135 O’Herns Road, Epping

Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment

O’Herns Road Developments Pty Ltd

605 Nicholson Street, North Carlton P O Box 592, North Carlton, Vic. 3054 Ph. (03) 9387 5008 Fax. (03) 9387 6115 March 2008 Report No. 7145 (2.2) 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment Report No. 7145 (2.2)

CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1 2. INTRODUCTION ...... 2 3. SOURCES OF INFORMATION ...... 3 3.1. Existing Information ...... 3 3.1.1. Flora ...... 3 3.1.2. Ecological Vegetation Classes ...... 3 3.1.3. Fauna ...... 3 3.2. Field Methodology ...... 4 3.2.1. Botanical and native vegetation assessment ...... 4 3.2.2. Defining vegetation ...... 4 3.2.3. Assessing the quality of vegetation ...... 5 3.2.4. Fauna ...... 5 3.3. Limitations ...... 6 4. FLORA AND FAUNA OF THE AREA ...... 7 4.1. Site Description ...... 7 4.2. Flora and Vegetation ...... 9 4.2.1. Plant species ...... 9 4.2.2. Ecological Vegetation Classes ...... 13 4.2.3. Remnant Patches...... 13 4.3. Fauna Habitat Assessment ...... 14 4.4. Fauna Species ...... 15 4.4.1. Mammals ...... 15 4.4.2. Birds ...... 16 4.4.3. Reptiles ...... 17 4.4.4. Frogs ...... 18 4.4.5. Golden Sun Moth ...... 18 5. CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE ...... 20 5.1. Botanical conservation significance ...... 20 5.1.1. Botanical conservation significance of the study area ...... 20 5.2. Fauna conservation significance ...... 21

Page | i 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment Report No. 7145 (2.2) 5.2.1. Fauna conservation significance of the study area ...... 21 6. IMPACTS AND REGULATORY IMPLICATIONS OF PROJECT ...... 22 6.1. Native vegetation retention regulations ...... 22 6.1.1. Avoid, minimise and offset ...... 22 6.1.2. Framework Conservation Significance ...... 22 6.1.3. Applications for native vegetation removal ...... 23 6.1.4. The Referral Authority ...... 23 6.2. Native vegetation removal implications ...... 24 6.2.1. Offset targets for removal of remnant patch ...... 24 6.3. EPBC Act implications ...... 24 6.4. FFG Act implications ...... 25 6.5. DSE Advisory List implications ...... 25 7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 26 7.1. Native Vegetation Protection ...... 26 7.2. Fauna Protection ...... 26 7.3. General planning and construction environmental management measures .... 26 8. REFERENCES ...... 27

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: FFG Act and EPBC Act listed species identified on the Protected Matters Search Tool and Viridans FIS database, and likelihood of occurrence in the study area ..... 10 Table 2: Habitat hectare assessment results ...... 14 Table 3: Likely response to applications for removal of intact native vegetation ...... 23 Table 4: Application referral information ...... 23 Table 5: Net Gain offset target rates for removal of native vegetation from habitat zones ...... 24

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Study area and vegetation ...... 8 Figure 2: Stony outcrop supporting degraded remnant Stony Knoll Shrubland to the east of Edgars Creek ...... 9

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: List of flora species that occur, or are likely to occur in the study area Appendix 2: Fauna species recorded or potentially occurring on the study area Appendix 3: EVC Benchmark for Stony Knoll Shrubland

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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Brett Lane and Associates Pty Ltd were commissioned to undertake a flora, fauna and net gain assessment of a property located at 135 O’Herns Road, Epping. The investigation was undertaken to investigate the extent and quality of native vegetation and fauna habitat on the subject land in view of the proposed development. One moderate to highly degraded patch of remnant native vegetation comprising Stony Knoll Shrubland of high conservation significance (according to Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management Framework) was identified and assessed in the study area. Any proposed removal of this native vegetation would require a permit from the local planning authority. Approved native vegetation removal would attract an Offset obligation under the Net Gain policy and DSE guidelines. Should the removal of 0.03 hectares of Very High Conservation Significance Stony Knoll Shrubland (as found in Habitat Zone C) be sought, a net gain target of 0.024 habitat hectares would be required to be achieved. This gain would need to be achieved through the management, for conservation purposes, of Stony Knoll Shrubland elsewhere in the Victoria Volcanic Plain bioregion. The development plan must demonstrate how impacts on Habitat Zone C have been avoided and minimised in accordance with Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management Framework. Removal of this patch of Stony Knoll Shrubland will require the approval of the Minister (or his delegate). No state or nationally listed flora or fauna species of conservation significance were detected during the field survey undertaken for this assessment. No species of flora listed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 are considered to potentially occur in the study area. However, Purple Diuris, listed under the state Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, has the potential to occur in the remnant patch of Stony Knoll Shrubland. There is a low potential for the nationally and state threatened Golden Sun Moth to be present in the Stony Knoll Shrubland (Habitat Zone C) within the study area. A targeted survey in midsummer under suitable conditions would be required to determine if this species were present. Should any flora and fauna species listed under the EPBC Act be recorded in the study area at any time, a referral to the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Water Resources is recommended to determine whether the proposed works are considered a controlled or non-controlled action under the Act. Targeted threatened species surveys for Purple Diuris, Striped Legless Lizard and Golden Sun Moth have subsequently been undertaken and the findings are reported in Report 7193 (2.1) (Brett Lane and Associates Pty Ltd 2008).

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2. INTRODUCTION Brett Lane and Associates Pty Ltd was commissioned to undertake a flora, fauna and net gain assessment at 135 O’Herns Road, Epping. The assessment was undertaken to investigate the extent and quality of native vegetation and fauna habitat on the subject land in view of a proposed development. The scope of this investigation included: ƒ Review of existing information related to the flora and fauna of the search area (e.g. DSE Flora Information System, DSE Atlas of Victorian Wildlife and EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool); ƒ A site survey involving: o Identification of the extent, type and condition of any remnant vegetation (including identifying Ecological Vegetation Classes); o Mapping of habitat zones and habitat scoring to ascertain vegetation condition in each habitat zone, consistent with the methodology required for net gain analysis under the state vegetation planning provisions; and o Searches for rare and threatened flora and fauna species within areas of remnant native vegetation that may be affected by the proposed redevelopment; ƒ Maps of the site, showing the results of the native vegetation assessment; ƒ A quantification of the extent and habitat score of vegetation; This report presents the findings of the assessment, including the methods and limitations of the investigation and mapping of vegetation and habitat. Also presented is a discussion of legislative implications, as well as recommendations and mitigation measures. This report is divided into the sections described below. Section 3 describes the sources of information, including the methods used for the field survey. Section 4 presents the results of the assessment. Section 5 defines the conservation significance of the study area. Section 6 discusses the implications of the findings under relevant policies and legislation. Section 7 provides recommendations and mitigation measures. This investigation was undertaken by a team from Brett Lane & Associates Pty Ltd comprising Davide Coppolino (Botanist), Curtis Doughty (Zoologist) and Bram Mason (Project Manager).

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3. SOURCES OF INFORMATION This section identifies the sources of information and methodologies used to undertake the detailed flora and fauna assessment.

3.1. Existing Information Existing information regarding flora and native vegetation utilised as part of this investigation is described below.

3.1.1. Flora Flora records from the Viridans Flora Information System (FIS), a public database administered by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) were obtained. This database search listed all plant species, including rare and threatened plants found in a search region within ten kilometres of the study area with the approximate centre point of coordinates: latitude 37 ̊ 38’ 23” S and longitude 145̊ 00’ 31” E. The likelihood of suitable habitat on the site for nationally threatened flora species was ascertained through a search of the online Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Protected Matters Search Tool (DEWR 2007) using the abovementioned search region. Plant taxonomy used throughout this report follows the FIS standards.

3.1.2. Ecological Vegetation Classes Native vegetation mapping in the form of remnant and pre-1750 (pre-European settlement) vegetation mapping was reviewed to determine the type of native vegetation likely to be encountered in the field. Information on Ecological Vegetation Classes was obtained from published EVC benchmarks. These sources included: ƒ Relevant EVC benchmarks for the Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion1 (DSE 2007a); and ƒ Biodiversity Interactive Maps (DSE 2007b).

3.1.3. Fauna A list of the fauna of the area was obtained from the Viridans Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (AVW), a public database held by the Department of Sustainability and Environment, also known as the Victorian Fauna Database (VFD). The list includes all vertebrate fauna species, including rare and threatened species, found in a search area within a radius of ten kilometres of the study area with approximate centre point coordinates: latitude 37 ̊ 38’ 23” S and longitude 145 ̊ 00’ 31” E.

1 A bioregion is defined as “a geographic region that captures the patterns of ecological characteristics in the landscape, providing a natural framework for recognising and responding to biodiversity values”. In general bioregions reflect underlying environmental features of the landscape (DNRE 1997).

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Information on the likelihood of suitable habitat on the site for nationally threatened fauna species and ecological communities was obtained through the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Protected Matters Search Tool (DEWR 2007). An area within 10 kilometre radius of the site was searched using the abovementioned search region. Fauna taxonomy used throughout this report follows the VFD standards.

3.2. Field Methodology

3.2.1. Botanical and native vegetation assessment The initial field assessment was conducted on the 12th September 2007. A follow-up habitat hectare assessment was undertaken on 19th November 2007. During the field assessment, the study area was traversed in detail on foot. Incidental records of flora species were made based on random intuitive sampling methods. A compiled list of flora species recorded is provided in Appendix 1. Areas containing native vegetation subject to the state’s Native Vegetation Management Framework (DNRE 2002), referred to herein as the ‘Framework’, were assessed using the Habitat Hectare method (DSE 2004) prescribed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and mapped using a handheld GPS and aerial photography interpretation. Further targeted searches for the threatened species Spiny Rice-flower and Matted Flax-lily were undertaken on 12th September and for Purple Diuris on 19th November 2007. During these surveys, areas identified to support native vegetation were inspected thoroughly along transects spaced four metres apart.

3.2.2. Defining vegetation Vegetation is recognised in three different categories during botanical field investigations. These categories are defined for the purpose of presenting results in this report and are based on the general rules of intactness used for categorising vegetation throughout Victoria (DNRE 2002; DSE 2007c). These vegetation categories are as follows: 1. Remnant patch - Patches of remnant native vegetation, including wetlands, composed of indigenous plant species considered part of a clearly definable Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC). Such vegetation includes remnant vegetation with the following attributes: • Indigenous understorey cover comprising greater than 25% of the understorey composition; and/or • Three or more canopy trees with at least 20% combined canopy cover. 2. Scattered trees – Areas with indigenous trees whose canopy cover is less than 20% and less than 25% indigenous understorey vegetation composition. 3. Degraded treeless vegetation – All vegetation that is not categorised as a remnant patch or scattered trees. This category includes the following vegetation descriptions: ƒ Treeless vegetation with less than 25% indigenous species composition; or

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ƒ Treeless vegetation that has greater than 25% indigenous species composition but is dominated by opportunistic native species which were unlikely to have been dominant prior to a disturbance event (e.g. cropping). Areas considered to conform to this latter description are flagged for an on-site confirmation by DSE.

3.2.3. Assessing the quality of vegetation The different approaches applied to assess and quantify the condition and quality of vegetation belonging to the above vegetation categories are outlined below. Assessing a remnant patch Remnant patch vegetation is assessed in the field using the formal methodology for assessing vegetation and habitat quality developed as part of Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – a Framework for Action, referred to herein as “the Framework” (DNRE 2002). This methodology is known as habitat scoring or Habitat Hectare assessment (Parkes, Newell and Cheal 2003; DSE 2004). The Habitat Hectare methodology provides a quantitative measure of vegetation quality, which ultimately assists in defining the values of remnant native vegetation and guiding offsets (compensation) if native vegetation is to be removed. Assessing scattered trees Scattered indigenous trees do not constitute a remnant patch and therefore do not qualify for habitat hectare assessment. Scattered indigenous trees are counted and their diameter recorded at 1.3 metres above ground level (DBH). The size class of scattered trees is assessed based on the trunk diameter in comparison to the relevant benchmark diameter for a large old tree. Degraded treeless vegetation Degraded treeless vegetation is considered to be of minimal habitat or botanical value and therefore no assessment of quality is undertaken in accordance with Department of Sustainability guidelines (DSE 2007c).

3.2.4. Fauna The field survey was undertaken on 14th September 2007 during sunny to overcast, windy weather conditions. The temperature on the day was 16°C with a strong westerly wind. These conditions were considered to be suitable for detecting the majority of the species that are likely to occur on the site. The entire study area was traversed and inspected on foot. A number of techniques were used to detect fauna species inhabiting the study area, they included: ƒ Incidental searches for mammal scats, tracks and signs (e.g. diggings, signs of feeding and nests/burrows); ƒ Turning over logs and rocks for reptiles, frogs and small mammals; ƒ Bird observation during the day;

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ƒ General searches for reptiles and frogs, including listening to frog calls in seasonally wet areas. Fauna habitat types were characterised on the site and are described in Section 4.3. The quality of fauna habitat was assessed based on the criteria detailed below. These criteria have been modified to suit particular vegetation types, such as treeless environments, as necessary. Three quality categories were used, as described below: High: Fauna habitat components are usually all present (i.e. vegetation intact, old- growth trees and fallen timber) and habitat linkages to other remnant ecosystems in the landscape are intact; Moderate: Some fauna habitat components are often missing (i.e. vegetation disturbed, old-growth trees, fallen timber), although linkages with other remnant habitats in the landscape are usually intact; Low: Many fauna habitat elements in low quality remnants have been lost, including old-growth trees (e.g. due to past timber harvesting) and fallen timber, and tree canopies are often highly fragmented. Remnants may be severely weed- invaded and possess few native structural and floristic components. Habitat linkages with other remnant ecosystems in the landscape have usually been removed by extensive past clearing.

3.3. Limitations Botanical and fauna field surveys usually fail to record all species present for various reasons, including the seasonal absence of some species and short survey duration. Rare or cryptic species are often missed in short surveys. Surveying was carried out in early spring when some summer flowering grasses and late-spring-flowering species (native and exotic species) had shed reproductive material, making positive identification to species level difficult. The timing of the survey was otherwise considered suitable to ascertain the extent and quality of native vegetation. At the time of the survey weather conditions were suitable for detecting most fauna species likely to occur on the site. Some species, such as frogs and reptiles, for which potentially suitable habitat occurs in the study area may not have been detected due to the weather conditions on the day of the investigation. These species are generally inactive during cold overcasts days and are difficult to detect at these times. Some bird species may have also been missed due to the strong winds. Wherever appropriate, a precautionary approach has been adopted in the discussion of implications. That is, where insufficient evidence is available on the occurrence or likelihood of occurrence of a species, it is assumed that it could be in an area of habitat, if suitable, and the implications under legislation and policy are considered accordingly.

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4. FLORA AND FAUNA OF THE AREA This section describes the study area and presents information on the flora and fauna of the study area based on the review of existing information and the field investigation.

4.1. Site Description The study area for this investigation was approximately 31 hectares of private land located at 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. It is bordered by O’Herns Road to the north and farmland (accessed via O’Herns Road and Cooper Street) to the south, east and west. The study area was composed of heavy basaltic clay soils with frequent stony outcrops on a flat landscape. Two stony knolls were observed in the study area: one near the eastern boundary’s midpoint (see Figures 1 and 2) and the other within the south eastern portion of the site. Most of the study area was being used for grazing horses and the northern extremity included an occupied dwelling with associated sheds and introduced gardens. Planted trees such as Sugar Gum, Peppercorn and Radiata Pine over a dense understory of common pastoral weeds were recorded around the dwelling. Dry-stone walls that bordered and partitioned the study area supported a few exotic shrubs such as Montpellier Broom and Briar Rose. The vast majority of the study area was dominated by the following exotic species: Paterson’s Curse, Small Nettle, Wild Radish, Rye Grass, African Box-thorn (scattered) and Hairy-pit Heron's-bill. Isolated native plants such as Wiry Dock, Blue Devil and Common Woodruff were also observed. All other native vegetation was restricted to the most northern of the abovementioned stony knolls. Hedge Wattle, Weeping Grass, Common Rice-flower, Curved Rice-flower, Small Vanilla-lily and Pale Sundew were the most abundant native species inhabiting this area. No native trees or shrubs were recorded in areas outside of the stony knoll. The study area falls under the jurisdiction of the Port Philip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (PPWP CMA) and lies within the Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion. It is currently zoned Comprehensive Development Zone – Schedule 2 (CDZ2) and is part of the Coopers Street Employment Area. No overlays relevant to this investigation cover the study area. Surrounding land mainly supports farming, industrial, transport and residential land uses.

Page | 7 Study Area and Vegetation

HZC

135 O'Hearns Road, Epping - Flora, Fauna Net Gain Assessment

Legend Figure 1: Study Area and Vegetation Habitat Zone Client: O'Herns Road Developments Pty Ltd Project No.: 7145 (2.2) Date: 18/09/2007 Created by: Beveridge / Coppolino Study Area ° Experience 605 Nicholson Street ph (03) 9387 5008 | fax (03) 9387 6115 Knowledge PO Box 592, Carlton North [email protected] Metres Solutions VIC 3054 Australia www.ecologicalresearch.com.au 0 50 100 200 300 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment Report No. 7145 (2.2)

Figure 2: Stony outcrop supporting degraded remnant Stony Knoll Shrubland

4.2. Flora and Vegetation This section provides information on the flora species and remnant vegetation communities observed within the study area.

4.2.1. Plant species A total of 79 plant species were recorded in the study area (Appendix 1). Of these, 25 (32%) were indigenous species and the remaining 54 (68%) were introduced species or native species occurring outside their natural range. Flora Information System records and the EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool indicate that within the 10 kilometre search region there are records of, or there occurs potential habitat for, 42 flora species listed as having national or state conservation significance. No nationally and/or state listed flora species of conservation significance were detected during the current field survey. The likelihood of occurrence in the study area of species listed under the FFG Act or EPBC Act is addressed in Table 1. These species are either known to occur in the broader search region or suitable habitat has been identified in the broader search region by the Protected Matters Search Tool (DEWR 2007). This analysis indicates that suitable habitat occurs on site (within Habitat Zone C – see Section 4.2.3) for Clover Glycine, Large-fruit Groundsel, Matted Flax-lily, Spiny Rice-flower, Small Milkwort, Purple Diuris and Tough Scurf-pea. None of these species were detected during targeted surveys and are therefore considered unlikely to occur in the study area.

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Table 1: FFG Act and EPBC Act listed species identified on the Protected Matters Search Tool and Viridans FIS database, and likelihood of occurrence in the study area

Conservation Status Common Name Scientific Name Family Name Habitat Preference Likelihood of occurrence FFG EPBC

Adamson's Lachnagrostis Known only from the type specimen. Highly modified habitat present Poaceae f E Slightly saline, seasonally wet area on and Blown‐grass adamsonii near the volcanic plain (Walsh, 1994) – Unlikely to occur

Mallee scrub, Callitris woodland on sandy Charming Caladenia soils, box woodlands on clay-loam, Box- No habitat present – Orchidaceae f E Spider‐orchid amoena Ironbark Forest; Grassy Dry Forest (FFG Unlikely to occur Action statement) (Entwisle, 1994)

Habitat present but species not Glycine Grasslands and grassy woodlands Clover Glycine Fabaceae f V recorded – latrobeana (Jeanes, 1996) Unlikely to occur

Confined to seasonally wet, heavy clay Highly modified habitat present Curly Sedge Carex tasmanica Cyperaceae f V soils north of Melbourne and far west Vic (Wilson, 1994) – Unlikely to occur

Habitat present but species not Large‐fruit Senecio Themeda grasslands on basalt Asteraceae f V recorded – Groundsel macrocarpus (Walsh, 1999a) Unlikely to occur

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Conservation Status Common Name Scientific Name Family Name Habitat Preference Likelihood of occurrence FFG EPBC

Coastal forms known from Tea-tree Leafy Pterostylis scrubs on tall sandy and calcareous No habitat present – Orchidaceae f V Greenhood cucullata dunes, in moist, open or even deep Unlikely to occur shaded locations (Jones, 1994)

Maroon Prasophyllum Favouring heathland and Grassland on Highly modified habitat present Orchidaceae f E Leek‐orchid frenchii black clays (Bates, 1994) – Unlikely to occur

Habitat present but species not Matted Grassland and grassy woodlands Dianella amoena Phormiaceae E recorded – Flax‐lily (Carr & Horsfall, 1995) Unlikely to occur

Plump Swamp Amphibromus Highly modified habitat present Poaceae f Swampy depressions (Walsh, 1994) Wallaby‐grass pithogastrus – Unlikely to occur

Habitat present – Diuris punctata Plains country with low heathland or Purple Diuris Orchidaceae f grassland, on heavy soils, with or without Not recorded during targeted var. punctata trees (Bishop, 1996) survey

River Swamp Amphibromus Wetlands, permanent swamps No habitat present – Poaceae V Wallaby‐grass fluitans (Walsh, 1994) Unlikely to occur

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Conservation Status Common Name Scientific Name Family Name Habitat Preference Likelihood of occurrence FFG EPBC Habitat present but species not Comesperma Heavy soils supporting grasslands and Small Milkwort Polygalaceae f recorded – polygaloides grassy woodlands (Walsh, 1999b) Unlikely to occur

Pimelea Habitat present but species not Spiny Rice‐ Grasslands on basalt derived soils spinescens subsp. Thymelaeaceae f CR recorded – flower (Entwisle, 1996) spinescens Unlikely to occur

Habitat present but species not Tough Scurf‐ Grasslands and grassy woodlands on Cullen tenax Fabaceae f recorded – pea heavy soils (Jeanes, 1996) Unlikely to occur

Key to abbreviations: EPBC – Status under EPBC Act; FFG (f) – Listed under FFG Act; CE – Critically Endangered; E – Endangered; V – Vulnerable; f – Listed as threatened under FFG Act.

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4.2.2. Ecological Vegetation Classes Pre–European EVC mapping produced by the DSE indicates that the study area and surrounds would have supported Plains Grassland (EVC 132), Creekline Grassy Woodland (EVC 68) and Plains Grassy Woodland (EVC 55) prior to European settlement based on modelling of factors including rainfall, aspect, soils and remaining vegetation. Evidence on site including floristic composition, soil characteristics and elevations above the landscape suggested that a degraded form of Stony Knoll Shrubland (EVC 649) was present – an EVC commonly found within basalt-derived Plains Grassland and Plains Grassy Woodland on a more drilled-down mapping scale. No native trees (scattered or within habitat zones) were recorded during the current survey. Stony Knoll Shrubland is listed as having an endangered conservation status in the Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion. The benchmark for this EVC describes it as “shrubland to 3 metres tall or non-eucalypt woodland to 8 metres tall with a grassy understorey. It occurs on low stony rises on basalt flows” (Appendix 3).

4.2.3. Remnant Patches One degraded remnant patch (referred to herein as Habitat Zone C) comprising the above EVC was identified in the study area (see Figure 1). Habitat Zone C included the southern to western aspects of a stony knoll located near the study area’s eastern boundary midpoint (see Figure 1 and 2). The majority of the zone included exposed basalt rock, and a dense cover of bryophytes and lichen existed at lower elevations. No tree canopy was present and the native understorey component of this vegetation (contributing approximately 25% cover) was mainly composed of the Small Vanilla-lily. The other noticeable native species included Common Rice-flower, Curved Rice-flower, Hedge Wattle, Kangaroo Grass, Weeping Grass and Spreading Crassula. The most abundant exotic plants included Cape Weed, Paterson’s Curse, Onion Grass, Cat’s Ear and Sweet Briar. Habitat Zones A - B and D - I – Located in Cooper Street Site; see Report 7145 (1.0) The habitat hectare assessment results for Habitat Zone C are provided in Table 2.

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Table 2: Habitat hectare assessment results Habitat Zone C EVC Number 649 Total area of zone (Ha) 0.031 Max. score

Large Old Trees 10 0 Tree Canopy Cover 5 0 Lack of Weeds 15 9 Understorey 25 15 Recruitment 10 6 Organic Matter 5 3

Site Condition Site Condition Logs 5 0 Site Condition Total* 38 Patch Size 10 1 Neighbourhood 10 1 Distance to Core 5 0

Condition Subtotal 2 Landscape Total Habitat Score 100 40 Habitat score as a portion of 100 0.40 Habitat Hectares to be removed# 0.012 Bioregion VVP EVC Conservation Status Endangered Conservation Status x Habitat Score Very High Threatened Species Rating Moderate Other Site Attribute Rating Low

Significance Overall Conservation Significance (highest) Very High Conservation Conservation Notes: VVP Victorian Volcanic Plain E Endangered * adjusted for treeless vegetation (multiplier of 1.15 used). # Habitat hectares = habitat score/100 X area to be removed in zone (ha).

4.3. Fauna Habitat Assessment Two main habitat types were recorded during the current investigation at the study area, they include: ƒ Stony Knoll Shrubland; ƒ Exotic Pasture; and ƒ Scattered non-indigenous trees.

Stony Knoll Shrubland The majority of the study area appears to have been cultivated as part of past management practices and is now dominated by exotic pasture grasses. However, there was one area of rocky outcrop that had not been cultivated due to

Page | 14 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment Report No. 7145 (2.2) the difficulty in cultivating such terrain. This rocky outcrop area contained remnant native vegetation throughout. The scattered surface and embedded rocks would provide shelter for small mammals, reptiles and frogs. Horses have heavily grazed this area and further degraded the land. The Stony Knoll Shrubland was small in size and was not connected to other native vegetation patches in the region. Overall the rocky native pasture habitat type is considered to be low habitat quality.

Exotic pasture The majority of the study area had been cleared of its original vegetative condition and was dominated by exotic pasture grasses. Trees, shrubs and rocks had been removed from these areas possibly to encourage higher grass yields or for cropping. Removing trees, shrubs and rocks also removes habitat for native fauna. The exotic pasture provided habitat for common occurring farmland fauna. Overall this habitat type is considered to be low quality for fauna.

Scattered non-indigenous trees Sugar Gums and cypress trees had been planted around the homestead and other non-indigenous trees and shrubs were scattered about the property. These trees provided habitat for birds and small mammals. Due to the isolated state of this habitat, it is considered to be low quality for fauna.

4.4. Fauna Species Based on the field assessment and the review of existing information, the study area is known or likely to support 106 species of vertebrate fauna, including 13 species of mammal (seven introduced), 73 species of bird (10 introduced), 13 species of reptile and eight species of frog. These species are listed in Appendix 2; those recorded during the field assessment are also indicated in this appendix. The Victorian Fauna Database (VFD) and the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool contained a total of 24 species listed under the EPBC Act, an additional 26 listed under the FFG Act, and a further 25 listed by DSE as threatened (DSE 2003). The EPBC Act listed species include four species of mammal, 16 species of bird (including species listed as migratory and marine), one species of frog, two species of reptile and one species of invertebrate. The majority of these threatened species are unlikely to occur on the study area due to a lack of suitable or extensive habitat to support any significant populations. Species for which suitable habitat does exist are discussed in more detail in the sections below, including a discussion on their likelihood of occurrence in the study area. Species that do not have any suitable habitat at the study area are not considered any further in this report.

4.4.1. Mammals Thirteen species of mammal occur, or are likely to occur in the study area based on VFD records and the site assessment. This total includes seven introduced

Page | 15 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment Report No. 7145 (2.2) species. Signs of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo were observed and two introduced species (Red Fox and European Rabbit) were directly observed during the field assessment The EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool identified the Spot-tailed Quoll, Smoky Mouse and Grey-headed Flying Fox as occurring or having potential habitat to occur in the broader search region. The VFD search results contained records of six additional species. There is no suitable habitat for most of these species to occur in the study area. One species for which suitable habitat does occur is discussed below. The Fat-tailed Dunnart is listed as least concern, near threatened in Victoria (DSE 2003). There are 11 scattered records of this species from the 10-kilometre search region, recorded from 1988 to 1991. The closest record was from Galada Tamboore, Campbellfield, 4 kilometres southwest of the study area on the Merri Creek. The Fat-tailed Dunnart inhabits sparse native grassland and open shrublands with a significant component of bare ground. The species is reliant on the availability of suitable nest sites, usually crevices beneath rocks and logs (Menkhorst 1995). There is suitable habitat for this species in the stony knoll shrubland habitat type. However, this habitat type is small in area and there is no connectivity to other similar habitats. Due to a lack of recent records, small and isolated habitat on site and lack of connectivity to suitable habitat it is considered that this species has low potential to occur in the study area.

4.4.2. Birds Seventy-three species of bird occur or are likely to occur in the study area based on the VFD records, the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool and the current site assessment. This total includes 10 introduced species. Twenty-one species of bird were recorded in the study area during the field assessment. The VFD and EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool identify 16 species of bird listed under the EPBC Act (including 11 listed as migratory or marine), a further 21 listed under the FFG Act and another 20 listed as threatened by DSE (2003) as occurring or having potential habitat to occur in the broader search region. No threatened species of bird were recorded in the study area during the field assessment. The majority of the threatened birds that have been recorded from the database searches were wetland, grassland and woodland birds. Given the absence of woodland and wetland habitats at the study area, birds requiring these two habitats are considered unlikely to occur. The bird species for which suitable habitats occur in the study area are discussed below.

Grassland Birds There were records of five grassland birds from the VFD search region. Most of these grassland birds were recorded from large native grasslands which include Main Lake Bundoora, Cooper St Grassland, Craigieburn Grasslands, Gresswell Grange Bundoora and along the Merri Creek. Most of the birds that were recorded from the search region are not expected to occur in the study area due

Page | 16 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment Report No. 7145 (2.2) to the degraded, small and isolated areas of stony knoll shrubland. Species for which potential habitat occurs in the study area are discussed below. The Little Button-quail is listed as near threatened in Victoria (DSE 2003). There were four records from the VFD search region dated back from 1986 to 2001. The most recent record was from the Cooper St Grasslands 3.5 kilometres from the study area. It inhabits woodlands, acacia scrub, spinifex and tussock grasslands and it takes readily to cereal crops (Marchant & Higgins 1993). Potential habitat occurs in the study area for this species; however, due to the lack of recent and current records and the isolated nature of the native vegetation in the study area it is considered unlikely that this species would regularly occur. The Black Falcon is listed as vulnerable in Victoria (DSE 2003). There were five records from the VFD search region from 1970 to 2001. The most recent sighting was from Main Lake in Bundoora. This species inhabits woodlands and open country; mainly over open plains and undulating land with large tracts of low vegetation, such as grasslands, pasture, crops, saltbush and saltmarsh and is often associated with wetlands (Marchant and Higgins 1993). This species is highly nomadic and may occur in the study area sporadically.

Migratory birds In addition to above bird species, the Protected Matters Search Tool predicted the potential for some EPBC Act listed migratory bird species to pass through the study area. The migratory species were: White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Cattle Egret, White-throated Needletail, Fork-tailed Swift, Rainbow Bea-eater, Rufous Fantail and Satin Flycatcher. The White-bellied Sea-eagle inhabits coastal marine environments and inland river and wetland areas (Marchant and Higgins 1993) but is unlikely to occur in the study area due to a lack of extensive habitat. The Cattle Egret is a winter visitor to south east Australia and normally occurs in wetlands with lush pasture associated with dairy cattle (Emison et al. 1987) and this species may briefly occur at or over the study area. The White-throated Needletail and Fork-tailed Swift are likely to occasionally fly over the area, but the former would be likely to occur only a few days per year when weather conditions are suitable in late summer and early autumn and the swift prefers areas further inland (Higgins 1999). The Rainbow Bee-eater is a widespread and common migrant species in Australia; it usually occurs further inland and does not migrate as far south as Epping. The Rufous Fantail and Satin Flycatcher are forest and woodland species and are considered unlikely to occur do to an absence of such habitat.

4.4.3. Reptiles Thirteen species of reptile occur or potentially occurs within the study area based on the VFD records, the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool and the current site assessment. During the field assessment no reptile species were recorded at the study area.

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The Striped Legless Lizard and the Grassland Earless Dragon were identified by the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool as occurring or having the potential to occur in the broader search region due to the presence of suitable habitat. These two species are of ecological significance and are protected at both a national and state level. The Grassland Earless Dragon is considered to be endangered at a national level, critically endangered in Victoria (DSE 2003) and is listed as threatened under the FFG Act. There are no confirmed records of this nationally endangered species in Victoria since the 1960’s although there are unconfirmed reports from Holden Flora Reserve near Sunbury in 1990 (Robertson and Cooper 1990). Given its rarity and limited extent of its preferred native grassland habitat on the study area, this species is extremely unlikely to occur. The Striped Legless Lizard is listed as vulnerable at a national scale, endangered in Victoria (DSE 2003) and threatened under the FFG Act. There were three records from the VFD search region from 1988-1990. Two of the records are from near the Craigieburn Grasslands and the other was from the Merri Creek south of Cooper Street at the former quarry site on the opposite side of the river to the Cooper St Grasslands. This species prefers dense native grasslands, often with rocky rises (Webster et al. 1992, Hadden 1995). It utilises rock cover, soil cracks, burrows and grass tussocks for sheltering (Smith and Robertson 1999). The study area had limited habitat (0.03ha) for this species along with limited connectivity to other known suitable habitat locations. Given this information it is considered unlikely that this species would occur within the study area.

4.4.4. Frogs Seven species of frog occurs or potentially occurs within the study area based on the VFD records and field assessment. The Spotted Marsh Frog was found sheltering under a rock at the rocky section of the study area. One threatened species of frog was identified by the EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool as occurring or having the potential habitat to occur within the search region. The Growling Grass Frog is predominantly aquatic and associated with permanent and semi-permanent water bodies with fringing vegetation or rocks (Cogger 2000, Organ 2002). Due to the absence of potential habitat, this species is considered unlikely to occur within the study area.

4.4.5. Golden Sun Moth The Golden Sun Moth is a day-flying moth listed as critically endangered under the EPBC Act and it is also listed as threatened under the state FFG Act. Its range has contracted due to agricultural, urban and industrial development and in Victoria is known from fewer than 10 sites (O’Dwyer et al. 2000). An action statement has been prepared (O’Dwyer et al. 2000) and a National Recovery Plan is in preparation. This species was identified by the EPBC Act search tool as having potential habitat in the broader search region. There were 12 records from the VFD search region recorded in 2003 and 2004 from the Craigieburn Grasslands and near the Cooper St Grasslands.

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The Golden Sun Moth inhabits native tussock grasslands dominated by wallaby grass (Austrodanthonia spp.) with 40% cover (O’Dwyer and Attiwill 1999) but has also been found in degraded sites with les than 10% cover of wallaby grass (BL&A internal records). The stony knoll shrubland habitat did not appear to contain a substantial cover of wallaby grass (although it was difficult to assess due to grazing conditions) and is unlikely to support a population of this species. However, due to the close proximity of recent records of this species, a targeted survey during summer would be required to ascertain if the Golden Sun Moth was present within the study area.

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5. CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE This section considers the conservation significance of the flora and fauna of the study area. It begins with the criteria used to judge conservation significance relevant to this investigation and then applies these to flora and fauna respectively. (Note that botanical conservation significance is a separate consideration to Framework Conservation Significance).

5.1. Botanical conservation significance National botanical significance applies to an area when it supports one or more of the following attributes: ƒ A population of at least one nationally threatened plant species listed on the schedules to the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999; and/or ƒ A nationally threatened ecological community listed on the schedules of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. State botanical significance applies to an area when it supports one or more of the following attributes: ƒ A population of at least one plant species threatened in Victoria, as listed in the unpublished records of the Flora Information System or on the schedules to the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988; and/or ƒ An ecological or floristic community considered threatened in Victoria through its listing on the schedules of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Regional botanical significance applies to an area that supports one or more of the following attributes: ƒ Supports a population of one or more regionally depleted species defined in a valid regional assessment of biodiversity (eg. Regional Native Vegetation Plan, Environment Conservation Council Report or Comprehensive Regional Assessment documents); and/or ƒ An ecological vegetation class that is considered depleted in a particular bioregion (based on the Regional Native Vegetation Plan); and/or ƒ An ecological vegetation class that is considered endangered, vulnerable or rare in a particular bioregion (based on the Regional Native Vegetation Plan), in which case the area is of High Regional significance. Local botanical significance applies to all remnant native vegetation that does not meet the above criteria. In much of Victoria, native vegetation has been so depleted by past clearing and disturbance that all remaining vegetation must be considered to be of at least local conservation significance.

5.1.1. Botanical conservation significance of the study area The remnant Stony Knoll Shrubland recorded during the current survey is considered to be of High Regional botanical conservation significance.

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5.2. Fauna conservation significance National fauna conservation significance applies to an area that supports one or more of the attributes described below:

ƒ A population of one or more species listed as nationally threatened by Maxwell et al. (1996), Lee (1995), Duncan et al. (1999), Garnett and Crowley (2000), Cogger et al. (1995), Tyler (1997) or Wager and Jackson (1993), or listed on the schedules of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999;

ƒ A nationally threatened ecological community listed on the schedules of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. State fauna conservation significance applies to an area when it supports one or more of the following attributes. ƒ A population of at least one fauna species threatened in Victoria, as listed by DSE (2003b), or on the schedules to the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988; ƒ An ecological community considered threatened in Victoria through its listing on the schedules of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Regional fauna conservation significance applies to an area that supports one or more of the attributes described below: ƒ A population of a species considered depleted in a particular bioregion based on an authoritative regional analysis, such as the Regional Native Vegetation Plan, Environment Conservation Council Report or Comprehensive Regional Assessment documents. Local fauna conservation significance applies to all ‘other’ native fauna that do not meet the above criteria. As it is not always possible to confirm the presence of some fauna species, due to seasonal or behavioural difficulties in detection, the foregoing significance levels can be qualified by the word ‘potential’ where habitat attributes are considered suitable for a species of a particular level of conservation significance.

5.2.1. Fauna conservation significance of the study area The majority of the study area is highly modified from pre 1750s habitat although a small area of stony knoll shrubland habitat was still present. Highly degraded landscapes are usually unlikely to support fauna species of high conservation significance. The study area is considered to be of local conservation significance for native fauna given its highly degraded and modified condition. However, if the Golden Sun Moth was found on the stony knoll shrubland, the fauna conservation significance would be elevated to that of National status.

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6. IMPACTS AND REGULATORY IMPLICATIONS OF PROJECT This section provides an outline of the regulatory issues related to the flora, fauna and native vegetation values present on the site. The implications under various federal, state and local policies and legislation are discussed.

6.1. Native vegetation retention regulations The Framework (DNRE 2002) is the relevant state-wide policy applicable to native vegetation management and applications to remove native vegetation in Victoria. The Framework or ‘Net Gain’ policy is incorporated into the Victorian Planning Provisions (VPP) of the state planning scheme. The policy is discussed below.

6.1.1. Avoid, minimise and offset Any proposal to remove native vegetation from the study area in the form of degraded treeless vegetation, scattered trees and/or remnant patches would require a permit from the responsible authority. Clause 15.09 of the planning scheme states that planning and responsible authorities must have regard to the Framework, and in particular the three-step approach of the Net Gain policy. The Framework must therefore be considered when an application to remove native vegetation is submitted following a planning scheme amendment or subdivision proposal. The three-step approach of Net Gain outlined in the Framework and included in Clause 52.17 is hierarchical and includes the following: 1. Adverse impacts on native vegetation should be avoided, particularly removal of vegetation; 2. Where impacts cannot be avoided, impacts should be minimised through planning and design considerations with input from relevant experts; and 3. Appropriate offsets (Net Gain targets) need to be identified to compensate for native vegetation removal. It may be required that Habitat Zone C be incorporated into a conservation zone within future subdivision plans. This would address the requirements of avoid and minimise outlined above. The avoidance of isolated common native plants within degraded treeless vegetation is not required under the Framework but a permit for their removal will be required from the Whittlesea City Council.

6.1.2. Framework Conservation Significance As part of ecological investigations, conservation significance of remnant native vegetation is assessed under Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management Framework (DNRE 2002). This assessment is separate to that of botanical conservation significance, presented in Section 5.1.1. Framework Conservation Significance is not applied to degraded treeless vegetation, which constitutes vegetation outside habitat zones, excluding scattered trees. The Framework presents a set of criteria for determining the conservation significance of intact patches of native vegetation. This determination is based on the bioregional conservation status of the Ecological Vegetation Class in a habitat zone and the habitat score for that zone. The endangered bioregional

Page | 22 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment Report No. 7145 (2.2) conservation status of Stony Knoll Shrubland (EVC 649) combined with a habitat score of 0.4 (out of 1), results in Habitat Zone C being of Very high conservation significance according to the Framework (Table 2). Framework Conservation Significance informs the formal determination process in response to applications for vegetation removal and the guidelines for applying the Net Gain principle and offset obligations in the event of approved removal, discussed further in Section 6.1.3.

6.1.3. Applications for native vegetation removal The Framework provides a hierarchy of policy approaches to assessing applications for native vegetation removal based on Framework Conservation Significance. The policy guidelines for removal of intact native vegetation of high conservation significance according to the Framework are presented in Table 3. Table 3: Likely response to applications for removal of intact native vegetation Framework Likely response to Conservation Likely offset requirements application for clearing Significance Clearing not permitted Substantial Net Gain unless exceptional 2 X calculated loss in habitat hectares plus VERY HIGH circumstances apply— a large tree protection and replacement Ministerial approval offset if any large trees are removed required Applications for vegetation removal are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the responsible authorities, including the DSE if referred. However, as the patch of vegetation proposed for removal is of Very high conservation significance it will require the approval of the Minister (or his delegate).

6.1.4. The Referral Authority Clause 66.02 of the planning scheme provides a set of criteria for determining when applications potentially impacting on native vegetation must be referred to the Department of Sustainability and Environment for consideration. Those criteria are presented in Table 4 and assume the principles of avoid and minimise have first been considered. Table 4: Application referral information

Applications will be referred to the Department of Sustainability and Environment under the following circumstances:

Scattered Trees ƒ To remove more than 15 trees of DBH less than 40 centimetres ƒ To remove more than 5 trees of DBH 40 centimetres or greater (DBH = diameter at 1.3 metres above ground)

Remnant Patch Vegetation (may include trees) ƒ To remove more than 0.5 hectares of vegetation in an EVC with Bioregional Conservation Status of Endangered, Vulnerable or Rare. ƒ To remove more than 1 hectare of vegetation in an EVC with Bioregional Conservation Status of Depleted or Least Concern.

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The current development plan proposes the removal of less than 0.5 hectares of remnant patch vegetation and therefore would not usually trigger a referral to the Department of Sustainability and Environment. However, as the patch of Stony Knoll Shrubland proposed for removal is of Very High Framework Conservation Significance it will require the approval of the Minister (or his delegate).

6.2. Native vegetation removal implications Any unavoidable and approved removal of native vegetation within Habitat Zone C must be offset according to the Net Gain policy contained in the Framework. Net Gain offset targets arising from the proposed development are provided in the following section.

6.2.1. Offset targets for removal of remnant patch Offset targets for the removal of intact native vegetation from Habitat Zone C may include the permanent protection and maintenance of existing remnant vegetation. Due to the Very high Framework Conservation Significance of the vegetation proposed for removal, target offset sites must be of the same EVC, be of very high Framework Conservation Significance and must be located in the Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion. Net Gain offset targets in habitat hectares are presented in Table 5. Table 5: Net Gain offset target rates for removal of native vegetation from habitat zones

Framework Habitat Habitat Net Gain Offset Target (habitat Conservation Zone Hectares Multiplier hectares) Significance C 0.012 Very High 2 X 0.024 If Habitat Zone C cannot be retained on site, offset will need to be achieved offsite (i.e. at a site located on another property). This should occur through discussions with the responsible authority. An appropriate offset may be secured through a financial contribution to the state government’s BushBroker scheme. This scheme identifies native vegetation protection opportunities on private land.

6.3. EPBC Act implications This section addresses any implications identified for the study area under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. No flora or fauna species or vegetation communities listed under the EPBC Act were detected during this investigation. It is also considered unlikely that most EPBC Act listed flora or fauna species would occur in the study area due to a lack of suitable habitat and the absence of such species during the current survey. However, there is a low probability that the Golden Sun Moth may still inhabit the stony knoll shrubland. A survey during midsummer under suitable conditions would be required to determine if this species did inhabit the stony knoll shrubland If any species listed under the EPBC Act were recorded in the study area and the development was predicted to have a significant impact on these species then a referral to the Department of Environment and Water Resources (DEWR - formerly

Page | 24 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment Report No. 7145 (2.2) the Department of Environment and Heritage) would be considered prudent. Such a referral may result in the DEWR imposing controlled actions on the development.

6.4. FFG Act implications This section addresses any implications identified for the study area under the state Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act). The FFG Act does not have direct bearing on private land; however, it does operate through local government planning schemes and state policies such as Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy (DNRE 1997). Therefore decision makers involved in development planning in the study area, such as council planners and DSE referral officers, may consider the FFG Act as a decision guideline. The FFG Act also contains Action Statements for certain species, which provide broad guidance on management and conservation. No flora species listed as threatened under the FFG Act were detected during this investigation. However, further investigation is required to determine the status of the Purple Diuris in this area. This should include a targeted search during September – December (the plant’s flowering period) at least one month after the removal of horses from the site. No fauna species listed under the FFG Act were recorded in this investigation. However, as mentioned in section 6.3, there is a low potential for the Golden Sun Moth to occur within the stony knoll shrubland. A midsummer targeted survey would be required to determine if this species actually inhabits the stony knoll shrubland.

6.5. DSE Advisory List implications The following section addresses issues surrounding flora and fauna species listed on the Department of Sustainability and Environment Advisory Lists (DSE 2003; DSE 2005) that occur in the study area or are known to occur in the broader search region. Referral officers may use DSE Advisory Lists on threatened flora and vertebrate fauna as a guideline when making decisions on land use changes and when considering potential impacts on threatened species. No listed flora or fauna species (DSE 2005) were recorded in the study area during the current investigation. However, suitable habitat for Purple Diuris and Golden Sun Moth was recorded in Habitat Zone C. Further investigation is also required to determine the status of these species within the zone. This should include targeted searches during an appropriate time of year. .

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7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1. Native Vegetation Protection The following recommendations are provided for the purpose of reducing potential impacts on flora and native vegetation associated with any future subdivision works: ƒ The development plan should be able to demonstrate how impacts on Habitat Zone C have been avoided and minimised in accordance with the Framework. It may be possible to locate this habitat zone within a public open space reserve within the development.

7.2. Fauna Protection The following recommendations are provided for the purposes of reducing potential impacts on fauna associated with the proposed subdivision: ƒ A targeted survey for Golden Sun Moth should be undertaken during midsummer to determine if the species is present within the stony knoll shrubland. If this species is found, a strategy to deal with implications under the EPBC Act will be required and a referral under the EPBC Act should be submitted to the DEWR; ƒ Water Sensitive Urban Design should be used to treat stormwater before discharging to local waterways. This type of water treatment infrastructure can provide habitat for fauna species; ƒ Local indigenous plants should be used in any landscaping works to provide further habitat for fauna.

7.3. General planning and construction environmental management measures In light of the proposed development the following recommendations are made with regard to environmental issues: ƒ All machinery should enter and exit works sites along defined routes that do not impact on native vegetation or cause soil disturbance and weed spread; ƒ All machinery brought on site should be weed and pathogen free (soil borne pathogens such as Cinnamon Fungus can be transported by machinery); ƒ All machinery wash down, lay down and personnel rest areas should be defined (fenced) and located outside areas containing native vegetation; ƒ Best practice erosion control should be installed where an erosion hazard is identified, including the use of sediment fences down-slope of exposed soil and stockpiles, as well as bunding of stockpiles.

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8. REFERENCES Bates, R.J. 1994 Prasophyllum, In Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (eds) Flora of Victoria: Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and Monocotyledons, V.2, Inkata Press, Melbourne, pp 869-886. Bishop, T. 1996, Field Guide to the Orchids of New South Wales and Victoria, 2nd ed., UNSW Press, Sydney. Carr, G.W. and Horsfall, P.F. (1995) ‘Studies in Phormiaceae (lilaceae) 1: New Species and Combinations in Dianella Lam. Ex Juss.’, Muelleria: an Australia Journal of Botany Vol 8 pp. 365 – 378, National Herbarium of Victoria. Cogger, H. 2000. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Reed New Holland, Sydney. DNRE 2002. Victoria’s Native Vegetation management - a Framework For Action, State of Victoria, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria. DSE 2003. Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria. DSE 2004. Native Vegetation: sustaining a living landscape, Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual – guidelines for applying the Habitat Hectare scoring method (Version 1.3). Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria. DSE 2005. Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria - 2005. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria. DSE/DPI 2005a. Viridans Flora Information System, unpublished records. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria. DSE 2007a. Biodiversity Interactive Maps. http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/DSE/dsencor.nsf/LinkView/836EE128E54D86 1FCA256DA200208B945FD09CE028D6AA58CA256DAC0029FA1A Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria. DSE 2007b. Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Benchmarks by Bioregion. http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/nrence.nsf/LinkView/43FE7DF24A1447D 9CA256EE6007EA8788062D358172E420C4A256DEA0012F71C Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria. DSE 2007c. ‘Native Vegetation: Guide for assessment of Referred Planning Permit Applications. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria DEWR 2007. EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool. http://www.deh.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/imap/map.html Australian Government, Department of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra. Emison, W. B., Beardsell, Norman, F. I., Loyn, R. H., and Bennett, S. C. 1987. Atlas of Victorian Birds. Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands and the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, Melbourne.

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Entwisle, T.J. 1994 Orchidaceae, In Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (eds) Flora of Victoria: Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and Monocotyledons, V.2, Inkata Press, Melbourne, pp 740-901. Entwisle, T.J. 1996 Thymelaeaceae, In Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (eds) Flora of Victoria: Dicotyledons: Winteraceae to Myrtaceae, V.3, Inkata Press, Melbourne, pp 912-930. Hadden, S. 1995. Distribution, status and habitat requirements of the Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar (Fischer). Higgins, P.J. (ed) 1999. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 4: Parrots to Dollarbird, Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Jeanes, J.A. 1996 Fabaceae, In Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (eds) Flora of Victoria: Dicotyledons: Winteraceae to Myrtaceae, V.3, Inkata Press, Melbourne, pp 663-829. Jones, D.L. 1994 Pterostylis, In Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (eds) Flora of Victoria: Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and Monocotyledons, V.2, Inkata Press, Melbourne, pp 798-831. Jones, D.L. 2006, A Complete Guide to Native Orchids of Australia Including the Islands and Territories, Reed New Holland, Sydney. Marchant, S., and Higgins, P.J. (eds) 1993. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 2: Raptors to Lapwings, Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Menkhorst, P. 1995. Mammals of Victoria, Oxford University Press, Melbourne. O’Dwyer, C., Hadden, S., and Arnold, A. 2000. Action Statement No 106 Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana. Action Statement prepared under section 19 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 under delegation from the Secretary, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, July 2000. O’Dwyer, C. and Attiwill, P. M. 1999. A comparative study of habitats of the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana – Walker (Lepidoptera: Castniidae): implications for restoration. Biological Conservation 89: 131-141. Organ, A. 2002. Survey for the Warty Bell Frog Litoria raniformis, at the Western Treatment Plant, Werribee, Victoria. Biosis Research, Victoria. Parkes, D., Newell, G. and Cheal, D. 2003. Assessing the Quality of Native Vegetation: The ‘habitat hectare’ approach’. Ecological Management and Restoration, 4 (supplement):29-38. Robertson, P., and Cooper, P. 2000. Recovery Plan for the Grassland Earless Dragon (Tympanocryptis pinguicolla). Unpublished report to Environment Australia, Canberra. Smith, W. and Robertson, P. 1999. National Recovery Plan for the Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar) 1999-2003. Unpublished report to Environment Australia, Canberra. Walsh, N.G. 1994 Poaceae, In Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (eds) Flora of Victoria: Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and Monocotyledons, V.2, Inkata Press, Melbourne, pp 356-627.

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Walsh, N.G. 1999a Senecio, In Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (eds) Flora of Victoria: Dicotyledons, Cornaceae to Asteraceae, V.4, Inkata Press, Melbourne, pp 941-965. Walsh, N.G. 1999b Polygalaceae, In Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (eds) Flora of Victoria: Dicotyledons, Cornaceae to Asteraceae, V.4, Inkata Press Melbourne, pp 131-137. Webster, A., Fallu, R. & Preece, K. 1992. Action Statement No 17 Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar. Action Statement prepared under section 19 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 under delegation from the Secretary, Department of Natural Resources and Environment. April, 1992. Wilson, K.L. 1994 Cyperaceae, In Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (eds) Flora of Victoria: Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and Monocotyledons, V.2, Inkata Press, Melbourne, pp 238-356.

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APPENDIX 1

List of flora species that occur, or are likely to occur in the study area

Conservation Status Origin Common Name Scientific Name Family Name Rec FFG EPBC DSE Adamson's Blown-grass Lachnagrostis adamsonii Poaceae f E v

* African Box-thorn Lycium ferocissimum Solanaceae X

* Annual Meadow-grass Poa annua Poaceae X

Austral Cranesbill Geranium solanderi var. solanderi s.s. Geraniaceae v

* Barley Grass Hordeum spp. Poaceae X

Basalt Tussock-grass Poa labillardierei var. (Volcanic Plains) Poaceae k

Bear's-ear Cymbonotus lawsonianus Asteraceae r

Black Roly-poly Sclerolaena muricata var. muricata Chenopodiaceae k

* Blackberry Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Rosaceae X

Blue Devil Eryngium ovinum Apiaceae X

Brackish Plains Buttercup Ranunculus diminutus Ranunculaceae r

* Buck's-horn Plantain Plantago coronopus Plantaginaceae X

* Cane Needle-grass Nassella hyalina Poaceae X

* Cape Weed Arctotheca calendula Asteraceae X

* Cat's Ear Hypochoeris radicata Asteraceae X

Charming Spider-orchid Caladenia amoena Orchidaceae f E e

* Cleavers Galium aparine Rubiaceae X

* Clover Trifolium spp. Fabaceae X

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Conservation Status Origin Common Name Scientific Name Family Name Rec FFG EPBC DSE Clover Glycine Glycine latrobeana Fabaceae f V v

* Clustered Dock Rumex conglomeratus Polygonaceae X

* Cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata Poaceae X

Common Maidenhair Adiantum aethiopicum Adiantaceae X

* Common Mouse-ear Chickweed Cerastium glomeratum s.l. Caryophyllaceae X

* Common Onion-grass Romulea rosea var. australis s.s. Iridaceae X

* Common Peppercress Lepidium africanum Brassicaceae X

Common Raspwort Gonocarpus tetragynus Haloragaceae X

Common Rice-flower Pimelea humilis Thymelaeaceae X

* Common Sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceus Asteraceae X

Common Wallaby-grass Austrodanthonia caespitosa Poaceae X

Common Woodruff Asperula conferta Rubiaceae X

Crane's Bill Geranium spp. Geraniaceae X

Curly Sedge Carex tasmanica Cyperaceae f V v

Curved Rice-flower Pimelea curviflora s.s. Thymelaeaceae X

Emerald-lip Greenhood Pterostylis smaragdyna Orchidaceae r

* Fleabane Conyza spp. Asteraceae X

Fringed Helmet-orchid Corybas fimbriatus Orchidaceae r

# Giant Honey-myrtle Melaleuca armillaris subsp. armillaris Myrtaceae r

* Gorse Ulex europaeus Fabaceae X

Grassland Wood-sorrel Oxalis perennans Oxalidaceae X

Green-top Sedge Carex chlorantha Cyperaceae k

Page | 31 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment Report No. 7145 (2.2)

Conservation Status Origin Common Name Scientific Name Family Name Rec FFG EPBC DSE * Hair Grass Aira spp. Poaceae X

* Hairy-pit Heron's-bill Erodium brachycarpum Geraniaceae X

* Hare's-foot Clover Trifolium arvense var. arvense Fabaceae X

Hedge Wattle Acacia paradoxa Mimosaceae X

* Hop Clover Trifolium campestre var. campestre Fabaceae X

Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra Poaceae X

* Large Quaking-grass Briza maxima Poaceae X

Large-flower Cranesbill Geranium sp. 1 Geraniaceae e

Large-fruit Groundsel Senecio macrocarpus Asteraceae f V e

Leafy Greenhood Pterostylis cucullata Orchidaceae f V v

Leafy Twig-sedge Cladium procerum Cyperaceae r

Maroon Leek-orchid Prasophyllum frenchii Orchidaceae f E e

Matted Flax-lily Dianella amoena Phormiaceae E e

Melbourne Yellow-gum Eucalyptus leucoxylon subsp. connata Myrtaceae v

Milkmaids Burchardia umbellata Colchicaceae X

* Montpellier Broom Genista monspessulana Fabaceae X

* Musky Heron's-bill Erodium moschatum Geraniaceae X

* Narrow-leaf Clover Trifolium angustifolium var. angustifolium Fabaceae X

* Oat Avena spp. Poaceae X

* One-leaf Cape-tulip Moraea flaccida Iridaceae X

* Ox-tongue Helminthotheca echioides Asteraceae X

Pale Sundew Drosera peltata Droseraceae X

Page | 32 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment Report No. 7145 (2.2)

Conservation Status Origin Common Name Scientific Name Family Name Rec FFG EPBC DSE Helichrysum aff. rutidolepis (Lowland Pale Swamp Everlasting Asteraceae v Swamps) Pale-flower Cranesbill Geranium sp. 3 Geraniaceae r

* Paterson's Curse Echium plantagineum Boraginaceae X

* Pepper Tree Schinus molle Anacardiaceae X

* Petty Spurge Euphorbia peplus Euphorbiaceae X

Plump Swamp Wallaby-grass Amphibromus pithogastrus Poaceae f e

* Prairie Grass Bromus catharticus Poaceae X

* Prostrate Knotweed Polygonum aviculare s.l. Polygonaceae X

Proud Diuris Diuris X fastidiosa Orchidaceae e

Purple Blown-grass Lachnagrostis punicea subsp. punicea Poaceae r

Purple Diuris Diuris punctata var. punctata Orchidaceae f v

* Radiata Pine Pinus radiata Pinaceae X

* Ribwort Plantago lanceolata Plantaginaceae X

River Swamp Wallaby-grass Amphibromus fluitans Poaceae V

* Rough Sow-thistle Sonchus asper s.l. Asteraceae X

Rough Spear-grass Austrostipa scabra Poaceae X

Running Postman Kennedia prostrata Fabaceae X

Rush Juncus spp. Juncaceae X

Rye Beetle-grass Tripogon loliiformis Poaceae r

* Rye Grass Lolium spp. Poaceae X

* Scorzonera Scorzonera laciniata Asteraceae X

* Serrated Tussock Nassella trichotoma Poaceae X

Page | 33 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment Report No. 7145 (2.2)

Conservation Status Origin Common Name Scientific Name Family Name Rec FFG EPBC DSE * Sheep Sorrel Acetosella vulgaris Polygonaceae X

Sheep's Burr Acaena echinata Rosaceae X

Slender Bitter-cress Cardamine tenuifolia Brassicaceae k

Slender Dock Rumex brownii Polygonaceae X

Slender Stylewort Levenhookia sonderi Stylidiaceae r

Slender Tick-trefoil Desmodium varians Fabaceae k

Small Milkwort Comesperma polygaloides Polygalaceae f v

* Small Nettle Urtica urens Urticaceae X

Small Vanilla-lily Arthropodium minus Anthericaceae X

* Small-flower Mallow Malva parviflora Malvaceae X

* Smooth Cat's-ear Hypochoeris glabra Asteraceae X

* Soursob Oxalis pes-caprae Oxalidaceae X

* Spanish Artichoke Cynara cardunculus Asteraceae X

Spear Grass Austrostipa spp. Poaceae X

* Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare Asteraceae X

Spiny Rice-flower Pimelea spinescens subsp. spinescens Thymelaeaceae f CR v

# Spotted Gum Corymbia maculata Myrtaceae v

Spreading Crassula Crassula decumbens var. decumbens Crassulaceae X

* Strawberry Clover Trifolium fragiferum var. fragiferum Fabaceae X

Studley Park Gum Eucalyptus X studleyensis Myrtaceae e

Swamp Flax-lily Dianella callicarpa Phormiaceae r

* Sweet Briar Rosa rubiginosa Rosaceae X

Page | 34 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment Report No. 7145 (2.2)

Conservation Status Origin Common Name Scientific Name Family Name Rec FFG EPBC DSE * Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratum Poaceae X

* Toowoomba Canary-grass Phalaris aquatica Poaceae X

Tough Scurf-pea Cullen tenax Fabaceae f e

Velvet Apple-berry Billardiera scandens var. brachyantha Pittosporaceae r

Velvet Tussock-grass Poa rodwayi Poaceae X

# Venus-hair Fern Adiantum capillus-veneris Adiantaceae f e

* Vetch Vicia spp. Fabaceae X

Wallaby Grass Austrodanthonia spp. Poaceae X

Water Blinks Montia fontana subsp. fontana Portulacaceae k

Weeping Grass Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Poaceae X

Western Golden-tip Goodia medicaginea Fabaceae r

Wetland Blown-grass Lachnagrostis filiformis var. 2 Poaceae k

* White Clover Trifolium repens var. repens Fabaceae X

* Wild Radish Raphanus raphanistrum Brassicaceae X

Wine-lipped Spider-orchid Caladenia oenochila Orchidaceae v

Winged Water-starwort Callitriche umbonata Callitrichaceae r

Wiry Dock Rumex dumosus Polygonaceae X

Yarra Gum Eucalyptus yarraensis Myrtaceae r

* = introduced species; # = native species occurring outside of natural range; FFG = Status under FFG Act; EPBC = Status under EPBC Act; f = Listed as threatened; CE = critically endangered; E = endangered; V = vulnerable; R = rare.

Page | 35 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment Report No. 7145 (2.2)

APPENDIX 2: Fauna species recorded or potentially occurring on the study area Common Name Scientific Name Recorded EPBC DSE FFG Birds Australian Hobby Falco longipennis Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen X Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata Barn Owl Tyto alba Black Falcon Falco subniger v Black‐faced Cuckoo‐ Coracina novaehollandiae shrike Black‐shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris Brown Falcon Falco berigora Brown Songlark Cincloramphus cruralis X Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla Cattle Egret Ardea ibis M * Common Blackbird Turdus merula X * Common Myna Acridotheres tristis X * Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris X Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius * Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus * European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis * European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Fork‐tailed Swift Apus pacificus M Galah Cacatua roseicapilla Golden‐headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus Grey Shrike‐thrush Colluricincla harmonica Horsfield's Bronze‐ Chrysococcyx basalis Cuckoo * House Sparrow Passer domesticus X Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Raven Corvus mellori X Long‐billed Corella Cacatua tenuirostris Magpie‐lark Grallina cyanoleuca X Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles X Musk Lorikeet Glossopsitta concinna Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides X New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus

Page | 36 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment Report No. 7145 (2.2)

Common Name Scientific Name Recorded EPBC DSE FFG Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus X Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata X Red‐rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae * Rock Dove Columba livia X Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi Shining Bronze‐Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus Silvereye Zosterops lateralis Singing Bushlark Mirafra javanica * Skylark Alauda arvensis X Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis n Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus * Spotted Turtle‐Dove Streptopelia chinensis X Straw‐necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis X Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus Stubble Quail Coturnix pectoralis Sulphur‐crested Cacatua galerita Cockatoo Superb Fairy‐wren Malurus cyaneus X Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides Tree Martin Hirundo nigricans Wedge‐tailed Eagle Aquila audax Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena X Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus White‐faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae White‐fronted Chat Epthianura albifrons White‐plumed Lichenostomus penicillatus X Honeyeater White‐throated Hirundapus caudacutus M Needletail Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys X Yellow‐rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa X Yellow‐tailed Black‐ Calyptorhynchus funereus Cockatoo Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata Mammals * Black Rat Rattus rattus * Brown Hare Lepus capensis * Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus * Cat (feral) Felis catus Common Dunnart Sminthopsis murina v Common Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus

Page | 37 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment Report No. 7145 (2.2)

Common Name Scientific Name Recorded EPBC DSE FFG Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus X * European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus X Fat‐tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis crassicaudata n Gould's Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii * House Mouse Mus musculus Lesser Long‐eared Bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi * Red Fox Canis vulpes X White‐striped Freetail Tadarida australis Bat Reptiles Blotched Blue‐tongued Tiliqua nigrolutea Lizard Common Blue‐tongued Tiliqua scincoides Lizard Cunningham's Skink Egernia cunninghami Eastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja textilis Eastern Three‐lined Skink Bassiana duperreyi Large Striped Skink Ctenotus robustus Little Whip Snake Suta flagellum Lowland Copperhead Austrelaps superbus Red‐bellied Black Snake Pseudechis porphyriacus Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar V e f Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus Tussock Skink Pseudemoia pagenstecheri White's Skink Egernia whitii Frogs Common Froglet Crinia signifera Common Spadefoot Toad Neobatrachus sudelli Peron's Tree Frog Litoria peronii Plains Froglet Crinia parinsignifera Southern Brown Tree Litoria ewingii Frog Southern Bullfrog Limnodynastes dumerilii Spotted Marsh Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis X Invertebrates Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana C e f Based on the Victorian Fauna Database Notes: * = introduced species; M – Migratory; X = confirmed to occur during field C, c – Critically endangered; inspection; E, e – Endangered; DSE – Status from DSE (2003); V, v – Vulnerable; EPBC – Status under EPBC Act; n – Lower risk near threatened; FFG – Listed under FFG Act; f – Listed as threatened under FFG Act.

Page | 38 135 O’Herns Road, Epping, Flora, Fauna and Net Gain Assessment Report No. 7145 (2.2)

APPENDIX 3

EVC Benchmark for Stony Knoll Shrubland (EVC 649)

Page | 39 EVC/Bioregion Benchmark for Vegetation Quality Assessment Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion EVC 649: Stony Knoll Shrubland

Description: Stony Knoll Shrubland is a shrubland to 3 m tall or low non-eucalypt woodland to 8 m tall with a grassy understorey. It occurs on low stony rises on basalt flows. The soils are fertile and well drained but shallow with out cropping rock, causing severe summer dryness.

+ woodland only components (ignore when assessing treeless areas and standardise final score as appropriate)

Canopy Cover+: %cover Character Species Common Name 15% Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping Sheoak Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria

Understorey: Life form #Spp %Cover LF code Medium Shrub 3 10% MS Prostrate Shrub 1 1% PS Large Herb 2 1% LH Medium Herb 11 10% MH Small or Prostrate Herb 4 5% SH Medium to Small Tufted Graminoid 10 25% MTG Tiny Tufted Graminoid 2 5% TTG Medium to Tiny Non-tufted Graminoid 2 5% MNG Ground Fern 2 5% GF Bryophytes/Lichens na 10% BL Soil Crust na 10% S/C Total understorey projective foliage cover 85%

LF Code Species typical of at least part of EVC range Common Name MS Hymenanthera dentata s.l. Tree Violet MS Acacia paradoxa Hedge Wattle PS Kennedia prostrata Running Postman LH Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed LH Senecio glomeratus Annual Fireweed MH Oxalis perennans Grassland Wood-sorrel MH Rumex brownii Slender Dock MH Hypericum gramineum Small St John’s Wort MH Acaena ovina Australian Sheep’s Burr SH Dichondra repens Kidneyweed SH Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort SH Crassula sieberiana Sieber Crassula MTG Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass MTG Poa sieberiana Grey Tussock-grass MTG Austrodanthonia caespitosa Common Wallaby-grass MTG Austrodanthonia setacea Bristly Wallaby-grass TTG Carex breviculmis Short-stem Sedge MNG Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping Grass GF Pteridium esculentum Austral Bracken GF Adiantum aethiopicum Common Maidenhair SC Convolvulus erubescens spp. agg. Pink Bindweed

Recruitment: Continuous

Organic Litter: 20 % cover

Ecological Vegetation Class bioregion benchmark EVC 649: Stony Knoll Shrubland - Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregion

Logs+: 5 m/0.1 ha. (note: large log class does not apply)

Weediness: LF Code Typical Weed Species Common Name Invasive Impact T Schinus molle Pepper Tree high high MS Lycium ferocissimum African Box-thorn high high MS Genista monspessulana Montpellier Broom high high SS Marrubium vulgare Horehound high high LH Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle high low LH Helminthotheca echioides Ox-tongue high low LH Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce high low LH Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard high low LH Sonchus asper s.l. Rough Sow-thistle high low LH Verbascum thapsus ssp. thapsus Great Mullein high high LH Echium plantagineum Paterson's Curse high high LH Centaurium tenuiflorum Slender Centaury high low LH Foeniculum vulgare Fennel high high MH Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear high low MH Trifolium arvense var. arvense Hare's-foot Clover high low MH Trifolium subterraneum Subterranean Clover high low MH Trifolium campestre var. campestre Hop Clover high low MH Trifolium angustifolium var. angustifolium Narrow-leaf Clover high low MH Lotus suaveolens Hairy Bird's-foot Trefoil high low MH Cerastium glomeratum s.l. Common Mouse-ear Chickweed high low SH Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic high low SH Trifolium glomeratum Cluster Clover high low SH Modiola caroliniana Red-flower Mallow high low SH Aptenia cordifolia Heart-leaf Ice-plant high high LTG Phalaris aquatica Toowoomba Canary-grass high high LNG Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog high high LNG Avena fatua Wild Oat high low MTG Nassella trichotoma Serrated Tussock high high MTG Ehrharta longiflora Annual Veldt-grass high low MTG Briza maxima Large Quaking-grass high low MTG Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus Soft Brome high low MTG Sporobolus africanus Rat-tail Grass high high MTG Vulpia bromoides Squirrel-tail Fescue high low MTG Romulea rosea Onion Grass high low MTG Pentaschistis airoides ssp. airoides False Hair-grass high low MTG Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass high low MTG Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot high high MTG Vulpia myuros Rat's-tail Fescue high low MTG Bromus rubens Red Brome high low MTG Avena barbata Bearded Oat high low MTG Aira caryophyllea Silvery Hair-grass high low SC Vicia sativa ssp. sativa Common Vetch low low

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