Groundwater Extractions 11 Water Target WT20 - Beaches 13

PORT PHILLIP AND WESTERNPORT CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY PO Box 48 Frankston Vic 3199 Phone: (03) 9785 0183 Fax: 9773 6521 Website: www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au Table of Contents

Foreword 3

Water Target WT1 - Water Consumption 4 Water Target WT2 - Recycled Water 6 Water Target WT3 - Diversions from Waterways 8 Water Target WT11 - Groundwater Extractions 11 Water Target WT20 - Beaches 13

Land Target LT2 - Salinity 17 Land Target LT4 - Weeds 20 Land Target LT5 - Rabbits 23 Land Target LT10 - Parks 28

Biodiversity Targets BT1 - Extent of Native Vegetation 32 Biodiversty Target BT5 - Threatened Species 35 Biodiverstiy Target BT8 - Seagrass and Marine Habitats 37

People and Organisations Target PT3 - Links with Local Government 41 People and Organisations Target PT5 - Community Groups 45 People and Organisations Target PT6 - Community Awareness 49

Some other Activities around the region 51

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 1 Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority 2005/06 Catchment Condition Report

October 2006

ISBN 0 9757375 4 6

This publication may be of assistance to you but the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (PPWCMA), its Board and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without ﬂ aw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes. The PPWCMA therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence, which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

Acknowledgments

The PPWCMA gratefully acknowledges the work of its Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Coordinator, Janty Taylor, in preparing this Catchment Condition Report.

The PPWCMA would like to express its appreciation to the state government agencies, water authorities, local governments, non-government organisations and community groups who contributed data and analysis to this Catchment Condition Report.

Photographic credits: Cover image courtesy Bayside City Council Frankston beach, Frankston Swim and Frankston Sea Festival photographs courtesy Frankston City Council Clean Beach Challenge and Balnarring beach photographs courtesy by Keep Australia Beautiful Salinity images courtesy Department of Primary Industries Rabbit images courtesy Department of Primary Industries. Helmeted Honeyeater images courtesy Iain Stych, Wildlife Project Supervisor with Healesville Sanctuary. Seagrass and mangrove images courtesy the Department of Primary Industries, Guy Werner, and Dr Tim Ealey, Westernport Seagrass Partnership Park survey photos courtesy Victorian National Parks Association Groundwater drill photos courtesy Glenn Berry, Atma Environmental

Designed and Printed by: Docklands Group

This document, the related 2005/06 Annual Report and the Port Phillip and Western Port Regional Catchment Strategy can be obtained by contacting the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Tel: 03 9785 0183. They are also available for electronic download on the PPWCMA website – www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au

2 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 Forward

One of the principal responsibilities of the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (PPWCMA) is to report annually to Government and the community on the condition of the catchment assets in the region.

Previously, in the absence of an agreed statewide standard reporting framework, the PPWCMA used a broad set of indicators and interim targets for reporting against each year. These indicators and targets were related to the major issues of concern in the region, such as salinity, native vegetation, water quality, pest species, etc.

With the accreditation and launch of the Port Phillip and Western Port Regional Catchment Strategy in December 2004, the PPWCMA is now able to report on catchment condition in a more structured manner.

The strategy has established a series of 55 Targets. Changes to the condition of catchment resources can be assessed against these Targets, and the progress of implementation of the strategy can be measured and reported.

It has not been possible to report against each of the strategy’s 55 Targets this year due in part to the lack of sufﬁ cient data available for many Targets at this time. Therefore a detailed assessment of actions and programs contributing to implementation of the strategy has been carried out for a selection of 15 Targets. These Targets were taken from across the four distinct but inter-related catchment asset classes identiﬁ ed in the strategy:

● Water (covering quality, health and protection of surface waters, groundwater, wetlands, coastal environments and estuaries, bays and seas) ● Land (incorporating urban spread, rural productivity and health, and public land use and health) ● Biodiversity (focussing on terrestrial and aquatic ﬂ ora and fauna protection and enhancement) ● People and Organisations (dealing with investment by and engagement of organisations and the community).

It is important to recognise that change in the condition of natural assets is often a slow process. The PPWCMA is attempting to assess these changes in a highly complex region, where the impacts from expanding populations and increasingly intensive agriculture and horticulture will continue to inﬂ uence catchment condition.

The following “Port Phillip and Western Port 2005/06 Catchment Condition Report” is the second in an annual series designed to review progress towards achieving the Targets of the Regional Catchment Strategy. The information presented illustrates a selection of the many programs and activities undertaken by natural resource management organisations in the Port Phillip and Western Port region.

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 3 PPWCMA assessment of PPWCMA assessment of Target current condition trend

WT1 Average potable water consumption per person reduced by 15% by 2010 Moderate Relatively Stable

Condition and trend Water Consumption - Water Target WT1 Melbourne Water and the ﬁ ve retail water authorities; Western Water, City West Water, Yarra Valley Water, South East Water and Westernport Water, are responsible for supplying and monitoring potable water use in the region.

The draft Water Supply-Demand Strategy for Melbourne 2006–2055 has reported that the majority of water used in Melbourne (59 per cent) is for domestic purposes. Industry and agriculture accounted for 30 per cent of total use, 7 per cent was lost due to leakage and the remaining 4 per cent covered factors such as ﬁ reﬁ ghting, theft and meter inaccuracies.

Melburnians used signiﬁ cantly less water in 2005/06 than in the 1990s. However, in 2005/06 Western Water, Yarra Valley Water and Westernport Water reported small increases in potable water consumption per person compared to the previous year. An increase in drinking water consumption by Western Water customers appeared to be due to the lift of Stage 2 restrictions across the region during the later part of the previous year. City West Water and South-East Water reported declining per-capita water use.

% change Water Authority 2004/05 2005/06 In the Drink Western Water 262 274 4.6% increase # City West Water 202 200 0.8% decrease Potable (drinking-quality) water is one of the world’s most Yarra Valley Water 202 208 3% increase valuable resources. Melbourne is fortunate to enjoy high quality South East Water 310 304 2% decrease potable water sourced from several closed catchments located Westernport Water 242 272 12% increase in the Upper Yarra ranges and open catchments located in the Table 1: Average potable water use (litres per person per day) north of the region. # - includes commercial and domestic water usage

However the pressure on our potable water resources is Example of trend needed to achieve target Western Water increasing. Growing urban populations combined with low City West Water Yarra Valley Water rainfalls over recent years have reduced the region’s water South East Water Westernport Water storages to record low levels. Melbourne could experience a 500 water supply shortfall within the next 15 years if measures to reduce water usage are not taken immediately. 400 300 The Port Phillip and Westernport Regional Catchment Strategy recognises the need for water conservation to meet future needs 200 and to maintain the health of the region’s rivers, wetlands and 100 estuaries. Achieving the target of reducing the per capita use of potable water by 15 per cent will be pursued through a range of 0 Average litres per person per day per person litres Average water conservation programs under the Victorian Government’s 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2008/09 2009/10 Our Water Our Future initiative. Figure 1: Average potable water use

4 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 Actions in 2005/06

Permanent Water Saving Rules

A series of ﬁ ve permanent water saving rules were introduced in 2005 by the Victorian Government. Designed to achieve long-term water savings, the rules are mainly aimed at moderating water use in activities outside the home, such as watering gardens and ﬁ lling swimming pools.

Tips on saving water

Water authorities provide information on water saving tips and conservation methods for domestic water use on their websites and in pamphlets. In addition, they outline the permanent water saving rules, rebate information and a range of water saving products available for purchase.

Water Smart Gardens and Homes Rebate Scheme

The Victorian Government has committed $10 million over the next four years to provide incentives for the purchase of AAA rated water-effi cient appliances and fi ttings such as washing machines and dishwashers, shower heads and dual-fl ush toilets. Rebates are also provided for the purchase of greywater reuse systems, rainwater tanks, high-pressure cleaning devices and garden appliances such as drip watering systems and trigger nozzles.

Alternative Water Sources Rebates for Not-For-Profi t Organisations An important strategy to assist in the conservation of potable water is to substitute storm water or treated recycled water for In 2005/06, Not for Profi t organisations such as sporting clubs, those purposes that can use water of a lesser quality, such as aged care and nursing homes, religious organisations and irrigation, toilet fl ushing and many industrial uses. The uses of preschools and kindergartens were offered rebates for a stormwater and recycled water in the Port Phillip and Westernport range of water effi ciency improvements including : region are vital parts of water conservation programs. ● Water audits; ● Retrofi tting of water effi cient shower roses; ● Flow regulators or fl ow control valves; ● Dual fl ush toilets; ● Maintenance for leaking taps toilets and showers; ● Purchase and installation of rain and/or soil moisture sensors.

Schools Education Program

Water - Learn it! Live it is a comprehensive water conservation and education program for Primary and Secondary Schools. The program was developed to assist schools to actively implement water conservation and water education across the curriculum. The program brings water conservation opportunities to every school in Victoria while adding to initiatives already undertaken by the Department of Education and Training.

Corinella Aquifer

In the Sustainable Water Strategy for the Central Region, the State Government announced that it would grant an exploration licence to Westernport Water to explore the Corinella aquifer as a source of potable water

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 53 PPWCMA assessment of PPWCMA assessment of Target current condition trend The volume of recycled water used in the region increased to 20% of the total treated

WT2 Moderate Improving volume by 2010

Around we go again Recycled Water - Water Target WT2 The demand for water in the Port Phillip and Western Port region continues to increase, fuelled by population growth and the progressive shift from traditional broad-acre farming to intensive agriculture and horticulture.

One of the important mechanisms to assist water conservation and reduce the demand for potable water is to increase the availability and acceptance of recycled water for appropriate uses such as in primary production, irrigating sporting reserves and gardens, industry and domestic uses via dual water supply schemes.

The Regional Catchment Strategy’s target for water recycling is in line with the Victorian Government‘s goal for 20 per cent of the total volume of treated wastewater to be recycled by 2010.

Condition and Trend

Water is recycled and supplied through various schemes by Melbourne Water and the retail water supply companies, Western Water, City West Wa- ter, Yarra Valley Water, South East Water and Westernport Water.

Table 2 shows that 333,912 ML of sewage was treated across the region in 2005/06 to produce recycled water. Of this, 52,856 ML or 15.6 per cent of the total was reused for various purposes, an increase of 2.4 per cent over the previous year. This trend is also illustrated in Figure 2

Water authority Volume treated (ML) Volume reused (ML) % of total treated % change from 2004/05 Melbourne Water 299,481 *43,760 14.6% 3.3% increase Western Water 7,452 5,820 78% 10% decrease City West Water 5,500 0 0% No change Yarra Valley Water 8,856 370 4.2% 2% increase South East Water 11,365 2,103 18.5% 2.6% increase Westernport Water 1,258 226 18% 2% increase TOTAL 333,912 52,856 15.6% 2.4% increase Table 2: Water recycling volumes in ML in the region in 2005/06. * Excludes ﬂ ows for environmental management purposes at Western Treatment Plant

Overall, the trend in water recycling is improving across the region. The only exception to this trend occurred in the Western Water supply area. Western Water reported a 10 per cent decrease in the amount of water recycled by their customers; from 88 per cent of the total treated volume in 2004/05 to 78 per cent in 2005/06. This was due to lower than anticipated recycled water demand from a number of customers, due mainly to seasonal ﬂ uctuations in demand. Western Water continues to pursue its long-term target of 100 per cent re-use.

6 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 Western Water % of treated water re-used Trend needed to achieve target

25% Western Water operates seven wastewater treatment plants 20% where waste water and licensed trade waste collected from 20% domestic, commercial and industrial customers is treated. Of the 15.6% 13.2% total 5,820 ML of water recycled by Western Water in 2005/06, 15% 11% 607 ML was used in place of drinking water supplies. 10% The Sunbury-Melton Recycled Water Scheme operated by Western 5% Water was extended by 8 kilometres in 2005 to provide recycled 0% water to the Toolern Vale area. The new supply main can carry up 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/7 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 to 215ML of recycled water per day and is currently servicing 10 Figure 2: Reuse of treated water properties between Diggers Rest and Toolern Vale. Western Water, the Victorian Government and new customers jointly funded this Actions in 2005/06 project.

In 2005/06, new recycling projects were developed by the water A two-kilometre extension of the Sunbury-Melton Recycled Water supply companies, with a number commencing supply of Scheme has also enabled supply of recycled water to Salesian recycled water to open space areas in residential developments. College, Sunbury Secondary College and Hume City Council’s Clarke Oval recreation reserves in Sunbury. The project will City West Water substitute 44 ML of drinking water a year and deliver signifi cant community benefi ts. City West Water, the Wyndham City Council, Melbourne Water and residential housing developers are working together to deliver Yarra Valley Water Class A recycled water from the Western Treatment Plant for gardens and toilet fl ushing in new housing estates in West Yarra Valley Water’s major recycling project is the Aurora Werribee. The construction of a major transfer main is planned Development in Epping North. The Aurora development is for this project to deliver recycled water by 2009. planned to begin receiving Class A recycled water in 2008. The scheme will ultimately service a residential development of 8,500 homes.

Yarra Valley Water has also commenced operation of the Wallan irrigation schemes, which have the potential to recycle approximately 400 ML of water each year.

Melbourne Water

Melbourne Water’s Western Treatment Plant produces large volumes of Class A and Class C recycled water. Class C water is used on-site to maintain wildlife habitats and for pasture City West Water is also investigating a number of projects to irrigation to support livestock in areas that have historically been encourage water conservation and increase the use of recycled used for sewage treatment via land fi ltration. Work is continuing water in the Altona industrial zone, Flemington, Keilor and Princes to increase the uptake of Class A Recycled Water supplied off-site, Park areas. City West Water’s Water Conservation Solutions through Southern Rural Water, to market gardens in the Werribee Program seeks to improve water use effi ciency among its Irrigation District and recreational sites in the Werribee Tourist commercial and institutional customers by providing support Precinct. The Department of Primary Industries is conducting materials, education, training and funding. investigative trials using various water sources similar to those supplied to the Werribee Irrigation District. These trials are As part of the Werribbee Technology Precinct Recycled water focusing on issues such as salinity, sodicity, productivity and land project. City West Water is extending the Werribee Irrigation capability. District pipeline to provide Class A recycled water to the Werribee Technology Precinct, Hoppers Crossing Pumping Station, The Eastern Treatment Plant supplies Class C recycled water to Heathdale Christian College and open spaces and reserves in customers (via South East Water) along the South East Outfall, the the city of Wyndham. Project construction works are due to be 56km discharge pipeline to Bass Strait. Class C recycled water completed by December 2006. is also supplied to TopAq, a private company and subsidiary of EarthTech, which further treats the water with an ultrafi ltration Project construction works were also undertaken to supply Class membrane plant to Class A standard for distribution to the A recycled water from the Western Treatment Plant to MacKillop Eastern Irrigation Scheme. College. Supply to the College is due to commence in December 2006.

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 7 PPWCMA assessment of PPWCMA assessment of Target current condition trend

WT3 Diversions from all waterways to be within sustainable limits by 2015 Moderate Improving

Monitoring Diversions from Waterways - Water Target WT3 Melbourne Water and Southern Rural Water manage the licensing of diversions from waterways within the Port Phillip and Western Port region.

Melbourne Water is rolling out a meter installation program to monitor the volumes of water taken by diverters with licences for annual volumes of ﬁ ve megalitres or greater. Around 500 meters have now been installed and the program is on-track for completion by mid 2007.

Southern Rural Water has had a user-funded metering program in place since 2002. All commercial extractions (including transfers of licensed volume) approved since then have been metered. Southern Rural Water has made a commitment to meter all existing signiﬁ cant usage by mid 2007.

Condition and Trend

Within the part of the region where diversions are managed by Melbourne Water, 20 waterways have previously been identiﬁ ed as requiring improved diversion management because of the threat to waterway health posed by diversions.

Water sometimes ﬂ ows uphill

Not all of the Port Phillip and Western Port region’s water needs are met by the potable water supply system. Water is also di- verted directly from rivers and streams to supplement the needs of communities for irrigation, stock watering and domestic purposes.

The Regional Catchment Strategy recognises that to sustainably produce water to meet the economic, environmental and social needs of the region, our rivers must be maintained in a healthy condition. Therefore, careful management of diversions is necessary to ensure the hydrological ﬂ ow needs of the waterways themselves are met. This requires the management of extractions from waterways to ensure they are within pre-determined sustainable limits. Target WT3 is concerned with the long-term sustainability of waterways through the management of diversions taken from them.

8 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 Now, all 20 of these waterways are managed to within Environmental fl ow studies and reserves sustainable diversion limits through the development and implementation of a range of management instruments including Studies of environmental fl ow requirements have now been Bulk Water Entitlements, Stream Flow Management Plans, Local completed for the Yarra, Maribyrnong and Werribee Rivers and Management Rules and Drought Response Plans. are at an advanced stage for the Tarago and Bunyip Rivers. These studies have resulted in signifi cant improvements in the security Melbourne Water is also in the process of developing Stream Flow and value of environmental fl ows for the Yarra, Maribyrnong and Management Plans to improve the management of diversion for Werribee Rivers which will shortly have legal entitlements to three other priority waterways within the region. annual environmental fl ows of 20GL, 3GL and 6GL respectively.

Table 3 summarises the status of environmental fl ows and Environmental fl ows for the Yarra were previously determined management tools for these waterways. only by the need to meet minimum daily fl ows at Yering Gorge and Millgrove. These requirements did not mimic natural variable Actions in 2005/06 stream fl ow patterns which have important ecological and stream channel maintenance functions. The new arrangements propose Diversion Limits to reserve 17GL in Melbourne Water’s storages to provide these fl ow variations. The Victorian Government’s White Paper on water, Securing Our Water Future Together, has placed a moratorium on any further Stream Flow Management Plans diversions from waterways in the Yarra, Werribee, Bunyip and Maribyrnong basin catchments in recognition that the system has Stream Flow Management Plans are developed in close already reached its limits for sustainable diversions. consultation with relevant stakeholders, including water diverters. They are used to defi ne how waters in unregulated catchments Drought Response Plan will be shared between the environment and water users. The plans recognise the needs of licensed water users whilst This plan was established by Melbourne Water to provide maintaining or improving waterway health by protecting or security for environmental fl ows in times of drought or low improving minimum and fl ood fl ows for the environment during rainfall while ensuring equity of access to water for irrigators. the year. The Victorian Government’s Securing Our Water Future Minimum environmental fl ows are identifi ed for waterways and Together document lists 21 priority waterways for which Stream when fl ows reach a defi ned trigger level, extractions from affected Flow Management Plans will be developed to improve waterways are restricted or banned to ensure environmental fl ows environmental fl ows. Of these, nine are located in the Port Phillip are maintained. and Westernport region.

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 9 Melbourne Water has applied to the Minister for Water to Local Management Rules declare Water Supply Protection Areas for the Don River, Little Yarra River and Woori Yallock Creek as the fi rst stage in the Melbourne Water has completed Local Management Rules for all development of Stream Flow Management Plans for these six of the region’s waterways where the number of diverters and waterways. These plans are expected to be completed by 2009. other uses are not as critical to waterway health. Each waterway Draft plans have been fi nalised for the Olinda, Pauls, Steels and has low-fl ow thresholds that trigger diversion rationing or bans. Dixons Creeks while public consultations for the Stringybark Diverters on these waterways and the general public can use Creek are at an advanced stage. Melbourne Water’s website to fi nd updated daily information about stream fl ows and diversion restrictions. The Upper Maribyrnong River is currently an unregulated part of the region. Southern Rural Water has indicated that a Stream Flow Management Plan has been scheduled for development in 2006/07.

Catchment Environmental fl ows in place Current management tool Status Arundel Creek Yes Drought Response Plan Approved Brushy Creek Yes Drought Response Plan Approved Darebin Creek Yes Local Management Rules Approved Diamond Creek Yes Stream Flow Management Plan Approved Don River Yes Drought Response Plan. Stream Flow Management In progress Plan process commenced Gardiners Creek Yes Local Management Rules Approved Hoddles Creek Yes Stream Flow Management Plan Approved Little Yarra River Yes Drought Response Plan. Stream Flow In progress Management Plan process commenced Maribyrnong River Yes Bulk Water Entitlement Granted Merri Creek Yes Local Management Rules Approved Moonee Ponds Creek Yes Local Management Rules Approved Mullum Mullum Creek Yes Local Management Rules Approved Olinda Creek Yes Drought Response Plan. Draft Stream Flow In progress Management Plan fi nalised Plenty River Yes Drought Response Plan. Stream Flow In progress Management Plan awaiting approval. Steels, Pauls and Yes Drought Response Plan. Draft Stream In progress Dixons Creeks Flow Management Plan fi nalised Stringybark Creek Yes Drought Response Plan. Stream Flow In progress Management Plan consultations in progress. Watsons Creek Yes Drought Response Plan Approved Watts River Yes Drought Response Plan and Bulk Water Entitlement Draft Woori Yallock Creek Yes Drought Response Plan. Stream Flow In progress Management Plan process commenced Yarra River Yes State Environment Protection Policy Bulk water and Drought Response Plan. Bulk Water entitlements and environmental entitlement complete. in progress. Environmental fl ows completed Werribee River Yes Bulk Water Entitlement Approved Upper Maribyrnong Yes Diversion restrictions ensure fl ow. Stream Commencing in River Flow Management Plan to be developed 2006/07 Lerderderg River Yes Part of Werribee River Bulk Water Entitlement Approved

Table 3: Status of environmental ﬂ ow management and regulatory mechanisms for priority diversion management waterways in the Port Phillip and Western Port region.

10 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 PPWCMA assessment of PPWCMA assessment of Target current condition trend

All groundwater extractions managed within set Permissible Annual Volumes by 2009 Moderate Relatively stable WT11

Well, Well, Well… Groundwater Extractions - Water Target WT11 Groundwater is used throughout the region as a supplement or replacement to potable water from the reticulated system and diversions from waterways. It is used for a variety of domestic purposes, for stock watering, crop irrigation and limited industrial applications.

Groundwater is a ﬁ nite resource and as such it is important to ensure it is used sustainably. The Regional Catchment Strategy’s Target WT11 highlights the importance of keeping extractions within deﬁ ned limits to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region’s main aquifers.

Extractions from groundwater reserves are managed within a framework called Permissible Annual Volumes (PAV). These are a scientiﬁ - cally based estimate of the average volume of groundwater that can be extracted from an aquifer on a yearly basis without exhausting the groundwater resource. Once licensed extractions reach the permissible annual volume, no further allocations for extractions are allowed.

Condition and Trend

Within the Port Phillip and Western Port region, there are 11 Groundwater Management Areas. (Figure 3) Southern Rural Water manages the construction and licensing of bores and extraction of groundwater for ten of these areas while the eleventh, Kinglake, is managed by Goulburn Murray Water.

Only a small proportion of the Kinglake area is found in this region with the majority being in the Goulburn Broken catchment management region.

There are currently 1,710 licences for groundwater extraction in the region. Bores that are used solely for stock and domestic purposes are exempt from groundwater extraction licensing requirements but are required to be registered.

Data supplied by Southern Rural Water indicate that the majority of aquifers within the region are managed at or below their respective permissible annual volume. Table 4 illustrates the total licensed volume for groundwater extraction (excluding stock and domestic use) for each groundwater management area in the region.

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 11 Groundwater No. of licensed Licensed volume of Permissible Annual Allocations Proportion of Management bores extraction (ML) Volume (ML) within PAV? PAV allocated Area Deutgam 263 5,100 2,400 No 212% of PAV Cut Paw Paw 26 532 3,650 Yes 14% of PAV Moorabbin 95 2,460 4,305 Yes 57% of PAV Frankston 42 1,027 3,200 Yes 32% of PAV Koo Wee Rup 567 12,943 13,550 Yes 95% of PAV Nepean 141 6,013 5,000 No 120% of PAV Corinella 16 108 2,550 Yes 4% of PAV Merrimu 27 421 450 Yes 93% of PAV Lanceﬁ eld 36 1,363 1,485 Yes 91% of PAV Wandin Yallock 452 2,923 3,300 Yes 88% of PAV

Table 4: Licensed allocations (excluding stock and domestic use) from Groundwater Management Areas within the Port Phillip and Western Port region.

There are two Groundwater Management areas in which Data collected from monitoring bores in the Lanceﬁ eld area licensed allocations currently exceed the permissible annual indicates that the actual level of groundwater extraction and use volume. At present the licensed allocations from the Deutgam is lower than the rate of natural recharge for the aquifer. area are 212 per cent of the permissible annual volume of 2,400 ML per year, while allocations in the Nepean area are 120 per In light of the recent water White Paper, Securing Our Water cent of its permissible annual volume of 5,000 ML per year. Future Together, Southern Rural Water is committed to metering In the Deutgam area, a program has been initiated to reduce and monitoring the remaining licensed commercial use by the end groundwater extractions to a level less than the permissible of 2007. annual volume. In the Nepean area, Southern Rural Water has commenced metering extractions for the most substantial Goulburn Murray Water monitors both state observation bores groundwater users in this area. Data gathered suggests that and some private bores in the Kinglake area on a quarterly basis while declining water levels are a threat to the aquifer, they each year. Goulburn Murray Water is also committed to appear to be seasonal. metering all currently un-metered licensed groundwater (>20ML) and surface water diversions (>10 ML) by November 2007. Data from Goulburn Murray Water indicates that the Kinglake area is managed below its respective permissible annual volume, at approximately 48 per cent of the permissible annual volume including stock and domestic use.

Actions in 2005/06

Monitoring of Bores

For groundwater management areas where groundwater is at serious risk of over use, Southern Rural Water conduct monitoring of the aquifer. When groundwater levels in the aquifer approach a pre-determined threshold, restrictions are put in place against groundwater pumping to allow the aquifer to recharge.

Southern Rural Water has been implementing a program for the metering of all active commercial bores in declared Water Supply Protection Areas (including Deutgam, Wandin Yallock and Koo Wee Rup). This has enabled groundwater usage in these areas to be quantiﬁ ed for the ﬁ rst time.

Figure 3: Groundwater management areas in the region

12 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 PPWCMA assessment of PPWCMA assessment of Target current condition trend

Number of days where beaches are unsuitable for swimming reduced to zero by 2010 Healthy Relatively stable WT20

Life’s a beach Beaches - Water Target WT20 High standards of water quality at beaches are not only important to the region’s community but are a good indicator of how well the catchment and bay are being managed.

Beaches in the Port Phillip and Western Port region generally have high natural conservation values and support recreational and leisure activities for the whole community including swimming, boating, ﬁ shing and sightseeing. The high quality of water in Port Phillip Bay was on show for the world when the 1.5 km swimming leg of the men’s and women’s triathlon events for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games were both held at St Kilda Beach in March 2006. Monitoring

The Environment Protection Authority Victoria is the principal monitoring authority of beach water quality at Port Phillip Bay and Western Port beaches. Its monitoring activities aim to provide up to date information on water quality and enable beachgoers to make informed decisions about visiting bay beaches.

Water quality objectives for primary contact recreation have been established by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria in the State Environment Protection Policy (Waters of Victoria).

Weekly assessments of beach water quality are made during In addition to its weekly water quality monitoring program, the summer by measuring levels of Enterococci bacteria Environment Protection Authority Victoria also undertakes daily contamination. Enterococci are found in the intestinal tract of water quality forecasting. This is based on risk assessments using humans and warm-blooded animals and are a good indicator of data on bacteriological history, predicted rainfall, cloud cover and water contamination that may cause disease. recent monitoring results. The results of the weekly monitoring and daily risk assessments are published on the Environment Protection Where bacteria levels reach a trigger point, a warning is issued Authority Victoria website and in the metropolitan daily against swimming and a more intense monitoring program is newspapers. Beach water quality ratings established by the initiated until water quality returns to safe levels. Environment Protection Authority Victoria are:

From December 2005 to March 2006, as part of the Better Bays Good Water quality is expected to be suitable and Waterways water quality improvement plan, the Environment for swimming Protection Authority Victoria conducted weekly water quality Water quality is expected to be generally evaluations for 35 beaches in Port Phillip Bay and commenced a Fair suitable for swimming but may be affected new monitoring program at 10 beaches in Western Port by stormwater (Figure 4). Poor Not recommended for swimming Unacceptable A ‘no swimming’ advisory has been issued

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 13 A series of 12 ﬁ xed sites in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port are Advisories issued against swimming also monitored for nutrients, dissolved oxygen and water clarity.

8 Water quality monitoring is complemented by litter surveys. Keep Australia Beautiful has been commissioned by the Environment 7 Protection Authority Victoria since 1999 to monitor and report on 6 the quantity and types of visible litter on our beaches. 5 Condition and Trend 4

number 3 Sound progress is being made towards meeting Regional Catchment Strategy Target WT20 of reducing to zero the number 2 of days where beaches are unsuitable for swimming by 2010. 1 This is shown by the overall rating of ‘good’ for water quality at 0 Port Phillip Bay and Western Port beaches during the summer of 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/6 2005/06. No advisories against swimming were issued by the year Environment Protection Authority Victoria during this period (Figure 5). However, stormwater alerts were issued to advise of Figure 5: Advisories issued against swimming. Source EPA Victoria potential poor water quality when heavy rainfall was predicted. During the summer of 2005/06, the Environment Protection It is possible that the good results in beach water quality are Authority Victoria reported that less than 5 per cent of all routine due to the dry weather experienced during the sampling period samples showed ‘poor’ results for Port Phillip Bay beach water and may not necessarily indicate that catchment conditions have quality. This was a better result than in 2004/05. substantially improved.

Figure 4: Environment Protection Authority Victoria beach water quality and litter sampling sites.

14 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 All samples taken from each of the 10 Western Port beaches over to the Port Phillip Bay Environmental Management Plan target to the summer period met the State environment protection policy reduce annual nitrogen discharges into Port Phillip Bay by 1,000 objectives for primary contact recreation. tonnes.

There was a reduction in the amount of litter surveyed in Components of the Better Bays and Waterways plan include: 2005/06 from the 7 year average on the 10 Port Phillip Bay ● the development of a sophisticated catchment model and beaches that form part of the Beach Litter Report; Williamstown, decision support system; Werribee South, Sorrento, Rye, Mt Martha, Seaford, Mordialloc, ● a project to reduce nutrient pollution from hot-spot Sandringham, St Kilda and Port Melbourne. St Kilda and Port agricultural land-uses in the Yarra and Werribee catchments; Melbourne were the beaches with the most litter reported and ● a study of the options to establish a nutrient offsets trading Werribee South reported the least amount of litter during the system; surveys. ● a project to embed established water sensitive urban design practices in development planning regulations. These studies show that cigarette butts continue to be the most common item of litter on Port Phillip Bay beaches. Western Treatment Plant Upgrade

Actions in 2005/06 Melbourne Water’s upgrade of the Western Treatment Plant at Werribee has exceeded its 500 tonne target for reduced annual Better Bays and Waterways nitrogen discharges to Port Phillip Bay. This is half the 1,000 tonne target for total nitrogen discharges to the bay required by The Regional Water Quality Improvement Plan, Better Bays and the Port Phillip Bay Environmental Management Plan. Waterways, is being developed as a detailed action plan for water quality improvement and protection in the region’s Urban Stormwater Management rivers, streams and bays. Funded by the Australian Government’s Coastal Catchments Initiative and jointly managed by Melbourne As part of the Yarra Action Plan implementation, the Water and the Environment Protection Authority Victoria, the Department of Sustainability and Environment allocated $20 project was substantially advanced during 2005/06. million in 2005/06 to improve stormwater quality across the Yarra The Better Bays and Waterways project will be a major response catchment. The program is expected to achieve ﬂ ow-on effects

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 15 for water quality in Port Phillip Bay. The program provides funds Clean Up Australia Day - 5 March 2006 to local governments to address priority problems identiﬁ ed in Stormwater Management Plans and included speciﬁ c works on Clean Up Australia conducted its annual community participation priority problems in the lower Yarra. activity to clean up many public areas including beaches and waterways which assist in keeping the beaches in the region clean Victorian Coastal Council Awards for Excellence 2005 and free of litter.

The Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence were established by Beach cleaning the Victorian Coastal Council in conjunction with the Coast Action / Coastcare program. These awards acknowledge Many bayside Councils conduct regular beach cleaning to rake outstanding contributions to Victoria’s unique and diverse and sieve sand. This prevents litter and maintains the aesthetic marine and coastal environments through efforts to improve quality of beaches. the ecosystems. Bin it or Swim in it Clean Beach Challenge The Association of Bayside Municipalities conducts the “Bin it or Western Port’s Balnarring Beach was the winner of the Victorian Swim in it” campaign to promote awareness of the litter that ﬁ nds 2006 Clean Beach Challenge. Conducted by Keep Australia its way from gutters and roadways to the beach. This campaign Beautiful the awards encourage local governments and has included media coverage, the distribution of ‘Butts Out’ communities to work together on litter prevention, resource personal ash trays and promotional material distributed to beach conservation, fauna and ﬂ ora management activities and waste users and at Life Saving Clubs, kiosks and cafes. management.

16 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 PPWCMA assessment of PPWCMA assessment of Target current condition trend

No more than a 10% increase from 2004 levels in the area with shallow water Moderate Relatively stable LT2 tables (< 2 m) and the area of saline discharge

Salinity – An emerging issue Salinity - Land Target LT2 for rural and urban areas

Salinity, created when rising saline groundwater water deposits salt near the soil surface, is an important issue across many parts of Victoria and Australia. Rising groundwater can be the result of widespread clearing of vegetation, changes in land and water management, large-scale irrigation or climatic changes.

For the Port Phillip and Westernport region, salinity is an emerging issue. Studies of groundwater fl ow systems in the Port Phillip and Western Port region show that it is unlikely that salinity will be as widespread here as elsewhere in Victoria but the reality is that saline sites are increasingly being identifi ed in both rural and urban areas. The National Land and Water Resources Audit in 2003 identifi ed a potential increase of salinity in this region from 8,500 ha to 43,200 ha by 2020.

The Regional Catchment Strategy recognises that high water tables in some areas of this region will degrade soil, vegetation, wetlands, rivers and the productivity of land. They will also affect some of the region’s recreation and tourism opportunities.

Salinity may pose the most substantial threat to some existing and landholders to identify and map saline sites and raise awareness new urban areas where it could result in multi-million dollar of this issue amongst communities in the Western Port catchment. damage to infrastructure including buildings and roads. Preventative actions to reduce salinity combined with careful Condition and Trend siting of new urban infrastructure and salt-resistant building measures will be much more cost effective than addressing the The water table monitoring at the 5 sites in the region indicates damage to infrastructure once it has occurred. that there has not been a signiﬁ cant rise in recent years. However, there appears to be a strong correlation between water Monitoring table levels and rainfall, so the current string of years with below-average rainfall could be masking long term trends. Water tables are monitored within the Port Phillip and Western Port region by the Department of Primary Industry in 75 bores At Phillip Island (30 bores), Bass Valley (23 bores) and Pakenham at 5 sites; Phillip Island, Bass Valley, Pakenham, Dromana and Mt (12 bores), the results supported the correlation between changes Martha. These sites are within recognised salinity ‘hotspot zones’. in groundwater levels and seasonal rainfall. At Dromana and Mt Martha (10 bores), the data collected so far is not yet sufﬁ cient to Landcare groups and networks have also been active in determine a trend in groundwater levels. identifying and monitoring salinity-affected areas. For example, the Cardinia Environment Coalition has worked closely with local

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 17 Actions in 2005/06

Port Phillip and Westernport Salinity Management Plan

In 2005/06, the Department of Primary Industries and the Port Phillip Catchment Management Authority further progressed the Port Phillip and Westernport Salinity Management Plan. The plan will prescribe the priority actions required to prevent and manage salinity in each of the region’s 14 salinity management zones (Figure 6) and the likely costs of these actions.

It will particularly focus on addressing the threats to urban infrastructure and agricultural production.

The plan’s actions will include: ● Local scale research, modelling and mapping of groundwater processes; ● Prioritising areas and assets that are threatened by salinity; ● Implementing programs, tailored to rural and urban areas, to prevent and address salinity; ● Ensuring salinity is appropriately considered in urban and rural planning schemes; ● Using the knowledge and skills of local stakeholders, including councils and community groups, to develop local salinity management programs; ● Appropriate monitoring and accessible reporting programs.

Review of monitoring program

The Department of Primary Industries has begun a review of its bore monitoring program with a view to improving the usefulness of data obtained. Currently the usefulness of data is variable between the areas due to the age and condition of the bores and changes in the local land use. Initial directions from the review include: ● Undertaking a bore audit to ensure information collected is accurate ● Extending the network of bores ● Installation of bores in tree plantation areas.

Salinity Alert!

In 2005/06, the Cardinia Environment Coalition received National Landcare Program funds to implement the Pakenham/Bunyip Hotspot Integrated Action Project in the northern foothills of the Bunyip River. This coalition of nine Landcare groups and the Cardinia and Baw Baw Shire Councils conducted the project, providing incentives and technical assistance to landholders to undertake remedial actions such as fencing off saline areas and revegetation of salinity recharge and discharge sites. Activities included the planting of 4,800 indigenous species plants. Associated beneﬁ ts from works undertaken in this project included pasture protection, erosion control and enhanced habitat for native species.

18 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 Sustainable Landuse Management and Planning

Salinity and land use management practices were the subject of a Sustainable Landscape Management and Planning project in 2005/06. The Department of Primary Industry undertook this $250,000 project, using Victorian and Australian Government funding, to develop and provide sustainable land management and salinity advice to agencies, Councils and community groups and landholders in the salinity hotspot zones. The project also included some mapping of salinity-affected areas and the maintenance of a database of regional salinity information.

Grow West

Grow West, a ﬂ agship program of the PPWCMA, continues to address a range of immediate and long term land management issues, including salinity, in the salinity ‘hotspot zone’ near Bacchus Marsh. The program engages landholders and community groups in undertaking improved land management, replanting and protecting native vegetation and establishing farm forestry plantations. Since 2002, landscape restoration has occurred on around 1,500 hectares including protection of eroded soils, native revegetation and plantations.

Figure 6: Salinity Management Zones in the Port Phillip and Western Port region.

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 19 PPWCMA assessment of PPWCMA assessment of Target current condition trend

LT4 No establishment of ‘new and emerging’ weed species Moderate Relatively stable No further spread of ‘high-priority established ‘weeds Poor Relatively stable

Weeds - Land Target LT4 However, the monitoring program is insufﬁ cient to provide systematic, region-wide trend analysis or to evaluate the success of control programs. For example, up-to-date information about many established species is not available. Similarly, monitoring of new and emerging weed species is not undertaken for the whole region and records of infestations are compiled only from inspections in priority areas.

On this basis, from a regional perspective there is insufﬁ cient monitoring being conducted to evaluate the success of weed control programs or to reliably plan future weed control investments.

Aside from departmental monitoring, Council staff, contractors and community groups often provide information about weed infestations in public land conservation reserves, roadsides and this is used to support weed control operations. However, Councils do not have the responsibility or resources to undertake and coordinate comprehensive weed monitoring across whole catchments and landscapes. Parks Victoria also monitors weeds on the public lands under its jurisdiction. Weed monitoring and control programs were undertaken across 76 parks and public reserves in the region during 2005/06.

Weeds are everyone’s property

Weeds have a serious impact on the productivity of the agricultural sector and the integrity of the natural environment. While millions of dollars are spent each year by public and private landholders to control of weeds in the Port Phillip and Western Port region, it is not realistic to eradicate all established weed species. Effort is directed to maintaining control over high priority established species and eradicating ‘new and emerging’ species before they become established and widespread.

Target LT4 of the Regional Catchment Strategy recognises the importance of this prioritised approach to weed control. In line with the Regional Weed Action Plan, the strategy provides for the control of ‘new and emerging’ weeds and ‘high priority established’ weed species through targeted investment and works.

Monitoring

Monitoring of weed species in the region is conducted by the Department of Primary Industries with site details and landholder information recorded in the Integrated Pest Management System database.

20 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 2004 2005 2006 Properties with infestations (number) 4,084 4,171 4,271 Total area of infestation (hectares) 112,524 117,699 114,671 Density of infestations (hectares) High (>50%) 12,554 12,347 9,693 Medium (21-50%) 17,266 9,991 13,673 Low (1-20%) 70,299 84,350 77,466 Unspeciﬁ ed 1,157 1,157 1,025 less than 1% 11,248 9,854 12,814 Table 5 : Serrated tussock infestations in the region. Source – Department of Primary Industries

Condition and trend initiative for major weed and pest animal control programs in National Parks, State Forest and other public land. It aims to Available data indicates that some of the region’s high priority collaborate with public and private land managers to protect established species are being contained, namely serrated public areas with high-value natural assets and minimise the tussock (Table 5) and ragwort, though reliable records for other movement of weeds and pest animals between public and established priority species do not exist. Key points of evidence private land. include: ● There are records of 4,271 properties in the region with Weed Alert and Weed Spotter infestations of serrated tussock covering approximately 114,000 hectares. The Victorian Weed Alert Rapid Response Plan for Victoria is a ● While the density of serrated tussock across these properties is surveillance and response plan for potential new and variable, only 9,693 hectares are recorded as having an emerging weeds in Victoria and is implemented by the infestation density greater than 50 per cent. Department of Primary Industries. Under this plan, the ● Anecdotal evidence provided by offi cers from the Department Department has a “Weed Alert” program to prevent the of Primary Industries suggests that there has been a signifi cant introduction of pests or eradicate them when they do emerge. reduction in the density of serrated tussock infestations across A “Weed Spotter” program is also being developed to provide a the region but the number of properties recorded as containing network of people across the region to detect new and emerging serrated tussock has not reduced markedly. weeds. Weed Alert Contact Offi cers are also being specifi cally ● Departmental offi cers also suggest that the density of ragwort trained to identify and eradicate new and emerging weeds. has decreased signifi cantly within the last 5 years but the number of properties with Ragwort infestations has not Weed control in parks decreased markedly. Parks Victoria completed weed control programs across approximately 9,500 hectares in 2005/06. This work included Actions in 2005/06 approximately 2,150 hectares of control under the “Good Neighbour” program. Eighty-one weed species were targeted Most weed control activities in the region are undertaken by including high priority species; serrated tussock (approximately individual landholders and land managers on private and public 1,500 ha), blackberry (approximately 1,400 ha), Patersons curse lands. Government agencies, Councils and community groups (approximately 500ha), Chilean needle grass, spear thistle and undertake various programs and activities to assist the Ragwort (approximately 400 ha each) and Boneseed landholders and to achieve coordination in weed control. (approximately 300 ha). Some of the activities occurring in 2005/06 are outlined below. Markets and nurseries Tackling weeds on private and public land The removal of noxious weeds from sale in markets and nurseries “Tackling Weeds on Private Land” is a $9 million, three-year by the Department of Primary Industries has continued in 2005/06. State Government initiative to encourage landowners to work horsetails, water hyacinth and salvinia have been common together to manage weeds. It operates through the Department siezures. of Sustainability and Environment in a collaborative venture between governments, private land managers, hobby farmers and Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show agricultural industry groups. The program recognises that all have a responsibility to control weeds. A ‘Plant Advice Clinic’ was held at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in Melbourne from 5th to 9th April 2006. A complementary program, the “Weeds and Pests on Public The display was a joint event between the Nursery & Garden Land” Initiative, is a $14 million, four-year Victorian Government Industry Victoria and the Horticultural Media Association. Banners

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 21 advertising the problems associated with invasive garden plants For example: were displayed. No State Prohibited weeds were found during ● The Melton Shire Council targets serrated tussock, boxthorn, inspection of trade and fl oral displays at the show. A total of thistles and other weeds in a range of programs including 110,000 visitors attended the show, and feedback about the roadside spraying, weed control on Council managed land display was positive. and assistance for private properties. Large-scale weed reduction has been achieved through the Council’s Grants to community groups Environmental Enhancement Policy. Total expenditure on weed control programs is in the order of $1.5 million per The Community Grants program of the PPWCMA funded projects annum. by various community groups to continue their valuable work in weed eradication and control. For example: ● The City of Casey conducts weed eradication programs, grant programs and funds community group activities, particularly ● In the Western Port catchment, the Bass Integrated Pest Plant targeting sweet pittosporum and blackberry infestations. Animal Program of the Bass Coast Landcare Network targeted high priority established weeds including ragwort and sweet ● The Wyndham City Council targets serrated tussock, Chilean pittosporum plus 21 other weed species including blackberry, needle grass and tiger pear through a rate rebate scheme, prickly pear, hawthorn and boneseed. eradication programs and assistance for community group activities. ● The City of Casey’s Biodiversity Incentive Scheme provided $25,000 for weed removal to community groups. Groups ● The Shire of Yarra Ranges undertakes weed “blackspot”, including the Friends of Cardinia Creek Sanctuary, Friends of bushland management, roadside and noxious weed programs Rivergum Creek and Friends of Morning Mist carried out weed involving mapping and partnerships with various agencies to removal and revegetation. target numerous weed species including ragwort, St Johns wort, St Peters wort, blackberry and Paterson’s curse. ● The Manningham Environmental Action Group in the Yarra catchment developed a Group Facilitator role to integrate ● The Hume Shire Council has developed a “weed profi le” weed and rabbit controls undertaken by the many groups for its municipality showing trends in the occurrence of within its network involved in protecting the biodiversity of weeds based on data obtained from its Hume Farm the green wedge. (Weed Management) Rebate applications. Analysis is continuing on this data to gain a comprehensive understanding ● Cardinia Hills Ragwort and Landcare Group received funding of weed population changes in the shire. Serrated tussock and to facilitate the control and monitoring of ragwort and needle grasses have been identifi ed as key indicator species to Paterson’s curse. measure reduction in weed coverage and are a component ● Corinella Foreshore Committee undertook weed eradication of the Hume City Council “State of the Environment” Report. of bridal creeper and blackberries on the Western Port ● The Manningham City Council undertakes weed mapping and shoreline. control activities focussing on blackberry, Paterson’s curse, Chilean needle grass, serrated tussock and gorse. Councils fi ghting weeds ● The Nillumbik Shire Council has drafted a Weed Action Plan Councils in the region implement a range of programs and and undertakes roadside weed eradication programs and municipality-specifi c strategies to target established and new community support programs with an emphasis on serrated and emerging weeds. These programs include rate rebates, tussock and other noxious weeds. education and awareness programs and incentive schemes to manage infestations. Grow West The Grow West program continues to establish extensive native vegetation plantings as part of the environmental regeneration of over 50,000 hectares of land between Bacchus Marsh and Ballan in the Werribee River catchment. The permanent tree cover will play a critical role in achieving long-term control of serrated tussock on non-arable steep escarpment and stony rise country.

Cooperative research

The Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management works to reduce the risks posed by weeds through research, education and communication across Australia. It addresses the problems of weeds through assessment and evaluation of current weeds and potential new weeds,developing new technologies and techniques for farmers to reduce weed populations and communication of weed issues to the broader community.

22 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 PPWCMA assessment of PPWCMA assessment of Target current condition trend

‘Long term’ rabbit control achieved on 400,000 ha of rural land by 2008 Moderate Declining LT5

Rabbits are down but not out Rabbits - Land Target LT5

Rabbits are a damaging pest animal to environmental and economic assets and it is unlikely that they will ever be eradicated from the Port Phillip and Western Port region. The key to minimising their impact on environmental and economic values is to keep rabbit populations low and under control.

Private landholders and public land managers carry out most rabbit control works in the region. Coordination, monitoring and enforcement are provided by the Department of Primary Industries.

Target LT5 of the Regional Catchment Strategy requires the reduction of rabbit population densities to a level at which they can be classiﬁ ed as being “under long-term control”, where rabbits inﬂ ict no measurable impact on land stability, productivity or biodiversity. Monitoring

Limited monitoring of rabbit populations was undertaken by the Department of Primary Industries in 2005/06. Three sites covering approximately 94,000 hectares in the Werribee River catchment at Pentland Hills, Ingliston and Lanceﬁ eld were monitored twice during the year.

Condition and Trend

Anecdotal evidence suggests that rabbit populations have of rabbits on private land. In this program, offi cers assess the decreased in recent years but appear to be rising again. land for rabbit infestations and develop an agreement with the landholder to perform a combination of eradication methods. It is estimated that the area in the region in 2005/06 for which rabbits are under long term control is similar, or perhaps less than, The Department also conducts a program to provide rabbit the 250,000 hectares estimated in 2004/05 and is only two-thirds baits to landholders and community groups through a tightly of the target of 400,000 hectares. Figure 7 illustrates the areas of controlled system. Specialised Departmental staff assess the the region prone to rabbit infestation. requests for baits and provide technical advice to support landholders. Actions in 2005/06 In 2005/06, the Department’s delivery of these rabbit-control Departmental support for landholders programs was reduced as Departmental priorities shifted to assist the recovery from major bushfi res. However, a number of The Department of Primary Industries conducts a “Rabbit Free” agreements were established with landowners in priority areas to program to acknowledge the signifi cant and continuing guide on-ground works. commitment of landholders in the region to controlling infestations

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 23 Council programs

A number of Councils in the region implement programs including provision of information to landholders, on-ground rabbit eradication works and grants to individuals and community groups to control the spread of rabbits (Table 6).

Council Activities and programs Banyule Eradication activities are undertaken on Council-managed land and support is provided for community based rabbit action groups to undertake relevant activities on private land. Bayside/Kingston Bayside undertakes rabbit control programs in conjunction with Kingston City Council. Casey Support is provided to community groups to enable rabbit eradication and control activities. Hobson’s Bay Activities to eradicate rabbits are focussed on important council-managed land including the Altona Coastal Park and Altona Explosives Reserve. Hume The Council’s rabbit control program includes activities to remove harbours and lay baits on nine Council-managed reserves. Manningham A Pest Plant and Animal Control program provides support to community groups and residents to target rabbits. Melton The Pest Animal Program includes activities to control rabbit populations on council-managed land. Mitchell A land management rebate program is available that includes a focus on the eradication and control of rabbits. Moorabool The Council undertakes rabbit eradication activities on its reserves. Nillumbik A Community Rabbit Control Facilitator is employed to support community groups in their rabbit control activities. The Council also undertakes rabbit control programs on Council reserves. Wyndham The Council implements a rate rebate scheme that includes a focus on the eradication and control of rabbits. Rabbit eradication activities are also undertaken on Council reserves. Yarra Ranges The Council undertakes and coordinates a range of rabbit eradication activities. Table 6: Summary of 13 Local Government rabbit control programs in the Port Phillip and Western Port region in 2005/06

Community Grants

The PPWCMA Community Grants program provided a number of grants to community groups and Councils in 2005/06 that contributed to the control and management of rabbit populations. Projects funded which contributed to rabbit reduction included:

● Nillumbik Council received $15,000 funding to employ a Community Rabbit Control Facilitator

● The Manningham Environmental Action Group received $17,500 for pest plant and animal control.

● French Island Landcare Project – ‘Tankerton Creek and Beyond‘ – creating wildlife corridors between remnants.

● Macclesﬁ eld Landcare Group’s project to facilitate sustainable and better land management practices.

● WACMAC landcare networking – pest plant and animal control and revegetation.

Rabbit management in parks

Parks Victoria undertook pest animal programs targeting rabbits in 15 parks and reserves during 2005/06, treating approximately 1,500 hectares. The activities included rabbit eradication on 350 hectares as part of “Good Neighbour” programs and large control programs in Woodlands Historic Park, Braeside Park, Plenty Gorge Parklands and Warrandyte State Park. The activities to control rabbits are designed to protect the native vegetation communities of the parks.

24 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 Figure 7: Zones prone to rabbit infestation in the Port Phillip and Western Port region.

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 25 WATER LAND

Recycled Diversions Water Ground water New Established Rabbit Consumption Water from Beaches Salinity Par use waterways extractions Weeds Weeds control

Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Healthy Moderate Moderate Poor Moderate Mode Stable Improving Improving Stable Stable Stable Stable Stable Declining Stab

26 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 BIODIVERSITY PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS

Extent of Threatened Marine Links with Community Community rks Seagrass Native Vegetation Species Habitats Local Government Groups awareness erate Poor Poor Poor Moderate Moderate Healthy Moderate ble Declining Stable Declining Stable Improving Improving Stable

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 27 PPWCMA assessment of PPWCMA assessment of Target current condition trend Increase the environmental quality of parks and other public land, and community LT10 Moderate Relatively stable satisfaction with these features

Condition and trend Parks - Land Target LT10 Monitoring the ‘State of the Parks’

Parks Victoria’s most recent records of visitor numbers show an estimated 118 million visits were made to parks and gardens in the Melbourne metropolitan area in 2004/05. Of this, 14.1 million visits (12 per cent) were made to major metropolitan parks, an increase from 13.5 million in 2001/02. The other 104.5 million visits (88 per cent) were to other smaller parks and gardens around Melbourne.

Parks Victoria also monitors and reports on the “State of the Parks”, surveying visitor satisfaction and providing an assessment of environmental quality and risks to parks throughout Victoria. The most recent visitor survey was conducted in 2004/05 where 60 to 100 visitors were interviewed in person at each of 50 sites in 34 parks across Victoria. The surveys were conducted in peak season and covered perceptions of scenery and the atmosphere plus practical aspects such as maintenance, signage, bins, camp grounds, play ground facilities, toilets and water.

The surveys indicated that Melbourne’s park users were generally satisﬁ ed with the services and facilities of Melbourne metropolitan parks. For major urban parks, the overall Satisfaction Ah, the serenity! Index was 59.3 (out of 100) which was 9 less than the 2003 index of 68.3. A feature of the Port Phillip and Western Port region is its extensive array of parks, open space and scenic landscapes. The social and environmental beneﬁ ts of these areas are many including conservation of natural areas, maintenance of biodiversity, protection of cultural and heritage values, provision of recreation and tourism opportunities, provision of amenity and landscape values, and assimilation of some waste products including carbon dioxide.

The Regional Catchment Strategy seeks the continued provision of parks and open spaces that are accessible to the community for a range of social and cultural purposes including recreation, heritage and tourism. Target LT10 provides two quantiﬁ able measures of the values we place on our parks; their contribution to the region’s environmental quality and their contribution to the region’s social amenity via measures of visitor satisfaction.

28 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 In these surveys, urban parks received high scores for the Actions in 2005/06 maintenance of tracks and paths and large areas of lawn, but received low scores for rangers providing supervision of visitor New parks behaviour and park information. For parks on the urban fringe, the Satisfaction Index was 67.6, higher than the 2003 index of The Victorian state budget announced in 2006 includes $13.3 64.3. Urban fringe parks received high scores for sufﬁ cient and million to establish new parks and $8 million to establish off-road accessible toilets and adequate car parking, but low scores for bike trails in Melbourne. The new parks will cover over 1,000 sufﬁ cient and accessible camp grounds and playground facilities. hectares.

ParksMates surveys The parks at Werribee, Melton, Craigieburn and Point Gellibrand will preserve natural environments for local residents to enjoy and The Victorian National Parks Association has operated an active protect important areas from potential subdivisions and ParksMates program of surveying parks throughout Victoria since developments. The land to be set aside for the parks has 2003. During 2005 and early 2006, teams of specially trained previously been leased for farming, or in private or Council surveyors spent a total of 220 survey hours monitoring park ownership. The parks will transform these areas into attractive conditions in eight urban fringe parks in the east of the Port and accessible assets for local communities. Key features are: Phillip and Western Port region. The surveys resulted in a high ● Werribee Regional Park. The public will be able to access this level assessment of the quality of parks. The results of the area and the banks of the Werribee River. Funding will be used program indicate an overall community satisfaction of these to protect the environmental values of the area and build visitor designated parks and give an idea of the general level of facilities. The 230 hectare park will include a trail along enjoyment to be found by park visitors in these areas. the Werribee River, a pedestrian bridge to connect to the Werribee mansion precinct, an entrance road, carpark, The ParksMates survey looked at issues such as quality and clarity playground and fencing. of interpretive signage and information boards, maps, satisfaction ● Merri Creek Parklands (Craigieburn). Funding will be used to with tracks, picnic areas and other facilities, presence of pests and establish visitor facilities, upgrade the Whittlesea Public weeds and impacts from surrounding land use. The facilities given Gardens and build a trail along the Merri Creek. The public will the highest levels of assessment were public amenities, walking be able to enjoy a continuous 16 km walking and cycling track tracks, car parks and picnic facilities. Lower levels of assessment in areas between Craigieburn and the Western Ring Road were given to provision of signage and maps. Weeds and pest previously closed to the public. Environmentally signiﬁ cant animals were detected throughout the parks but did not appear to grasslands will also be preserved within the boundaries of the lessen enjoyment by visitors. 800 hectare park. ● Melton Park. Land that is currently used as paddocks will be Municipal surveys become a recreational park. Funding will be used to protect the environmental values of Toolern Creek and surrounds in a Numerous Councils in the region also conducted surveys in 100 hectare park. Visitor facilities, including an entrance road, 2005/06 that included questions about the community a trail, a bridge over Toolern Creek and walking tracks will be satisfaction and quality of parks and public land. The results gave established. insight into residents’ perceptions of the management of Council ● Point Gellibrand Coastal Heritage Park. Funding will upgrade owned reserves and parks and provided suggestions for improved Battery Road, build a car park, restore the historic Anne Street. facilities. Key results from some of these surveys are listed in footbridge, provide interpretive signs and visitor facilities Table 7: including shelters, picnic places, playground and toilet.

Council Key results from surveys Banyule Respondents indicated “appearance of public areas” and “performance on sustainability and environment” were of adequate standard Bayside Respondents provided an average rating of 59/100 for parks, 53/100 for bushlands and 48/100 for foreshore areas Hume 97% of respondents considered management of weeds a high priority on council land Melbourne Respondents had an average satisfaction rating of 6 for parks (on a 7-point scale) Melton 66% of respondents expressed satisfaction with park facilities and 65% expressed satisfaction with park appearance Moreland 80% of respondents expressed high satisfaction with the quality of parks and 72% expressed a need for improved maintenance South Gippsland Respondents had an average satisfaction rating of 70% for parks Wyndham 80% of respondents expressed satisfaction with parks Yarra Ranges 80% of respondents had high levels of satisfaction regarding the quality of bushland reserve pathways and plants, while 60% expressed a need for more plants along pathways and for more shade and seating

Table 7 Summary of results from surveys by some councils regarding community satisfaction of parks

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 29 Ongoing management of parks

Parks Victoria is responsible for the management of National, State, Regional and Metropolitan parks and conservation reserves.

The Natural Values Management Program of Parks Victoria includes a range of projects to improve the condition of parks in the region including pest plant and animal control, ﬁ re management and threatened species management.

Parks Victoria conducts a Community Group Grants program to develop and support projects that are important to the community and that benefi t Victoria’s parks. The program gives support to Friends Groups, volunteers and other community ● Casey City Council is enhancing its parks, playgrounds groups and grants are awarded for projects related to the and reserves through initiatives in its development strategy environment, conservation, recreation, heritage, community C21 A vision for the future which will create new recreation awareness and multicultural support. facilities, sports and parklands reserves and quality passive parklands. Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries ● Whitehorse City Council is developing an Open Space Strategy to guide the future direction for all publicly owned Parks Victoria has responsibility for the management of the land that is used for recreation, passive outdoor enjoyment and region’s Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries. These nature conservation. areas safeguard important marine habitats and species, ● Brimbank City Council is developing two parks in signifi cant natural features, cultural heritage and aesthetic Brimbank; Buckingham Reserve in West Sunshine and The Lakes values (Figure 8). Reserve in Taylors Lakes. These two parks will be part of several areas in Brimbank designed for non-sporting recreation Management plans are being progressively developed and and to become focal points for the community. implemented for each of the marine parks and sanctuaries in the Port Phillip and Western Port region. In 2005/06, plans were ● Glen Eira City Council has developed a management plan drafted for Point Cook Marine Sanctuary, Point Nepean National for parks on the Outer Circle Railway Line Corridor of Boyd Park , Jawbone Marine Sanctuary, Yaringa Marine National Park, Park, Springthorpe Gardens and Riley Reserve. It will provide a French Island Marine National Park and Churchill Island Marine blueprint on the future of these parks and eliminate National Park . adhoc development as well as protecting remnant indigenous vegetation. Council action Living Links in the Dandenong Creek catchment Council actions to enhance parks and recreation reserves in the region include: In 2006, the PPWCMA joined forces with the City of Greater Dandenong and Melbourne’s South East to develop and launch ● In 2006, Hobsons Bay City Council took top honours at the a Dandenong Creek Corridor Atlas. The atlas, part-funded by the LGPro Awards for the Truganina Coastal Parklands project Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services, identifi es which transformed a former industrial wasteland into a the most signifi cant environmental and social assets, including regionally signifi cant coastal parkland for the whole wetlands, parks and vegetation, along the Dandenong Creek and community of over 300 hectares. The Council worked with scores and ranks the opportunities to improve each identifi ed local industry and community members and government asset. agencies to develop the integrated coastal management project. The Council has also developed a Sport and The atlas is a fi rst step in a long-term Living Links program that Recreation Strategy Plan 2004-2007 to establish a new seeks to improve the amenity and livability of the area by framework for the provision of sport and recreation resources. extending and linking existing parks, open space and ‘natural’ The plan includes initiatives to improve and extend the 38 areas across the whole Dandenong Creek catchment. Living Links active recreation reserves in Hobson’s Bay. is also designed to implement the social amenity component of ● Yarra City Council has developed a Draft Open Space Melbourne’s South East Regional Economic Strategy, Prosperity Strategy to guide the future provision, planning, design and for the next Generation and contribute to the Transit Cities management of public open space in the city. The strategy developments and redevelopment of the Dandenong City Business incorporates environmental sustainability principles and seeks District. to protect indigenous values and improve the interface between open space and adjoining development.

30 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 Figure 8: Marine Parks and Sanctuaries in Port Phillip and Western Port region .

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 31 PPWCMA assessment of PPWCMA assessment of Target current condition trend

BT1 The total extent of indigenous vegetation increase to at least 35% of the region by 2030 Poor Declining

Extent of Native Vegetation technology has also improved. A system that - Biodiversity Target BT1 analyses aerial photographs to identify where there is a high likelihood that a given area contains native grassland and other vegetation types was successfully trialed during 2005/06. A similar system is being developed in the Corangamite region to identify wetland vegetation.

Table 8 and Figure 9 summarise the extent of native vegetation across the region compared to estimates of its extent before 1750. The vegetation is shown within bioregions; areas with similar patterns of landscape, geology and climate. The summary is underpinned by mapping of ecological vegetation classes (a system of classifying native vegetation) on freehold and public land at 1:100,000 and 1:25,000 scales that was completed across Victoria in 2003. Table 8 shows how much of the original vegetation remains in each bioregion in the Port Phillip and Western Port region and, for each bioregion, how much vegetation belongs to ecological vegetation classes that are considered to be endangered, vulnerable, depleted, rare or of least concern.

A depleted core

Target BT1 seeks an overall increase in native vegetation in the region from its existing 30 per cent towards 35 per cent by 2030. Attainment of this target will require determined protection and management of existing native vegetation, plus a further 40,000 hectares of revegetation above any losses. Protection of existing native vegetation will remain the top regional priority because retaining existing mature habitat is the most efﬁ cient and cost effective way to support biodiversity. Condition and trend

Our ability to monitor changes in native vegetation cover across the region is currently limited but will be considerably improved by the establishment of a central tracking system for vegetation clearing referrals and permits. This statewide system is planned to be launched by the Department of Sustainability and Environment at the end of 2007/08. Remote sensing

32 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 Total remnant Proportion Bioregional Conservation Status of remnant vegetation (ha) Total Area of original Bioregion vegetation Presumed Least (ha) (ha) extent Endangered Vulnerable Depleted Rare remaining extinct concern Highlands – 376,577 224,782 60% - 2,454 18,038 4,859 14 199,417 Southern Fall Highlands – 424 306 72% - - 4 24 - 278 Northern Fall Victorian Alps 15,953 15,943 99.9% - - 124 - 763 15,056 Central Victorian 166,743 81,069 49% - 3,141 12,667 14,869 - 50,392 Uplands Strzelecki Ranges 43,032 1,333 3% 4 364 685 280 - - Victorian Volcanic 302,253 12,626 4% 56 11,480 335 742 - 13 Plain Otway Plain 14,919 186 1% - 186 - - - - Gippsland Plain 358,963 45,364 13% 0.5 12,842 12,456 5,231 5,943 8,891 Total (ha’s) 1,278,865 381,609 60.5 30,467 44,309 26,005 6,720 274,047 Total (%) 30% 0.2% 7.9% 11.6% 6.8% 1.7% 71.8%

Table 8 Summary of the extent of native vegetation in each bioregion in the Port Phillip and Western Port region

Three important observations can be made from Table 8:

● The ﬁ gures for the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Gippsland Plain While this decline is due partly to Melbourne’s expanding urban bioregions are of greatest concern. Together, these bioregions growth, other factors are also important including illegal account for 52 per cent of the region but their vegetation clearing, accidental destruction and native grassland replacement cover has been reduced to a tiny fraction of the original cover by agriculture through ploughing and de-rocking. Meanwhile, (4 per cent and 13 per cent respectively) and much of this is factors including weed invasion, inappropriate ﬁ re and hydrology composed of ecological vegetation classes that are regimes, grazing, and the effects of fragmentation are rapidly endangered. diminishing the quality and vigour of what remains.

● While 30 per cent of original vegetation cover is believed to remain across the whole region, much of it occurs in only two These circumstances mean that the Regional Catchment Strategy bioregions; - Highlands-Southern Fall and Central Victorian target BT1 will be extremely difﬁ cult to achieve. Uplands. Moreover, nearly all of their remaining vegetation cover is composed of Ecological Vegetation Classes whose conservation status is classiﬁ ed as being of least concern because it is relatively abundant and generally in reasonable condition

● The Highlands-Southern Fall and Central Victorian Uplands together make up 42 per cent of the Port Phillip and Western Port region and have 60 per cent and 49 per cent of their native vegetation cover remaining. While the majority of native vegetation in these bioregions is classiﬁ ed as being of least concern, vegetation in these bioregion is under continued pressure for further agricultural and urban development.

Current monitoring does not allow us to scientiﬁ cally assess trends in native vegetation cover across the region. However, there is evidence that the trend for native vegetation extent continues downward, particularly for grasslands and other ecological vegetation classes in the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Gippsland Plain bioregions.

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 33 Actions in 2005/06 to nine projects undertaking native vegetation protection and management, planning and research in 2005/06. These included Regional planning Biodiversity Action Planning in three areas and the Trust for Nature’s covenanting work. Grants were also made to 21 The Regional Native Vegetation Plan was completed in 2006. community revegetation projects through the PPWCMA This will provide a detailed and systematic approach to native Community Grants program and the Commonwealth Games vegetation conservation and provides speciﬁ c targets for each of Tree Planting project sponsored over 200 hectares of the region’s Ecological Vegetation Classes. These will better direct revegetation works in the west and north of the region. Major conservation efforts to where they are most needed to address investments were also made in riparian vegetation by Melbourne losses in the most threatened remnants and on landscapes where Water through its Stream Frontage Management Program. vegetation loss has been most severe. Detailed mapping On-ground vegetation protection and enhancement Mapping of ecological vegetation classes for the region at Native vegetation restoration continues to be one of the 1:25,000 scale is being conducted by the Department of largest areas of investment in the region, with particular focus Sustainability and Environment with priority work being on protecting and managing existing vegetation. The PPWCMA directed to the urban growth corridors. directed Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust funding

Figure 9: Remnant native vegetation in the Port Phillip and Western Port region.

34 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 PPWCMA assessment of PPWCMA assessment of Target current condition trend

Reduce the number of threatened ﬂ ora species to less than 250 by 2030 and reduce the number Poor Relatively stable BT5 of threatened fauna species to less than 100 by 2030 with no further regional extinctions

Keeping the gene pool full! Threatened Species - Biodiversity Target BT5 The Regional Catchment Strategy commits to maintaining viable populations of indigenous ﬂ ora and fauna in the region’s terrestrial, aquatic and marine environments.

This commitment responds to 200 years of alterations to the Port Phillip and Western Port region’s natural environments. Some species that were present before European settlement are now extinct in the region while many more are known to be under threat. Clearing and fragmentation of vegetation, changes to natural wetlands and water fl ows and fi re regimes and the introduction of exotic plants and animals have all taken a heavy toll on the native fl ora and fauna species of the region. Condition and trend

The Department of Sustainability and Environment conducts the majority of monitoring activities for threatened ﬂ ora and fauna species in the region and leads ongoing sci- entiﬁ c assessment of species nominated for listing under relevant State and Commonwealth legislation.

Threatened species management in Victoria is governed by the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. When species or communities are nominated for protection, a Actions in 2005/06 scientifi c advisory committee commences assessment of the nominations, and where necessary recommendations for listing are Some encouraging results towards the stabilisation and protection made. At any one time there are species or communities that have of threatened species have been achieved as a result of various been nominated for assessment but have yet to be programs run by government agencies and community groups reviewed through the scientifi c process. As assessments are across the region. fi nalised and signed off by the relevant Government Ministers the lists of threatened species are updated. Guaranteeing our fl ora and fauna

Since 2004, the process of scientifi c assessment has raised the Department of Sustainability and Environment maintains a record number of fl ora species recognised as threatened from 296 to 358, of the actions taken to implement the Flora and Fauna Guarantee and the number of threatened fauna species from 128 to 179. Act 1988. In 2005/6 records show over 380 actions were completed and 190 partially completed to address threats to 43 There is insuffi cient data to make sound scientifi c assessments of species of fauna and 30 species of fl ora in this region. No further the long term population and viability trends. However, in that information has yet been entered for a further 1013 actions. Listed time, no further species losses have been reported and the trend fauna species include the hooded plover, eastern barred in threatened fl ora and fauna species condition appears to be bandicoot, brush-tailed phascogale and helmeted honeyeater. relatively stable.

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 35 Flora species include coast correa, brittle green-hood, The 2005/06 program monitored wild birds breeding at Yellingbo wine-lipped spider orchid and Adamson’s blown grass. and Tonimbuk and facilitated a re-introduction program to detect Actions include ecological burning, propogation of speciﬁ c breeding behaviour, ﬁ nd and protect nests and band nestlings. plant species, weed control, mapping, access closures and Helmeted honeyeater habitat was monitored and enhanced with management agreements with the owners of private holdings. plant propagation and re-vegetation. Databases continue to be updated with breeding details. The Department of Sustainability and Environment, Parks Victoria, Councils, private landholders and infrastructure utilities such as VicRoads and Victorian Rail Track have various roles in undertaking these conservation programs.

Flora Recovery Plans

Flora Recovery Plans for threatened orchids, spiny rice-ﬂ ower, purple eyebright and swamp everlasting were supported by the PPWCMA with funding from the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust in 2005/06.

The recovery plan for orchids in the region, covering 10 nationally threatened species of orchids, aims to both reduce threats to the orchid populations and increase their numbers in the wild. These species include moth orchids, spider orchids, greenhood and leek orchids.

The recovery plans for spiny rice-ﬂ ower, purple eyebright and swamp everlasting aims to improve the baseline information about the area and extent of each species, reduce threats to their wild populations collect seeds and cuttings and improve community awareness of how to manage land for their recovery.

Growling Grass Frog Recovery Plan

This recovery program continued in 2005/06 with funding from the Natural Heritage Trust to minimise the risk that one of the largest populations of growling grass frogs in Australia could be lost. Baseline information about the population in the Casey-Cardinia urban growth corridor was obtained to allow the immediate threats from urban and industrial development to be managed to ensure the population is self-sustaining.

Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Plan

The helmeted honeyeater is one of the most critically endangered birds in Australia. The recovery program to conserve the species is ongoing and has strong community support. It received funding from the Natural Heritage Trust. The project is in the hands of the Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Team, a collaboration of the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Zoos Victoria, Parks Victoria, Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater, Friends of Bunyip State Park, Birds Australia and the Bird Observers Club of Australia. The consortium is supported by a group of contributing ecologists and geneticists and the Parks Victoria program to protect the sedge-rich Eucalyptus camphora swamp community.

36 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 PPWCMA assessment of PPWCMA assessment of Target current condition trend Achieve a net gain in the extent and quality of seagrass communities by 2020 Poor Declining BT8 Retain the extent of all other broad marine habitat classes in the region at 2004 levels Moderate Relatively stable

Seagrasses go quickly and Seagrass and marine habitat come back slowly - Biodiversity Target BT8

The health of the marine environment depends on the retention of its diverse habitat communities. There are a number of different marine vegetation communities found in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port including seagrass meadows, kelp forests and coastal mangrove fringes. Each vegetation community plays an important role in the maintenance of marine health by assisting in the stabilisation of sediments, providing a food source for marine fauna and habitat for ﬁ sh and other marine organisms.

The Regional Catchment Strategy’s Target BT8 commits the region to managing the threats to its valuable marine vegetation communities to ensure no further losses, whilst achieving a net gain in the distribution and quality of the region’s susceptible seagrass communities.

Seagrasses are a critical vegetation community in coastal lagoons, estuaries and open coasts. They form the basis of highly productive ecosystems providing food and shelter for many varieties of marine life including algae which grow on them. Seagrass beds provide vital habitat and breeding grounds for marine species and play an important role in trapping and stabilising sediments. Monitoring

The main marine vegetation communities that have been mapped and assessed for condition are seagrass and mangroves. Limited information exists on algae and kelp forests.

The major project monitoring the health and extent of seagrass beds in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port is a three year program conducted from 2004 to 2007 by Primary Industries Research Victoria - Marine and Freshwater Systems. The project aims to address the lack of quantitative baseline data, which has been a Victorian seagrass species include Zostera tasmanica (formerly barrier to identifying the causes of seagrass loss. known as Heterozostera tasmanica), Zostera muelleri, Halophila australis and Amphibolis antarctica. Seagrass beds are being monitoring at three sites established in each bay. In Port Phillip Bay, monitoring sites are located at Point Mangrove communities play an important role in shoreline Richards, Kirk Point and Swan Bay. stabilisation and nurseries for ﬁ sh including the species which penguins eat.

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 37 Monitoring There is no monitoring site in the north east of Western Port where extensive deterioration has occurred. The main marine vegetation communities that have been mapped and assessed for condition are seagrass and mangroves. The extent and health of mangroves in Western Port was Limited information exists on algae and kelp forests. monitored in 2005/06 in a joint mangrove planting project by the Western Port Seagrass Partnership with Bass Coast Primary The major project monitoring the health and extent of seagrass School. The Western Port Seagrass Partnership obtained a beds in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port is a three year program Community Water Grant of $19,729 to work with the school on conducted from 2004 to 2007 by Primary Industries Research this activity. Victoria - Marine and Freshwater Systems. The project aims to address the lack of quantitative baseline data, which has been a Parks Victoria undertakes annual monitoring of subtidal and barrier to identifying the causes of seagrass loss. intertidal zones in most of the region’s marine protected areas. In Port Phillip Bay and along the Bass Strait coastal parks, the Seagrass beds are being monitoring at three sites established program aims to track the effects of visitor access to rock in each bay. In Port Phillip Bay, monitoring sites are located at platforms. In Western Port, marine protected areas are assessed Point Richards, Kirk Point and Swan Bay. by aerial photography and mapping.

An additional site at Blairgowrie is being monitored by aerial Condition and trend photography. In Western Port, the project is monitoring sites at Rhyll on Phillip Island, Woolleys Beach on the western shoreline Port Phillip Bay and Chicory Lane on French Island’s northern shore (Figure 10). Monitoring includes: In Port Phillip Bay, signiﬁ cant decline in seagrasses occurred at the Blairgowrie and Point Richards monitoring sites between 2000 and 2005. Visual seagrass assessment along the Bay’s southern ● Site sampling at the beginning and end of summer for coast between Rosebud and Sorrento also showed widespread analysis of leaf length, shoot density, algae and grazing decline. animals.

● Aerial photograph interpretation to assess broad scale Conversely, seagrass at Kirk Point on the Bay’s western shoreline changes in quality and extent. showed a signiﬁ cant increase between 2000 and 2005. Kirk Point ● Underwater light monitoring used to measure availability of is adjacent to the Werribee Treatment Plant Murtcaim Drain. In light and water clarity which are essential for photosynthesis 2004 Melbourne Water achieved major discharge reductions from for the seagrasses. this drain. Whether this improved the site for seagrass compared to the other sites in Port Phillip Bay has not been established.

38 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 Western Port

In the 1970s-1980s large-scale dieback was observed in the density and distribution of seagrass meadows of Western Port. This was not a localised phenomenon, but a trend detected at a number of locations around the world. After a number of years of relative stability, anecdotal reports suggest that seagrass beds in Western Port may have entered a period of further decline during 2005/06. A factor leading to the seagrass loss is inundation by sediments entering the Bay, indicating that the dynamics of the bay are as important as water quality. Observations of seagrass decline also note that at some times of the year seagrasses are impacted by thick epiphytic growth of algae, of the type known to respond to elevated nutrients in the water column. Seagrass meadows at Coronet Bay in Western Port’s south-east initially grew and expanded to quite considerable size during the ﬁ ve years to 2005/06, but have now declined, possibly due to erosion or smothering under sediment. Few patches remain. Seagrass on many mud banks in the north-east of Western Port have also been lost . Project plantings in this area by the Western Port Seagrass Partnership either died, eroded or were smothered by mobile sediments.

In contrast to seagrass, mangroves have been spreading in Western Port in the last few years and they are proving easy to propagate. Reef Island has hundreds of young mangroves up to four years old. At Corinella, on the west shoreline of the bay, many young mangroves appeared in 2005/06 between what were Actions in 2005/06 previously solitary trees and were laden with seeds in the summers of 2004/05 and 2005/06. The Western Port Seagrass Partnership

The Western Port Seagrass Partnership project, “Sediment Stabilisation in the Western Port Ramsar Area” was funded by the Natural Heritage Trust through the PPWCMA.

The project is conducting sediment stabilisation trials associated with seagrass and mangrove replanting. The project is also maintaining photo-points of replanting sites, assessing survival rates in revegetated areas and measuring the performance of sediment stabilisation methods. During 2002/03, over 2,100 seagrass plugs were planted at Coronet Bay, Newhaven (Phillip Island) and Long Island. However, by 2005/06 all of these plantings had` died, disappeared or were smothered by sediments.

Over 1,000 seagrass plugs were planted at two-metre intervals in a 1km strip around Coronet Bay to discover where seagrass might survive. All these plantings were eventually lost.

Simultaneous nutrient trials tested the effect of selective fertilisation on seedling survival and growth. While growth was spectacular, it was not sustained and the vigorously growing patches ﬁ nally died. Water tests by the Environment Protection Authority during these trials showed that nutrients from the Figure 10: Seagrass monitoring sites in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port bay. fertiliser treatments were not polluting the surrounding water.

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 339 The project also continued to conduct experiments in planting seagrass seedlings with nutrients in the mud ﬂ ats at Lang Lang. The project found that seagrass cannot regenerate in the Lang Lang area while adjacent cliff erosion persists and produces mud which smothers seagrass soon after planting. When seagrass planted in mud from Lang Lang was taken to Coronet Bay, it grew successfully in the mud both offshore and onshore. If the Lang Lang cliff erosion problem can be solved, seagrass may again ﬂ ourish in the area.

Research on nutrient enrichment

A research project by the Department of Primary Industries investigated the effects of increased nutrient loadings on intertidal seagrass beds. The study found that increased nutrient loads did affect seagrass growth and health by increasing the amount of algae growing on the leaves. Seagrass beds in the study area near Blind Bight appeared to be the most vulnerable to this effect. Algal growth stimulated by nutrient enrichment in other study areas appeared to be offset by reduced light availability or increased grazing by algae feeders. Smothering of seagrass by fi lamentous algae growth was prolifi c at Reef Island and could be stimulated by high nutrient levels.. Grantville although the substrate had been tested and found suitable. It is thought that seeds planted with seed coats in place Primary Schools Mangrove Project in an anaerobic environment may have been poisoned by toxic products from the decaying seed coats. This project, conducted by the Western Port Seagrass Partnership and Bass Coast Primary Schools in 2005, collected seed and Mangrove plantings at Lang Lang Cliffs germinated mangrove seedlings which were planted at Newhaven and Grantville. These have continued to grow well At Lang Lang, over 2,000 mangrove seedlings were planted by the in 2006. Western Port Seagrass Partnership. This project was conducted in conjunction with Department of Sustainability and Environment. In the Summer of 2005/06, about 10,000 mangrove seeds were Some mangroves were washed away but others have survived collected. Most were direct seeded along the Grantville mud and doubled in size. Different methods of staking and protection fl ats, Queensferry Rd and Coronet Bay. Seeds at the latter for mangroves appears to improve seedling survival. Nutrient locations all germinated. However very few germinated at trials may also identify how to achieve faster seedling growth.

40 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 PPWCMA assessment of PPWCMA assessment of Target current condition trend At least half the region’s 38 Councils to have formally adopted the Regional Catchment Strategy as a reference document by 2008 reﬂ ecting relevant sections of it appropriately in their planning Moderate Improving PT3 schemes and/or implementing relevant actions through their annual programs

Wise council Links with Local Government - People and Organisations Target PT3 There are 38 councils in the Port Phillip and Western Port region; many more than in any of Victoria’s other catchment management regions. Councils are major investors in and practitioners of natural resource management in the region but achieving engagement of and coordination between this number of Councils for these activities is a signiﬁ cant challenge for the PPWCMA and its partners.

Target PT3 of the Regional Catchment Strategy seeks Local Government adoption of the Regional Catchment Strategy’s natural resource management priorities in their strategic planning and operations. Status and trend

Effective implementation of the Regional Catchment Strategy at Council level depends partly on it being a key informing document for Council investment and activities, especially because Councils have to balance between competing priorities with limited resources.

There was a high level of involvement by Councils in the preparation of the Regional Catchment Strategy. Each of the 38 Councils was involved at various stages of the development process. Many Councils were also closely involved in the preparation and development of projects for the Regional Catchment Investment Program submitted in April 2006 for the 2006/07 ﬁ nancial year.

Generally, there is a good level of understanding of the role and addressed at a state-wide scale in the development of guidelines operation of the Regional Catchment Strategy amongst Councils, for the next reviews of Regional Catchment Strategies and in particular regarding its role in investing Victorian and Australian Council Planning Schemes. Despite the limited formal links Government funds for regional natural resource management. between the Regional Catchment Strategy and Council planning schemes, across the region Councils are increasingly including Ideally, the priorities of Council Municipal Strategic Statements appropriate references to the Regional Catchment Strategy and and Local Planning Scheme Provisions will be closely aligned with natural resource management activities in their policies and plans, the Regional Catchment Strategy. However, the strategic and re- as well as increasing in contributing to regional natural resource gion-wide focus of the Regional Catchment Strategy creates some management outcomes. difﬁ culties in it being adopted by Councils as a reference document in their planning schemes and information in the Data on this relationship has recently come to light from the strategy is often not in an appropriate format for Councils to use Municipal Association of Victoria’s 2006 Victorian Local immediately and easily. Other Victorian Catchment Management Government Environment Survey Report. The report collates Authorities are encountering similar challenges in encouraging responses from 76 of Victoria’s 79 Councils and includes a Councils to use the relevant Regional Catchment Strategies as breakdown against the “metropolitan Councils” and the planning reference tools. This issue is being “interface Councils”, all of which are from this region.

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 41 The report is a comprehensive survey of local government and 64 per cent of Councils respectively. A signifi cant number environment priorities, resources and management approaches. of Councils are in the process of developing or are intending to develop sustainable water use strategies and domestic It provides an important benchmark for the links between wastewater strategies. The number of Councils with green Councils and the catchment management sector, and is a house strategies and energy conservation strategies has more reference for improved statewide and local collaboration on than doubled since 2002. environment management. It also raises the profi le of the work ● 29 out of the 31 responding metropolitan and interface being done by Victorian Councils and is a catalyst for innovative Councils had at least one dedicated environment offi cer funded partnerships between Councils and other environment managers. from Council’s core budget in 2005. Some of the key fi ndings from the report are: ● 88 per cent of interface Councils and 78 per cent of ● The management of waste, stormwater and native vegetation metropolitan Councils use environment indicators to inform are the three highest priority issues currently facing the sector. Councils programs. ● The key resource needs for interface and metropolitan ● When asked about the level of connection between the Councils are funding for on-ground projects, data resources Regional Catchment Strategy(s) and Council’s Corporate Plan (such as mapping) and staff training. or Municipal Strategic Statement, 50 per cent of the Councils ● Virtually all Councils across Victoria were involved in the stated that the connection is ‘limited’ and 30 per cent stated most recent the current Regional Catchment Strategies. that the link is ‘general’. One interface Council felt that its 100 per cent of interface Councils and 82 per cent of connection is comprehensive’. Only 33 per cent of interface metropolitan Councils were involved in briefi ng sessions. Councils and 9 per cent of metropolitan councils stated that 88 per cent of interface Councils and 77 per cent of the Regional Catchment Strategy is a reference document in metropolitan Councils contributed locally relevant Council’s Local Planning Policy Framework. information and comments. 63 per cent of interface Councils reviewed the Regional Catchment Strategy and linked it to Council business planning, budget process and activities.

● The majority of interface and metropolitan Councils feel they have a “comprehensive’ or ‘general’ understanding of natural resource management in both a local and regional context.

● 50 per cent of interface Councils stated they have a ‘general’ level of involvement with the Catchment Management Authority, while 48 per cent of metropolitan Councils rate their level of involvement with the Catchment Management Authority as ‘limited’.

● Two key issues limiting Council involvement in natural resource management are the availability of funding and resources and other Council activities taking priority.

● The most highly regarded beneﬁ t of being involved in regional natural resource management is the provision of a ‘strategic approach’.

● The key environment management activities being undertaken by Councils include:

● provision of support to community environment groups

● participation in the Cities for Climate Protection program

● provision of incentives for biodiversity and land management

● participation in the International Council for Local Environmental Issues water campaign and provision of community environmental education programs

● There are at least 25 different types of environment strategies developed by Victorian Councils. Stormwater management strategies are the most common, in place in 84 per cent of Councils, followed by waste management and native vegetation protection measures in 67 per cent

42 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 Actions in 2005/06

Through the year, links and relationships between Councils and the PPWCMA have been enhanced by various activities:

Memoranda of Understanding

The PPWCMA continued to negotiate agreements in the form of Memoranda of Understanding which, when co-signed by each Council and the PPWCMA, will be a formal record of each Council’s support for the Regional Catchment Strategy and strong links to its plans, policies and activities.

Memoranda of Understanding have been drafted and were the subject of discussion with fi ve Councils in the region to June 2005. To that time, only one formal agreement had been signed with a Council – the Shire of Yarra Ranges – specifi cally relating to its supporting role in the major catchment project ‘Yarra for Life’. However, the PPWCMA has refi ned the format of these Memoranda of Understanding to meet both its own and the Councils’ purposes, and envisages a number of these being signed in 2006/07.

Meetings, Forums and Catchment Tours

The PPWCMA continued an active program of meetings, forums and catchment tours with Councils throughout 2005/06. The program was well-received and generated a higher level of direct participation by Councillors and Council personnel in PPWCMA Council surveys programs, than had occurred in previous years. In 2005/06, the PPWCMA also conducted surveys that explored In the fi rst half of 2005/06, PPWCMA Board members and the Councils’ level of adoption of the Regional Catchment Strategy. Local Government Coordinator continued a program of meetings The surveys were designed to complement the fi ndings of the and presentations to Councillor and offi cer groups at Councils. Victorian Local Government Environment Survey, while providing From March 2006, this program was enhanced to include a major more specifi c analysis of the 38 Councils in this particular region. regional forum regarding native vegetation management and a The surveys provided important benchmarking data so that similar series of catchment-based informational tours targeted specifi cally surveys in future years may identify trends relating to the level at Councils. Over 140 people attended the series of catchment and quality of local government engagement. tours and very positive feedback was recorded regarding the quality and value of the tours. Over 130 people representing 24 of Planning together the region’s 38 Councils attended the Local Government Regional Forum – ‘Native Vegetation Management – 2006 and Beyond!’ Councils, the PPWCMA and various other organisations have Responses from those who attended these events indicated an interacted often in a range of activities contributing to the increasing level of interest and support for programs to address implementation of the Regional Catchment Strategy, including: catchment issues among Councillors and key decision-makers from local government. ● The development by 17 Councils of management plans for the 12 Green Wedges in the region.

● Development of a pilot catchment module of the International Council for Local Environmental Issues Water Campaign to investigate opportunities to adapt local government milestones in the Water Campaign to the Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting program of the Regional Catchment Strategy

● Linkages between the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord agreements being developed by Councils and the actions and targets in the Regional Catchment Strategy

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 43 Partnership projects

Councils are undertaking numerous projects that contribute to regional catchment health and are an indication of growing links between the local government sector and the catchment management sector. A number of projects have been directly supported by the PPWCMA and other organisations involved in natural resource management. Examples are listed in Table 9:

Council Projects and Activities Banyule Waterwatch activities, the Yandell Reserve Recovery project, Wildlife Corridor Program, Stormwater Management Program and Water Conservation Strategy Bass Coast Coastal rehabilitation, waterway protection, wildlife conservation and weed and pest animal control Brimbank Development of Sydenham Regional Conservation Park Cardinia Tackling Weeds on Private Land projects; Western Port Biolinks and National Landcare Program projects Darebin Urban Bushcare projects with Greening Australia Victoria Greater Dandenong Dandenong Creek redevelopment Hobsons Bay Implementation of a regional strategy for Kororoit Creek (with Brimbank, Wyndham and Melton Councils) and the Truganina Coastal Parklands project Hume Development of Merri Creek Regional Park (Galada Tamboore) with the Merri Creek Management Committee, Pest Animal Action Plan, Integrated Weed Control Strategy, annual State of Environment reporting Kingston Development of a Biodiversity Strategy, waterway protection and bushland restoration in Mordialloc Creek Reserve Macedon Ranges Rehabilitation of Jackson’s Creek at Gisborne, corporate support for the Regional Landcare Coordinator position in the Werribee and Maribyrnong catchments Manningham Pest plant and animal control program, Bushland Management Strategy, bushland restoration in Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park Melton Native Vegetation Incentive Scheme Moorabool Lerderderg River Restoration Project and the Grow West landscape restoration project Moreland Development of the Jacana Wetlands on Moonee Ponds Creek Mornington Peninsula Land Protection Incentive Scheme Whitehorse Wetland rehabilitation and erosion control at Campbells Croft in Vermont Yarra Ranges Whole-farm planning in horticultural businesses in the Yarra Valley with the Department of Primary Industries, Domestic Wastewater Management Plan

Table 9: Council activities contributing to Catchment health.

44 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 PPWCMA assessment of PPWCMA assessment of Target current condition trend

A 20% increase in the number of groups active in the region by 2008 and a 20% increase Healthy Improving PT5 in active membership by 200

We’ll get by with a little help Extent and health of Community from our friends Groups - People and Organisations Target PT5

The PPWCMA estimates that there are around 480 active community groups working for environmental improvement across the region. The majority of these groups are comprised of Friends groups (typically urban locations with a focus on public land) and Landcare groups (typically rural and semi-rural locations with a focus on private land) (Figure 11).

They form a network of volunteers, critical to the protection and maintenance of our bushland, wildlife, waterways, beaches and cultural heritage and make signiﬁ cant contributions to improvements in the condition of our catchments. They play a key role in implementing practical solutions for local environmental problems and developing an ethic of stewardship for our natural assets. Groups provide leadership, innovation and motivation for change within their local communities, and provide social interactions that contribute to the strength and fabric of local communities.

To maintain and build the long-term effectiveness of groups in catchment management, it is essential they be supported and encouraged through the provision of funding opportunities, training and networking events and recognition for their works. It is also important to ensure that groups are ‘healthy’, strong, robust, effective and dynamic organisations with capable memberships that are working strategically and efﬁ ciently.

For these reasons, the Regional Catchment Strategy’s target PT5 focuses on improving the health and memberships of groups in the region.

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 45 Figure 11: Community Enviroment Groups in the Port Phillip and Western Port region.

Monitoring Condition and Trend

In the last ﬁ ve years, the groups in this region have been Key results from the surveys and other contacts with groups surveyed three times to obtain a picture of group needs, include: membership numbers and activities:

● An initial survey of the region’s groups in 2001 as the basis ● In 2005/06, there were 83 Landcare groups operating with for developing the Strategy for Support and Coordination of a coverage of an estimated 500,000 hectares or around 40 per Landcare and Community Groups in the Port Phillip and cent of the region. There were also almost 200 Friends Westernport Region. From the estimated 470 groups, 239 groups and over 180 other groups (including Committees of responses were received. Management, community nurseries, advisory groups, resident action groups, etc.) active in the region, plus Melbourne Water ● A ‘Group Health Self-assessment’ survey conducted in 2004 (requesting current and 2002 ratings of group health). supports an estimated 100 Waterwatch groups in the region A total of 480 surveys were sent out with 79 responses (typically with a water quality monitoring focus). received (from 36 Landcare groups and 43 other groups). ● The number of Landcare groups in the region continues to ● A second ‘Group Health Self-assessment’ survey conducted in 2006 (requesting updated ratings of group health). A total grow. At least four (and possibly many more) new groups of 461 surveys were sent out with 116 responses received formed between 2002 and 2004. In 2005/06 a further eight (from 38 Landcare groups and 78 other groups). new Landcare groups were established, although another group went into recess. This increase is contrary to an It is planned that surveys will be undertaken periodically in years apparent downward trend in Landcare group numbers across to come to continue to monitor group health and to identify Victoria reported in recent research by Charles Sturt University. trends. ● The average total membership of Landcare groups appears to have decreased slightly over the past ﬁ ve years, though the average active membership has increased, as shown in Table 10 and Figures 12 and 13.

46 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 2001 survey of 2004 survey of 2006 survey of Landcare Groups Landcare Groups Landcare Groups No. of active groups 56 (estimated) 76 83 Average total membership 40 49 38 Average active membership 19 19 26 Table 10: Changes in Landcare group membership

No of active Landcare groups Trend needed to achieve target 120

100

80 83 76 60 56 40

0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Figure 12: Number of Landcare groups in the region

Average active membership of Landcare groups Trend needed to achieve target 30

20 83 76 15 56 10

0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Figure 13: Active membership of Landcare groups in the region

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 47 ● The 39 Landcare groups that responded to the most recent ● The health of the Landcare and other community groups, as survey reported a contribution of 69,762 hours in 2005/06. assessed by the groups themselves, has steadily improved Extrapolated to the 83 groups in the region, there may have since 2002 as shown in Table 11. been around 150,000 hours of voluntary time contributed in 2005/06 to environmental activities by the Landcare groups alone.

Self assessment of group health Total Average 5 4 3 2 1 rating (Thriving) (Strong) (OK) (Surviving) (Stalled)

Number of groups - 2002 8 13 35 11 3 70 3.17 Number of groups - 2004 10 22 36 7 4 79 3.34 Number of groups - 2006 13 36 57 6 4 116 3.41 Table 11: Ratings of group health in 2002, 2004 and 2006. Actions in 2005/06

Strategic support for community groups Funding

The PPWCMA supports community groups by developing and As part of the its Community Grants program, the PPWCMA raising the capacity of Landcare and other community groups to continued its program of providing small grants for Landcare enable them to effectively contribute to catchment management groups, resulting in 54 groups each receiving $300 to assist in the region. The Strategy for Support and Coordination of administration and 43 groups each receiving $500 for Landcare and Community Groups in the Port Phillip and promotional activities during 2005/06. Westernport Region guides the activities of the PPWCMA. The PPWCMA’s popular Calendar of Grants and Incentives was During 2005/06, the PPWCMA provided advice and facilitation again comprehensively revised and distributed to all groups in services leading to the formation of eight new Landcare groups the region. Funding application assistance and advice was (Christmas Hills Landcare Group, East Creek Organisation for provided to groups upon request. Landcare, Jumping Creek Landcare Group, Lardner and District Landcare Group, Macedon and Mount Macedon Landcare Group, Local Atlases Main Creek Catchment Group, Olinda Creek Landcare Group, Waterholes Creek and Tributaries Landcare Group) and a new 42 Landcare Group Atlases were produced during 2005/06. The network of groups (Jacksons Creek Catchment EcoNetwork). atlases are a resource provided to Landcare groups to help them A regional forum for Landcare Coordinators and Facilitators plan and operate strategically. A Landcare Group Atlas is a series of was established to improve the sharing of knowledge and full colour, A3 maps, scaled to the Landcare group’s boundary, and experiences in supporting Landcare groups and to improve the depicting state-held GIS datasets. coordination of effort. The maps illustrate aspects such as aerial photography, satellite Regular email bulletins containing alerts to funding and training imagery, fi re history, bore location and depth, cadstral/property opportunities, event notifi cations and links to resources were boundaries, digital elevation model, contours, current vegetation provided. These reduced the number of hardcopy information coverage, conservation status of ecological vegetation classes, packages sent to all groups in the region and were a more geology, land use, Land for Wildlife properties, pest plant and animal effi cient means of disseminating this information in a timely records, salinity priority areas, threatened fl ora and fauna records manner. and Registered Sites of Aboriginal Signifi cance. The maps are presented hard copy along with a CD with electronic versions of each Regular mailouts were still provided to distribute copies of map. An A3 transparency sheet with the group boundary depicted resources such as the Environmental Management in Agriculture is also provided to facilitate manual overlaying of Work Sheet Series, the Introductory Weed Management Manual, information for group planning purposes. and How to Plan Wildlife Landscapes. Victorian Landcare Award In an effort to facilitate the adoption of computer-based communication and information sharing by groups, the PPWCMA In recognition of its community capacity building efforts the secured a number of second-hand computers from Parks Victoria Port Phillip and Westernport CMA was awarded the Australian Gov- and offered them to groups that did not have access to email ernment Regional Landcare Award at the Victorian Landcare Awards and internet. 10 computers were distributed during 2005/06. in September 2005.

48 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 PPWCMA assessment of PPWCMA assessment of Target current condition trend

Increase community awareness of the condition of catchment assets and associated trends Moderate Relatively Stable PT6

Community Awareness Every resident has inﬂ uence - People and Organisations Target PT6 The degree to which a community becomes involved with and takes ownership of catchment management issues helps to determine the level of investment for our programs.

However the size and diversity of the Port Phillip and Western Port region presents a signiﬁ cant challenge for the region’s natural resource managers. Raising the collective community awareness is the subject of Target PT6 of the Regional Catchment Strategy.

The Target aims to increase the awareness of key catchment issues and to promote protection and management of catchment assets throughout the community. Condition and trend

Each resident of the region has an inﬂ uence on catchment condition at a local and regional scale. Positive or negative, over 3.4 million individual impacts have the potential to make for a signiﬁ cant change in the state of the environment.

Community education, awareness and support are important elements for directing these impacts towards constructive outcomes.

Several programs exist across the region to raise community Actions in 2005/06 awareness however there is considerable scope to accelerate development of these activities to further drive environmental and Every Drop Counts cultural change, thereby inﬂ uencing priorities for investment of governments and other funding bodies. The Victorian Government has championed a major, ongoing media campaign on water conservation. The aims include In general, communities are quite willing to make modest changes bringing water conservation to the front of mind of Victorian to their daily activities if they can see the positive beneﬁ ts to their households, businesses and communities. A particular goal is to local environment. This is evidenced by the increasing public reduce the amount of water used on average per person. The acceptance and participation in programs such as water campaign has included extensive television, radio, conservation, household and green waste recycling schemes and newspaper and billboard coverage across greater Melbourne the continuing establishment of new community environment and has featured messages such as “Every Drop Counts”, groups across the region. encouraging people to save water by changing their habits.

While a growing number of schools in the region now incorporate Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games environmental education into their curricula, there remains considerable potential for the development and coordination of The Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games included a more tailored education programs about catchment management substantial environmental program with a focus on raising at both primary and secondary school levels. community awareness of environmental issues as well as implementing numerous practical environmental enhancements.

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 49 For example, a feature of the Games’ environmental program The Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve was a large-scale, tree planting project so that staging the has been established in recent years and is one of one of 12 Games would be carbon neutral. The PPWCMA coordinated this biosphere reserves in Australia. It covers all of the Mornington program by working with a range of organisations including Peninsula, French Island, parts of the Shires of Cardinia and Bass Landcare groups, Councils, Catchment Management Authorities, Coast (including Phillip Island), and parts of the Cities of Casey Government departments, Greening Australia Victoria and the and Frankston. It includes national parks and other reserve areas. Offi ce of Commonwealth Games Coordination. More importantly, it is unique in that it also includes farms, tourist sites, industries and towns. Actions to achieve Man and Biosphere Plantings involving over 1,900 volunteers and covering more objectives are initiated and implemented by community groups, than 450 hectares were undertaken at 17 sites across Victoria, the fi ve local governments and the State Government. generating community interest plus local and statewide media and a lasting on-ground legacy. This included over 170,000 Through 2005/06, the Biosphere Foundation has focussed on indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses planted in the Grow West identifying key opportunities and programs that it will pursue to project area on 170 hectares in the Rowsley Valley and Pentland turn the Biosphere from a concept into real benefi ts for the local Hills. It is estimated that the plantings will reduce greenhouse environment and the people that live, work and visit the area. gases by over 100,000 tonnes – the approximate equivalent of taking more than 25,000 cars off the road for one year. Six community-based roundtables are developing projects to work with existing community groups, industries and businesses. Waterwatch and LandLearn They are obtaining funds though grants, sponsorship and membership fees. Roundtables are undertaking community and Two examples of successful education programs are Melbourne school education relating to sustainable practice. Examples Waterwatch and LandLearn. These programs engage school and include implementing water audits conducted under the community group audiences through combined education and Sustainable Schools Program, surveying households to identify training activities to raise awareness of catchment management and reduce their ‘eco-footprint’, reducing use of plastic and issues while delivering practical and useful outcomes. Using the chemicals, and caring for threatened wildlife and habitat. lessons learned from these programs similar activities focussing Partnerships are being developed for example, with tourist on other catchment management issues could be developed to operators to improve the sustainability of their businesses. great effect. Research is being promoted - for example, investigating energy alternatives, monitoring wildlife and potential re-establishment Public seminars on the “State of the Catchment” of sea grasses.

In 2005/06, three community seminars were conducted by the School Curricula PPWCMA to present up-to-date facts to the community on the state of the environment . Environment-based programs are increasingly being incorporated into primary and secondary school curricula across the region, The ‘State of the Catchment’ seminars were held for the Werribee often at the instigation of the schools themselves. Examples and Maribyrnong catchments, the Western Port catchment and within the Port Phillip and Western Port region include: the Yarra catchment. The audiences totalled over 600 people ● Darraweit Guim Primary School’s creekside revegetation and included Landcare and friends groups, Councillors and coun- program to help protect platypus populations and assess cil staff, government agency personnel, lecturers and students wetland condition; from secondary and tertiary education institutions. ● Romsey Primary School’s revegetation program to protect The seminars provided a snapshot of the region’s health and the remnant native vegetation; and latest information from experts on issues including river health, ● Balnarring Primary School’s revegetation of the Balbirooroo water quality, the health of Port Phillip Bay and Western Port, wetland. native vegetation, threatened species, urban development and rural land use. Gould Group

Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere One of Australia’s oldest environment organisations, the Gould Group, has launched a three-year “Multicultural School Gardens A Biosphere Reserve is a special designated area in which Program”. The program is designed to engage older community governments and communities work together to improve the members from diverse ethnic backgrounds to share with school sustainability of the ways they work and live. The Man and students their culture, experiences and the traditional food plants Biosphere Program has been developed by the United Nations to that they grow. Up to 40 schools will build and maintain garden encourage economic and social development that is sustainable beds, growing a variety of fruit and vegetables with the in the long term, whilst protecting and enhancing the encouragement and assistance of the local ethnic communities. biodiversity within the Reserve.

50 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 and grasslands, to fence remnant vegetation, manage grazing and Some other work around remove environmental and noxious weeds. the region In a program partly funded through a grant from the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust, the Council is Across the Port Phillip and Western Port region, an extensive array signing long-term agreements with landholders to undertake works of projects and programs are being undertaken by government that will implement the priority actions in Council’s agencies, local governments and community groups. While it is Environmental Enhancement Policy. The policy incorporates a not possible to detail all activities undertaken in the region, the number of the priority actions identifi ed in the Regional following selection outlines some that are helping to implement the Catchment Strategy, Rabbit Action Plan and Weed Action Plan. Regional Catchment Strategy. Reef Watch Environmental Management Systems In 2005/06, Reef Watch has been involved in eradication Environmental Management Systems are tools that help landholders programs for marine pest animals including the Northern Pacifi c assess and improve the environmental performance of their farms. Seastar, providing baseline data on Victoria’s marine national parks Over 20 projects are either in development of have been completed and sanctuaries, reporting illegal fi shing and developing a fi eld across the region by the Department of Primary Industries, the guide with Museum Victoria to the nudibranchs (marine snails) and Victorian Farmers Federation, the Mornington Peninsula Vignerons fl atworms of Bass Strait. The volunteers involved in the project Association, Gippslandcare, Bass Coast Landcare Network, Ausveg, are also helping to map seagrass beds and marine species, report Horticulture Australia, Yarra Valley Winegrowers Association and the new species and invasive pests, and give valuable insights into the Winemakers Federation of Australia. These programs are assisting seasonal cycles of plants and animals. landholders and industries to manage productive, profi table enterprises using environmental best practice. Stream Frontage Management

Frog Census Melbourne Water’s Stream Frontage Management Program contributed to the improvement of the health of streamsides Melbourne Water, the Melbourne Waterwatch Program and the throughout the region’s rural catchments. Working with Amphibian Research Centre cooperate on a biannual frog census community groups and landholders, the program provides funding across the greater Melbourne area. By analysing frog calls recorded and technical support to rural landholders with waterway frontages by volunteers at waterways, the census provides an indication of for weed removal, revegetation and fencing. In 2005/06, a total of the distribution and abundance of frogs and is especially useful in 398 agreements were signed with rural landholders, 122,850 locally identifying the locations of rare and endangered species. As frogs indigenous plants were planted and over 65 kilometres of fencing are sensitive to environmental conditions, the census is also useful was erected across the region. in providing an indication of the health of our waterways. Private landholders in some urban areas, Councils and community Waterwatch groups also received assistance through Melbourne Water’s Urban Stream Frontage and Corridors of Green programs. The Melbourne Waterwatch program works with community groups to collect reliable and practical data on water quality within the Solutions at the Source region and raises community awareness and understanding of water quality. The Bass Coast Landcare Network’s successful Solutions at the Source program continued in 2005/06. An Australian Government In 2005/06 Melbourne Waterwatch involved thousands of National Landcare Program grant has funded a broad range of participants from community groups and primary and secondary activities including farm-scale mapping, training programs and schools. Quality-controlled monitoring was carried out at many educational ﬁ eld days for landholders and the establishment of four locations across the region, contributing to Melbourne Water’s greenhouse demonstration farms. Over 20 kilometres of new fencing water quality database. will help prevent soil erosion, protect native vegetation and waterways and create corridors to link remnant vegetation patches. Sponsored by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust Other activities in this program include targeted fox and rabbit and locally by Melbourne Water, the program is supported by a control over at least 60 hectares and 118,000 new indigenous trees, number of other organisations including the Department of Primary shrubs and grasses planted. Industries, the Forestry program of the Department of Sustainability and Environment and local governments. Stormwater Initiatives

Rate Rebates in Melton Shire The Victorian Government, through the Department of Sustainability and Environment, has allocated $20 million for Melton Shire Council is targeting 1,200 properties with a rate rebate tackling stormwater quality issues through the Yarra Action Plan, scheme to assist landowners to look after waterways, native trees including addressing priority issues identiﬁ ed in Municipal

Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 51 Stormwater Management Plans and installing water sensitive urban design features in the lower Yarra catchment.

The Department also prepared draft residential subdivision provisions for the management of stormwater. These provisions, once ﬁ nalised, will update Clause 56 (Residential Subdivision) of the Victorian Planning Provisions. Implementation will be accompanied by Practice Notes and introductory sessions for users in metropolitan and regional areas.

Water Quality Improvement Plan

The development of a regional Water Quality Improvement Plan, funded by the Natural Heritage Trust’s Coastal Catchments Initiative, was initiated in late 2004. The PPWCMA has been working with the program’s leaders, Melbourne Water and the Environment Protection Authority Victoria, and other organisations to develop the plan.

Wetland Management

A draft Index of Wetland Condition has been developed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment as a provisional method for assessing wetland condition across Victoria. It is a rapid assessment technique for inland, naturally-occurring wetlands that assesses components such as hydrology, water properties, biota and soil.

With assistance from Parks Victoria, the Department has also produced strategic management plans for two of the three Ramsar Convention listed wetlands in the region, namely the Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) / Bellarine Peninsula, and the Western Port wetlands.

52 Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Condition Report 2005/06 PORT PHILLIP AND WESTERNPORT CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY PO Box 48 Frankston Vic 3199 Phone: (03) 9785 0183 Fax: 9773 6521 Website: www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au