Vic Ecology FF Long Report Template

7. Appendices

Appendix 1 Flora

Notes to tables:

EPBC Act: DEPI 2014a: C - 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 (66 native, 87 weeds) recorded from the study area

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

Status Scientific Name Common Name Threatened species v, P,L Carex tasmanica Rush Sedge Ee, P,L Dianella amoena Matted Flax-lily Indigenous species P Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood Acacia paradoxa Hedge Wattle Acaena echinata Sheep's Burr Amphibromus nervosus Common Swamp Wallaby-grass Anthosachne scabra Common Wheat-grass Arthropodium minus Small Vanilla-lily Arthropodium strictum Chocolate Lily Asperula conferta Common Woodruff Austrostipa mollis Supple Spear-grass Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata Rough Spear-grass Carex bichenoviana Plains Sedge Carex inversa Knob Sedge Carex tereticaulis Poong'ort Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia Green Rock-fern Convolvulus angustissimus subsp. angustissimus Blushing Bindweed Crassula decumbens var. decumbens Spreading Crassula Crassula sieberiana Sieber Crassula

Status Scientific Name Common Name Dianella admixa Blank-anther Flax-lily Dichelachne crinita Long-hair Plume-grass Eleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedge Epilobium billardierianum Variable Willow-herb Epilobium hirtigerum Hairy Willow-herb Eryngium ovinum Blue Devil Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red-gum Eucalyptus ovata Swamp Gum P Euchiton involucratus Star Cudweed Geranium retrorsum Grassland Crane's-bill Geranium sp. 5 Naked Crane's-bill Hypericum gramineum spp. agg. Small St John's Wort Isolepis cernua var. platycarpa Broad-fruit Club-sedge Juncus amabilis Hollow Rush Juncus bufonius Toad Rush Juncus homalocaulis Wiry Rush Juncus procerus Tall Rush Juncus subsecundus Finger Rush Lomandra filiformis subsp. filiformis Wattle Mat-rush Lythrum hyssopifolia Small Loosestrife Melicytus dentatus Tree Violet Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping Grass Oxalis perennans Grassland Wood-sorrel Pimelea curviflora Curved Rice-flower Pimelea humilis Common Rice-flower Poa sieberiana var. hirtella Grey Tussock-grass Poa sieberiana var. sieberiana Grey Tussock-grass r, # Rhagodia parabolica Fragrant Saltbush Rumex brownii Slender Dock Rumex dumosus Wiry Dock Rytidosperma caespitosum Common Wallaby-grass Rytidosperma carphoides Short Wallaby-grass Rytidosperma duttonianum Brown-back Wallaby-grass Rytidosperma erianthum Hill Wallaby-grass Rytidosperma fulvum Copper-awned Wallaby-grass Rytidosperma geniculatum Kneed Wallaby-grass Rytidosperma racemosum var. racemosum Slender Wallaby-grass Rytidosperma setaceum Bristly Wallaby-grass Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani River Club-sedge Schoenus apogon Common Bog-sedge P Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass Tricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lily

Status Scientific Name Common Name Typha domingensis Narrow-leaf Cumbungi Veronica gracilis Slender Speedwell Wahlenbergia communis Tufted Bluebell Introduced species Acetosella vulgaris Sheep Sorrel Agrostis capillaris Brown-top Bent Aira cupaniana Quicksilver Grass

RR Allium vineale Crow Garlic Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass Arctotheca calendula Cape Weed Avena barbata Bearded Oat Brassica fruticulosa Twiggy Turnip Briza maxima Large Quaking-grass Briza minor Lesser Quaking-grass Bromus diandrus Great Brome Bromus hordeaceus subsp. hordeaceus Soft Brome Callitriche stagnalis Common Water-starwort Cenchrus clandestinus Kikuyu Cerastium glomeratum s.s. Sticky Mouse-ear Chickweed RC Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Cotula coronopifolia Water Buttons

RC Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn RC Cynara cardunculus subsp. flavescens Artichoke Thistle Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon Couch Cynosurus echinatus Rough Dog's-tail Cyperus eragrostis Drain Flat-sedge Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot RC Echium plantagineum Paterson's Curse Ehrharta erecta var. erecta Panic Veldt-grass Ehrharta longiflora Annual Veldt-grass Erodium moschatum Musky Heron's-bill Festuca arundinacea Tall Fescue Galium aparine Cleavers Galium murale Small Goosegrass Geranium dissectum Cut-leaf Crane's-bill Hainardia cylindrica Common Barb-grass Helminthotheca echioides Ox-tongue Hirschfeldia incana Buchan Weed Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Hordeum leporinum Barley-grass Hordeum marinum Sea Barley-grass RC Hypericum perforatum subsp. veronense St John's Wort Hypochaeris glabra Smooth Cat's-ear

Status Scientific Name Common Name Hypochaeris radicata Flatweed Leontodon taraxacoides subsp. taraxacoides Hairy Hawkbit Lepidium africanum Common Peppercress Lolium multiflorum Italian Rye-grass Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass Lolium rigidum Wimmera Rye-grass

RC Lycium ferocissimum African Box-thorn Lysimachia arvensis Pimpernel Malva nicaeensis Mallow of Nice Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic Modiola caroliniana Red-flower Mallow Nassella leucotricha Texas Needle-grass SP Nassella charruana Lobed Needle-grass RR Nassella neesiana Chilean Needle-grass RC Nassella trichotoma Serrated Tussock Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum Paspalum distichum Water Couch Petrorhagia dubia Velvety Pink Phalaris aquatica Toowoomba Canary-grass Pinus radiata Radiata Pine Plantago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Polycarpon tetraphyllum Four-leaved Allseed Polypogon monspeliensis Annual Beard-grass Prunus cerasifera Cherry Plum Ranunculus muricatus Sharp Buttercup Rapistrum rugosum Giant Mustard Romulea rosea Onion Grass RC Rosa rubiginosa Sweet Briar Rubus anglocandicans Common Blackberry Rumex conglomeratus Clustered Dock Rumex crispus Curled Dock Schinus molle Pepper Tree Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade Sonchus asper Rough Sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle Tragopogon porrifolius subsp. porrifolius Salsify Trifolium angustifolium var. angustifolium Narrow-leaf Clover Trifolium campestre var. campestre Hop Clover Trifolium dubium Suckling Clover Trifolium glomeratum Cluster Clover Trifolium repens var. repens White Clover

Status Scientific Name Common Name Trifolium resupinatum Shaftal Clover Trifolium striatum Knotted Clover Trifolium subterraneum Subterranean Clover Vicia sativa Common Vetch Vulpia bromoides Squirrel-tail Fescue

A1.2 Listed flora species

Table A1.2. Listed flora species recorded / predicted to occur within 5 km of the study area. 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 06.12.2016).

Scientific Common Conservation Most Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for name name status recent records occurrence in likelihood ranking EPBC VIC FFG database study area record National significance Amphibromus River Swamp VU 2006 PMST Swampy areas, mainly along the Murray River Low Heavily disturbed fluitans Wallaby-grass between Wodonga and Echuca with scattered habitat records from southern Victoria. Dianella Matted Flax- EN e L 2011 PMST Lowland grassland and grassy woodland, on Recorded 19 plants recorded amoena lily well-drained to seasonally waterlogged fertile sandy loam soils to heavy cracking clays. Diuris Small Golden EN e L 1902 Plains Grassland dominated by tussock-forming Low Heavily disturbed basaltica Moths perennial grasses (including Kangaroo Grass); habitat and no current often with embedded surface basalt. local records

Glycine Clover Glycine VU v L PMST Grasslands and grassy woodlands, particularly Negligible No suitable habitat latrobeana those dominated by Kangaroo Grass.

Lachnagrostis Adamson's EN v L PMST Low-lying, seasonally wet or swampy areas of Negligible No suitable habitat adamsonii Blown-grass plains communities, often in slightly saline conditions. Leucochrysum White Sunray EN e L PMST Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plains, Low Heavily disturbed albicans var. primarily on acidic clay soils derived from basalt, habitat tricolor with occasional occurrences on adjacent sedimentary, sandy-clay soils.

Pimelea Spiny Rice- CR e L PMST Primarily grasslands featuring a moderate Negligible Outside natural range spinescens flower diversity of other native species and inter- subsp. tussock spaces, although also recorded in spinescens grassland dominated by introduced perennial grasses. Prasophyllum Maroon Leek- EN e L PMST Grassland and grassy woodland environments Negligible No suitable habitat frenchii orchid on sandy or black clay loam soils that are generally damp but well drained.

Pterostylis Leafy VU v L PMST Sand dune scrubs in coastal areas, and inland Negligible No suitable habitat cucullata Greenhood on slopes and river flats in moist foothill and montane forests. Senecio Large-headed VU e L PMST Grassland, shrubland and woodland habitats on Low Heavily disturbed macrocarpus Fireweed heavy soils subject to waterlogging and/or habitat and no current drought conditions in summer. local records

Thelymitra Spiral Sun- VU v L PMST Typically on well-drained soils on slightly Negligible No suitable habitat matthewsii orchid elevated sites, but also on coastal sandy flats. Often in open situations following disturbance. State significance Amphibromus Plump e L 2000 Seasonally damp depressions in grassland or Low Heavily disturbed pithogastrus Swamp grassy wetland. habitat Wallaby-grass Callitriche Winged r 2000 Damp, periodically waterlogged sites; swamps Low Heavily disturbed umbonata Water- and shallow freshwater ponds. habitat starwort Carex Curly Sedge v L 2004 Seasonally wet areas, such as around drainage Recorded Scattered individuals tasmanica lines and freshwater swamps, on fertile, clay present in rocky areas soils derived from basalt. associated with Edgars Creek. Comesperma Small v L 2000 Grasslands on the western basalt plains; less Low Heavily disturbed polygaloides Milkwort commonly in grassy woodlands between habitat Bendigo and the Wimmera.

Coronidium Pale Swamp v 1998 Widespread and sometimes locally common, Low Heavily disturbed gunnianum Everlasting particulary in high-rainfall areas of Victoria; habitat often in moist sites in open forests and woodlands. Cullen tenax Tough Scurf- e L 2000 Lowland grasslands, including pastures and High Recorded from similar pea occasionally in otherwise disturbed grassy habitat in local area areas. Cullen parvum Small Scurf- e L 2012 Lowland grasslands, including pastures and High Recorded from similar pea occasionally in otherwise disturbed grassy habitat in adjacent areas. property Dianella Swamp Flax- r 2002 Dense heathland and woodlands often in Low Heavily disturbed callicarpa lily waterlogged sites. habitat

Dianella sp. Arching Flax- v 2010 The habitat requirements of this species are Medium Heavily disturbed aff. longifolia lily poorly known. habitat (Benambra) Eucalyptus X Studley Park e 2004 Hybrid between Swamp Gum and River Red- Low Would have been studleyensis Gum gum observed Geranium Austral v 2005 Grasslands or grassy woodlands where Medium Potential habitat and solanderi var. Crane's-bill hydrology is not a limiting factor. local records solanderi s.s. Geranium sp. Pale-flower r 2009 Grasslands and dry woodlands. Medium Potential habitat and 3 Crane's-bill local records Goodia Western r 2001 Drier sites within wet or dry sclerophyll forests. Low Likely to have been medicaginea Golden-tip eliminated but current land-use. Lachnagrostis Purple Blown- r 2000 Wet marshes and slightly saline swamps and Medium Potential habitat and punicea grass depressions in plains communities. local records subsp. punicea Melaleuca Giant Honey- r 2005 Near coastal heath/scrub, rocky coast and Negligible Considered and armillaris myrtle foothill outcrops. environmental weed subsp. in the Melbourne area armillaris

Nicotiana Austral r 1901 Areas of sandy or gravelly soil, typically Negligible No suitable habitat suaveolens Tobacco associated with streams, gullies and other drainage lines; also grasslands and escarpment shrublands. Paspalidium Spreading e 2008 Woodlands and scrub on poor soils. Medium Potential habitat and distans Panic-grass local records Ranunculus Brackish r 1998 Seasonally wet clay soils on the fringes of lakes. Medium Potential habitat and diminutus Plains local records Buttercup Tripogon Rye Beetle- r 2005 Dry sites in association with escarpments and Medium Potential habitat and loliiformis grass rocky outcrops. local records

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.

A2.1 Listed fauna species The following table includes a list of the listed fauna species that have potential to occur within the study area. The list of species is sourced from the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas and the Protected Matters Search Tool (DoE; accessed on 06.12.2016).

Table A2.1. Listed fauna species recorded, or predicted to occur, within 5 km of the detailed study area.

Scientific name Common name Conservation Most recent Other Habitat description Likely Rationale for status database records occurrence likelihood EPBC VIC FFG record in study area ranking National significance

Pedionomus Plains-wanderer CR cr L 1991 Native grassland with a sparse, open Negligible No habitat present. torquatus structure.

Numenius Eastern Curlew CR vu PMST Large intertidal sandflats, banks, mudflats, Negligible No habitat present. madagascariensis estuaries, inlets, sewage farms, saltworks, harbours, coastal lagoons and bays.

Calidris Curlew CR en PMST Large intertidal sandflats, banks, mudflats, Negligible No habitat present. ferruginea Sandpiper estuaries, inlets, sewage farms, saltworks, harbours, coastal lagoons and bays.

Rostratula Australian EN cr L PMST Shallows of well-vegetated freshwater Negligible No habitat present. australis Painted Snipe wetlands. Botaurus Australasian EN en L PMST Shallow freshwater and brackish wetlands Low May rarely forage poiciloptilus Bittern with abundant emergent aquatic vegetation. along Edgars Creek

Polytelis Superb Parrot VU en L 1930 Red-gum and box-dominated forests and Negligible No habitat present. swainsonii woodlands. Lathamus Swift Parrot CR en L 1990 A range of forests and woodlands, especially Low May rarely forage discolor those supporting nectar-producing tree in the eucalypts species. present Grantiella picta Painted VU vu L PMST Dry open woodlands and forests. Typically Negligible No habitat present. Honeyeater forages for fruit and nectar in mistletoes and in tree canopies.

Anthochaera Regent CR cr L 1991 A range of dry woodlands and forests Negligible Extinct in southern phrygia Honeyeater dominated by nectar-producing tree Victoria species. Dasyurus Spot-tailed Quoll EN en L 1882 Rainforest and wet and dry sclerophyll Negligible No habitat present. maculatus forests and woodlands. maculatus (SE mainland population) Dasyurus Eastern Quoll EN rx L 1882 The Eastern Quoll is a medium-sized Negligible Extinct on mainland viverrinus carnivorous marsupial that once occupied a Australia broad range of forest, woodland and grassland habitats in Victoria.

Petauroides Greater Glider VU vu PMST Wet and damp sclerophyll forest with large Negligible No habitat present. volans hollow-bearing trees. Pteropus Grey-headed VU vu L 2010 Rainforest, wet and dry sclerophyll forest, Medium May forage in poliocephalus Flying-fox woodland and urban areas. flowering eucalypts Delma impar Striped Legless VU en L 1990 Natural temperate grassland, grassy Low Targeted salvage in Lizard woodland and exotic grassland. adjacent property (2013) failed to detect this species Litoria raniformis Growling Grass VU en L 2012 Still or slow-flowing waterbodies and Medium Known to occur in Frog surrounding terrestrial vegetation. close proximity to the north and south. Edgars Creek is a likely habitat corridor. Prototroctes Australian VU vu L PMST Adults inhabit cool, clear, freshwater Negligible No habitat present. maraena Grayling streams.

Galaxiella pusilla Dwarf Galaxias VU en L PMST Slow-flowing or still freshwater wetlands Negligible No habitat present. such as swamps, drains and backwaters of streams.

Maccullochella Murray Cod VU vu L PMST A diverse range of stream habitats in the Negligible No habitat present. peelii peelii Murray-Darling basin; principally the main channels of rivers and their major tributaries. Nannoperca Yarra Pygmy VU vu L PMST Lakes, pools and slow-flowing streams with Negligible No habitat present. obscura Perch abundant aquatic vegetation.

Synemon plana Golden Sun CR cr L 2011 Natural temperate grassland, grassy Recorded Recorded during Moth woodland and pasture supporting spear targeted surveys in grasses and wallaby grasses and exotic 2016 grassland dominated by Chilean needle grass. State significance Lewinia pectoralis Lewin's Rail vu L 1950 Swamps, dense riparian vegetation and Medium Potential habitat saltmarsh. present Porzana pusilla Baillon's Crake vu L 2012 Well-vegetated permanent and temporary High Recorded using fresh and brackish wetlands. Edgar Creek in 2012 Hydroprogne Caspian Tern nt L 2012 Estuaries, inlets, bays, lagoons, inland lakes, Negligible No habitat present. caspia flooded pasture, sewage ponds.

Larus pacificus Pacific Gull nt L 2012 Sandy and, less often, rocky coasts usually in Negligible No habitat present. areas protected from ocean swells, such as bays estuaries and lagoons.

Gallinago Latham's Snipe nt N 2012 PMST A migrant to Australia from July to April Medium Species uses a hardwickii occurring in a wide variety of permanent wide variety of and ephemeral wetlands. degraded wetland habitats Burhinus Bush Stone- en L 1940 Open woodland, treed farmland. Negligible No habitat present. grallarius curlew Egretta garzetta Little Egret en L 1991 Swamps, billabongs, floodplain pools, Medium Species uses a mudflats, mangroves and channels; breeds wide variety of in trees standing in water. degraded wetland habitats

Ardea modesta Eastern Great vu L 2012 Flooded crops, pasture, swamps, lagoons, Medium Species uses a Egret saltmarsh, sewage ponds, estuaries, dams, wide variety of roadside ditches. Breeds in trees standing degraded wetland in water. habitats

Anas rhynchotis Australasian vu 1999 Prefers large, permanent lakes and swamps Negligible No habitat present. Shoveler with deep water, stable conditions and abundant aquatic vegetation.

Stictonetta Freckled Duck en L 2006 Large freshwater wetlands, generally with Negligible No habitat present. naevosa dense vegetation.

Aythya australis Hardhead vu 2010 A mainly aquatic species preferring large, Negligible No habitat present. deep freshwater environments with abundant aquatic vegetation, including slow moving areas of rivers. Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck en L 1997 Open or densely vegetated wetlands. Negligible No habitat present. Biziura lobata Musk Duck vu 1991 A largely aquatic species preferring deep Negligible No habitat present. water on large, permanent swamps, lakes and estuaries with abundant aquatic vegetation. Accipiter Grey Goshawk vu L 1991 Rainforest, gallery forest, tall wet forest and Low Poor quality novaehollandiae woodland. Also partially cleared agricultural habitat and no land. recent records

Falco subniger Black Falcon vu 2003 Woodlands, open country and around Medium Likely to use the terrestrial wetlands areas, including rivers airspace above the and creeks. Mostly hunts over open plains study area and undulating land with large tracts of low vegetation. Ninox connivens Barking Owl en L 1991 Eucalypt forests and woodlands. Medium Habitat present and local records Hirundapus White-throated vu 1990 PMST An almost exclusively aerial species within High Likely to use the caudacutus Needletail Australia, occurring over most types of airspace above the habitat, particularly wooded areas. study area

Pomatostomus Grey-crowned en L 1930 Open forests and woodlands. Negligible No habitat present. temporalis Babbler

Stagonopleura Diamond Firetail vu L 1991 Open forests and woodlands with a grassy Low Poor quality guttata ground layer. habitat and no recent records Emydura Murray Short- vu 1993 A medium sized freshwater turtle that Negligible No habitat present. macquarii necked Turtle inhabits inland river systems including the Murray-Darling catchment.

Pogona barbata Bearded Dragon vu 1990 Woodlands, forests and heathlands with Negligible No habitat present. abundant cover of course woody debris. Pseudemoia Tussock Skink vu 2008 On the ground in a range of grasslands or High Habitat present pagenstecheri sparse grassy woodlands from alps to coast. and local records

Pseudophryne Brown Toadlet en L 1990 A wide variety of woodland, forest and Low Poor quality bibronii grassland habitats. habitat and no recent records Pseudophryne Southern vu 1965 A variety of habitats such as open forests, Low Poor quality semimarmorata Toadlet lowland woodlands and heathlands where habitat and no adults shelter beneath leaf litter and other recent records debris in moist soaks and depressions.

Macquaria Golden Perch vu 1990 Warm, turbid, sluggish, inland rivers and Negligible No habitat present. ambigua their associated backwaters and billabongs. Naturally occurs north of the Great Dividing Range, in the Murray-Darling River system.

A2.2 Migratory species (EPBC Act listed)

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

Scientific name Common name Most recent record Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern 2012 Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew PMST Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank PMST Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper PMST Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint 2012 Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe 2012 Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret 2012 Pandion cristatus Eastern Osprey PMST Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater 1990 Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail 1990 Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift 1991 Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail 2004 Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher PMST Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch PMST Acrocephalus stentoreus Clamorous Reed Warbler 2010 Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail PMST Ardea ibis Cattle Egret 2009

Appendix 3 Photos of the study area

Plate 1: Broad areas of Chilean Needle-grass dominated grassland in the north of the property with patches of Paterson's Curse.

Plate 2: Farm dam in the north of the study area lacks fringing vegetation and has little in the way of aquatic flora.

Plate 3: O'Herns Road is dominated by introduced grasses with scattered Blackwoods.

Plate 4: A rocky rise in the north east of the property is fringed by River Red-gums and otherwise dominated by native grasses, herbs and small shrubs.

Plate 5: The central farm dam also supports little in the way of native species.

Plate 6: The western house and associated outbuildings are fringed by stands of mature ad regenerating River Red-gums with little in the way of an indigenous understorey.

Plate 7: Scattered mature paddock trees include this single Swamp Gum Eucalyptus ovata.

Plate 8: Mature River Red-gums and surrounding regeneration provide patches of Plains Grassy Woodland.

Plate 9: The western house and associated outbuildings are fringed by stands of mature ad regenerating River Red-gums. Open grassy areas are weedy and include an open to dense cover of woody weeds.

Plate 10: Small patches of Plains Grassy Wetland are dominated by Swamp Wallaby-grass and Common Spike-sedge.

Plate 11: The old racetrack is dominated by Patersons Curse.

Plate 12: A western rocky rise supports Black Wattle, Hedge Wattle and a variety of native grasses and herbs.

Plate 13: The central area supports large areas dominated by Artichoke Thistle.

Plate 14: Good quality grassland on gilgai soils along the western margin.

Plate 15: The margins of Edgars Creek support scattered patches classified as Creekline Tussock Grassland.

Plate 16: Scattered ponds along Edgars Creek provide habitat for Growling Grass Frog.

Plate 17: Rocky platforms south of Edgars Creek support a high weed cover but still have areas dominated by native grasses.

Plate 18: A saline scald in the centre of the study area is dominated by weeds and is not Golden Sun Moth habitat.

Plate 19: Scattered Fragrant Saltbush protected by Boxthorn under River Red-gums.

Plate 20: river Red-gums within the house area occur as scattered individuals and small patches.

Appendix 4 Vegetation assessment results

A4.1: The habitat scores for each habitat zone (Figure 2).

Habitat Zone ID 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 PG PG PG PGW PGW PGWet CTG EVC: Name / # 132- 132- 132- 55 55 125 654 61 61 61 Max Score Score Total Large Old Trees 10 10 0 NA NA NA NA NA Canopy Cover 5 5 5 NA NA NA NA NA Lack of Weeds 15 0 0 7 4 0 9 4

Understorey 25 5 5 15 15 5 15 5 Recruitment 10 1 1 10 10 3 6 3 Site Site Organic Matter 5 3 3 5 5 5 5 4 Condition Logs 5 0 0 NA NA NA NA NA 24 14 37 34 13 35 16 Total Site Score Standardised Score 24 14 50.45 46.36 17.72 47.72 21.82 Patch Size 10 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Neighbourhood 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Distance to Core 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Value Total Landscape

Landscape 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Score HABITAT SCORE 100 26 16 52.45 48.36 19.72 49.72 23.82 Habitat points = #/100 1 0.26 0.16 0.52 0.48 0.20 0.50 0.24 Habitat Zone area (ha) 0.311 0.046 0.755 0.958 0.210 0.085 0.090 2.455 Habitat Hectares (Hha) 0.081 0.007 0.393 0.460 0.042 0.043 0.022 1.048 HZ (ha) Development Zone 0.311 0.046 0.741 0.958 0.210 0.085 0 2.351 Development Zone (Hha) 0.081 0.007 0.385 0.460 0.042 0.043 0 1.018 Notes to table: NA = Not Applicable, PG = Plains Grassland, PGW = Plains Grassy Woodland, PGWet = Plains Grassy Wetland, CTG = Creekline Tussock Grassland

Appendix 5 Potential offset requirements

5.1: BIOR report (Ensym scenario test)

Testing Clearing proposal

This report provides offset requirements for proposed clearing. It DOES NOT represent a Biodiversity Impact and Offset Requirements report required to support applications for permits to remove native vegetation under clause 52.16 or 52.17 of planning schemes in Victoria. It can be used for internal testing of different clearing proposals. Final clearing shapefiles must be submitted to DELWP for processing.

Date of issue: 11/04/2017 Ref: Scenario Testing Time of issue: 9:12 am

Project ID 23682_VegClearing_GDA94VICGRID

Summary of marked native vegetation

Risk-based pathway High

Total extent 3.818 ha

Remnant patches 2.130 ha

Scattered trees 24 trees

Location risk B

Strategic biodiversity score of all 0.243 marked native vegetation

Offset requirements

If the marked vegetation was cleared the following offsets would be applicable.

Offset type General offset

General offset amount (general 0.012 general units biodiversity equivalence units) General offset attributes

Vicinity Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (CMA) or Whittlesea City Council Minimum strategic biodiversity 0.1521 score Offset type Specific offset(s)

Specific offset amount (specific 1.703 specific units of habitat for Matted Flax-lily biodiversity equivalence units) and attributes

NB: values presented in tables throughout this document may not add to totals due to rounding.

1 Minimum strategic biodiversity score is 80 per cent of the weighted average score across habitat zones where a general offset is required Page1

Testing Clearing proposal

Next steps

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

If you wish to remove the marked native vegetation you must submit the related shapefiles to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) for processing, by email to [email protected]. DELWP will provide a Biodiversity impact and offset requirements report that is required to meet the permit application requirements.

Biodiversity impact of removal of native vegetation

Habitat hectares

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

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

1-4-1 0.484 0.200 0.097

2-3-1 0.525 0.295 0.155

3-3-2 0.525 0.088 0.046

4-3-3 0.525 0.052 0.027

5-4-2 0.484 0.147 0.071

6-3-4 0.525 0.018 0.010

7-3-5 0.525 0.020 0.010

8-3-6 0.525 0.128 0.067

9-3-7 0.525 0.047 0.025

10-3-8 0.525 0.088 0.046

11-5-2 0.197 0.030 0.006

12-5-3 0.197 0.078 0.015

13-4-3 0.484 0.610 0.295

14-1-3 0.260 0.059 0.015

15-2-1 0.160 0.021 0.003

16-6-1 0.497 0.033 0.017

17-1-7 0.260 0.033 0.008

18-1-8 0.260 0.031 0.008

19-2-2 0.160 0.025 0.004

20-6-2 0.497 0.051 0.026

21-3-9 0.525 0.002 0.001

22-1-1 0.260 0.006 0.002

23-1-2 0.260 0.023 0.006

24-1-4 0.260 0.002 0.000

Page 2

Testing Clearing proposal

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

25-1-5 0.260 0.017 0.004

26-1-6 0.260 0.024 0.006

27-1-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

28-2-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

29-3-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

30-4-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

31-5-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

32-6-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

33-7-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

34-8-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

35-9-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

36-10-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

37-11-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

38-12-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

39-13-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

40-14-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

41-15-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

42-16-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

43-17-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

44-18-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

45-19-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

46-20-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

47-21-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

48-22-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

49-23-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

50-24-TR 0.200 0.070 0.014

TOTAL 1.310

Impacts on rare or threatened species habitat above specific offset threshold

The specific-general offset test was applied to your proposal. The test determines if the proposed removal of native vegetation has a proportional impact on any rare or threatened species habitats above the specific offset threshold. The threshold is set at 0.005 per cent of the total habitat for a species. When the proportional impact is above the specific offset threshold a specific offset for that species’ habitat is required. The specific-general offset test found your proposal has a proportional impact above the specific offset threshold for the following rare or threatened species’ habitats.

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Testing Clearing proposal

Area of Species Proportional Species common name Species scientific name Species type mapped number impact (%) habitat (ha)

505084 Matted Flax-lily Dianella amoena Dispersed 3.620 0.009 %

Clearing site biodiversity equivalence score(s)

Where a habitat zone requires specific offset(s), the specific biodiversity equivalence score(s) for each species in that habitat zone is calculated by multiplying the habitat hectares of the habitat zone by the habitat importance score for each species impacted in the habitat zone.

Habitat for rare or threatened species Specific Proportion biodiversity Habitat Habitat of habitat Habitat equivalence zone hectares Species Species Species zone with importance score number common name scientific name specific score (SBES) offset Dianella 1-4-1 0.097 97.658 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.646 0.061 amoena Dianella 2-3-1 0.155 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.557 0.086 amoena Dianella 3-3-2 0.046 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.743 0.034 amoena Dianella 4-3-3 0.027 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.760 0.021 amoena Dianella 5-4-2 0.071 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.779 0.056 amoena Dianella 6-3-4 0.010 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.770 0.007 amoena Dianella 7-3-5 0.010 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.480 0.005 amoena Dianella 8-3-6 0.067 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.606 0.041 amoena Dianella 9-3-7 0.025 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.702 0.017 amoena Dianella 10-3-8 0.046 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.743 0.034 amoena Dianella 11-5-2 0.006 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.690 0.004 amoena Dianella 12-5-3 0.015 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.734 0.011 amoena Dianella 13-4-3 0.295 98.997 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.669 0.195 amoena Dianella 14-1-3 0.015 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.707 0.011 amoena Dianella 15-2-1 0.003 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.620 0.002 amoena Dianella 16-6-1 0.017 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.689 0.011 amoena Dianella 17-1-7 0.008 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.744 0.006 amoena

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Testing Clearing proposal

Dianella 18-1-8 0.008 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.760 0.006 amoena Dianella 19-2-2 0.004 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.640 0.003 amoena Dianella 20-6-2 0.026 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.676 0.017 amoena Dianella 21-3-9 0.001 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.470 0.000 amoena Dianella 22-1-1 0.002 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.655 0.001 amoena Dianella 23-1-2 0.006 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.700 0.004 amoena Dianella 24-1-4 0.000 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.750 0.000 amoena Dianella 25-1-5 0.004 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.750 0.003 amoena Dianella 26-1-6 0.006 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.752 0.005 amoena

27-1- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.640 0.009 TR amoena

29-3- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.722 0.010 TR amoena

30-4- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.760 0.011 TR amoena

31-5- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.705 0.010 TR amoena

32-6- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.740 0.010 TR amoena

33-7- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.770 0.011 TR amoena

34-8- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.770 0.011 TR amoena

35-9- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.700 0.010 TR amoena

36-10- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.700 0.010 TR amoena

37-11- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.690 0.010 TR amoena

38-12- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.690 0.010 TR amoena

39-13- Dianella 0.014 18.420 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.640 0.002 TR amoena

40-14- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.700 0.010 TR amoena

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Testing Clearing proposal

41-15- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.620 0.009 TR amoena

42-16- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.664 0.009 TR amoena

43-17- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.658 0.009 TR amoena

44-18- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.631 0.009 TR amoena

45-19- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.675 0.009 TR amoena

46-20- Dianella 0.014 74.342 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.671 0.007 TR amoena

47-21- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.747 0.011 TR amoena

48-22- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.666 0.009 TR amoena

49-23- Dianella 0.014 100.000 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.622 0.009 TR amoena

50-24- Dianella 0.014 41.778 % 505084 Matted Flax-lily 0.630 0.004 TR amoena

There are habitat zones in your proposal which are not habitat for the species above. A general offset is required for the(se) habitat zone(s).

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

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

1-4-1 0.097 2.342 % 0.185 0.000

13-4-3 0.295 1.003 % 0.224 0.001

28-2-TR 0.014 100.000 % 0.189 0.003

39-13-TR 0.014 81.580 % 0.189 0.002

46-20-TR 0.014 25.658 % 0.185 0.001

50-24-TR 0.014 58.222 % 0.190 0.002

Mapped rare or threatened species’ habitats on site

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

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Testing Clearing proposal

Species Species common name Species scientific name number

10019 Red-chested Button-quail Turnix pyrrhothorax

10045 Lewin's Rail Lewinia pectoralis pectoralis

10050 Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla palustris

10154 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

10170 Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis australis

10174 Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius

10186 Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia

10187 Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta

10195 Australian Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus dubius

10197 Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus

10212 Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis

10214 Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa

10215 Hardhead Aythya australis

10216 Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis

10217 Musk Duck Biziura lobata

10220 Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae novaehollandiae

10226 White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster

10230 Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura

10238 Black Falcon Falco subniger

10598 Painted Honeyeater Grantiella picta

12159 Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar

13117 Brown Toadlet Pseudophryne bibronii

13207 Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis

15021 Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana

501084 Purple Diuris Diuris punctata var. punctata

501456 Clover Glycine Glycine latrobeana

503455 Rye Beetle-grass Tripogon loliiformis

503624 Plump Swamp Wallaby-grass Amphibromus pithogastrus

504206 Purple Blown-grass Lachnagrostis punicea subsp. punicea

504314 Brackish Plains Buttercup Ranunculus diminutus

Coronidium scorpioides 'aff. rutidolepis (Lowland 504655 Pale Swamp Everlasting Swamps)' variant

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Testing Clearing proposal

Offset requirements

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

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

Offsets also have required attributes:  General offsets must be located in the same Catchment Management Authority (CMA) boundary or Local Municipal District (local council) as the clearing and must have a minimum strategic biodiversity score of 80 per cent of the clearing.2  Specific offsets must be located in the same species habitat as that being removed, as determined by the habitat importance map for that species.

The offset requirements for your proposal are as follows:

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

Offset must provide habitat for 505084, Matted Flax-lily, Specific 0.852 SBES 2 1.703 specific units Dianella amoena Offset must be within Port Phillip And Westernport CMA or Whittlesea City Council General 0.008 GBES 1.5 0.012 general units Offset must have a minimum strategic biodiversity score of 0.152

2 Strategic biodiversity score is a weighted average across habitat zones where a general offset is required Page 8

Testing Clearing proposal

Images of marked native vegetation

1. Native vegetation location risk map

2. Strategic biodiversity score map

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Testing Clearing proposal

3. Habitat importance maps Matted Flax-lily Dianella amoena 505084

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Testing Clearing proposal

Glossary

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

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

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

푮풆풏풆풓풂풍 풃풊풐풅풊풗풆풓풔풊풕풚 풆풒풖풊풗풂풍풆풏풄풆 풔풄풐풓풆 = 풉풂풃풊풕풂풕 풉풆풄풕풂풓풆풔 × 풔풕풓풂풕풆품풊풄 풃풊풐풅풊풗풆풓풔풊풕풚 풔풄풐풓풆

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

푹풊풔풌 풂풅풋풖풔풕풆풅 품풆풏풆풓풂풍 풃풊풐풅풊풗풆풓풔풊풕풚 풆풒풖풊풗풂풍풆풏풄풆 풔풄풐풓풆 = 품풆풏풆풓풂풍 풃풊풐풅풊풗풆풓풔풊풕풚 풆풒풖풊풗풂풍풆풏풄풆 풔풄풐풓풆 풄풍풆풂풓풊풏품 × ퟏ. ퟓ

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

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

푯풂풃풊풕풂풕 풉풆풄풕풂풓풆풔 = 풕풐풕풂풍 풆풙풕풆풏풕 (풉풆풄풕풂풓풆풔) × 풄풐풏풅풊풕풊풐풏 풔풄풐풓풆

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

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

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Testing Clearing proposal

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

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

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

푹풊풔풌 풇풂풄풕풐풓 풇풐풓 품풆풏풆풓풂풍 풐풇풇풔풆풕풔 = ퟏ. ퟓ

푹풊풔풌 풇풂풄풕풐풓 풇풐풓 풔풑풆풄풊풇풊풄 풐풇풇풔풆풕 = ퟐ

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

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

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

푹풊풔풌 풂풅풋풖풔풕풆풅 풔풑풆풄풊풇풊풄 풃풊풐풅풊풗풆풓풔풊풕풚 풆풒풖풊풗풂풍풆풏풄풆 풔풄풐풓풆 = 풔풑풆풄풊풇풊풄 풃풊풐풅풊풗풆풓풔풊풕풚 풆풒풖풊풗풂풍풆풏풄풆 풔풄풐풓풆 풄풍풆풂풓풊풏품 × ퟐ

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Testing Clearing proposal

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

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

푺풑풆풄풊풇풊풄 풃풊풐풅풊풗풆풓풔풊풕풚 풆풒풖풊풗풂풍풆풏풄풆 풔풄풐풓풆 = 풉풂풃풊풕풂풕 풉풆풄풕풂풓풆풔 × 풉풂풃풊풕풂풕 풊풎풑풐풓풕풂풏풄풆 풔풄풐풓풆

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

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

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

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5.2: EPBC Act offset calculator output for MNES

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 65 Offsets Assessment Guide For use in determining offsets under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 2 October 2012 Key to Cell Colours This guide relies on Macros being enabled in your browser. User input required

Matter of National Environmental Significance Drop-down list Name NTGVVP

EPBC Act status Critically Endangered Calculated output Annual probability of extinction 6.8% Based on IUCN category definitions Not applicable to attribute

Impact calculator Offset calculator Minimum Attribute Attribute Total % of (90%) direct Information Start area and Future area and Future area and Confidence in Adjusted Net present value Information Protected matter attributesrelevant to Description Quantum of impact Units Protected matter attributes relevant quantum of Units Proposed offset Time horizon (years) Raw gain impact offset Cost ($ total) source quality quality without offset quality with offset result (%) gain (adjusted hectares) source case? to case? impact offset requirement met? Ecological communities Ecological Communities

Risk of loss Risk of loss Area 0.651 Hectares (%) without 50% (%) with 5% Risk-related offset offset Start area time horizon 20 3.3 1.49 80% 1.19 0.32 (hectares) Future area Future area (max. 20 years) without offset with offset previous transactions; Quality 5 Scale 0-10 Adjusted 1.7 3.1 Area of community Yes Site remnants HZ 3 site survey Area of community Yes 0.33 3.3 0.33 100.76% Yes $165,000.00 estimate $50,000 per hectares (adjusted (adjusted hectares) hectares) hectare

Time until Future quality Future quality Total quantum of Adjusted Start quality 0.33 ecological 10 6 without offset 4 with offset 6 2.00 80% 1.60 0.83 impact hectares (scale of 0-10) benefit (scale of 0-10) (scale of 0-10)

Threatened species habitat Threatened species habitat

Risk of loss Risk of loss Area (%) without (%) with Time over offset offset which loss is Start area 0.00 0.00 0.00 averted (max. (hectares) Future area Future area without offset with offset Quality Adjusted 20 years) 0.0 0.0 Area of habitat No Area of habitat Yes (adjusted (adjusted 0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! hectares hectares) hectares)

Time until Future quality Future quality Total quantum of Start quality 0.00 ecological without offset with offset 0.00 0.00 0.00 impact (scale of 0-10) benefit (scale of 0-10) (scale of 0-10)

Minimum

Impact calculator Attribute Attribute Total % of (90%) direct Information Offset calculator Future value without Future value with Confidence in Adjusted Information Protected matter attributes relevant to DescriptionQuantum of impact Units Protected matter attributes relevant quantum of Units Proposed offset Time horizon (years) Start value Raw gain Net present value impact offset Cost ($ total) source offset offset result (%) gain source case? to case? impact offset requirement met? Number of features Number of features e.g. Nest hollows, habitat trees e.g. Nest hollows, habitat trees No No

Condition of habitat Condition of habitat Change in habitat condition, but no Change in habitat condition, but no change in extent No change in extent No

Threatened species Threatened species Birth rate Birth rate e.g. Change in nest success e.g. Change in nest success No No

Mortality rate Mortality rate e.g Change in number of road kills e.g Change in number of road kills per year No per year No

Number of individuals Number of individuals e.g. Individual plants/animals e.g. Individual plants/animals No No

Summary

Cost ($) Net present Protected matter attributes Quantum of impact % of impact offset Direct offset adequate? Other compensatory value of Direct offset ($) Total ($) offset measures ($)

Birth rate 0 $0.00 $0.00

Mortality rate 0 $0.00 $0.00

Number of individuals 0 $0.00 $0.00 Summary

Number of features 0 $0.00 $0.00

Condition of habitat 0 $0.00 $0.00

Area of habitat 0 0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! $0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0!

Area of community 0.3255 0.33 100.76% Yes $165,000.00 N/A $165,000.00

$165,000.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! Offsets Assessment Guide For use in determining offsets under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 2 October 2012 Key to Cell Colours This guide relies on Macros being enabled in your browser. User input required

Matter of National Environmental Significance Drop-down list Name NTGVVP

EPBC Act status Critically Endangered Calculated output Annual probability of extinction 6.8% Based on IUCN category definitions Not applicable to attribute

Risk of loss Risk of loss Area 0.957 Hectares (%) without 50% (%) with 5% Risk-related offset offset Start area time horizon 20 4.85 2.18 80% 1.75 0.47 (hectares) Future area Future area (max. 20 years) without offset with offset previous transactions; Quality 5 Scale 0-10 Adjusted 2.4 4.6 Area of community Yes Site remnants HZ 4 site survey Area of community Yes 0.48 4.85 0.48 100.73% Yes $242,500.00 estimate $50,000 per hectares (adjusted (adjusted hectares) hectares) hectare

Time until Future quality Future quality Total quantum of Adjusted Start quality 0.48 ecological 10 6 without offset 4 with offset 6 2.00 80% 1.60 0.83 impact hectares (scale of 0-10) benefit (scale of 0-10) (scale of 0-10)

Threatened species habitat Threatened species habitat

Time until Future quality Future quality Total quantum of Start quality 0.00 ecological without offset with offset 0.00 0.00 0.00 impact (scale of 0-10) benefit (scale of 0-10) (scale of 0-10)

Minimum

Condition of habitat Condition of habitat Change in habitat condition, but no Change in habitat condition, but no change in extent No change in extent No

Threatened species Threatened species Birth rate Birth rate e.g. Change in nest success e.g. Change in nest success No No

Mortality rate Mortality rate e.g Change in number of road kills e.g Change in number of road kills per year No per year No

Number of individuals Number of individuals e.g. Individual plants/animals e.g. Individual plants/animals No No

Summary

Cost ($) Net present Protected matter attributes Quantum of impact % of impact offset Direct offset adequate? Other compensatory value of Direct offset ($) Total ($) offset measures ($)

Birth rate 0 $0.00 $0.00

Mortality rate 0 $0.00 $0.00

Number of individuals 0 $0.00 $0.00 Summary

Number of features 0 $0.00 $0.00

Condition of habitat 0 $0.00 $0.00

Area of habitat 0 0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! $0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0!

Area of community 0.4785 0.48 100.73% Yes $242,500.00 N/A $242,500.00

$242,500.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! Offsets Assessment Guide For use in determining offsets under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 2 October 2012 Key to Cell Colours This guide relies on Macros being enabled in your browser. User input required

Matter of National Environmental Significance Drop-down list Name Golden Sun Moth

EPBC Act status Critically Endangered Calculated output Annual probability of extinction 6.8% Based on IUCN category definitions Not applicable to attribute

Impact calculator Offset calculator Minimum Attribute Attribute Total % of (90%) direct Information Time horizon Start area and Future area and Future area and Confidence in Adjusted Net present value Information Protected matter attributes relevant to Description Quantum of impact Units Protected matter attributes relevant quantum of Units Proposed offset Raw gain impact offset Cost ($ total) source (years) quality quality without offset quality with offset result (%) gain (adjusted hectares) source case? to case? impact offset requirement met? Ecological communities Ecological Communities

Risk of loss Risk of loss Area (%) without (%) with Risk-related offset offset Start area time horizon 0.00 0.00 0.00 (hectares) Future area Future area (max. 20 years) Adjusted without offset with offset Area of community No Quality Area of community Yes 0.0 0.0 0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! hectares (adjusted (adjusted hectares) hectares)

Time until Future quality Future quality Total quantum of Start quality 0.00 ecological without offset with offset 0.00 0.00 0.00 impact (scale of 0-10) benefit (scale of 0-10) (scale of 0-10)

Threatened species habitat Threatened species habitat

Risk of loss Risk of loss Area 19.28 Hectares (%) without 60% (%) with 1% Time over offset offset which loss is Start area 20 86.8 51.21 90% 46.09 12.36 averted (max. (hectares) Future area Future area without offset with offset past transactions. Habitat defined by Quality Adjusted 20 years) 34.7 85.9 Area of habitat Yes 7 Scale 0-10 Site survey Area of habitat Yes 13.50 86.8 13.51 100.11% Yes $1,302,000.00 Estimate of $15,000 per Biosis 2017 hectares (adjusted (adjusted hectares) hectares) hectare

Time until Future quality Future quality Total quantum of Adjusted Start quality 13.50 ecological 10 7 without offset 4 with offset 7 3.00 90% 2.70 1.40 impact hectares (scale of 0-10) benefit (scale of 0-10) (scale of 0-10)

Minimum Impactcalculator

Attribute calculator Offset Attribute Total % of (90%) direct Information Time horizon Future value without Future value with Confidence in Adjusted Information Protected matter attributes relevant to Description Quantum of impact Units Protected matter attributes relevant quantum of Units Proposed offset Start value Raw gain Net present value impact offset Cost ($ total) source (years) offset offset result (%) gain source case? to case? impact offset requirement met? Number of features Number of features e.g. Nest hollows, habitat trees e.g. Nest hollows, habitat trees No No

Condition of habitat Condition of habitat Change in habitat condition, but no Change in habitat condition, but no change in extent No change in extent No

Threatened species Threatened species

Birth rate Birth rate e.g. Change in nest success e.g. Change in nest success No No

Mortality rate Mortality rate e.g Change in number of road kills e.g Change in number of road kills per year No per year No

Number of individuals Number of individuals e.g. Individual plants/animals e.g. Individual plants/animals No No

Summary

Cost ($) Net present Protected matter attributes Quantum of impact % of impact offset Direct offset adequate? Other compensatory value of Direct offset ($) Total ($) offset measures ($)

Birth rate 0 $0.00 $0.00

Mortality rate 0 $0.00 $0.00

Number of individuals 0 $0.00 $0.00 Summary

Number of features 0 $0.00 $0.00

Condition of habitat 0 $0.00 $0.00

Area of habitat 13.496 13.51 100.11% Yes $1,302,000.00 N/A $1,302,000.00

Area of community 0 0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! $0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0!

$1,302,000.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! Offsets Assessment Guide For use in determining offsets under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 2 October 2012 Key to Cell Colours This guide relies on Macros being enabled in your browser. User input required

Matter of National Environmental Significance Drop-down list Name Matted Flax-lily

EPBC Act status Endangered Calculated output Annual probability of extinction 1.2% Based on IUCN category definitions Not applicable to attribute

Time until Future quality Future quality Total quantum of Start quality 0.00 ecological without offset with offset 0.00 0.00 0.00 impact (scale of 0-10) benefit (scale of 0-10) (scale of 0-10)

Threatened species habitat Threatened species habitat

Risk of loss Risk of loss Area (%) without (%) with Time over offset offset which loss is Start area 0.00 0.00 0.00 averted (max. (hectares) Future area Future area without offset with offset Quality Adjusted 20 years) 0.0 0.0 Area of habitat No Area of habitat Yes 0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! hectares (adjusted (adjusted hectares) hectares)

Time until Future quality Future quality Total quantum of Start quality 0.00 ecological without offset with offset 0.00 0.00 0.00 impact (scale of 0-10) benefit (scale of 0-10) (scale of 0-10)

Minimum Impactcalculator

Condition of habitat Condition of habitat Change in habitat condition, but no Change in habitat condition, but no change in extent No change in extent No

Threatened species Threatened species

Birth rate Birth rate e.g. Change in nest success e.g. Change in nest success No No

Mortality rate Mortality rate e.g Change in number of road kills e.g Change in number of road kills per year No per year No

Number of individuals Number of individuals e.g. Individual plants/animals e.g. Individual plants/animals Yes Matted Flax-lily 18 Count targeted survey Yes 18 Count 74 20 74 59 88 29 80% 23.20 18.28 101.53% Yes

Summary

Cost ($) Net present Protected matter attributes Quantum of impact % of impact offset Direct offset adequate? Other compensatory value of Direct offset ($) Total ($) offset measures ($)

Birth rate 0 $0.00 $0.00

Mortality rate 0 $0.00 $0.00

Number of individuals 18 18.28 101.53% Yes $0.00 N/A $0.00 Summary

Number of features 0 $0.00 $0.00

Condition of habitat 0 $0.00 $0.00

Area of habitat 0 0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! $0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0!

Area of community 0 0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! $0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0!

$0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0!

Appendix 6 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

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