Grampians Peaks Trail: Native vegetation offset assessment

Prepared for Parks Victoria

9 August 2017

Biosis offices Document information

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Report to: Parks Victoria

Canberra Prepared by: Matthew Gibson Phone: (02) 6102 1200 Email: [email protected] Biosis project no.: 21554 File name: 21554.GPT.OffsetReport.FIN04.20170809

NEW SOUTH WALES Citation: Biosis 2017. Grampians Peaks Trail native vegetation offset assessment. Report for Parks Victoria. Author: Gibson, M., Biosis Pty Ltd. Newcastle Project no. 21554. Phone: (02) 4911 4040 Email: [email protected] Document control Sydney Phone: (02) 9101 8700 Email: [email protected] Version Internal reviewer Date issued Wollongong Version 01 JDM 27/04/2017 Phone: (02) 4201 1090 Email: [email protected] Version 02 MSG 26/06/2017

Version 03 MSG 07/07/2017

QUEENSLAND Version 04 MSG 09/08/2017 Brisbane Phone: (07) 3831 7400 Email: [email protected] Acknowledgements

Biosis acknowledges the contribution of the following people and TASMANIA organisations in undertaking this study: Hobart Phone: (03) 8686 4821 • Parks Victoria: Anne Wilson, Rod Spinks, David Roberts, Mark Gallon, Email: [email protected] Mike Stevens

• Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning for access to VICTORIA the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas and Native Vegetation Information Ballarat Tools Phone: (03) 5304 4250 Email: [email protected] Biosis staff involved in this project were:

Melbourne (Head Office) • Michael Goddard, Rohan Simkin, Shana Nerenberg and Tim Dredge Phone: (03) 8686 4800 (assistance in the field) Fax: (03) 9646 9242 Email: [email protected] • Martin Lee (data entry)

Wangaratta • James Shepherd (mapping) Phone: (03) 5718 6900 Email: [email protected]

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

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

© Biosis 2017 - Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting - www.biosis.com.au i

Contents

Summary ...... iv

1. Introduction ...... 5

1.1 Project background ...... 5 1.2 Objectives ...... 5 1.3 Previous studies ...... 6 1.4 Location of the study area ...... 7

2. Impact areas and steps taken to avoid and minimise impacts ...... 8

2.1 Areas requiring clearance of native vegetation ...... 8 2.1.1 New walking tracks ...... 8 2.1.2 Hiker camps and access tracks ...... 9 2.1.3 Trailheads ...... 11 2.2 Steps taken to avoid and minimise impacts to native vegetation ...... 12

3. Assessment methods...... 14

3.1 Database review ...... 14 3.2 Field habitat hectare assessment...... 14 3.2.1 Sites on new sections of track ...... 15 3.2.2 Trailheads ...... 17 3.2.3 Hiker camps ...... 17 3.2.4 Survey dates ...... 17 3.2.5 Permits ...... 17 3.3 GIS analysis ...... 18 3.3.1 Data sources...... 18 3.3.2 Calculating vegetation impacts ...... 18 3.4 Qualifications ...... 18 3.5 Legislation and policy ...... 19

4. Vegetation quality assessment results ...... 20

4.1 Significant species recorded ...... 22 4.1.1 Modelled habitat for DELWP advisory list of rare and threatened species ...... 26

5. Victoria's biodiversity assessment guidelines ...... 30

5.1 Proposed removal of native vegetation...... 31 5.1.1 Habitat hectares ...... 31 5.2 Determining the risk-based pathway ...... 31 5.3 Offset requirements ...... 31 5.3.1 Offset requirements for stage 1 ...... 31 5.3.2 Offset requirements for completion of the GPT ...... 32 5.4 Offset assessment ...... 36 5.4.1 Meeting the general offset requirement ...... 36

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting II

5.4.2 Meeting the specific offset requirements ...... 39 5.4.3 Potential offset arrangements to satisfy specific offset requirements ...... 41

6. Conclusion ...... 43

References ...... 44

Appendices ...... 45

Appendix 1 Flora species recorded ...... 46 Appendix 2 Vegetation quality assessment results ...... 62 Appendix 3 Biodiversity impact and offset requirement report ...... 66 Appendix 4 Glossary – Biodiversity assessment guidelines ...... 69

Tables

Table 1 Length of new track to be constructed in each EVC...... 8 Table 2 Estimate of vegetation impact at hiker camps ...... 9 Table 3 Vegetation impacts at each of the hiker camps...... 10 Table 4 Vegetation impacts associated with GPT trailheads ...... 11 Table 5 Number of samples within each EVC along new sections of the GPT ...... 15 Table 6 GPT trailheads included in the field assessment ...... 17 Table 7 GPT design datasets used in this analysis ...... 18 Table 8 Comparison of modelled vegetation quality and field assessed vegetation quality ...... 20 Table 9 Summary of rare or threatened species' habitats modelled in the study area ...... 26 Table 10 Summary of DELWP Biodiversity Impacts and Offset Requirements report ...... 32 Table 11 Summary of specific offset requirements ...... 32 Table 12 Estimate of General Biodiversity Equivalence Units available at potential offset sites ...... 39 Table 13 Estimate of Specific Biodiversity Equivalence Units available at potential offset sites ...... 40

Figures

Figure 1 Location of Habitat Hectare sample points ...... 16

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting III

Summary

Biosis Pty Ltd was commissioned by Parks Victoria to assist with the approval process for the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT). The construction of the GPT will require the removal of native vegetation along the new sections of the track and at the proposed hiker camping areas, trail heads and access tracks.

Although a planning permit to remove native vegetation (under Planning Scheme Clause 52.17) is not deemed necessary, Parks Victoria intend to provide offsets for the vegetation removal that are compatible with State policy including the Permitted Clearing of Native Vegetation – Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines (the BAG) (DEPI 2013). Vegetation impacts are to be calculated using modelled vegetation type and quality data, and a field based ground truthing sampling exercise.

The objectives of this investigation are to:

• Document impacts to native vegetation required for the construction of new infrastructure for the GPT.

• Ground truth the modelled vegetation condition data using a sampling procedure. • Describe the steps Parks Victoria have taken to avoid and minimise impacts through the design process.

• Determine the offset requirements, as specified in the Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines (BAG), and assess options for securing the required offsets.

The GPT will impact upon native vegetation through the construction of new infrastructure, or improvements to existing infrastructure, for trail development, hiker camp construction, trail head construction and the construction of new access tracks and helipads to service hiker camps. Plans for the GPT are still subject to minor change, and the current assessment is based on the design provided by Parks Victoria in April 2017.

Modelled habitat condition scores were used to determine the vegetation impact and offset requirements, and a field-based habitat hectare sampling procedure was undertaken to verify the validity of the modelled scores. Habitat hectare assessments were undertaken at 19 locations along new sections of the GPT, and at each of the proposed trailhead and hiker camp sites.

Construction of the GPT involves the removal of 14.367 hectares of native vegetation, which corresponds to 11.831 habitat hectares. As the GPT intersects with areas of location “C”, the project is to be assessed under the high risk-based planning pathway. The offset specification includes 0.505 general biodiversity equivalence units, and specific biodiversity equivalence units for 39 Victorian advisory list rare or threatened species (35 rare species, three vulnerable species and one critically endangered species).

Five potential offset sites have been included in the offset assessment. These sites have potential to satisfy the general offset requirement and specific offsets for a small proportion of the species required, depending on which sites are included. The offset sites contain modelled habitat for Mossy Woodruff, Grampians Grey- gum, Grampians Sheoad, Grampians Trigger Plan, Hairy Correa, Hairy Raspwort, Orange Bell-climber and Rough Daisy-bush. The balance of the specific offsets, however, are not available, as the modelled habitat and known distribution of the species involved is limited to the GNP and other nearby conservation reserves. Satisfying the specific offset requirements will require further discussion with DELWP regarding alternative arrangements, including the establishment of an offset trust.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting iv

1. Introduction

1.1 Project background

Biosis Pty Ltd was commissioned by Parks Victoria to assist with the approval process for the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT). The construction of the GPT will require the removal of native vegetation along the new sections of the track and at the proposed hiker camping areas, trail heads, helipads and access tracks.

Although a planning permit to remove native vegetation (under Planning Scheme Clause 52.17) is not deemed necessary, Parks Victoria intend to provide offsets for the vegetation removal that are compatible with State policy including the Permitted Clearing of Native Vegetation – Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines (the BAG) (DEPI 2013). Vegetation impacts are to be calculated using modelled vegetation type and quality data, and a field based ground truthing sampling exercise.

Existing offset arrangements for the GPT

Parks Victoria are also required to secure native vegetation offsets for the first stage of the GPT, which was completed in 2011/2012. This stage involved:

• 3.5 km of track work from Halls Gap to the Mt Rosea Hiker Camp;

• Construction of a new campground at Mt Rosea (including a new group camping area);

• Construction of a new footbridge at Fyans Creek; and

• Upgrading of 10 km of track between the Mt Rosea Hikers Camp and Borough Huts Campground.

The extent of vegetation removal for these works, and the required offsets (as specified by Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action), are as follows

• Removal of 0.03 Habitat Hectares of Lowland Forest (EVC 16) – offset requirement 0.05 Habitat Hectares of this EVC type or another EVC type matching the like-for-like conditions.

• Removal of 0.04 Habitat Hectares of Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20) – offset requirement of 0.06 Habitat Hectares of this EVC type or another EVC type matching the like-for-like conditions.

• Removal of 21 Large Old Trees – offset requirement protection of 84 Large Old Trees.

These offsets have not yet been secured, and should be considered when securing offsets for the remainder of the GPT project.

1.2 Objectives

The objectives of this investigation are to:

• Document impacts to native vegetation required for the construction of new infrastructure for the GPT.

• Ground truth the modelled vegetation condition data using a sampling procedure. • Describe the steps Parks Victoria have taken to avoid and minimise impacts through the design process.

• Determine the offset requirements, as specified in the Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines, and assess options for securing the required offsets.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 5

1.3 Previous studies

Biosis conducted a desktop environmental risk assessment for the GPT project in 2014:

• Biosis 2014. Grampians Peaks Trail: Environmental Risk Assessment. Report for Parks Victoria. Authors: Miller, J. & Shepherd, J. Biosis Pty Ltd, Ballarat. Project no: 17537.

The objectives of the investigation were to:

• Undertake a desktop analysis of existing known information to identify environmental and cultural values within the Grampians National Park and within the study area to identify potential threats to environmental and cultural values resulting from the proposed GPT and quantify the likely impacts of the GPT on environmental and cultural values.

• Provide recommendations for options to mitigate risks and minimise impacts.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 6

1.4 Location of the study area

The GPT traverses the north-south axis of the Grampians National Park extending from Mount Zero in the north to Dunkeld in the south. The proposed route of the GPT and the location of the hiker camps was provided by Parks Victoria.

The area considered for this assessment included new sections of track, hiker camps and trailheads where vegetation clearance is required, and new access tracks and helipads for hiker camps. These areas are further described in Section 3.

The study area is within the:

• Greater Grampians Bioregion • Glenelg and Wimmera-Avon River basins • Wimmera and Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority areas • Northern Grampians, Ararat and Southern Grampians local government areas.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 7

2. Impact areas and steps taken to avoid and minimise impacts

2.1 Areas requiring clearance of native vegetation

The GPT will impact upon native vegetation through the construction of new infrastructure, or improvements to existing infrastructure, for trail development, hiker camp construction, trail head construction and the construction of new access tracks and helipads to service hiker camps. Plans for the GPT are still subject to minor change, and the current assessment is based on the design provided by Parks Victoria in April 2017.

2.1.1 New walking tracks The Grampians National Park contains seven Broad Vegetation Types (BVTs) and 40 Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs). The proposed GPT passes through a subset of these, including 17 EVCs, three EVC complexes and two EVC mosaics. The percentage of new track proposed to pass through each EVC is shown in the Table 1, listed in decreasing order of proportional length.

Table 1 Length of new track to be constructed in each EVC.

* denotes EVCs endemic to the GNP; # denotes EVCs represented by floristic communities endemic to the GNP.

EVC Length (km) Proportional length #Heathy Woodland 21.5 22.0% #Rocky Outcrop Herbland 17.5 17.9% Rocky Outcrop Shrubland/Rocky Outcrop Herbland 14.0 14.3% Mosaic #Rocky Outcrop Shrubland 10.9 11.2% #Heathy Dry Forest 7.2 7.4% #Lowland Forest 4.6 4.7% #Shrubby Foothill Forest 3.9 4.0% *Montane Rocky Shrubland 3.6 3.7% Hills Herb-rich Woodland 3.2 3.3% Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland 2.3 2.4% #Herb-rich Foothill Forest 2.2 2.3% #Valley Grassy Forest 2.2 2.3% Lowland Forest/Valley Grassy Forest Complex 1.5 1.5% Sedgy Riparian Woodland 1.0 1.0% #Sand Heathland 0.5 0.5% #Riparian Shrubland 0.3 0.3% #Shrubby Woodland 0.3 0.3% Damp Forest/Herb-rich Foothill Forest Complex 0.2 0.2% Damp Heathland/Riparian Scrub Mosaic 0.2 0.2% #Wet Forest 0.2 0.2% #Damp Forest 0.1 0.1%

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 8

EVC Length (km) Proportional length Riparian Scrub/Sedgy Riparian Woodland Complex 0.1 0.1% Totals 97.5 100%

The majority of the track passes through vegetation types which are common and well represented within the Park, with over 80% of the alignment passing through seven units – Heathy Woodland, Rocky Outcrop Herbland, Rocky Outcrop Shrubland, Rocky Outcrop Herbland, Heathy Dry Forest, Lowland Forest and Shrubby Foothill Forest.

Trail width

The trail has been classified into three width classes: 600mm, 800mm and 1200mm, and these widths have been used to assess the extent of vegetation clearance. Approximately 90% of new track will be constructed using the 600mm width class, which is to be constructed by hand. The 800mm and 1200mm wide tracks will be constructed by machine.

A large proportion of the trail length passes through rocky sites at higher elevation. Within these areas, vegetation disturbance for creation of the track will be minimal, as it is usually possible to find a path through without significant ground disturbance or pruning of shrubs. To allow for reduced clearance in these areas, the impact area has been reduced to half of the designed track width, which is still likely to be an overestimate of the actual extent of clearing required. This reduction in clearing width has been applied where the track passes through the following EVCs:

• Rocky Outcrop Herbland

• Rocky Outcrop Shrubland/Rocky Outcrop Herbland Mosaic

• Rocky Outcrop Shrubland

• Montane Rocky Shrubland

2.1.2 Hiker camps and access tracks Eleven hiker camps and one group camp are proposed for construction but detailed design of the camps has not yet been completed. The extent (area) of impact at each site is estimated based on measurements taken from an existing campsite, as summarised in Table 2.

Table 2 Estimate of vegetation impact at hiker camps

Campsite component Description Vegetation clearance area (m2)

Tent platforms 12 tent platforms, each with an area of 16 m2 192

Shelter Includes one shelter (12 x 12 m) and a platform for a 151 water tank (2.5 x 2.5m)

Toilet Includes one toilet (4 x 4 m), one water tank (2.2 x 1.7 26 m) and one pod storage (2 x 3 m)

Boardwalk A 1.5 m wide boardwalk up to 200m in length 300

Total 669

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 9

Total vegetation clearance at the sample site was 669 m2. To allow for variation due to site topography and detailed design, a conservative area of 800 m2 has been allocated for each hiker camp. New vehicle access tracks are also proposed. These vary in length from 55m to 530m, and will be 3m wide. The total length of access tracks proposed is 1.62 km, which equates to a clearance requirement of approximately 0.5 hectares (4,860 m2). For hiker camps serviced by vehicle, an additional area of 16m2 will be required to allow vehicles to park and turn to maintain the toilets

Clearance requirements at each of the hiker camps and associated access tracks is summarised in Table 3.

Table 3 Vegetation impacts at each of the hiker camps

Additional Camp # Estimated area for New access Total (north to Hiker Camp impact (m2) vehicle tracks (m2) clearance south) parking (m2)

804 1 Barigar 800 16 1,665 (268 x 3 m)

Gar 2 800 N/A N/A 800 (Mount Difficult)

Werdug 3 800 N/A N/A 800 (Wartook Basin)

Stoney Creek Rd School 4 800 16 50 816 Camp

5 Barbican Rocks 800 N/A N/A 800

Duwul balug 6 800 N/A N/A 800 (Mount William)

Mafeking (Stockyard 165 7 800 16 981 Saddle) (55 x 3 m)

8 Yarram Gap 800 N/A N/A 800

9 Mount Christabel 0 0 N/A 800

1,440 10 Cassidy Gap 800 16 2,240 (360 x 4 m)

Mud-dadjug 512 11 800 16 1,312 (Mt Abrupt) (128 x 4 m)

Total 8,800 80 2,971 11,814

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 10

2.1.3 Trailheads The GPT design includes 12 trailheads, used to access different sections of the track to allow for a range of walking experiences (Table 4). These are either existing sites where no further vegetation clearance is required, existing sites where some vegetation clearance is required to provide space for parking, or new sites.

Table 4 Vegetation impacts associated with GPT trailheads

Trailhead # Trail Head Extent of native vegetation (north to south) clearing (m2)

1 Mount Zero Day Visitor Area 1,290

2 Dead Bullock Creek 1,581

3 Mount Difficult Road 820

Mt Rosea 4 0 (Carpark only)

5 Borough Huts Camping Ground and Trail Head 347

Redmans Rd 6 2,300 (Carpark only)

7 Mount William 365

8 Jimmy Creek Camping Ground and Trail Head 1,380

Yarram Gap Rd 9 660 (Carpark only)

10 Griffin 660

11 Victoria Valley Road Day Visitor Area 1,935

12 Dunkeld 0

Total 11,338

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 11

2.2 Steps taken to avoid and minimise impacts to native vegetation

The trail design, including the track alignment and plans for hiker camps and trail heads, is well advanced, but subject to future minor change to further reduce ecological and cultural heritage impacts and enhance the visitor experience.

The project has been through an iterative design process. Considerations for minimising impacts through the design phase have included:

• Using existing walking tracks where possible, and creating new walking tracks to join existing sections.

• Selection of alignments to minimise impacts on sensitive vegetation types and species habitat.

– On the Mount William Plateau, the trail has been aligned around the eastern side of Mt William to avoid sensitive Ecological Vegetation Classes and Smoky Mouse habitat on the plateau.

– From Yarram Gap Rd to Mt Christabel, the track alignment has been deliberately positioned on elevated areas along the ridge, to avoid impacting upon vegetation and species associated with the Wannon River riparian area.

– Avoidance of a site where a second population of Grampians Pincushion-lily Borya mirabilis has been established by translocation.

– From Mt Difficult to Halls Gap, much of the alignment has been placed on the escarpment using an existing track to avoid impacting upon the environment around the lake.

– From Mt Christabel to Cassidy Gap Hiker Camp the alignment has been amended to minimise impact on habitat for potoroos and bandicoots, particularly by minimising the length of track through riparian environments. Raised boardwalks are also being considered for these sections, to further reduce impacts to vegetation, and these may include fences and gates to discourage use by predators.

• Most trailhead locations have been selected to make use of existing facilities where possible, or are planned to be constructed in sites subject to past disturbances. Only three of the trailheads (Griffin Road and Redman Road) are currently planned to be located in new (greenfield) sites.

• Minimisation of construction of new service roads for accessing hiker camps. Existing tracks will be used where possible to reduce the length of new track required. Some sites will be serviced by helicopter to avoid the requirement for new tracks.

The GPT design and infrastructure manuals specify a range of general design principles to minimise impacts to ground vegetation during the design and construction phase, including:

• Aligning the trail along existing contour lines where possible, to ensure gradients are shallower.

• Aligning the trail to minimise crossings of rivers, creeks and boggy ground.

• Micrositing the alignment of the trail to avoid significant existing trees or threatened species.

• Aligning the trail on the up-hill side of large trees to protect the root system from unnecessary compaction and erosion.

• Aligning the trail to integrate (rather than remove) existing site features, such as large rocks and trees.

• Aligning the trail to reflect walker desire lines, to avoid development of informal tracks to access viewpoints.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 12

• Keeping the trail as narrow as possible to minimise clearance of ground vegetation.

• Providing grade dips at regular intervals to remove surface water and assist drainage.

• Where gradients are steeper than 1:10, introduction of steps and other details to avoid drainage and erosion problems, and re-routing the trail to make the gradient shallower.

• Where steep gradients are unavoidable, they should be as short as possible and not exceed 20m in length.

• Provide timber or steel mesh boardwalks over soft, moist or boggy soils or ground that is prone to erosion and trenching, and where no other alignment options exist.

• Short bridges will be used to cross small rivers and creeks. In a number of locations, longer bridges will be required to cross rivers and creeks, such as the Wannon River and Fyans Creek.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 13

3. Assessment methods

The identity and distribution of EVCs within the Grampians is well known and the mapping is considered to be accurate. As such it forms a solid base from which to determine likely vegetation impacts as a result of the GPT.

Vegetation condition scores for the Grampians have been modelled by DELWP and can be seen on the Native Vegetation Information Management system (NVIM) mapping. The vast majority of the vegetation that would be impacted by the GPT has been modelled as having a score of 0.81 or above. There may also be some small areas modelled with a score of 0.61-0.80 that fall within the impact area.

Given the high condition score modelled throughout the Grampians National Park it is unlikely that a site assessment would provide a significantly higher value. Due to this, this assessment makes use of the existing EVC mapping, modelled condition scores and the modelled threatened Victorian fauna habitat to determine the impacts and offset requirements for the GPT.

As a check on modelled condition scores, a limited field-based habitat hectare assessment was undertaken in the areas proposed for the new hiker camps, the new sections of track, and at trailheads where impacts are expected. The Habitat hectare assessments were undertaken in accordance with the biodiversity assessment guidelines (DEPI 2013) and requirements to meet the moderate and high-risk based planning pathway (DELWP 2014). Assessments at the hiker camps and trailheads were undertaken in the dominant EVC at each of the proposed locations. The field assessment procedure is further detailed in section 3.2.

3.1 Database review

The database review was conducted during the 2014 desktop risk assessment project, using a range of data sources including:

• Flora Information System (FIS) which includes records from the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas ‘VBA_FLORA25, FLORA100 & FLORA Restricted’ August 2015 © The State of Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).

• Victorian Biodiversity Atlas ‘VBA_FAUNA25, FAUNA100 & FAUNA Restricted’ August 2015 © The State of Victoria

• DELWP Biodiversity Interactive Map (BIM) • DELWP Habitat Importance Models Other sources of biodiversity information were examined including:

• DELWP Native Vegetation Information Management (NVIM) system which generates a Biodiversity Assessment Report (BAR) for the study area.

• Planning Scheme overlays relevant to biodiversity.

3.2 Field habitat hectare assessment

At each field assessment site, the following information was collected:

• A list of vascular flora species, including threatened species listed under the EPBC or FFG Acts.

• A vegetation quality (habitat hectare) assessment (DELWP 2004).

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 14

Field assessments were conducted at:

• random locations along proposed new sections of track

• all proposed new hiker camps

• new trailheads

• existing trailheads where additional vegetation clearance is proposed.

Habitat hectare sample locations are shown in Figure 1.

3.2.1 Sites on new sections of track Nineteen samples sites were assessed on proposed new sections of the GPT (Table 5). Sites were selected using a stratified random sampling approach, in approximate proportion to the length track passing through each EVC.

Table 5 Number of samples within each EVC along new sections of the GPT

EVC Proportional Samples EVC Proportional Samples length length

Damp Forest 0.1% 0 Riparian Scrub/Sedgy Riparian 0.1% 0 Woodland Complex

Damp Forest/Herb-rich Foothill Forest 0.2% 0 Riparian Shrubland 0.3% 1 Complex

Damp Heathland/Riparian Scrub 0.2% 0 Rocky Outcrop Herbland 17.9% 3 Mosaic

Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland 2.4% 1 Rocky Outcrop Shrubland 11.2% 2

Heathy Dry Forest 7.4% 1 Rocky Outcrop 0.0% 0 Shrubland/Heathy Woodland Complex

Heathy Woodland 22.0% 2 Rocky Outcrop 14.3% 1 Shrubland/Rocky Outcrop Herbland Mosaic

Herb-rich Foothill Forest 2.3% 0 Sand Heathland 0.5% 1

Hills Herb-rich Woodland 3.3% 1 Sedgy Riparian Woodland 1.0% 0

Lowland Forest 4.7% 1 Shrubby Foothill Forest 4.0% 1

Lowland Forest/Valley Grassy Forest 1.5% 0 Shrubby Woodland 0.3% 0 Complex

Montane Rocky Shrubland 3.7% 2 Valley Grassy Forest 2.3% 1

Plains Grassy Woodland 0.0% 0 Wet Forest 0.2% 0

Riparian Scrub 0.0% 1 Total 19

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 15 Figure 1 Grampians Peaks Trail Location of Habitat Hectare survey sites

Hiker Camps Track Sample Points Trail Heads

0 5 10 kilometres

3.2.2 Trailheads Sample sites were assessed at all trailheads where vegetation clearance is required (Table 6). Existing trailheads where no additional clearance is needed were not included in the study.

Table 6 GPT trailheads included in the field assessment

Trailhead # Trail Head Number of samples

1 Mount Zero Day Visitor Area 1

2 Dead Bullock Creek 1

5 Borough Huts Camping Ground and Trail Head 1

6 Redmans Rd (Carpark only) 1

7 Mount William 1

8 Jimmy Creek Camping Ground and Trail Head 1

9 Yarram Gap Rd (Carpark only) 1

10 Griffin 1

12 Victoria Valley Road Day Visitor Area 1

3.2.3 Hiker camps Single samples were undertaken at all hiker camp locations, as listed in Table 3.

3.2.4 Survey dates Field surveys were conducted over three separate periods in Spring/Summer 2016:

• 24 – 28 October 2016

• 21 – 25 November 2016

• 22 – 24 December 2016

• 31 January 2017.

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

• Research Permit/Management Authorisation and Permit to Take Protected Flora & Protected Fish issued by DELWP under the Wildlife Act 1975, Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and National Parks Act 1975 (Permit number 10007569).

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 17

3.3 GIS analysis

3.3.1 Data sources The Parks Victoria GPT team have provided GIS data documenting the location of the GPT infrastructure, including the trail, trailheads, hiker camps and hiker camp access roads, as summarised in Table 7.

Table 7 GPT design datasets used in this analysis

GPT component GIS dataset version

Trail Alignment Supplied 13 April 2017

Trailheads Supplied 13 April 2017

Hiker camps Supplied 13 April 2017

Hiker camp service vehicle access tracks Supplied 13 April 2017

3.3.2 Calculating vegetation impacts The EnSym – Environmental Systems Modelling Platform – has been developed by DELWP In order to calculate vegetation impacts and offset requirements for clearance of native vegetation.

The tool processes GIS data in the form of an ESRI ShapeFile, with the following characteristics:

• Polygons are used to identify habitat zones where clearance of native vegetation required.

• Each polygon must have a quality score, which is typically sourced from field-based habitat hectare assessment.

In this analysis, vegetation quality scores have been derived from modelled scores from the statewide Native Vegetation Site Condition (NV2013_COND_V2) layer, accessed through the EnSym system.

3.4 Qualifications

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

The current flora and fauna assessment was conducted in spring and summer 2016/2017, which is a suitable time for flora survey.

Biodiversity Assessment Reports (BAR) and Biodiversity Impact Offset Requirement (BIOR) reports are prepared through DELWP's NVIM system or requested through DELWP's Native Vegetation Transitional Guidance team. Biosis supplies relevant site-based spatial information as inputs to DELWP and we are entirely reliant on DELWP's output reports for moderate and high risk pathway applications. Biosis makes every effort to ensure site and spatial information entered into the NVIM, or supplied to DELWP, is an accurate reflection of proposed native vegetation removal.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 18

3.5 Legislation and policy

The implications for the project were assessed in relation to key biodiversity legislation and policy including:

• Threatened taxa, communities and threatening processes listed under Section 10 of the Flora & Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act); associated action statements and listing advice.

• Planning and Environment Act 1987 – specifically Clauses 12.01-2, 52.17 and 66.02 and Overlays in the Local Government Planning Schemes.

• Permitted Clearing of native vegetation: Biodiversity assessment guidelines (DEPI 2013a).

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 19

4. Vegetation quality assessment results

Flora species recorded at each sample site during the field assessment are listed in Appendix 1, and the results of the habitat hectare sampling is presented in Appendix 2. A comparison of the modelled and site assessed EVC and vegetation quality (habitat hectare score) for the sample sites is provided in Table 8.

Table 8 Comparison of modelled vegetation quality and field assessed vegetation quality

EVC Abbreviations: DSHRW – Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland, HDF – Heathy Dry Forest, HW – Heathy Woodland, HHRW – Hills Herb-rich Woodland, LF – Lowland Forest, MRS – Montane Rocky Shrubland, RF - Riparian Forest, RSC – Riparian Scrub, RSH – Riparian Shrubland, ROH – Rocky Outcrop Herbland, ROS – Rocky Outcrop Shrubland, SH – Sand Heathland, SFF - Shrubby Foothill Forest, VGF – Valley Grassy Forest, SRW – Sedgy Riparian Woodland.

Sample site Site Mapped Modelled Assessed Site Relationship b/n type EVC vegetation EVC assessed site and model quality vegetation class quality

Random trail 1 DSHRW 71-100 RF 78 Within class sites 2 HDF 71-100 HDF 71 Within class

3 HW 61-70 HW 77 Higher

4 HW 71-100 HW 81 Within class

5 HHRW 61-70 HHRW 63 Within class

6 LF 71-100 LF 76 Within class

7 MRS 61-70 MRS 74 Higher

8 MRS 71-100 MRS 79 Within class

9 RSC 71-100 SRW 78 Within class

10 RSH 71-100 HW 72 Within class

11 ROH 61-70 ROS 76 Higher

12 ROH 71-100 HDF 70 Lower

13 ROH 61-70 ROS 77 Higher

14 ROS 61-70 HDF 66 Within class

15 ROS 61-70 HDF 71 Higher

16 ROS/ROH 71-100 ROS 81 Within class

17 SH 71-100 HW 68 Lower

18 SFF 71-100 SFF 84 Within class

19 VGF 71-100 VGF 76 Within class

Trailheads 1: Mount Zero Day Visitor HW 61-70 HW 72 Higher Area

2: Dead Bullock Creek DSHRW 71-100 DSHRW 75 Within class

5: Borough Huts Camping DSHRW 61-70 DSHRW 50 Lower Ground and Trail Head

6: Redmans Track (Carpark DSHRW 71-100 DSHRW 80 Within class only)

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 20

Sample site Site Mapped Modelled Assessed Site Relationship b/n type EVC vegetation EVC assessed site and model quality vegetation class quality

7: Mount William MRS 71-100 MRS 83 Within class

8: Jimmy Creek Camping DSHRW 71-100 DSHRW Ground and Trail Head

9: Yarram Gap Road HW 71-100 HW 62 Lower (Carpark only)

10: Griffin HW 71-100 HW 70 Lower

11: Cassidy Gap Road HW 61-70 HW 73 Higher (Carpark only)

12: Victoria Valley Road Day HW 71-100 HW 70 Lower Visitor Area

Hiker camps 1: Barigar ROH 61-70 ROS 77 Higher

2: Gar ROH 61-70 ROH 76 Higher

3: Werdug ROH 61-70 HDF 69 Within class

4: Stoney Creek Rd School HDF 71-100 HDF 83 Within class Camp

5: Barbican Rocks HW 61-70 ROS 80 Higher

6: Duwul balug SFF 71-100 MRS

7: Mafeking ROS 71-100 ROS 88 Within class

8: Yarram Gap HW 71-100 HW 84 Within class

9: Mount Christabel HHRW 31-40 HHRW 25 Lower

10: Cassidy Gap HW 71-100 HW 78 Within class

11: Mud-dadjug HW 51-60 HW 75 Higher

Table 8 indicates the relationship between the site assessed habitat hectare scores and the modelled condition classes (lower, within class or higher). For the 19 random trail sites, 13 were found to have a site assessed score within the modelled range, one was lower, and five were higher.

For the 10 trailhead sites, four were within the modelled class, four were lower and two were higher. Several of these trailhead sites were located in areas of past disturbance, which is reflected by the lower site assessed habitat hectare scores. Use of the modelled scores for the trailheads will result in a conservative estimate of clearance (and hence offset requirements), rather than an underestimate.

For the 10 hiker camp sites, seven were assessed as within the modelled class, two were assessed as higher quality and one as lower quality. The Mount Christabel site achieved a site habitat hectare score of 25, compared with a modelled score of 31-40. The Barbican Rocks site has now been moved to a new proposed location which has not been subject to a field assessment.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 21

4.1 Significant species recorded

A full list of the flora species recorded in the site assessments is provided at Appendix 1. A summary is provided below.

Three FFG Act listed species, listed as threatened, were recorded in the field samples:

• Grevillea microstegia Mount Cassell Grevillea at the Mount William Trailhead and trail site 3 (Mt Abrupt area).

Nineteen additional Victorian advisory list species (DEPI 2014a) were recorded:

• Grampians Sheoak Allocasuarina grampiana (rare)

• Rock Banksia Banksia saxicola (rare)

• Dwarf Boronia Boronia nana var. pubescens (rare)

• Grampians Bossiaea Bossiaea rosmarinifolia (rare)

• Hairy Correa Correa aemula (rare)

• Hairy Correa x Common Correa hybrid Correa aemula x reflexa (rare)

• Large-leaf Ray-flower Cyphanthera anthocercidea (rare)

• Grampians Parrot-pea Dillwynia oreodoxa (rare)

• Grampians Grey-gum Eucalyptus alaticaulis (rare)

• Mt Abrupt Stringybark Eucalyptus verrucata (rare)

• Mount Cassell Grevillea Grevillea microstegia (rare)

• Notched Leionema Leionema bilobum (rare)

• Shiny Tea-tree Leptospermum turbinatum (rare)

• Veined Beard-heath Leucopogon neurophyllus (rare)

• Bentham's Bush-pea Pultenaea benthamii (rare)

• Hairy-leaf Triggerplant Stylidium armeria subsp. pilosifolium (endangered)

• Grampians Triggerplant Stylidium soboliferum (rare)

• Grampians Thryptomene Thryptomene calycina (rare)

• Parsley Xanthosia Xanthosia leiophylla (rare)

Study sites also contained a large array of species listed as protected under the FFG Act (protected flora controls):

• Thin-leaf Wattle Acacia aculeatissima

• Sallow Wattle Acacia longifolia

• Coast Wattle Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae

• Black Wattle Acacia mearnsii

• Mitchell's Wattle Acacia mitchellii

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 22

• Narrow-leaf Wattle Acacia mucronata subsp. longifolia

• Myrtle Wattle Acacia myrtifolia

• Spike Wattle Acacia oxycedrus

• Golden Wattle Acacia pycnantha

• Wirilda Acacia retinodes s.l.

• Wattle Acacia spp.

• Varnish Wattle Acacia verniciflua s.s.

• Prickly Moses Acacia verticillata

• Small Mosquito-orchid Acianthus pusillus

• Honey-pots Acrotriche serrulata

• Necklace Fern Asplenium flabellifolium

• Flame Heath Astroloma conostephioides

• Cranberry Heath Astroloma humifusum

• Pine Heath Astroloma pinifolium

• Heath Astroloma spp.

• Fishbone Water-fern Blechnum nudum

• Dwarf Boronia Boronia nana var. pubescens

• Hairy Boronia Boronia pilosa

• Boronia Boronia spp.

• Daphne Heath Brachyloma daphnoides

• Brachyloma Brachyloma spp.

• Cut-leaf Daisy Brachyscome multifida

• Blue Pincushion Brunonia australis

• Pink Fingers Caladenia carnea s.s.

• Western Bronzehood Orchid Caladenia iridescens

• Caladenia Caladenia spp.

• Large Duck-orchid Caleana major

• Snow Myrtle Calytrix alpestris

• Common Fringe-myrtle Calytrix tetragona

• Green Rock-fern Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia

• Common Bird-orchid Chiloglottis valida

• Common Everlasting Chrysocephalum apiculatum s.s.

• Button Everlasting Coronidium scorpioides s.s.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 23

• Hairy Correa Correa aemula

• Hairy Correa x Common Correa hybrid Correa aemula x reflexa

• Mountain Correa Correa lawrenceana

• Common Correa Correa reflexa

• Helmet Orchid Corybas spp.

• Billy Buttons Craspedia spp.

• Grampians Parrot-pea Dillwynia oreodoxa

• Common Heath Epacris impressa

• Annual Cudweed Euchiton sphaericus

• Cudweed Euchiton spp.

• Wax-lip Orchid Glossodia major

• Wedge Pea Gompholobium spp.

• Cat's Claw Grevillea Grevillea alpina

• Holly Grevillea Grevillea aquifolium

• Mount Cassell Grevillea Grevillea microstegia

• Jersey Cudweed Helichrysum luteoalbum

• Violet Kunzea Kunzea parvifolia

• Common Bottle-daisy Lagenophora stipitata

• Pink Beard-heath Leucopogon ericoides

• Veined Beard-heath Leucopogon neurophyllus

• Beard Heath Leucopogon spp.

• Common Beard-heath Leucopogon virgatus

• Screw Fern Lindsaea linearis

• Peach Heath Lissanthe strigosa subsp. subulata

• Scented Paperbark Melaleuca squarrosa

• Heath-myrtle Micromyrtus ciliata

• Common Onion-orchid Microtis unifolia

• Prickly Broom-heath Monotoca scoparia

• Broom Heath Monotoca spp.

• Heath Daisy-bush Olearia floribunda

• Woolly Daisy-bush Olearia lanuginosa

• Twiggy Daisy-bush Olearia ramulosa

• Daisy Bush Olearia spp.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 24

• Grey Everlasting Ozothamnus obcordatus

• Prickly Wax-flower Philotheca pungens

• Fairy Wax-flower Philotheca verrucosa

• Victorian Christmas-bush Prostanthera lasianthos

• Round-leaf Mint-bush Prostanthera rotundifolia

• Greenhood Pterostylis spp.

• Annual Fireweed Senecio glomeratus

• Cotton Fireweed Senecio quadridentatus

• Groundsel Senecio spp.

• Hairy-leaf Triggerplant Stylidium armeria subsp. pilosifolium

• Grass Triggerplant Stylidium graminifolium s.s.

• Grampians Triggerplant Stylidium soboliferum

• Golden Heath Styphelia adscendens

• Styphelia Styphelia spp.

• Rabbit Ears Thelymitra antennifera

• Sun Orchid Thelymitra spp.

• Grampians Thryptomene Thryptomene calycina

• Common Fringe-lily Thysanotus tuberosus

• Austral Grass-tree Xanthorrhoea australis

Locations of all significant species recorded are presented in Appendix 1.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 25

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

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

A summary of those species for which habitat is modelled in the study area is provided in Table 9. The first two pages of the BIOR are provided in Appendix 3, and the full BIOR is available upon request from Parks Victoria.

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

Table 9 Summary of rare or threatened species' habitats modelled in the study area

Species number Common name Scientific name

Fauna species

10045 Lewin's Rail Lewinia pectoralis pectoralis

10197 Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus

10212 Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis

10215 Hardhead Aythya australis

10220 Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae novaehollandiae

10230 Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura

10238 Black Falcon Falco subniger

10246 Barking Owl Ninox connivens connivens

10248 Powerful Owl Ninox strenua

10309 Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor

10498 Chestnut-rumped Heathwren Calamanthus pyrrhopygius

10504 Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittatus

10598 Painted Honeyeater Grantiella picta

10603 Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia

11017 Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa

11061 Common Dunnart Sminthopsis murina murina

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 26

Species number Common name Scientific name

11215 Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Petrogale penicillata

11458 Smoky Mouse Pseudomys fumeus

12177 Bearded Dragon Pogona barbata

12283 Lace Monitor Varanus varius

12287 Rosenberg's Goanna Varanus rosenbergi

13117 Brown Toadlet Pseudophryne bibronii

13125 Southern Toadlet Pseudophryne semimarmorata

13207 Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis

15021 Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana

1668 NE Grampians Bush Yabby Geocharax falcate

Flora species

500044 Sticky Wattle Acacia howittii

500082 Rock Wattle Acacia rupicola

500282 Mossy Woodruff Asperula minima

500365 Rock Banksia Banksia saxicola

500372 Grampians Bauera Bauera sessiliflora

500399 Orange Bell-climber Marianthus bignoniaceus

500441 River Leafless Bossiaea Bossiaea riparia

500442 Grampians Bossiaea Bossiaea rosmarinifolia

500679 Grampians Sheoak Allocasuarina grampiana

500828 Hairy Correa Correa aemula

501054 Grampians Parrot-pea Dillwynia oreodoxa

501265 Buxton Gum Eucalyptus crenulata

501326 Yarra Gum Eucalyptus yarraensis

501407 Tight Bedstraw Galium curvihirtum

501456 Clover Glycine Glycine latrobeana

501485 Hairy Raspwort Gonocarpus mezianus

501518 Western Golden-tip Goodia medicaginea

501664 Rock Rose Guinea-flower Hibbertia cistiflora subsp. rostrata

501967 Twisting Scale-rush Lepyrodia flexuosa

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 27

Species number Common name Scientific name

501969 Branching Scale-rush Sporadanthus tasmanicus

502084 Long Clubmoss Huperzia varia

502300 Rough Daisy-bush Olearia asterotricha

502532 Grampians Rice-flower Pimelea pagophila

502567 Victorian Flat-pea Platylobium alternifolium

502649 Grampians Pomaderris Pomaderris apetala subsp. apetala

502754 Spiny Mint-bush Prostanthera spinosa

502761 Oval-leaf Pseudanthus Pseudanthus ovalifolius

502800 Sharp Greenhood Pterostylis X ingens

502838 Bentham's Bush-pea Pultenaea benthamii

502841 Ribbed Bush-pea Pultenaea costata

502858 Thready Bush-pea Pultenaea luehmannii

502882 Williamson's Bush-pea Pultenaea williamsoniana

503307 Grampians Triggerplant Stylidium soboliferum

503369 Blotched Sun-orchid Thelymitra benthamiana

503395 Grampians Thryptomene Thryptomene calycina

503464 Grampians Spyridium Spyridium daltonii

503583 One-flower Early Nancy Wurmbea uniflora

503606 Grampians Zieria Zieria oreocena

503704 Grampians Grey-gum Eucalyptus alaticaulis

503767 Glossy Hovea Hovea corrickiae

503915 Emerald-lip Greenhood Pterostylis smaragdyna

504278 Dwarf Boronia Boronia nana var. pubescens

504477 Grampians Heath Epacris impressa var. grandiflora

504489 Narrow-leaf Wax-flower Philotheca angustifolia subsp. montana

504711 Small-flower Mat-rush Lomandra micrantha subsp. tuberculata

505086 Swamp Flax-lily Dianella callicarpa

505174 Wimmera Scentbark Eucalyptus sabulosa

505337 Austral Crane's-bill Geranium solanderi var. solanderi s.s.

505358 Western Peppermint Eucalyptus falciformis

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 28

Species number Common name Scientific name

505479 Truncate Leionema Leionema bilobum subsp. bilobum

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 29

5. Victoria's biodiversity assessment guidelines

The Planning and Environment Act 1987 controls the planning and development of land in Victoria, and provides for the development of planning schemes for all municipalities.

Reforms to the native vegetation permitted clearing regulations were gazetted on 20 December 2013 through planning scheme amendment VC105. The reforms made changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions including the State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF), Clause 52.16 and 52.17 of all planning scheme within Victoria and introduced the Permitted clearing of native vegetation: Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines (DEPI 2013a).

The project will require removal of native vegetation, which is normally subject, in Victoria, to approval under local government planning schemes pursuant to Clause 52.17 Native Vegetation. DELWP has indicated that the works do not require a permit under Clause 52.17, and the Crown Land exemption applies. Although the project does not require a planning permit to remove native vegetation, Parks Victoria have an agreement with DELWP to provide appropriate offsets for impacts to native vegetation and threatened species habitat, consistent with the objectives of the Permitted clearing of native vegetation – Biodiversity assessment guidelines.

The Guidelines include the following objective for permitted clearing of native vegetation in Victoria:

"No net loss in the contribution made by native vegetation to Victoria's biodiversity"

This objective is to be achieved through Victoria's planning system using a risk-based approach that relies on strategic planning and the permit and offset system. The key strategies for achieving no net loss at the permit level are:

• avoiding the removal of native vegetation that makes a significant contribution to Victoria's biodiversity

• minimising impacts to Victoria's biodiversity from the removal of native vegetation • where native vegetation is permitted to be removed, ensuring it is offset in a manner that makes a contribution to Victoria's biodiversity that is equivalent to the contribution made by the native vegetation to be removed.

The steps that have been taken during the design of the development to ensure that impacts on biodiversity from the removal of native vegetation are summarised in Section 2.2.

DELWP has provided biodiversity information tools to assist with determining the risk associated with permitted clearing and the contribution that native vegetation within the study area makes to Victoria's biodiversity.

The biodiversity information tools have two components:

• The site-based information is observable at a particular site. Biosis has collected the requisite site- based information for the assessment against the Guidelines.

• Landscape scale information requires consideration of information beyond the site. This information is managed by DELWP and can be accessed via the NVIM.

The following section summarises the results of the site-based assessment and the outputs generated by the BIOR report. The BIOR report identifies the risk-based pathway on which the offset application will be assessed.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 30

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

5.1 Proposed removal of native vegetation

The proposed removal of native vegetation was assessed in accordance with the GPT design provided by Parks Victoria, as summarised in Section 2.1.

5.1.1 Habitat hectares Results of the vegetation quality assessment (Habitat Hectare Assessment) are provided in Appendix 2.

5.2 Determining the risk-based pathway

To determine the risk based pathway for the permit application, two factors are considered: location risk and extent risk.

Location risk has been pre-determined by DELWP for all locations in Victoria. The location of a particular site is determined using the Native vegetation location risk map available in the Native Vegetation Information Management (NVIM) system (http://nvim.depi.vic.gov.au).

The extent risk is based on the extent of native vegetation proposed to be removed. Extent risk is determined with reference to the:

• area of any remnant patches of native vegetation proposed to be removed; and • number of any scattered trees proposed to be removed. It is proposed to remove ≥ 1 hectare of native vegetation therefore the application for removal of this native vegetation must meet the requirements of, and be assessed in, the high risk-based pathway.

5.3 Offset requirements

In order to ensure a gain to Victoria’s biodiversity that is equivalent to the loss resulting from permitted clearing of native vegetation, compensatory offsets are required. Losses and gains are measured in biodiversity equivalence scores or units.

5.3.1 Offset requirements for stage 1 Offsets are required for stage 1, which has already been constructed, and the remainder of the GPT, which is the focus of this report. Outstanding offset requirements for stage 1 (as specified by Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A Framework for Action), are as follows:

• 0.05 Habitat Hectares of Lowland Forest (EVC 16)

• 0.06 Habitat Hectares of Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)

• Protection of 84 Large Old Trees.

These offsets have not yet been secured, and should be considered when securing offsets for the remainder of the GPT project.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 31

5.3.2 Offset requirements for completion of the GPT For a high risk-based pathway application, the specific-general offset test will determine if a general offset, specific offset or combination of both is required. Vegetation clearance for the GPT requires the provision of both general and specific offsets. These requirements are summarised in Table 10 and Table 11.

The full BIOR report is provided in Appendix 3.

Table 10 Summary of DELWP Biodiversity Impacts and Offset Requirements report

Attribute Outcome

Location risk C

Native vegetation removal extent 14.367 ha

Risk-based pathway High

Habitat hectares to be removed 11.831 ha

Strategic Biodiversity Score 0.767

Specific-general offset test result Specific offsets triggered for 39 species (Table 11).

Offset type General and specific.

General offset specification 0.505 GBEUs, within the Glenelg Hopkins or Wimmera CMA area, or the Ararat Rural City, Northern Grampians Shire or Southern Grampians Shire Local Government areas. Minimum strategic biodiversity score of 0.465.

Specific offsets Detailed in Table 11.

Table 11 Summary of specific offset requirements

Species (code) Status Specific Recorded distribution Modelled distribution biodiversity (within Victoria) equivalence units

Mossy Woodruff Rare 9.755 GNP. Isolated records in the GNP, Black Range SP, (500282) Alpine National Park and Dundas Range SP. French Island.

Orange Bell-climber Rare 5.432 GNP, Black Range SP. Elevated sites within the (500399) GNP, excluding the far north.

Grampians Boronia Rare 0.017 Central and northern GNP. Few sites within GNP. (500425)

Spreading Brachyloma Rare 2.128 Limited to GNP with a small Slopes within the southern (500484) number of records outside Serra Range and Victoria the park boundary on the Range. east. One record at Anglesea. Mount Dundas to the west of Cavendish.

Grampians Sheoak Rare 11.410 GNP. Recorded outside the GNP, Black Range SP, (500679) GNP near Mafeking, Dunkeld Wombat Forest, Lancefield

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 32

Species (code) Status Specific Recorded distribution Modelled distribution biodiversity (within Victoria) equivalence units

and Pomonal. area.

Hairy Correa Rare 9.237 GNP, Black Range SP, Mount GNP, Black Range SP, (500828) Buangor SP, Mount Dundas. Mount Buangor SP, Kara Kara NP.

Grampians Parrot-pea Rare 4.988 GNP, Black Range SP. GNP, Black Range SP. (501054)

Tight Bedstraw Rare 5.123 GNP, Mount Buangor SP, GNP, Mount Buangor SP, (501407) Langi Ghiran SP. Scattered Kara Kara NP. records in heathy woodlands from Horsham to Portland.

Hairy Raspwort Rare 9.238 GNP, Black Range SP. GNP, Black Range SP, (501485) Dundas Range SP, Dergholm SP and surrounding sandy heathy woodlands.

Grampians Grevillea Rare 0.538 GNP, Victoria Valley, Dunkeld, Elevated sites within the (501531) Mount Bolangum FFR and GNP. Also Black Range SP Dandenong Ranges NP. and an outlier in Hepburn RP.

Flame Grevillea Rare 0.026 GNP, Stawell, Ararat, Restricted distribution (501532) Toolondo, Mount Cole SF. within the southern GNP.

Rock Rose Guinea- Rare 3.120 GNP. Grampians NP, Black Range flower SP. (501664)

Shiny Tea-tree Rare 9.016 GNP, Black Range SP, Mount Widespread throughout (501963) Langi Ghiran SP, Mount Cole elevated sites in the GNP. SF, Mount Buangor SP. Also Black Range SP. Mount William near Lancefield in central Victoria.

Veined Beard-heath Rare 1.024 GNP, Mount Langi Ghiran SP. Elevated sites within the (501986) GNP. Mount William Range, Serra Range, Mount Difficult Range and Victoria Range.

Thyme Beard-heath Rare 9.531 GNP plus limited records in Widespread throughout (501994) surrounding private land. elevated sites in the GNP. Small outliers in the Black Range SP. Mount William near Lancefield in central Victoria.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 33

Species (code) Status Specific Recorded distribution Modelled distribution biodiversity (within Victoria) equivalence units

Rough Daisy-bush Rare 6.066 GNP, Portland Area. Scattered GNP. (502300) records in eastern Victoria.

Grampians Rice- Vulnerable 0.153 GNP. Elevated sites in the Victoria flower Range, Serra Range and Mt (502532) William Range, GNP.

Grampians Rare 0.797 GNP. Elevated sites in the Victoria Pomaderris Range, Wonderland Range, (502649) Mount Difficult Range and Mt William Range, GNP.

Oval-leaf Pseudanthus Rare 0.715 GNP. Little Desert NP. Northern GNP, Black Range (502761) Bendigo region. SP, Mt Arapiles-Tooan SP and Little Desert NP.

Rosy Bush-pea Rare 0.036 GNP. Near Toolondo. Mount William area, GNP. (502873)

Williamson’s Bush-pea Rare 2.048 Northern GNP. Widespread within GNP. (502882) Black Range SP.

Grampians Rare 12.076 GNP. GNP (Halls Gap and Mt Triggerplant Thackeray areas). (503307)

Slender Swainson-pea Vulnerable 0.412 Limited to GNP. Burrough Huts area with (503315) scattered modelled areas in the central GNP.

Grampians Rare 4.213 GNP, Black Range SP and GNP, Black Range SP. Thryptomene scattered nearby records. (503395)

Grampians Spyridium Rare 1.142 GNP. GNP. (503464)

Grampians Grey-gum Rare 6.252 GNP. Near Rocklands GNP, Black Range SP. (503704) Reservoir and Langi Ghiran SP.

Glossy Hovea Rare 1.530 GNP. Several isolated records GNP. (503767) in eastern Victoria.

Grampians Broom- Rare 0.167 GNP. GNP (Halls Gap Area and heath Victoria Range). (503855)

Grampians Heath Rare 1.341 GNP, Black Range SP. Northern GNP, Victoria (504477) Range and Black Range SP.

Narrow-leaf Wax- Vulnerable 0.034 Northern GNP, Black Range Mount Zero area GNP.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 34

Species (code) Status Specific Recorded distribution Modelled distribution biodiversity (within Victoria) equivalence units

flower SP. (504489)

Grampians Sally Rare 0.151 Limited to GNP (Mount Mount William area. (504747) William, Major Mitchel Plateaux area).

Grampians Rare 0.020 GNP. Limited locations within Strinbgybark GNP. (504749)

Mt Abrupt Stringybark Rare 0.101 GNP plus some records on Mostly limited to high (504750) surrounding private land in points on the southern the south. Five records Serra Range. Scattered scattered through central and modelled locations in the eastern Victoria. Victoria Range and Mount William area.

Prickly Beauty Rare 0.133 GNP, Warby Range, Bunyip Elevated sites on the Mount (504856) SP, Burrowa-Pine Mountain William, Serra and Victoria NP. Range, GNP.

Grampians Mountain- Rare 0.035 GNP. Mount William area, GNP. correa (505465)

Truncate Leionema Rare 0.173 GNP. Elevated sites on the (505479) Wonderland Range, Mt William range and Victoria Range, GNP.

Fireweed Groundsel Rare 0.025 GNP, Mount Langi Ghiran SP, Mount William area. (Grampians variant) near Hawkesdale and (505517) Timboon.

Branched Spyridium Rare 0.178 GNP. Central GNP, including (517550) Victoria Range, Wonderland Range and Mt William range.

River Blackfish Critically 0.012 Wannon River. Wannon River. (upper Wannon R endangered form) (4950)

Offsets required for the project include a small amount of general biodiversity equivalence units (0.505 GBEU’s) and specific offsets for 39 Victorian Advisory List rare or threatened species. Options for securing these offsets are discussed in the following section.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 35

5.4 Offset assessment

The offset specification requires provision of SBEUs for 39 rare or threatened species (Table 11). Thirty-five of these species are considered rare within Victoria (DEPI 2014). The remaining four species are vulnerable (Grampians Rice-flower, Slender Swainson-pea, Narrow-leaf Wax-flower) or critically endangered (Upper Wannon River form of the River Blackfish). The GNP supports a large number of rare species, as many species are endemic or largely restricted to the Grampians region. Most of these rare species are widespread within the GNP.

For each of these species, Table 11 provides an assessment of the recorded distribution and the modelled distribution. It is clear from this assessment that most species are limited to the GNP and nearby conservation reserves with similar underlying geology (such as the Black Range State Park). Very little modelled habitat or recorded locations are present outside of the GNP for most of these species. This is partly due to the nature of the GPT, which mostly passes through elevated sites with geology, soils and flora limited to the Grampians Range.

Under the Biodiversity Assessment Guidelines, SBEUs can be sourced from appropriate offset sites on private land anywhere in Victoria where modelled habitat for the relevant species is predicted to occur. Subject to approval by DELWP, offset sites can also be established where habitat is not modelled, if it can be demonstrated that habitat for the species is present.

5.4.1 Meeting the general offset requirement Construction of the GPT requires a small general offset (0.505 GBEUs), as most of the trail and associated infrastructure has triggered specific offsets, in addition to the offsets required for Stage 1 ie:

• 0.05 Habitat Hectares of Lowland Forest (EVC 16)

• 0.06 Habitat Hectares of Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)

• Protection of 84 Large Old Trees.

The general offset could be met by:

• Purchase of third party offsets through the Victorian Native Vegetation Credit Register.

• Purchase and management of an appropriate offset site, including (potentially) transfer to crown land or transfer to GNP to gain the security credit.

Parks Victoria have identified five potential offset sites (Figure 2), and may consider other sites through an expression of interest process. All identified sites share a boundary with the GNP and appear (based on aerial imagery) to support similar vegetation to adjacent areas of the GNP.

The sites are:

• Victoria Point – located near the southern tip of the Victoria Range.

• Mafeking – located adjacent to the eastern boundary of the GNP approximately 5km south east of Mount William.

• Mount Difficult State Forest – public land to the east of Lake Wartook.

• Lynch’s Crossing Road – Private land near Yarram Park.

• The Dunkeld Rifle Range.

The Victoria Point and Rifle Range sites are suitable for the provision of the required General Biodiversity Equivalence Units, as it contains a sufficient quantity of GBEUs in the appropriate location and with the

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 36

required minimum Strategic Biodiversity Score (SBS – 0.465) (Table 12). Most of the Mafeking site has a SBS of less than 0.200, and is therefore beneath the required threshold of 0.465.

Most of the other two sites have an insufficient SBS to meet the requirements, but there may be sections of these sites with adequate SBS and to provide all or part of the GBEUs requirement.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 37 Figure 2 Grampians Peaks Trail Location of potential offset sites

GPT alignment Potential offset sites

Table 12 Estimate of General Biodiversity Equivalence Units available at potential offset sites

Offset site Area (ha) GBEUs* Location SBS* Suitability

Victoria Point 147.444 19.064 Glenelg Hopkins CMA, 0.507 GBEUs  Southern Grampians Shire SBS  Council. Location 

Mafeking 128.025 5.878 Glenelg Hopkins CMA, Wimmera Mostly < 0.200. GBEUs  CMA, Ararat Rural City Council. SBS X Location 

Mount Difficult 516.888 23.709 Wimmera CMA, Northern Mostly < 0.400 GBEUs  State Forest Grampians Shire Council SBS (potential) Location 

Lynch’s 484.218 19.210 Glenelg Hopkins CMA, Ararat Rural Mostly < 0.400 GBEUs  Crossing Road City Council. SBS (potential) Location 

Rifle Range 86.192 14.519 Glenelg Hopkins CMA, Southern Mostly > 0.450 GBEUs  Grampians Shire Council. SBS  Location 

* GBEUs: General Biodiversity Equivalence Units, SBS: Strategic Biodiversity Score

5.4.2 Meeting the specific offset requirements Sourcing specific offsets, as specified by the BAG, is more difficult. The identified offset sites contain modelled habitat for a wide range of species, but these sites are all on lower elevation, flatter ground than the majority of the GPT, which results in very few of the required specific offsets being present (Table 13).

The Victoria Point offset site could supply specific offsets for Mossy Woodruff, and part of the requirement for Grampians Grey-gum, Grampians Sheoak, Grampians Trigger Plant, Hairy Correa, Hairy Raspwort, Orange Bell-climber and Rough Daisy-bush.

The Mafeking offset site has modelled habitat for Mossy Woodruff and Hairy Raspwort, but not in sufficient quantities to contribute significantly to meeting the requirement, unless additional offset sites are identified.

The Mount Difficult State Forest site could (in combination with other sites) satisfy the requirement for Mossy Woodruff.

The Rifle Range site only contains modelled habitat for Hairy Raswort.

Similarly, the Lynchs Crossing Road site could (in combination with other sites) satisfy the requirement for Mossy Woodruff. This site also has small areas of modelled habitat for Hairy Correa and Hairy Raspwort.

As provision of specific offsets may not be achievable through the standard offset site approach, alternative approaches may need to be considered. These are discussed in the following section.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 39

Table 13 Estimate of Specific Biodiversity Equivalence Units available at potential offset sites

Species SBEUs Victoria Mafeking Mount Difficult State Lynchs Crossing Rifle required Point Forest Road Range

Branched Spyridium 0.178 - - - - -

Fireweed Groundsel 0.025 - - - - - (Grampians variant)

Flame Grevillea 0.026 - - - - -

Glossy Hovea 1.530 - - - - -

Grampians Boronia 0.017 - - - - -

Grampians Broom-heath 0.167 - - - - -

Grampians Grevillea 0.538 - - - - -

Grampians Grey-gum 6.252 0.253 - - - -

Grampians Heath 1.341 - - - - -

Grampians Mountain-correa 0.035 - - - - -

Grampians Parrot-pea 4.988 - - - - -

Grampians Pomaderris 0.797 - - - - -

Grampians Rice-flower 0.153 - - - - -

Grampians Sally 0.151 - - - - -

Grampians Sheoak 11.410 1.349 - - - -

Grampians Spyridium 1.142 - - - - -

Grampians Stringybark 0.020 - - - - -

Grampians Thryptomene 4.213 - - - - -

Grampians Triggerplant 12.076 2.270 - - - -

Hairy Correa 9.237 6.895 - - 0.513 -

Hairy Raspwort 9.238 4.580 3.918 - 1.033 3.976

Mossy Woodruff 9.755 11.384 1.151 9.557 2.710 -

Mt Abrupt Stringybark 0.101 - - - - -

Narrow-leaf Wax-flower 0.034 - - - - -

Orange Bell-climber 5.432 2.153 - - - -

Oval-leaf Pseudanthus 0.715 - - - - -

Prickly Beauty 0.133 - - - - -

River Blackfish (upper Wannon 0.012 - - - - - R form)

Rock Rose Guinea-flower 3.120 - - - - -

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 40

Species SBEUs Victoria Mafeking Mount Difficult State Lynchs Crossing Rifle required Point Forest Road Range

Rosy Bush-pea 0.036 - - - - -

Rough Daisy-bush 6.066 0.793 - - - -

Shiny Tea-tree 9.016 - - - - -

Slender Swainson-pea 0.412 - - - - -

Spreading Brachyloma 2.128 - - - - -

Thyme Beard-heath 9.531 - - - - -

Tight Bedstraw 5.123 - - - - -

Truncate Leionema 0.173 - - - - -

Veined Beard-heath 1.024 - - - - -

Williamson’s Bush-pea 2.048 - - - - -

5.4.3 Potential offset arrangements to satisfy specific offset requirements According to the Alternative specific offset arrangements fact sheet, alternative arrangements may be considered once:

• Steps have been taken to minimise the impacts on Victoria's biodiversity from the removal of native vegetation, refer to Section 2.2.

• The specific offsets required are not available on the Native Vegetation Credit Register (NVCR) or the confirmed assets database, refer to Section 5.4 and Table 11

• Attempts have been made to contact landholders with eligible offset sites within the mapped habitat for the species that requires a specific offset, refer to Section 5.4 and Table 11

The alternative offset arrangements fact sheet focusses on finding sites where the target species are known to occur (or there is a reasonable expectation of occurrence) that have not been included in the habitat models. The fact sheet states that 'indirect offsets' are unacceptable, and that it is not possible to substitute general offsets for specific offsets, or to use specific offsets of a different species. As a result of these limitations, the offset strategy for this project is unlikely to comply with the alternative offset policy as stated in the fact sheet, and approval will be required from DELWP for other arrangements.

Possible options that could be considered as part of the offset package include:

• Substitution of specific offsets with general offsets. This could be done through a credit purchase, or by purchase of land for inclusion in the Victorian park estate. This would require a major uplift (multiplication factor) to compensate for the change in offset type. The land could be chosen based on having a high strategic biodiversity score, and/or having habitat for species at a high level of threat (i.e vulnerable, endangered, FFG Act listed or EPBC Act listed). Consideration should also be given to the potential for the site condition to improve following management intervention, which could be funded by the GPT project as part of the offset package.

• Rehabilitation of disturbed areas within the GNP. This could include track closure and rehabilitation, or rehabilitation of other disturbed areas such as informal camp sites, informal parking areas or areas subject to severe weed infestation due to past land use (timber harvesting, mining or grazing). This approach was applied to offset vegetation clearance associated with works for restoration of Wellington River Campgrounds in the Alpine National Park in 2009.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 41

• Establishment of an offset trust fund to fund a program of works targeted to species impacted by the project. Works to be funded would need to be 'above and beyond' the current requirements for Parks Victoria management of threatened species within the National Park.

The biodiversity benefits of works conducted through the trust fund would vary depending on the nature of the works. In general, works would be targeted to benefit biodiversity, particularly rare or threatened species and their habitats, through weed control, pest animal control and reinstatement of natural processes.

Advantages of establishing a GPT Legacy Trust fund include:

• guaranteed funds on an annual basis to facilitate environmental programs within the GNP;

• long term improvement to the condition of priority herb rich woodlands within the GNP resulting in a biodiversity netgain outcome;

• allows for Community Governance;

• ensures the national park and its’ environment which the project is within occurring receives the funds directly and associated environmental benefits;

• improvement in structural and floristic diversity within GNP; and

• improvement in fauna habitat quality, due to reinstatement of vegetation structure.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 42

6. Conclusion

Construction of the GPT and Stage 1 offsets require:

• a general offset of 0.505 GBEUs;

• 0.05 Habitat Hectares of Lowland Forest (EVC 16);

• 0.06 Habitat Hectares of Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20);

• protection of 84 Large Old Trees;

• specific offsets for 39 Victorian Advisory List rare or threatened species.

The general offset requirement, and a small proportion of the specific offset requirement for the GPT could be satisfied through standard offset arrangements, as specified by the BAG.

The balance of the specific offsets, however, are not available, as the modelled habitat and known distribution of the species involved is limited to the GNP and other nearby conservation reserves. Possible options that could be considered as part of the offset package include:

• Substitution of specific offsets with general offsets.

• Rehabilitation of disturbed areas within the GNP.

• Establishment of an offset trust fund.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 43

References

DEPI 2013. Permitted clearing of native vegetation - Biodiversity assessment guidelines. Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Melbourne (September 2013).

DEPI 2014a. Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria – 2014. Victorian Government Department of Environment & Primary Industries, East Melbourne.

DEPI 2014b. Permitted clearing of native vegetation – Biodiversity assessment handbook. Version 0.2. Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Melbourne (January 2014).

DSE 2004. Native Vegetation: Sustaining a living landscape. Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual – Guidelines for applying the Habitat hectares scoring method. Version 1.3. Victorian Government Department of Sustainability & Environment, Melbourne.

DSE 2006. Ministerial Guidelines for Assessment of Environmental Effects under the Environment Effects Act 1978. Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne.

DSE 2009. Advisory List of Threatened Invertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 2009. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria.

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

DSE 2013. Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria – 2013. Victorian Government Department of Environment & Primary Industries, Melbourne.

Site Office 2012. Grampians Peaks Trail – Walking Trail Infrastructure Design Manual.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 44

Appendices

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 45

Appendix 1 Flora species recorded

Notes to tables:

EPBC Act: DEPI 2014a - Victorian advisory list species CR - Critically Endangered e - endangered EN - Endangered v - vulnerable VU - Vulnerable r - rare k – poorly known PMST – Protected Matters Search Tool

FFG Act: Flora species requiring specific offsets (Table 9) are L - listed as threatened under FFG Act highlighted in yellow. P - protected under the FFG Act (public land only)

Origin: * denotes introduced species

# denotes Victorian native species occurring outside of native range.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 46

A1.1 Flora species recorded in site assessments

Key to site codes

Code Site Code Site

T1 Random trail site 1 TH1 Mount Zero Day Visitor Area Trailhead

T2 Random trail site 2 TH2 Dead Bullock Creek Trailhead

T3 Random trail site 3 TH3 Borough Huts Camping Ground Trailhead

T4 Random trail site 4 TH4 Redmans Road Trailhead

T5 Random trail site 5 TH5 Mt William Trailhead

T6 Random trail site 6 TH6 Yarram Gap Road Trailhead

T7 Random trail site 7 TH7 Griffin Trailhead

T8 Random trail site 8 TH8 Cassidy Gap Road Trailhead

T9 Random trail site 9 TH9 Victoria Valley Road Trailhead

T10 Random trail site 10

T11 Random trail site 11 HC1 Barigar Campsite

T12 Random trail site 12 HC2 Gar Campsite

T13 Random trail site 13 HC3 Werdug Campsite

T14 Random trail site 14 HC4 Stony Creek Road School Camp Campsite

T15 Random trail site 15 HC5 Barbican Rocks Campsite

T16 Random trail site 16 HC7 Mafeking Campsite

T17 Random trail site 17 HC8 Yarram Gap Road Campsite

T18 Random trail site 18 HC9 Mt Christabel Campsite

T19 Random trail site 19 HC10 Cassidy Gap Campsite

HC11 Mud-dadjug Campsite

HC12 Mt Abrupt Water Storage Campsite

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 47

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T T18 T19 TH1 TH2 TH3 TH4 TH5 TH6 TH7 TH8 TH9 HC1 HC2 HC3 HC4 HC5 HC7 HC8 HC9 HC10 HC11 Origin EPBC

Scientific Name 17 VIC

Acacia aculeatissima P x

Acacia dealbata x x

Acacia implexa x

Acacia longifolia # P x x

Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae # P x

Acacia mearnsii P x x x x x

Acacia melanoxylon x x x

Acacia mitchellii P x x x

Acacia mucronata subsp. longifolia P x x x

Acacia myrtifolia P x x

Acacia oxycedrus P x x x x x x x x x x x

Acacia paradoxa x x x x

Acacia pycnantha P x

Acacia retinodes s.l. # P x x x x x

Acacia spp. P x x x

Acacia verniciflua s.s. P x

Acacia verticillata P x

Acaena novae-zelandiae x x

Acaena spp. x x x

Acetosella vulgaris * x x x x

Acianthus pusillus P x

Acrotriche serrulata P x x x x

Aira spp. * x x x x x x x x

Allocasuarina grampiana r x

Allocasuarina spp. x x x x

Amperea xiphoclada var. xiphoclada x x x x x x x x x

Amyema pendula x

Amyema spp. x x

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 48

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T T18 T19 TH1 TH2 TH3 TH4 TH5 TH6 TH7 TH8 TH9 HC1 HC2 HC3 HC4 HC5 HC7 HC8 HC9 HC10 HC11 Origin EPBC

Scientific Name 17 VIC

Anthoxanthum odoratum * x x

Apodasmia brownii x

Arctotheca calendula * x x

Arthropodium milleflorum s.s. x

Arthropodium spp. (s.s.) x x x

Arthropodium strictum s.s. x x x x

Asperula conferta x x x x x

Asperula spp. x x x x

Asplenium flabellifolium P x x

Astroloma conostephioides P x x x x x x x x x

Astroloma humifusum P x x

Astroloma pinifolium P x x x x x x x x x x

Astroloma spp. P x

Astrotricha asperifolia s.s. x

Austrostipa mollis x x x

Austrostipa spp. x x x

Banksia marginata x x x x x x x x x x x

Banksia saxicola r x x x

Billardiera mutabilis x x x x

Billardiera spp. x x x x

Blechnum nudum P x

Boronia nana var. pubescens r,P x x

Boronia pilosa P x x

Boronia spp. P x x x

Bossiaea cinerea x x x

Bossiaea rosmarinifolia r x

Brachyloma daphnoides P x

Brachyloma spp. P x

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 49

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T T18 T19 TH1 TH2 TH3 TH4 TH5 TH6 TH7 TH8 TH9 HC1 HC2 HC3 HC4 HC5 HC7 HC8 HC9 HC10 HC11 Origin EPBC

Scientific Name 17 VIC

Brachyscome multifida P x

Briza maxima * x x

Briza minor * x x

Bromus diandrus * x x

Bromus hordeaceus subsp. hordeaceus * x x

Brunonia australis P x x

Bulbine spp. x

Burchardia umbellata x x x x x x x x x

Bursaria spinosa x x x x

Caladenia carnea s.s. P x x

Caladenia iridescens P x

Caladenia spp. P x x x x

Caleana major P x

Callitris rhomboidea x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Callitris spp. x

Calytrix alpestris P X X x x x

Calytrix tetragona P x x x X x x x x x x

Carduus tenuiflorus * x

Carex appressa x

Carex inversa x

Cassytha glabella x x x x x

Cassytha pubescens s.s. x x x

Cassytha spp. x x x

Centaurium spp. * x x x x

Centrolepis spp. x x x x x

Centrolepis strigosa subsp. strigosa x x x x x x x x

Cerastium glomeratum s.s. * x x x

Cerastium spp. * x x x x

Chamaescilla corymbosa var. corymbosa x x x x

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 50

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T T18 T19 TH1 TH2 TH3 TH4 TH5 TH6 TH7 TH8 TH9 HC1 HC2 HC3 HC4 HC5 HC7 HC8 HC9 HC10 HC11 Origin EPBC

Scientific Name 17 VIC

Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia P x x x

Chiloglottis valida P x x x

Chrysocephalum apiculatum s.s. P x

Cicendia spp. * x x

Cirsium vulgare * x x x x x

Clematis aristata x x

Comesperma spp. x

Comesperma volubile x x x x x

Conospermum mitchellii x x x x x x x x x x x

Conospermum patens x x x x

Coprosma hirtella x

Coprosma quadrifida x

Coronidium scorpioides s.s. P x x x x x x

Correa aemula r,P x x x x x x x x x

Correa aemula x reflexa r,P x

Correa lawrenceana P x

Correa reflexa P x x x x x x x x x x

Corybas spp. P

Craspedia spp. P x x

Crassula colorata x

Crassula sieberiana s.s. x

Crassula spp. x x x x x

Cyphanthera anthocercidea r x

Daviesia brevifolia x

Daviesia ulicifolia x

Dianella admixta x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Dianella revoluta s.l. x x

Dianella spp. x

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 51

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T T18 T19 TH1 TH2 TH3 TH4 TH5 TH6 TH7 TH8 TH9 HC1 HC2 HC3 HC4 HC5 HC7 HC8 HC9 HC10 HC11 Origin EPBC

Scientific Name 17 VIC

Dianella tasmanica x

Dichelachne crinita x x

Dichelachne spp. x x x

Dillwynia glaberrima x x x x

Dillwynia oreodoxa r,P x x

Dillwynia sericea x x x x x x

Dillwynia spp. x x x x x x

Distichlis distichophylla x x

Dodonaea spp. x x

Dodonaea viscosa x x x x x x x x

Drosera aberrans x x x x x

Drosera glanduligera x x

Drosera peltata s.s. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Drosera spatulata x

Drosera spp. x x x x x

Ehrharta erecta var. erecta * x

Enneapogon spp. x

Epacris impressa P x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Eucalyptus alaticaulis r x x x x x x

Eucalyptus aromaphloia x x

Eucalyptus baxteri s.s. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Eucalyptus camaldulensis x

Eucalyptus cephalocarpa s.s. x x

Eucalyptus goniocalyx s.s. x x x

Eucalyptus melliodora x x

Eucalyptus obliqua x x x x x x x x x x x

Eucalyptus ovata x x

Eucalyptus pauciflora x

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 52

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T T18 T19 TH1 TH2 TH3 TH4 TH5 TH6 TH7 TH8 TH9 HC1 HC2 HC3 HC4 HC5 HC7 HC8 HC9 HC10 HC11 Origin EPBC

Scientific Name 17 VIC

Eucalyptus spp. x x x x x

Eucalyptus verrucata r x

Eucalyptus viminalis x x

Eucalyptus viminalis subsp. cygnetensis x

Euchiton sphaericus P x x x

Euchiton spp. P x x x

Eutaxia microphylla x x

Exocarpos cupressiformis x x x

Gahnia radula x x x x x x x x

Gahnia sieberiana x x x x

Galium gaudichaudii x

Geranium potentilloides x

Geranium solanderi s.l. x

Geranium spp. x x x x x

Glossodia major P x

Glycine Clandestina x

Gompholobium spp. P x

Gonocarpus elatus x

Gonocarpus spp. x x

Gonocarpus tetragynus x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Goodenia geniculata x x x x x x x x x

Goodenia ovata x x x x

Goodenia spp. x x x x

Grevillea alpina P x x x x

Grevillea aquifolium P x x x x x x x x x x x x

Grevillea microstegia r,L,P x x

Hakea decurrens x x x x x x x

Hakea nodosa x x x

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 53

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T T18 T19 TH1 TH2 TH3 TH4 TH5 TH6 TH7 TH8 TH9 HC1 HC2 HC3 HC4 HC5 HC7 HC8 HC9 HC10 HC11 Origin EPBC

Scientific Name 17 VIC

Hakea spp.

Haloragis aspera x

Haloragis heterophylla x x x

Haloragis spp. x

Helichrysum luteoalbum P x

Hemarthria uncinata var. uncinata

Hibbertia fasciculata var. prostrata x x x

Hibbertia procumbens x x x

Hibbertia riparia x x x x

Hibbertia sericea s.s. x x

Hibbertia spp. x x x x x x

Hibbertia stricta s.l. x

Hibbertia virgata x

Holcus lanatus * x x x

Hydrocotyle foveolata x

Hydrocotyle hirta x x

Hydrocotyle spp. x x x x x

Hypericum gramineum spp. agg. x x

Hypochaeris glabra * x x

Hypochaeris radicata * x x x x x

Hypochaeris spp. * x x x x x x

Hypolaena fastigiata x x x x x x x

Isolepis hookeriana x

Isolepis levynsiana * x

Isolepis spp. x x x

Isopogon ceratophyllus x x x x x

Juncus articulatus subsp. articulatus * x

Juncus bufonius x x x

Juncus capitatus * x

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 54

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T T18 T19 TH1 TH2 TH3 TH4 TH5 TH6 TH7 TH8 TH9 HC1 HC2 HC3 HC4 HC5 HC7 HC8 HC9 HC10 HC11 Origin EPBC

Scientific Name 17 VIC

Juncus flavidus x x

Juncus pallidus x

Juncus spp. x x x x

Juncus subsecundus x ?

Kennedia prostrata x x x x x x x

Kunzea parvifolia P x x x x

Lachnagrostis spp. x x

Lagenophora stipitata P x

Lasiopetalum macrophyllum x

Leionema bilobum r x x

Leontodon taraxacoides subsp. taraxacoides * x x

Lepidosperma filiforme x x

Lepidosperma laterale x x x x

Lepidosperma spp. x x x x x x x x x x x x

Leptospermum continentale x x x x x x x x x x

Leptospermum myrsinoides x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Leptospermum scoparium x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Leptospermum spp. x x

Leptospermum turbinatum r x x x x

Lepyrodia spp. x x

Leucopogon ericoides P x

Leucopogon neurophyllus r,P x x

Leucopogon spp. P x x x x x x

Leucopogon virgatus P x x x x x

Lindsaea linearis P x

Lissanthe strigosa subsp. subulata P x

Lolium rigidum * x

Lolium spp. * x

Lomandra filiformis x x x x x x x x x

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 55

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T T18 T19 TH1 TH2 TH3 TH4 TH5 TH6 TH7 TH8 TH9 HC1 HC2 HC3 HC4 HC5 HC7 HC8 HC9 HC10 HC11 Origin EPBC

Scientific Name 17 VIC

Lomandra glauca s.s. k x x x

Lomandra longifolia x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Lomandra micrantha s.s. x

Lomandra nana x

Lomandra sororia x x x x x x x x

Lomandra spp. x x x x x

Luzula meridionalis x x x

Luzula spp. x x x x x x

Lysimachia arvensis * x

Lysimachia arvensis (Red-flowered variant) * x

Lysimachia spp. x

Lythrum hyssopifolia x

Melaleuca decussata x x x x x x x x

Melaleuca spp. x

Melaleuca squarrosa P x

Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides x x x x x x x x x x x x

Micromyrtus ciliata P x x

Microtis unifolia P x

Monotoca scoparia P x x x x

Monotoca spp. P x

Myosotis spp.

Olearia floribunda P x

Olearia lanuginosa P x

Olearia ramulosa P x x x x

Olearia spp. P x x

Opercularia ovata x x

Opercularia varia x x x

Oxalis corniculata s.s. * x

Oxalis perennans x x x x x

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 56

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T T18 T19 TH1 TH2 TH3 TH4 TH5 TH6 TH7 TH8 TH9 HC1 HC2 HC3 HC4 HC5 HC7 HC8 HC9 HC10 HC11 Origin EPBC

Scientific Name 17 VIC

Ozothamnus obcordatus P x x x x x x x x x x

Pauridia glabella var. glabella x

Pelargonium rodneyanum x x

Philotheca pungens P x

Philotheca verrucosa P x

Phyllanthus hirtellus x x x x

Phyllota pleurandroides x

Pimelea axiflora

Pimelea glauca x

Pimelea humilis x x x x x x x

Pimelea spp. x

Platylobium obtusangulum x x x x x x x x x

Platysace heterophylla var. heterophylla x

Platysace lanceolata x x x x x x

Platysace spp. x x x

Poa labillardierei x

Poa morrisii x x x x

Poa sieberiana x

Poa spp. x x x x x

Pomaderris spp. x

Poranthera microphylla s.s. x x x

Prostanthera lasianthos P x

Prostanthera rotundifolia P x x

Pteridium esculentum x x x x x x x x x x x

Pterostylis spp. P x x x

Ptilotus spp. x

Pultenaea benthamii r x

Pultenaea mollis x x x

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 57

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T T18 T19 TH1 TH2 TH3 TH4 TH5 TH6 TH7 TH8 TH9 HC1 HC2 HC3 HC4 HC5 HC7 HC8 HC9 HC10 HC11 Origin EPBC

Scientific Name 17 VIC

Pultenaea scabra x x x x x x

Pultenaea spp. x x x x x

Ranunculus repens * x

Restionaceae spp. x x x x x x x x x

Rhytidosporum procumbens x

Romulea rosea * x x x

Rumex brownii x

Rumex spp. x

Rytidosperma caespitosum x

Rytidosperma geniculatum x x x x x x

Rytidosperma setaceum x x

Rytidosperma spp. x x x x x x x x x

Senecio glomeratus P x

Senecio quadridentatus P x x x x x x x x

Senecio spp. P x x x x x x x x x

Solanum nigrum s.s. * x

Sonchus asper s.s. * x x

Sonchus oleraceus * x

Spergularia spp. x x x

Spyridium parvifolium x x x x x

Stackhousia monogyna s.s. x x

Stellaria pungens x x

Stylidium armeria P x

Stylidium graminifolium s.s. P x x x x

Stylidium soboliferum r,P x x x

Stypandra glauca x x x x x x x

Styphelia adscendens P x x x x

Styphelia spp. P x

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 58

T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9 T10 T11 T12 T13 T14 T15 T16 T T18 T19 TH1 TH2 TH3 TH4 TH5 TH6 TH7 TH8 TH9 HC1 HC2 HC3 HC4 HC5 HC7 HC8 HC9 HC10 HC11 Origin EPBC

Scientific Name 17 VIC

Tetrarrhena distichophylla x

Tetrarrhena juncea x

Tetratheca ciliata x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Thelymitra antennifera P x

Thelymitra spp. P x x x x x x x x

Themeda triandra x

Thryptomene calycina r,P x

Thysanotus tuberosus P x

Trachymene spp. x

Tricoryne elatior x

Trifolium arvense var. arvense * x

Trifolium spp. * x

Trifolium subterraneum * x

Utricularia dichotoma s.s. x

Utricularia spp. x

Utricularia uniflora k x

Veronica calycina x

Viola cleistogamoides x x

Viola hederacea sensu Entwisle (1996) x x x x x x x x x

Viola spp. x

Vulpia spp. * x x x x x x x x x

Wahlenbergia gracilis x

Wahlenbergia spp. x x x x x x

Wurmbea dioica x

Xanthorrhoea australis P x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Xanthosia dissecta s.s. x x

Xanthosia leiophylla r x

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 59

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 60

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 61

Appendix 2 Vegetation quality assessment results

This section provides a summary of the vegetation quality assessment.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 62

A2.1 GPT sample sites

Table A2.1 Habitat hectare assessment of GPT sample sites on proposed new sections of trail

Site ID 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 HHR EVC #: Name RF HDF HW HW LF MRS MRS SRW HW ROS HDF ROH HDF HDF ROS HW SFF VGF W Max Scor Scor Scor Scor Scor Scor Scor Scor Scor Scor Scor Scor Scor Scor Scor Scor Scor Scor Scor Score e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e e Large Old Trees 10 6 3 6 6 6 6 n/a n/a 6 0 n/a 3 n/a 2 3 n/a 2 9 3 Canopy Cover 5 3 0 3 5 3 3 n/a n/a 5 3 n/a 0 n/a 0 0 n/a 3 5 3

Lack of Weeds 15 15 15 15 15 9 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 11 Understorey 25 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15

Condition Recruitment 10 10 10 10 10 0 10 10 10 10 10 6 10 10 5 10 10 6 10 10

Site Organic Matter 5 5 3 5 5 5 3 3 5 3 5 5 3 3 5 3 5 5 5 5 Logs 5 4 5 4 5 5 4 0 2 4 4 n/a 4 n/a 5 5 n/a 2 5 5 Total Site Score 58 51 58 61 43 56 43 47 58 52 41 50 43 47 51 45 48 64 52

Standardised Score n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 54 59 n/a n/a 56 n/a 59 n/a n/a 61 n/a n/a n/a

Patch Size 10 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 Neighbourhoo 10 8 8 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 7 8 8 8 8 8 d Distance to 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Core Landscape Value Total Landscape Score 20 20 19 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 18 19 20 20 20 20 20 HABITAT SCORE 100 78 71 77 81 63 76 74 79 78 72 76 70 77 66 71 81 68 84 72

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 63

A2.2 Hiker camps

Table A2.2 Habitat hectare assessment of proposed GPT hiker camps

Site ID 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 EVC #: Name ROS ROH HDF HDF ROS ROS HW HHRW HW HW

Max Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score

Large Old Trees 10 n/a n/a 10 9 n/a n/a 10 0 10 9 Canopy Cover 5 n/a n/a 0 4 n/a n/a 4 0 4 5

Lack of Weeds 15 9 11 15 15 15 15 15 0 15 15

Understorey 25 20 15 15 15 20 20 15 5 15 15

Site Recruitment 10 10 10 3 10 6 10 10 0 6 3 Condition Organic Matter 5 3 5 5 5 3 5 5 2 3 5 Logs 5 n/a n/a 1 5 n/a n/a 5 0 5 5 Total Site Score 42 41 49 63 44 50 64 7 58 57

Standardised Site Score 57 56 n/a n/a 60 68 n/a n/a n/a n/a Patch Size 10 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

Neighbourhood 10 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 8 6

Value Distance to Core 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Landscape Total Landscape Score 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 18 20 18 HABITAT SCORE 100 77 76 69 83 80 88 84 25 78 75

Hiker Camps: 1 – Barigar, 2 - Gar (Mount Difficult), 3 - Werdug (Wartook Basin), 4 - Stoney Creek Rd School Camp, 5 - Barbican Rocks, 6 - Duwul balug (Mount William), 7 – Mafeking, 8 - Yarram Gap, 9 - Mount Christabel, 10 - Cassidy Gap, 11 Mud-dadjug (Mt Abrupt).

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 64

A2.3 Trailheads

Table A2.3 Habitat hectare assessment of proposed GPT trailheads

Site ID 1 2 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 EVC #: Name HW DSHRW DSHRW DSHRW MRS HW HW HW HW

Max Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score

Large Old Trees 10 9 9 10 9 n/a 0 0 0 0 Canopy Cover 5 4 2 2 5 n/a 0 0 4 2

Lack of Weeds 15 11 9 6 15 15 9 15 15 15

Understorey 25 15 15 5 15 20 15 15 15 15

Site Recruitment 10 10 10 1 6 10 10 10 10 10 Condition Organic Matter 5 5 5 4 5 5 4 5 5 5 Logs 5 4 5 3 5 0 5 5 4 4 Total Site Score 58 55 21 60 50 43 50 53 51

Standardised Site Score n/a n/a n/a n/a 63 n/a n/a n/a n/a Patch Size 10 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

Neighbourhood 10 7 8 7 8 8 7 8 8 7

Value Distance to Core 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Landscape Total Landscape Score 19 20 19 20 20 19 20 20 19 HABITAT SCORE 100 77 75 50 80 83 62 70 73 70

Trailheads: 1 - Mount Zero Day Visitor Area, 2 - Dead Bullock Creek, 5 - Borough Huts Camping Ground and Trail Head, 6 - Redmans Rd (Carpark only), 7 - Mount William, 9 - Yarram Gap Rd (Carpark only), 10 – Griffin, 11 – Cassidy Gap Trailhead 12 - Victoria Valley Road Day Visitor Area.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 65

Appendix 3 Biodiversity impact and offset requirement report

The first two pages of the Biodiversity Impact and Offset Requirement Report (BIOR) are provided below. These pages provide detail the general and specific offset requirements.

The remainder of the BIOR document can be provided upon request from Parks Victoria.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 66

Testing Clearing proposal (modelled)

This report provides biodiversity information associated with the proposed native vegetation clearing. PLEASE NOTE: This report used modelled condition scores. A habitat hectare assessment is required before the shapefiles are submitted to DELWP for processing.

Date of issue: 24/04/2017 Ref: Scenario Testing Time of issue: 3:42 am

Project ID 21554Apr17_VegClearing_GDA94VICGRID

Summary of marked native vegetation

Risk-based pathway High

Total extent 14.367 ha

Remnant patches 14.367 ha

Scattered trees 0 trees

Location risk C

Strategic biodiversity score of all 0.767 marked native vegetation

Offset requirements

If the marked vegetation was cleared, using modelled scores, the following offsets would be applicable.

Offset type General offset

General offset amount (general 0.505 general units biodiversity equivalence units) General offset attributes

Vicinity Glenelg Hopkins, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority (CMA) or Ararat Rural City, Northern Grampians Shire, Southern Grampians Shire Council

Minimum strategic biodiversity 0.4651 score Offset type Specific offset(s)

Specific offset amount (specific 9.755 specific units of habitat for Mossy Woodruff biodiversity equivalence units) and 5.432 specific units of habitat for Orange Bell-climber attributes 0.017 specific units of habitat for Grampians Boronia 2.128 specific units of habitat for Grampians Bossiaea 0.216 specific units of habitat for Spreading Brachyloma 11.410 specific units of habitat for Grampians Sheoak 9.237 specific units of habitat for Hairy Correa 4.988 specific units of habitat for Grampians Parrot-pea 5.123 specific units of habitat for Tight Bedstraw

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

Testing Clearing proposal (modelled)

9.238 specific units of habitat for Hairy Raspwort 0.538 specific units of habitat for Grampians Grevillea 0.026 specific units of habitat for Flame Grevillea 3.120 specific units of habitat for Rock Rose Guinea-flower 9.016 specific units of habitat for Shiny Tea-tree 1.024 specific units of habitat for Veined Beard-heath 9.531 specific units of habitat for Thyme Beard-heath 6.066 specific units of habitat for Rough Daisy-bush 0.153 specific units of habitat for Grampians Rice-flower 0.797 specific units of habitat for Grampians Pomaderris 0.715 specific units of habitat for Oval-leaf Pseudanthus 0.036 specific units of habitat for Rosy Bush-pea 2.048 specific units of habitat for Williamson's Bush-pea 12.076 specific units of habitat for Grampians Triggerplant 0.412 specific units of habitat for Slender Swainson-pea 4.213 specific units of habitat for Grampians Thryptomene 1.142 specific units of habitat for Grampians Spyridium 6.252 specific units of habitat for Grampians Grey-gum 1.530 specific units of habitat for Glossy Hovea 0.167 specific units of habitat for Grampians Broom-heath 1.341 specific units of habitat for Grampians Heath 0.034 specific units of habitat for Narrow-leaf Wax-flower 0.151 specific units of habitat for Grampians Sally 0.020 specific units of habitat for Grampians Stringybark 0.101 specific units of habitat for Mt Abrupt Stringybark 0.133 specific units of habitat for Prickly Beauty 0.035 specific units of habitat for Grampians Mountain-correa 0.173 specific units of habitat for Truncate Leionema 0.025 specific units of habitat for Fireweed Groundsel (Grampians variant) 0.178 specific units of habitat for Branched Spyridium 0.012 specific units of habitat for River Blackfish (upper Wannon R form) 0.000 specific units of habitat for Grampians Mountain-grass

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

Page 2

Appendix 4 Glossary – Biodiversity assessment guidelines

Items marked with 'A' are cited from DEPI (2013a) ; items marked with 'B' are cited from DSE (2007b) and items marked with a 'C' are cited from DEPI (2014b).

Avoid A Condition score

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

Biodiversity A Dispersed habitat A

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

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

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 69

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

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

Habitat zone B Large Old Tree (LOT) B

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

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

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 70

Local Planning Policy Framework A Native vegetation extent A

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

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

Minimise A Offset Management Plan (OMP)

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

Native (indigenous) vegetation B Offset market A

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

Native vegetation credit A Old tree B

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

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

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 71

Particular Provisions A Rare or threatened species A

Provisions in the Victoria Planning Provisions that relate A species that is listed in: to specific activities (for example, native vegetation is a • DELWP’s Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Particular Provision). Plants in Victoria as ‘endangered’, ‘vulnerable’, or ‘rare’, but does not include the ‘poorly known’ Patch (see Remnant Patch) category PermitA • DELWP’s Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria as ‘critically endangered’, A legal document that gives permission for a use or ‘endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’, but does not include development on a particular piece of land. ‘near threatened’ or ‘data deficient’ categories Perennial A • DELWP’s Advisory List of Threatened Invertebrate Fauna in Victoria as ‘critically endangered’, A plant that lives for more than two years. Perennials ‘endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’, but does not include include species that are always visible e.g. shrubs and ‘near threatened’ or ‘data deficient’ categories. trees, but also include species that are not always Recruitment B visible above ground. The production of new generations of plants, either by Permitted clearing A allowing natural ecological processes to occur Removal of native vegetation for which a planning (regeneration etc), by facilitating such processes such permit has been granted to remove native vegetation. as regeneration to occur, or by actively revegetating (replanting, reseeding). See Revegetation. Permitted clearing regulations A Referral authority A The rules in the planning system that regulate permits for the removal of native vegetation. An authority that a permit application is referred to for decision under Section 55 of the Planning and Planning provisions – See Victoria Planning Provisions. Environment Act 1987. All referral requirements are Prior management gain specified in Clause 66 of planning schemes.

This gain acknowledges actions to manage vegetation Remnant patch of native vegetation A since State-wide planning permit controls for native vegetation removal were introduced in 1989. Either: • an area of native vegetation , with or without A Planning scheme trees, where at least 25 per cent of the total Policies and provisions for the use, development and perennial understorey plant cover is native protection of land in a local government area. plants. • an area with three or more indigenous canopy Protected species trees where the tree canopy cover is at least 20 A flora species protected under the Victorian Flora and per cent. B Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Remnant vegetation

Protection (of a tree) B Native vegetation that is established or has regenerated on a largely natural landform. The species An area with twice the canopy diameter of the tree(s) present are those normally expected in that vegetation fenced and protected from adverse impacts: grazing, community. Largely natural landforms may have been burning and soil disturbance not permitted, fallen subject to some past surface disturbance such as some timber retained, weeds controlled, and other clearing or cultivation (or even the activities of the intervention and/or management if necessary to nineteenth century gold rushes) but do not include ensure adequate natural regeneration or planting can man-made structures such as dam walls and quarry occur. floors.

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 72

Responsible authority A spp.

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

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 73

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

Third-party offset B

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

Understorey

Understorey is all vegetation other than mature canopy trees – includes immature trees, shrubs, grasses, herbs, mosses, lichens and soil crust. It does not include dead plant material that is not attached to a living plant. More information on understorey life forms is set out in the Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual (DSE 2004).

Vegetation Quality Assessment

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

Victoria Planning Provisions A

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

Zone A

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

© Biosis 2017 – Leaders in Ecology and Heritage Consulting 74