Biodiversity Assessment for Proposed Upgrades to Kilcunda Pump Station, Kilcunda, Victoria Westernport Water C

Final Report Biodiversity Assessment for proposed upgrades to

Kilcunda Pump Station, Kilcunda, Victoria

Prepared for Westernport Water c/- Beveridge Williams

November 2020

Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd

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DOCUMENT CONTROL

Assessment type Biodiversity Assessment Address Kilcunda Pump Station, Victoria Project number 14384 Project manager Claire Ranyard (Senior Botanist) Report reviewer Andrew Hill (Director – Principal Ecologist) Mapping Monique Elsley (GIS Coordinator) File name 14384_EHP_BA_KilcundaPumpStation_Final_18112020 Client Westernport Water c/- Beveridge Williams Bioregion Gippsland Plain Catchment Management Authority West Gippsland Council Bass Coast Shire Council

VERSION CONTROL

Report versions Comments Comments made by: Date submitted Draft Report sent to client for review - 17/11/2020 Final Comments received by Beveridge Williams CR 18/11/2020

Copyright © Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd This document is subject to copyright and may only be used for the purposes for which it was commissioned. The use or copying of this document in whole or part without the permission of Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd is an infringement of copyright. Disclaimer Although Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd have taken all the necessary steps to ensure that an accurate document has been prepared, the company accepts no liability for any damages or loss incurred as a result of reliance placed upon the report and its contents.

Biodiversity Assessment: Kilcunda Pump Station, Victoria 2

CONTENTS

SUMMARY OF CLAUSE 52.17 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ...... 5

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 6 1.1 Background ...... 6

1.2 Study Area ...... 6

2 METHODS ...... 7 2.1 Desktop Assessment ...... 7

2.2 Field Assessment ...... 7 2.3 Removal, Destruction or Lopping of Native Vegetation (the Guidelines) ...... 8 2.3.1 Assessment Pathway ...... 8

2.3.2 Vegetation Assessment ...... 8 2.3.3 Impact Avoidance and Minimisation ...... 9 2.3.4 Offsets ...... 9

2.4 Assessment Qualifications and Limitations ...... 10

3 RESULTS ...... 11 3.1 Vegetation Condition ...... 11

3.1.1 Patches of Native Vegetation ...... 11 3.1.2 Large Trees in Patches ...... 12 3.1.3 Scattered Trees ...... 12

3.1.4 Introduced and Planted Vegetation ...... 12 3.2 Fauna Habitat ...... 13 3.3 Removal, Destruction or Lopping of Native Vegetation (the Guidelines) ...... 13

3.3.1 Vegetation proposed to be removed ...... 13 3.3.2 Offset Targets...... 14 3.4 Significance Assessment ...... 14

3.4.1 Flora ...... 14 3.4.2 Fauna ...... 14 3.4.3 Ecological Communities ...... 15

4 LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS ...... 16 4.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) ...... 16

Biodiversity Assessment: Kilcunda Pump Station, Victoria 3

4.2 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Victoria) ...... 16 4.3 Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Victoria) ...... 16

4.3.1 Local Planning Scheme ...... 16 4.3.2 The Guidelines ...... 16 4.3.3 Implications ...... 16

4.4 Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (Victoria) ...... 17

5 MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 18 5.1 Avoid and Minimise Statement ...... 18

5.2 Best Practice Mitigation Measures ...... 18 5.3 Offset Impacts and Strategy ...... 18

6 FURTHER REQUIREMENTS ...... 19

REFERENCES...... 20

FIGURES ...... 22

APPENDIX 1 FLORA ...... 26

Appendix 1.1 Flora Results ...... 26 Appendix 1.2 Habitat Hectare Assessment ...... 27

APPENDIX 2 ENSYM REPORT ...... 28

APPENDIX 3 AVAILABLE NATIVE VEGETATION CREDITS ...... 30

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SUMMARY OF CLAUSE 52.17 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Table S1. Application requirements for a permit to remove native vegetation (Victoria Planning Provisions Clause 52.17; DELWP 2017)

No. Application Requirement Response Application requirements under the Intermediate Assessment Pathway Information about the native vegetation to be removed, including: The assessment pathway and reason for the assessment pathway; A description of the native vegetation to be removed; Refer to Section 3.1 and 1 Maps showing the native vegetation and property in context; and Appendix 2 (EnSym Report) The offset requirement that will apply if the native vegetation is approved to be removed. Topographic and land information relating to the native vegetation to be removed, showing ridges, crests and hilltops, wetlands and waterways, Refer to Section 1.2 and 2 slopes of more than 20 percent, drainage lines, low lying areas, saline Figure 1 discharge areas, and areas of existing erosion, as appropriate. 3 Recent dated photographs of the native vegetation to be removed. Refer to Section 3.1 No removal of native Details of any other native vegetation that was permitted to be removed on vegetation has been removed the same property with the same ownership as the native vegetation to be 4 by the proponent within the removed, where the removal occurred in the five year period before the property within the past five application to remove native vegetation is lodged. years An avoid and minimise statement. The statement describes any efforts to avoid the removal of, and minimise the impacts on the biodiversity and 5 Refer to Section 5.1 other values of native vegetation, and how these efforts focussed on areas of native vegetation that have the most value. A copy of any Property Vegetation Plan contained within an agreement 6 made pursuant to section 69 of the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act Not applicable 1987 that applies to the native vegetation to be removed. Where the removal of native vegetation is to create defendable space, a written statement explaining why the removal of native vegetation is Not applicable as the necessary. This statement must have regard to other available bushfire risk 7 vegetation clearance is not for mitigation measures. This statement is not required when the creation of defendable space defendable space is in conjunction with an application under the Bushfire Management Overlay. If the application is under Clause 52.16, a statement that explains how the Not applicable as the 8 proposal responds to the Native Vegetation Precinct Plan considerations at application responds to decision guideline 8. Clause 52.17 An offset statement providing evidence that an offset that meets the offset 9 requirements for the native vegetation to be removed has been identified Refer to Section 5.3 and can be secured in accordance with the Guidelines.

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd was commissioned by Westernport Water c/- Beveridge Williams to undertake a Biodiversity Assessment at the Kilcunda Pump Station, Victoria. We understand that Westernport Water are seeking to improve the vehicle access at the Pump Station, with the addition of a turning circle/space to manoeuvre a vehicle and trailer to the existing access track. The purpose of this assessment was to identify the extent and type of native vegetation present within the study area. This report presents the results of the assessment and discusses the potential ecological and legislative implications associated with the proposed action.

1.2 Study Area The study area is located at Kilcunda Pump Station and is approximately 120 kilometres south-east of Melbourne’s CBD (Figure 1). The study area covers approximately 0.06 hectares and is bound by Bass Highway to the north, private residential property to the south, Kilcunda Coastal Reserve to the east and remnant roadside vegetation to the west. The study area contains an existing access track and pump station, surrounding by native vegetation. It slopes gradually east with no ridges or crests within or immediately adjacent to the site. A drainage line is located to the east, within the Kilcunda Coastal Reserve.

According to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) NatureKit Map (DELWP 2020a), the study area is located within the Gippsland Plain bioregion, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and Bass Coast Shire Council.

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2 METHODS

2.1 Desktop Assessment Relevant literature, online-resources and databases were reviewed to provide an assessment of flora and fauna values associated with the study area. The following information sources were reviewed: • The DELWP NatureKit Map (DELWP 2020a) and Native Vegetation Information Management (NVIM) Tool (DELWP 2020b) for: o Modelled data for location risk, native vegetation patches, scattered trees and habitat for rare or threatened species; and, o The extent of historic and current Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs).

• EVC benchmarks (DELWP 2020c) for descriptions of EVCs within the relevant bioregion; • The Victorian Biodiversity Atlas (VBA) for previously documented flora and fauna records within the project locality (DELWP 2020d); • The Illustrated Flora Information System of Victoria (IFLISV) (Gullan 2017) and Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) (ALA 2020) for assistance with the distribution and identification of flora species; • Relevant listings under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act), including the latest Threatened (DELWP 2019a) and Protected (DELWP 2019b) Lists;

• The online VicPlan Map (DELWP 2020d) to ascertain current zoning and environmental overlays in the study area; and, • Aerial photography of the study area.

2.2 Field Assessment A field assessment was undertaken on 7th October 2020 to obtain information on flora and fauna values within the study area. The study area was walked, with all commonly observed vascular flora and fauna species recorded, significant records mapped and the overall condition of vegetation and habitats noted. Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) were determined with reference to DELWP pre-1750 and extant EVC mapping (DELWP 2020a) and their published descriptions (DELWP 2020c).

Where native vegetation was identified a habitat hectare assessment was undertaken following methodology described in the Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual (Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) 2004).

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2.3 Removal, Destruction or Lopping of Native Vegetation (the Guidelines) Under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Clause 52.17 of the Bass Coast Planning Scheme requires a planning permit to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation. The assessment process for the clearing of vegetation follows the ‘Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation’ (the Guidelines) (DELWP 2017). The ‘Assessor’s handbook: Applications to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation’ (Assessor’s handbook) (DELWP 2018b) provides clarification regarding the application of the Guidelines (DELWP 2017).

2.3.1 Assessment Pathway

The Guidelines manage the impacts on biodiversity from native vegetation removal using an assessment-based approach. Two factors – extent risk and location category – are used to determine the risk associated with an application for a permit to remove native vegetation. The location category (1, 2 or 3) has been determined for all areas in Victoria and is available on DELWP’s NVIM Tool (DELWP 2020b). Determination of assessment pathway is summarised in Table 1.

Table 1. Assessment pathways for applications to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation (DELWP 2017).

Location Extent 1 2 3 Intermediat Detaile Less than 0.5 hectares and not including any large trees Basic e d Native Less than 0.5 hectares and including one or more large Intermediat Intermediat Detaile Vegetatio trees e e d n Detaile 0.5 hectares or more Detailed Detailed d

Notes: For the purpose of determining the assessment pathway of an application to remove native vegetation the extent includes any other native vegetation that was permitted to be removed on the same contiguous parcel of land with the same ownership as the native vegetation to be removed, where the removal occurred in the five year period before an application to remove native vegetation is lodged.

2.3.2 Vegetation Assessment

Native vegetation (as defined in Table 2) is assessed using two key parameters: extent (in hectares) and condition. For the purposes of this assessment, both condition and extent were determined as part of the habitat hectare assessment.

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Table 2. Determination of a patch of native vegetation (DELWP 2017).

Category Definition Extent Condition An area of vegetation where at least 25 per cent of the total perennial understorey plant cover is native; OR Vegetation Quality An area with three or more native canopy Assessment Manual Patch of Measured in hectares. trees where the drip line of each tree (DSE 2004). native touches the drip line of at least one other Based on hectare area of the vegetation native patch. tree, forming a continuous canopy; Modelled condition for OR Current Wetlands. any mapped wetland included in the Current Wetlands map, available in DELWP systems and tools. Measured in hectares. Each Large scattered tree is Scattered trees are assigned an extent of 0.071 Scattered A native canopy tree that does not form assigned a default hectares (30m diameter). tree part of a native patch. condition score of 0.2 Each Small scattered tree is (outside a patch). assigned a default extent of 0.31 hectares (10 metre diameter)

Notes: Native vegetation is defined in the Victoria Planning Provisions as ‘plants that are indigenous to Victoria, including trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses’.

2.3.3 Mapped Wetlands (DELWP)

Wetlands can be difficult to map and assess accurately as they respond quite quickly to changes in environmental condition, especially rainfall. After a period of no or low rainfall they can disappear or appear very degraded. They do, however, recover rapidly after periods of increased rainfall. As a result, under the Guidelines (DELWP 2017) all mapped wetlands (based on ‘Current Wetlands’ layer in the DELWP NatureKit Map) that are to be impacted must be included as native vegetation, with the modelled condition score assigned to them (DELWP 2020b). Note that mapped wetlands do not apply if they are covered by a hardened, man-made surface, for example, a roadway. If covered by any vegetation including crops, bare soil, a mapped wetland must be treated as a native patch.

2.3.4 Impact Avoidance and Minimisation

All applications to remove native vegetation must demonstrate the three-step approach of avoid, minimise and offset. This is a precautionary approach that aims to ensure that the removal of native vegetation is restricted to what is reasonably necessary, and that biodiversity is appropriately compensated for any native vegetation removal that is approved.

2.3.5 Offsets

Biodiversity offsets are required to compensate for the permitted removal of native vegetation. Offset obligations and offset site criteria are determined in accordance with the Guidelines (DELWP 2017) and are divided into two categories, being General Habitat Units and Species Habitat Units.

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The offset requirements for native vegetation removal are calculated by DELWP and presented in a Native Vegetation Removal (NVR) Report, which are based on the vegetation condition scores determined during the biodiversity assessment.

2.4 Assessment Qualifications and Limitations This report has been written based on the quality and extent of the ecological values and habitat considered to be present or absent at the time of the desktop and/or field assessments being undertaken. The ‘snapshot’ nature of a standard biodiversity assessment meant that migratory, transitory or uncommon fauna species may have been absent from typically occupied habitats at the time of the field assessment. In addition, annual or cryptic flora species such as those that persist via underground tubers may also be absent. A comprehensive list of all terrestrial flora and fauna present within the study area was not undertaken as this was not the objective of the assessment. Rather a list of commonly observed species was recorded to inform the habitat hectare assessment and assist in determining the broader biodiversity values present within the study area.

Ecological values identified within the study area were recorded using a hand-held GPS or tablet with an accuracy of +/-5 metres. This level of accuracy is considered to provide an accurate assessment of the ecological values present within the study area; however, this data should not be used for detailed surveying purposes. Targeted flora or fauna surveys were not undertaken, as this was beyond the preliminary scope of the project. Nevertheless, the terrestrial flora and fauna data collected during the field assessment and information obtained from relevant desktop sources is considered to adequately inform an accurate assessment of the ecological values present within the study area.

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3 RESULTS

3.1 Vegetation Condition Several patches of native vegetation and one modelled wetland were recorded within the study area, and an existing access track entering off the Bass Highway. A small area of exotic grass was present around the existing pump station, which is managed to allow access to the pump station. A list of all flora species recorded during the field assessment are provided in Appendix 1.1.

3.1.1 Patches of Native Vegetation

Native vegetation in the study area is representative of one EVC: Swamp Scrub (EVC 53) (Figure 2). The presence of this EVC is not consistent with the modelled pre-1750s native vegetation mapping (DELWP 2020c), where Swampy Riparian Woodland is modelled to occur. The vegetation present was dominated by a thick canopy of Swamp Paperback Melaleuca ericifolia, with limited other native species present, fitting the characteristics of the Swamp Scrub EVC. Specific details relating to the observed EVC is provided below.

The results of the habitat hectare assessment are provided in Appendix 1.2.

Swamp Scrub

Swamp Scrub surrounded the existing access track, present as a thick canopy of Swamp Paperbark (Plate 1; Plate 2; Plate 3). Limited other native species were present, with scatterings of Common Tussock-grass Poa labillardieri, Small-leaved Clematis Clematis microphylla, Coast Wattle Acacia longifolia and Silver Wattle Acacia dealbata (Plate 4).

Mapped Wetland

A mapped wetland is shown to occur along the southern edge of the study area. No wetland values were identified during the site assessment, despite the assessment being undertaken during a suitable time for detection of wetland species (October). The vegetation within the mapped layer comprises Swamp Scrub, with other areas being previously disturbed for the construction of the pump station.

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Plate 1. Swamp Scrub located between the Bass Plate 2. Existing pump station within the study area with Highway and existing access track in the study area Swamp Scrub in the background (Ecology and Heritage (Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd 07/10/2020). Partners Pty Ltd 07/10/2020).

Plate 3. Entrance of existing access track in the study Plate 4. Native climber, Small-leaved Clematis, present area from the Bass Highway, surrounded by Swamp within the Swamp Scrub patches (Ecology and Heritage Scrub (Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd Partners Pty Ltd 07/10/2020). 07/10/2020).

3.1.2 Large Trees in Patches

No large trees were recorded within the study area.

3.1.3 Scattered Trees

No scattered trees were recorded within the study area.

3.1.4 Introduced and Planted Vegetation

Areas not supporting native vegetation had a high cover (>90%) of exotic grass species, mainly present as mown vegetation around the existing pump station. An access track was present, with the immediate edges along the track containing predominately exotic vegetation.

Non-native areas were dominated by environmental weeds such as Annual Veldt-grass Ehrharta longifolia, Yorksire Fog Holcus lanatus, Cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata, Toowoomba Canary-grass

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Phalaris aquatica, Couch Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon and Ox-tongue Helminthotheca echioides (Plate 5).

Two noxious weeds were present within the study area, Blackberry Rubus polyanthemus. and Soursob Oxalis pes-caprae, mainly located along the existing access track verges (Plate 6). Blackberry is also a Weed of National Significance (WoNS).

Plate 5. Exotic grasses present in previously disturbed Plate 6. Noxious weed, Soursob, present along the areas within the study area (Ecology and Heritage fringe of Swamp Scrub patches (Ecology and Heritage Partners Pty Ltd 07/10/2020). Partners Pty Ltd 07/10/2020).

3.2 Fauna Habitat Most of the study area contained patches of Swamp Scrub, with no large trees present. Limited habitat values were present, and the study area is likely to be used by generalist fauna species, and is not considered likely to provide important foraging or breeding habitat for any significant fauna species.

3.3 Removal, Destruction or Lopping of Native Vegetation (the Guidelines) The below clearing scenario is based on the access requirements within the study area as provided by Beveridge Williams on 29 October 2020.

3.3.1 Vegetation proposed to be removed

The study area is within Location 2, with 0.025 hectares of native vegetation proposed to be removed. As such, the permit application falls under the Intermediate assessment pathway (Table 3). Condition scores for vegetation proposed to be removed are provided in Appendix 1.2.

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Table 3. Removal of Native Vegetation (the Guidelines) (DELWP 2017).

Assessment pathway Intermediate Location Category 2 Total Extent (past and proposed) (ha) 0.025 Extent of past removal (ha) 0.00 Extent of proposed removal (ha) 0.025 Large Trees (scattered and in patches) to be 0 removed (no.) EVC Conservation Status of vegetation to be Endangered (Swamp Scrub) removed

3.3.2 Offset Targets

The offset requirement for native vegetation removal is 0.013 General Habitat Units. A summary of proposed vegetation losses and associated offset requirements is presented in Table 4 and the EnSym report is presented in Appendix 2.

Table 4. Offset Targets.

General Offsets Required 0.013 General Habitat Units Large Trees 0 Vicinity (catchment/council) West Gippsland CMA / Bass Coast Shire Council Minimum Strategic Biodiversity Value* 0.512

*The minimum Strategic Biodiversity Value is 80% of the weighted average score across habitat zones where a General offset is required.

3.4 Significance Assessment

3.4.1 Flora

The VBA contains records of two nationally significant flora species previously recorded within 10 kilometres of the study area (DELWP 2020d) (Figure 3).

No national or State significant flora were recorded during the site assessment, and based on the modified nature of the study area, landscape context and the proximity of previous records, significant flora species are considered unlikely to occur within the study area due to the thick dominance by Swamp Paperbark and limited opportunities for additional native species to be present.

3.4.2 Fauna

The VBA contains records of 27 nationally significant and 16 State significant fauna species previously recorded within 10 kilometres of the study area (DELWP 2020d) (Figure 4). The majority of these records are associated with coastal and marine environments, with no suitable habitat present within the study area.

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Based on the modified nature of the study area, landscape context and the proximity of previous records, significant fauna species are considered unlikely to rely on habitat within the study area for foraging or breeding purposes due to the lack of suitable and/or important habitat features (such as hollows or waterways).

3.4.3 Ecological Communities

No national or State-significant communities are present within the study area.

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4 LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

4.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) The proposed action is highly unlikely to have a significant impact on any matter of NES. As such, a referral to the Commonwealth Environment Minister is unlikely to be required regarding matters listed under the EPBC Act.

4.2 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Victoria) One flora species protected under the FFG Act, Coast Wattle Acacia longifolia, was recorded within the study area. The species was observed in the north western section of the study area, outside of the proposed impact area. Therefore, an FFG Act permit will not be required for the proposed access upgrades.

4.3 Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Victoria) The Planning and Environment Act 1987 outlines the legislative framework for planning in Victoria and for the development and administration of planning schemes. All planning schemes contain native vegetation provisions at Clause 52.17, which require a planning permit from the relevant local Council to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation, unless an exemption at Clause 52.17-7 on the Victoria Planning Provisions applies.

4.3.1 Local Planning Scheme

The study area is located within the Bass Coast Shire Council, is zoned Road Zone and covered by Environmental Significance Overlay – Schedule 4 (DELWP 2020d):

Environmental Significance Overlay – Schedule 4 (ESO4)

ESO4 applies to land which is susceptible to land subsidence as a result of the former coal mining activities in the area. There are no application requirements and a permit is not required for the removal of vegetation.

4.3.2 The Guidelines

The State Planning Policy Framework and the decision guidelines at Clause 12.01 Biodiversity and Clause 52.17 Native Vegetation require Planning and Responsible Authorities to have regard for the Guidelines (DELWP 2017).

4.3.3 Implications

The study area is within Location 2, with 0.025 hectares of native vegetation proposed to be removed. As such, the permit application falls under the Intermediate assessment pathway.

The offset requirement for native vegetation removal is 0.013 General Habitat Units.

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A planning permit from the Bass Coast Shire Council is required to remove, destroy or lop any native vegetation under Clause 52.17 of the Planning Scheme. One exemption, the utility installations exemption, may apply to the study area. For the construction or maintenance of a utility service, a written agreement with the Secretary to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (as constituted under Part 2 of the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987) must be obtained for the exemption to apply. In this instance, the application is not required to be referred to DELWP.

4.4 Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (Victoria) Two weeds listed as noxious under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 were recorded during the assessment in low densities, Blackberry Rubus polyanthemus and Soursob Oxalis pes- caprae. Listed noxious weeds should be appropriately controlled throughout the study area.

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5 MITIGATION MEASURES

5.1 Avoid and Minimise Statement It is not possible to avoid impacts to native vegetation without undermining the objectives of the project. The construction footprint includes an existing access track, which will be used to access the site during construction, minimising any additional removal of native vegetation beyond what is required for the access upgrades.

Overall, the extent of native vegetation is minimal, and the study area contains a limited presence of ecological values (i.e. no large trees, significant habitat or significant flora species). Further, the one protected flora species recorded, Coast Wattle, will not be removed as it falls outside the construction footprint. Therefore, it is considered that the minimisation measures proposed are appropriate in this instance.

5.2 Best Practice Mitigation Measures Recommended measures to mitigate impacts upon terrestrial values present within the study area may include: • Minimise impacts to native vegetation and habitats through construction and micro-siting techniques, including fencing retained areas of native vegetation;

• All contractors should be aware of ecologically sensitive areas to minimise the likelihood of inadvertent disturbance to areas marked for retention. Native vegetation (areas of sensitivity) should be included as a mapping overlay on any construction plans;

• Where possible, construction stockpiles, machinery, roads, and other infrastructure should be placed away from areas supporting native vegetation; and, • As indigenous flora provides valuable habitat for indigenous fauna, it is recommended that any landscape plantings that are undertaken as part of the proposed works are conducted using indigenous species sourced from a local provenance, rather than exotic deciduous trees and shrubs.

5.3 Offset Impacts and Strategy According to DELWPs Native Vegetation Offset Register (DELWP 2020e), there are more than 20 offset sites within the West Gippsland CMA or Bass Coast Shire Council region that can be used to satisfy the General Habitat Units.

An offset register search statement identifying the relevant offsite sites is provided in Appendix 3.

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6 FURTHER REQUIREMENTS

Further requirements associated with development of the study area, as well as additional studies or reporting that may be required, are provided in Table 5.

Table 5. Further requirements associated with development of the study area.

Relevant Legislation Implications Further Action The proposed action is highly unlikely to have a Environment Protection significant impact on any matter of NES. As such, a No further action required. and Biodiversity referral to the Commonwealth Environment Minister is Conservation Act 1999 unlikely to be required regarding matters listed under the EPBC Act. One flora species protected under the FFG Act, Coast Wattle Acacia longifolia, was recorded within the study Flora and Fauna area. The species was observed in the north western No further action required. Guarantee Act 1988 section of the study area, outside of the proposed impact area. Therefore, an FFG Act permit will not be required for the proposed access upgrades. The study area is within Location 2, with 0.025 hectares of native vegetation proposed to be removed. As such, the permit application falls under the Intermediate assessment pathway. Apply for the utility installation The offset requirement for native vegetation removal exemption by gaining written is 0.013 General Habitat Units. consent from the Secretary to Planning and Environment DELWP Act 1987 One exemption, the utility installations exemption, may apply to the study area. For the construction or OR maintenance of a utility service, a written agreement Prepare and submit a Planning with the Secretary to the Department of Environment, Permit application. Land, Water and Planning (as constituted under Part 2 of the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987) must be obtained for the exemption to apply. Two weed species listed under the CaLP Act were recorded within the study area (Blackberry and Listed noxious weeds should be Catchment and Land Soursob). To meet requirements under the CaLP Act, appropriately controlled throughout Protection Act 1994 listed noxious weeds should be appropriately the study area. controlled throughout the study area.

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REFERENCES ALA 2020. Atlas of Living Australia. URL: https://www.ala.org.au/. Atlas of Living Australia, Canberra, ACT.

DAWE 2020. Protected Matters Search Tool. [www Document] URL: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/pmst/index.html. Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Canberra, ACT.

DELWP 2017. Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation. December 2017. Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, Victoria. DELWP 2018a. Victorian Biodiversity Atlas. Sourced from GIS layers: “VBA_FLORA25”, “VBA_FLORA100”, “VBA_FAUNA25”, “VBA_FAUNA100”. March 2018. Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, Victoria. DELWP 2018b. Assessor’s handbook: Applications to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation. October 2018. Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, Victoria. DELWP 2019a. Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 Threatened List – November 2019 [www Document]. URL: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/115827/20191114-FFG- Threatened-List.pdf. Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, Victoria. DELWP 2019b. Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 Protected Flora List – November 2019 [www Document]. URL: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/50420/20191114-FFG- protected-flora-list.pdf. Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, Victoria.

DELWP 2020a. NatureKit Map [www Document]. URL: http://maps.biodiversity.vic.gov.au/viewer/?viewer=NatureKit. Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, Victoria. DELWP 2020b. Native Vegetation Information Management Tool [www Document]. URL: https://nvim.delwp.vic.gov.au. Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, Victoria.

DELWP 2020c. Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Benchmarks for each Bioregion [www Document]. URL: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity/bioregions-and-evc-benchmarks. Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, Victoria.

DELWP 2020d. VicPlan Map [www Document]. URL: https://mapshare.maps.vic.gov.au/vicplan/. Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, Victoria. DELWP 2020e. Search for Native Vegetation Credit Register [www Document]. URL: https://nvcr.delwp.vic.gov.au/Home/Index. Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, Victoria.

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DSE 2004. Vegetation quality assessment manual: Guidelines for applying the habitat hectares scoring method. Version 1.3. Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne Victoria. Gullan, P. 2017. Illustrated Flora Information System of Victoria (IFISV). Viridans Pty Ltd, Victoria.

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Map Scale: 1:15,000 @ A4 Coordinate System: GDA2020 MGA Zone 55

Bass Strait

Melbourne (!

Kilcunda _ Ba^ss Coast (S) Figure 2 Ecological features Flora and Fauna Assessment, Kilcunda Road Reserve (at Mabilia Road), Kilcunda

0 3 6

¹ Metres

Map Scale: 1:250 @ A4 Coordinate System: GDA2020 MGA Zone 55

Kilcunda Coastal Reserve

P hillip Is land Rd

Punchbowl Wonthaggi Railway Coastal Historic Reserve Reserve (! 2012 Melbourne (!

Kilcunda Coal-mine Historic & Cultural Features Res.

B a Kilcunda ss Coastal H )" 2008 w Reserve y Kilcunda ^_Bass Coast (S)

(! 2001 Figure 3 Previously documented significant flora within 5km of the study area

(! 2011 Flora and Fauna Assessment, Kilcunda 2011 (! (! Road Reserve (at Mabilia Road), Kilcunda (! 2007

Kilcunda - 0 1 2 Harmers Haven Kilcunda Powlett River Coastal Reserve Nature Conservation Reserve ¹ Kilom etres Bass Strait Map S c ale: 1:37,000 @ A3 Coordinate S ystem : GDA2020 MGA Zone 55

Vic torian Biodiversity Atlas (VBA) // S ourc ed from : ‘VBA_FLORA25’, ‘VBA_FLORA100’, ‘VBA_FAUNA25’ and ‘VBA_FAUNA100’, Updated Aug ust 2020 © Th e S tate of Vic toria, Departm ent of Environm ent, Land, Water and Planning . Rec ords prior to 1949 not sh ow n.

Vic Map Data: Th e S tate of Vic toria does not w arrant th e ac c urac y or c om pleteness of inform ation in th is pub lic ation and any person using or relying upon suc h inform ation does so on th e b asis th at th e S tate of Vic toria sh all b ear no 2007 (! responsib ility or liab ility w h atsoever for any errors, faults, defec ts or om issions in th e inform ation. 14384_Fig03_SigFlora_G20 2/10/2020 melsley ÛÚ )" 1976 2001 GF 1976 (! )" Legend )" 1974 # (! )" **# *# 1976 Melbourne 1972 GFGF Stud y Area GF Ma gp ie Goose (! GF Western Port Significant fauna Musk Duc k )" GF 1981 )" 1981 (! Austra la sia n Bittern Na nkeen Night Heron ÛÚ )" Western Port GF (! GF Ramsar site 1981 Austra la sia n Shoveler Northern Gia nt-Petrel (! Ba r-ta iled God wit GF O ra nge-b ellied Pa rrot Reef Island and Bass River Mouth Nature Bla c k-b rowed GF Pa c ific Gold en Plover Conservation Reserve d (! R Kilcunda k Alb a tross GF in Pa c ific Gull L ^_Bass Coast (S) n o Bla c k-fa c ed GF rs (! Pied Corm ora nt e d n Corm ora nt A ÛÚ Plum ed Egret (! Blue Petrel ÛÚ Roya l Sp oonb ill (! Ca sp ia n Tern ÛÚ Rud d y Turnstone (! Com m on Diving- Petrel ÛÚ Sa nd erling )" Com m on Greensha nk ÛÚ Shy Alb a tross Phillip Island Rd )" Com m on Sa nd p ip er ÛÚ Sooty Alb a tross )" Curlew Sa nd p ip er ÛÚ Sooty O ysterc a tc her )" Ea stern Curlew ÛÚ Southern Elep ha nt Sea l )" Ea stern Grea t Egret @! Southern Gia nt-Petrel GF 2018 )" Em u Southern Hum p b a c k )" @! Fa iry Prion W ha le )" Punchbowl Wonthaggi Railway Fa iry Tern @! Southern Right W ha le Coastal Historic Reserve *# Reserve 1981 Grea t Egret @! Swa m p Antec hinus GF 2001 GF *# *# ÛÚ *# 2001 ÛÚ 1981 )" (! ÛÚ Grea ter Sa nd Plover @! W hiskered Tern GF 2017 )" @!*# *# @! GF*# ÛÚ )" )" 1981 *# Ha rd hea d 2017 2000 1981 @! W hite-b ellied Sea - Kilcunda Coal-mine *# Hood ed Plover Ea gle Historic & Cultural Features Res. W hite-fa c ed Storm - *# Ind ia n Y ellow-nosed @! Alb a tross Petrel # @! B * King Qua il W hite-fronted Tern Kilcunda a Coastal Reserve ss H *# w La tha m 's Snip e W hite-throa ted y *# 2005 ¥¦ 2018 GF 1981 Need leta il 1996 ÛÚ *# *# Little Egret GFGF*# ÛÚ @! *# ÛÚ(! GF @! )" (! (! 2000 2016 @! 2001 1985 *# GF @! )" ÛÚ 1993 @! 2000 (! 1985 ! ! @ 1987 1985 @ Figure 4 1999 1999 GF ÛÚ Previously documented significant Kilcunda - 1987 Harmers Haven fauna within 5km of the study area @! Coastal Reserve GF 2001 *# Flora and Fauna Assessment, Kilcunda 2001 *# GF 1974 @! 2017 ÛÚ 1974 Road Reserve (at Mabilia Road), Kilcunda *# 1977 (! ÛÚ 2008 2001 GF 2008

2000 (! 2008 ÛÚ P 0 1 2 GF o GF 1999*# ÛÚ (! w 1999 2009 l GF GF e GF ÛÚ ÛÚ *# t 1986 2001 GF t (! *# R Kilom etres 2019 i ÛÚ GF*# ! )" 2005 v *# ( e (! r ¹ @! )" *#ÛÚ 201#7 )" *# * *# ÛÚ Ma p Sc a le: 1:37,000 @ A3 Bass Strait GF *# 2001 2001 GF ÛÚ GF ÛÚ ÛÚ *# Coord ina te System : GDA2020 MGA Zone 55 ÛÚ )" GF GF GF 2001 )" GF GF GF 1985 1981 1997 *# GF *# ÛÚ @! @! )" ÛÚ )" @! 1981 *# *# 1972 *# 2008 *# 1978 (! GF (! *# @! 200*#9 *# 1999 2017 (! GF *# ¥¦ (! GF 1980 GF *#ÛÚ *# @! ! 2009 197*#8 ( GF (! ÛÚ @! 2009 GF ÛÚ ÛÚ " )" ) ÛÚ ÛÚ 2010 (! 1981 2008 *# GF ÛÚ GF GF *# 2009 201)"9 )" 200ÛÚ9 *# ÛÚ *# (! 1993 @! ÛÚ @! V ic toria n Biod iversity Atla s (V BA) // Sourc ed from : ‘V BA_FLO RA25’, ‘V BA_FLO RA100’, ‘V BA_FAUNA25’ a nd 2008 201*#9 (! ‘V BA_FAUNA100’, Up d a ted August 2020 © The Sta te of V ic toria , Dep a rtm ent of Environm ent, La nd , W a ter a nd GF GF Pla nning. Rec ord s p rior to 1949 not shown. V ic Ma p Da ta : The Sta te of V ic toria d oes not wa rra nt the a c c ura c y or c om p leteness of inform a tion in this p ub lic a tion a nd a ny p erson using or relying up on suc h inform a tion d oes so on the b a sis tha t the Sta te of V ic toria sha ll b ea r no 2008 (! GF 2008 resp onsib ility or lia b ility wha tsoever for a ny errors, fa ults, d efec ts or om issions in the inform a tion. 14384_Fig04_SigFauna_G20 2/10/2020 melsley

APPENDIX 1 FLORA

Appendix 1.1 Flora Results

Legend: l Protected under the FFG Act (DELWP 2019b); * Listed as a noxious weed under the CaLP Act; w Weed of National Significance;

Table A1.1. Flora within the study area.

Scientific Name Common Name Notes

INDIGENOUS SPECIES Acacia dealbata Silver Wattle - Acacia longifolia Coast Wattle I Clematis microphylla Small-leaved Clematis - Leucopogon parviflorus Coast Beard-heath - Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Scrub - Poa labillardierei Common Tussock-grass - Rhagodia candolleana subsp. candolleana Seaberry Saltbush -

NON-INDIGENOUS OR INTRODUCED SPECIES Coprosma repens Mirror Bush - Cynodon dactylon Couch - Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot - Ehrharta longifolia Annual Veldt-grass - Galium apparine Cleavers - Helminthotheca echioides Ox-tongue - Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog - Hypochaeris radicata Cat’s-ear - Lysimachia arvensis Pimpernel - Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob * Phalaris aquatica Toowoomba Canary-grass - Rubus polyanthemus Blackberry *w Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle - Vicia sativa Common Vetch -

Biodiversity Assessment: Kilcunda Pump Station, Victoria 26

Appendix 1.2 Habitat Hectare Assessment

Table A1.2. Habitat Hectare Assessment Table.

Vegetation SS Zone Bioregion Gippsland Plain EVC / Tree Swamp Scrub EVC 53_61 Number EVC Conservation Status Endangered Large Old Trees /10 na Canopy Cover /5 4 Under storey /25 5 Lack of Weeds /15 6 Patch Recruitment /10 5 Condition Organic Matter /5 5 Logs /5 na Treeless EVC Multiplier 1.15 Subtotal = 28.75 Landscape Value /25 13 Habitat Points /100 42 Habitat 0.42 Score

Biodiversity Assessment: Kilcunda Pump Station, Victoria 27

APPENDIX 2 ENSYM REPORT

Biodiversity Assessment: Kilcunda Pump Station, Victoria 28 Nativevegetationremovalreport

Thisreportprovidesinformationtosupportanapplicationtoremove, destroyorlopnativevegetationinaccordance withtheGuidelinesfortheremoval,destructionorloppingofnativevegetation. Thereportisnotan assessm ent byDELW P oftheproposednativevegetationremoval. Nativevegetationinformationandoffsetrequirementshave beendeterminedusingspatialdataprovidedbytheapplicantortheirconsultant.

Dateofissue: 16/11/2020 ReportID: EH P_2020_206 Tim eofissue: 4:27 pm

ProjectID EHP14384_Kilcunda_VG9 4

Assessmentpathway

Assessm entpathway IntermediateAssessm entPathway

Extentincludingpastandproposed 0.025 ha

Extentofpastremoval 0.000 ha

Extentofproposedremoval 0.025 ha

No. Largetreesproposedtoberemoved 0

Locationcategoryofproposedremoval Location2 ThenativevegetationisinanareamappedasanendangeredEcological VegetationClass(asperthestatewideEVC map). Removaloflessthan0.5 hectaresofnativevegetationinthislocationwillnothaveasignificantimpact onanyhabitatforarareorthreatenedspecies.

1. Location m ap

Page1 Nativevegetationremovalreport

Offsetrequirementsifapermitisgranted

Anyapprovalgrantedwillincludeaconditiontoobtainanoffsetthatmeetsthefollowingrequirements:

Generaloffsetamount1 0.013 generalhabitatunits

Vicinity W estGippslandCatchmentManagementAuthority(CMA) orBassCoast ShireCouncil Minimum strategicbiodiversityvalue 0.512 score2 Largetrees 0 largetrees

NB: valueswithintablesinthisdocumentmaynotaddtothetotalsshownaboveduetorounding Appendix1 includesinformationaboutthenativevegetationtoberemoved Appendix2 includesinformationabouttherareorthreatenedspeciesmappedatthesite. Appendix3 includesmapsshowingnativevegetationtoberemovedandextractsofrelevantspecieshabitatimportancemaps

1 Thegeneraloffsetamountrequiredisthesum ofallgeneralhabitatunitsinAppendix1.

2 Minimum strategicbiodiversityscoreis80 percentoftheweightedaveragescoreacrosshabitatzoneswhereageneraloffsetisrequired

Page2 Nativevegetationremovalreport

Nextsteps

Anyproposaltoremovenativevegetationmustmeettheapplicationrequirementsofthe IntermediateAssessmentPathwayand itwillbeassessedundertheIntermediateAssessmentPathway.

Ifyouwishtoremovethemappednativevegetationyouarerequiredtoapplyforapermitfrom yourlocalcouncil. Councilwill referyourapplicationtoDELW P forassessment, asrequired. Thisreportisnotareferralassessm entbyDELW P.

ThisNativevegetationremovalreportmustbesubmittedwithyourapplicationforapermittoremove, destroyorlopnative vegetation.

RefertotheGuidelinesfortheremoval,destructionorloppingofnativevegetation(theGuidelines) forafulllistofapplication requirementsThisreportprovidesinformationthatmeetsthefollowingapplicationrequirements: ' Theassessmentpathwayandreasonfortheassessmentpathway ' A descriptionofthenativevegetationtoberemoved(metunlessyouwishtoincludeasiteassessment) ' Mapsshowingthenativevegetationandproperty ' Theoffsetrequirementsdeterminedinaccordancewithsection5 oftheGuidelinesthatapplyifapprovalisgrantedto removenativevegetation.

Additionalapplicationrequirementsmustbemetincluding: ' Topographicalandlandinformation ' Recentdatedphotographs ' Detailsofpastnativevegetationremoval ' Anavoidandminimisestatement ' A copyofanyPropertyVegetationPlanthatapplies ' A defendablespacestatementasapplicable ' A statementabouttheNativeVegetationPrecinctPlanasapplicable ' Anoffsetstatementthatexplainsthatanoffsethasbeenidentifiedandhow itwillbesecured.

© TheStateofVictoriaDepartmentofEnvironment, Land, W aterandPlanning Disclaimer Melbourne2020 ThispublicationmaybeofassistancetoyoubuttheStateofVictoriaandits employeesdonotguaranteethatthepublicationiswithoutflaw ofanykindoris ThisworkislicensedunderaCreativeCommonsAttribution4.0 International whollyappropriateforyourparticularpurposesandthereforedisclaimsallliability licence. Youarefreetore-usetheworkunderthatlicence, ontheconditionthat foranyerror, lossorotherconsequencewhichmayarisefrom yourelyingon youcredittheStateofVictoriaasauthor. Thelicencedoesnotapplytoany anyinformationinthispublication. images, photographsorbranding, includingtheVictorianCoatofArms, the VictorianGovernmentlogoandtheDepartmentofEnvironment, Land, W ater Obtainingthispublicationdoesnotguaranteethatanapplicationwillmeetthe andPlanninglogo. Toview acopyofthislicence, visit requirementsofClauses52.16 or52.17 oftheVictoriaPlanningProvisionsand http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/34.0/au/deed.en Victorianplanningschemesorthatapermittoremovenativevegetationwillbe granted. AuthorisedbytheVictorianGovernment, 8 NicholsonStreet, EastMelbourne. Notwithstandinganythingelsecontainedinthispublication, youmustensurethat FormoreinformationcontacttheDELW P CustomerServiceCentre136 186 youcomplywithallrelevantlaws, legislation, awardsorordersandthatyou obtainandcomplywithallpermits, approvalsandthelikethataffect, are applicableorarenecessarytoundertakeanyactiontoremove, lopordestroyor otherwisedealwithanynativevegetationorthatapplytomatterswithinthe scopeofClauses52.16 or52.17 oftheVictoriaPlanningProvisionsand Victorianplanningschemes. www.delwp.vic.gov.au

Page3 Appendix1: Descriptionofnativevegetationtoberemoved

Allzonesrequireageneraloffset,thegeneralhabitatunitseachzoneiscalculatedbythefollowingequationinaccordancewiththeGuidelines: Generalhabitatunits=extentxconditionxgenerallandscapefactorx1.5,wherethegenerallandscapefactor=0.5+(strategicbiodiversityvaluescore/2) Thegeneraloffsetamountrequiredisthesum ofallgeneralhabitatunitsperzone.

Nativevegetationtoberemoved

InformationprovidedbyoronbehalfoftheapplicantinaGISfile InformationcalculatedbyEnSym

BioEVC Extent Large Partial Condition Polygon SBV HI Zone Type BioEVC conservation without H abitat Offsettype tree(s) removal score Extent score score status overlap units

1-A Patch gipp0053_61 Endangered 0 no 0.420 0.014 0.014 0.640 0.007 General

2-A Patch gipp0053_61 Endangered 0 no 0.420 0.011 0.011 0.640 0.006 General

Page4 Appendix2: Informationaboutimpactsto_O_S \_ aV_SOaS[SR `]SQWS`j VOPWaOa` \[ `WaS

ThisisnotapplicableintheIntermediateAssessmentPathway.

Page5 Appendix3 i Imagesofmappednativevegetation 2. Strategicbiodiversityvaluesm ap

3. Aerialphotograph showing m apped nativevegetation

Page6 4. Map ofthepropertyin context

Yellow boundariesdenoteareasofproposednativevegetationremoval.

Page7

APPENDIX 3 AVAILABLE NATIVE VEGETATION CREDITS

Biodiversity Assessment: Kilcunda Pump Station, Victoria 30 Report of available native vegetation credits

This report lists native vegetation credits available to purchase through the Native Vegetation Credit Register.

This report is not evidence that an offset has been secured. An offset is only secured when the units have been purchased and allocated to a permit or other approval and an allocated credit extract is provided by the Native Vegetation Credit Register.

Date and time: 13/11/2020 09:30 Report ID: 6701

What was searched for?

General offset

General Strategic Large Vicinity (Catchment Management Authority or Municipal district) habitat units biodiversity value trees

0.013 0.512 0 CMA West Gippsland

or LGA Bass Coast Shire

Details of available native vegetation credits on 13 November 2020 09:30

These sites meet your requirements for general offsets.

Credit Site ID GHU LT CMA LGA Land Trader Fixed Broker(s) owner price

BBA-0115 2.996 0 West Gippsland East Gippsland Shire Yes Yes No Bio Offsets

BBA-0119 6.752 73 West Gippsland South Gippsland Shire Yes Yes No VegLink

BBA-0128 0.500 0 West Gippsland Baw Baw Shire Yes Yes No VegLink

BBA-0138 24.007 1605 West Gippsland Wellington Shire Yes Yes No Ecocentric

BBA-0759 18.868 659 West Gippsland Wellington Shire Yes Yes No Contact NVOR

BBA-1041 8.504 212 West Gippsland Wellington Shire Yes Yes No Bio Offsets, Ethos, VegLink

BBA-1041 0.600 0 West Gippsland Wellington Shire Yes Yes Yes VegLink

BBA-1146 1.194 8 West Gippsland South Gippsland Shire Yes Yes No Contact NVOR

BBA-2320 0.186 8 West Gippsland Wellington Shire Yes Yes No VegLink

BBA-2321 3.176 196 West Gippsland Wellington Shire Yes Yes No Bio Offsets, VegLink

BBA-2348 0.103 0 West Gippsland Wellington Shire Yes Yes No Contact NVOR

BBA-2623 24.559 892 West Gippsland Baw Baw Shire Yes Yes No Contact NVOR

BBA-2751 10.316 0 West Gippsland Wellington Shire Yes Yes No Contact NVOR

BBA-2766 92.457 522 West Gippsland Wellington Shire Yes Yes No Contact NVOR

BBA-2810 7.758 613 West Gippsland Latrobe City Yes Yes No VegLink

BBA-2833 5.008 17 West Gippsland Wellington Shire Yes Yes No Ethos

BBA-2833 0.400 3 West Gippsland Wellington Shire No Yes Yes Ethos

BBA-2839 0.929 14 West Gippsland Baw Baw Shire Yes Yes No Contact NVOR

BBA-2845 28.727 1080 West Gippsland Baw Baw Shire Yes Yes No Contact NVOR

BBA-2849 2.678 0 West Gippsland Wellington Shire Yes Yes No VegLink BBA-2850 5.888 0 West Gippsland Latrobe City Yes Yes No VegLink

BBA-2855 2.924 9 West Gippsland Wellington Shire Yes Yes No VegLink

BBA-2875 33.223 1056 West Gippsland Wellington Shire Yes Yes No Abezco

TFN-C0698 4.036 118 West Gippsland East Gippsland Shire Yes Yes No Ecocentric, Ethos, VegLink

TFN-C0977 2.959 54 West Gippsland Baw Baw Shire Yes Yes No TFN

TFN-C1442 0.824 9 West Gippsland Baw Baw Shire Yes Yes No TFN

TFN-C1692 2.291 324 West Gippsland South Gippsland Shire Yes Yes No Ecocentric, Ethos, VegLink

TFN-C1734 0.425 1 West Gippsland Wellington Shire Yes Yes No Ecocentric, Ethos

TFN-C1893 0.275 11 West Gippsland Wellington Shire Yes Yes No Ecocentric, Ethos

VC_CFL- 5.910 14 West Gippsland Wellington Shire Yes Yes No VegLink 2320_02

These sites meet your requirements using alternative arrangements for general offsets.

Credit Site ID GHU LT CMA LGA Land Trader Fixed Broker(s) owner price There are no sites listed in the Native Vegetation Credit Register that meet your offset requirements when applying the alternative arrangements as listed in section 11.2 of the Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation.

These potential sites are not yet available, land owners may finalise them once a buyer is confirmed.

Credit Site ID GHU LT CMA LGA Land Trader Fixed Broker(s) owner price There are no potential sites listed in the Native Vegetation Credit Register that meet your offset requirements.

LT - Large Trees CMA - Catchment Management Authority LGA - Municipal District or Local Government Authority Next steps If applying for approval to remove native vegetation Attach this report to an application to remove native vegetation as evidence that your offset requirement is currently available.

If you have approval to remove native vegetation Below are the contact details for all brokers. Contact the broker(s) listed for the credit site(s) that meet your offset requirements. These are shown in the above tables. If more than one broker or site is listed, you should get more than one quote before deciding which offset to secure.

Broker contact details

Broker Broker Name Phone Email Website Abbreviation Abezco Abzeco Pty. Ltd. (03) 9431 5444 [email protected] www.abzeco.com.au

Baw Baw SC Baw Baw Shire Council (03) 5624 2411 [email protected] www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au

Bio Offsets Biodiversity Offsets Victoria 0452 161 013 [email protected] www.offsetsvictoria.com.au

Contact NVOR Native Vegetation Offset 136 186 nativevegetation.offsetregister@d www.environment.vic.gov.au/nativ Register elwp.vic.gov.au e-vegetation Ecocentric Ecocentric Environmental 0410 564 139 [email protected] Not avaliable Consulting Ethos Ethos NRM Pty Ltd (03) 5153 0037 [email protected] www.ethosnrm.com.au

Nillumbik SC Nillumbik Shire Council (03) 9433 3316 [email protected] www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au

TFN Trust for Nature 8631 5888 [email protected] www.trustfornature.org.au

VegLink Vegetation Link Pty Ltd (03) 8578 4250 or [email protected] www.vegetationlink.com.au 1300 834 546 Yarra Ranges SC Yarra Ranges Shire 1300 368 333 [email protected] www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au Council c.gov.au

© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Disclaimer Planning 2020 This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind This work is licensed under a Creative Commons or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims Attribution 4.0 International licence. You are free to re-use all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from the work under that licence, on the condition that you you relying on any information in this publication. credit the State of Victoria as author. The licence does not apply to any Obtaining this publication does not guarantee that the credits shown will be images, photographs or branding, including the Victorian Coat of Arms, the available in the Native Vegetation Credit Register either now or at a later Victorian Government logo and the Department of Environment, Land, time when a purchase of native vegetation credits is planned. Water and Planning (DELWP) logo. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Notwithstanding anything else contained in this publication, you must ensure that you comply with all relevant laws, legislation, awards or orders and that For more information contact the DELWP Customer Service Centre 136 186 you obtain and comply with all permits, approvals and the like that affect, or the Native Vegetation Credit Register at are applicable or are necessary to undertake any action to remove, lop or [email protected] destroy or otherwise deal with any native vegetation or that apply to matters within the scope of Clauses 52.16 or 52.17 of the Victoria Planning Provisions and Victorian planning schemes