or high risk application pathways.

A summary of those species for which habitat is modelled in the study area is provided in Table 4. These data were provided by DELWP Native Vegetation Transitional Support team and a full output report from DELWP is provided in Appendix 1. Eleven species have database records within the local area (Appendix 2). Little Egret was recorded within the study area during the current assessment.

Determination of the requirement for a specific offset based on the extent of impact to one or more rare or threatened species is addressed in Section 5.

3.3.3 Significant ecological communities Floodplain Riparian Woodland and Swamp Scrub are considered endangered within the Gippsland Plain bioregion. While the occurrences of Tall Marsh and Aquatic Herbland within the study area are in artificial environments these EVCs are also considered to be a threatened communities within the bioregion.

3.4 Other ecological values

Large hollow bearing trees which occur on the floodplain of the Yarra River provide habitat for hollow- dependant fauna within the local area.

3.5 Further survey recommendations

While there is potential habitat for a number of threatened wetland birds, no additional surveys are suggested for these species as any impacts on their habitats will be minimal.

Similarly while there is some potential for threatened flora such as River Swamp Wallaby-grass to be present, given the type and condition of the habitat present, it is unlikely that, even if present, the proposed works would have a significant impact on this species.

As such, no additional targeted surveys are recommended before project approvals are sought.

Species Scientific Name Common Name Recorded / predicted to number occur

10045 Lewinia pectoralis pectoralis Lewin's Rail Yes

10050 Porzana pusilla palustris Baillon's Crake Yes

10154 Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper No

10170 Rostratula benghalensis australis Australian Painted Snipe No

10174 Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew No

10185 Egretta garzetta nigripes Little Egret Yes

10186 Ardea intermedia Intermediate Egret Yes

10187 Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret Yes

10195 Ixobrychus minutus dubius Little Bittern Yes

10197 Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern Yes

10212 Anas rhynchotis Australasian Shoveler No

10214 Stictonetta naevosa Freckled Duck

10215 Aythya australis Hardhead

10216 Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck Yes

10220 Accipiter novaehollandiae novaeholla Grey Goshawk Yes

10226 Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle No

10238 Falco subniger Black Falcon Yes

10246 Ninox connivens connivens Barking Owl No

10498 Calamanthus pyrrhopygius Chestnut-rumped Heathwren Yes

10598 Grentiella picta Painted Honeyeater No

10603 Anthochaera Phrygia Regent Honeyeater No

11280 Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox Yes

12283 Varanus varius Lace Monitor No

12683 Pseudemonia rawlinsoni Glossy Grass Skink No

13117 Pseudophryne bibronii Brown Toadlet Yes

13207 Litoria raniformis Growling Grass Frog No

501456 Glycine latrobeana Clover Glycine No

504066 Grevillea rosmarinifolia subsp. Rosemary Grevillea No rosmarinifolia

505337 Geranium solanderi var. solanderi Austral Crane's-bill No

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 (MNES) 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

MNES relevant to the project are summarised in Table 5. 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 5 Assessment of project in relation to the EPBC Act

Matter of NES Project specifics Assessment against significant impact guidelines

Threatened Seven listed plant species (Appendix 1) Most of these species are not likely to occur and/or species and and four listed plant communities have development is unlikely to constitute a significant impact. ecological been predicted to occur in the project search area. communities None of the listed communities occur within the study area. The study area is also unlikely to support the listed Fifteen listed fauna species are community Seasonal Herbaceous (Freshwater) Wetlands of recorded from, or predicted to occur in the Temperate Lowland Plains as wetlands present are the project search area (Appendix 2). within the floodplain of the Yarra River.

The Yarra River, its tributaries and nearby farm dams are considered to provide habitat for threatened waterbirds such as Australasian Bittern. Given the limited extent of impact on habitat for such mobile species, the project is not expected to have a significant impact on any such species. The proposed construction of wetlands associated with the development also has the potential to improve the habitat available to these wetland species.

Migratory Twelve listed fauna species are No species were recorded on site during this assessment. species recorded from, or predicted to occur in While some of these species would be expected to use the the project search area (Appendix 2). study area on occasions, and some of them may do so regularly, it does not provide important habitat for an ecologically significant proportion of any of these species.

Wetlands of The PMST indicates the study area The study area does not drain into any significant wetlands international would not impact on the catchment of and only flows indirectly into Port Phillip Bay and the importance any significant wetlands (Ramsar sites). development is not likely to result in a significant impact to (Ramsar sites). this environment.

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 14 On the basis of criteria outlined in the relevant Significant Impact Guidelines it is considered unlikely that a significant impact on a MNES would result from the proposed action. However, Linked Solutions 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.

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

YVCC is privately owned and is not declared ‘critical habitat’ for the purposes of the FFG Act. The flora species are not being taken for the purpose of commercial sale. Therefore a protected flora permit is not required. However the presence of rare or threatened flora and habitat for threatened fauna will be considered by the Responsible Authority in determining its response to an application for vegetation clearance under Clause 52.17 (see below).

Parks Victoria land is public land and a protected flora permit from DELWP would be required if any protected flora (Appendix 1) will be affected by the proposal.

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 (Table A1.1) and established pest animals are listed in Appendix 2 (Table A2.1).

The proponent 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).

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 15 Of particular relevance to the development proposal are controls relating to the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation contained within the Manningham 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.

Clause 65.02 requires consideration of native vegetation retention in a subdivision application and siting of open space areas.

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. The need for a permit to remove native vegetation may also be triggered by three overlays within the Scheme. The location of the overlays in relation to the study area can be determined via the following link: http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/index.html.

The provisions of the following overlays apply to the study area: • Environmental significance overlay 1 (covers the entire study area) • Environmental significance overlay 2 (within 50 metres of the bank of the Yarra River) • Environmental significance overlay 3 (covers the entire study area)

Requirements for addressing the ESO are detailed in section 4.2.8.

Victoria's Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines The Guidelines are incorporated into the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes in Victoria (DEPI 2013a). The Guidelines replace Victoria's Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action.

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 0 of this report. Under the Guidelines, there are three risk-based pathways for assessing an application for a permit to remove native vegetation: low, moderate and high.

A detailed determination of the risk-based pathway for the planning application relevant to the proposed development is provided in Section 5.3. In summary, the planning application for removal of native vegetation must meet the requirements of, and be assessed in the moderate risk-based pathway. The information requirements for this assessment are also outlined in Section 5.2.

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 16 4.2.4 Environment Effects Act 1978 The Environment Effects Act 1978 establishes a process to assess the environmental impacts of a project. If applicable, the Act requires that an Environment Effects Statement (EES) be prepared by the proponent. The EES is submitted to the Minister for Planning and enables them to assess the potential environmental effects of the proposed development.

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

The ‘Ministerial Guidelines for Assessment of Environmental Effects under the Environment Effects Act 1978’ (DSE 2006a) provide a range of criteria that can be used to determine whether an EES may be required for a project. These criteria relate to individual potential environmental effects and a combination of (two or more) potential environmental effects.

Based on this assessment none of the thresholds identified the Environment Effects Act would be exceeded and therefore the project is considered unlikely to require the preparation of an EES. However, the guidelines are not binding, and the decision as to whether an EES is required is ultimately at the discretion of the Minister for Planning.

However, the guidelines are not binding, and the decision as to whether an EES is required is ultimately at the discretion of the Minister for Planning.

4.2.5 Fisheries Act 1995 The Fisheries Act 1995 provides a legislative frame work for the regulation, management and conservation of Victorian fisheries including aquatic habitats.

A person must not take, injure, damage, destroy or release any protected aquatic biota. Protected aquatic biota includes all species of the family Syngnathidae (seahorses, sea dragons and pipefish), and any fish or aquatic invertebrate or community that is listed under the FFG Act.

Providing mitigation measures outlined in this report are adhered to, the potential for protected aquatic biota as listed above, to be injured, damaged or destroyed is considered to be negligible and no permit is required from DELWP.

4.2.6 Water Act 1989 The primary purpose of the Water Act 1989 is to provide a framework for the allocation and management of surface water and groundwater throughout Victoria. It provides a principal mechanism for maintenance of ecosystem functions including those of aquatic ecosystems. Under By-Laws created by the relevant Authority under the Act, the authorities regulate the works within and in the vicinity of waterways. In Melbourne Water's management area this applies to all waterways with a catchment area of 60ha or more. These waterways are deemed to be Melbourne Water assets, while all smaller watercourses are deemed the responsibility of the local government.

The project may directly and/or indirectly impact upon the Yarra River and indirectly impact on downstream connected waterways and aquatic ecosystems. Relevant actions identified in the applicable policy clauses have been incorporated into the mitigation measures (See Section 6).

For developments within Melbourne Water's management area that entail the provision of new drainage infrastructure (e.g. residential or industrial subdivisions), approval for works on waterways is covered under the Agreement process set out in the Land Development Manual (http://ldm.melbournewater.com.au/content/introduction/introduction.asp.

4.2.7 Environment Protection Act 1970: State Environmental Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria) 2003 The Environment Protection Act underpins the State Environmental Protection Policy (SEPP) - Waters of Victoria which provides a legal framework for the protection and rehabilitation of Victoria’s surface water environments.

The project may directly and/or indirectly impact upon the Yarra River and its aquatic ecosystems. The SEPP requires that aquatic ecosystem values be protected. Environmental quality objectives and indicators are defined to protect beneficial uses (i.e. the uses and values of the water environment) and an attainment program provides guidance on protection of the beneficial uses.

Impacts to surface water quality must not result in changes that exceed background levels and/or the water quality objectives to protect surface water uses and values. Linked Solutions needs to ensure that direct and indirect (e.g. runoff) impacts to surface water quality do not exceed the background levels and/or water quality objectives.

Link to further information: http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/water/epa/wov.asp. 4.2.8 Environmental Significance Overlays within Manningham Planning Scheme Of relevance to the project is the Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO) and schedules to the Environmental Significance Overlay within the Manningham Planning Scheme. A permit application must address any requirements relating to native vegetation. These have been summarised below. Further details can be found under http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/manningham.

The objective of the ESO is to implement the State Planning Policy Framework and Local Planning Policy Framework including municipal strategies and local planning policies. This overlay is intended to identify areas where the development of land may be affected by environmental constrains and to ensure the development is compatible with environmental values.

A planning permit is required to: • Remove, destroy or lop any vegetation, including dead vegetation unless a schedule to the overlay states that a permit is not required or if a species is included in the table of exemptions (Table to Clause 42.01-3). The table of exemptions to the ESO identifies a permit is not required to remove planted vegetation. No native precinct plans apply to the project area and therefore exemptions under Clause 52.16 do not apply.

The Schedules to the ESO that apply to the study area include Schedules 1, 2 and 3. Further details relating to these schedules and permit requirements are outlined below.

Schedule 1 to the environmental significance overlay (ESO1):

The objective of ESO1 is to protect areas along the Yarra River and carefully consider development activities along the river that may impact on the character, landscape and cultural heritage values. • A permit is required to remove, destroy or lop an exotic tree that has a trunk circumference of more than 0.35 metre, a height of more than 6 metres and a branch spread pf more than 4 metres. • An application to remove, destroy or lop vegetation must be accompanied by the following information: – The purpose of vegetation removal. – An accurate site plan denoting the position, height and species of the vegetation to be removed. – The slope of the land where the vegetation is to be removed. – The extent of vegetation on the property. – Plan details of proposed replanting.

The objective of ESO2 is to protect sites of biological significance within Manningham.

A permit is required to remove destroy or lop: • Victorian native vegetation • A dead eucalypt tree that is both: – More than 20 metres from a building (excluding fences) to the base of the trunk. – More than 1 metre in circumference.

An application to remove vegetation must address a number of requirements that can be found via the following link: http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/manningham/ordinance/42_01s02_mann.pdf

Schedule 3 to the Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO3)

The objective of ESO2 is to protect buffer conservation areas supporting sites of biological significance.

A permit is required to remove, destroy or lop: • Victorian native vegetation. • An Australian native tree that has either: – A trunk circumference of more than 0.35 metre. – A height of more than 6 metres. • A dead eucalypt tree – More than 20 metres from a building (excluding fences) to the base of the trunk. – Greater than 1 metre circumference.

Victorian native vegetation refers to plants that are indigenous to Victoria including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses

Australian native tree(s) refers to tree(s) that are indigenous to Australia (other than Victorian Native Vegetation).

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. The steps that have been taken during the design of the development to ensure that impacts on biodiversity from the removal of native vegetation have been minimised include:

• Construct residential housing away from the Yarra River (and the area identified as a floodway) to reduce impacts to native vegetation. • Construct the roadway (within Parks Victoria land) in disturbed vegetation. • Retain some patches of native vegetation as identified in the concept plan. 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 decision 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 4.

Note: a glossary of terms used in relation to the Guidelines and Habitat hectares assessment is provided in Appendix 5.

5.1 Proposed removal of native vegetation

The extent of native vegetation patches and the number of scattered trees were mapped within the study area (Figure 2) 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.

The proposed removal of native vegetation was assessed in accordance with the concept design provided (C151003-CV-020) (Figure 3). It is proposed to remove 1.237 Habitat hectares including 0.675 ha of remnant vegetation patches and 8 scattered trees. 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 4 and summarised in the following sections.

5.1.1 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.

Six habitat zones are identified (Table 6). The results of the condition assessment are provided in Table 6, with the number of Habitat hectares in each habitat zone.

There are 8 scattered remnant trees within the study area. These trees equate to 0.142 Habitat hectares (Table 7).

Summary of Habitat hectares within the study area In summary, the study area supports 2.141 Habitat hectares.

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.

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 21 For applications that propose to remove both remnant patch vegetation and scattered trees, the extent of scattered trees is calculated using the standard extent multiplier and added to the extent of remnant patch vegetation, to determine the overall extent to be considered when determining the risk-based pathway.

It is proposed to remove < 1 hectare 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. These requirements are provided in Appendix 4.

Table 6 Habitat hectares of native vegetation within the study area

Site ID 1 2 3 4 5 6 Habitat Zone ID A A A A A A EVC #: Name FRW FRW FRW AH SS TM EVC No. 56 56 56 653 54 821 Max Score Score Score Score Score Score Total Score Large Old Trees 10 6 6 0 NA NA NA Canopy Cover 5 5 5 5 NA 5 NA Lack of Weeds 15 0 4 4 9 0 13 Understorey 25 15 0 0 15 0 5

Site Site Recruitment 10 6 1 1 6 0 6

Condition Organic Matter 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Logs 5 0 0 0 NA NA NA Total Site Score 37 21 15 47.6 11.5 39.4 Patch Size 10 2 1 2 1 1 1

Neighbourhood 10 1 1 1 1 1 1 Distance to

Value 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 Core Landscape Landscape Total Landscape Score 7 6 7 6 6 6 HABITAT POINTS 100 44 27 22 54 17 45 Habitat score = #/100 1 0.44 0.27 0.22 0.54 0.17 0.45 Habitat Zone area (ha) 2.423 0.905 2.928 0.023 0.018 0.067 6.364 Habitat hectares (Hha) 1.066 0.244 0.644 0.012 0.003 0.030 1.999 Notes to Table: FRW = Floodplain Riparian Woodland; SS = Swamp Scrub; AH = Aquatic Herbland; TM = Tall Marsh

Table 7 Habitat hectare conversion for scattered remnant canopy trees within the study area

Number of scattered Weighted average Standard extent (ha) Habitat hectares (Hha) trees condition multiplier*

5 0.2 0.071 0.142

*From DELWP NVIM

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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.

The results of the specific-general offset test are provided in Appendix 4 and summarised in Table 8.

Table 8 Summary of DELWP Biodiversity Impacts and Offset Requirements report

Attribute Outcome Notes

Location risk A Entire site is mapped as location A

Native vegetation removal extent Includes 0.442 ha of native vegetation patches 1.237 ha and 5 scattered trees

Risk-based pathway Moderate

Habitat hectares to be removed 0.326 Includes 5 scattered trees

Strategic Biodiversity Score Strategic biodiversity score of all native 0.158 vegetation to be cleared

Modelled habitat for rare or Modelled habitat for 31 species Yes threatened species

Specific-general offset test result Below the specific offset No specific offsets required threshold

General Biodiversity Equivalence 0.051 Scores

Offset type General

Offset risk factor 1.5

Offset amount: Biodiversity 0.077 GBEU Equivalence Units

Offset Vicinity General offsets to be sourced in the Port Phillip PPWPCMA CMA or Manningham municipality.

Offset minimum Strategic Minimum SBS required for GBEU 0.126 Biodiversity Score

5.4 Proposed offset strategy

The offset will be located within the Port Phillip and Westernport catchment management area or the City of Manningham. The offset site must have a strategic biodiversity score of greater than 0.158.

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 25 accredited trading scheme. Biosis is able to assist in sourcing the prescribed general offsets in consultation with an accredited offset broker. Biosis would request a quote from the broker for the prescribed offsets and provide the quote to Linked Solutions. Beyond this, Linked Solutions would deal directly with the broker to secure the offsets. Any further involvement by Biosis in securing the offset (i.e. the development of an offset management plan) would be subject to additional fees.

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 Linked Solutions to design a development to minimise impacts on biodiversity. Development of the YVCC to provide a residential development will require the removal of native vegetation and large areas of planted vegetation from within the YVCC, Parks Victoria land, and adjacent property boundaries. The plans also include for a large cut and fill area, the development of a series of wetlands/ponds that identify the northern boundary of the project area, and a new roadway to provide entry/exit from the estate.

The primary measure to reduce impacts to biodiversity values within the study area is to minimise removal of native vegetation and terrestrial and aquatic habitat. It is critical that this be considered during the design phase of the project, when key decisions are made about the location of major roads and services, parks and housing areas. The results of this assessment should therefore be incorporated into the project design, by adding the flora and fauna 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 and retaining larger areas in preference to numerous smaller ones.

The design phase is also the time during which future requirements for infrastructure and services must be forecast and allowance made outside any nominated reserves for all construction works, such as road batters, footpaths, drainage and services (including optic fibre). All areas of vegetation/habitat nominated in the design plan as 'retained' are to be treated as no-go zones and are not to be encroached upon as development progresses.

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 Construction and post-construction management.

Construction and post-construction management Specific detail relating to preventing impacts to retained native vegetation and aquatic and terrestrial habitat should be addressed in a site-specific Construction Environmental Management Plan. This will include issues relating to contractors such as environmental inductions, installation of temporary fencing/signage, drainage and sediment control. Further information is provided in Table 9.

An Ecological Management Plan should be prepared by an ecological consultant to provide detailed advice on the ongoing protection and long-term management of retained vegetation/ habitat, creation of linkages and other habitat features such as wetlands, if proposed.

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 27 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 up to 1.326 Avoid and minimise removal of native Habitat hectares of vegetation vegetation, in accordance with the Guidelines (no net loss). Refer to Section 5. Removal of habitat for significant species including a number of wetland birds and Identify and implement appropriate general potential habitat for River Swamp Wallaby- offsets for vegetation losses as outlined in grass. Section 0.

The application will be assessed on the If native vegetation is to be retained within the moderate risk-based pathway. No specific proposed development area, development of offsets are required. an offset management plan will be required.

Other habitat Removal of known/potential habitat for Avoid/minimise removal of terrestrial and/or features significant flora species (as identified in Table aquatic habitat by designing to avoid or 3). minimise instream works.

Removal of known/potential habitat for Place any stormwater treatment/retention significant fauna species (as identified in Table wetlands adjacent to waterways and not 3). online.

Loss of, or alterations to, riparian and in- Protect key values (including waterways) by stream habitat within and in the vicinity of the retaining features and including appropriate study area (e.g. downstream) via: direct buffers into design. removal, notable hydrological changes, deterioration in water quality (including pollution event) and, sedimentation.

Habitat Removal of vegetation / habitat that forms Retain fauna habitat linkages within the connectivity part of the Yarra River habitat corridor. development and the local area. Refer to specific links (terrestrial and aquatic) if possible.

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).

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

Notes to tables:

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

PMST – Protected Matters Search Tool

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

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

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 dealbata Silver Wattle

Acacia implexa Lightwood

P Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle

Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood

Alisma plantago-aquatica Water Plantain

Alternanthera denticulata s.s. Lesser Joyweed

Crassula decumbens var. decumbens Spreading Crassula

Crassula helmsii Swamp Crassula

Einadia nutans Nodding Saltbush

Eleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedge

Eleocharis sphacelata Tall Spike-sedge

Epilobium billardierianum Variable Willow-herb

Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red-gum

Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box

P Euchiton involucratus s.s. Star Cudweed

Geranium spp. Crane's Bill

P Helichrysum luteoalbum Jersey Cudweed

Isolepis inundata Swamp Club-sedge

Juncus pallidus Pale Rush

Lachnagrostis filiformis s.s. Common Blown-grass

Lemna disperma Common Duckweed

Leptospermum continentale Prickly Tea-tree

Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark

Melicytus dentatus s.s. Tree Violet

Persicaria decipiens Slender Knotweed

Persicaria subsessilis Hairy Knotweed

Phragmites australis Common Reed

Portulaca oleracea Common Purslane

Solanum laciniatum Large Kangaroo Apple

Typha domingensis Narrow-leaf Cumbungi

Urtica incisa Scrub Nettle

Introduced Species

Acacia saligna Golden Wreath Wattle Araujia sericifera White Bladder-flower Aster subulatus Aster-weed Cenchrus clandestinus Kikuyu RC Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Cyperus eragrostis Drain Flat-sedge Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot RC Echium plantagineum Paterson's Curse Ehrharta erecta var. erecta Panic Veldt-grass # Eucalyptus botryoides Southern Mahogany Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge

Status Scientific name Common name

RC Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Fumaria bastardii Bastard's Fumitory Fumaria capreolata White Fumitory Galium aparine Cleavers Helminthotheca echioides Ox-tongue # Leptospermum laevigatum Coast Tea-tree RC Lycium ferocissimum African Box-thorn Modiola caroliniana Red-flower Mallow RR Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum Paspalum distichum Water Couch Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantago major Greater Plantain Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass Polycarpon tetraphyllum Four-leaved Allseed Prunus cerasifera Cherry Plum Romulea rosea Onion Grass RC Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry Rumex conglomeratus Clustered Dock Rumex crispus Curled Dock Solanum mauritianum Wild Tobacco Tree Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade Sonchus asper Rough Sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle Sporobolus africanus Rat-tail Grass Stellaria media Chickweed

Taraxacum officinale spp. agg. Garden Dandelion

Tradescantia fluminensis Wandering Jew

Verbena bonariensis var. bonariensis s.s. Purple-top Verbena

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 33 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 (DoE; accessed on 10.06.2015).

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 name name status recent records occurrence likelihood ranking EPBC DEL FFG database in study WP record area National Significance Amphibromus River V 1995 Swampy areas, mainly along the Murray Medium Potential habitat fluitans Swamp River between Wodonga and Echuca with associated with Wallaby- scattered records from southern Victoria. wetlands grass

Dianella Matted Flax- E e f 2010 Lowland grassland and grassy woodland, Negligible No suitable habitat amoena lily on well-drained to seasonally waterlogged fertile sandy loam soils to heavy cracking clays. Glycine Clover V v f 1988 Grasslands and grassy woodlands, Negligible No suitable habitat latrobeana Glycine particularly those dominated by Themeda triandra. Lepidium Basalt E e f 1990 Basalt plains grassland and woodland Negligible No suitable habitat hyssopifolium Peppercress communities. Pimelea Spiny Rice- CR e L - PMST Primarily grasslands featuring a Negligible No suitable habitat spinescens flower moderate diversity of other native subsp. species and inter-tussock spaces, spinescens although also recorded in grassland dominated by introduced perennial grasses.

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 34 Scientific Common Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for name name status recent records occurrence likelihood ranking EPBC DEL FFG database in study WP record area Pomaderris Round-leaf CR e L - PMST Endemic in Victoria, and apparently Negligible No suitable habitat vacciniifolia Pomaderris confined to a single population at Carboor Upper (near Myrtleford), where it is growing in dry woodland on shallow soil derived from sedimentary rock Prasophyllum Maroon EN e L - PMST Grassland and grassy woodland Negligible No suitable habitat frenchii Leek-orchid environments on sandy or black clay loam soils that are generally damp but well drained. State Significance Abutilon Desert v 2010 Red loam ridges and dunes near the Negligible No suitable habitat otocarpum Lantern floodplain of the Murray River in far north-west Victoria. Acacia Three-nerve v 2002 Red earth and clay soils, often near Negligible No suitable habitat trineura Wattle inland water. Austrostipa Veined r 2010 Cooler areas of moderate altitude, in Low Atypical, disturbed rudis subsp. Spear-grass open-forest on sandy or sandstone habitat australis derived soils. Callitriche Winged r 1500 Damp, periodically waterlogged sites; Medium Potential habitat umbonata Water- swamps and shallow freshwater ponds. associated with starwort wetlands Corybas Fringed r 1992 Damp, shady locations within coastal Negligible No suitable habitat fimbriatus Helmet- scrub, heath, heathy woodland and orchid lowland forest. Dianella sp. Arching v 2010 The habitat requirements of this species Negligible No suitable habitat aff. longifolia Flax-lily are poorly known. (Benambra)

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 35 Scientific Common Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for name name status recent records occurrence likelihood ranking EPBC DEL FFG database in study WP record area Eucalyptus Green r 1989 Forests and woodlands of the Gippsland Negligible Tree species which fulgens Scentbark Plain and adjacent foothills. would have been detected Eucalyptus X Studley Park e 2006 Negligible Tree species which studleyensis Gum would have been detected Eucalyptus Yarra Gum r 1984 Valley flats and along stream on soils Negligible Tree species which yarraensis subject to periodic inundation or would have been waterlogging. detected Fimbristylis Veiled r 1998 Occasional on drying mud beside lakes Negligible Atypical habitat velata Fringe- and rivers and in seasonally wet sedge depressions; mostly in northern Victoria, but recently collections in the south from, for example, Bairnsdale and Healesville areas. Goodia Western r 2002 In VIC occurs sporadically in the Negligible No suitable habitat medicaginea Golden-tip Southwest (north of Portland, Mt Arapiles), at Long Forest west of Melbourne, in central VIC near Eaglehawk and at Killawara Forest, and near Suggan Buggan in the east. Favours drier sites than G. lotifolia. Utricularia Floating v 2005 Currently known in Victoria from a Low Potential habitat gibba Bladderwort freshwater swamp and a small man- associated with made reservoir, both in the Frankston wetlands area, where possibly introduced.

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 group.

Table A2.1. Vertebrate fauna recorded from the study area

Status Scientific name Common name

Birds

* Acroditheres tristis Common Myna

Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird

Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck

Corvus coronoides Australian Raven

en Egretta garzetta nigripes Little Egret

Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron

Eolophus roseicapilla Galah

Gallinula tenebrosa Dusky Moorhen

Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark

Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie

Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner

Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing

Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Swamphen

Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren

Strepera graculina Pied Currawong

Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet

Mammals

* Oryctolagus cuniculus European Rabbit

* Vulpes vulpes Red Fox

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 38 A2.2 Listed fauna species The following table includes a list of the listed fauna species that have potential to occur within the study area. The list of species is sourced from the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas and the Protected Matters Search Tool (DoE; accessed on 16.02.2015).

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

Scientific Common Conservation Most Habitat description Likely Rationale for name name status recent occurrence likelihood EPBC DEL FFG database in study ranking WP record area Mammals Pteropus Grey-headed VU vu L 2008 Utilises a wide range of habitats from lowland High Likely to forage poliocephalus Flying-fox rainforest in East Gippsland and coastal in flowering Stringybark forests to agricultural land and eucalypts. suburban gardens, with permanently established colonies in Melbourne, Geelong and Mallacoota. Birds Excalfactoria King Quail en L 1975 The species has a preference for wet heath Negligible No suitable chinensis environments, but have also been recorded in habitat coastal heath. Pedionomus Plains- VU cr L 1980 The Plains-wanderer is a small ground-dwelling Negligible No suitable torquatus wanderer bird that occupies high quality native grassland habitat with a sparse, open structure.

Lewinia Lewin's Rail vu L 1999 Inhabits densely vegetated wetlands, including High Likely to move pectoralis swamps, farm dams, saltmarshes, lakes and small along the Yarra pools that can range from fresh to saline water. River and utilise May also use riverine forest. on course wetlands

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 39 Scientific Common Conservation Most Habitat description Likely Rationale for name name status recent occurrence likelihood EPBC DEL FFG database in study ranking WP record area Porzana pusilla Baillon's vu L 2013 Occurs in a variety of densely vegetated terrestrial High Likely to move Crake and coastal wetlands including billabongs, along the Yarra swamps, creeks and rivers, including freshwater, River and utilise brackish and saline environments. Occasionally on course recorded in grassed or vegetated areas (parks, wetlands gardens, golf courses) and marine environments (saltmarshes, coastal dunes and mudflats). Tringa stagnatilis Marsh vu 2004 Marsh Sandpipers inhabit permanent or Low No suitable Sandpiper ephemeral wetlands, in coastal and inland habitat environments. Rostratula Australian EN cr L 2012 Generally found in shallow, terrestrial freshwater Low Small areas of australis Painted Snipe wetlands with rank, emergent tussocks of grass, potential sedges and rushes. Australian Painted Snipe can habitat occur in well vegetated lakes, swamps, inundated pasture, saltmarsh and dams. Burhinus Bush Stone- en L 2001 This species generally occurs in open woodland Negligible No suitable grallarius curlew habitats, including Mallee and mulga, which have habitat a sparse layer of small shrubs, grass and litter. Grus rubicunda Brolga vu L 1991 Prefers shallow marshland areas, usually less than Negligible No suitable 50 cm deep with emergent vegetation. habitat

Egretta garzetta Little Egret en L 2001 Occupies a wide range of wetlands and typically Recorded See foraging on prefers the shallows of wetlands for foraging wet fairways. activities. Occasionally they will forage in small Would also waterways or wet grassland areas. utilise wetlands and Yarra river corridor Ardea Intermediate en L 2008 Breeds in flooded or fringing trees alongside Low Suitable habitat intermedia Egret wetlands. present

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 40 Scientific Common Conservation Most Habitat description Likely Rationale for name name status recent occurrence likelihood EPBC DEL FFG database in study ranking WP record area Ardea modesta Eastern Great vu L 2013 Usually found in terrestrial wetland, estuarine and High Suitable habitat Egret wet grassland habitats particularly permanent present well-vegetated water bodies but also use freshwater meadows, channels and larger dams. Ixobrychus Little Bittern en L 2003 Inhabits terrestrial wetlands, preferably with Moderate Suitable habitat minutus dubius dense emergent vegetation. present Botaurus Australasian EN en L 2007 Occurs in wetlands with tall, dense vegetation Moderate Suitable habitat poiciloptilus Bittern where it forages in shallow water at the edges of present pools or waterways. Prefers permanent freshwater habitats, particularly when dominated by sedges, rushes and reeds. Anas rhynchotis Australasian vu 2011 Prefers large, permanent lakes and swamps with Low Small areas of Shoveler deep water, stable conditions and abundant potential aquatic vegetation. habitat Aythya australis Hardhead vu 2014 A mainly aquatic species preferring large, deep Low Small areas of freshwater environments with abundant aquatic potential vegetation, including slow moving areas of rivers. habitat Also occurs in brackish wetlands and can be found in deep dams and water storage ponds. Oxyura australis Blue-billed en L 2004 A largely aquatic species preferring deep, large Low Small areas of Duck permanent wetlands with stable conditions and potential abundant aquatic vegetation, including Melaleuca habitat swamps. Biziura lobata Musk Duck vu 1998 A largely aquatic species preferring deep water on Low Small areas of large, permanent swamps, lakes and estuaries potential with abundant aquatic vegetation. habitat

Scientific Common Conservation Most Habitat description Likely Rationale for name name status recent occurrence likelihood EPBC DEL FFG database in study ranking WP record area Accipiter Grey vu L 2011 Favours tall, wet forests in gullies but can occur in Moderate Potential novaehollandiae Goshawk woodlands, dry forests, wooded farmlands and woodland suburban parks. Relies on mature forests for habitat breeding.

Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon en L 1980 Found over open country and wooded lands of Moderate May forage tropical and temperate Australia. Mainly found on overhead sandy and stony plains of inland drainage systems with lightly timbered acacia scrub. Falco subniger Black Falcon vu 2008 Primarily occurs in arid and semi-arid zones in the Moderate May forage north, north-west and west of Victoria, though can overhead be forced into more coastal areas by droughts and subsequent food shortages. Ninox connivens Barking Owl en L 2001 Prefers dry, open sclerophyll forests and Low Low quality woodlands across Australia including dense potential riparian galleries containing large hollow-bearing habitat trees suitable for nesting. Ninox strenua Powerful Owl vu L 2012 Prefers tall open sclerophyll forest and woodlands Moderate Suitable and requires large, hollow-bearing eucalypts for foraging breeding. While the species has been recorded habitat, from a wide range of woodland habitats, particularly preferred habitat typically contains a dense along the river. understorey and suitable roost trees with a dense canopy cover. Tyto Masked Owl en L 2001 Inhabits a diverse range of woodland and forest Moderate Suitable novaehollandiae environments. Usually require tall or dense foraging mature trees with hollows suitable for roosting or habitat, nesting, with nearby open areas such as cleared particularly pastoral land for hunting. along the river.

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 42 Scientific Common Conservation Most Habitat description Likely Rationale for name name status recent occurrence likelihood EPBC DEL FFG database in study ranking WP record area Lophochroa Major vu L 2006 Open, sparsely timbered grassland, farmland with Low Atypical leadbeateri Mitchell's scattered old trees, open scrubland including habitat. Recent Cockatoo Mulga, Callitris and Casuarina woodlands, and record likely to tree-lined watercourses. be an aviary escape.

Polytelis Superb Parrot VU en L 1999 Occurs mainly on open, tall riparian River Red Low A typical swainsonii Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis forest or woodland habitat. Recent primarily along the Murray and Murrumbigee record likely to Rivers. be an aviary escape. Lathamus Swift Parrot EN en L 2011 Migrates to south-east mainland Australia during Moderate May forage in discolor the winter months where it prefers dry, open flowering eucalypt forests and woodlands, especially Box eucalypts Ironbark Forest in north-central Victoria. Has also although River been recorded in urban parks, gardens, street Red-gums are trees and golf courses with flowering ornamental not preferred trees and shrubs. feed trees. Hirundapus White- vu 2010 An almost exclusively aerial species within Moderate May forage caudacutus throated Australia, occurring over most types of habitat, overhead. Needletail particularly wooded areas. Anthochaera Regent EN cr L 2001 Inhabits dry woodlands and forests dominated by Negligible Extinct in phrygia Honeyeater Box Ironbark eucalypts. Distribution currently southern restricted to the Chiltern - Mt Pilot National Park Victoria. in north-eastern Victoria following severe range contraction and population decline.

Scientific Common Conservation Most Habitat description Likely Rationale for name name status recent occurrence likelihood EPBC DEL FFG database in study ranking WP record area Reptiles Delma impar Striped VU en L PMST Inhabits native and modified grasslands, where Negligible No suitable Legless Lizard sufficient cover is available to provide protection habitat. from predators. Often associated with soils of cracking clays with embedded and surface rocks. Occasionally recorded from grassy woodlands.

Pseudemoia Glossy Grass vu 1991 Primarily associated with damp environments like High Suitable habitat rawlinsoni Skink drainage lines, soaks and the margins of creeks, present. though can also inhabit the fringes of coastal saltmarshes. Dense vegetation including rank grass, reeds and sedges, provide the moist microenvironments in which the species has been recorded most frequently.

Pseudemoia Tussock Skink vu 1979 On the ground in a range of grasslands or sparse Low Suitable habitat pagenstecheri grassy woodlands from alps to coast. present

Amphibians

Pseudophryne Brown en L 1990 Occurs in a variety of damp and occasionally High Suitable habitat bibronii Toadlet inundated habitats at lower elevations, including present watercourses and gullies in forest and woodland habitat, roadside ditches and table drains, wetlands, permanent ponds, and heaths and grasslands with abundant damp leaf litter required for shelter.

© Biosis 2018 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 44 Scientific Common Conservation Most Habitat description Likely Rationale for name name status recent occurrence likelihood EPBC DEL FFG database in study ranking WP record area Pseudophryne Southern vu 1988 Occupies a variety of habitats in south-eastern High Suitable habitat semimarmorata Toadlet Australia, such as open forests, lowland present woodlands and heathlands where adults shelter beneath leaf litter and other debris in moist soaks and depressions. Litoria Growling VU en L 1991 Occupies a variety of permanent and semi- Low No recent raniformis Grass Frog permanent water bodies generally containing records and abundant submerged and emergent vegetation, only marginal within lowland grasslands, woodlands and open habitat present forests. Fish Prototroctes Australian VU vu L 1932 A diadromous species which spends most of its Low Yarra River only maraena Grayling life in freshwater within rivers and large creeks. Juveniles inhabit estuaries and coastal seas. Adults occur in freshwater habitats, typically rivers and streams with cool, clear waters and gravel substrates, but occasionally also in turbid waters. Galaxiella pusilla Dwarf VU vu L 1994 Occurs in relatively shallow still or slow flowing Low Not recorded Galaxias water bodies including streams, wetlands, drains, from the Yarra that in many instances are ephemeral and Catchment partially dry up over summer. Maccullochella Murray Cod VU en L 2008 Found within the Murray River catchment usually Low Yarra River only peelii peelii in sluggish turbid rivers, in deep holes or amongst fallen timber and other debris.

Macquaria Macquarie EN en L 2008 A riverine fish preferring deep holes, its natural Low Yarra River only australasica Perch distribution extends north of the Great Dividing Range in tributaries of the Murray River.

Scientific Common Conservation Most Habitat description Likely Rationale for name name status recent occurrence likelihood EPBC DEL FFG database in study ranking WP record area Nannoperca Yarra Pygmy VU nt L PMST A freshwater, non-migratory fish preferring Negligible Atypical habitat obscura Perch heavily vegetated, slow flowing or still aquatic habitats but also known to occur in tiny semi- permanent habitats. Invertebrates

Paralucia Eltham en L 1988 This small butterfly is only known from a small Low No suitable pyrodiscus Copper number of sites near Eltham, Kiata, Castlemaine habitat lucida and Bendigo. Adult females selectively deposit eggs on the leaves and branches of Sweet Bursaria Bursaria spinosa. Synemon plana Golden Sun CR cr L PMST This medium-sized diurnal moth inhabits grassy Negligible No suitable Moth woodlands and grasslands. Once thought to be a habitat specialised 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.

Table A4.4. Migratory fauna species recorded or predicted to occur within 5 km of the study area.

Scientific name Common name Most recent record Lewinia pectoralis Lewin's Rail 1999 Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern 1980 Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper 2004 Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 1999 Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe 2013 Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe 2012 Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis 2013 Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret 2013 Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater 2009 Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail 2010 Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift 1995 Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail 2010 Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher 2010 Acrocephalus stentoreus Clamorous Reed Warbler 2014 Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret 2013

Plate 1 Floodplain Riparian Woodland along the Yarra River – Habitat Zone 1A

Plate 2 Floodplain Riparian Woodland with a mown understorey – Habitat Zone 2A

Plate 4 Swamp Scrub patch with Swamp Paperbark – Habitat Zone 5A

Plate 6 Aquatic Herbland with Tall Spike sedge and Hairy Knotweed – Habitat Zone 4A

Plate 8 Planted shrubs and eucalypts along the access track

Appendix 5 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 Condition score

Avoiding removing any native vegetation when The score assigned to a habitat zone that indicates the undertaking a use or development. This can be either quality of the vegetation relative to the ecological by not permitting or not going ahead with the use or vegetation class benchmark, usually expressed as a development, or locating it elsewhere so that removing percentage or on a scale of 0 to 1. native vegetation is not required. Degraded treeless vegetation B Benchmark B Vegetation that is neither a wetland, a remnant patch A standard vegetation –quality reference point, nor scattered tree(s). dependent on vegetation type, which is applied in DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) B Habitat hectare assessments. Represents the average characteristics of a mature and apparently long The diameter of the main trunk of a tree measured 1.3 undisturbed state of the same vegetation type. m above ground level.

Biodiversity A Dispersed habitat A

The variety of all life forms, the different plants, animals Habitat for a rare or threatened species whose habitat and microorganisms, the genes they contain, and the is spread over a relatively broad geographic area. ecosystems of which they form a part. Ecological vegetation class (EVC) A Biodiversity Interactive Map (BIM) A native vegetation type classified on the basis of a Web based interactive map available on the DSE combination of its floristic, life form, environmental and website that provides information on the biodiversity of ecological characteristics. Victoria and displays flora and fauna data from the EVC (see Ecological vegetation class) B Victorian Biodiversity Atlas. Extent risk A Bioregion B The level of risk to biodiversity from the removal of Biogeographic areas that capture the patterns of native vegetation based on the area and/or number of ecological characteristics in the landscape or seascape, scattered trees to be removed. providing a natural framework for recognising and responding to biodiversity values. A landscape based Forb approach to classifying the land surface using a range A herbaceous flowering plant that is not a graminoid of environmental attributes such as climate, (grass, sedge or rush). geomorphology, lithology and vegetation. Gain A BushBroker A Predicted improvement in the contribution to Victoria’s A program coordinated by DELWP to match parties that biodiversity achieved from an offset, calculated by require native vegetation offsets with third party combining site gain with the strategic biodiversity score suppliers of native vegetation offsets. or habitat importance score of the site. Gain is Canopy Tree C measured with biodiversity equivalence scores or units.

Is a mature tree greater than 3 m in height and is Gain Target B normally found in the upper layer of a vegetation type. The amount of gain that needs to be achieved to offset Immature trees that are not yet able to flower and are a loss measured in Habitat hectares. less than three metres in height are considered part of the understorey (see definition of understorey).

General biodiversity equivalence score / units A Highly localised habitat A (cont.)

Score or units used to quantify the relative overall ha). This can also be applied to a similarly limited sub- contribution of a site to Victoria’s biodiversity. habitat that is disproportionately important for a wide- ranging rare or threatened species. General offset A Improvement gain B An offset that is required when a proposal to remove native vegetation is not deemed, by application of the This is gain resulting from management commitments specific-general offset test, to have a significant impact beyond existing obligations under legislation to on habitat for any rare or threatened species. improve the current vegetation quality. Achieving improvement gain is predicated on maintenance General provisions A commitments being already in place. For example, Operational requirements in planning schemes which control of any threats such as grazing that could are consistent across the state, relating to matters such otherwise damage the native vegetation must already as administrative provisions, ancillary activities and be agreed. Typical actions leading to an improvement referral of applications. gain include reducing or eliminating environmental weeds, enhancement planting or revegetation over a Habitat hectares A 10-year management period. If the vegetation is to be Combined measure of condition and extent of native used as an offset, a commitment to maintain the vegetation. This measure is obtained by multiplying the improvement gain (i.e. no subsequent decline in site’s condition score (measured between 0 and 1) with quality) will be required in perpetuity. the area of the site (in hectares). Incorporated document A Habitat hectares benchmark A A document that is included in the list of incorporated A reference point for each vegetation type that documents in a planning scheme. These documents represents the average condition of mature stands that affect the operation of the planning scheme. are likely to reflect pre-settlement circumstances. Indigenous vegetation B Habitat hectares site assessment A The type of native vegetation that would have normally A site-based measure of the condition of native been expected to occur on the site prior to European vegetation with reference to the benchmark for the settlement. same type of native vegetation. The assessment Landholder A generates a condition score of between 0 and 1. An owner, occupier, proprietor or holder of land. Habitat importance map A Landowner A A map that indicates the importance of locations as habitat for a particular rare or threatened species. This Owner of land. map is based on modelled data. Landscape scale information A Habitat importance score A Mapped or modelled information based on data Measure of the importance of the habitat located on a collected across the landscape rather than just on a site for a particular rare or threatened species. particular site.

Habitat zone B Large Old Tree (LOT) B

A discrete area of native vegetation consisting of a A tree with a DBH equal to or greater than the large single vegetation type (EVC) within an assumed similar tree diameter as specified in the relevant EVC quality. This is the base spatial unit for conducting a benchmark. Habitat hectare assessment. Separate Vegetation Listed species Quality Assessments (or Habitat hectare assessments) are conducted for each habitat zone within the A flora or fauna species listed under the designated assessment area. Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 or listed as threatened under the Victorian Highly localised habitat A Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Habitat for rare or threatened species whose habitat is

spread over a very restricted area (i.e. less than 2,000

Local Planning Policy Framework A Native vegetation extent A

Framework outlining a Municipal Strategic Statement Area of land covered by native vegetation or the and the Local Planning Policies that apply to the local number of scattered trees. government area. Native Vegetation Information Management (NVIM) Location risk A system A

The risk that removing native vegetation in a particular An online tool used to access information about location will have an impact on the persistence of a Victoria's native vegetation. rare or threatened species. Native vegetation particular provision A LossA Clause 52.17 in the Victoria Planning Provisions that Loss in the contribution to Victoria’s biodiversity when relates to the removing, destroying or lopping of native native vegetation is fully or partially removed, as vegetation. measured in biodiversity equivalence scores or units. No net loss A Maintenance Gain B An outcome where a particular gain in the contribution This is gain from commitments that contribute to the to Victoria’s biodiversity is equivalent to an associated maintenance of the current vegetation quality over loss in the contribution to Victoria’s biodiversity from time (i.e. avoiding any decline). Includes foregoing permitted clearing. certain entitled activities that could otherwise damage Offset A or remove native vegetation, such as grazing or firewood collection. Also typically requires a Protection and management (including revegetation) of commitment to ensure no further spread of native vegetation at a site to generate a gain in the environmental weeds that may otherwise result in the contribution that native vegetation makes to Victoria’s loss of vegetation quality over time. If the vegetation is biodiversity. An offset is used to compensate for the to be used as an offset, a commitment to maintain the loss to Victoria’s biodiversity from the removal of native vegetation quality will be required in perpetuity. vegetation.

Minimise A Offset Management Plan (OMP)

Locating, designing or managing a use or development A document which sets out the requirements for to reduce the impacts on biodiversity from the removal establishment, protection and management of an of native vegetation. offset site.

Native (indigenous) vegetation B Offset market A

Native vegetation is plants that are indigenous to A system which facilitates trade of native vegetation Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses (as credits between parties requiring offsets and third defined in Clause 72 of the planning scheme). party suppliers of offsets.

Native vegetation credit A Old tree B

Gains in the contribution that native vegetation makes A tree with a DBH equal to or greater than 0.75 of the to Victoria’s biodiversity that are registered on the large tree diameter as specified in the relevant EVC native vegetation credit register. Native vegetation benchmark. Includes medium old trees and large old credits are offered for sale to parties who are required trees (see separate definitions). Some Regional Native to offset the removal of native vegetation. Vegetation Plans additionally define very large old trees (1.5 times large tree diameter). Native vegetation credit register A On-site offset B A statewide register of native vegetation credits that meet minimum standards for security and An offset located on the same property as the clearing. management of sites. The register is administered by

the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, and records the creation, trade and allocation of credits to meet specific offset requirements.

Particular Provisions A Protection (of a tree) B

Provisions in the Victoria Planning Provisions that relate An area with twice the canopy diameter of the tree(s) to specific activities (for example, native vegetation is a fenced and protected from adverse impacts: grazing, Particular Provision). burning and soil disturbance not permitted, fallen timber retained, weeds controlled, and other Patch (see Remnant Patch) intervention and/or management if necessary to PermitA ensure adequate natural regeneration or planting can occur. A legal document that gives permission for a use or development on a particular piece of land. Rare or threatened species A

Perennial A A species that is listed in: • DELWP’s Advisory List of Rare or Threatened A plant that lives for more than two years. Perennials Plants in Victoria as ‘endangered’, ‘vulnerable’, or include species that are always visible e.g. shrubs and ‘rare’, but does not include the ‘poorly known’ trees, but also include species that are not always category visible above ground. • DELWP’s Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Permitted clearing A Fauna in Victoria as ‘critically endangered’, ‘endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’, but does not include Removal of native vegetation for which a planning ‘near threatened’ or ‘data deficient’ categories permit has been granted to remove native vegetation. • DELWP’s Advisory List of Threatened Invertebrate Permitted clearing regulations A Fauna in Victoria as ‘critically endangered’, ‘endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’, but does not include The rules in the planning system that regulate permits ‘near threatened’ or ‘data deficient’ categories. for the removal of native vegetation. Recruitment B Planning provisions – See Victoria Planning Provisions. The production of new generations of plants, either by Prior management gain allowing natural ecological processes to occur (regeneration etc), by facilitating such processes such This gain acknowledges actions to manage vegetation as regeneration to occur, or by actively revegetating since State-wide planning permit controls for native (replanting, reseeding). See Revegetation. vegetation removal were introduced in 1989. Referral authority A Planning scheme A An authority that a permit application is referred to for Policies and provisions for the use, development and decision under Section 55 of the Planning and protection of land in a local government area. Environment Act 1987. All referral requirements are Planning system A specified in Clause 66 of planning schemes.

Victoria’s land-use planning system that includes the Remnant patch of native vegetation A Victoria Planning Provisions and each local government’s planning scheme. Either: • an area of native vegetation , with or without B Property Vegetation Plan trees, where at least 25 per cent of the total A plan which relates to the management of native perennial understorey plant cover is native vegetation within a property, and which is contained plants. within an agreement made pursuant to section 69 of • an area with three or more indigenous canopy the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987. trees where the tree canopy cover is at least 20 per cent. Protected species Remnant vegetation B

A flora species protected under the Victorian Flora and Native vegetation that is established or has Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. regenerated on a largely natural landform. The species present are those normally expected in that vegetation community. Largely natural landforms may have been subject to some past surface disturbance such as some clearing or cultivation (or even the activities of the nineteenth century gold rushes) but do not include

man-made structures such as dam walls and quarry floors.

Responsible authority A spp.

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

Taxon (plural taxa) A term used to describe any taxonomic unit. This term is typically used when referring broadly to any scientifically recognised species, subspecies or variety.

Third-party offset B

An offset located on a property owned by a person other than the landowner who incurs the native vegetation loss being offset.

Understorey

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).

Vegetation Quality Assessment

The standard DELWP method for assessing remnant patches of vegetation. Details of the method are outlined in the Vegetation Quality Assessment Method (DSE 2004). The results of the assessment are expressed in Habitat hectares. Also referred to as a ‘Habitat hectare assessment’

Victoria Planning Provisions A

A list of planning provisions that provides a standard template for individual planning schemes.

Zone A

A zone in the Victoria Planning Provisions is a set of permitted uses of land which are defined spatially