Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

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Owner Ecology Australia Pty Ltd

Project 20-070

Author Gary Palmer, Marty White, Brett Goodman, Chris Bloink

File Ecological knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong final.docx

Bioregion Gippsland Plain

Distribution Tim Ford City of Greater Dandenong Council

Document History

Status Changes Author Reviewer Date

Draft 1 First Draft G. Palmer, M. White, B. T. Kinsela 21/04/2021 Goodman, C. Bloink

Final Edits based on client G. Palmer, M. White, B. T. Kinsela 11/06/2021 feedback Godman, C. Bloink

Cover photo: Gary Palmer

88B Station Street, Fairfield VIC 3078 T: (03) 9489 4191 E: [email protected] W: ecologyaustralia.com.au

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Contents Acknowledgments 8 Executive Summary 9 1 Introduction 11 2 Study Area 12 2.1 Location 12 2.2 Climate 14 2.3 Geography 14 2.4 Population and Demographics 14 2.5 Land Use and Tenure 14 2.6 Strategic Biodiversity Mapping 17 2.7 Waterways and Waterbodies 19 2.8 Surrounding Areas of Biological Importance 20 2.9 Biodiversity Legislation 21 2.10 Council Strategies 24 3 Vegetation 26 3.1 Extent 26 3.2 Threatened EVCs 30 3.3 Flora Species 31 3.4 Threatened Species 31 4 Fauna 33 4.1 Amphibians 33 4.2 Mammals 33 4.2.1 Platypus 33 4.2.2 Kreft’s Glider (formerly Sugar Glider) 33 4.2.3 Rakali 34 4.3 Birds 34 4.4 Reptiles 35 4.5 Fish 35 4.5.1 Dwarf Galaxias 35 4.5.2 Australian Grayling 35 4.5.3 Yarra Pygmy Perch 35 4.6 Crayfish 36 4.7 Other Invertebrates 36 4.8 Threatened Species 36 4.9 Fauna Habitat 36 4.9.1 Waterways and Wetlands 36

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4.9.2 Urban and Industrial Habitats 37 4.9.3 Parks and Reserves 39 4.9.4 Agricultural Habitats 39 5 Biodiversity Threats 40 5.1 Land Use Change and Development 40 5.1.1 Residential and Commercial development 40 5.1.2 Industrial Development 40 5.1.3 Agriculture 41 5.1.4 Waterway Alterations 41 5.2 Altered Hydrology 42 5.3 Invasive and Overabundant Species 43 5.3.1 Environmental weeds 43 5.3.2 Pest Animals 43 5.4 Transport and Utility Corridors 44 5.5 Human Disturbance 45 5.6 Pollution 45 5.7 Climate Change 46 6.3 Priorities 52 7 Habitat Connectivity for Icon Species 53 7.1 Blotched/Common Blue-tongued Lizard 54 7.2 Dwarf Galaxias 57 7.3 Laughing Kookaburra 60 7.4 Powerful Owl 62 7.5 Kreft’s Glider (formerly Sugar Glider) 64 7.6 Migratory Birds 66 7.7 Semi-Urban Birds 67 8 Community Consultations and Engagement Results 68 8.1 Results 68 8.1.1 Online Survey 68 8.1.2 External Stakeholder Workshop 72 8.1.3 Community Workshop 72 8.2 Summary 73 8.3 Conclusions and Recommendations 74 9 References 76 10 Glossary 81 11 Appendices 83

Tables

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Table 1 Threatened EVCs found in the City of Greater Dandenong LGA. 30 Table 2 Pest animal species recorded from Greater Dandenong, listed under state or federal legislation or listed as priority pests by the Eastern Region Pest Animal Network 44 Table 3 Summary of spatial analyses and habitat hectares scores for modelled extant EVCs. 50 Table 4 Summary of spatial analyses for sites not modelled as extant EVCs. 51 Table 5 Icon species or groups of species for Greater Dandenong. 54 Table 6 Summary of most common reasons why biodiversity is considered important from online survey and examples of comments provided. 71

Figures

Figure 1 City of Greater Dandenong LGA and municipality study area. 13 Figure 2 Land use throughout the City of Greater Dandenong LGA. 16 Figure 3 Relative biodiversity significance within the study area. 18 Figure 4 Extent (ha) of each EVC modelled within the study area in 1750 and 2005. 26 Figure 5 EVC coverage across the City of Greater Dandenong pre 1750 (left) and today (right). 27 Figure 6 Canopy cover (%) for selected Victorian Local Government Areas (Jacobs et al. 2014) 28 Figure 7 Known locations of threatened flora species recorded throughout the COGD LGA 32 Figure 8 Assessment site locations within study area (both modelled and non- modelled extant EVCs). 49 Figure 9 Locations of previous sightings within 10 km of Greater Dandenong and potential connectivity sites within Greater Dandenong for the Blotched/Common Blue-tongued Lizard. 56 Figure 10 Locations of previous sightings within 10 km of Greater Dandenong and potential connectivity sites within Greater Dandenong for the Dwarf Galaxias. 59 Figure 11 Locations of previous sightings within 10 km of Greater Dandenong and potential connectivity sites within Greater Dandenong for the Laughing Kookaburra. 61 Figure 12 Locations of previous sightings within 10 km of Greater Dandenong and potential connectivity sites within Greater Dandenong for the Powerful Owl. 63 Figure 13 Locations of previous sightings within 10 km of Greater Dandenong and potential connectivity sites within Greater Dandenong for the Kreft’s Glider. 65 Final v Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Figure 14 Levels of biodiversity understanding throughout Greater Dandenong. 69 Figure 15 Priorities for protecting biodiversity. 69 Figure 16 Relative importance of threats to biodiversity. 70 Figure 17 Alex Wilkie assessment site 139 Figure 18 Coomoora Reserve assessment sites 140 Figure 19 Tirhatuan Park assessment sites 141 Figure 20 Fotheringham Reserve and Greaves Reserve assessment sites 142 Figure 21 Leon Trembath Reserve assessment site 143 Figure 22 Melbourne Water Wetlands and Robert Booth Reserve assessment sites 144 Figure 23 Frank Pellicano and 120 Coleman’s Road assessment sites 145 Figure 24 Currajong Reserve assessment site 146 Figure 25 ETP Patterson River assessment site 147 Figure 26 Glasscocks Road and 120 Thompsons Road assessment sites 148 Figure 27 Greens Road/Eastlink assessment site 149 Figure 28 Greens Road/Railway assessment site 150 Figure 29 Hammond Hoad assessment site 151 Figure 30 Hira College assessment site 152

Appendices

Appendix 1 Likelihood of presence definitions 84 Appendix 2 Species list compilation 85 Appendix 3 Terrestrial and aquatic fauna species recorded from within the Greater Dandenong LGA 87 Appendix 4 Significant Fauna species recorded or predicted to occur within the Greater Dandenong LGA area and their likelihood of presence 105 Appendix 5 Vascular plant species recorded from within the Greater Dandenong LGA 110 Appendix 6 Significant Flora species recorded or predicted to occur within the Greater Dandenong LGA area and their likelihood of presence 135 Appendix 7 Victorian listed threatened species recorded from study sites within the Greater Dandenong LGA 137 Appendix 8 VQA habitat assessment scores from study sites within the Greater Dandenong LGA 138 Appendix 9 Assessment sites 139 Appendix 10 Online survey questions 153

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Appendix 11 Time since last surveys in nature reserves throughout the municipality 154

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Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of:

- Maree Keenan City of Greater Dandenong Council

- Matthew Paterson City of Greater Dandenong Council

- Darren Wilson City of Greater Dandenong Council

- Jack Chittenden City of Greater Dandenong Council

- Tim Ford City of Greater Dandenong Council

- Freja Butler Ecology Australia

- Nina Kerr Ecology Australia

- Staci Timms Ecology Australia

- Birdlife Australia

- Greater Dandenong Environment Group

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Executive Summary

Ecology Australia was engaged by the City of Greater Dandenong to develop a Biodiversity Action Plan to guide Councils’ management of biodiversity throughout the municipality. The overarching purpose of this supporting document is to inform actions listed in the Biodiversity Action Plan. This document compiles and summarises the state of biodiversity within the municipality based on a combination of database searches, site assessments and a review of relevant reports. The document details areas of biodiversity significance, threats to biodiversity as well as habitat quality and connectivity for threatened/iconic species. This information has been used to identify appropriate actions and priorities to improve biodiversity outcomes across the municipality. Extensive vegetation loss has occurred throughout the study area since settlement, resulting in low levels of canopy cover across the municipality and significant reductions in the extent of remnant vegetation. Despite this loss of vegetation, a number of sites within the LGA still contain significant patches of remnant vegetation. These remnants provide habitat for a number of fauna species, including Possums, Flying Foxes, Kookaburas, various Lorikeets, Honeyeaters and Robins. In addition, agricultural areas (particularly within the Green Wedge) contain high numbers of remnant River Red Gums that contribute significantly to the biodiversity of the study area. A wide range of threats to biodiversity have been assessed, and opportunities for actions to protect and enhance biodiversity have been identified. Significant threats to biodiversity throughout the study area include many of the municipality’s waterways being heavily altered with riparian zones being cleared, as well as sections of waterways being channelised, concrete-lined and piped underground. As a result, the natural hydrology of the waterways and waterbodies in the Greater Dandenong LGA have been greatly affected. Pest plants (e.g. Nasturtium sp., Blackberry, Wandering Trad) and animals (e.g. Common Myna, Domestic Cat, European Rabbit) were also identified as significant threats to biodiversity. Climate change represents a significant current and future threat to biodiversity throughout the area. Urban wetlands, such as those found in Greater Dandenong, are likely to be at greater risk of drying out as temperatures increase, reducing the amount of habitat available for breeding and feeding for many waterbird species. Habitat assessments conducted across 30 sites defined as areas of biodiversity significance (on public and private land) indicated habitat quality ranges from moderate to poor across the study area. Based on these assessments, site-specific actions to prioritise with the aim of improving vegetation quality have been developed, ranging from plantings of particular species to focusing on introduced plant species management. Sites were also identified as containing plant species rarely found throughout the municipality, including Veined Spear-grass, Common Love-grass and Tall Sword-sedge. Five locally iconic species were identified (Kreft’s Glider, Powerful Owl, Dwarf Galaxias, Blue-Tongue Lizard and Laughing Kookaburra) in collaboration with the City of Greater Dandenong Council and potential sites of connectivity identified. Connectivity sites were selected using data from on-ground site assessments, the Victorian Government’s urban forest vegetation cover mapping, and summarised information on each species’ habitat requirements. Actions for each species have been identified with the aim of improving habitat connectivity both within the study area and into surrounding areas of significance such as Churchill National Park and Braeside Park.

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It was found that biodiversity monitoring and reporting throughout the municipality has been highly inconsistent across time. In addition, the types of flora and fauna surveys that have been conducted across bushland remnants have been highly variable, as has the frequency that they have occurred. This has resulted in inconsistent data on both the condition and extent of biodiversity throughout the municipality. In recognition of this, a biodiversity monitoring and evaluation framework is strongly recommended for the municipality, following implementation of actions described in the Action Plan. Greater and more consistent monitoring of presence and distribution of current threats to biodiversity, such as introduced plants and animals is also recommended. Furthermore, we recommend that Council address climate change related issues when developing policies and look for opportunities to achieve objectives in Council’s Climate Emergency Strategy that also achieve biodiversity outcomes throughout the study area.

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1 Introduction

The City of Greater Dandenong Council has commissioned Ecology Australia to develop a Biodiversity Action Plan to guide Council’s management of biodiversity throughout the municipality. To develop an effective action plan, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of existing biodiversity values within the municipality. Thus, a knowledge review was undertaken to assess flora and fauna records throughout the municipality, highlight knowledge gaps, and inform actions to be undertaken as part of the Biodiversity Action Plan. This data review has included all terrestrial and aquatic species, vascular and non-vascular flora, fungi, vertebrate and invertebrate fauna, vegetation communities, and waterways. The City of Greater Dandenong has experienced heavy land clearing and modification since the 1850s for agricultural and residential development. This extensive clearing of land has led to high levels of habitat loss and fragmentation. Loss of habitat in urbanised areas is a key driver of species extinction (Czech et al. 2000). One of the major effects of urbanisation on native species are reductions in a species’ ability to disperse across a landscape through changes in habitat connectivity. However, improving the condition and increasing the size of isolated patches of habitat can potentially lead to increases in population sizes of many fauna species by allowing them to move across highly modified landscapes (Bonte et al. 2009, Falcy & Estades 2007). In addition, movement of fauna throughout the landscape can facilitate important ecological processes such as seed dispersal and gene flow between populations (Clark et al. 2010, Levey et al. 2005). The City of Greater Dandenong contains several significant patches of bushland remnants that can provide foraging, breeding and sheltering habitat for native fauna. These remnants vary in size and condition, and at a landscape scale may vary in their capacity to act as ‘stepping stones’ to allow the movement of fauna across the landscape. In addition, riparian vegetation along the City’s waterways as well as urban parks and gardens can potentially provide habitat for a number of native animal species. Remnant Eucalypt trees are also scattered across the municipality, which provide foraging and sheltering habitat for native species. The purpose of this knowledge review is to: • Compile and evaluate previous research to summarise the state and condition of biodiversity within the municipality; • Identify areas of biodiversity significance, summarise their existing habitat quality and potential for these areas to act as connecting habitat for threatened species and summarise existing habitat quality; • Identify threats to biodiversity throughout the municipality; • Prioritise actions and sites to target for habitat improvement with the aim of increasing connectivity across the municipality; and • Inform actions listed in the City of Greater Dandenong Biodiversity Action Plan.

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2 Study Area

2.1 Location The City of Greater Dandenong is located 35 km south-east of Melbourne’s Central Business District and covers 129 km2. To the north, the City of Greater Dandenong is bordered by City of Monash and Knox City Council, to the west it is bordered by the Kingston City Council, to the south by Frankston City Council, and to the east by the City of Casey. The overall study area consisted of the City of Greater Dandenong Local Government Area (LGA), as well as surrounding sites of remnant vegetation and habitat including Churchill National Park (approximately 2 km to the north-east of the City of Greater Dandenong LGA) and Lysterfield Park (adjacent to Churchill NP), Braeside Park to the west, and the Dandenong Police Paddocks Reserve to the north-east (Figure 1). A number of large waterbodies/wetlands surrounding the study area provide habitat for a high diversity of bird species, including Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands and Braeside Park Wetlands to the south-east of the City of Greater Dandenong LGA and Tirahtuan Wetlands and Dandenong Valley Parklands to the north.

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Figure 1 City of Greater Dandenong LGA and municipality study area.

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2.2 Climate The City of Greater Dandenong experiences a temperate climate that is influenced by Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait, which provide a buffer to extreme temperatures. The mean maximum monthly temperature in the City of Greater Dandenong varies from 13°C in July to 26°C in February, while mean minimum monthly temperatures vary from 5°C in July to 13°C in February (Bureau of Meteorology 2021). Mean monthly rainfall varies from 48 mm in March to 74 mm in May, with an average annual rainfall of 780 mm (Bureau of Meteorology 2021).

2.3 Geography Greater Dandenong falls within the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (CMA) area and forms part of the Gippsland Plain Bioregion, which extends across south-eastern Victoria from Melbourne to Lakes Entrance. Most of the Bioregion consists of Cainozoic sediments and is characterised by flat to gently undulating coastal and alluvial plains. Greater Dandenong lies in the heavily populated western end of the bioregion, where the vast majority of native vegetation has been significantly disturbed, or completely removed for agricultural purposes.

2.4 Population and Demographics The City of Greater Dandenong has a population of approximately 175,000 residents as of the 2019 census and is predicted to increase to 216,000 residents by 2030. Since the mid 1900s Melbourne’s south-east has expanded rapidly along the Princes Highway and Dandenong Railway, resulting in the Greater Dandenong region becoming a major manufacturing and commercial area. By the 1960s central Dandenong was officially recognised as a suburb of Melbourne. The City of Greater Dandenong is recognised as the most culturally diverse community in Victoria with more than 60% of residents being born overseas. The City of Greater Dandenong community is considered to be relatively disadvantaged compared with other communities in Victoria and Australia (64th most disadvantaged LGA out of 544 LGAs in Australia), reflecting a relatively higher proportion of households and people with low incomes, a lack of qualifications and low skilled occupations.

2.5 Land Use and Tenure Industrial Zones makes up approximately 20% of the City of Greater Dandenong (COGD) and are predominantly located in Dandenong South and to the west of Dandenong (Figure 2). Most of this area is currently being used for industry with some undeveloped Industrial Zoned land to the north of Glasscocks Road, Lyndhurst. These areas have a high percentage of their land being utilised for large factories and carparks, thus have a very high cover of impermeable surfaces such as roofs, concrete and asphalt and usually very limited amount of vegetation other than small garden beds. Outside of the Industrial Zones, the dominant land use is residential, with residential planning zones consisting of General Residential Zones (18.7%) and Neighbourhood Residential Zones (7.9%), together making up 26% of COGD. Most of the areas in these zones are fully developed. The neighbourhood residential zones (NRZ) are areas that have been identified as having neighbourhood character to be preserved in any new development to allow space for high quality landscaping by providing appropriate front, side and rear setbacks.

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The Greater Dandenong Green Wedge covers all land outside the urban growth boundary within the city of Greater Dandenong and covers an area of 3,741 hectares (30% of the municipality). The Green Wedge is located predominantly in the southern part of the municipality and is mostly under private ownership. The area within the Green Wedge is primarily agricultural and rural land, with most of the area highly modified for agricultural use and now supporting predominantly introduced vegetation. There are, however, small pockets of native vegetation and scattered remnant trees, mostly River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis, remaining that provide a foraging and nesting resource (including hollows) for fauna species including bats, birds and possums (Biosis 2013). The City of Greater Dandenong has approximately 700 hectares of open space (e.g. parks and reserves), making up approximately 5.3% of land within the municipality (City of Greater Dandenong et al. 2020c). A number of environmentally significant sites that support the last remaining examples of native vegetation found prior to settlement of the area can be found within this open space. These include Tirhatuan Park, Fotheringham Reserve, Alex Wilkie Reserve and the Dandenong Wetlands. In addition, linear areas of open space along a number of watercourses potentially act as habitat connections (e.g. wildlife corridors) for native fauna, including Dandenong Creek, Mile Creek, Eumemmerring Creek and Yarraman Creek.

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Figure 2 Land use throughout the City of Greater Dandenong LGA.

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2.6 Strategic Biodiversity Mapping Strategic biodiversity mapping provides a coarse but useful overview summary of the relative biodiversity values within the City of Greater Dandenong LGA compared to neighbouring areas and more broadly across Victoria, by combining data on habitat important for threatened flora, fauna and vegetation types, as well as condition (DELWP 2018). Data used in this mapping includes species habitat and distribution models, models of vegetation types and native vegetation condition monitoring, as detailed below. Species habitat distribution models These models include individual field observations of species, as well as the current potential distribution of likely habitat for all of Victoria’s vertebrate fauna and rare or threatened invertebrates. In addition, habitat distribution models have been developed showing expected pre-1750 distribution.

Models of vegetation types in Victoria Models of distribution of vegetation types have been generated for this mapping based on structure, function and floristic composition, as well as spatial modelling using a combination of field observations of vegetation with remote-sensing and other mapped data.

Native vegetation condition modelling Vegtation condition data used for this modelling is based on the pre-1750 habitat distribution models developed for each species, in conjunction with a model of site condition. For most fauna species, a habitat importance model was generated which scores the habitat for a given species based on its home range, dispersal abilities and area required for a viable population to persist. This modelling was then used as a basis to evaluate fauna habitat condition. For species where no habitat importance model was available, conditions were scored universally high. Based on the mapping of relative biodiversity significance (Figure 3), areas with the highest contributions to biodiversity within Greater Dandenong include the Green Wedge in the south and south-east and the Dandenong Creek corridor particularly in the north-east section of the COGD LGA. The areas containing Springvale, Noble Park, Dandenong (North and South) are the most biodiversity- poor, however in some respects these areas may benefit most from actions aimed at improving biodiversity values. Surrounding areas outside the LGA boundary are shown to have higher biodiversity values, for example, Churchill National Park to the north-east of the study area and Braeside Park to the west. Areas lining major watercourses such as Dandenong Creek and Eumemmerring Creek with lower mapped values represent priority ares for biodiversity actions, with the former potentially increasing connectivity into Dandenong Police Paddocks Reserve and adjoining Churchill National Park.

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Figure 3 Relative biodiversity significance within the study area.

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2.7 Waterways and Waterbodies Named waterways within the City of Greater Dandenong local government area (LGA) and their named tributaries include: • Dandenong Creek:

• Mile Creek

• Yarraman Creek • Patterson River • Mordialloc Creek:

• Shelton’s Drain West Branch • Eumemmerring Creek:

• Hallam Main Drain • Eastern Contour Drain:

• Rodds Drain

• Cranbourne Outfall Drain

• Taylors Drain Mordialloc Creek is a distributary of Dandenong Creek, originating from the Pillars Crossing weir in Bangholme. Dandenong Creek and Eumemmerring Creek and tributaries (e.g. Hallam Main Drain) would have originally discharged to the former Carrum Carrum Swamp, prior to the creation of the Patterson River to drain the swamp in the 1800s. Only the freshwater reaches of the Patterson River and Mordialloc Creek, and the lower 2.4 km of Eumemmerring Creek and 1.5 km of the Hallam Main Drain occur within the study area. Most of the waterbodies of note are associated with or located on the floodplain of Dandenong Creek. This includes the constructed wetlands in Tirhatuan Park, the Dandenong Wetlands, and North and South Heatherton Road Wetlands and wetlands in the vicinity of Eastlink between the Dandenong Bypass and Greens Road. There are additional waterbodies associated with the Hallam Main Drain, including the Hallam Valley Wetland and the South Link Wetland, both of which are in the vicinity of the South Gippsland Highway. A whole series of unnamed constructed wetlands occur along the northern side of Eumemmerring Creek between Eastlink and the Dandenong Valley Highway. Others include constructed wetlands on Mile Creek within Sandown Park, and the Yarraman Creek Wetland at the Yarraman Creek Retarding basin. Isolated waterbodies include the wetland at Cornish College, and Springvale Cemetery dams, while by far the largest isolated waterbodies are located within the Eastern Treatment Plant. The former Carrum Carrum Swamp originally covering most of Bangholme, including almost all the area south of Pillars Road and the majority of the Eastern Treatment Plant. However, there are no Ramsar sites, other ‘important wetlands’, or other wetlands within the study area that are recognised as being naturally occurring, with most being stormwater treatment wetlands, water storage dams or sewage ponds.

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2.8 Surrounding Areas of Biological Importance Dandenong Creek originates in the Dandenong Ranges near Olinda, flowing west then south through the City of Greater Dandenong before draining into Port Phillip Bay. Dandenong Creek and its associated wetlands provide habitat for native fish (including the endangered Dwarf Galaxias Galaxiella pusilla), birds, frogs, mammals and reptiles. In addition, the creek supports one of the largest remaining populations of Yarra Gums Eucalyptus yarraensis (listed as rare under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988). The Dandenong Creek corridor also potentially provides habitat for a number of mammal, bird and reptile species to move across the highly modified urban landscape from the southern area of the municipality to the neighbouring Churchill National Park (Churchill NP) and Lysterfield Park via the Dandenong Police Paddocks Reserve. The Edithvale-Seaford Wetland is listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention 2001. It covers approximately 261 ha and was recognised as a Ramsar site as it is the last remaining example of the Carrum Carrum Swamp, with a variety of permanent and seasonal, freshwater and saltwater wetlands. It also supports populations of the threatened Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus and supports more than 1% (2,000 birds) of the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata population that migrates along the East Asian-Australian flyway. The wetland also contains three plant communities of state significance, including Plains Sedgy Wetland, Common Reed-dominated Tall marsh, and Brackish Aquatic Herbland. Ramsar wetlands are protected under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), as a matter of national environmental significance (MNES). The nearby Churchill NP and Lysterfield Park cover approximately 1,668 ha, contain significant areas of remnant vegetation, and provide habitat for a range of native fauna species. The western edge of Churchill NP is just over 2 km from the City of Greater Dandenong boundary. Churchill NP contains several significant ecological vegetation classes (EVC) including Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23), Shrubby Foothill Forest (EVC 45), Heathy Woodland (EVC 48), Riparian Forest (EVC 18) and Swamp Scrub (EVC 53). Over 200 native fauna species have been recorded in Churchill NP and Lysterfield Park, including 15 listed as threatened in Victoria. Mammals recorded include Koala Phascolarctos cinereus, Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus, Black Wallaby Wallabia bicolor and Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus. Wetland habitat in Lysterfield Park provides habitat for a number of waterbirds including Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii, Australasian Darter Anhinga novaehollandiae, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos and Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus.

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2.9 Biodiversity Legislation Council-based policies and actions aim at protecting or enhancing biodiversity need to be in the context of relevant biodiversity legislation individually. Key legislation that is relevant to biodiversity conservation within the City of Greater Dandenong includes:

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (EPBC Act) The EPBC Act provides the national legal framework for the protection and management of nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage places, all defined as matters of national environmental significance. This Act applies to developments and associated activities that have the potential to significantly impact on matters of national environmental significance under the Act.

There are Matters of National Significance including threatened species, migratory birds, Ramsar wetlands that are located within or adjacent to the Greater Dandenong municipality. Some examples include Growling Grass Frogs Litoria raniformis, Eastern Dwarf Galaxias Galaxiella pusilla and Grey Headed Flying Fox Pteropus poliocephalus

Migratory birds such as Swift Parrot and shorebirds that visit the wetlands in the area including the Eastern Treatment Plant. Any development that may have a significant impact on matters of national significance needs to be assessed under the EPBC Act and gain appropriate approvals from the Commonwealth Government.

Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) The FFG Act allows for the Victorian listing of threatened species, communities and threats to native species as well as declaring areas as critical habitat. The Act also requires public authorities to take it into account in their activities and operations. Under the Act, the presence of rare or threatened flora and habitat for threatened fauna needs to be considered by responsible authorities in determining applications for any clearing of vegetation. Permits are also required for any actions which may impact native plants and animals. An amendment to the Act in 2019 requires public authorities to consider the FFG Act when performing functions that may impact on listed species, communities, protected flora and critical habitats. There are currently no listed critical habitats under the FFG Act within the municipality of Greater Dandenong meaning that for practical purposes that Act does not apply on private land.

There are species, communities and protected flora species that are listed under the FFG Act that are known or likely to occur within the City of Greater Dandenong municipality. Some examples include: Dwarf Galaxias, Lewins Rail Lewinia pectoralis, Powerful Owl Ninox strenua and Swamp Everlasting Xerochyrsum palustre.

Planning and Environment Act 1987 This Act and the associated planning schemes, regulate the planning and development of land in Victoria. The Act is implemented through Planning Schemes for each municipal authority in Victoria.

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The Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme has a number of Policies, Clauses Zones and overlays that have a strong emphasis on the protection and/or enhancement of biodiversity values. A list of the most relevant of these are:

Victorian and Local Planning Policies • Victorian Planning Policies 12 and 13 which deal with Environmental and Landscape Values and Natural Resource Management. • Clause 52.16 Native Vegetation Precinct Plans provides for the protection, management and removal of native vegetation in accordance with the Dandenong Sth Native Vegetation Precinct Plan Jan 2009. • Clause 52.17 Native Vegetation is a Victorian Planning Policy that is the primary regulatory instrument relating to the potential impacts on Native Vegetation. There are no schedules to this clause listed in the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme. • Local Planning Policies including Clause 21.06 Open Space and Natural Environment and Clause 22.02 Green Wedge Management.

Zones: • Clause 35.04 and 35.05 Green Wedge (GWZ) and Green Wedge A Zones (GWAZ). Schedules to the zone define the minimum subdivision area of various locations within these zones, with minimum lot sizes varying between 4 ha – 40 ha in size. A key reference document for decision guidance for this Zone is the Green Wedge Management Plan Jan 2017. • Clause 36.03 Public Conservation and Resource Zone (PCRZ) seeks to protect and conserve the natural environment and natural processes for their historic, scientific, landscape, habitat or cultural values, and to provide facilities which assist in public education and interpretation of the natural environment with minimal degradation of the natural environment or natural processes.

Overlays: Clause 42.01 Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO) of which there are three schedules that have been created for Greater Dandenong. • ESO 1 – Greens Road Plains Grassland (South Gippsland) Community; • ESO2 – Abbots Road Vegetation Protection Area; and • ESO3 – Eastern treatment Plant – this schedule is less about biodiversity but about maintaining and protecting the ongoing role of the sewerage treatment. Such as regulating neighbouring landuse to minimise conflicts with issues such as odour.

Clause 42.02 Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO) implements schedule 1 (VPO1) into the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme. The VP01 applies to Native Vegetation in the Main Portion of the Green Wedge.

Among other matters, the overlay seeks to protect areas of significant vegetation, to ensure that development minimises loss of vegetation and to preserve existing trees and other vegetation.

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Wildlife Act 1975 The Victorian Wildlife Act 1975 protects native fauna species and regulates the conduct of any persons engaged in activities concerning or relating to wildlife. The Act establishes procedures to promote the protection and conservation of wildlife, to prevent wildlife taxa from becoming extinct, and the sustainable use of and access to wildlife. It also provides the basis for the majority of Wildlife permit/licensing requirements within the state. Under the Act a person must not hunt, take or destroy endangered, notable or protected wildlife; this includes all native vertebrate animals, all kinds of deer, non-indigenous quail, pheasants, and partridges, and all terrestrial invertebrate fauna listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

The Wildlife Regulations 2013 provide further detail relating to the act, including that a person not to damage, disturb or destroy any wildlife habitat, although this does not apply if the person is authorised to do so under any other Act such as the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

Fisheries Act 1995 Under the Fisheries Act, a person must not take, injure, damage, destroy any protected aquatic biota. Protected aquatic biota includes all species of the family Syngnathidae (seahorses, sea dragons and pipefish), and any fish or aquatic invertebrate or community that is listed under the FFG Act. An example of a Greater Dandenong species that would be considered protected aquatic biota are Dwarf Galaxias. An FFG or Fisheries Protected Aquatic Biota Permit approval may be required if any works were likely to injure damage or destroy any Protected Aquatic Biota.

Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 The Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act) provides a legislative framework for the management of land, including the control of declared noxious weeds and pest animals. Each Catchment Management Authority (CMA) region within Victoria has a designated list of declared noxious weeds (control of which is enforceable). Greater Dandenong Council has responsibilities as a land manager under this Act to control declared noxious weeds and pest animals under the Act. The majority of the species of noxious weeds and pest animals listed in his Act are those that have been identified as having significant impact to economy such as to the Agriculture industries. Examples of Noxious Weeds that have been located in Greater Dandenong include:

• State Prohibited

• Alligator Weed Alternanthera philoxeroides

• Mexican Feather-grass Nassella tenuissima

• Regionally Controlled

• Gorse Ulex europaeus

• Blackberry Rubus fruticosus sp.agg.

• Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna

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• Restricted

• Bridal Creeper Asparagus asparagoides

• Fennel Foeniculum vulgare

2.10 Council Strategies This Biodiversity Action Plan aligns with Council’s Sustainability Strategy 2016–2030 (City of Greater Dandenong, 2016), which contains the guiding framework for this strategy and addresses a number of high-level objectives relating to biodiversity and open space including:

• BO-1.1 Ecological Value

• Identifying, protecting and enhancing the ecological value of Council land within the municipality • BO-1.2 Increasing the quality, quantity and connectivity of open space owned by Council

• BO-1.3 Increasing the quality and quantity of vegetation cover on Council land that contributes to a net gain throughout the municipality

• Identify, protect and enhance the ecological value of land throughout the municipality • Increase the quality and quantity of vegetation cover on Council land that contributes to a net gain throughout the municipality

• Work with key stakeholders to protect and enhance the ecological value of the Green Wedge area

• New development within Greater Dandenong to address open space and biodiversity issues, where appropriate

• Engage with the community, residents and businesses, to increase their awareness on the value of parks, plants and wildlife The City of Greater Dandenong had developed a number of strategies and plans that have been taken into account in the development of this Action Plan, including:

• Open Space Strategy 2020–2030 • Urban Forest Strategy 2021-2028 (proposed)

• Greening Our Neighbourhoods Strategy 2021-2028 (proposed) • Greening Our City Urban Tree Strategy 2018–2028

• Climate Emergency Strategy 2020–2030

• Green wedge management plan • Eastern Region Pest Animal Strategy • Bushland Management Plans

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The priority of actions is to be reviewed annually by Council with consideration of the relevant organisational objectives. The Plan identifies lead departments responsible for implementing the specific actions. The implementation of actions and performance against this plan are to be regularly monitored and reported through Council’s established reporting processes. The Plan is considered a dynamic document and will need to remain flexible and adaptable to change.

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3 Vegetation

The information presented in this section was derived from a range of sources including database searches, relevant reports and supplemented by habitat assessments. The searches focused primarily on areas from within the City of Greater Dandenong LGA but included database records from within 5 km outside of the LGA boundary. For details of these methods refer to Appendix 2.

3.1 Extent Vegetation recorded throughout the municipality has been modelled as either an individual or mosaic, complex or aggregate of Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs). These EVCs are those accepted for use in vegetation quality assessments by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). Prior to European settlement, the City of Greater Dandenong area was a contiguous mosaic of EVCs typical of those found throughout the Gippsland Plain bioregion. The most common communities included EVC 55 Plains Grassy Woodland (covered approximately 4,305 ha or approx. 33% of the Current LGA), EVC 175 Grassy Woodland (covered approx. 2,105 ha, approx. 16%) and EVC 125 Plains Grassy Wetland (covered approx. 1,333 ha, approx. 10%) (Figure 4). Historic land clearing has resulted in extensive native vegetation loss in the City of Greater Dandenong, and more broadly throughout the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Less than 5% of native vegetation remains within the City of Greater Dandenong LGA (626 ha), based on current modelling (DELWP 2020b), and the extent of all EVCs modelled from 1750 have been drastically reduced (Figure 4 and Figure 5).

Figure 4 Extent (ha) of each EVC modelled within the study area in 1750 and 2005.

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Figure 5 EVC coverage across the City of Greater Dandenong pre 1750 (left) and today (right).

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Overall tree canopy cover for the entire municipality is approximately 9.9%, including all trees across the study area on private and public land, along waterways and roadside reserves (Jacobs et al. 2014, Figure 6). In addition to remnant vegetation in reserves, a total of 55,276 street trees have been recorded throughout the municipality (City of Greater Dandenong 2017), contributing to Greater Dandenong’s biodiversity. Since 2004, 88 different tree species have been planted. Street trees provide habitat for a number of native bird species that don’t require dense areas of vegetation, including Australian Magpies, Magpie-Larks, Rainbow Lorikeets and Wattlebirds. Actions for increasing canopy cover include revegation of existing bushland reserves, selecting and planting appropriate street tree species and providing incentives for protecting vegetation on private property.

Figure 6 Canopy cover (%) for selected Victorian Local Government Areas (Jacobs et al. 2014)

Three EVCs modelled from pre-1750 no longer occur in the study area, including Floodplain Riparian Woodland (EVC 56), Swampy Riparian Complex (EVC 126) and Creekline Herb-rich Woodland (EVC 164). Bioregional conservation statuses are used as a measure of the current extent and quality for EVCs. These statuses are determined using a combination of the EVC and bioregion and each EVC is listed as Endangered, Vulnerable, Depleted, Least Concern or Rare. Twelve EVCs recorded throughout the municipality have been listed as endangered or vulnerable (Table 1). Of these, seven were recorded as part of the habitat assessments associated with the development of the Biodiversity Action Plan and are therefore known to still occur. The remaining five EVCs were considered moderately likely to occur throughout the municipality (see Appendix 1) for definition of likelihoods and criteria). EVC-specific actions can be implemented to help improve the extent and condition of each extant EVC throughout the study area. These actions can range from carrying out introduced species control to planting of particular species to improve vegetation structure and composition (see Ecology Australia 2021).

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The most common EVCs still found within the municipality are described below:

Plains Grassy Woodland (157 ha): Plains Grassy Woodland generally occurs on poorly drained, fertile soils on flat or gently undulating plains at low elevations. Tree canopies of this vegetation type throughout the City of Greater Dandenong tend to be dominated by remnant River Red Gum. Understoreys consist of sparse shrubs and several smaller tree species including Black Wattle Acacia mearnsii, Blackwood A. melanoxylon and Tea Tree Leptospermum spp. Prominent examples of this type of EVC are found at Frank Pellicano Reserve, Fotheringham Reserve and Greaves Reserve.

Plains Grassland/Plains Grassy Woodland Mosaic (168 ha): Plains Grassland tends to be treeless vegetation dominated by largely grass and herb life forms however, shrubs and trees may be also occasionally present. Examples of this EVC include small patches in Frank Pellicano Reserve, while examples can also be found in roadside reserves throughout the western section of the Green Wedge along Thompsons and Glasscocks Road. This EVC is often found as a mosaic with Plains Grassy Woodland (examples found within Greaves Reserve and Tirhatuan Park), with many grass and herb species such as Weeping Grass Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides, Wattle Mat-rush Lomandra filiformis and Common Bog-sedge Schoenus apogon often found in both vegetation types.

Swampy Riparian Woodland (121 ha): Swampy Riparian Woodland generally occupies the riparian zone of low energy streams with a canopy dominated by Eucalypts. The understorey tends to be dominated by a range of large and medium shrub species, including Blackwood, Swamp Paperbark Melaleuca ericifolia, Sweet Bursaria Bursaria spinosa and Prickly Tea-tree Leptospermum continentale in combination with large tussock grasses and sedges in the ground layer. Examples of Swampy Riparian Woodland include patches at Dandenong Police paddocks, Melbourne Water Wetlands and Tirhatuan Park.

Damp Sands Herb-Rich Woodland (26 ha): Damp Sands Herb-Rich Woodland is generally a grassy or bracken-dominated eucalypt forest or open woodland with a large shrub layer containing species such as Black Wattle, Common Heath Epacris impressa, Prickly Tea-tree and Heath Tea-tree L. myrsinoides along with a ground layer rich in herbs, grasses, and orchids. Occurs mainly on flat or undulating areas on moderately fertile, relatively well- drained, deep sandy or loamy topsoils over heavier subsoils. Examples include remnant patches at Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve and Coomoora Reserve.

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3.2 Threatened EVCs

Table 1 Threatened EVCs found in the City of Greater Dandenong LGA.

Bioregional Conservation EVC Number Example within study area status Creekline Grassy Woodland* EVC 68 Endangered Fotheringham reserve Damp Sands Herb-rich EVC 3 Vulnerable Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve Woodland* Floodplain Riparian EVC 56 Endangered Tirhatuan Park Woodland* Grassy Woodland* EVC 55 Endangered Leon Trembath Sth of Braeside Park, bordering Plains Grassy Wetland EVC 125 Endangered study area Plains Grassy Woodland * EVC 55 Endangered Tirhatuan Park Plains Swampy Woodland* EVC 651 Endangered Frank Pellicano reserve Riparian Scrub EVC 191 Vulnerable Dandenong Police Paddocks Swampy Riparian Woodland* EVC 83 Endangered Greaves Reserve Swamp Scrub EVC 53 Endangered Dandenong Police Paddocks Swampy Woodland EVC 937 Endangered Dandenong Police Paddocks *EVCs recorded as part of Biodiversity Action Plan surveys 2021 (see section 6).

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3.3 Flora Species A total of 583 plant species have been recorded throughout the City of Greater Dandenong, including 90 tree species, 77 shrub species, 24 orchid species, 72 grass species, 18 climber/vine species and 3 non- vascular plant species (i.e. bryophytes, liverworts). Of these, 356 native species and 227 non-native species have been recorded (Appendix 5).

3.4 Threatened Species A total of 42 species listed as threatened under the EPBC Act 1999 (DAWE 2020a), FFG Act 1988 or the Victorian Threatened Species Advisory List were recorded or have had habitat modelled (DAWE 2020c) within the City of Greater Dandenong municipality (Appendix 6). Of these, 27 were considered to have at least a moderate likelihood of occurrence, 12 were considered to have low likelihood and three were considered unlikely to occur (see Appendix 1 for definition of likelihoods and criteria). Of the 42 species listed, one is presumed extinct, 10 are considered endangered, 15 considered vulnerable, 13 considered rare and three are poorly known. Poorly known taxa are those which are suspected although not definitely known to be threatened within the state, with uncertainty generally due to lack of sufficient data on distribution. Figure 7 shows the locations of threatened species observations (for those species where specific location information was available).

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Figure 7 Known locations of threatened flora species recorded throughout the COGD LGA

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4 Fauna

The information presented in this section was derived from a range of sources including database searches, relevant reports and supplemented by habitat assessments. The searches focused primarily on areas from within the City of Greater Dandenong LGA but included database records from within 5 km outside of the LGA boundary. For details of these methods refer to Appendix 2. A total of 429 native and introduced animal species have been recorded within the City of Greater Dandenong (Appendix 3), and of these, 388 are native. A breakdown of species within each animal taxonomic group is indicated below.

4.1 Amphibians A total of 10 frog species have historically been recorded from the region defined as the City of Greater Dandenong. However, three species (Haswell’s Froglet, Common Spadefoot Toad and Southern Toadlet) may be locally extinct. The causal factors resulting in the loss of these species from the region of Greater Dandenong is due to widescale habitat loss and fragmentation, and the impact of 10+ years of severe drought which affected the greater Melbourne region and resulted in a significant decline in autumn breeding frog species, such as Southern Toadlet (C. Cleeland pers. com. 2021).

4.2 Mammals A total of 44 mammal species (including one monotreme and 12 bat species) have been recorded historically from the Greater Dandenong region.

4.2.1 Platypus A low-density population of platypus occurs in the Corhanwarrbul Creek/Monbulk Creek/Ferny Creek system, north-east of the City of Greater Dandenong LGA. Although no resident platypus are known to occur in Dandenong Creek, they have extensive home ranges and may at least forage in Dandenong Creek upstream or downstream of the Corhanwarrbul Creek confluence including within the northern part of the Greater Dandenong LGA. The likelihood that platypus occasionally use Dandenong Creek within the COGD LGA is enhanced by males undertaking larger movements in search of females during the breeding season, and juveniles dispersing large distances in search of territory. Platypus were recently (January 2021) listed as a threatened species in Victoria. They occupy a wide range of habitats, but typically occur in higher densities in perrenially flowing streams/rivers with consolidated banks stabilised by large trees, overhanging vegetation, shallow pools, coarse woody debris and coarse channel substrates (Bino et al. 2019). While platypus occur in habitats without some of these features (e.g. fine substrates) such as those that dominate in Dandenong Creek, often macroinvertebrate abundance is reduced, in turn reducing the density of the platypus population, increasing the foraging distances required and susceptibility of platypus to threats.

4.2.2 Kreft’s Glider (formerly Sugar Glider) Kreft’s Glider has been recorded within the Greater Dandenong LGA (a single record) but this may have to do with survey effort and forwarding the record to the VBA. Historically, Kreft’s Gliders would have inhabited the forest and woodland throughout the LGA, but with urbanisation and the loss of habitat, particularly trees, the numbers would have decreased.

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Of all the arboreal animals, Kreft’s Glider has maintained good populations in remnant vegetation patches and linear roadside strips. Where linear roadside strips are wide (about four trees wide) and contain a good mix of nest hollows and food trees, the density of Sugar Gliders can be high. The ability of these animals to glide up to 50 m (more often 20–30 m) means that these animals can move freely given the right tree spacing. There is the potential that with the correct management of roadside trees and linear strips, connectivity pathways across urban areas can be reinstated and maintained.

4.2.3 Rakali Rakali Hydromys chrysogaster have been recorded from the Greater Dandenong LGA near Bangholme. This species occupies a wide variety of habitats, including wetlands, lakes, rivers, creeks, irrigation channels, brackish estuaries and sheltered marine habitats. They typically occur in areas with an abundance of dense emergent aquatic vegetation (e.g. reeds) or fringing riparian vegetation along the banks. The species hunts primarily in the water, eating fish, crayfish, aquatic insects, and mussels, but will also prey on turtles and frogs and opportunistically prey and scavenge on terrestrial species along the edges of waterways. This makes it more adaptable to waterway disturbances associated with urbanisation than platypus, a species with a more specific diet and feeding method. Rakali can travel up to 4 km in a night during foraging activity. When hunting on land or moving between waterways/waterbodies the species is vulnerable to predation by foxes, cats and birds of prey such as Powerful Owls. Although swamp and wetland reduction has influenced its distribution, this adaptable species has also benefited from human actions in the landscape by making use of irrigation canals and other artificial waterways.

4.3 Birds A total of 252 bird species were recorded in the Greater Dandenong region, including 15 introduced species. The highest species diversity currently occurs in the parkland reserves along the north-eastern City of Greater Dandenong boundary, bordering Churchill NP and in the south at the Eastern Treatment Plant and nearby wetlands. The historical reduction of native vegetation in the area, drainage of wetlands and increase in built-up areas means that a number of once locally abundant native species are currently only occasional visitors from nearby remnants of higher quality habitat such as Churchill NP, Braeside Park and Edithvale-Seaford Wetland. The north-eastern reserves, including Tirhatuan Park, North and South Heatherton Road Wetlands and Hallam Valley Wetland, provide habitat for a variety of bird species favouring woodland and freshwater habitat. This includes Laughing Kookaburra, various Lorikeets, Honeyeaters and Robins, as well as occasional sightings of locally and nationally vulnerable and endangered species like Powerful Owl Ninox strenua, Black Falcon Falco subniger, Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis and Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor. The Eastern Treatment Plant and nearby wetlands are important habitat for waterbirds, waders and birds favouring less wooded habitat. In addition to local native birds, the Eastern Treatment Plant in conjunction with the nearby Edithvale-Seaford Ramsar wetland is important stop-over and feeding habitat for migratory waterbirds and waders. This includes threatened and endangered species like the Red Knot Calidris canutus, Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea, Little Egret Egretta garzetta and Blue- Billed Duck Oxyura australis.

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4.4 Reptiles A total of 22 reptile species have been recorded historically from the City of Greater Dandenong LGA. However, of this total number there are two forest-dependent species (Lace monitor Varanus varius and Spencer's Skink Pseudemoia spenceri) that no longer occur within the region. The records of an additional two species, Scrub python Morelia amethistina and Water dragon Intellagama lesueurii, likely represent escaped captive individuals that occur naturally outside the City of Greater Dandenong region. The latter species is known to have formed populations that persist outside their native range (Aus Mus website, T. Caldwell pers. comms.) and could potentially be persisting in the LGA.

4.5 Fish A total of 12 fish species (seven native, five exotic) are historically recorded from within the City of Greater Dandenong LGA. A further species is predicted to occur by the PMST. A considerable number of additional species would undoubtedly have once occurred in Dandenong Creek prior to development of the catchment and associated disturbances, including many listed in the PERCH list for the Bunyip River basin. Some of these species may still occur in low abundance within the City of Greater Dandenong, or may occur in neighbouring municipalities (e.g. upstream or downstream). Of these, the likelihood of threatened or iconic species occurrence is detailed in section 4.8 and Appendix 4.

4.5.1 Dwarf Galaxias Dwarf Galaxias is a nationally significant threatened species that was once widespread in the catchment; however, the species appears to disappear from many of the former habitats in the 2000s and only a few remnant populations remained. The species has been subject to a substantial habitat creation, habitat enhancement and reintroduction effort since then, with twenty habitats enhanced, modified, constructed and planted at five areas of the Dandenong Valley (Coleman et al. 2018). Some of the nine wetlands in the ‘Police Paddocks’ area are within the Greater Dandenong LGA, while others in proximity to the Greater Dandenong LGA are two wetlands at Mulgrave Reserve (north of the Greater Dandenong LGA). Additionally, 600 Dwarf Galaxias were stocked in the Tirhatuan Wetlands in Rowville in March 2017 (Coleman et al. 2018).

4.5.2 Australian Grayling Australian Grayling Prototroctes maraena is a nationally significant threatened species that has not been recorded from the Dandenong Creek catchment or other waterways in the Greater Dandenong catchment. However, juvenile upstream migrants have the potential to colonise/recolonise the catchment following recent improvements to fish passage at the rock ridge fishway on the Patterson River at Wells Rd in Patterson Lakes and the fixed rock and cone fishway currently being constructed at Pillars Crossing weir in Bangholme. Successful immigration of juvenile Australian Grayling could eventually lead to establishment of a breeding population if suitable habitat including suitable hydrological regime could be maintained.

4.5.3 Yarra Pygmy Perch Yarra Pygmy Perch Nannoperca obscura is a nationally significant threatened species that was recorded from the lower reaches of Dandenong Creek in the vicinity of Pillars Crossing in the early 1980s. This species hasn’t been recorded in the catchment since and is no longer thought to occur in the region. The 1980s record from Dandenong Creek represents the most easterly known record of the species former

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distribution. Efforts are underway to re-establish the species in the Dandenong Creek catchment, via establishment of a founder population via translocation from a range of other populations with appropriate genetic characteristics, followed by subsequent stocking at numerous locations in the Dandenong Valley, potentially including some of those constructed and established for Dwarf Galaxias (Coleman et al. 2018).

4.6 Crayfish Only two crayfish species have been historically recorded from within the City of Greater Dandenong boundary: Common Yabby Cherax destructor and an unknown species of Burrowing Crayfish Engaeus spp. Nine of the fourteen species of Burrowing Crayfish recorded from the Port Phillip and Western Port catchments are listed as threatened. This genus is highly under-surveyed and the potential for threatened Burrowing Crayfish to occur is unknown and cannot be discounted. Despite the paucity of any records in the Dandenong Creek catchment, other species of crayfish such as Southern Victorian Spiny Crayfish Euastacus yarraensis could potentially have once occurred in the area.

4.7 Other Invertebrates 18 other invertebrate species of invertebrates are recorded in the VBA, however none of these species are threatened. There has been a general lack of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate surveys throughout the City of Greater Dandenong area, and no comprehensive central database for invertebrates currently exists. Therefore, these results are likely to represent a tiny fraction of the invertebrate species diversity throughout Greater Dandenong.

4.8 Threatened Species A total of 91 fauna species listed as threatened under the EPBC Act 1999 (DAWE 2020b), FFG Act 1988 or the Victorian Threatened Species Advisory List (DELWP 2020) were recorded or have had habitat modelled (DAWE, 2020c) within the Greater Dandenong municipality (Appendix 4). Of these, 53 were considered to have at least a moderate likelihood of occurrence, 23 were considered to have a low likelihood, and 15 were considered unlikely to occur (see Appendix 1 for definition of likelihoods and criteria).

4.9 Fauna Habitat Fauna habitats across the City of Greater Dandenong have been categorised into four landscape habitat types: • Waterways and Wetlands • Urban/Industrial Habitats • Parks and Reserves • Agricultural Habitats

4.9.1 Waterways and Wetlands Low levels of biodiversity have been recorded throughout the waterways and waterbodies of the Greater Dandenong municipality (Melbourne Water 2018). Fish, frog, and aquatic macroinvertebrate species diversity has all been depleted as a result of extensive urbanisation, reducing suitable habitat

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and restricting movement. Riparian vegetation and associated floodplain habitats (e.g. wetlands) have also been significantly degraded, also through extensive urbanisation and land use modification. This was reflected in the low numbers of amphibian species recorded throughout the municipality. One threatened frog species, the Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformis, was considered moderately likely to occur, while another, the Southern Toadlet Pseudophryne semimarmorata, was considered unlikely to be found in the City of Greater Dandenong LGA. Permanent instream habitat is provided by Dandenong Creek and connected waterways, the Patterson River, Mordialloc Creek, Eumemmerring Creek and numerous dams and stormwater wetlands throughout the Greater Dandenong LGA. These habitats provide important refuges for aquatic fauna when connected intermittent tributaries and shallower wetlands dry out. During wet conditions, water may pool in other low-lying habitats on the floodplain. Although these habitats are often unmapped and sometimes dominated by weedy vegetation, when inundated they can provide highly productive and important habitat for frogs and for Dwarf Galaxias to breed in the relative absence of other fish species. In the clay-substrate dominated waterways of the Greater Dandenong LGA, submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation typically provide primary source of cover to aquatic fauna such as fish and crayfish and for a range of macroinvertebrates including freshwater shrimp, snails, leeches, worms, and insects with aquatic larval or nymph stages. Other important forms of cover expected to be present only in low abundance include branches and leaves, logs and undercut banks. Logs and stable undercut banks are important habitats for platypus and large-bodied native fish and would have originally been much more prevalent. The hydrological regime of waterways and waterbodies has been drastically altered, due to efficient transfer of stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces of the catchment, resulting in high velocity flows that scour the substrate and aquatic vegetation and erode the banks. Water quality and macroinvertebrates are very poor throughout the Greater Dandenong LGA (Melbourne Water 2018, EPA 2019, 2020) due to stormwater inputs and pollution associated with industrial areas within and upstream of the study area. Despite the very high levels of modification, the waterways and waterbodies of the Greater Dandenong LGA still support important aquatic fauna and associated values such as populations of Dwarf Galaxias and Southern Pygmy Perch, with good opportunities for ongoing improvements to be made including the re-establishment of Yarra Pygmy Perch. Some artificial waterbodies such as the the tertiary treatment ponts at the Eastern Treatment Plant provide habitat for a large number of waterbird species including migratory waders and shorebirds.

4.9.2 Urban and Industrial Habitats The urban environment generally has low biodiversity value because urbanisation removes many of the natural features and habitats in a landscape and replaces these features with a built environment of artificial materials. This reduces the available habitat for many native species, particularly those that require more specialised habitats, increasing the importance of remnant vegetation and habitat that may have been retained in open space (e.g. parklands, along waterway corridors, road reserves etc.) even if it is limited in extent. In contrast, for some robust generalist fauna species (predominantly exotic but some native) the urban environment provides a competitive advantage and enables large populations to establish and flourish.

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The primary habitat elements that make up the urban and industrial areas include scattered canopy trees and shrubs in gardens or on nature strips. These trees and shrubs are a mixture of exotic and native species and sometimes indigenous species that have been retained within the highly modified urban environment. This canopy cover can provide roosting, nesting and feeding habitat for fauna species that can survive in the urban areas. Urban specialist fauna species are typically highly mobile, do not require natural hollows, have non-specific diets, and can compete for limited resources. Two of the most visible native fauna species that are well adapted to urban environments are the Common Brush- tailed Possum Trichosurus vulpecula and Eastern Ring-tailed Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus. These two species have been able to utilise manufactured structures such as roof cavities as replacement of hollows. Home gardens provide an ample supply of plants to feed on and include fruits and vegetables as well as flowers. Within the urban habitats, many exotic species of fauna are able to dominate, with species such as Common Myna Acridotheres tristis, Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis, Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris, Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus, House Sparrow Passer domesticus and Black Rat Rattus rattus being very common in the Greater Dandenong municipality. Other pest species such as Red Fox Vulpes vulpes have been able to broaden their diet to include human food scraps and are able to thrive in urban habitats, while feral and domestic cats are also well-adapted to the urban environment, posing further significant impacts on native fauna through predation. Native bird species that are considered to be ‘urban specialists’ and are regularly seen in the City of Greater Dandenong include Ravens Corvus spp., Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata, Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen and Magpie Lark Grallina cyanoleuca. Where the urban matrix includes gardens containing native species of plants with a good supply of flowers, nectar, invertebrates and adequate cover for small birds, an additional suite of birds uses these food resources and associated habitats. Such species include New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae, Superb Fairy- wren Malurus cyaneus, White-plumed Honeyeater Ptilotula penicillata, Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala, Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius and Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus molucannus. Powerful Owl use the urban habitat matrix if there are large trees to roost in or there are hawking perches available that can be reached from their nest site. Suitable nesting trees tend to be outside the urban matrix of the City of Greater Dandenong LGA (e.g. Churchill NP). Powerful owls often use the urban environment due to the high densities of a major prey source, the Eastern Ring-tailed Possum. Bats, like most of the species encountered in the Greater Dandenong LGA, will also have decreased species richness resulting from the removal of native vegetation that forms a significant part of their habitat. Those species that are able to make use of the urban environment may thrive while those that require specific natural conditions are unlikely to occur in the area. There are 16 species of microbat known from the Greater Melbourne area; most of these are likely to be found in the City of Greater Dandenong. Other fauna species often encountered in the urban environments in the LGA include some skinks (e.g. Garden Skink Lampropholis guichenoti and Weasel Skink Saproscincus mustelinus) and Marbled Gecko Christinus marmoratus, species that that make use of landscaping in garden including cracks in building brickwork. Occasionally larger lizard species such as Common Blue-tongue Lizard Tiliqua scincoides may be encountered.

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4.9.3 Parks and Reserves The recreational based reserves provide open grassed areas often with large trees on the margins. These reserves provide feeding areas for parrot species such as Sulphur Crested Cockatoos Cacatua galerita, Corellas Cactua spp., Lorikeets and Rosellas Platycerus spp. that are often feeding on seeds or small bulbs of plants often found in these areas. Other smaller seed eating birds will also use the grassed areas. Besides the seed eating birds, the recreational reserves also provide food sources in the form of invertebrates such as spiders and worms for ground foraging insectivores like Magpies. The open spaces of the recreation reserves do provide open areas for foraging micro-bats that prefer feeding in open areas rather than densely vegetated areas. Similarly, where connectivity has been maintained to the broader non-urbanised landscape, grassed areas often attract Eastern Grey Kangaroos Macropus giganteus. Where the reserves have native or indigenous planted vegetation in patches, habitat quality improves with the provision of canopy and shrub cover for predation avoidance, roosting sites and micro scale connectivity. These remnant patches form potential habitat for arboreal animals such as Kreft’s Glider and possum species. Many reserves and parks have a drainage / flooding control function and support a range of temporary or permanent open water habitats, often varying in size and shape. This provides a variety of aquatic habitats that may range from shallow swampy grasslands that can be used by birds such as ibis or frogs to deeper water that may be utilised by waterfowl, egrets, frogs and Rakalis.

4.9.4 Agricultural Habitats Although highly variable depending on the nature of the agricultural activity and intensity, most agricultural areas also tend to have low biodiversity values, due to the removal of a large proportion of natural habitat. However, within the study area the Green Wedge zone contributes significantly to the municipality’s biodiversity values (Figure 2). Open pasture provides grazing opportunity for macropods and when these pastures get wet, they provide good feeding habitat for birds such as Ibis. Birds such as the Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis are often seen feeding near to grazing livestock. Low open grassland is also good feeding habitat for parrots, but also provides a relatively high invertebrate density that can be utilised by birds such as ravens and Magpies. Within the study area, and most notably within the Green Wedge, large remnant River Red Gums are found scattered across privately-owned paddocks and roadside reserves. In the Green Wedge, the most notable areas of scattered trees are between Springvale Road and Perry Road north of the Mordialloc Main Drain and between EastLink and Dandenong–Hastings Road south of Glasscocks Road (Planisphere 2016, Biosis 2018). These trees provide invaluable habitat in such areas. However, the isolation of these trees can sometimes detract from their value if they are not connected to other habitat patches. For more mobile species such as birds, these trees can provide excellent roosting and nesting habitats where they can find some level of safety from predators. However, for arboreal mammals, spacing between trees is critical and needs to be near enough to allow movement between trees rather than via the ground where predation risks are higher primarily due to the presence of foxes and cats.

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5 Biodiversity Threats

Since the 1850s, the Dandenong area has been heavily cleared and modified extensively, initially for agricultural purposes and subsequently for urban and industrial development (Bradshaw 2012). The extensive land clearing has led to high levels of habitat fragmentation, where once continuous areas of habitat are reduced to small, isolated patches of habitat, often in varying states of degradation. In addition, canopy cover throughout Greater Dandenong is very low, reflecting the heavily modified landscape from past and current land use. Broad opportunities for actions in response to the threats facing biodiversity throughout the municipality have been summarised here and listed here under each threat, with more specific actions listed in the Biodiversity Action Plan (Ecology Australia 2021).

5.1 Land Use Change and Development

5.1.1 Residential and Commercial development A number of significant threats to biodiversity have been identified as a result of residential and commercial development. These include direct threats to native fauna from predation by domestic cats and dogs, as well as an increase in injury or death from interacting with human infrastructure such as roads and powerlines. Residential and commercial development has also led to a significant loss of canopy cover throughout the municipality and an increase in impervious surfaces (see section 5.2), with native vegetation cover removed in order to accommodate building and infrastructure footprints (roads, footpaths, car parks – impervious surfaces), and other associated features (lawns, gardens, etc.). Increases in noise and light pollution can also impact on native fauna species through changed night habits (such as reproduction and migration) of vertebrates and their invertebrate prey species, and can also disrupt plants by distorting their natural day–night cycle. Significant numbers of scattered remnant native large trees in residential areas are removed if they are considered to pose a safety and property hazard. And residential gardens are a common source of infestation of high threat environmental weeds that are commercially available and popular, including species such as Agapanthus Agapanthus praecox subsp. orientalis and Sweet Pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum. A range of actions can be implemented to alleviate the effects of residential and commercial development, including tighter regulations on domestic pet ownership, actions to increase canopy cover and actions to reduce the impacts of noise and light pollution.

5.1.2 Industrial Development Land developed for industrial use is often maximised to create space for factories, storerooms and transport needs. Therefore, the majority of areas in industrial zones generally retain very little canopy cover or native vegetation and are dominated by impervious surfaces (refer to Section 5.2). Industrial areas are often associated with an increased risk of surface runoff being polluted due to chemical spillage or accidental discharge, impacting on the nearby habitats (soilds, vegetations and streams) that receive that runoff. Additionally, there is an increased risk of air pollution associated with some industries. As with residential and commercial development, industrial development is also associated with increased noise and light pollution.

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Throughout industrial areas, actions can include increasing canopy cover, reducing toxic stormwater runoff and protecting the existing remnants or scattered trees that persist.

5.1.3 Agriculture Land throughout Greater Dandenong was initially extensively cleared for agricultural purposes in the early 1800s, as the land throughout the area is highly suitable for agriculture. Agriculture is still an important land use throughout the study area, particularly in the Green Wedge, where 28% of land is used for agricultural purposes (mainly horticulture and livestock production). Increased risks of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides entering waterways are typically associated with agricultural development. Intensive use of floodplain land for commercial agriculture results in draining or filling in of shallow wetland drainage systems and replacing them with drains along the edges of paddocks, substantially altering the area’s hydrology. Unfenced waterways and wetlands are at risk of increases in erosion, sedimentation and decreased water quality as a result of stock access and associated impacts (pugging and defacation). Hard-hoofed grazing animals pose a direct threat to native vegetation by over-grazing, trampling and soil disturbance. In addition, unfenced paddock trees are preferentially used by stock in summer months for shade, leading to stock camps forming. This also results in intensification of soil compaction of tree roots, increased nitrogen and phosphorous input, and loss of bark and damage to cambium layers from stock rubbing against the tree. Agricultural areas throughout the study area, particularly the Green Wedge, contain high numbers of individual remant trees, mostly River Red Gum, along roadsides and in privately owned paddocks. Actions that can either increase or provide protection for these trees are therefore crucial to conserving biodiversity.

5.1.4 Waterway Alterations Most of the waterways have been heavily modified, with riparian zones being cleared, sections of waterways being channelised, concrete-lined and piped underground. A section of Dandenong Creek between the confluence of Mile Creek to just upstream of Kidds Road, Dandenong (~4.5 km), is concrete-lined, drastically reducing its habitat value to aquatic fauna. Upstream of the Greater Dandenong LGA there are extensive sections of Dandenong Creek in the Bayswater area that are piped underground, although ‘daylighting’ of a smaller section in Heathcote has been undertaken by Melbourne Water in recent years (Melbourne Water 2018). Weirs, concrete-lined sections, and piped sections of waterways can pose partial or total barriers to fish fish passage and movement of other aquatic fauna. Barriers can prevent both local and migratory movements including juvenile dispersal and re-colonisation of suitable habitats. Additionally, weirs in the estuarine part of the catchment (e.g. such as the Wells Road weir on the Patterson River, prevent upstream movement of the salt wedge/mixing zone, reducing the upstream extent of the estuary and associated estuarine ecology of the system. Barriers of relevance to the Greater Dandenong LGA include Pillars Crossing weir at Bangholme on Dandenong Creek/Patterson River, where a substantial fishway upgrade (i.e. construction of a cone fishway) is currently underway. Others include the Wells Road weir at Patterson Lakes, which received a

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significant upgrade in 2015 (i.e. a rock ridge fishway), but is still scheduled for further works before 2028 (Melbourne Water 2018a). Barriers also occur on Mordialloc Creek including at the Pillars Crossing Weir, where no fishway currently exists at the confluence of Mordialloc Creek and Dandenong Creek. The presence of multiple barriers in Dandenong Creek is reflected in the Instream Connectivity waterway condition score for the Dandenong Creek catchment being ‘Low’, a measure of the proportion of waterway length that is free from barriers to fish movement (Melbourne Water 2018). While Melbourne Water are responsible for rectifications of barriers etc. on larger waterways/drains with a catchment area over 60 hectares, the removal/rectification of barriers or reinstatement of habitat and natural flow paths on smaller waterways and associated floodplains could be of significant benefit in achieving biodiversity throughout the LGA and surrounding areas. In addition, mapping low- lying areas of floodplain and increasing protection and rehabilitation of floodplain habitats would be of benefit.

5.2 Altered Hydrology The natural hydrology of the waterways and waterbodies in the Greater Dandenong LGA have been dramatically altered by wetland drainage, waterway deepening and channelisation, concrete-lining and piping, farm dam construction, weirs and water diversions, retarding basins, connection to the stormwater network, and the proliferation of impervious surfaces associated with urbanisation. Hydrological regimes have a profound effect on habitat suitability for aquatic fauna. The efficient transfer of stormwater to urban waterways via impervious surfaces and the stormwater network increases peak flow rates and the frequency flow peaks, resulting in increased scour and erosion of the bed and banks of waterways and reduced habitat stability (e.g. increased scour of vegetation and downstream transport of branches/logs). The reduced habitat suitability for aquatic macroinvertebrates, reduces food resources for fish, waterbirds, Platypus and Rakali. The key value of Stormwater Condition has been rated as ‘very low’ in the Dandenong Creek catchment, with this measure a measure of directly connected imperviousness connected to streams (Melbourne Water 2018). Weirs on Dandenong Creek such as at Pillars Crossing not only impede movement but create upstream ‘weir pool’ effects, where water levels are typically maintained at relatively static levels and the resulting hydrological regime dramatically alters aquatic vegetation, and typically creates habitats that favour introduced fish species such as European Carp Cyprinus carpio, Redfin Perca fluviatilis and Eastern Gambusia Gambusia holbrooki. In addition, reductions/diversions of natural flooding in areas of open space reserves reduces surface water availability and ground water repletion, affecting the ability of some open spaces to sustain large old trees. The installation and maintainance of water sensitive urban design treatment features and areas that attenuate peak flows and provide biodiversity values would be of significant benefit in achieving biodiversity outcomes in relation to altered hydrological regimes on smaller waterways throughout the LGA and surrounding areas. The benefits of these actions to larger waterways such as Dandenong Creek and Eummemmerring Creek are unlikely to be apparenent without a coordinated approach from upstream LGAs and Melbourne Water.

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5.3 Invasive and Overabundant Species

5.3.1 Environmental weeds Numerous introduced plant species have colonised large areas throughout the municipality and pose significant threats to native plants through competition for resources. These include key woody weeds Flax-leaf Broom Genista linifolia, Blackberry Rubus fruticosus, Blue Periwinkle Vinca major, Atlantic Ivy Hedera hibernica and Gorse Ulex europaeus. Key herbaceous weeds include White Arum-lily Zantedeschia aethiopica, Kikuyu Cenchrus clandestinus, Couch Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon and Brown-top Bent Agrostis capillaris grasses. Reserves with significant weed cover included Fotheringham Reserve (Nasturtium sp., Blackberry, Wandering Trad), Greaves Reserve (Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea, Kikuyu) and Melbourne Water Wetlands (Phalaris sp., Blackberry). A detailed and systematic assessment of the distribution of introduced plants throughout the municipality is needed to provide a more accurate and definitive description of the threats associated with introduced plants.

5.3.2 Pest Animals Pest animals are a significant threat through competition with and predation on native animals and through habitat destruction (DAWE n.d.). A total of 41 fauna species recorded throughout the City of Greater Dandenong have been introduced to Australia. Of these, three species and their impacts are listed as Key Threatening Processes under the EPBC Act (1999). The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists the impacts of one additional species as a Potentially Threatening Process (Sambar Deer Sambar Deer) (Table 2). In 2016, The Eastern Region Pest Animal Network, encompassing Greater Dandenong, was established in response to the pest animal problem facing the region and developed the Eastern Region Pest Animal Strategy (Eco Logical 2020). This strategy lists five pest species/groups (European Fox, Cat Felis catus, European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, deer (all species) and Common (Indian) Myna) selected as priority pests due to their impacts on native biodiversity, risk to safety and production values, and local community concerns in the Eastern Region. Of these priority species, four are considered to pose a threat to biodiversity in Greater Dandenong (Table 2). In particular, small ground-dwelling mammals, reptiles, birds and insects are highly vulnerable to predation from foxes and cats throughout the municipality. Rabbits have also been recorded often across multiple Council reserves while dogs also pose a threat to wildlife. In addition, Mynas aggressively exclude native birds from their habitat. Three fish species recorded from the municipality are declared ‘Noxious’ under Section 75 of the Fisheries Act 1995: Carp, Eastern Gambusia and Oriental Weatherloach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus. Other pest fish in the municipality are Redfin, Roach Rutilus rutilus and Goldfish Carassius auratus, despite these species not currently being declared noxious. Some pest species, particularly Eastern Gambusia and Redfin, are known to drastically reduce the abundance and recruitment success of small- bodied native fish species such as Southern Pygmy Perch Nannoperca australis, Dwarf Galaxias and Yarra Pygmy Perch through predation (Redfin and to a lesser extent Eastern Gambusia), competition, and fin-nipping (Eastern Gambusia). The substantial impact of Eastern Gambusia has been factored into the design of the Dwarf Galaxias habitats in the Dandenong Creek catchment by providing habitats with varying degrees of hydrologic connectivity and incorporating the ability to dry out Eastern Gambusia invaded habitats through manual pumping or by opening outlet valves (Coleman et al. 2018).

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A population of Smooth Newts Lissotriton vulgaris occurs in south-eastern Melbourne, with some sites occurring in the Greater Dandenong area. Due to concerns about subsequent illegal liberations of this species, the location of these sites cannot be provided within this document. The impact of this species on native frogs and fish such as Dwarf Galaxias are largely unknown. However, competition for habitat and food resources is likely. Potential remains for control or eradication of this invasive species, while the extent of the incursion remains relatively small (Schmidt et al. 2016). As with introduced plant species, a more detailed and systematic assessment of past animal threats is needed to effectively manage the threats they pose. Further, a more strategic and collaborative approach to introduced animal/plant control with neighbouring councils and land managers is needed.

Table 2 Pest animal species recorded from Greater Dandenong, listed under state or federal legislation or listed as priority pests by the Eastern Region Pest Animal Network

EPBC FFG Fisheries Priority Scientific name Common name Regional threat level Act Act Act 1995 pest Acridotheres tristis Common Myna * High Cervus unicolor Sambar Deer * Domestic Cat Felis catus * * * High (feral) Oryctolagus European Rabbit * * * Low to moderate cuniculus Vulpes vulpes Red Fox * * * Moderate Cyprinus carpio Carp * Gambusia Eastern * holbrooki Gambusia Misgurnus Orietal * anguillicaudatus Weatherloach

5.4 Transport and Utility Corridors Roadsides throughout Greater Dandenong support a substantial amount of remnant native vegetation and are expected to make a significant contribution to ecological connectivity throughout the region. For example, many remnant patches of native vegetation (containing River Red Gums, Manna Gums, Swamp Gums or Swamp Paperbarks) throughout the Green Wedge are associated with roadsides (Biosis 2018). These ares of remnant vegetation provide nesting and foraging habitat for mobile fauna species such as bats, birds and possums. Roadside vegetation clearance, for road-widening or management purposes, therefore has the potential to impact biodiversity values. Habitat fragmentation is one of the major consequences of road developments, often leading to a reduction in habitat area for species surviving in urban landscapes as well as greater isolation from surrounding habitat. In addition, secondary effects of fragmentation, including establishment of introduced plant species, increased noise and light pollution associated with traffic, and increases in litter/pollution can greatly reduce the quality of habitat for fauna.

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Road crossings are also a major cause of mortality for many fauna species, particularly those living in roadside vegetation or with a high rate of dispersal. Some road crossings of waterways (e.g. some types of culverts) can pose a physical barrier, velocity barrier or behavioural barrier (e.g. culvert too long and dark) to fish passage under certain conditions, unless fish passage friendly designs have been incorporated. Actions to improve biodiversity outcomes along transport and utility corridors include providing greater protection for native vegetation (including individual trees) outside council reserves, as well as considering the use of major road underpasses for wildlife dispersal, particularly for the more substantial corridors and to link-up bushland reserves within the Dandenong region.

5.5 Human Disturbance Greater Dandenong contains a mix of parks, sports reserves, civic spaces and conservation areas, many of which support remnant patches of native vegetation or scattered trees. For example, Dandenong Creek Trail, which links major open spaces, wetlands and floodplains in Dandenong North, supports a range of significant flora and fauna species. Recreational activities such as walking and cycling do not present high impact threats to biodiversity, however the track networks developed throughout many of Greater Dandenong’s open spaces and conservation areas contribute to habitat fragmentation. Furthermore, disturbance also occurs from humans walking and dogs. Human movement throughout reserves and open spaces (i.e. away from designated track networks) can have some impacts on native vegetation through the use of unofficial pathways and trampling of vegetation. Residents letting dogs off leash also presents threats through trampling, harassment and injury to fauna and potential effects of dog droppings. Dumping of rubbish can also lead to biodiversity losses. Actions to minimise the influence of human movement on biodiversity include developing a responsible pet ownership education program, enforcing dogs on leashes in areas where required and increasing awareness of biodiversity to all members of the public.

5.6 Pollution There are a number of sources of pollution that pose threats to biodiversity throughout Greater Dandenong, including littering, urban and agricultural run-off, stormwater pollution and air pollution. Stormwater pollution in particular, presents a significant threat to biodiversity values throughout the municipality, as a range of pollutants such as chemicals, oils and litter that enter the stormwater system can greatly reduce water quality and the quality of aquatic and fringing terrestrial habitats in receiving waterways or waterbodies. Based on indicators including dissolved oxygen, metals, nutrients, pH, salinity and water clarity, the water quality of waterways in the Greater Dandenong LGA and the wider Dandenong Creek catchment, remain rated as very poor to poor (EPA Victoria 2020, 2019). The key values score for macroinvertebrates is also very low for the Dandenong Creek catchment, reflecting both water quality and other components of habitat quality (Melbourne Water 2018). An expansion of pollution monitoring in waterways is needed to improve biodiversity across the area, while installing litter traps or drain socks on stormwater outlets known to be problematic for litter would also be of benefit.

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5.7 Climate Change Based on recent projections annual average temperatures across eastern Melbourne are likely to increase by 1.6 to 2.7°C, with precipitation reduced by up to 13% by 2050. By 2070, temperatures are likely to increase by 2.0 to 3.0°C and conditions are likely to be much drier, with precipitation reduced between 6% and 21% (EAGA 2013). These changes will have significant impacts on many aspects of biodiversity. Further, these impacts on biodiversity are strongly dependent on interactions with other pressures including pollution, land clearing, habitat fragmentation, introduced plants and animals, modified hydrology and increasing urbanisation. At a species level, species such as Australian flying foxes are directly impacted by rising temperature. For example, extreme temperatures (i.e. above 40°C) exceeding the physiological limits of these species have caused mortality in many populations of Australian flying-foxes (Welbergen et al. 2008). Many species of reptiles also appear to be susceptible to increasing temperature linked to climate change, with 6% of species expected to be extinct by 2050 (Sinervo et al. 2010). River Red Gums, which make a significant contribution to the biodiversity of Greater Dandenong and surrounding municipalities, are also susceptible to climate change. River Red Gum seedling establishment, the critical stage in

regeneration, is vulnerable to heat stress while rising CO2 levels may lead to lower production of defence chemicals, putting trees at risk of increased insect predation (Bustos-Segura et al. 2017). In addition, amphibian declines have been caused by climate change largely through increases in disease (Pounds et al. 2006). Ongoing drought is already reported to be a major factor in the loss of large numbers of trees in Melbourne’s parks and gardens (Cooke 2010). Climate change will also alter crucial ecosystem services within urban areas such as temperature regulating services, evaporation, humidity, and air quality. This in turn can exacerbate the urban heat island effect, increasing already higher temperatures in urban areas. Tree cover in urban areas, already low in municipalities such as Greater Dandenong, is also likely to be adversely affected, as increases in temperature, reduced surface water availability, and drier conditions can all reduce the health of urban trees. Freshwater wetlands are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Wetlands typically rely on seasonal flows, therefore any shift to drier conditions can have significant impacts on the hydrology of freshwater ecosystems (Fay et al. 2016). Many urban wetlands, such as those found in Greater Dandenong, are likely to be at greater risk of dying out as temperatures increase. This can significantly reduce the amount of habitat available for breeding and feeding many waterbird species. Further, sea-level rise will potentially lead to substantial shifts in flooding regimes of urban wetlands, adversely effecting habitat quality for species reliant on wetlands. While little information is available on specific species considered significant (i.e. listed as threatened or considered to be iconic) within the municipality, migratory species such as Latham’s Snipes and Swift Parrots are considered particularly vulnerable to changes in distribution as breeding seasons and associated migratory patterns are altered (Clairbaux et al. 2019). To address climate risks to biodiversity, Council needs to address climate change related issues when developing policies and plans, incorporate areas most at risk of climate change into mapping and look for opportunities to achieve objectives in the Climate Emergency Strategy (City of Greater Dandenong 2020a) that also achieve biodiversity outcomes.

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6 Habitat Assessments

6.1 Introduction and Methods To prioritise actions that may improve habitat quality and connectivity across the municipality, 30 sites were selected (Figure 8, Appendix 9) as sites of biodiversity significance and assessed for habitat quality (Table 3 and Table 4). Sites were defined as areas of significance if they were located within the Greater Dandenong municipality, contained existing remnants of modelled EVCs (DELWP, 2020a), were identified as containing significant biodiversity values (i.e. remnant River Red Gums), or the presence of flora and fauna species listed under the EPBC Act 1999 (DAWE 2020a), FFG Act 1988 (DELWP, 2019b) or the Victorian Threatened Species Advisory List (DELWP 2020d) had been recorded since 2010. Spatial analysis was conducted using ArcGIS (ESRI, 2016) software. Following site selection, 10 km buffers were generated around each site and the following connectivity metrics were calculated: • Total area of site; • Area of any other EVC patches within 10 km buffer; • Percentage of 10 km buffer area containing any other EVC patches; • Area of the same EVC patches within 10 km buffer; • Percentage of 10 km buffer area containing any of the same EVC patches; and • Distance to nearest patch of the same EVC. To assess condition of each site, Vegetation Quality Assessments were conducted using the Habitat Hectares method (DSE 2004) at 18 sites that had been modelled as extant EVCs. Rapid assessments were conducted at a further 12 sites where sites access was not possible or no extant EVCs have been modelled. These assessments provided measures of habitat characteristics likely to influence the ability of species to persist in patches of habitat. The assessments included measurements of structural diversity, floristic species diversity, recruitment levels and presence of habitat characteristics such as older trees for nesting/hollows, presence of logs and leaf litter. 6.2 Results Dandenong Police Paddocks Reserve scored the second highest habitat hectares score as well as having one of the highest percentages of EVCs within 10 km (Table 3). In addition, five listed threatened species have been recorded at this site since 2010, which may be a result of greater connectivity (Appendix 7). The patch of Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83) assessed at Tirhatuan Park also had five listed species recorded as present since 2010. Melbourne Water Wetlands has had eight listed species recorded at this site since 2010, which may be due to being one of the largest remnants in the municipality. In contrast, five sites (two sites located within Coomoora Reserve, one site at Greaves Reserve, one site at Tirhatuan Park and Leon Trembath Reserve) all recorded a combination of low habitat hectares scores and low percentages of EVCs within 10 km (Table 3). One of these sites (Greaves Reserve) had only one listed species recorded since 2012 (see Appendix 7 for all listed threatened species recorded in study sites). When looking at individual site condition scores from the Habitat Hectares scores (Appendix 8), Fotheringham Reserve (Plains Grassy Woodland), Greaves Reserve (Plains Grassy Woodland) and Melbourne Water Wetlands all recorded significantly lower understorey scores indicating a lack of native shrubs, herbs and grasses. Greaves Reserve (Plains Grassy Woodland) and Melbourne Water

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Wetlands also recorded high levels of weed cover, which may be restricting the ability of the native understorey to regenerate. Native woody species recruitment was very low at multiple sites, many of which also recorded high levels of weed cover. With the exception of the two sites at Fotheringham Reserve and a site at Frank Pellicano (Plains Grassy Woodland), all sites recorded low patch size scores. The area alongside the Patterson River adjacent to the Eastern Treatment plant was the largest of the non-modelled EVC assessment sites, however had relatively low levels of connectivity (Table 4). In contrast, sites further to the north such as Eumemmering Creek (Nth of Sth Gippsland Highway) were much smaller sites but have higher levels of connectivity to extant vegetation.

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Figure 8 Assessment site locations within study area (both modelled and non-modelled extant EVCs).

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Table 3 Summary of spatial analyses and habitat hectares scores for modelled extant EVCs.

10km Buffer Area** of EVC Percentage of Area of same EVC Percentage of Distance (km) to Habitat Site name Area (ha) patches in 10km EVC within 10km patches in 10km same EVC within closest same EVC hectares score (ha) buffer (ha) 10km buffer (modelled) Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve 31656 2069 6.54 99.20 0.31 0.40 1.27 Coomoora Reserve 32013 1806 5.64 99.20 0.31 0.40 1.20 Coomoora Reserve 32028 1903 5.94 264.60 0.83 0.30 0.79 Dandenong Police Paddocks 31826 4840 14.09 543.30 1.71 1.70 2.40 Reserve Fotheringham Reserve 32315 3556 11.00 21.00 0.06 2.70 0.98 Fotheringham Reserve 31717 3598 11.34 265.00 0.84 0.63 0.54 Frank Pellicano Reserve 33269 4328 10.83 535.00 1.59 0.11 3.82 Frank Pellicano Reserve 32206 3739 10.60 515.40 1.60 0.16 0.22 Greaves Reserve 32071 3327 10.37 265.00 0.83 0.13 0.36 Greaves Reserve 32262 3371 10.45 400.00 1.24 0.32 0.32 Leon Trembath Reserve 32033 3174 9.91 181.00 0.56 0.60 0.26 Melbourne Water Wetlands 34242 5022 14.06 498.70 1.46 3.00 0.62 Robert Booth 33257 5013 13.00 476.54 1.32 3.10 0.43 Robert Booth 33338 5297 14.60 551.70 1.70 5.00 0.36 Tirhatuan Park 31867 4956 14.43 4.10 0.01 5.20 0.14 Tirhatuan Park 31512 4961 14.61 255.10 0.81 1.00 0.25 Tirhatuan Park 33338 5297 14.57 551.70 1.65 2.70 0.99

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Table 4 Summary of spatial analyses for sites not modelled as extant EVCs.

Site Area Area of EVC patches in Percentage of EVC within Site Name (ha) 10km (ha) 10km buffer 120 Coleman’s Road 2.02 3335 10.40 Bowman’s Redgum reserve 0.73 1732 5.40 Currajong Reserve 1.39 3903 12.20 ETP Patterson River 13.51 2539 7.50 Eumemmering Creek Nth of Sth 3.90 3986 12.20 Gippsland Highway Glasscocks Road 10.49 3662 9.70 Greens Rd/Eastlink 8.02 3266 9.70 Greens Rd/Railway 1.97 3800 11.90 Hammond Road 3.86 3237 10.00 Hira College 0.42 2034 6.40 Taylor's Road 2.44 3804 11.30 Thompson’s Road 6.59 4571 12.40

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6.3 Priorities Based on Habitat Hectares scores (Table 3 and Appendix 8), site-specific actions to prioritise with the aim of improving vegetation quality have been developed (see Ecology Australia 2021). Spatial analysis (Table 3) indicates that these sites have low amounts of similar habitat in the study area, however these actions may also assist in increasing a site’s connectivity potential. For example, planting of native understorey species has been listed as an action in response to sites without or with poor quality understoreys, planting of canopy tree species has been listed as an action in sites with poor canopy cover, and installation of nest boxes has been listed in response to sites lacking large old trees with the potential to act as habitat for native fauna. Examples of potential species for planting at each site have been given based upon lifeforms which were found to be lacking in diversity or cover during site VQA assessments (Appendix 8). These are examples only and are not exhaustive lists of potential planting species. Further examples can be found in the relevant EVC Benchmarks (DELWP 2020a). Planting of canopy species such as Eucalyptus sp. and Corymbia sp. can provide future foraging habitat for a number of native species including Grey-headed Flying Fox Pteropus poliocephalus and Swift Parrot. In addition, a focus on introduced plant species management has been recommended in sites containing a high introduced species cover. Further site-specific assessment of native or introduced species to target will be required as this was beyond the scope of this plan. Any actions carried out based on habitat assessments need to be considered in context to the broader management issues of the particular reserve.

Based on rapid roadside assessments of 12 sites not modelled as extant EVCs, actions have been recommended to preserve species compositions present at a site or potentially improve the condition of habitat. As with sites modelled as extant EVCs, low amounts of remnant habitat were recorded in the study area (Table 4) around these sites. However, actions aimed at improving habitat condition may also improve potential connectivity at a site. A number of these sites contain locally significant populations of plant species. For example, the small remnant of native vegetation adjacent to Mt Hira College contains a number of locally rare flora species, including Scrub Sheoak and Pale Flax-lily Dianella longifolia s.l. as well as being the only known remnant within the municipality to contain Veined Spear- grass, Common Love-grass and Tall Sword-sedge. It is therefore crucial to maintain this remnant to protect Greater Dandenong’s remaining biodiversity values. Where applicable, examples of pre-1750 EVCs have been provided to potentially guide revegetation efforts.

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7 Habitat Connectivity for Icon Species

Protecting and conserving species are complex tasks due to the tight budget allocated for conservation management, particularly within heavily urbanised areas where both the size and quality of habitat has been greatly reduced. Thus, a subset of a species assemblage is often used in conservation management as both indicators of environmental change and to promote awareness and knowledge of biodiversity. Identifying and using surrogate species in order to focus landscape scale biodiversity planning actions has been used in various ways over the decades, with various terms used to describe variations of the approach such as icon, focal, umbrella, flagship and indicator species (Wiens et al. 2008). In this report, the term ‘Icon species’ refers to individual species that can be used to represent a broader set of species to support conservation strategies to provide appropriate ecological conditions for the full set of species of the area (Lambeck 1997). However, the use of the Icon species approach in isolation does come with trade-offs in reliability of the coverage of appropriate attributes of the broader species pool (Wiens et al. 2008). Multiple fauna Icon species were chosen that realistically represent the current ecosystems, habitats and life-forms and threats of the Greater Dandenong municipality. Five such Icon species that can act as surrogate species and potentially lead to protection of a wider range of species with similar ecological requirements have been selected to aid in biodiversity conservation throughout the City of Greater Dandenong (Table 5). It is acknowledged that there are other species that could also be suitable candidates (e.g. River Red Gum, Rakali and Southern Pygmy Perch), however due to time constraits and following discussion with Greater Dandenong Council the selection of species was limitied to five. Potential sites of connectivity for each species have been identified using data from on-ground site assessments (Figure 8) and the Victorian Government’s urban forest vegetation cover mapping (DELWP 2020c), as well as summarised information on each species’ habitat requirements. Information and actions for each species to increase connectivity have been summarised in this section and have been used to inform actions listed in the Biodiversity Action Plan (Ecology Australia 2021). The actions that have been summarised for each species can potentially be implemented at sites highlighted in the associated maps for each species. In addition, habitat requirements for migratory and semi-urban birds have been summarised to inform further actions, as these taxa contribute significantly to the biodiversity recorded throughout the LGA (Section 4.3).

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Table 5 Icon species or groups of species for Greater Dandenong.

Species name Lifeform Reasons for selection of species Common Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua Can still be found in urban areas with the appropriate scincoides and Blotched blue-tongued Lizard habitat. Readily recognisable. Lizard Tiliqua nigrolutea Can still be found in urban areas provided suitable aquatic habitat, hydrological regime and connectivity Dwarf Galaxias (Galaxiella pusilla) Fish exists for movement, breeding and dispersal, and permanent refuge sites exist during times of drought. Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo Can still be found in urban areas with the appropriate Bird novaeguineae) habitat. Readily recognisable. Can occasionally be found in urbanised areas with suitable large trees for roosting and nesting (if large Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) Bird hollows present), or visit urban areas from nearby forested areas. Can occasionally be found in urbanised areas with Kreft’s Glider (Petaurus breviceps Arboreal suitable large trees for roosting and nesting (if large formerly Sugar Glider) mammal hollows present), or visit urban asreas from nearby forested areas. Large water bodies such as ETP and floodplain wetlands Migratory along the creeks and waterways provide habitat. Migratory Birds Birds Edithvale Seaford Ramsar Wetlands (in close proximity) also provide habitat. Readily adapted to living in highly urbanised areas and Semi- Urban Birds Urban birds can be found throughout most Melbourne suburbs.

7.1 Blotched/Common Blue-tongued Lizard Unlike other large reptiles in urban areas, Blue-tongued Lizards continue to be common in suburban environments, typically surviving in gardens and parks, as well as bushland reserves (Koenig et al. 2002). Blue-tongued Lizards do not tend to travel great distances, even when they leave their burrows, and probably remain in or return to the local area of their burrow when they do move (Schofield 2015), while tending to avoid roads. Blue-tongued Lizards readily utilise ‘artificial’ shelter sites such as urban gardens and feed on prey species (e.g. snails) found in most gardens. However, these lizards are known to use corridors of dense vegetation to move between retreat sites, as well as actively avoiding crossing roads (Koening et al. 2002). During periods of inactivity, both species shelter beneath superficial cover such as vegetation, rocks, logs, ground debris and other man-made objects, in addition to using the burrows constructed by other species (e.g., bare-nosed wombat or European rabbit). Both species are omnivorous and eat a wide variety of animal and plant material, including fruits and fungi, and occasionally carrion. Mating occurs in late September to early November, with females giving birth to up to 21 offspring in mid-summer (Coventry and Robertson 2019). Data for Common Blue-tongued Lizard indicates home ranges of between 12,700 m2 and 5,100 m2 for males and females, respectively. Both species are long-lived with ages greater than 20 years known for captive individuals. The combination of life-history traits, such as a rapid growth rate, early age at maturity, the production of large litters and a long life-span suggests Blue-tongued Lizards have the potential to persist within an urban environment for many years and potentially in the absence of recruitment (Koenig et al. 2001). As such, conservation efforts should be focused on bushland areas that currently support known populations of Blue-tongued Lizard.

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In urban environments, the survivorship of both species is little known, but they are frequently observed crossing or basking on roads where they are often killed by passing vehicles. Indeed, while evidence of mortality in the urban environment for either species is predominantly anecdotal, there is little doubt that in the absence of habitat, road mortality has a large impact on survival and persistence in urban environments. A survey of Common Blue-tongued Lizard mortality in the greater Sydney region highlighted motor vehicles and dogs as the two main sources of mortality of adult lizards, particularly during the mating season and when adult males move around more frequently. This contrasted with a peak in mortality of young and newborn lizards in mid-summer, immediately following birth, due to cats. Blue-tongued Lizards in different parts of the urban environment are also likely to be affected by differently sources of mortality. For instance, in less urban areas with recent and ongoing habitat loss and disturbance, such as housing developments of subdivisions, where suitable bushland habitat is disturbed, road mortality due to displacement is more likely. However, in more urbanised areas mortality is more likely a combination of road mortality and injury due to domestic pets (Koenig et al. 2001). Koenig et al. (2002) highlighted a combination of ecological factors that may determine the persistence of Blue-tongued Lizards within urban environments. This included a need to conserve gravid females within the population, due to their greater level of susceptibility to predation due to their highly sedentary nature, and increased likelihood of encountering threats within the urban environment. While male lizards move more often and over greater distances, they tend to encounter fewer threats from humans and domestic animals. Both species have strong site fidelity and readily use ‘artificial’ refugia, in addition to preying on garden snails that are common in urban environments. While there is evidence both species show some aversion to crossing major roads, mortality due to crossing and basking on minor road remains a major threat. Given the preference of these species for areas of dense vegetation, areas throughout the municipality with greater than 25% tree cover have been highlighted as potential habitat for Blue-tongued Lizards (Figure 9). As these are mostly sedentary species, areas have been selected that may maintain populations or allow populations to establish, rather than focusing on movement across the landscape. Actions to protect or enhance populations are listed below: • Focus on areas capable of supporting dense vegetation; • Increase promotion of urban gardens (public/private) as Blue-tongued Lizard habitat through programs such as Gardens 4 Wildlife; • Implement management of feral cats and foxes, as described in the Eastern Region Pest Animal Strategy (Eco Logical 2020), across bushland reserves and nature conservation reserves throughout the City of Greater Dandenong; • Enhance community education and awareness of Blue-tongued Lizards and what backyard features promote survival; and • Potentially make mandatory outdoor cat exercise enclosures for domestic cat owners within the City of Greater Dandenong. Similarly, prohibit dogs being off leashes in bushland reserves.

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Figure 9 Locations of previous sightings within 10 km of Greater Dandenong and potential connectivity sites within Greater Dandenong for the Blotched/Common Blue-tongued Lizard.

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7.2 Dwarf Galaxias Dwarf Galaxias are listed as ‘vulnerable’ under the EPBC Act (1999), threatened under the FFG Act (1988), and endangered under the Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria (DSE 2013). Dwarf Galaxias were considered to be one species until genetic and taxonomic revision in 2015 described a second species, Little Galaxias Galaxiella toourtkoourt (Coleman et al. 2015) and revealed no distributional overlap between them. Little Galaxias occurs from western Victoria to South Australia. Dwarf Galaxias occurs from eastern Victoria (east of Melbourne to around Bairnsdale), Flinders Island and Tasmania. This splitting of the species means that the newly defined distribution of Dwarf Galaxias is now around 40% of what it was previously considered to be, and that a reassessment of Dwarf Galaxias threatened species status under the EPBC Act will need to occur, likely to result in Dwarf Galaxias being reassessed as ‘endangered’, a category also arrived at using IUCN criteria (Coleman et al. 2015, Coleman et al. 2019). Dwarf Galaxias habitat preferences include shallow depths, low flow velocity, high coverage of aquatic plants, and often a degree of hydrological intermittency. Occasional connectivity with waterbodies within the broader landscape is important to recolonise sites where extended periods of drying have resulted in extirpation (Saddlier et al. 2010). Most Dwarf Galaxias habitats have a seasonal hydrologic regime, entailing substantial contraction during dry periods and expansion during wet periods (Coleman 2014). The presence of leaf litter, detritus, aquatic macrophytes and freshwater crayfish burrows (e.g. Engaeus spp.) appears to enhance survival under dry conditions (Coleman 2014). Major threats to Dwarf Galaxias include habitat loss through wetland drainage, altered hydrological regimes, habitat degradation, and invasive species, particularly the noxious Eastern Gambusia (Saddlier et al. 2010). The importance of hydrologic intermittency/seasonality is elevated by confirmation that Dwarf Galaxias have greater capacity to endure drying habitats and desiccation than Eastern Gambusia (Coleman 2014). Many aspects of Dwarf Galaxias habitat requirements and use remain poorly understood. Coleman (2014) outlined the importance of refuge pools during times of drought, the importance of flooding and drying and consequent zooplankton blooms, the competitive advantage that Dwarf Galaxias can have over Eastern Gambusia under specific hydrological conditions (i.e. brief loss of surface water), and the persistence of populations as a whole being likely facilitated by multiple interconnected habitats across the landscape. However, increased drying severity as a result of climate change/drought, combined with the effects of Eastern Gambusia proliferation and dominance, mean that fewer refuge habitats are likely to exist in the landscape over time, and that only some of those refuge habitats may have attributes required to support Dwarf Galaxias for sustained periods (i.e. until the next re-colonisation opportunity arises). As a short-lived species, Dwarf Galaxias extirpation across a landscape can demonstrably occur over a relatively short period of time (i.e. <5 years), particularly under unfavourable hydrological conditions. The refuge pool habitat attributes that enable Dwarf Galaxias to persist in the long-term presence of Eastern Gambusia remain poorly understood. Anecdotally, shade, water temperature and particularly intra and inter annual hydrological events are thought likely to have a substantial influence. Deeper and heavily shaded habitats with lower temperatures are typically avoided by Eastern Gambusia and are thought to offer some degree of protection to Dwarf Galaxias and potentially suppress the Eastern Gambusia population size. The timing of rainfall events and corresponding habitat inundation/expansion

Final 57 Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong is also likely to be of particular importance due to the contrasting water temperature breeding tolerances/preferences of Dwarf Galaxias and Eastern Gambusia. Eastern Gambusia generally will not breed over winter. Habitat inundation during colder months of the year where water temperature is below the temporal spawning limits of Eastern Gambusia are likely to provide Dwarf Galaxias with a spawning and recruitment ‘head start’ on Eastern Gambusia, enhancing recruitment success via increased access to food resources (lower competition) and reduced predation pressure. Conversely, inundation occurring too early or late in the season when water temperatures are higher may be detrimental to Dwarf Galaxias due to the enhanced conditions for spawning and recruitment of Eastern Gambusia. The persistence of Dwarf Galaxias over periods of unfavourable hydrological conditions may require specific types of refuge habitats and/or secure populations (e.g. Eastern Gambusia are more free due to barriers to upstream movement) in addition to expansive areas of connected ephemeral habitat. Monitoring results for the created and enhanced Dwarf Galaxias habitats along the Dandenong Creek corridor (Coleman et al. 2018) are not publicly available. The over-arching objective of this Melbourne Water project is to establish a sustainable metapopulation where the risk of population loss is spread across the landscape and the inclusion of ‘insurance sites’ with less frequent flood connectivity, however there remains the possibility that Dwarf Galaxias persistence in these habitats will require ongoing and more regular intervention than anticipated (i.e. to dry out the habitats that have been invaded by Eastern Gambusia) than anticipated, and that subsequent translocations from insurance sites or the founder population may be required. Figure 10 represents existing and enhanced habitat sites for Dwarf Galaxias, barriers and partial barriers to movement, waterways and drains and areas of potential connectivity within the study area, as well as in and out of the study area. Actions include: • Increase awareness of the values of Dandenong Creek and associated floodplain habitat; • Increase awareness of floodplain specialist fish species in the catchment (Dwarf Galaxias, Yarra Pygmy Perch and Southern Pygmy Perch). If the Melbourne Water reintroduction of Yarra Pygmy Perch is successful, this is the only watercourse anywhere that will support all three species; • Improve protection of low lying more intermittently inundated (often unmapped) areas that are likely to be used by Dwarf Galaxias for breeding and dispersal; • Improve awareness of Eastern Gambusia threats and involve community groups in Eastern Gambusia monitoring and removal, particularly for areas outside the new and enhanced habitats being monitored by Melbourne Water; and • Maintain floodplain connectivity and minimise further hydrological alterations unless they are remedial and assessed by aquatic ecologists.

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Figure 10 Locations of previous sightings within 10 km of Greater Dandenong and potential connectivity sites within Greater Dandenong for the Dwarf Galaxias.

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7.3 Laughing Kookaburra Laughing Kookaburra are large kingfishers that have adapted to drier climates by shifting their prey species from fish to insects and small vertebrates. They are widely found throughout many fragmented and urban landscapes, as their broad diet enables them to move between isolated, small habitat fragments. As a result, they are capable of meeting their resource needs across large areas. They are sedentary birds, remaining in the same area once a territory is established. If habitat is of sufficiently high quality, Laughing Kookaburra can live in family groups of up to nine individuals where habitat patches are large enough to provide enough resources. Laughing Kookaburra roost and nest in larger trees. Roosting occurs on branches in the canopy, but for nesting tree hollows or nest boxes are required for nesting. More unusual nesting sites include termite mounds, mud cliffs or stream banks, man-made structures, and haystacks (Higgins 1999). Their broad diet has allowed adaptation to suburban environments and hence Laughing Kookaburra regularly nest in parks and gardens in as well as farms along roads with mature trees. The same nests can often be used for several years. These large birds feed mostly on insects, worms and crustaceans, although small snakes, mammals, frogs and birds may also be eaten. Prey is seized by pouncing from a suitable perch. To accommodate the breeding and foraging habits of Laughing Kookaburra suitable habitat includes perches over areas with little to no understorey, so prey can be spotted on the ground, as well as taller mature trees, either containing hollows or nest boxes. They can regularly be seen perching on man- made structures such as fences and powerlines, which provide them with good vantage points while hunting. As Laughing Kookaburras do not require dense areas of vegetation and prefer areas with lower density understorey, areas with 10% tree cover have been selected as potential or exisiting habitat for this species throughout the municipality (Figure 11). These sites represent areas that could be maintained as Kookaburra habitat, or act as target sites for the installation of nest boxes to potentially increase population sizes throughout the municipality. Actions include: • Install nest boxes suitable for Laughing Kookaburra habitation. This can be done on Council land (parks and reserves with suitable habitat and food sources) and by encouraging residents near open areas such as parkland or farmland to install nest boxes on their properties; • Maintain the existing habitat occupied and visited by Laughing Kookaburra; and • Providing or maintaining occasional trees or other perching structures in open landscapes to encourage Laughing Kookaburra to land, hunt and roost.

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Figure 11 Locations of previous sightings within 10 km of Greater Dandenong and potential connectivity sites within Greater Dandenong for the Laughing Kookaburra.

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7.4 Powerful Owl Powerful Owl are listed as vulnerable under the Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria (DSE 2013). They are usually found in streamside habitat containing large trees, overall good tree cover and dense understorey (Higgins 1999, Isaac et al. 2014). Powerful Owl roost during the day among dense foliage in trees and shrubs. Large trees with dense canopy and subcanopy foliage provide these important top predators with roosting sites sheltered from the elements. It can also assist in avoiding detection by day-active bird species, some of which will mob and harass owls when detected. Powerful Owl roost in the top one-third of trees but prefer to adjust roost height in relation to air temperature. A structurally heterogeneous habitat with vegetation of varying heights is therefore important to allow Powerful Owl to find adequate roosting sites in areas with substantial temperature variation throughout the year (Cooke et al. 2002b). Powerful Owl hunt at night. Their main food sources are arboreal mammals, including flying foxes, roosting birds and occasionally large insects (Higgins 1999). In urban environments their main food sources consist of commonly urbanised arboral mammals such as Brushtail Possum, Eastern Ring-tailed Possum and smaller gliders (Pavey 1995). Rodents, particularly the introduced Black Rat, can also form a significant part of the diet of urban Powerful Owl (Menkhorst et al. 2005). In areas with good food availability Powerful owl require a territory of 400–600 ha (Higgins 1999). Powerful Owls require large nest hollows in living trees that provide shelter. They do not readily use hollows in dead trees, which are too open to the elements and to detection by other species (Higgins 1999). Nest boxes can provide good alternatives in suburban areas where hollow-bearing trees are scarce (McNabb and Greenwood 2011). Dense understorey cover is important habitat for Powerful Owl fledglings to find shelter from the elements and to avoid detection by predators. Powerful Owl are easily disturbed by human activity when breeding and may abandon nests as a consequence, although they have been known to successfully breed in highly urbanised areas in suitably undisturbed locations (Cooke et al. 2002a). Areas with greater than 10% cover of large trees have been highlighted as potential habitat, as well as areas of vegetation along the Dandenong creek Corridor as the Powerful Owl may be encouraged to move along this corridor when understorey vegetation and larger trees are provided. Structural variation in height especially among trees will be beneficial to support Powerful Owl habitat year- round. Actions include: • Provide Powerful Owl nesting boxes in habitat areas limited by large hollow availability. Ensure nesting boxes are installed in less disturbed areas away from footpaths and other sites with frequent human activity; • Continue to provide structural habitat for arboreal mammals such as possums, gliders and flying foxes; and • Focus should be linked to the Dandenong Creek Corridor as there are known Powerful owl locations through Lysterfield and Churchill NP and about 5km upstream of the Dandenong Creek from the study area.

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Figure 12 Locations of previous sightings within 10 km of Greater Dandenong and potential connectivity sites within Greater Dandenong for the Powerful Owl.

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7.5 Kreft’s Glider (formerly Sugar Glider) The Kreft’s Glider is an arboreal animal that spends the majority of its life in trees using trees for both resting and feeding. Important Kreft’s Glider habitat comprises of forest or woodland with a range of tree species that can be used for nest hollows and feeding. Kreft’s Gliders use hollows in the boles and branches of trees and in coppicing stumps for nesting, and are known to readily use nest-boxes (Traill and Lill 1998). Nest-boxes and possibly natural tree hollows with entrances too narrow for the larger Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis (<50mm) and other species are the preferred nest hollows for Kreft’s Gliders. The diet of the Kreft’s Glider changes seasonally, with wattle gum, eucalypt sap and eucalypt nectar consumed during autumn and winter (Smith 1982). Several wattle species, including Black Wattle, Silver Wattle and Golden Wattle Aacacia pycnantha are known to provide an important food source for Kreft’s Gliders, with higher density populations strongly linked with Black Wattle (Suckling 1984). During spring and summer, insects foraged out of Eucalypts make up a large part of the diet with plant exudates playing a smaller role in the diet (Smith 1982). Roadside strips of forest, between one and four trees wide, have been found to facilitate dispersal into an adjacent habitat (Suckling 1984), however a maximum gliding distance of approximately 50 m is a key limiting factor of movement (Suckling 1995). Kreft’s Glider will use urban tree canopy cover to move across a landscape but when urbanisation is too dense Kreft’s Gliders are less likely to use areas of suitable habitat even if they can move into it (Caryl et al. 2012). Further, light pollution has been shown to reduce foraging time and activity levels of Kreft’s Gliders in urban environments (Barber-Meyer 2007). As an initial step to improving connectivity, the Dandenong Creek Corridor in the north-east of the study area should be prioritised to connect to known populations of Kreft’s Gliders outside of the study area (e.g. Churchill National park, Lysterfield Park; Figure 13). In addition, canopy cover across the city needs to be increased, particularly where links between habitat patches have been lost. The distance between canopies will depend on the height of canopy used to start the animal’s glides. Actions include: • Maintain large old trees, particularly hollow bearing trees as nesting habitat and provide additional nest boxes with an opening less than 50 mm to improve nest hollow density; • Improve and maintain woodland and forest corridors through planting of mixed tree species including: o Suitable wattles such as Black Wattle, Silver Wattle and Golden Wattle for a supply of sap as an important high energy winter food source. Wattles also provide a source of flowers, pollen and nectar in spring; o Suitable Eucalypts to provide high canopy cover to assist in longer distance glides, future natural tree hollows as well as sap as a food source; and o Improve shrub layer in corridors to increase food supply and safety of movement through vegetation corridors.

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Figure 13 Locations of previous sightings within 10 km of Greater Dandenong and potential connectivity sites within Greater Dandenong for the Kreft’s Glider.

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7.6 Migratory Birds Migratory birds show patterns of movement across the landscape related to seasons or other weather patterns. They move back and forth between their breeding and non-breeding areas on an annual basis. Migration distances can range widely between species, typically from hundreds to thousands of kilometres. A lot of energy is required to cover such long distances and suitable sites to rest and forage along migration routes are therefore essential for the survival of these birds. Open salt and brackish water bodies, coastal wetlands and associated fringing vegetation provide good stop-over and foraging habitat for many migratory bird species. Waterbirds and waders forage on the water and shorelines, respectively and use vegetation at the water’s edge for shelter and protection from predators. Smaller migratory non-waterbirds use shoreline vegetation for shelter and to forage on fruits and insects. The coastal areas of Southern Australia, including Port Phillip Bay, are known important foraging and resting sites for large numbers of migratory bird species. The Edithvale-Seaford Wetland, located just to the southwest of the City of Greater Dandenong is an internationally recognised important (Ramsar) wetland site. It attracts many birds including the IUCN Red listed Australasian Bittern, Orange-Bellied Parrot Neophema chrysogaster and Swift Parrot as well as a number of waterbird species listed under the FFG Act (1988) (DELWP 2011). Many of these species also visit the Eastern Treatment Plant managed by Melbourne Water within the City of Greater Dandenong. Prior to the drainage of the Carrum Carrum swamp, migratory birds had much greater access to foraging habitat in this area. With only small remnants of this swamp left, as well as the Eastern Treatment Plant pondage, the attractiveness of this area to migratory species, while still substantial, has been greatly reduced since the drainage of the swamp. To maintain and improve connectivity across the area, we recommend encouraging landholders in the Green Wedge to establish water bodies (e.g. dams, etc.) with edge vegetation and perching opportunities for migratory species and other water birds and waders. Dams should ideally have a variable depth (bottom) profile, including shallows for waders, and include vegetation around the edge and perching opportunities for waterbirds and waders. This can encourage some species frequenting wetlands just outside City of Greater Dandenong to move in and visit other established water bodies and streams within the area. In addition, improving creekline habitat to accommodate frogs and fish, which can then provide food and habitat for vulnerable and endangered Egrets and Ibis, is recommended. Vegetation suitable for use by critically endangered Orange-Bellied Parrots and Swift Parrots can encourage and support migration through the area and is recommended. For Orange-Bellied Parrot this includes sedges and coastal salt-marsh plants in coastal wetlands. For Swift Parrots, this includes Eucalyptus species flowering around their migration period (autumn-winter).

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7.7 Semi-Urban Birds A number of bird species readily adapt to living in highly urbanised areas and can be found throughout most Melbourne suburbs, for example the Australian Magpie, Magpie-Lark, Rainbow Lorikeet, Wattlebirds and Noisy Miners. This also includes many introduced species such as Common Blackbird, Common Myna and Spotted Dove. These birds readily adapt to human food sources, inhabit open parklands with relatively little need for dense understorey vegetation and are not greatly disturbed by human activity. A larger suite of native bird species has the potential to live in or move through more highly populated areas if they provide the right habitat for finding shelter and food and to escape from human activity. Smaller birds often associated with woodland habitat such as Whistlers, Thornbills, Robins and many Honeyeaters prefer dense vegetation with small open patches to forage, seek shelter and breed. Creeklines are especially attractive to such species, as they often harbour a good abundance of invertebrates (Stagoll et al. 2010). Creeklines containing aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation such as reeds and rushes are also attractive for seed-eating birds such as Red-Browed Finch Neochmia temporalis and other birds strongly associated with aquatic vegetation such as Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus australis, Little Grassbird Poodytes gramineus and Australasian Bittern. The addition of larger, overhanging trees can also provide habitat for Kingfishers, Cormorants and Darters if the water quality is sufficient to support fish populations. A higher abundance of smaller birds can also facilitate the presence of larger, predatory birds that hunt them such as Goshawks, Sparrowhawks, Falcons and Butcherbirds. While creeklines are prime habitat for many semi-urban bird species, green corridors such as roadside vegetation and wildlife-friendly gardens can greatly improve the opportunities for these birds to disperse across the urban landscape and move between otherwise isolated higher quality habitat patches. Stimulating residents to create more wildlife friendly gardens not only increases the potential for birds to move across the urban landscape, but also raises awareness of urban biodiversity conservation of the local community (Mumaw and Bekessy 2017). The historic degradation and disappearance of good quality habitat for forest and wetland birds in the City of Greater Dandenong has seen many species disappear, or only occasionally visit from remnant patches of habitat in bordering council areas. Improvement and maintenance of vegetation (including a mix of dense and larger shrubs) along creeks and drains is recommended to provide habitat for a large number of species. Further, establishing and maintaining existing reed beds can sustain a range of small birds such as reed warblers, little grassbirds and Australasian Bitterns. They also improve water quality and provide shelter for waterbirds, waders, and their prey. Initial target areas should be focused near existing wetlands on Dandenong Creek in the northeast of the council area, as well as in the Gardens for Wildlife program targeted especially to residential areas around parks and reserves in the west (in the vicinity of Braeside Park) and north-east (bordering the reserves along the Dandenong Creek). Nest boxes can also increase breeding opportunities where larger hollow-bearing trees are scarce. However, they mainly target parrots and cockatoos and risk attracting introduced species such as Common Starling and Common Myna. The best nest box locations would be in more densely wooded reserves along Dandenong Creek.

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8 Community Consultations and Engagement Results

Consultation and engagement with the community is essential to developing an effective plan by allowing the community to provide meaningful input. The Greater Dandenong Biodiversity Action Plan community consultation process consisted of a workshop with stakeholders external to Council (those from state government agencies, non-government organisations and professionals involved in the protection, management and enhancement of Dandenong’s biodiversity), a community workshop with members of the Greater Dandenong Environment Group, as well as other community members with an active interest in protecting Dandenong’s biodiversity, and an online survey (see Appendix 10) published on Council’s website. Consultation sessions also included relevant Traditional Owner groups from the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. In addition, internal Greater Dandenong Council stakeholders were engaged in a workshop seeking to gain input into objectives and actions to be outlined in the plan, as well as to identify areas where Council staff can assist in achieving the actions plan’s goals.

8.1 Results

8.1.1 Online Survey The online survey collected a total of 203 responses. Of all respondents 32% were aged 25-39, 24% were aged 40-49, 20% were aged 65+, 14% were aged 50-64 and 8% were aged 15-24. 56% of respondents were female and 39% were male. The City of Greater Dandenong is the most culturally diverse municipality in Australia, and this was reflected in the nationalities of the survey participants with 65% being Australian.

Key Findings Findings suggest a moderate understanding of biodiversity among participants, with 60% having some understanding of what biodiversity is, while 34% consider themselves to have a high level of understanding (Figure 14). When asked to rank Council priorities from one to three (three votes being most important, two votes being of moderate importance, one vote being least important), expanding what we already have was considered the most important priority with 427 votes, followed by improving what we already have (369 votes) and protecting what we already have (313 votes, Figure 15). When considering key threats to biodiversity, land clearing was considered the most important threat (77% considered this themost important) while introduced species scored the lowest, with 50% of responants considering it the most important (Figure 14). A summary of the most common reasons to why biodiversity is considered important is provided in Table 6.

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Figure 14 Levels of biodiversity understanding throughout Greater Dandenong.

Figure 15 Priorities for protecting biodiversity.

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Figure 16 Relative importance of threats to biodiversity.

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Table 6 Summary of most common reasons why biodiversity is considered important from online survey and examples of comments provided.

Common themes Examples of comments provided • For my children’s future. • It is important to maintain biodiversity for future generations.

• To ensure my children and their children get to experience the wonders of this For future generations area like I have.

• We have a responsibility to leave the next generation with something better, not worse than what we have made.

• Native plants and animals need to be protected.

• If we didn’t have it there would be nowhere for animals to live. For the wellbeing of flora and fauna • To keep places for the animals to live.

• For the diversity of all plants.

• It is a crucial part of our neighbourhood and wellbeing. • It is one of the factors that leads to healthier communities and also stronger and Health and wellbeing more friendly neighbourhoods. • My wife gets intense enjoyment from bird watching. I rate my quality of life based on how many frogs I can hear when walking.

• Nice place to live, breathe fresh air and drink clean water.

Provision of ecosystem • Will help to filter waterways of pollution. services • Biodiversity plays an important part in the functioning ecosystem that supply oxygen, clean air, clean water, pollination of plants and many more.

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8.1.2 External Stakeholder Workshop The external stakeholder workshop was divided into three biodiversity-related ‘themes’: species and ecosystems, ecosystem services, and building community capacity. Workshop attendees were asked to identify objectives and associated actions considered to be of the highest priority. The results from this workshop have been summarised as:

Species and ecosystems • Managing threats to biodiversity posed by pest and pet animals; • Maintain and improve the condition of existing vegetation throughout the municipality; • Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework; • Greater mapping of biodiversity values; • Review of planning controls and overlays; • A more coordinated approach across municipalities and management areas for landscape- scale projects (connectivity); and • Greater Council support to implement actions from the plan.

Ecosystem services • Highlight and actively promote the importance of services provided by ecosystems; • Develop promotion of the cultural values of biodiversity; and • Work with stakeholders to improve water quality as part of a catchment-scale focus on biodiversity.

Building community capacity • Delivery of communication campaigns to increase community awareness and action; • Encouragement of community participation through engagement activities; • Involvement of residents and businesses in finding solutions to achieve biodiversity outcomes; • Establishing and enhancing partnerships with community members and organisations to enhance collaboration; and • Helping in securing community funding and resources that support community initiatives.

8.1.3 Community Workshop As with the external stakeholder workshop, attendees at the community workshop were asked to identify objectives and themes considered to be of the highest priority. These included: • Control of introduced/pest plants and animals:

• Measures to control domestic and feral cats; and

• Dog restriction regulations. • Increases in community education and awareness around biodiversity values.

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• Community engagement:

• Effective engagement with culturally and linguistically diverse communities;

• Targeted engagement with migrant community leaders and migrant service providers;

• Use simple language to communicate messages around biodiversity to individuals with minimal biodiversity awareness; and

• Greater resourcing for existing programs. • Landscape scale biodiversity strategies and ecosystem connectivity:

• Consideration of strategic land purchases; and

• Mapping and protecting of all wetlands throughout municipality.

8.2 Summary Among the more common views and ideas expressed was the recognition that to manage and protect biodiversity effectively there was a need for Council to develop landscape-scale strategies. Participants wanted to see a more coordinated approach to conservation across municipalities and management areas. For example, actions that can lead to increases in ecosystem connectivity, not just throughout the City of Greater Dandenong municipality but across jurisdictions, was considered important. In addition, participants wanted Council to take a proactive role in developing a more regional approach to management of particular areas of biodiversity value (e.g. Dandenong Creek corridor). Participants not only wanted to see actions that maintain the condition of biodiversity values that already exist throughout the municipality, but placed a high priority on expanding and enhancing existing values. This included on-ground actions and strategies focused on improving the conservation statuses of state- and federally-listed threatened species, as well as actions that can improve the information of existing values (i.e. greater mapping of biodiversity values). Many also wanted to see improvements made to existing remnants through actions such as tree plantings and establishment of nest-boxes. The expansion where possible of existing values was also considered important, with participants wanting to see mapping of areas that could be potentially revegetated. Another common theme was greater Council support for community environment groups in the form of increased resourcing for community-based initiatives (i.e. Gardens for Wildlife). Increases in communication around biodiversity awareness were also considered of high importance, with communication and education programs targeted at people at all levels of understanding of biodiversity to increase awareness of the importance of biodiversity and what council is doing about it. Participants also wanted to see more Council-led engagement activities to encourage greater community participation, including activities like tree planting days and wildlife walks. Throughout the consultation process, a wide range of themes and concerns were raised by participants, from broad themes and ideas to specific issues that participants wanted addressed with specific actions. The feedback summarised above has been used to directly inform the objectives and associated actions outlined in this action plan, as well as the themes that all actions have been categorised as.

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8.3 Conclusions and Recommendations Out of 110 rare or threatened fauna species that were recorded across the study area, 20 were considered to have a high likelihood of presence while 52 were considered to have moderate likelihood to occur. This suggests there is potential throughout the municipality for threatened fauna species to not only persist but potentially increase in numbers with appropriate action. That only one out of 43 rare or threatened flora species recorded was considered to have a high likelihood of occurrence suggests larger numbers of flora species have become locally extinct. Greater targeted monitoring is recommended to adequately inform actions that can protect threatened species from localised extinction. Further, a regionally-focused management strategy for significant threatened species is recommended to ensure their long-term protection. There is considerable scope for a more landscape-focused approach to biodiversity management. All sites assessed as part of the habitat assessments already potentially provide habitat that may be allowing movement of native fauna across the landscape. However, a number of areas that may further enhance movement have been identified as potentially providing either corridors or stepping stones for movement of a number of bird and mammal species both within and outside the municipality. Reporting and management of biodiversity values throughout the municipality have been inconsistent both in nature and timing of works conducted. A wide range of flora surveys have been conducted across the area, mostly focusing on various aspects of composition and structure. Fauna surveys have been inconsistent across the region, mostly being targeted surveys or not being conducted at all in some reserves. In addition, the timing of flora and fauna surveys across major reserves has varied greatly. Ultimately, the inconsistent nature of surveys and associated management plans prevent detailed, thorough descriptions of the state of biodiversity across the municipality. Flora and fauna surveys conducted in significant nature reserves throughout the municipality have been highly variable in the types of assessments being conducted (Appendix 11). For example, flora surveys tend to focus on species composition, however some have included a combination of composition and condition while others have focused on structural indicators such as foliage cover. Likewise, fauna assessments have ranged from species composition surveys to incidental observational surveys or targeted surveys. High variability was found in the time since surveys were last conducted in reserves across the municipality, ranging from 14 years since surveys were last conducted at Tirhatuan Reserve to two years since the last surveys were conducted at Frank Pellicano Reserve. Introduced plants and animals have and still do pose a significant threat to native species throughout the study area. As with native flora and fauna surveys, there is a lack of consistent data available on the both the presence and distribution of introduced species. A robust biodiversity monitoring and evaluation framework is strongly recommended for the municipality, following implementation of actions described in the Action Plan. Any monitoring framework should develop indicators specifically relevant to actions being conducted. For example, any actions aimed at protection of a particular threatened species need to have indicators assessing population abundances. Vegetation Quality Assessments such as those described in this report’s habitat assessments can provide a base level of monitoring, but do not contain indicators that can measure biodiversity outcomes as a result of specific actions. Further recommendations include: • Update management strategies/plans across Council bushland reserves every five years;

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• Undertake flora and fauna surveys across Council bushland reserves every five years as part of a monitoring and evaluation plan; • Develop and maintain consistency in the type of fauna and flora surveys conducted in reserves. Presently, a wide variety of survey types have been conducted, limiting the ability of council to detect trends in biodiversity condition over time; • A detailed and systematic assessment of the distribution of introduced plants throughout the municipality and is needed to provide a more accurate and definitive description of the threats associated with introduced plants; • A fungi and bryophyte survey is recommended as no fungi data and very little non-vascular plant data is available; • Encourage local naturalists and natural resource managers who undertake flora and fauna surveys to enter their data into publicly available databases such as the VBA by providing funding, grants or other forms of support. It appears much citizen science data has been collected by various people, though it was not readily available for this rapid data review given the time required for compilation; • A fish survey would be beneficial as very little data is available for freshwater fish species in the municipality; and • Few records exist for invertebrate species that may be present throughout the municipality. A general invertebrate survey is recommended. The conclusions and recommendations made as a result of this knowledge review, including ecological data review, connectivity and habitat assessments, community consultation results and synthesis of current threats, have been used to directly inform the actions described in the City of Greater Dandenong Biodiversity Action Plan.

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9 References

Barber-Meyer S. M. (2007). Photopollution impacts on the nocturnal behaviour of the Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps). Pacific Conservation Biology. 13 (3), 171-176. Bino, G., Kingsford, R.T., Archer, M., Connolly, J.H., Day, J., Dias, K., Goldney, D., Gongora, J., Grant, T., Griffiths, J. & Hawke, T. (2019). The platypus: evolutionary history, biology, and an uncertain future. Journal of mammalogy, 100(2), 308-327. Biosis (2013). City of Greater Dandenong Green Wedge Management Plan. Bonte, D., Lens L., Maelfait J., Hoffman M. & Kuijken, E. (2003). Patch Quality and Connectivity Influence Spatial Dynamics in Dune Wolfspider. Population Ecology, 135, 227-233. Bradshaw, C. J. A. (2012). Little Left to Lose: Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Australia Since European Colonization. Journal of Plant Ecology, 5(1), 109-120. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/jpe/rtr038 Bureau of Meteorology (2021) Climate data for Greater Dandenong. Available at: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_086224.shtml Bustos-Segura C., Dillon S., Keszei A., Foley W. J. & Külheim C. (2017). Intraspecific diversity of terpenes of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Myrtaceae) at a continental scale. Australian Journal of Botany, 65(3), 257-269. Caryl F. M., Thomson K. & van der Ree R. (2012). Permeability of the urban matrix to arboreal gliding mammals: Sugar gliders in Melbourne, Australia. Austral Ecology. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12006 City of Greater Dandenong (2016). Greater Dandenong Sustainability Strategy: Towards an Environmentally Sustainable City 2016 – 2030. (City of Greater Dandenong) City of Greater Dandenong (2017). Greening our City Urban Tree Strategy 2018-2028. Available at: https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/greening-our-city-urban-tree-strategy City of Greater Dandenong (2020a) Climate Emergency Strategy. Available at: file:///C:/Users/gpalmer/AppData/Local/Temp/Climate%20Change%20Emergency%20Strategy%2 0-%20Final%20for%20website%20-%20Dec%202020%20(A7174277).pdf City of Greater Dandenong (2020b). Urban Forest Strategy 2021-28. Available at: https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/urban-forest-strategy-2021-2028 City of Greater Dandenong, SJB Urban, Social Fabric Planning & Urban Enterprise. (2020c). Greater Dandenong Open Space Strategy 2020 – 2030. Available at: https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/open-space-strategy Czech B., Krausman P. R. & Devers, P. K. (2000). Economic Associations Among Causes of Species Endangerment in the United States. BioScience, 50(7), 593-601. https://doi.org/10.1641/0006- 3568(2000)050[0593:EAACOS]2.0.CO;2

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Clairbaux M., Fort J., Mathewson P., Porter W., Strøm H and Grémillet D. (2019). Climate change could overturn bird migration: Transarctic flights and high-latitude residency in a sea ice free Arctic. Plos One. Clark R. W., Brown W. S., Stechert R. & Zamudio K. R. (2010). Roads, Interrupted Dispersal, and Genetic Diversity in Timber Rattlesnakes. Conservation Biology, 24(4), 1059-1069. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2009.01439.x Coleman, R. A. (2014). Conservation of the dwarf galaxias, Galaxiella pusilla (Mack 1936) (Teleostei: Galaxiidae), a threatened freshwater fish from south-eastern Australia. (The University of Melbourne, Melbourne) Coleman, R.A., Butcher, J., Mclean, J., Shipp, A & Weeks, A. R. (2018). Habitat improvement and creation for threatened dwarf galaxias (Galaxiella pusilla) along the Dandenong Creek corridor. In: Proceedings of the 9th Australian Stream Management Conference. Hobart, Tasmania. Coleman, R.A., Hoffmann, A.A. & Raadik, T.A. (2015). A review of Galaxiella pusilla (Mack)(Teleostei: Galaxiidae) in south-eastern Australia with a description of a new species. Zootaxa, 4021(2), pp.243-281. Coleman, R., Raadik, T. & Freeman, R. (2019). Galaxiella pusilla. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, pp.e-T8820A123377818. Coventry, J. & Robertson, P. (2019) Reptiles of Victoria, a guide to identification and ecology. CSIRO Publishing. Cooke, R., Wallis, R. and Webster, A. (2002a). Urbanisation and the ecology of powerful owls (Ninox strenua) in outer Melbourne, Victoria. In: Olsen J., Newton, I., Kavanagh R. and Taylor I. (2002). Ecology and conservation of owls. pp 100 – 106. CSIRO Publishing. Cooke R., Wallis R. and White J. (2002b). Use of vegetative structure by powerful owls in outer urban Melbourne, Victoria, Australia – Implications for management. Journal of Raptor Researh, 36(4), 294-299 http://hdl.handle.net/10536/DRO/DU:30001535 DAWE. (n.d.). Feral Animals in Australia. Available at: https://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive-species/feral-animals-australia (Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment: Canberra) DAWE (2020a). EPBC Act List of Threatened Flora. Avaliable at: https://www.environment.gov.au/cgi- bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl?wanted=flora DAWE (2020b). EPBC Act List of Threatened Fauna. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi- bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl DAWE. (2020c). EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool. Available at: https://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/protected-matters-search-tool (Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment: Canberra) DELWP. (2011). Ecological character description of the Edithvale-Seaford Ramsar site. Available at: https://www.water.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/73323/Edithvale_Seaford_Wetlands_ Ecological_Character_Description.pdf (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning: East Melbourne)

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DELWP. (2015). Victorian Biodiversity Atlas Version 3.0.6 database. Available at http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and-wildlife/biodiversity/victorian-biodiversity-atlas (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning: East Melbourne) DELWP. (2018). NaturePrint, Stratehic Biodiversity Values. Available at: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/82993/3-NaturePrint- Strategic-Biodiversity-Values.pdf (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning: East Melbourne) DELWP. (2019a). Biodiversity 2037 Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvements Framework (MERF) Version 2.0. Available at: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/462341/Biodiverstiy-2037- MERI-v2.pdf (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning: East Melbourne) DELWP. (2019b). Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act Threatened List. Available at: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/conserving-threatened-species/threatened-list (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning: East Melbourne) DELWP. (2020a). Bioregions and EVC Benchmarks. Available at: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity/bioregions-and-evc-benchmarks (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning: East Melbourne) DELWP. (2020b). NatureKit. Available at: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity/naturekit (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning: East Melbourne) DELWP (2020c) Mapping and analysis of vegetation, heat and land use. Available at: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/planning-for-melbourne/plan- melbourne/cooling-greening-melbourne/mapping-and-analysis-of-vegetation,-heat-and-land-use DELWP (2020d) Threatened species advisory lists. Available at: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/conserving-threatened-species/threatened-species- advisory-lists DSE (2004). Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual – Guidelines for Applying the Habitat Hectares Scoring Method. Available at: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/91150/Vegetation-Quality- Assessment-Manual-Version-1.3.pdf (Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne) DSE (2009). Securing our natural future: a white paper for land and biodiversity at a time of climate change (Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne). DSE. (2013). Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria. (Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne). Available at: https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/50450/Advisory-List-of- Threatened-Vertebrate-Fauna_FINAL-2013.pdf EAGA (2013) Bushland and Urban Biodiversity Management in a Changing Climate. Available at: https://eaga.com.au/projects/bushland-and-urban-biodiversity-management-in-a-changing- climate/

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Ecology Australia (2021) City of Greater Dandenong Biodiversity Action Plan. Eco Logical. (2020). Eastern Region Pest Animal Strategy (Eco Logical Pty Ltd, Abbotsford). ESRI. (2016). ArcGIS Desktop: Release 10.4. (Environmental Systems Research Institute, Redlands, CA) Falcy M. R. & Estades C. F. (2007). Effectiveness of Corridors Relative to Enlargement of Habitat Patches. Conservation Biology, 21(5), 1341-1346. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2007.00766.x Fay P. A., Guntenspergen G. R., Olker J. H. & Johnson, W. C. (2016). Climate Change Impacts on Freshwater Wetland Hydrology and Vegetation Cover Cycling Along a Regional Aridity Gradient. Ecosphere, 7(10). https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.1504 Higgins P. J. (1999). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 4 (Parrots to Dollarbird). Oxford University Press, Melbourne Isaac B., White J., Ierodiaconou D. & Cooke R. (2014). Urban to forest gradients: Suitability for hollow bearing trees and implications for obligate hollow nesters. Austral Ecology. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12164 Jacobs, B., Mikhailovich, N., and Delaney, C. (2014) Benchmarking Australiach, N., and Delaney, C. (i-Tree Assessment, prepared for Horticulture Australia Limited by the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney. Koenig J., Shine R. & Shea G. (2001). The ecology of an Australian reptile icon: How do blue-tongued lizards (Tiliqua scincoides) survive in suburbia? Journal of Herpetology 36 (1), 62-68. Koenig J, Shine R, Shea G. (2002). The dangers of life in the city: patterns of activity, injury and mortality in suburban lizards (Tiliqua scincoides). J. Herpetol. 36:62–68. doi:10.2307/1565803. Levey, D. J., Bolker, B. M., Tewksbury, J. J., Sargent, S. & Haddad, N. M. (2005). Effects of Landscape Corridors on Seed Dispersal by Birds. Science, 309(5731), 146-148. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1111479 Lambeck R.J. (1997) Focal Species: A multi-species umbrella for nature conservation. Conservation Biology 11:849-856 McNabb. E. D. and Greenwood. J. (2011) A powerful Owl disperses into town and uses an artificial nest- box. Australian Field Ornithology. 28, 65-75. Melbourne water (2018). Co-Designed Catchment Program for the Dandenong Catchment Region. Menkhorst P., Buckingham R. & Loyn R. (2005). Diet of a powerful owl roosting in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Central Melbourne. Australian Field Ornithology. 22 (2), 83-87. Pavey C. R. (1995). Food of the powerful owl Ninox strenua in suburban Brisbane, Queensland. Emu, 95, 231-232. https://doi.org/10.1071/MU9950231 Planishpere (2016). Green Wedge Management Plan. Available at: https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/green-wedge-management-plan Pounds, J. A., Bustamante, M. R., Coloma, L. A., Consuegra, J. A., Fogden, M. P. L., Foster, P. N., La Marca, E., Masters, K. L., Merino-Viteri, A., Puschendorf, R., Ron, S. R., Sanchez-Azofeifa, G. A., Still, C. J. and Young, B. E. (2006). Widespread amphibian extinctions from epidemic disease driven by global warming. Nature. 439 161-167.

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Saddlier, S., Jackson, J. & Hammer, M. (2010). National Recovery Plan for the Dwarf Galaxias: Galaxiella Pusilla. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Department of Sustainability and Environment. Schmidt, B., Stevenson, K., Bloink, C. (2016). Surveys for the Smooth Newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) in south- east Melbourne. Report to the Invasive Species Council by Ecology Australia, Melbourne. Schofield, J. (2015). Implications of movement and population structure in the endangered pygmy bluetongue lizard (Tiliqua adelaidensis): Lessons for conservation. Flinders University, Adelaide. Sinervo, Barry, Fausto Méndez-de-la-Cruz, Donald B. Miles, Benoit Heulin, Elizabeth Bastiaans, Maricela Villagrán-Santa Cruz, Rafael Lara-Resendiz, Norberto Martínez-Méndez, Martha Lucía Calderón- Espinosa, Rubi Nelsi Meza-Lázaro, Héctor Gadsden, Luciano Javier Avila, Mariana Morando, Ignacio J. De la Riva, Pedro Victoriano Sepulveda, Carlos Frederico Duarte Rocha, Nora Ibargüengoytía, César Aguilar Puntriano, Manuel Massot, Virginie Lepetz, Tuula A. Oksanen, David G. Chapple, Aaron M. Bauer, William R. Branch, Jean Clobert, Jack W. Sites, Jr. (2010). Erosion of Lizard Diversity by Climate Change and Altered Thermal Niches. Science: Vol. 328 (5980) 894 – 899. Suckling G. C. (1984). Population Ecology of the Sugar Glider, Petaurus breviceps, in a System of Fragmented Habitats. Australian wildlife research. 11 (1), 49-75. Suckling, G. C. (1995). Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps. In: Strahan, R. The Mammals of Australia, 2nd Edition. pp. 176-177. Reed New Holland, Sydney. Traill B. & Lill A. (1998). Use of Tree Hollows by Two Sympatric Gliding Possums, The Squirrel Glider, Petaurus norfolcensis and The Sugar Glider, P. breviceps. Australian Mammalogy. 20 (1), 79-88. VicFlora. (2016). Flora of Victoria. Available at: https://vicflora.rbg.vic.gov.au/ (Royal Botanic Gardens, Victoria) Wiens, J. A., Hayward, G. D., Holthausen, R. S., & Wisdom, M. J. (2008). Using surrogate species and groups for conservation planning and management. BioScience, 58(3), 241-252. Welbergen, J. A., Klose, S. M., Markus, N. & Eby, P. (2008). Climate change and the effects of temperature extremes on Australian flying-foxes. Proceedings of the Royal Society, Biological Sciences 275 419-425.

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10 Glossary

Biodiversity The variety of all life-forms, plants, animals, fungi, protists (including algae) and bacteria, their encoded genes, and the ecosystems of which they form a part

Bioregion Defined geographical regions of Australia with similar climatic and geophysical characteristics, and which generally contain a suite of distinct ecosystems and species

CaLP Act Victorian Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994

Conservation Categorisation of the threat risk to biological assets (plant and animal species, EVCs status or plant communities) at a defined scale (e.g. national, state), as determined by specific criteria

Ecological A vegetation classification described through a combination of its floristic Vegetation Class composition, life form and ecological characteristics, and its association with (EVC) particular environmental attributes. EVCs may include one or more floristic communities that occur across a biogeographic range, and have similar habitat and ecological processes operating

Endemic Naturally found only in a defined geographic area

EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Exotic Plants, animals, fungi and other organisms that have been introduced (deliberately or accidentally) to Australia or a given area after European settlement

Exotic vegetation Vegetation comprised wholly or substantially of exotic species

FFG Act Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988

Floristic Of or pertaining to plant species, i.e. flora

GIS Geographic Information System. A digital platform for creating, analysing and viewing maps and other spatially referenced data

Habitat Hectares A measure of the quality and extent of native vegetation, incorporating attributes including presence of large trees, tree canopy health, understorey structure and diversity, weed cover and landscape context

High threat Introduced species (including non-indigenous ‘natives’) which, as invading species weeds have highly deleterious impacts on indigenous vegetation and faunal habitats

Indigenous Plant and animal species found naturally in pre-European Australia

Indigenous Vegetation native to Australia or native to a specific geographic region vegetation

Introduced Deliberately or accidentally brought to Australia or part of Australia, usually by human agency

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Life form An abbreviated description of the habit, growth form and longevity of a plant species (e.g. tree, shrub, vine, annual, submerged aquatic)

Native Species occurring naturally in Australia as part of the pre-European flora or fauna vegetation

Vegetation Term for interacting plant populations forming vegetation. A vegetation community community in formal classifications may have characteristic plant species, composition and structure

VROTS Victorian Rare or Threatened Species

WONS Weeds of National Significance

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11 Appendices

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Appendix 1 Likelihood of presence definitions An assessment of the potential for all species listed under the EPBC Act (1999), FFG Act (1988) and the Victorian Threatened Species Advisory List to occur in the municipality was conducted. A likelihood of presence (Table A1) was assigned to each of these species based on the following criteria: • Number, age and distribution of previous records, taking into account the likely survey history in terms of intensity and frequency; • Documented habitats and ecological requirements for the taxon in question; and • Presence of suitable habitat within the study area, based on the site assessment. Likelihood of presence assessments are displayed in Appendix 4 (Fauna) and Appendix 6 (Flora)

Table A1 Description of likelihood classifications Likelihood Definition

Study area is located outside the known geographic range for the taxon or does not contain Not Likely necessary landscape features and/or habitats documented for that taxon.

Study area lies within, or on the edge, of the geographic range for the taxon, and supports major habitat elements, but is lacking in one or more critical features, or is located within a landscape Low that will most likely preclude occupancy or regular use. Historic records may be supported by more recent records within 5 km of the study area.

The location and geographic features of the study area match that which is known for the taxon. Habitat shares numerous floristic, structural or physical similarities with documented habitats, Moderate but may be limited with regard to one or more known ecological requirements (e.g. size, landscape context or critical resources). Historic and contemporary records occur within 5 km of the study area and/or the broader region.

Location of the study area lies within the known range and distribution for the taxon. Habitats present within the study area match that documented for the taxon with regard to floristics High and/or structure and satisfy the known ecological requirements. Multiple historic and recent records within the surrounding landscape indicate occurrence or regular use of the area.

Present Taxon recorded within the study area during the current assessment or other recent assessment.

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Appendix 2 Species list compilation Species lists for the municipality were compiled from the following literature and databases: • Flora and fauna records within 5 km of the study area held in the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas (VBA), a database maintained by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP 2015); • A search for flora species or communities listed under the EPBC Act (1999), recorded within 5 km of the study area using the Protected Matters Search Tool (DAWE 2020c); • Relevant reports provided by the City of Greater Dandenong for the study area, including for the following significant reserves:

• Fotheringham Reserve;

• Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve;

• Coomoora Flora and fauna Reserve;

• Falkiner Reserve; and

• Frank Pellicano Reserve. In addition, any species recorded during habitat assessments not found in VBA and PMST searches were added to the species lists. Following compilation, species lists for the municipality were shared with local naturalists groups such as the Greater Dandenong Environment Group, as well as Birdlife Australia for review and feedback was incorporated into the final database. Nomenclature and taxonomy Plant taxonomy and the use of common names follow the online census resource VicFlora (2016) and the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas (VBA; DELWP 2015) respectively. Reports included in data review • Biodiversity assessment: Sandown Racecourse, Springvale, Victoria; • Brief Flora and Fauna Report for Bowman's Red Gum Reserve at corner of Hutton and Chapel Roads, Keysborough (Abzeco); • Brief Flora and Fauna Report for Falkiner Reserve at 1556-1562 Heatherton Road, Dandenong (ABZECO); • 2009 Bushland Management Plan for Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve, Springvale South (Biosphere); • Conservation Management Plan for Coomoora Woodland Flora and Fauna Reserve, Keysborough (ABZECO); • Environmental Management Plan for Fotheringham Reserve; • Evaluation of Offset Plan - Logis Eco-industrial Park, Greens Road Dandenong; • Flora and fauna assessment of Dingley Road (Biosis); • Greening Our City, Urban Tree Strategy 2018-2028;

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• Management Plan for Coomoora Woodland Reserve City of Greater Dandenong (Practical Ecology); • Management Plan for Fotheringham Reserve, City of Dandenong (Practical Ecology); • National Drive Management Plan (Ecology Australia); • National Drive OMP progress final (Ecology Australia); • Notes on Lyndhurst Woodland Reserve - draft (Biosis); • Offset Management Plan for LOGIS Eco-Industrial Park, Greens Road Dandenong: Final Plan (Biosis); • Offset Management Plan for 243 and 253 Perry Rd, Keysborough, Victoria (EHP); • Plains Grassy Wetland Assessment and Management Guidelines for the Dandenong Municipality (Australian Ecosystems); • A Report on the Inventory of Remnant Indigenous Overstorey Vegetation in the City of Springvale (Holistic Ecology); • A Report on the Inventory of Remnant Indigenous Vegetation in the City of Springvale; and • Weed Mapping Dandenong Creek and Churchill NP (Practical Ecology).

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Appendix 3 Terrestrial and aquatic fauna species recorded from within the Greater Dandenong LGA

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record nt Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 Coturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail Other Non-passerine birds 6/01/2019 Synoicus ypsilophorus Brown Quail Other Non-passerine birds 6/09/2011 L en Synoicus chinensis King Quail Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 Turnix varius Painted Button-quail Other Non-passerine birds 2/08/1907 Geopelia placida Peaceful Dove Other Non-passerine birds 31/05/2018 L nt Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove Other Non-passerine birds 3/10/2009 Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing Other Non-passerine birds 23/12/2018 Phaps elegans Brush Bronzewing Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 L vu Lewinia pectoralis Lewin's Rail Other Non-passerine birds 28/01/2007 Hypotaenidia philippensis Buff-banded Rail Other Non-passerine birds 9/03/2019 Porzana fluminea Australian Spotted Crake Other Non-passerine birds 10/02/2019 L vu Porzana pusilla Baillon's Crake Other Non-passerine birds 27/01/2019 Porzana tabuensis Spotless Crake Other Non-passerine birds 9/03/2019 Tribonyx ventralis Black-tailed Native-hen Other Non-passerine birds 22/11/2009 Gallinula tenebrosa Dusky Moorhen Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Porphyrio melanotus Australasian Swamphen Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Fulica atra Eurasian Coot Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Podiceps cristatus Great Crested Grebe Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019

Final 87

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 nt Phalacrocorax fuscescens Black-faced Cormorant Other Non-passerine birds 1/07/1975 nt Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant Other Non-passerine birds 7/05/2019 Microcarbo melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican Other Non-passerine birds 23/10/2019 nt Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe Other Non-passerine birds 2021 EN L cr Rostratula australis Australian Painted-snipe Other Non-passerine birds 25/11/2000 L en Burhinus grallarius Bush Stone-curlew Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 L cr Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 L vu Antigone rubicunda Brolga Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 nt Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis Other Non-passerine birds 10/02/2019 Threskiornis molucca Australian White Ibis Other Non-passerine birds 20/08/2019 Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 nt Platalea regia Royal Spoonbill Other Non-passerine birds 23/06/2019 Platalea flavipes Yellow-billed Spoonbill Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 L en Egretta garzetta Little Egret Other Non-passerine birds 27/01/2019 L en Ardea intermedia plumifera Plumed Egret Other Non-passerine birds 30/12/2018 L vu Ardea alba modesta Eastern Great Egret Other Non-passerine birds 31/07/2019 Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 nt Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night-Heron Other Non-passerine birds 13/05/2019 L en Ixobrychus dubius Australian Little Bittern Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 EN L en Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern Other Non-passerine birds 23/06/2019 Cereopsis novaehollandiae Cape Barren Goose Other Non-passerine birds 28/03/2010

Final 88

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck Other Non-passerine birds 23/10/2019 Cygnus atratus Black Swan Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Dendrocygna eytoni Plumed Whistling-Duck Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 Tadorna tadornoides Australian Shelduck Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Anas castanea Chestnut Teal Other Non-passerine birds 23/10/2019 Anas gracilis Grey Teal Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 vu Spatula rhynchotis Australasian Shoveler Other Non-passerine birds 25/06/2019 Malacorhynchus membranaceus Pink-eared Duck Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 L en Stictonetta naevosa Freckled Duck Other Non-passerine birds 23/06/2019 vu Aythya australis Hardhead Other Non-passerine birds 30/07/2019 L en Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck Other Non-passerine birds 2021 vu Biziura lobata Musk Duck Other Non-passerine birds 23/06/2019 Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 nt Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier Other Non-passerine birds 31/12/2006 Circus approximans Swamp Harrier Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 L vu Accipiter novaehollandiae Grey Goshawk Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Accipiter cirrocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk Other Non-passerine birds 9/09/2017 Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 L vu Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 L vu Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Elanus axillaris Black-shouldered Kite Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Elanus scriptus Letter-winged Kite Other Non-passerine birds 1/01/1973

Final 89

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Falco longipennis Australian Hobby Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 L vu Falco subniger Black Falcon Other Non-passerine birds 31/03/2019 Falco berigora Brown Falcon Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel Other Non-passerine birds 7/04/2019 Ninox boobook Southern Boobook Other Non-passerine birds 21/11/1989 L en Ninox connivens Barking Owl Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 L vu Ninox strenua Powerful Owl Other Non-passerine birds 25/12/2016 Tyto alba Barn Owl Other Non-passerine birds 27/01/2019 L en Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 Trichoglossus molucannus Rainbow Lorikeet Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Other Non-passerine birds 20/10/2007 Glossopsitta concinna Musk Lorikeet Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Parvipsitta porphyrocephala Purple-crowned Lorikeet Other Non-passerine birds 1/01/1976 Parvipsitta pusilla Little Lorikeet Other Non-passerine birds 30/01/2003 Calyptorhynchus funereus Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Other Non-passerine birds 16/09/2018 Callocephalon fimbriatum Gang-gang Cockatoo Other Non-passerine birds 31/05/2018 Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 L vu Lophochroa leadbeateri Major Mitchell's Cockatoo Other Non-passerine birds 31/05/2018 Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Cacatua tenuirostris Long-billed Corella Other Non-passerine birds 25/11/2018 Eolophus roseicapilla Galah Other Non-passerine birds 27/01/2019 Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel Other Non-passerine birds 18/06/2017 VU L en Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot Other Non-passerine birds 28/01/2010

Final 90

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record VU L vu Polytelis anthopeplus Regent Parrot Other Non-passerine birds 2/06/1914 Alisterus scapularis Australian King-Parrot Other Non-passerine birds 31/05/2018 Platycercus elegans Crimson Rosella Other Non-passerine birds 24/06/2018 Platycercus adscitus Pale-headed Rosella Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella Other Non-passerine birds 7/04/2019 Psephotus haematonotus Red-rumped Parrot Other Non-passerine birds 23/10/2019 Northiella haematogaster Blue Bonnet Other Non-passerine birds 31/05/2018 L nt Neophema pulchella Turquoise Parrot Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 CR L cr Neophema chrysogaster Orange-bellied Parrot Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 Neophema chrysostoma Blue-winged Parrot Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 CR L en Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot Other Non-passerine birds 18/05/2019 Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar Other Non-passerine birds 1/03/1987 L en Pezoporus wallicus Ground Parrot Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth Other Non-passerine birds 31/05/2018 Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 nt Ceyx azureus Azure Kingfisher Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra Other Non-passerine birds 8/09/2018 Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher Other Non-passerine birds 4/02/2018 Eurostopodus mystacalis White-throated Nightjar Other Non-passerine birds 1/06/1993 VU L vu Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail Other Non-passerine birds 31/05/2018 Cacomantis pallidus Pallid Cuckoo Other Non-passerine birds 30/09/2018 Cacomantis flabelliformis Fan-tailed Cuckoo Other Non-passerine birds 31/05/2018 Cacomantis variolosus Brush Cuckoo Other Non-passerine birds 5/11/1999 Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Other Non-passerine birds 23/12/2018

Final 91

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Chrysococcyx lucidus Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Other Non-passerine birds 31/05/2018 Bubulcus coromandus Eastern Cattle Egret Other Non-passerine birds 27/01/2019 Ninox novaeseelandiae Morepork Other Non-passerine birds 1/12/1994 Barnardius zonarius barnardi Mallee Ringneck Other Non-passerine birds 1/01/1902 Barnardius zonarius zonarius Port Lincoln Parrot Other Non-passerine birds 1/05/1976 L vu Ardea alba Great Egret Other Non-passerine birds 28/04/2019 Eudyptula minor Little Penguin Marine birds 1/09/1976 Puffinus gavia Fluttering Shearwater Marine birds 1/05/1976 Ardenna tenuirostris Short-tailed Shearwater Marine birds 1/06/1993 VU vu Thalassarche melanophris Black-browed Albatross Marine birds 13/09/1952 Morus serrator Australasian Gannet Marine birds 31/05/2018 Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Jaeger Marine birds 1/05/1976 Morus capensis Cape Gannet Marine birds 31/05/2018 VU L nt Macronectes halli Northern Giant-Petrel Marine birds 1/05/1976 Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern Marine birds 1/01/1973 Sterna hirundo Common Tern Marine birds 31/05/2018 Stercorarius antarcticus Great Skua Marine birds 1/05/1976 nt Chlidonias leucopterus White-winged Black Tern Waders 27/01/2019 nt Chlidonias hybrida Whiskered Tern Waders 28/04/2019 L nt Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern Waders 27/01/2019 Thalasseus bergii Crested Tern Waders 30/09/2018 L vu Sternula albifrons Little Tern Waders 1/07/1975 VU L en Sternula nereis Fairy Tern Waders 31/05/2018 Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae Silver Gull Waders 20/08/2019

Final 92

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record vu Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone Waders 25/11/2018 Haematopus longirostris Pied Oystercatcher Waders 31/05/2018 Erythrogonys cinctus Red-kneed Dotterel Waders 7/04/2019 Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing Waders 28/04/2019 Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing Waders 31/12/2006 en Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover Waders 1/06/1993 vu Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover Waders 16/09/2018 VU L vu Thinornis cucullatus Hooded Plover Waders 1/06/1993 Charadrius bicinctus Double-banded Plover Waders 7/04/2019 Charadrius ruficapillus Red-capped Plover Waders 28/04/2019 Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel Waders 28/04/2019 Cladorhynchus leucocephalus Banded Stilt Waders 1/01/1973 Recurvirostra novaehollandiae Red-necked Avocet Waders 28/04/2019 CR L vu Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew Waders 1/05/2019 vu Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel Waders 1/01/1973 Numenius minutus Little Curlew Waders 1/01/1973 VU Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit Waders 19/11/2017 vu Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper Waders 20/01/2019 L cr Tringa brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler Waders 18/10/1987 vu Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper Waders 9/03/2019 vu Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank Waders 30/04/2019 vu Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper Waders 16/09/2018 L en Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper Waders 1/06/1993 CR L en Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper Waders 7/04/2019

Final 93

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint Waders 7/04/2019 Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Waders 10/02/2019 EN en Calidris canutus Red Knot Waders 16/09/2018 nt Calidris alba Sanderling Waders 31/05/2018 Calidris pugnax Ruff Waders 1/06/1993 nt Calidris subminuta Long-toed Stint Waders 1/01/1973 nt Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper Waders 27/01/2019 Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt Waders 1/06/1993 vu Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit Waders 16/09/2018 Himantopus leucocephalus Pied Stilt Waders 28/04/2019 Gelochelidon nilotica Asian Gull-billed Tern Waders 1/06/1993 nt Larus pacificus Pacific Gull Waders 9/03/2019 Tringa totanus Common Redshank Waders 1/06/1993 Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow Passerine birds 23/10/2019 Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin Passerine birds 28/04/2019 Petrochelidon ariel Fairy Martin Passerine birds 9/03/2019 Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail Passerine birds 28/04/2019 Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail Passerine birds 28/04/2019 Myiagra rubecula Leaden Flycatcher Passerine birds 1/07/1975 Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher Passerine birds 1/07/1975 Myiagra inquieta Restless Flycatcher Passerine birds 27/05/2018 Microeca fascinans Jacky Winter Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin Passerine birds 31/05/2018

Final 94

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin Passerine birds 1/06/1993 Petroica phoenicea Flame Robin Passerine birds 28/04/2019 Petroica rodinogaster Pink Robin Passerine birds 20/07/2001 Petroica rosea Rose Robin Passerine birds 31/05/2018 L nt Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler Passerine birds 23/09/2018 Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Pachycephala olivacea Olive Whistler Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush Passerine birds 28/04/2019 Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark Passerine birds 28/04/2019 Falcunculus frontatus Eastern Shrike-tit Passerine birds 28/04/2019 L nt Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Lalage sueurii White-winged Triller Passerine birds 1/06/1993 Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Passerine birds 23/12/2018 Lalage tricolor White-winged Triller Passerine birds 29/12/2009 nt Cinclosoma punctatum Spotted Quail-thrush Passerine birds 1/06/1993 L en Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler Passerine birds 30/07/1984 Epthianura albifrons White-fronted Chat Passerine birds 28/04/2019 Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Acanthiza lineata Striated Thornbill Passerine birds 23/05/2009 Acanthiza nana Yellow Thornbill Passerine birds 27/06/2012 Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill Passerine birds 8/01/2019 Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Passerine birds 31/05/2018

Final 95

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Acanthiza reguloides Buff-rumped Thornbill Passerine birds 1/01/1973 Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill Passerine birds 16/09/2018 Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren Passerine birds 27/01/2019 L vu Pyrrholaemus sagittatus Speckled Warbler Passerine birds 21/09/1883 Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark Passerine birds 26/10/2008 Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark Passerine birds 22/11/2009 Poodytes gramineus Little Grassbird Passerine birds 9/03/2019 Acrocephalus australis Reed-Warbler Passerine birds 9/03/2019 Acrocephalus australis Reed-Warbler Passerine birds 1/06/1993 Cisticola exilis Golden-headed Cisticola Passerine birds 28/04/2019 Stipiturus malachurus Southern Emu-wren Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren Passerine birds 23/10/2019 Malurus splendens Splendid Fairy-wren Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Artamus leucorynchus White-breasted Woodswallow Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow Passerine birds 12/10/1946 Artamus superciliosus White-browed Woodswallow Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Artamus cyanopterus Dusky Woodswallow Passerine birds 28/04/2019 Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Cormobates leucophaea White-throated Treecreeper Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird Passerine birds 13/04/2018 Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote Passerine birds 17/10/2011 Zosterops lateralis Silvereye Passerine birds 22/07/2018 Melithreptus lunatus White-naped Honeyeater Passerine birds 10/06/2017 Melithreptus brevirostris Brown-headed Honeyeater Passerine birds 31/05/2018

Final 96

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Sugomel nigrum Black Honeyeater Passerine birds 1/06/1993 Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill Passerine birds 6/06/2018 Glyciphila melanops Tawny-crowned Honeyeater Passerine birds 7/08/1932 VU L vu Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater Passerine birds 12/03/2019 Meliphaga lewinii Lewin's Honeyeater Passerine birds 3/02/1998 Gavicalis virescens Singing Honeyeater Passerine birds 25/04/2004 Ptilotula fusca Fuscous Honeyeater Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Caligavis chrysops Yellow-faced Honeyeater Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Nesoptilotis leucotis White-eared Honeyeater Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Lichenostomus melanops Yellow-tufted Honeyeater Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Ptilotula ornata Yellow-plumed Honeyeater Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Ptilotula penicillata White-plumed Honeyeater Passerine birds 28/04/2019 Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus Crescent Honeyeater Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Phylidonyris novaehollandiae New Holland Honeyeater Passerine birds 23/10/2019 Manorina melanophrys Bell Miner Passerine birds 13/10/2007 Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner Passerine birds 13/08/2019 Anthochaera chrysoptera Little Wattlebird Passerine birds 28/04/2019 Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Passerine birds 7/04/2019 Entomyzon cyanotis Blue-faced Honeyeater Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird Passerine birds 18/09/2010 Anthus australis Australian Pipit Passerine birds 9/03/2019 Mirafra javanica Horsfield's Bushlark Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Stagonopleura bella Beautiful Firetail Passerine birds 31/05/2018 L nt Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail Passerine birds 01/01/1893

Final 97

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Neochmia temporalis Red-browed Finch Passerine birds 23/10/2019 Oriolus sagittatus Olive-backed Oriole Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Ptilonorhynchus violaceus Satin Bowerbird Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Corcorax melanorhamphos White-winged Chough Passerine birds 1/01/1933 Strepera graculina Pied Currawong Passerine birds 25/11/2018 Strepera versicolor Grey Currawong Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird Passerine birds 28/04/2019 Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie Passerine birds 23/10/2019 Zoothera dauma White's Thrush Passerine birds 1/06/1993 Zoothera lunulata Bassian Thrush Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Motacilla tschutschensis Eastern Yellow Wagtail Passerine birds 26/11/2006 Corvus coronoides Australian Raven Passerine birds 9/03/2009 Corvus mellori Little Raven Passerine birds 13/08/2019 Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote Passerine birds 3/01/2018 nt Climacteris picumnus Brown Treecreeper Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Malurus assimilis Purple-backed Fairywren Passerine birds 31/05/2018 Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna Mammals 9/01/2019 EN L rx Dasyurus viverrinus Eastern Quoll Mammals 1/12/1994 Antechinus agilis Agile Antechinus Mammals 1/06/1993 Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brush-tailed Possum Mammals 17/03/2011 Pseudocheirus peregrinus Eastern Ring-tailed Possum Mammals 13/08/2019 Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider Mammals 1/12/1994 Acrobates pygmaeus Narrow-toed Feather-tailed Glider Mammals 1/06/1993

Final 98

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record R nt Cercartetus nanus Eastern Pygmy-possum Mammals 1/12/1994 Phascolarctos cinereus Koala Mammals 1/07/2012 Vombatus ursinus Bare-nosed Wombat Mammals 1/09/1975 VU L nt Potorous tridactylus trisulcatus Long-nosed Potoroo Mammals 1/06/1993 Wallabia bicolor Black-tailed Wallaby Mammals 1/06/1993 Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo Mammals 17/03/2011 Rattus fuscipes Bush Rat Mammals 1/06/1993 Rattus lutreolus Swamp Rat Mammals 1/06/1993 Hydromys chrysogaster Water Rat Mammals 7/11/2013 Dasyurus maculatus Tiger Quoll Mammals 22/02/2017 Vulpes spp. Red Fox Mammals 17/10/2011 EN L nt Isoodon obesulus obesulus Southern Brown Bandicoot Mammals 16/11/1990 L dd Canis lupus dingo Dingo Mammals 1/06/1993 VU L vu Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox Bats 13/04/2019 L dd Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat Bats 22/02/2017 Austronomus australis White-striped Freetail Bat Bats 30/11/2004 Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat Bats 16/11/1990 Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat Bats 16/12/2003 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat Bats 16/12/2003 Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern False Pipistrelle Bats 22/02/2017 Vespadelus regulus Southern Forest Bat Bats 22/02/2017 Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat Bats 16/11/1990 Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat Bats 16/11/1990 Ozimops planiceps Southern Freetail Bat Bats 22/02/2017

Final 99

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Scotorepens orion Eastern Broad-nosed Bat Bats 1/06/1993 Christinus marmoratus Marbled Gecko Reptiles 1/12/1994 Amphibolurus muricatus Tree Dragon Reptiles 20/03/1982 en Varanus varius Lace Monitor Reptiles 1/12/1994 L vu Lissolepis coventryi Swamp Skink Reptiles 1/06/1993 Lampropholis delicata Delicate Skink Reptiles 1/03/1987 Lampropholis guichenoti Garden Skink Reptiles 1/05/2007 Saproscincus mustelinus Weasel Skink Reptiles 5/06/2002 Lerista bougainvillii Bougainville's Skink Reptiles 20/12/1981 Pseudemoia spenceri Spencer's Skink Reptiles 31/12/1885 Pseudomoia metallica Metallic Skink Reptiles 1/06/1993 Tiliqua nigrolutea Blotched Blue-tongued Lizard Reptiles 16/11/1990 Tiliqua scincoides Common Blue-tongued Lizard Reptiles 1/03/1987 Drysdalia coronoides White-lipped Snake Reptiles 1/03/1987 Morelia amethistina Scrub Python Reptiles 1/06/1993 Notechis scutatus Tiger Snake Reptiles 9/01/2017 Acritoscincus duperreyi Eastern Three-lined Skink Reptiles 14/12/1989 vu Pseudemoia rawlinsoni Glossy Grass Skink Reptiles 1/06/1993 Pseudechis porphyriacus Red-bellied Black Snake Reptiles 22/02/2017 Austrelaps superbus Lowland Copperhead Reptiles 26/11/2006 Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii Southern Grass Skink Reptiles 1/06/1993 Intellagama lesueurii Water Dragon Reptiles 10/09/2017 dd Chelodina longicollis Eastern Snake-necked Turtle Reptiles 21/11/2016 Liopholis whitii GROUP White's Skink Reptiles 1/06/1993

Final 100

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Limnodynastes dumerilii Southern Bullfrog (ssp. unknown) Amphibians 6/01/2011 Limnodynastes peronii Striped Marsh Frog Amphibians 21/11/2016 Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Spotted Marsh Frog (race unknown) Amphibians 23/10/2019 Neobatrachus sudellae Common Spadefoot Toad Amphibians 15/06/1989 Paracrinia haswelli Haswell's Froglet Amphibians 1/06/1993 vu Pseudophryne semimarmorata Southern Toadlet Amphibians 15/06/1989 Crinia signifera Common Froglet Amphibians 23/10/2019 Litoria ewingii Southern Brown Tree Frog Amphibians 1/03/2018 VU L en Litoria raniformis Growling Grass Frog Amphibians 25/10/1975 Litoria verreauxii verreauxii Verreaux's Tree Frog Amphibians 25/10/2010 Limnodynastes dumerilii insularis Pobblebonk Frog Amphibians 18/09/1967 Geotria australis Pouched Lamprey Fish 30/08/1994 Mordacia mordax Shorthead Lamprey Fish 1/10/1950 Anguilla australis Southern Shortfin Eel Fish 20/12/2016 Retropinna semoni Australian Smelt Fish 4/04/2006 Galaxias truttaceus Spotted Galaxias Fish 12/11/1900 Galaxias brevipinnis Climbing Galaxias Fish 20/09/1964 Galaxias maculatus Common Galaxias Fish 20/12/2016 VU L en Galaxiella pusilla Dwarf Galaxias Fish 3/10/2005 VU L vu Nannoperca obscura Yarra Pygmy Perch Fish 26/02/1983 Nannoperca australis Southern Pygmy Perch Fish 20/12/2016 Pseudaphritis urvillii Tupong Fish 20/01/1998 Pseudogobius olorum Bluespot Goby Fish 1/06/1993 Philypnodon grandiceps Flatheaded Gudgeon Fish 7/11/2012

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Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Paratya australiensis Common Freshwater Shrimp Mussels, decopod crustacea 22/11/2012 Cherax destructor destructor Common Yabby Mussels, decopod crustacea 5/09/2006 Pisidium casertanum Ubiquitous Pea Shell Mussels, decopod crustacea 23/02/1994 Abantiades marcidus Ghost Moth Invertebrates 31/03/2003 Amegilla (Asaropoda) albiceps Bee Invertebrates 1/03/2018 Anachloris tofocolorata Geometer Moth Invertebrates 01/04/1894 Coccinella transversalis Transverse Ladybird Invertebrates 9/01/2017 Harmonia conformis Common Spotted Ladybird Invertebrates 16/08/2017 Hemicordulia tau Emerald Tau Dragonfly Invertebrates 23/02/1994 Heteronympha merope merope Common Brown Butterfly Invertebrates 6/04/2018 Illeis galbula Fungus-eating Ladybird Invertebrates 19/11/2017 Ischnura aurora aurora Aurora Bluetail Invertebrates 27/04/1995 Ischnura heterosticta Common Bluetail Damselfly Invertebrates 27/04/1995 Junonia villida subsp calybe Meadow Argus Butterfly Invertebrates 1/03/2018 Neosparassus diana Badge Huntsman Spider Invertebrates 18/11/2016 Nephila edulis Australian Golden Orb-weaving Spider Invertebrates 25/02/2019 Phalaenoides tristifica Owlet Moth Invertebrates 10/11/1977 Xanthagrion erythroneurum Red & Blue Damselfly Invertebrates 13/12/1993 Zizina otis labradus Common Grass-blue Butterfly Invertebrates 1/03/2018 * Apis mellifera European Bee/Honey Bee Invertebrates 1/09/2011 # Pieris rapae subsp. rapae Cabbage White Butterfly Invertebrates 1/03/2018 * Anas platyrhynchos Mallard Other Non-passerine birds 31/05/2018 * Columba livia Domestic Pigeon Other Non-passerine birds 31/12/2018 * Spilopelia chinensis Spotted Dove Other Non-passerine birds 23/10/2019

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Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record * Psittacula krameri Rose-ringed Parakeet Other Non-passerine birds 6/11/2008 * Anser anser Domestic Goose Other Non-passerine birds 6/03/1995 * Anas superciliosa X Anas platyrhynchos Pacific Black Duck/Mallard Hybrid Other Non-passerine birds 31/05/2018 * Lonchura castaneothorax Chestnut-breasted Mannikin Passerine birds 1/01/1973 * Pycnonotus jocosus Red-whiskered Bulbul Passerine birds 3/05/1999 * Turdus merula Common Blackbird Passerine birds 13/08/2019 * Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Passerine birds 9/12/2017 * Alauda arvensis Eurasian Skylark Passerine birds 28/04/2019 * Passer montanus Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passerine birds 28/04/2019 * Passer domesticus House Sparrow Passerine birds 28/04/2019 * Chloris chloris European Greenfinch Passerine birds 28/04/2019 * Acridotheres tristis Common Myna Passerine birds 23/10/2019 * Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling Passerine birds 28/04/2019 * Carduelis carduelis European Goldfinch Passerine birds 23/10/2019 * Rattus rattus Black Rat Mammals 6/01/2011 * Rattus norvegicus Brown Rat Mammals 17/02/1999 * Mus musculus House Mouse Mammals 17/03/2011 * Oryctolagus cuniculus European Rabbit Mammals 23/10/2019 * Lepus europaeus European Brown Hare Mammals 27/06/2010 * Dama dama Fallow Deer Mammals 18/05/2020 * Cervus elaphus Red Deer Mammals 18/05/2020 * Cervus unicolor Sambar Deer Mammals 18/05/2020 * Canis familiaris Dingo & Dog (feral) Mammals 17/02/1999 * Felis catus Domestic Cat (feral) Mammals 17/02/1999

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Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record * Mustela furo Ferret Mammals 1/12/1994 * Vulpes vulpes Red Fox Mammals 27/06/2012 * Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Chinook Salmon Fish 19/12/1877 * Salmo trutta Brown Trout Fish 14/10/1985 * Carassius auratus Goldfish Fish 22/11/2012 * Cyprinus carpio European Carp Fish 20/12/2016 * Carassius x Cyprinus HYBRID Goldfish/Carp Hybrid Fish 16/09/2008 * Rutilus rutilus Roach Fish 20/12/2016 * Misgurnus anguillicaudatus Oriental Weatherloach Fish 20/12/2016 * Gambusia holbrooki Eastern Gambusia Fish 20/12/2016 * Perca fluviatilis Redfin Fish 7/11/2012

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Appendix 4 Significant Fauna species recorded or predicted to occur within the Greater Dandenong LGA area and their likelihood of presence Key: Mi Migratory Ma Marine PMST Protected Matters Search Tool VBA Victorian Biodiversity Atlas

Scientific Name Common Name EPBC FFG VIC Source Last Recorded LOP Lifeform Rostratula australis Australian Painted-snipe EN L cr PMST, VBA 25/11/2000 Moderate Other Non-passerine birds Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern EN L en PMST, VBA 23/06/2019 High Other Non-passerine birds Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot VU L en VBA 28/01/2010 Moderate Other Non-passerine birds Polytelis anthopeplus Regent Parrot VU L vu VBA 2/06/1914 Low Other Non-passerine birds Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot CR L en PMST, VBA 18/05/2019 Moderate Other Non-passerine birds Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail VU L vu PMST, VBA 31/05/2018 High Other Non-passerine birds Diomedea exulans Wandering Albatross VU L en PMST Low Marine birds Thalassarche melanophris Black-browed Albatross VU vu PMST, VBA 13/09/1952 Low Marine birds Thalassarche chrysostoma Grey-headed Albatross EN L vu PMST Not Likely Marine birds Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross VU L vu PMST Not Likely Marine birds Macronectes giganteus Southern Giant-Petrel EN L vu PMST Moderate Marine birds Thalassarche bulleri Buller's Albatross VU L PMST Not Likely Marine birds Macronectes halli Northern Giant-Petrel VU L nt PMST, VBA 1/05/1976 Moderate Marine birds Diomedea epomophora Southern Royal Albatross VU L vu PMST Not Likely Marine birds Diomedea sanfordi Northern Royal Albatross EN PMST Not Likely Marine birds Thalassarche salvini Salvin's Albatross VU PMST Not Likely Marine birds Thalassarche impavida Campbell Albatross VU PMST Not Likely Marine birds

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Scientific Name Common Name EPBC FFG VIC Source Last Recorded LOP Lifeform Sternula nereis Fairy Tern VU L en PMST, VBA 31/05/2018 Moderate Waders Thinornis cucullatus Hooded Plover VU L vu PMST Low Waders Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew CR L vu PMST, VBA 1/05/2019 Moderate Waders Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit VU PMST, VBA 19/11/2017 Moderate Waders Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper CR L en PMST, VBA 7/04/2019 High Waders Calidris canutus Red Knot EN en PMST, VBA 16/09/2018 Moderate Waders Stipiturus mallee Mallee Emu-wren EN L en VBA 31/05/2018 Not Likely Passerine birds Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater VU L vu PMST, VBA 12/03/2019 Moderate Passerine birds Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater CR L cr PMST, VBA 12/04/2019 Moderate Passerine birds Dasyurus maculatus maculatus Spot-tailed Quoll EN L en PMST Low Mammals Antechinus minimus maritimus Swamp Antechinus VU L nt PMST Low Mammals Petauroides volans Southern Greater Glider VU L vu PMST Low Mammals Potorous tridactylus trisulcatus Long-nosed Potoroo VU L nt PMST Not Likely Mammals Isoodon obesulus obesulus Southern Brown Bandicoot EN L nt PMST, VBA 16/11/1990 Moderate Mammals Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox VU L vu PMST, VBA 13/04/2019 Moderate Bats Chelonia mydas Green Turtle VU PMST Not Likely Reptiles Dermochelys coriacea Leathery Turtle EN L cr PMST Not Likely Reptiles Litoria raniformis Growling Grass Frog VU L en PMST, VBA 25/10/1975 Moderate Amphibians Prototroctes maraena Australian Grayling VU L vu PMST Low Fish Galaxiella pusilla Dwarf Galaxias VU L en PMST, VBA 3/10/2005 Moderate Fish Nannoperca obscura Yarra Pygmy Perch VU L vu PMST, VBA 26/02/1983 Moderate Fish Synemon plana Golden Sun Moth CR L cr PMST Low Invertebrates Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove L nt VBA 3/10/2009 Moderate Other Non-passerine birds Lewinia pectoralis Lewin's Rail L vu VBA 28/01/2007 Moderate Other Non-passerine birds

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Scientific Name Common Name EPBC FFG VIC Source Last Recorded LOP Lifeform Porzana pusilla Baillon's Crake L vu VBA 27/01/2019 Moderate Other Non-passerine birds Phalacrocorax fuscescens Black-faced Cormorant nt VBA 1/07/1975 Moderate Other Non-passerine birds Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant nt VBA 7/05/2019 High Other Non-passerine birds Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe nt PMST, VBA 10/03/2019 High Other Non-passerine birds Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis nt VBA 10/02/2019 High Other Non-passerine birds Platalea regia Royal Spoonbill nt VBA 23/06/2019 High Other Non-passerine birds Egretta garzetta Little Egret L en VBA 27/01/2019 Moderate Other Non-passerine birds Ardea intermedia plumifera Plumed Egret L en VBA 30/12/2018 Moderate Other Non-passerine birds Ardea alba modesta Eastern Great Egret L vu PMST, VBA 31/07/2019 High Other Non-passerine birds Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night-Heron nt VBA 13/05/2019 High Other Non-passerine birds Anseranas semipalmata Magpie Goose L nt VBA 31/05/2018 High Other Non-passerine birds Spatula rhynchotis Australasian Shoveler vu VBA 25/06/2019 High Other Non-passerine birds Stictonetta naevosa Freckled Duck L en VBA 23/06/2019 High Other Non-passerine birds Aythya australis Hardhead vu VBA 30/07/2019 High Other Non-passerine birds Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck L en VBA 23/07/2019 Moderate Other Non-passerine birds Biziura lobata Musk Duck vu VBA 23/06/2019 High Other Non-passerine birds Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier nt VBA 31/12/2006 Moderate Other Non-passerine birds Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle L vu PMST, VBA 28/04/2019 Moderate Other Non-passerine birds Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon L en PMST Low Other Non-passerine birds Falco subniger Black Falcon L vu VBA 31/03/2019 Moderate Other Non-passerine birds Ninox strenua Powerful Owl L vu VBA 25/12/2016 Moderate Other Non-passerine birds Lophochroa leadbeateri Major Mitchell's Cockatoo L vu VBA 31/05/2018 Moderate Other Non-passerine birds Chrysococcyx osculans Black-eared Cuckoo nt PMST Moderate Other Non-passerine birds Pachyptila turtur Fairy Prion vu PMST Low Marine birds

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Scientific Name Common Name EPBC FFG VIC Source Last Recorded LOP Lifeform Chlidonias leucopterus White-winged Black Tern nt VBA 27/01/2019 Moderate Waders Chlidonias hybrida Whiskered Tern nt VBA 28/04/2019 High Waders Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern L nt VBA 27/01/2019 High Waders Sternula albifrons Little Tern L vu VBA 1/07/1975 Low Waders Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone vu VBA 25/11/2018 Moderate Waders Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover vu VBA 16/09/2018 Moderate Waders Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel vu VBA 1/01/1973 Moderate Waders Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper vu PMST, VBA 20/01/2019 Moderate Waders Tringa brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler L cr VBA 18/10/1987 Low Waders Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper vu PMST, VBA 9/03/2019 High Waders Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank vu PMST, VBA 30/04/2019 High Waders Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper vu PMST, VBA 16/09/2018 Moderate Waders Calidris alba Sanderling nt VBA 31/05/2018 Moderate Waders Calidris subminuta Long-toed Stint nt PMST, VBA 1/01/1973 Moderate Waders Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper nt PMST, VBA 27/01/2019 Moderate Waders Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit vu PMST, VBA 16/09/2018 Moderate Waders Larus pacificus Pacific Gull nt VBA 9/03/2019 High Waders Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin L nt VBA 31/05/2018 High Passerine birds Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird L nt VBA 31/05/2018 Moderate Passerine birds Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler L en VBA 30/07/1984 Low Passerine birds Pyrrholaemus sagittatus Speckled Warbler L vu VBA 21/09/1883 Moderate Passerine birds Stagonopleura guttata Diamond Firetail L nt VBA 01/01/1893 Moderate Passerine birds Climacteris picumnus Brown Treecreeper nt VBA 31/05/2018 Moderate Passerine birds Chelodina longicollis Eastern Snake-necked Turtle dd VBA 21/11/2016 Moderate Reptiles

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Scientific Name Common Name EPBC FFG VIC Source Last Recorded LOP Lifeform Pseudophryne semimarmorata Southern Toadlet vu VBA 15/06/1989 Low Amphibians

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Appendix 5 Vascular plant species recorded from within the Greater Dandenong LGA

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record P Acacia acinacea s.l. Gold-dust Wattle Shrub 1/05/2019 Acacia dealbata Silver Wattle Tree 3/04/2009 Acacia implexa Lightwood Tree 3/04/2009 P Acacia mearnsii Black Wattle Tree 3/04/2009 Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood Tree 3/04/2009 P Acacia oxycedrus Spike Wattle Tree 3/04/2009 Acacia oxycedrus x longifolia Tree 3/04/2009 Acacia paradoxa Hedge Wattle Tree 3/04/2009 P Acacia stricta Hop Wattle Shrub 3/04/2009 P Acacia suaveolens Sweet Wattle Shrub 3/04/2009 P Acacia verticillata Prickly Moses Shrub 3/04/2009 P Acacia verticillata subsp. verticillata Prickly Moses Shrub 22/02/2017 Acaena agnipila Hairy Sheep's Burr Herb 1/11/2014 Acaena echinata Sheep's Burr Herb 1/12/1994 Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee Herb 3/04/2009 Acaena X ovina Australian Sheep's Burr Herb 3/04/2009 P Acianthus pusillus Small Mosquito-orchid Orchid 1/11/2014 Alisma plantago-aquatica Water Plantain Herb 1/07/2012 P Allittia cardiocarpa Swamp Daisy Herb 1/07/2012 Allocasuarina littoralis Black Sheoak Tree 3/04/2009 Allocasuarina paludosa Scrub Sheoak Tree 22/02/2017 Allocasuarina paradoxa Green Sheoak Tree 3/04/2009 Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping Sheoak Tree 16/06/1905

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Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Alternanthera denticulata s.s. Lesser Joyweed Herb 22/02/2017 Amperea xiphoclada var. xiphoclada Broom Spurge Herb 1/11/2014 Amphibromus archeri Pointed Swamp Wallaby-grass Grass 1/07/2012 VU R Amphibromus fluitans River Swamp Wallaby-grass Grass 1/07/2018 Amphibromus nervosus Common Swamp Wallaby-grass Grass 16/06/1905 Aotus ericoides Common Aotus Shrub 3/04/2009 Arthropodium strictum s.s. Chocolate Lily Herb 22/02/2017 Austrostipa acrociliata/platychaeta spp. agg. Graceful/Flat-awned Spear-grass Grass 1/02/1991 Austrostipa mollis Supple Spear-grass Grass 3/04/2009 Austrostipa rudis Veined Spear-grass Grass 1/07/2012 r Austrostipa rudis subsp. australis Veined Spear-grass Grass 1/07/2018 Banksia marginata Silver Banksia Tree 3/04/2009 k Berula erecta Water Parsnip Herb 1/07/2018 Billardiera mutabilis Common Apple-berry Climber 3/04/2009 Billardiera scandens s.l. Common Apple-berry Climber 1/11/2014 Bossiaea cinerea Showy Bossiaea Shrub 3/04/2009 Bossiaea prostrata Creeping Bossiaea Shrub 1/02/1991 Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lily Herb 3/04/2009 Burchardia umbellata Milkmaids Herb 3/04/2009 r P Burnettia cuneata Lizard Orchid Orchid 1/07/2018 Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria Shrub 3/04/2009 Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa Sweet Bursaria Shrub 1/11/2014 Caesia parviflora Pale Grass-lily Herb 3/04/2009 k Caesia parviflora var. minor Pale Grass-lily Herb 1/07/2018

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Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record r P Caladenia aurantiaca Orange-tip Finger-orchid Orchid 1/07/2018 k P Caladenia australis Southern Spider-orchid Orchid 1/07/2018 r P Caladenia flavovirens Christmas Spider-orchid Orchid 1/07/2018 k P Caladenia leptochila subsp. leptochila Narrow-lip Spider-orchid Orchid 1/07/2018 EN L en P Caladenia robinsonii Frankston Spider-orchid Orchid 1/07/2018 R r P Caladenia venusta Large White Spider-orchid Orchid 1/07/2018 Callistemon sieberi River Bottlebrush Tree 1/07/2012 R r Callitriche umbonata Winged Water-starwort Herb 1/07/2018 P Calocephalus lacteus Milky Beauty-heads Herb 1/07/2012 Campylopus introflexus Heath Star Moss Bryophyte 3/04/2009 r Carex alsophila Forest Sedge Sedge 1/07/2018 Carex appressa Tall Sedge Sedge 1/07/2012 Carex breviculmis Common Grass-sedge Sedge 1/12/1994 Carex brownii Stream Sedge Sedge 1/07/2012 k Carex chlorantha Green-top Sedge Sedge 1/07/2018 Carex fascicularis Tassel Sedge Sedge 1/07/2012 Carex gaudichaudiana Fen Sedge Sedge 1/07/2012 Carex inversa Knob Sedge Sedge 1/07/2012 P Cassinia aculeata subsp. aculeata Common Cassinia Shrub 1/12/1994 P Cassinia longifolia Shiny Cassinia Shrub 3/04/2009 Cassytha glabella Slender Dodder-laurel Climber 3/04/2009 Cassytha pubescens s.s. Downy Dodder-laurel Climber 3/04/2009 L en P Casuarina obesa Swamp Sheoak Tree 16/06/1905 Centella cordifolia Centella Herb 3/04/2009

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Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Centrolepis strigosa subsp. strigosa Hairy Centrolepis Herb 3/04/2009 P Chiloglottis trapeziformis Dainty Wasp-orchid Orchid 3/04/2009 Chiloscyphus semiteres var. semiteres Common Crestwort Bryophyte 3/04/2009 Chloris spp. Windmill Grass Grass 1/07/2018 Clematis decipiens Slender Clematis Climber 3/04/2009 Clematis microphylla s.l. Small-leaved Clematis Climber 17/10/2016 Coprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant-bush Shrub 1/05/2019 vu P Coronidium gunnianum Pale Swamp Everlasting Herb 1/07/2018 r P Correa alba var. pannosa Velvet White Correa Shrub 1/07/2018 Correa glabra cultivar Shrub 3/04/2009 P Correa reflexa Common Correa Shrub 1/11/2014 P Correa reflexa var. reflexa Common Correa Shrub 3/04/2009 P Correa reflexa var. speciosa Eastern Correa Shrub 3/04/2009 P Cotula australis Common Cotula Herb 3/04/2009 L en P Craspedia canens Grey Billy-buttons Herb 1/07/2018 P Craspedia paludicola Swamp Billy-buttons Herb 1/07/2012 Crassula decumbens var. decumbens Spreading Crassula Herb 1/11/2014 Crassula sieberiana s.l. Sieber Crassula Herb 28/02/2011 P Cryptostylis spp. Tongue Orchid Herb 3/04/2009 Cyathea australis Rough Tree-fern Fern 3/04/2009 Cycnogeton procerum s.s. Common Water-ribbons Herb 17/10/2016 Cynodon dactylon Couch Grass 3/04/2009 Dianella admixta Black-anther Flax-lily Herb 3/04/2009 Dianella aff. revoluta (Gippsland) Flax Lily Herb 1/12/1994

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Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record EN L en P Dianella amoena Matted Flax-lily Herb 1/07/2018 Dianella brevicaulis Small-flower Flax-lily Herb 3/04/2009 Dianella laevis Smooth Flax-lily Herb 22/02/2017 Dianella longifolia s.l. Pale Flax-lily Herb 1/07/2012 Dianella revoluta s.l. Black-anther Flax-lily Herb 17/10/2016 Dianella revoluta var. revoluta s.l. Black-anther Flax-lily Herb 1/02/2009 Dianella sp. aff caerula (branched) Herb 22/02/2017 Dianella spp. aff caerula (unbranched) Herb 22/02/2017 Dianella tasmanica Tasman Flax-lily Herb 3/04/2009 Dichelachne crinita Long-hair Plume-grass Grass 17/10/2016 Dichondra repens Kidney-weed Herb 3/04/2009 Dillwynia cinerascens s.l. Grey Parrot-pea Shrub 3/04/2009 Dillwynia glaberrima Smooth Parrot-pea Shrub 3/04/2009 P Dipodium roseum s.l. Rosy Hyacinth-orchid Orchid 1/02/2009 vu P Diuris behrii Golden Cowslips Orchid 1/07/2018 L vu P Diuris punctata var. punctata Purple Diuris Orchid 1/07/2018 Drosera auriculata Tall Sundew Herb 17/10/2016 Drosera peltata s.l. Pale Sundew Herb 28/02/2011 Drosera peltata subsp. peltata spp. agg. Pale Sundew Herb 1/12/1994 Einadia trigonos subsp. trigonos Lax Goosefoot Herb 1/02/1991 Eleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedge Sedge 16/06/1905 Eleocharis gracilis Slender Spike-sedge Sedge 1/12/1994 Eleocharis sphacelata Tall Spike-sedge Sedge 17/10/2016 Empodisma minus Spreading Rope-rush Rush 3/04/2009

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Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record P Epacris impressa Common Heath Shrub 3/04/2009 Epilobium billardiereanum Variable Willow-herb Herb 1/07/2012 Epilobium billardiereanum subsp. billardiereanum Smooth Willow-herb Herb 1/05/2006 Epilobium billardiereanum subsp. intermedium Variable Willow-herb Herb 1/05/2006 Epilobium hirtigerum Hairy Willow-herb Herb 3/04/2009 Eragrostis brownii Common Love-grass Grass 3/04/2009 Eryngium vesiculosum Prickfoot Herb 1/07/2012 R Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red-gum Tree 3/04/2009 Eucalyptus cephalocarpa s.l. Silver-leaf Stringybark Tree 3/04/2009 Eucalyptus cephalocarpa s.s. Mealy Stringybark Tree 1/02/2009 Eucalyptus cephalocarpa x viminalis subsp. pryoriana Mealy Stringybark x Coast Manna-gum hybrid Tree 1/12/1994 r Eucalyptus fulgens Green Scentbark Tree 1/07/2018 Eucalyptus globulus subsp. pseudoglobulus Gippsland Blue-gum Tree 1/07/2018 Eucalyptus hybrids Tree 3/04/2009 Eucalyptus litoralis x ovata var. ovata Otway Grey-gum x Swamp Gum hybrid Tree 22/02/2017 Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box Tree 3/04/2009 Eucalyptus ovata Swamp Gum Tree 3/04/2009 Eucalyptus ovata x viminalis subsp. viminalis Swamp Gum x Manna Gum hybrid Tree 28/02/2011 Eucalyptus pauciflora Snow Gum Tree 3/04/2009 Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. pauciflora White Sallee Tree 1/11/2014 Eucalyptus polyanthemos Red Box Tree 22/02/2017 Eucalyptus radiata subsp. radiata Narrow-leaf Peppermint Tree 3/04/2009 Eucalyptus viminalis Manna Gum Tree 16/06/1905 Eucalyptus viminalis subsp. pryoriana Coast Manna-gum Tree 3/04/2009

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Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Eucalyptus viminalis subsp. viminalis Manna Gum Tree 22/02/2017 en Eucalyptus X studleyensis Studley Park Gum Tree 1/07/2018 R r Eucalyptus yarraensis Yarra Gum Tree 1/07/2018 P Euchiton sphaericus Annual Cudweed Herb 1/05/2006 EN L en P Euphrasia collina subsp. muelleri Purple Eyebright Herb 1/07/2018 Exocarpos cupressiformis Cherry Ballart Tree 1/11/2014 Ficinia nodosa Knobby Club-sedge Sedge 17/10/2016 Gahnia radula Thatch Saw-sedge Sedge 3/04/2009 Gahnia sieberiana Red-fruit Saw-sedge Sedge 3/04/2009 Geranium gardneri Rough Crane's-bill Herb 22/02/2017 Gleichenia microphylla Scrambling Coral-fern Fern 3/04/2009 Glyceria australis Australian Sweet-grass Grass 1/07/2012 VU L vu P Glycine latrobeana Clover Glycine Herb 1/07/2018 Goebelobryum unguiculatum Mister Whiskers Liverwort 3/04/2009 P Gompholobium huegelii Common Wedge-pea Shrub 1/11/2014 Gonocarpus tetragynus Common Raspwort Herb 3/04/2009 Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia Shrub 3/04/2009 r Goodia pubescens Silky Golden-tip Herb 1/07/2018 Hakea nodosa Yellow Hakea Shrub 3/04/2009 Hakea ulicina Furze Hakea Shrub 3/04/2009 Haloragis heterophylla Varied Raspwort Herb 1/12/1994 P Hardenbergia violacea Purple Coral-pea Climber 3/04/2009 Hemarthria uncinata var. uncinata Mat Grass Grass 17/10/2016 Hibbertia australis Upright Guinea-flower Shrub 3/04/2009

Final 116

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Hibbertia cistiflora subsp. rostrata x sericea Rock Rose Guinea-flower x Silky Guinea-flower hybrid Shrub 3/04/2009 Hibbertia fasciculata var. prostrata Bundled Guinea-flower Shrub 1/11/2014 Hibbertia riparia Erect Guinea-flower Shrub 1/12/1994 Hibbertia sericea s.l. Silky Guinea-flower Shrub 1/11/2014 Hydrocotyle verticillata Shield Pennywort Herb 1/02/1991 Hypericum gramineum Small St John's Wort Herb 1/12/1994 Hypnum cypressiforme Moss 3/04/2009 Hypoxis hygrometrica Golden Weather-glass Herb 1/02/1991 Indigofera australis subsp. australis Austral Indigo Shrub 3/04/2009 Isolepis cernua s.l. Nodding Club-sedge Sedge 3/04/2009 vu Isolepis gaudichaudiana Benambra Club-sedge Sedge 1/07/2018 Isolepis inundata Swamp Club-sedge Sedge 3/04/2009 Isolepis marginata Little Club-sedge Sedge 3/04/2009 Isolepis platycarpa Broad-fruit Club-sedge Sedge 1/03/1991 Juncus amabilis Hollow Rush Rush 1/12/1994 Juncus bufonius Toad Rush Rush 3/04/2009 Juncus flavidus Gold Rush Rush 1/12/1994 Juncus fockei Slender Joint-leaf Rush Rush 1/07/2012 Juncus gregiflorus Green Rush Rush 22/02/2017 Juncus holoschoenus Joint-leaf Rush Rush 1/07/2012 Juncus kraussii subsp. australiensis Sea Rush Rush 22/02/2017 Juncus pallidus Pale Rush Rush 3/04/2009 Juncus planifolius Broad-leaf Rush Rush 1/12/1994 Juncus sarophorus Broom Rush Rush 1/07/2012

Final 117

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Juncus subsecundus Finger Rush Rush 22/02/2017 Kennedia prostrata Running Postman Shrub 3/04/2009 Kunzea ericoides s.l. Burgan Shrub 22/02/2017 Lachnagrostis filiformis s.s. Common Blown-grass Grass 22/02/2017 L r P Lachnagrostis semibarbata var. filifolia Purple Blown-grass Grass 1/07/2018 P Lagenophora stipitata s.l. Common Bottle-daisy Herb 1/11/2014 P Laphangium luteoalbum Jersey Cudweed Herb 1/07/2012 r Lastreopsis hispida Bristly Shield-fern Fern 1/07/2018 Lemna disperma Common Duckweed Herb 3/04/2009 Lepidosperma concavum Sandhill Sword-sedge Sedge 3/04/2009 Lepidosperma elatius Tall Sword-sedge Sedge 3/04/2009 Lepidosperma laterale var. laterale Variable Sword-sedge Sedge 1/11/2014 Lepidosperma longitudinale Pithy Sword-sedge Sedge 3/04/2009 Lepidosperma semiteres Wire Rapier-sedge Sedge 3/04/2009 P Leptorhynchos tenuifolius Wiry Buttons Herb 1/12/1994 Leptospermum continentale Prickly Tea-tree Shrub 3/04/2009 Leptospermum lanigerum Woolly Tea-tree Shrub 22/02/2017 Leptospermum myrsinoides Heath Tea-tree Shrub 3/04/2009 Leptospermum scoparium Manuka Shrub 3/04/2009 Lepyrodia muelleri Common Scale-rush Rush 3/04/2009 P Leucopogon virgatus Common Beard-heath Shrub 3/04/2009 Lindsaea linearis Screw Fern Fern 1/11/2014 Lobelia anceps Angled Lobelia Herb 3/04/2009 Lobelia pratioides Poison Lobelia Herb 28/02/2011

Final 118

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Lomandra filiformis subsp. coriacea Wattle Mat-rush Herb 3/04/2009 Lomandra filiformis subsp. filiformis Wattle Mat-rush Herb 3/04/2009 Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush Herb 3/04/2009 Lomandra longifolia subsp. longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush Herb 22/02/2017 Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora Many-flowered Mat-rush Herb 3/04/2009 Lomandra nana Dwarf Mat-rush Herb 28/02/2011 Luzula meridionalis Common Woodrush Rush 1/12/1994 Lythrum hyssopifolia Small Loosestrife Herb 1/07/2012 Machaerina acuta Pale Twig-sedge Sedge 1/12/1994 Machaerina arthrophylla Fine Twig-sedge Sedge 1/07/2012 Machaerina rubiginosa s.l. Soft Twig-rush Sedge 1/07/2012 P Melaleuca squarrosa Scented Paperbark Tree 3/04/2009 Melicytus dentatus s.l. Tree Violet Shrub 17/10/2016 Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping Grass Grass 1/07/2018 P Microtis parviflora Slender Onion-orchid Orchid 28/02/2011 P Microtis spp. Onion Orchid Orchid 1/11/2014 P Microtis unifolia Common Onion-orchid Orchid 1/12/1994 P Monotoca scoparia Prickly Broom-heath Shrub 1/11/2014 Montia australasica White Purslane Herb 1/07/2012 Muellerina eucalyptoides Creeping Mistletoe Climber 1/12/1994 Myriophyllum crispatum Upright Water-milfoil Herb 16/06/1905 Myriophyllum integrifolium Tiny Water-milfoil Herb 16/06/1905 r P Olearia asterotricha Rough Daisy-bush Shrub 1/07/2018 P Olearia ramulosa Twiggy Daisy-bush Shrub 3/04/2009

Final 119

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Opercularia ovata Broad-leaf Stinkweed Herb 28/02/2011 Opercularia varia Variable Stinkweed Herb 3/04/2009 Ornduffia reniformis Running Marsh-flower Herb 1/02/1991 Oxalis exilis Shade Wood-sorrel Herb 22/02/2017 Oxalis perennans Grassland Wood-sorrel Herb 17/10/2016 P Ozothamnus ferrugineus Tree Everlasting Shrub 3/04/2009 Patersonia occidentalis var. occidentalis Long Purple-flag Herb 3/04/2009 Pauridia glabella var. glabella Tiny Star Herb 1/12/1994 Pauridia glabella/vaginata spp. agg. Tiny/Yellow Star species aggregate Herb 17/10/2016 Pauridia vaginata Yellow Star Herb 1/11/2008 Pelargonium australe Austral Stork's-bill Herb 17/10/2016 Pelargonium inodorum Kopata Herb 1/11/2014 Pentapogon quadrifidus var. quadrifidus Five-awned Spear-grass Grass 1/03/1991 Persicaria decipiens Slender Knotweed Herb 1/07/2012 Persicaria hydropiper Water Pepper Herb 1/05/2006 Persicaria spp. Knotweed Herb 1/05/2006 Persicaria subsessilis Hairy Knotweed Herb 1/05/2006 vu Philydrum lanuginosum Woolly Waterlily Herb 1/07/2018 Phragmites australis Common Reed Grass 1/07/2012 Pilularia novae-hollandiae Austral Pillwort Herb 16/06/1905 Pimelea humilis Common Rice-flower Shrub 3/04/2009 Platylobium obtusangulum Common Flat-pea Shrub 3/04/2009 Platysace heterophylla var. heterophylla Slender Platysace Shrub 3/04/2009 Poa clelandii Noah's Ark Grass 3/04/2009

Final 120

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Poa labillardierei Common Tussock-grass Grass 3/04/2009 Poa labillardierei var. labillardierei Common Tussock-grass Grass 22/02/2017 Poa morrisii Soft Tussock-grass Grass 1/12/1994 Poa sieberiana Grey Tussock-grass Grass 3/04/2009 Portulaca oleracea Common Purslane Herb 1/02/2009 VU ex P Prasophyllum colemaniarum Lilac Leek-orchid Orchid 1/07/2018 Pteridium esculentum subsp. esculentum Austral Bracken Fern 3/04/2009 r Pteris epaleata Netted Brake Fern 1/07/2018 Pteris tremula Tender Brake Fern 1/02/1991 VU L Inf P Pterostylis cucullata Leafy Greenhood Orchid 1/07/2018 P Pterostylis nutans Nodding Greenhood Orchid 3/04/2009 vu P Pterostylis pedoglossa Prawn Greenhood Orchid 1/07/2018 r P Pterostylis X ingens Sharp Greenhood Orchid 1/07/2018 vu P Pterostylis X toveyana Mentone Greenhood Orchid 1/07/2018 Ptychomnion aciculare Paper Moss Moss 3/04/2009 r Ranunculus amplus Lacey River Buttercup Herb 1/07/2018 Ranunculus inundatus River Buttercup Herb 1/05/2006 Ranunculus lappaceus Australian Buttercup Herb 1/12/1994 k Ranunculus papulentus Large River Buttercup Herb 1/07/2018 Ricinocarpos pinifolius Wedding Bush Shrub 3/04/2009 Rosulabrum billardieri Bryophyte 3/04/2009 Rubus parvifolius Small-leaf Bramble Shrub 3/04/2009 Rumex brownii Slender Dock Herb 1/12/1994 Rytidosperma caespitosum Common Wallaby-grass Grass 22/02/2017

Final 121

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record Rytidosperma duttonianum Brown-back Wallaby-grass Grass 17/10/2016 Rytidosperma geniculatum Kneed Wallaby-grass Grass 1/11/2014 Rytidosperma laeve Smooth Wallaby-grass Grass 28/02/2011 Rytidosperma pilosum Velvet Wallaby-grass Grass 28/02/2011 Rytidosperma racemosum var. racemosum Slender Wallaby-grass Grass 17/10/2016 Rytidosperma semiannulare Wetland Wallaby-grass Grass 28/02/2011 Rytidosperma setaceum Bristly Wallaby-grass Grass 28/02/2011 r Salsola tragus subsp. pontica Coast Saltwort Herb 1/07/2018 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani River Club-sedge Sedge 22/02/2017 Schoenus apogon Common Bog-sedge Sedge 1/09/2011 Schoenus brevifolius Zig-zag Bog-sedge Sedge 3/04/2009 Schoenus lepidosperma Slender Bog-sedge Sedge 3/04/2009 k Sclerolaena muricata var. muricata Black Roly-poly Shrub 1/07/2018 P Senecio glomeratus Annual Fireweed Herb 3/04/2009 P Senecio glomeratus x hispidulus Annual x Rough Fireweed hybrid Herb 3/04/2009 P Senecio prenanthoides Beaked Fireweed Herb 1/05/2006 P Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed Herb 3/04/2009 P Senecio sp. (hispidulus/glomeratus group) Herb 3/04/2009 P Senecio tenuiflorus s.l. Slender Fireweed Herb 1/05/2006 Solanum aviculare Kangaroo Apple Shrub 1/07/2012 Solanum laciniatum Large Kangaroo Apple Shrub 3/04/2009 Spirodela punctata Thin Duckweed Herb 22/02/2017 Stackhousia viminea Slender Stackhousia Herb 1/02/1991 P Stylidium armeria Common Triggerplant Herb 3/04/2009

Final 122

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record P Stylidium graminifolium s.l. Grass Triggerplant Herb 1/11/2014 P Taraxacum spp. Dandelion Herb 1/09/2011 Thelionema caespitosum Tufted Lily Herb 3/04/2009 EN L en P Thelymitra epipactoides Metallic Sun-orchid Orchid 1/07/2018 P Thelymitra nuda x pauciflora Plain x Slender Sun-orchid hybrid Orchid 1/02/1991 P Thelymitra spp. Sun Orchid Orchid 1/11/2014 Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass Grass 16/06/1905 VU L vu P Thesium australe Austral Toad-flax Herb 1/07/2018 Thuidiopsis furfurosa/sparsa Weft Moss Moss 3/04/2009 P Thysanotus patersonii Twining Fringe-lily Herb 1/02/2009 Trachymene composita Parsnip Trachymene Herb 3/04/2009 Trachymene composita var. composita Parsnip Trachymene Herb 1/11/2014 Tricoryne elatior Yellow Rush-lily Herb 1/11/2014 Triquetella papillata Moss 3/04/2009 Tristaniopsis laurina Kanooka Street tree 10/07/1905 Typha domingensis Narrow-leaf Cumbungi Herb 1/12/1994 Typha spp. Bulrush Herb 1/07/2012 Veronica gracilis Slender Speedwell Herb 1/12/1994 Viminaria juncea Golden Spray Shrub 3/04/2009 Viola hederacea sensu Entwisle (1996) Ivy-leaf Violet Herb 3/04/2009 Wahlenbergia communis s.l. Tufted Bluebell Herb 3/04/2009 Wahlenbergia multicaulis Branching Bluebell Herb 1/02/1991 Wurmbea dioica Common Early Nancy Herb 1/12/1994 P Xanthorrhoea minor subsp. lutea Small Grass-tree Herb 1/11/2014

Final 123

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record VU L vu P Xerochrysum palustre Swamp Everlasting Herb 1/07/2018 * Acacia baileyana Cootamundra Wattle Tree 1/07/2018 # Acacia floribunda White Sallow-wattle Tree 22/02/2017 # Acacia howittii Sticky Wattle Tree 1/07/2018 * Acacia iteaphylla Flinders Range Wattle Shrub 1/07/2012 # Acacia longifolia Sallow Wattle Tree 1/03/1991 # Acacia longifolia subsp. longifolia Sallow Wattle Tree 3/04/2009 * Acacia podalyriifolia Queensland Silver Wattle Shrub 22/02/2017 # Acacia retinodes s.l. Wirilda Shrub 23/01/2017 * Acer campestre 'Evelyn' Street tree 10/07/1905 * Acer negundo Box-elder Maple Tree 23/01/2017 * Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore Maple Tree 17/10/2016 * Acetosella vulgaris Sheep Sorrel Herb 3/04/2009 * Agapanthus praecox subsp. orientalis Agapanthus Herb 17/10/2016 * Agrostis capillaris var. capillaris Brown-top Bent Grass 22/02/2017 * Agrostis stolonifera Creeping Bent Grass 1/07/2012 * Aira cupaniana Quicksilver Grass Grass 28/02/2011 * Aira praecox Early Hair-grass Grass 3/04/2009 * Aira spp. Hair Grass Grass 1/07/2012 * R Allium triquetrum Angled Onion Herb 1/07/2012 * Aloe maculata Common Soap Aloe Herb 1/07/2012 * Angophora costata subsp. costata Smooth-barked Apple Street tree 10/07/1905 * R Anredera cordifolia Madeira Vine Climber 1/11/2014 * Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass Grass 3/04/2009

Final 124

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record * Araujia sericifera White Bladder-flower Climber 23/01/2017 * Arctotheca calendula Cape Weed Herb 3/04/2009 * Artemisia arborescens Silver Wormwood Shrub 1/07/2012 * R Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper Herb 1/11/2014 * Asparagus officinalis Asparagus Herb 23/01/2017 * Atriplex prostrata Hastate Orache Herb 1/05/2006 * Avena barbata Bearded Oat Grass 17/10/2016 * Avena fatua Wild Oat Grass 1/09/2011 * Avena sativa Oat Grass 17/10/2016 * Billardiera fusiformis Bluebell Creeper Climber 23/01/2017 # Brachychiton populneus subsp. populneus Kurrajong Street tree 10/07/1905 * Brassica fruticulosa Twiggy Turnip Herb 17/10/2016 * Briza maxima Large Quaking-grass Grass 1/11/2014 * Briza minor Lesser Quaking-grass Grass 1/11/2014 * Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass Grass 1/07/2012 * Bromus diandrus Great Brome Grass 1/11/2014 * Bromus hordeaceus Soft Brome Grass 1/05/2019 * Calendula officinalis Garden Marigold Herb 1/07/2012 # Callistemon citrinus Crimson Bottlebrush Tree 23/01/2017 * Callistemon viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush Street tree 10/07/1905 * Callitriche stagnalis Common Water-starwort Herb 1/07/2012 * Cardamine flexuosa Wood Bitter-cress Herb 1/07/2012 Cardamine flexuosa/hirsuta Herb 3/04/2009 * P Carduus pycnocephalus Slender Thistle Herb 23/01/2017

Final 125

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record * Cenchrus clandestinus Kikuyu Grass 1/09/2011 * Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury Herb 17/10/2016 * Cerastium glomeratum s.l. Common Mouse-ear Chickweed Herb 17/10/2016 * Chenopodium album Fat Hen Herb 17/10/2016 * Chenopodium murale Sowbane Herb 1/05/2019 * C Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed Herb 23/01/2017 * C Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Herb 1/07/2012 * C Conium maculatum Hemlock Herb 23/01/2017 * Coprosma repens Mirror Bush Shrub 3/04/2009 * Cordyline spp. Palm Lily Tree 23/01/2017 * Cortaderia selloana Pampas Grass Grass 23/01/2017 # Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum Tree 1/07/2018 * Cotoneaster spp. Cotoneaster Shrub 1/12/1994 * Cotula coronopifolia Water Buttons Herb 1/12/1994 * Crassula multicava subsp. multicava Shade Crassula Herb 1/07/2012 * C Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn Shrub 1/07/2018 * Crocosmia X crocosmiiflora Montbretia Herb 17/10/2016 * C Cynara cardunculus subsp. flavescens Artichoke Thistle Herb 1/12/1994 * Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon Couch Grass 1/07/2018 * Cynosurus echinatus Rough Dog's-tail Grass 22/02/2017 * Cyperus eragrostis Drain Flat-sedge Sedge 1/12/1994 * C Cytisus scoparius English Broom Shrub 30/04/2013 * Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Grass 1/07/2018 * Daucus carota Carrot Herb 1/11/2014

Final 126

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record * Delairea odorata Cape Ivy Climber 23/01/2017 * Dietes iridioides Fortnight Lily Herb 23/01/2017 * Dipogon lignosus Common Dipogon Climber 23/01/2017 * C Dipsacus fullonum Wild Teasel Herb 1/07/2012 * C Dittrichia graveolens Stinkwort Herb 1/05/2019 # Dysphania pumilio Clammy Goosefoot Herb 3/04/2009 * C Echium plantagineum Paterson's Curse Herb 28/02/2011 * Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt-grass Grass 1/07/2012 * Ehrharta longiflora Annual Veldt-grass Grass 3/04/2009 * Erigeron bonariensis Flaxleaf Fleabane Herb 1/07/2012 * Erigeron sumatrensis Tall Fleabane Herb 22/02/2017 * Erodium botrys Big Heron's-bill Herb 1/09/2011 * Erodium moschatum Musky Heron's-bill Herb 1/07/2012 # Eucalyptus botryoides Southern Mahogany Tree 1/07/2018 # Eucalyptus botryoides X camaldulensis subsp. camaldulensis Tree 22/02/2017 * Eucalyptus cladocalyx Sugar Gum Tree 1/07/2018 # Eucalyptus crenulata Buxton Gum Tree 1/07/2018 # Eucalyptus leucoxylon Yellow Gum Street tree 10/07/1905 * Eucalyptus leucoxylon 'Euky Dwarf' Street tree 10/07/1905 * Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge Herb 1/07/2012 * Festuca arundinacea Tall Fescue Grass 28/02/2011 * R Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Herb 1/07/2018 * Fraxinus angustifolia Desert Ash Tree 1/07/2018 * Fraxinus angustifolia subsp. angustifolia Desert Ash Tree 22/02/2017

Final 127

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record * Fumaria bastardii Bastard's Fumitory Herb 3/04/2009 * Fumaria capreolata White Fumitory Herb 17/10/2016 * Galenia pubescens var. pubescens Galenia Herb 1/07/2018 * Galium aparine Cleavers Herb 3/04/2009 * C Genista linifolia Flax-leaf Broom Shrub 1/12/1994 * C Genista monspessulana Montpellier Broom Shrub 17/10/2016 * Geranium dissectum Cut-leaf Crane's-bill Herb 17/10/2016 * Gladiolus undulatus Wild Gladiolus Herb 22/02/2017 * Gleditsia triacanthos Honey Locust Tree 23/01/2017 # Grevillea rosmarinifolia Rosemary Grevillea Shrub 1/07/2018 * Hedera helix s.l. English Ivy Climber 3/04/2009 * Helminthotheca echioides Ox-tongue Herb 1/07/2018 * Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Grass 1/07/2012 * Hordeum spp. Barley Grass Grass 28/02/2011 * C Hypericum perforatum subsp. veronense St John's Wort Herb 23/01/2017 * Hypochaeris radicata Flatweed Herb 3/04/2009 * Hypochaeris radicata/glabra Herb 3/04/2009 * Hypochaeris spp. Cat's Ear Herb 1/10/2013 * Ilex aquifolium English Holly Shrub 3/04/2009 * Isolepis levynsiana Tiny Flat-sedge Sedge 28/02/2011 * Jasminum polyanthum Winter Jasmine Climber 1/07/2012 * C Juncus acutus subsp. acutus Spiny Rush Rush 23/01/2017 * Juncus articulatus subsp. articulatus Jointed Rush Rush 22/02/2017 * Juncus capitatus Capitate Rush Rush 28/02/2011

Final 128

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record * Juncus microcephalus Tiny-headed Rush Rush 28/02/2011 * Kniphofia spp. Kniphofia Herb 23/01/2017 # Kunzea ambigua White Kunzea Shrub 3/04/2009 * Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce Herb 17/10/2016 * Lactuca spp. Lettuce Herb 1/07/2012 * Lagerstroemia indica Street tree 10/07/1905 * Lagerstroemia indica x L. fauriei Street tree 10/07/1905 * Lagunaria patersonia subsp. patersonia Pyramid Tree Street tree 10/07/1905 * Leontodon saxatilis subsp. saxatilis Hairy Hawkbit Herb 1/07/2012 * Lepidium africanum Common Peppercress Herb 1/07/2018 # Leptospermum laevigatum Coast Tea-tree Shrub 3/04/2009 * C Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy Herb 23/01/2017 * Ligustrum vulgare European Privet Shrub 23/01/2017 * Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass Grass 1/09/2011 * Lolium rigidum Wimmera Rye-grass Grass 1/09/2011 * Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle Climber 23/01/2017 * Lonicera spp. Honeysuckle Climber 3/04/2009 * Lophostemon confertus Street tree 10/07/1905 * Lotus corniculatus Bird's-foot Trefoil Herb 1/07/2012 * Lotus uliginosus Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil Herb 1/07/2012 * C Lycium ferocissimum African Box-thorn Shrub 22/02/2017 * Lysimachia arvensis Pimpernel Herb 17/10/2016 * Magnolia figo Tree 23/01/2017 * Malus ioensis 'Plena' Street tree 10/07/1905

Final 129

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record * Malva parviflora Small-flower Mallow Shrub 1/07/2012 # Marsilea mutica Smooth Nardoo Herb 1/07/2018 * Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic Herb 22/02/2017 # Melaleuca armillaris subsp. armillaris Giant Honey-myrtle Shrub 3/04/2009 # Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark Tree 3/04/2009 * Melaleuca linariifolia Flax-leaf Paperbark Street tree 10/07/1905 # Melaleuca parvistaminea Rough-barked Honey-myrtle Tree 22/02/2017 * Melaleuca quinquenervia Street tree 10/07/1905 * Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly Paperbark Street tree 10/07/1905 * Mentha pulegium Pennyroyal Herb 28/02/2011 * Mentha spicata Spearmint Herb 1/07/2012 * Modiola caroliniana Red-flower Mallow Herb 17/10/2016 * Nandina domestica Sacred Bamboo Shrub 1/07/2012 * R Nassella neesiana Chilean Needle-grass Grass 23/01/2017 * Nasturtium officinale Watercress Herb 17/10/2016 * P Opuntia robusta Wheel Cactus Herb 23/01/2017 * Oxalis corniculata var. corniculata Herb 28/02/2011 * R Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob Herb 3/04/2009 * Oxalis purpurea Large-flower Wood-sorrel Herb 17/10/2016 * Pandanus spp. Tree 1/12/1994 * Paraserianthes lophantha subsp. lophantha Cape Wattle Tree 1/07/2018 * Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum Grass 1/07/2012 * Paspalum distichum Water Couch Grass 1/07/2012 * Phalaris aquatica Toowoomba Canary-grass Grass 1/07/2012

Final 130

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record * Phalaris minor Lesser Canary-grass Grass 22/02/2017 * Pinus radiata Radiata Pine Tree 1/07/2018 * Pinus spp. Pine Tree 1/12/1994 # Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum Tree 3/04/2009 * Plantago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain Herb 1/09/2011 * Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Herb 1/07/2018 * Plantago major Greater Plantain Herb 17/10/2016 * Poa annua s.l. Annual Meadow-grass Grass 3/04/2009 * Poa pratensis Kentucky Blue-grass Grass 17/10/2016 * Polycarpon tetraphyllum Four-leaved Allseed Herb 3/04/2009 * Polygonum aviculare s.l. Prostrate Knotweed Herb 1/07/2012 * Polypogon monspeliensis Annual Beard-grass Grass 28/02/2011 * Prunella vulgaris Self-heal Herb 1/07/2012 * Prunus cerasifera Cherry Plum Shrub 1/07/2012 * Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-leaf Cherry-plum Street tree 10/07/1905 * Prunus spp. Prunus Tree 1/07/2018 * Psoralea pinnata Blue Psoralea Shrub 23/01/2017 * Pyrus calleryana Street tree 10/07/1905 * Quercus robur English Oak Tree 23/01/2017 * Quercus spp. Oak Tree 23/01/2017 * Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Herb 1/07/2012 * Raphanus raphanistrum Wild Radish Herb 22/02/2017 * Raphanus sativus Common Radish Herb 1/07/2012 * Romulea rosea Onion Grass Herb 3/04/2009

Final 131

Ecological assessment and knowledge review for the City of Greater Dandenong

Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record * Romulea rosea var. australis s.s. Common Onion-grass Herb 1/07/2012 * Rorippa palustris Marsh Yellow-cress Herb 1/07/2012 * C Rosa rubiginosa Sweet Briar Shrub 1/11/2014 * C Rubus anglocandicans Common Blackberry Shrub 22/02/2017 * C Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry Shrub 3/04/2009 * Rumex conglomeratus Clustered Dock Herb 1/11/2014 * Rumex crispus Curled Dock Herb 1/05/2006 * Sagina procumbens Spreading Pearlwort Herb 3/04/2009 * Salix babylonica s.l. Weeping Willow Tree 1/11/2008 * R Salix fragilis Crack Willow Tree 23/01/2017 * R Salix spp. Willow Tree 1/12/1994 * R Salix X pendulina Weeping Willow Tree 23/01/2017 * R Salix X rubens Basket Willow Tree 23/01/2017 * Schinus molle Pepper Tree Tree 30/04/2013 * Senecio angulatus Climbing Groundsel Herb 23/01/2017 * Setaria parviflora Slender Pigeon Grass Grass 17/10/2016 * Setaria pumila subsp. pumila Pale Pigeon-grass Grass 22/02/2017 * C Silybum marianum Variegated Thistle Herb 23/01/2017 * Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard Herb 1/07/2012 * Sisyrinchium micranthum Striped Rush-leaf Herb 28/02/2011 * Solanum mauritianum Wild Tobacco Tree Tree 23/01/2017 * Solanum nigrum s.s. Black Nightshade Herb 22/02/2017 * Solanum pseudocapsicum Madeira Winter-cherry Herb 1/07/2012 * Soliva sessilis Jo Jo Herb 3/04/2009

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Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record * Sonchus asper subsp. asper Rough Sow-thistle Herb 1/07/2012 * Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle Herb 3/04/2009 * Sporobolus africanus Rat-tail Grass Grass 1/07/2018 * Stellaria media Chickweed Herb 3/04/2009 * Symphyotrichum subulatum Aster-weed Herb 1/07/2012 * Syzygium floribundum Street tree 10/07/1905 * Taraxacum officinale spp. agg. Garden Dandelion Herb 1/11/2014 * Tradescantia fluminensis Wandering Jew Herb 17/10/2016 * Tragopogon porrifolius subsp. porrifolius Salsify Herb 22/02/2017 * Trifolium dubium Suckling Clover Herb 28/02/2011 * Trifolium glomeratum Cluster Clover Herb 28/02/2011 * Trifolium repens var. repens White Clover Herb 1/07/2018 * Trifolium spp. Clover Herb 1/07/2012 * Trifolium subterraneum Subterranean Clover Herb 1/11/2014 * Triglochin scilloides Lilaea Herb 28/02/2011 * Tropaeolum majus Nasturtium Herb 17/10/2016 * Typha latifolia Lesser Reed-mace Herb 22/02/2017 * C Ulex europaeus Gorse Shrub 1/07/2018 * Ulmus procera English Elm Tree 17/10/2016 * Veronica arvensis Wall Speedwell Herb 17/10/2016 * Vicia faba Broad Bean Herb 1/07/2012 * Vicia hirsuta Tiny Vetch Herb 17/10/2016 * Vicia sativa Common Vetch Herb 3/04/2009 * Vicia sativa subsp. nigra Narrow-leaf Vetch Herb 22/02/2017

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Status Scientific Name Common Name Lifeform Last Record * Vicia sativa subsp. sativa Common Vetch Herb 22/02/2017 * Vinca major Blue Periwinkle Climber 1/12/1994 * Vulpia bromoides Squirrel-tail Fescue Grass 3/04/2009 * Vulpia myuros Rat's-tail Fescue Grass 3/04/2009 * Vulpia spp. Fescue Grass 1/07/2012 * C Watsonia meriana var. bulbillifera Bulbil Watsonia Herb 1/12/1994 * Watsonia spp. Watsonia Herb 1/07/2012 * Zantedeschia aethiopica White Arum-lily Herb 1/07/2012

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Appendix 6 Significant Flora species recorded or predicted to occur within the Greater Dandenong LGA area and their likelihood of presence Scientific Name Common Name EPBC FFG VIC Source Last Recorded Count of Sightings LOP Amphibromus fluitans River Swamp Wallaby-grass VU R PMST, VBA 1/07/2018 5 Moderate Caesia parviflora var. minor Pale Grass-lily k VBA 1/07/2018 3 Moderate Caladenia oenochila Wine-lipped Spider-orchid vu VBA 13/10/1916 1 Low Caladenia orientalis Eastern Spider-orchid EN L en PMST Low Caladenia robinsonii Frankston Spider-orchid EN L en 1/07/2018 2 Moderate Caladenia venusta Large White Spider-orchid R r VBA 1/07/2018 4 Moderate Callitriche umbonata Winged Water-starwort R r VBA 1/07/2018 3 Moderate Cardamine moirensis Riverina Bitter-cress r VBA 1/01/1997 1 Low Cladium procerum Leafy Twig-sedge r VBA 2/12/2016 2 Moderate Corunastylis ciliata Fringed Midge-orchid k VBA 1/03/1928 1 Low Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum vu VBA 20/08/2019 13 Planted Craspedia canens Grey Billy-buttons L en VBA 1/07/2018 6 Moderate Dianella amoena Matted Flax-lily EN L en PMST 1/07/2018 2 Moderate Diuris behrii Golden Cowslips vu VBA 1/07/2018 1 Moderate Diuris daltonii Western Purple Diuris L vu VBA 1/07/2018 1 Not Likely Eucalyptus crenulata Buxton Gum EN L en VBA 1/07/2018 3 Planted Eucalyptus fulgens Green Scentbark r 1/07/2018 2 Moderate Eucalyptus leucoxylon subsp. megalocarpa Large-fruit Yellow-gum L en VBA 1/09/2016 1 Planted Eucalyptus X studleyensis Studley Park Gum en VBA 1/07/2018 11 Moderate Eucalyptus yarraensis Yarra Gum R r VBA 1/07/2018 4 Moderate Euphrasia collina subsp. muelleri Purple Eyebright EN L en 1/07/2018 2 Moderate Geranium solanderi var. solanderi s.s. Austral Crane's-bill vu VBA 20/10/1899 1 Low Glycine latrobeana Clover Glycine VU L vu PMST 1/07/2018 2 Moderate

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Scientific Name Common Name EPBC FFG VIC Source Last Recorded Count of Sightings LOP Goodia pubescens Silky Golden-tip r VBA 1/07/2018 3 Low Lastreopsis hispida Bristly Shield-fern r VBA 1/07/2018 3 Moderate Melaleuca armillaris subsp. armillaris Giant Honey-myrtle r VBA 1/07/2018 14 Moderate Melaleuca halmaturorum Salt Paperbark L vu VBA 2/08/2017 1 Not Likely Olearia asterotricha Rough Daisy-bush r VBA 1/07/2018 3 Moderate Potamogeton australiensis Thin Pondweed k VBA 11/11/1904 1 Moderate Prasophyllum colemaniae Lilac Leek-orchid VU ex 1/07/2018 2 Not likely Prasophyllum frenchii Maroon Leek-orchid EN L en PMST Low Pteris comans Netted brake r VBA 1/07/2018 3 Moderate Pterostylis chlorogramma Green-striped Greenhood VU L vu PMST Not Likely Pterostylis cucullata Leafy Greenhood VU L Inf PMST 1/07/2018 2 Moderate Pterostylis pedoglossa Prawn Greenhood vu VBA 1/07/2018 4 Low Ranunculus papulentus Large River Buttercup k VBA 1/07/2018 3 Moderate Rhagodia parabolica Fragrant Saltbush r VBA 19/12/2018 1 Low Senecio glomeratus subsp. longifructus Annual Fireweed r VBA 5/12/2003 1 Moderate Senecio psilocarpus Swamp Fireweed VU vu PMST Low Thelymitra epipactoides Metallic Sun-orchid EN L en PMST 1/07/2018 2 Moderate Thesium australe Austral Toad-flax VU L vu 1/07/2018 2 Low Xerochrysum palustre Swamp Everlasting VU L vu PMST 1/07/2018 2 Moderate

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Appendix 7 Victorian listed threatened species recorded from study sites within the Greater Dandenong LGA

Site name EVC Listed species Common name Conservation status Last recorded Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater CR L cr 2019 Eucalypt forests and woodlands Alex Wilkie Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland Senecio glomeratus subsp. longifructus Annual Fireweed r P 2013 Riparian woodland Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe nt 2018 Freshwater wetlands Coomoora Reserve Plains Grassy Woodland Aythya australis Hardhead vu 2018 Freshwater wetlands Creekline Grassy Woodland Fotheringham Reserve Anthochaera phrygia Regent Honeyeater CR L cr 2010 Eucalypt forests and woodlands Plains Grassy Woodland Plains Grassy Woodland Eucalyptus yarraensis Yarra Gum R r 2015 Open woodlands Frank Pellicano Plains swampy Woodland Eucalyptus X studleyensis Studley Park Gum en 2015 Woodlands Plains swampy Woodland Geaves Reserve Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin L nt 2010 Eucalypt forests and woodlands Swampy Riparian Woodland Aythya australis Hardhead vu 2018 Freshwater wetlands Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck L en 2018 Freshwater wetlands Leon Trembath Reserve Grassy Woodland Biziura lobata Musk Duck vu 2018 Freshwater wetlands Lathamus discolor Swift Parrot CR L en 2019 Eucalypt forests and woodlands Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox VU L vu 2019 Eucalypt forests and woodlands Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe nt 2019 Freshwater wetlands Platalea regia Royal Spoonbill nt 2019 Freshwater wetlands Ardea alba modesta Eastern Great Egret L vu 2019 Freshwater wetlands Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night-Heron nt 2018 Well-vegetated wetlands, riparian woodlands Melbourne Water Wetlands Swampy Riparian Woodland Aythya australis Hardhead vu 2018 Freshwater wetlands Polytelis swainsonii Superb Parrot VU L en 2010 Eucalyptus woodlands, riparian woodlands Grantiella picta Painted Honeyeater VU L vu 2019 Eucalypt forests and woodlands Ardea alba Great Egret L vu 2018 Freshwater wetlands Galaxiella pusilla Dwarf Galaxias VU L en 2010 Shallow water, heavily vegetated Spatula rhynchotis Australasian Shoveler vu 2001 Freshwater wetlands Police Paddocks Swampy Riparian Woodland Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox VU L vu 2014 Eucalypt forests and woodlands Larus pacificus Pacific Gull nt 2017 Coastal areas Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider 2010 Eucalypt forests and woodlands Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant nt 2018 Freshwater wetlands, coastal areas Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe nt 2019 Freshwater wetlands

Floodplain Riparian Woodland Platalea regia Royal Spoonbill nt 2019 Freshwater wetlands Tirhatuan Wetlands Plains Grassy Woodland Ardea alba modesta Eastern Great Egret L vu 2019 Freshwater wetlands Swampy Riparian Woodland Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night-Heron nt 2018 Well-vegetated wetlands, riparian zones Aythya australis Hardhead vu 2017 Freshwater wetlands Ardea alba Great Egret L vu 2017 Freshwater wetlands

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Appendix 8 VQA habitat assessment scores from study sites within the Greater Dandenong LGA

Alex Dandenong Dingley Fothering- Fothering- Leon Melbourne Robert Robert Wilkie Coomoora Coomoora Frank Frank Greaves Greaves Tirhatuan Tirhatuan Tirhatuan Site Name Police Road ham ham Trembath Water Booth Booth Nature Reserve Reserve Pellicano Pellicano Reserve Reserve Park Park Park Paddocks Bypass Reserve Reserve Reserve Wetlands Reserve Reserve Reserve Bioregion GippPl GippPl GippPl GippPl GippPl GippPl GippPl GippPl GippPl GippPl GippPl GippPl GippPl GippPl GippPl GippPl GippPl GippPl EVC Name (Initials) DSHRW DSHRW PGW SRW DSHRW CGW PGW PGW PSW PGW SRW GW SRW CGW SRW FRW PGW SRW EVC No. 3 3 55 83 3 68 55 55 651 55 83 175 83 68 83 56 55 83 Bioregional Conservation Status Vu Vu En En Vu En En En En En En En En En En En En En Max Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Score Large Old Trees 10 8 5 8 3 3 8 6 2 0 5 2 8 0 0 0 0 3 3 Canopy Cover 5 5 4 5 5 2 5 3 2 3 2 2 3 3 2 4 3 3 3 Lack of Weeds 15 15 15 15 15 10 15 5 15 10 5 15 15 5 15 15 15 15 15 Understorey 25 13 11 15 0 7 4 13 0 0 2 6 15 0 7 0 13 13 4 Recruitment 10 0 1 6 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 6 0 10 10 10 10 10 Organic Matter 5 3 5 3 0 4 3 5 3 3 3 3 5 0 5 5 5 3 5

Site Condition Site Logs 5 5 5 5 2 5 0 0 5 4 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 Total Site Score 75 49 46 57 25 31 36 32 27 21 21 30 52 8 41 34 46 49 40 EVC standardiser - NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Adj. Site Score ------Patch Size 10 2 4 4 4 4 6 6 6 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 4 Neighbourhood 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

value Distance to Core Area 5 0 0 0 3 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 3 1 1 1 1 1 Landscape Total Landscape Score 25 2 4 4 7 4 7 7 6 1 3 2 1 5 2 2 2 2 5 Habitat Score 100 51 50 61 32 35 43 39 33 22 24 32 53 13 43 36 48 51 45 Habitat Score / 100 1 0.51 0.50 0.61 0.32 0.35 0.43 0.39 0.33 0.22 0.24 0.32 0.53 0.13 0.43 0.36 0.48 0.51 0.45 Patch Area (ha) 2.5 2.4 1.3 7.5 5.5 2.3 1.4 11.6 1.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 4.8 0.5 1.0 0.3 0.5 2.2 Habitat Hectares (Hha) 1.28 1.20 0.79 2.40 1.90 0.99 0.55 3.83 0.22 0.36 0.32 0.27 0.62 0.22 0.36 0.14 0.26 0.99

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Appendix 9 Assessment sites

Figure 17 Alex Wilkie assessment site

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Figure 18 Coomoora Reserve assessment sites

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Figure 19 Tirhatuan Park assessment sites

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Figure 20 Fotheringham Reserve and Greaves Reserve assessment sites

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Figure 21 Leon Trembath Reserve assessment site

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Figure 22 Melbourne Water Wetlands and Robert Booth Reserve assessment sites

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Figure 23 Frank Pellicano and 120 Coleman’s Road assessment sites

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Figure 24 Currajong Reserve assessment site

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Figure 25 ETP Patterson River assessment site

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Figure 26 Glasscocks Road and 120 Thompsons Road assessment sites

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Figure 27 Greens Road/Eastlink assessment site

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Figure 28 Greens Road/Railway assessment site

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Figure 29 Hammond Hoad assessment site

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Figure 30 Hira College assessment site

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Appendix 10 Online survey questions

• How would you describe your understanding of what biodiversity is?

• No understanding;

• Some understanding; or

• High level of understanding.

• What do you see as the main threats to biodiversity in the City of Greater Dandenong?

• Climate change;

• Land clearing/removal of vegetation;

• Introduced species;

• Dumping rubbish/littering;

• Polluted waterways; or

• Other (please specify).

• How important is it to you that Council acts to protect biodiversity?

• Not at all important;

• Not very important;

• Slightly important;

• Quite important; or

• Very important.

• What should Council prioritise to protect biodiversity? Rank your answers from one to three:

• Protecting what we already have;

• Improving what we already have;

• Expanding what we already have;

• Other (comment).

• Why is biodiversity important to you?

• Other comments

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Appendix 11 Time since last surveys in nature reserves throughout the municipality Year last Reserve name Flora survey type Fauna survey type Habitat assessment surveyed* Alex Wilkie Nature Identification of habitat features (logs, Composition and structure Composition 2009 Reserve hollows, etc.) Bowman's Reserve Composition Incidental observations Habitat hectares 2011 Coomoora Reserve Composition Composition Habitat hectares 2009 Trapping, field observations and hair Dingley Road Reserve Condition, composition and structure 1991 analysis Habitat hectares and conservation Falkiner Reserve Observations of significant flora Observations of significant fauna 2012 significance Falkiner Reserve Foliage cover Habitat identified (opportunistic) IWC assessment of vegetation 2006 Fotheringham Reserve Composition Composition, direct observations 1994 Fotheringham Reserve Composition No fauna survey Habitat hectares 2008 Fotheringham Reserve Composition No fauna survey Potential fauna habitat 2016 Frank Pellicano Reserve Composition Composition, observation surveys Habitat suitability ratings 2017 Condition and composition (and Sandown Racecourse Bird surveys (and significant fauna) 2018 significant flora) Tirhatuan Reserve Foliage cover Habitat identified (opportunistic) IWC assessment of vegetation 2006 *Prior to surveys associated with Biodiversity Action Plan

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